The Essential Guide to Motor Planning in Physical Therapy

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Understanding Motor Planning and Its Crucial Role in Physical Therapy

Motor planning, also known as praxis, is a fundamental aspect of human movement and function. It involves the ability to conceive, organize, and carry out a sequence of unfamiliar actions. This cognitive process is essential for everything from daily activities to complex athletic performances. In the realm of physical therapy, understanding and addressing motor planning is vital for helping patients regain and enhance their functional abilities.

What is Motor Planning (MP) ?

Motor planning is the brain’s ability to conceptualize, plan, and execute a series of movements. It involves several steps:

Ideation: Formulating the idea of the movement.
Planning: Organizing the sequence of steps required.
Execution: Carrying out the planned movement with coordination and timing.

Motor Planning

Motor planning is a higher-level cognitive function that integrates sensory information, motor skills, and cognitive processes. It requires the involvement of various brain regions, including the frontal lobes (responsible for planning and decision-making), the parietal lobes (processing sensory information), and the cerebellum (coordinating movement and balance).

Why is Motor Planning Important in Physical Therapy?

Movement Efficiency: Proper motor planning ensures movements are smooth, coordinated, and efficient. Poor MP can lead to clumsy, awkward, or inefficient movements, which can impact daily functioning and increase the risk of injury.
Skill Acquisition: Learning new motor skills, whether it’s a sport-specific movement or an activity of daily living, relies heavily on motor planning. Physical therapy often involves teaching patients new ways to move or compensating for lost abilities, making MP essential.
Rehabilitation: For patients recovering from injuries or surgeries, regaining efficient motor planning is crucial for a successful return to normal function. This is particularly important for athletes who need precise and complex movements.
Neurological Conditions: Conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and cerebral palsy can impair MP. Physical therapists work to retrain the brain and body to improve motor planning and execution in these populations.
Prevention of Injury: Proper MP helps distribute physical stress evenly across the body, reducing the risk of overuse injuries and improving overall biomechanics.
Development in Children: MP is crucial for developmental milestones in children. Physical therapy can support children with developmental delays or disabilities in achieving these milestones.

The Role of Physical Therapy in Enhancing Motor Planning

Physical therapists play a critical role in assessing and improving motor planning abilities. Here are some ways they address motor planning:

Assessment

Physical therapists use various assessment tools to evaluate motor planning abilities. These can include functional movement screens, standardized tests, and observational analysis. Assessments help identify areas of weakness or dysfunction in motor planning and guide the development of personalized intervention plans. To ensure a thorough evaluation and tailored treatment, consider scheduling an assessment with Dr. Robert or Dr. Tori at Balanced Physical Therapy. Their expertise can help you navigate your path to improved mobility and function.

Exercises and Activities

Therapists design exercises and activities that target MP skills. These activities often focus on improving the coordination, timing, and sequencing of movements. Examples include:

Task-Specific Exercises: Practicing specific tasks that the patient needs to perform in daily life or sports.
Obstacle Courses: Navigating through obstacles to improve planning and coordination.
Mirror Therapy: Using a mirror to help patients visualize and plan movements.

Repetition and Practice

Repetition is key to reinforcing motor planning and creating more automatic responses. Physical therapists encourage patients to practice movements repeatedly to enhance their MP abilities. Over time, this helps build muscle memory and improve overall movement efficiency.

Visual and Verbal Cues

Visual aids and verbal instructions can be highly effective in aiding motor planning. Physical therapists often use these cues to help patients understand and execute movements. For example, demonstrating a movement or providing step-by-step verbal instructions can make it easier for patients to plan and perform complex actions.

Sensory Integration

Motor planning is closely linked to sensory processing. Physical therapists may incorporate sensory integration techniques to help patients better process and respond to sensory information. This can involve activities that stimulate different senses, such as balance exercises, tactile stimulation, or proprioceptive feedback.

