Many people think about seeing a physical therapist after an injury or surgery. Did you know there are many other problems a physical therapist can assist you with?
Some issues that people may not think of utilizing a physical therapist for are: TMJ, incontinence, vertigo and torticollis. In addition to the many diagnoses, there are many treatment techniques used by physical therapists to improve the strength, mobility and function of their patients. These treatment techniques can use specialized equipment, manual hands-on techniques, and exercise. A new treatment technique allowed by physical therapists in South Dakota on July 1st, 2018, is called Dry Needling.
Functional Dry Needling is a technique that has been used in other states for many years. It was just added to the physical therapists practice act for South Dakota this year. This technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the tissue or targeted structure. The needle allows a physical therapist to focus on deeper tissues. The needles used for this technique are very thin and do not have a hollow center like needles used to administer medications. The needles vary in length depending on the depth of tissues being treated. Once the needle is placed into the tissue, the therapist can use movements of the needle or electrical stimulation to affect these deeper tissues. Treating these deeper tissues can help control pain, normalize nerve conduction to the muscles and improve contractibility of the muscle.
Bowdle Healthcare Center’s physical therapist has received the required training to offer this new service. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our physical therapist, please call the therapy department at 605-285-8368.