WHY CONSIDER DRY NEEDLING
Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use (where allowed by state law) to treat myofascial pain. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle, known as trigger points. Some dry needling techniques treat a broader landscape of the central nervous system. This is called non-trigger point treatment. Instead of inserting needles only in the area of pain, the practitioner may instead insert needles in areas around but not directly on the point of pain. This technique relies on the idea that pain is the result of a greater nerve or muscular issue, not a focused one only in the main area of pain. Physical therapists use dry needling with the goal of releasing or inactivating trigger points to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Preliminary research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and normalizes dysfunctions of the motor end plates, the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up the patient’s return to active rehabilitation. Dry needling may provide relief for some muscular pain and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points may improve flexibility and increase range of motion. That’s why this method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and even fibromyalgia pain. To help prevent muscle strain and fatigue, and to increase energy, athletes should eat a healthy diet with a wide variety of naturally occurring vitamins, along with antioxidants and phytonutrients. The easiest way to
reduce your risk of weak muscles is to get the servings you need every day in a convenient and low cost way called JuicePlus.
Call 901-317-7054 or visit www.mc37566.juiceplus.com for more information.
Adolescent Arm Injury Corner
Prevention of Arm Injury in Youth Baseball Pitchers Edmund Kenneth Kerut, MD, FACC: Denise Goodfellow Kerut, MD, FAAP: Glenn S. Fleisig, PhD: and James R. Andrews, MD
The advent of year-round baseball has brought about an increased incidence of youth pitching related injury and surgery, most notably involving the shoulder and ulnar collateral ligament. These injuries become evident in high school and college, but begin at the youth level. Youth baseball players should adhere to some pitching limits from USA Baseball or another organization. The biggest risk factor for subsequent injury appears to be arm fatigue. Pitchers who frequently pitch with arm fatigue are much more likely to develop future injuries requiring surgery. Hence coaches need to listen to their young pictures when they complain of arm fatigue or arm pain. While youth baseball coaches should be aware of pitch counts and the warning signs of arm fatigue and pain, injury does not manifest until years later.
At Arlington Physical Therapy, we can educate coaches, parents, and youth athletes about injury prevention. Schedule an appointment with us by calling 901-317-7054 today! Prevent an arm injury by seeking treatment now!
www.arlington-physicaltherapy.com
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