Motor Planning in Different Populations

Pediatric Physical Therapy

In children, motor planning is essential for achieving developmental milestones such as crawling, walking, and fine motor skills. Children with developmental delays or conditions like autism spectrum disorder may struggle with MP. Physical therapists use play-based activities and exercises to enhance MP in a fun and engaging way. These interventions help children develop the necessary skills for daily activities, school participation, and recreational play.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

For older adults, motor planning is important for maintaining independence and preventing falls. Age-related changes in the brain can impact MP, leading to difficulties with coordination and balance. Physical therapists work with older adults to improve MP through exercises that enhance strength, balance, and coordination. These interventions can help seniors maintain their mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

Neurological Rehabilitation

Motor planning is often affected in individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to retrain the brain and body. This can include constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT), where the unaffected limb is restrained to encourage the use of the affected limb, or task-specific training that focuses on relearning daily activities.

Sports Rehabilitation

Athletes rely heavily on motor planning for precise and complex movements. Injuries can disrupt MP, affecting an athlete’s performance. Physical therapists work with athletes to restore MP through sport-specific drills and exercises. This not only helps in recovering from injuries but also enhances overall performance and reduces the risk of future injuries.

Sports Rehab & Motor Planning

Case Studies: Motor Planning in Action

Case Study 1: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

John, a 55-year-old man, experienced a stroke that affected the right side of his body. He had difficulty with MP, particularly in using his right arm and leg. His physical therapist conducted an assessment and developed a personalized intervention plan that included:

Task-Specific Training: Practicing activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming.
Mirror Therapy: Using a mirror to visualize and practice movements of the affected limbs.
Balance Exercises: Improving coordination and stability through balance activities.

Over several months, John showed significant improvements in his motor planning abilities, regaining much of his independence.

Case Study 2: Pediatric Therapy for Developmental Delay

Emily, a 5-year-old girl, was diagnosed with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). She struggled with motor planning, impacting her ability to perform everyday tasks and participate in play activities. Her physical therapist incorporated:

Play-Based Activities: Using games and toys to make MP exercises enjoyable.
Obstacle Courses: Navigating through different obstacles to improve planning and coordination.
Sensory Integration: Activities that engage multiple senses to enhance sensory processing and motor planning.

With consistent therapy, Emily made significant progress, improving her MP skills and gaining confidence in her abilities.

Conclusion

Motor planning is a critical component of human movement and function. It plays a vital role in everything from daily activities to athletic performance. In physical therapy, addressing motor planning is essential for helping patients achieve their rehabilitation goals and enhance their overall quality of life. Whether working with children, older adults, or individuals with neurological conditions, physical therapists use a variety of techniques to assess and improve motor planning abilities. Through personalized interventions, repetition, and practice, patients can improve their motor planning skills, leading to more efficient and effective movement.

By understanding the importance of motor planning and its role in physical therapy, patients and therapists can work together to achieve optimal outcomes. This collaborative approach not only supports recovery and rehabilitation but also empowers individuals to live more active and fulfilling lives.

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Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Massage for neck and shoulder pain

The Benefits of One-on-One Physical Therapy with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

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The Benefits of One-on-One Physical Therapy with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an essential component of recovery and rehabilitation for many individuals, whether they are athletes recovering from an injury, post-surgical patients, or those dealing with chronic pain. The structure of physical therapy services can significantly impact the quality and effectiveness of care. One approach that has shown substantial benefits is working directly with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in a one-on-one clinic setting. This method contrasts with a more traditional approach, where patients may be passed between a DPT, Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs), and physical therapy aides or techs. Here’s why the one-on-one model with a DPT is superior.

1. Comprehensive Expertise and Training

A Doctor of Physical Therapy undergoes extensive education and training, including a doctoral degree, clinical residencies, and often, additional certifications in specialized areas. This level of education equips them with a deep understanding of human anatomy, biomechanics, and the latest evidence-based practices in physical therapy.

Workers Comp Physical Therapy

When you work one-on-one with a DPT, you benefit from their comprehensive expertise from the initial assessment to the treatment process. Unlike PTAs or aides, who may have more limited training and scope of practice, a DPT can offer a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to diagnosing and treating complex conditions.

2. Personalized Treatment Plans

Personalization is key to effective physical therapy. A one-on-one setting with a DPT ensures that the treatment plan is tailored specifically to your individual needs, goals, and progress. The DPT can continuously adjust the plan based on your response to treatment, ensuring that you are always on the most effective path to recovery.

