NOW OFFERING DRY NEEDLING!

Dr. Frankum completed his Dry Needling Certification through the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT).  AAMT faculty have published more clinical trials on the effectiveness of dry needling for musculoskeletal conditions than any other institute, university, or continuing education company.  They have also certified more chiropractors and physical therapists than any other institute.

 

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a treatment that utilizes tiny microfilament needles (acupuncture needles) inserted into muscles and trigger points to release tight tissue and decrease pain.  Trigger points in muscles can be found within tightened bands of muscle fibers.   These tightened muscle fibers can affect the muscle itself, however, it can also cause painful joints, nerves, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the area.

 

What does Dry Needling do?

  • Relaxes muscles
  • Increases blood flow
  • Restores length to muscles
  • Reduces pain stimuli to the brain

 

What can I expect during and after a Dry Needling session?

The diameter of the needle is so small many times patients don’t even feel them.  Sometimes, you may feel a small pinch or ache.  Generally, once the needles are inserted any initial minor discomfort subsides within a few seconds.  Dry needling usually only takes a few minutes depending on the area being treated.  However, you can expect the entire appointment to be 10 – 20 minutes.  Occasionally electrical muscle stimulation will be added to the needles for greater effect.

Some patients have some mild soreness for 24-48 hours after the initial treatment.  Following that patients will likely start to feel increased mobility, decreased pain, and less tightness in their muscles.

The number of sessions varies depending on the condition treated, the length of time the patient has had the condition, and many other patient related factors.  Some patients have relief of symptoms immediately or after just one session and some patients will require multiple sessions.

 

What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been passed down in eastern Chinese medicine for thousands of years and utilizes the same needles that are used for dry needling.  Acupuncture balances the “chi” by inserting needles very shallow into the skin along energy pathways.  Dry needling is based on western scientific medicine.  Dry needling inserts the same needles deeper into the muscle tissue and produces neuromuscular changes with the body.

 

Who can benefit from Dry Needling?

Dry needling has been demonstrated to be effective in many conditions, not limited to:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Low Back Pain
  • Neck and Upper Shoulder Pain
  • Tendonitis
  • Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow
  • Jaw and TMJ Dysfunction
  • Knee Pain
  • Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
  • Carpel Tunnel
  • IT Band Pain
  • SI Joint Pain
  • Hip Pain
  • Shin Splints
  • Achilles Tendonitis
  • Sciatica
  • Tailbone/Coccyx Pain
  • Trigger Points and more

 

How do I get started?

  • Current patients being treated for a condition that Dr. Frankum has already evaluated can simply call the office to set up a dry needling session.
  • Patients who are not currently being treated can contact our office for an evaluation of your condition to see if dry needling is appropriate.  If it is, we will likely treat you on the same day.