Have you ever heard of dry needling? You may think to yourself- I’ve heard of Acupuncture, is it the same?    Great question!   It is not the same but it is similar.  It is actually a therapeutic technique that’s gaining popularity in the world of physical therapy and pain management. In this blog, we’ll dive into what dry needling is all about, how it works, its benefits, potential risks, and what the research says about its efficacy.
What is Dry Needling?
Dry needling involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points in your body, typically known as trigger points or myofascial trigger points. These trigger points are knots or tight bands of muscle tissue that can cause pain and restrict movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the body’s energy flow, dry needling is based on modern anatomical and neurophysiological principles.  Both are extremely effective they just work on very different issues. 
How is it Used?
During a dry needling session, a trained practitioner will locate these trigger points by palpating your muscles. Once identified, they will gently insert a thin needle directly into the trigger point. The needle may be manipulated to stimulate the muscle, causing it to twitch or release tension. This process can help to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing.  It is often asked if dry needling is painful.  It makes sense that inserting a needle into an area that is already painful or restricted would cause more pain.  The truth is that these needles are so so fine that it is rarely even felt when they are inserted.  This method is used mostly for pain relief!  But as tension is released, soreness can sometimes occur- the same as if you had a big workout session.  
Benefits of Dry Needling
One of the primary benefits of dry needling is pain relief. By targeting trigger points, it can help to reduce muscle tightness and spasms, which are often associated with chronic pain conditions such as neck pain, back pain, and headaches. Additionally, dry needling can improve blood flow and promote the release of endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers, providing further relief.  Have Migraines??  Dry needling has been working wonders in the relief of these debilitating headaches.
Contraindications and Potential Risks
While dry needling is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, there are some contraindications to consider. For example, if you have a bleeding disorder or are taking blood-thinning medication, dry needling may not be suitable for you. Additionally, pregnant women should exercise caution, especially when needles are inserted near the abdomen or lower back. Some people may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the needle insertion site, but serious complications are rare.
Efficacy: What Does the Research Say?
Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of dry needling for various musculoskeletal conditions, and the results are promising. For example, a systematic review published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found strong evidence supporting the use of dry needling for reducing pain and improving function in individuals with neck and shoulder pain. Similarly, research published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy suggests that dry needling can be an effective treatment for chronic low back pain.


Now to bring the point home.  Dry needling is just one of the tools that we, physical therapists, have in our tool belt to help you.  It can help to alleviate pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. This is not a new technique but it is gaining traction in desirability and the research is there to back up its efficacy.  It is not a cure-all and it is not meant to compete with Acupuncture.  However, if you are suffering from pain, headaches, limited range of motion- you owe it to yourself to give us a call and see if this treatment method is right for you. If you are already receiving PT, ask your therapist if this is something to add into your treatment plan.   

Finding yourself in charge of caring for your parents often happens fast and it can be surprising how hard this shift in relationship dynamic really is.  While most of us will experience this at some point in our lives, it is rarely talked about.  So suddenly you find yourself in this season of life and do not know what to do, who to ask, and how to get the support you need.  I wanted to shine a light on this topic today and let you know that help is actually right here.

As our parents age, it can be a difficult and emotional journey for both the elderly individuals and their caregivers. The challenges faced with aging parents are numerous and can be overwhelming at times. From physical limitations to cognitive decline, it can feel like an uphill battle to ensure the well-being and happiness of our loved ones.
One of the biggest challenges faced with aging parents is the decline in physical health and mobility. As our parents age, they may become more prone to falls, muscle weakness, and joint pain. This can greatly impact their ability to perform everyday tasks and maintain their independence. As caregivers, it is our responsibility to ensure that our elderly parents have the support they need to stay mobile and active.

This is where physical therapy plays a vital role in the care of aging parents. Physical therapy can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent further decline in physical health. Physical therapists are trained to assess the individual needs of elderly patients and create personalized treatment plans to help them regain strength and independence.
Another main consideration is how to most effectively help your aging parent through tasks at home.   What is the right way to help a person get into and out of bed or off the toilet, not to mention safety with shower transfers.   Not only is it daunting to try to learn these new skills but often caregivers injure themselves trying to manage these tasks. Now What!   Physical Therapists are able to help with both of these things.   PTs are able to teach you how to use the best body mechanics to ensure that you and your parent are safe during these transfers.  And in the event that you may find yourself injured or achy, they can also help you recover.   