In a more fragmented care model, where a patient might see a DPT for an initial evaluation and then be passed to PTAs or aides for subsequent sessions, the continuity and personalization of care can suffer. The nuanced adjustments that a DPT might make based on subtle changes in your condition might not be captured as effectively when care is divided among multiple providers.

3. Consistency and Continuity of Care

Consistency is another crucial factor in the success of physical therapy. Working exclusively with a DPT ensures that you have a consistent therapeutic relationship. This continuity fosters better communication, trust, and a deeper understanding of your unique condition and progress.

Cuppin Therapy for shoulder pain

In a model where different practitioners see patients, miscommunication and inconsistency are risks. Each handoff between a DPT, PTA, or aide can lead to variations in care, potential oversights, and a lack of cohesive strategy, ultimately slowing down your progress.

4. Advanced Clinical Decision-Making

Clinical decision-making in physical therapy involves choosing the right interventions at the right times based on the patient’s evolving condition. With their advanced training, a DPT is adept at making these critical decisions. They can recognize subtle signs that might indicate a need for a change in treatment strategy, whether it’s altering an exercise, adding a new modality, or addressing a potential complication early.

While valuable healthcare team members, PTAs, and aides may not have the same level of training or autonomy in making these decisions. This can lead to delays in modifying treatment plans and potentially less effective outcomes.

5. Enhanced Patient Education

Education is a fundamental component of physical therapy. Understanding your condition, the rationale behind specific treatments, and how to manage symptoms independently can empower you to actively participate in your recovery. A DPT is well-equipped to provide this education, ensuring you are well informed and confident in managing your health.

One-on-One Physical Therapy With A DPT

In a one-on-one setting, a DPT can spend more time educating you about your condition, the exercises you need to perform, and strategies to prevent re-injury. This personalized attention ensures that you fully understand and are able to comply with your treatment plan, which is crucial for achieving the best outcomes.

6. Improved Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction

Research has consistently shown that patients who receive one-on-one care from a DPT report higher satisfaction levels and better outcomes. This is likely due to the combination of expert care, personalized treatment, and consistent therapeutic relationships.

Patients are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans when they feel understood, valued, and supported by a single provider. This adherence is critical for the success of physical therapy, as it ensures that patients are performing their exercises correctly and consistently, both in the clinic and at home.

7. Reduced Risk of Injury and Complications

One-on-one care with a DPT can also reduce the risk of injury or complications during rehabilitation. The DPT’s advanced knowledge and constant supervision mean that exercises and treatments are performed correctly and safely. They can quickly identify and correct improper techniques, adjust the difficulty of exercises as appropriate, and monitor for any adverse reactions to treatment.

These risks can be higher in settings where multiple practitioners are involved. Miscommunication or a lack of specialized knowledge might result in less effective supervision and a higher likelihood of injury or complications.

8. Efficient Use of Time

Your time is valuable; one-on-one sessions with a DPT can make your rehabilitation process more efficient. You can make the most of each session without repeated explanations to different practitioners and with a more streamlined approach to treatment. This efficiency can lead to faster recovery times and a quicker return to normal activities.

9. Emotional and Psychological Support

The rehabilitation process can be physically and emotionally challenging. Having a consistent and supportive relationship with a DPT can provide significant emotional and psychological benefits. The trust and rapport developed in a one-on-one setting can enhance your motivation and confidence, both of which are important for a successful recovery.

Physical Therapy Exercises

10. Integration of Advanced Techniques and Modalities

A DPT is often trained in various advanced techniques and modalities that can enhance the effectiveness of treatment. These might include manual therapy, dry needling, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and more. In a one-on-one setting, a DPT can integrate these advanced treatments into your personalized plan, providing a more comprehensive approach to rehabilitation.

In contrast, PTAs and aides might not be trained or authorized to use certain advanced modalities, limiting the scope of treatments available to you in a more fragmented care model.

Conclusion

The advantages of working one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy are clear. From the depth of expertise and personalized care to the consistency and advanced clinical decision-making, a one-on-one setting with a DPT offers a superior approach to rehabilitation. This model enhances the effectiveness of treatment and improves patient satisfaction and overall outcomes.

If you seek physical therapy, consider choosing a clinic like Balanced Physical Therapy that prioritizes one-on-one sessions with a DPT. This investment in your health can lead to a faster, safer, and more satisfying recovery journey. The expertise, personalized attention, and continuity of care a DPT provides in a one-on-one setting are unparalleled, ensuring you receive the highest quality of care throughout your rehabilitation process.

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Barbell Rehab Method: Injury Rehab & Managing Chronic Conditions

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Barbell Rehab Method (BRM)

The Barbell Rehab Method is an approach to physical therapy that integrates principles from strength training and rehabilitation to help individuals recover from injuries or manage chronic conditions. It emphasizes using barbell exercises to improve strength, mobility, and function while addressing specific movement dysfunctions or imbalances.

Barbell Rehab Method In Action

The Barbell Rehab Method is typically used in physical therapy during:

Assessment: The therapist assesses the individual’s movement patterns, strength deficits, range of motion, and any specific impairments related to their injury or condition. This assessment helps tailor the rehabilitation program to the individual’s needs.
Exercise Prescription: Based on the assessment findings, the therapist prescribes specific barbell exercises designed to target areas of weakness or dysfunction. These exercises may include squats, deadlifts, presses, rows, and other compound movements that engage multiple muscle groups.
Technique Instruction: Proper technique is crucial to prevent further injury and maximize the effectiveness of the exercises. The therapist provides detailed instructions on performing each exercise safely and effectively, paying close attention to posture, alignment, and movement mechanics.
Progression: As the individual progresses in their rehabilitation, the therapist gradually increases the intensity, load, or complexity of the exercises to continue challenging their strength and mobility. This progressive approach helps promote ongoing improvement and prevents plateaus in recovery.
Individualization: The Barbell Rehab Method is highly individualized, considering each person’s unique goals, abilities, and limitations. The therapist may modify exercises or incorporate additional strategies, such as mobility drills or accessory movements, to address specific needs and optimize outcomes.
Education and Empowerment: Throughout the rehabilitation process, the therapist educates the individual on proper body mechanics, injury prevention strategies, and self-management techniques to support long-term health and wellness. The Barbell Rehab Method promotes independence and self-efficacy by empowering individuals to actively participate in their recovery.

The Barbell Rehab Method offers a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to physical therapy that integrates strength training principles with rehabilitation principles to promote optimal recovery and functional outcomes.

Barbell Rehab Method For All Ages & Activity Levels

The Barbell Rehab Method can be applied to individuals of different age groups and activity levels by tailoring the rehabilitation program to meet each individual’s specific needs, goals, and capabilities. Here’s how it can be adapted for different populations:

Young Adults and Athletes:

- Young adults and relatively active athletes with a higher fitness level may focus on restoring strength, mobility, and function to facilitate a safe return to sports or other high-intensity activities.
- The rehabilitation program may include more advanced barbell exercises and progressions, such as plyometric variations, dynamic movements, and sport-specific drills, to challenge their strength and athleticism.
- Through targeted strength and conditioning protocols, emphasis is placed on optimizing movement mechanics, enhancing performance, and reducing the risk of future injuries

Barbell Rehab Method: Physical Therapy For Young Adults & Fitness Athletes

Middle-Aged Adults:

- - Middle-aged adults may benefit from the Barbell Rehab Method to address age-related changes, musculoskeletal issues, or injuries related to work, daily activities, or recreational pursuits.
  - The rehabilitation program focuses on improving functional capacity, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life by targeting weakness, stiffness, or dysfunction areas.
  - Exercises are selected and modified based on individual capabilities and goals, emphasizing improving movement patterns, joint mobility, and muscular strength to support daily activities and maintain independence.

Older Adults:

- The Barbell Rehab Method can help older adults address age-related strength, balance, and mobility declines and manage chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis or osteoporosis.
- The rehabilitation program emphasizes safe and effective exercises that improve muscular strength, bone density, joint stability, and functional capacity to support healthy aging and prevent falls or injuries.
- Exercises are selected and progressed cautiously, considering factors such as joint health, balance impairments, and mobility limitations. Modifications may include using lighter weights, incorporating balance training, and focusing on functional movements relevant to daily activities.