In addition to physical challenges, caregivers also face emotional challenges when caring for aging parents. It can be difficult to see our loved ones struggle with their health and well-being, and it can take a toll on our own mental and emotional health. It is important for caregivers to take care of themselves and seek support when needed.
It is important for healthcare providers and the community to recognize the challenges faced with aging parents and to offer support and resources to caregivers. By working together to support caregivers and provide quality care for aging parents, we can ensure that our loved ones age with dignity and grace.

If you are a caregiver for an aging parent, know that you are not alone! Reach out for support, take care of yourself, and remember that physical therapy can play a crucial role in ensuring the mobility and well-being of your loved one and provide support for you.  Together, we can navigate the challenges of caring for aging parents with compassion and understanding.    Do not hesitate to give us a call, we are here for you!  

The Holidays are finally over!  You ramped up everything for weeks to be ready for it from shopping, baking, cleaning.  You were able to navigate all the schedule changes and resultant meltdowns that come with the season with promises of family togetherness and joy in witnessing the magic reflected in your child’s eyes.   It was a whirlwind of wrapping paper, frosting, and maybe even travel.   And now you are thrust back into a schedule, a routine, and if you are like me- your head is spinning.    I don’t know about you, but I am exhausted!   So many of my conversations this week with other moms reveal the same sense of fatigue and brought me to the conclusion that it is so much more than just the holiday wrap up.    I believe that it really boils down to parental fatigue in general and wanted to talk about it today.
Parenting is a rewarding journey filled with love, laughter, and joy. However, it's not without its challenges. One common obstacle that many parents face is parental fatigue. This phenomenon goes beyond the ordinary tiredness that comes with a busy lifestyle. In this blog post, we'll delve into what parental fatigue is, explore its prevalence, and discuss effective strategies to reduce its impact.

What is Parental Fatigue?
You may be thinking to yourself that this sounds like another made up term to make people feel “seen”.   I wanted to dive into that.   Parental fatigue, or parental burnout is a term that I do see all over the place and it got me to thinking about burnout in general.  The clinical definition of burnout is as follows: Burnout, a syndrome characterized by “emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and a decrease in self-fulfillment,” is a result of chronic exposure to emotionally draining environments (Rionda, I. S., et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol. 18, No. 9, 2021).   I realized that yes, I was completely on board with labeling my total experience and the feelings that so many women have shared with me as Parental Fatigue or Parental burnout. What we are talking about goes far beyond the occasional sleepless night and results from a combination of stressors such as constant caregiving responsibilities, lack of personal time, and the emotional demands of parenting.  Sometimes having a name that fully encapsulates feelings, emotions, and stressors is helpful.
How Common is Parental Fatigue?
Parental fatigue is more common than many might realize. A study published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies found that a significant number of parents experience symptoms of burnout. Factors such as the age of the children, the number of children, and support systems in place can contribute to the prevalence of parental fatigue.
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Factors Contributing to Parental Fatigue:

•     Constant Caregiving Responsibilities: The demands of looking after children, managing household chores, and balancing work can lead to chronic fatigue.
•     Lack of Personal Time: Parents often find it challenging to carve out time for themselves, leading to increased stress and exhaustion.
•     Emotional Demands: Dealing with the emotional needs of children, coupled with societal pressures, can contribute to parental burnout.

Strategies to Decrease Parental Fatigue:

•     Prioritize Self-Care: It's crucial for parents to prioritize self-care. This includes getting adequate sleep, engaging in activities they enjoy, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  It also means setting boundaries for your time with yourself and with your family.   When you have time to yourself, make the most of it.  Even if this just means mindful breath work while you're in the car alone.
•     Establish a Support System: Building a network of friends, family, or other parents can provide emotional support and shared experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
•     Effective Communication: Open communication with your partner about responsibilities, expectations, and challenges can foster a sense of teamwork, alleviating individual burdens.
•     Set Realistic Expectations: It's essential to recognize that perfection is unattainable. Setting realistic expectations for oneself and accepting imperfections can reduce the pressure leading to parental burnout.

Parental fatigue is a common challenge that many parents face.  Hopefully realizing that you are not alone in these feelings can help.  By understanding the concept, communication among friends and partners can be easier.   Embracing this as part of the season of childrearing can give you perspective on its longevity and hopefully bring comfort that it will pass.   By prioritizing self-care, establishing a support system, communicating effectively, and setting realistic expectations, we can navigate the journey of parenthood with greater resilience and joy. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for providing the best care for your children.  We are here to help!   Take a moment to browse our website for all the ways we can support you.