Sedentary or Deconditioned Individuals:

- Sedentary or deconditioned individuals may benefit from the Barbell Rehab Method to improve overall fitness, health, and well-being and manage chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
- The rehabilitation program focuses on gradually reintroducing physical activity, building foundational strength, and improving movement mechanics to support long-term adherence and sustainable lifestyle changes.
- Exercises are selected and progressed based on individual fitness levels and tolerance, emphasizing gradual progression, proper technique, and personalized support to overcome barriers and build confidence in physical activity participation.

The Barbell Rehab Method can be adapted to individuals of different age groups and activity levels by customizing the rehabilitation program to address their unique needs, capabilities, and goals. Whether recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or striving to improve overall health and fitness, strength training and rehabilitation principles can be effectively applied to promote optimal outcomes and enhance quality of life across the lifespan.

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Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA)

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SFMA Is An Evaluation Technique

Selective Functional Movement Assessments (SFMA) is a system used by healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. This system is based on the concept that the body’s movement patterns are interconnected and that movement dysfunction in one area can lead to pain or dysfunction in another.

The SFMA evaluation is a comprehensive assessment that consists of seven basic movement patterns. These include the cervical spine, shoulder mobility, multi-segmental flexion, multi-segmental extension, rotary stability, single-leg stance, and overhead deep squat. These movements are evaluated by a trained healthcare professional who assesses the quality and efficiency of the movement patterns.

Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) For Upper Body Injury

Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) For Lower Body Injury

The SFMA system helps identify and treat underlying issues causing pain or dysfunction. It provides healthcare professionals with a holistic view of the body, allowing them to understand how movement patterns in one area of the body may affect other areas.

SFMA Is Beneficial For Many Types Of Injuries and Conditions

The SFMA system is not a one-size-fits-all approach but a customized evaluation tailored to the patient’s unique needs. When developing a treatment plan, the healthcare professional considers factors such as the patient’s age, health history, and lifestyle.

The SFMA evaluation also identifies compensations, restrictions, or pain in the body’s movement patterns. The healthcare professional will observe and analyze the patient’s movements for these issues. Once identified, the healthcare professional can develop a treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the problem.

One of the benefits of the SFMA system is that it can identify movement dysfunction in individuals who are not experiencing pain or discomfort. This can be useful for identifying potential issues before they become more severe. It is a valuable tool for evaluating and treating musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in individuals of all ages and activity levels.

In addition to identifying movement dysfunction, the SFMA system can also be used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. By re-evaluating the patient’s movement patterns after treatment, healthcare professionals can determine whether the treatment plan is working and make adjustments as needed.

SFMA As A Physical Therapy Tool

Physical therapy is one area where the SFMA system is commonly used. Physical therapists use the SFMA evaluation to assess the quality and efficiency of movement patterns in patients with musculoskeletal pain or dysfunction. Based on the findings of the evaluation, the physical therapist can develop a customized treatment plan that addresses the patient’s unique needs.

Physical therapy treatments for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction may include exercise, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation. Physical therapy aims to restore function, mobility, and quality of life to the patient.

Physical Therapy Evaluation

Summarizing A Selective Functional Movement Assessment

In conclusion, the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) system is a comprehensive tool healthcare professionals use to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

The SFMA evaluation provides critical information about the quality and efficiency of movement patterns, allowing healthcare professionals to develop customized treatment plans that address the root cause of the problem.
This system is not a one-size-fits-all approach but rather tailored to the patient’s unique needs.
The SFMA system can be used by various healthcare professionals, including physical therapists, to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction in individuals of all ages and activity levels.
Physical therapy treatments for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction may include exercise, manual therapy, and modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation.
Physical therapy aims to restore function, mobility, and quality of life to the patient.

Contact Balanced Physical Therapy

Get an accurate diagnosis and the best treatment by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Robert Litzenburg, PT, DPT, or Dr. Tori Gasperoni, PT, DPT, ATC, BRM. We work individually with all of our patients to ensure you and your family the safest and most professional care in Macomb Country, Michigan.

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Joint Pain: Causes, Relief, and Treatment

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Joint Pain & PT

Joint pain can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It can make moving, walking, or even carrying out simple tasks difficult. In this blog, we will explore some common causes of joint pain, the role of physical therapy in treating joint pain, and some of the most effective joint pain relief strategies.

Causes of Joint Pain

There are many possible causes of joint pain. Some of the most common causes include arthritis, injury, overuse, and infection. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Joint Pain From Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints over time. It is more common in older adults and can affect any joint in the body.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people worldwide. The condition is characterized by the gradual breakdown of joint cartilage, which can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. The physiology behind osteoarthritis and joint pain is complex and involves several factors.

The joint comprises several components, including bones, cartilage, synovial fluid, ligaments, and tendons. The articular cartilage, the smooth, shiny surface covering the bones’ ends, helps reduce friction and absorb shock during movement.

In osteoarthritis, the articular cartilage begins to break down, which can cause the bone to rub against the bone. This can lead to the formation of bone spurs, which can further exacerbate joint pain and inflammation.

Joint pain in the knee from osteoarthritis

Several different factors can contribute to the development of osteoarthritis and joint pain. Some of the most common factors include the following:

Aging: As we age, the cartilage in our joints may begin to break down, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Genetics: Some people may be more susceptible to developing osteoarthritis due to genetic factors.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese can put extra stress on the joints, which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.
Injuries: Joint injuries, such as a torn ligament or a broken bone, can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Repetitive stress: Repetitive stress on a joint, such as overuse or engaging in certain sports or activities, can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

In addition to these factors, several physiological processes can contribute to developing osteoarthritis and joint pain. These include:

Inflammation: Inflammation plays a key role in the development of osteoarthritis. When the articular cartilage begins to break down, the body’s immune system may respond by releasing inflammatory chemicals, which can cause pain and swelling in the affected joint.
Mechanical stress: Mechanical stress on the joint can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. When the joint is subjected to repetitive stress, the cells within the articular cartilage may become damaged, leading to cartilage breakdown and osteoarthritis.
Altered biomechanics: Altered biomechanics, such as abnormal joint alignment or muscle imbalances, can also contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. These factors can put extra stress on the joint, which can accelerate the breakdown of the articular cartilage.

Joint Pain From Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and causes joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It can affect people of any age and often affects the small joints in the hands and feet.

In RA, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, which is the tissue that lines the joints. This attack leads to inflammation and thickening of the synovium, causing it to produce more synovial fluid than normal. As a result, the joint swells and becomes stiff, leading to joint pain and reduced mobility.

Joint pain in knee from rheumatoid arthritis

In addition to inflammation, RA can also cause damage to the cartilage, bones, and other tissues within the joint. This damage occurs due to persistent inflammation, which can wear away at the cartilage and erode the bones.

Injury is another common cause of joint pain. This can include acute injuries, such as sprains or fractures, and chronic injuries, such as repetitive strain injuries. Overuse can also cause joint pain, especially in people who engage in repetitive activities or sports.

Physical Therapy for Joint Pain

Physical therapy can be a highly effective way to manage joint pain. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including joint pain. They can work with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises and other interventions to help reduce pain and improve function.

Physical therapy can be very helpful for patients with joint pain, as it can address the underlying causes of the pain and help improve joint mobility and function. Some ways physical therapy can help patients with joint pain include:

Pain management: Physical therapists can use various techniques such as heat/cold therapy, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint.
Strengthening exercises: Physical therapists can prescribe specific exercises to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the affected joint. Stronger muscles can help support the joint and reduce stress, which can help reduce pain.
Range of motion exercises: Joint pain can sometimes cause stiffness, making it difficult to move the joint. Physical therapists can help patients improve their range of motion with exercises designed to increase flexibility and decrease stiffness.
Education: Physical therapists can educate patients on reducing stress on the affected joint in their daily activities. For example, they can teach patients proper body mechanics, posture, lifting, bending, and carrying techniques.
Assistive devices: Physical therapists can recommend using assistive devices such as braces, splints, or crutches to help support the affected joint and reduce pain.

Overall, physical therapy can be a very effective treatment option for patients with joint pain. By addressing the underlying causes of the pain and improving joint function, patients can often experience significant pain relief and improved quality of life.

Joint Pain Relief Strategies

Many other strategies can also be used to help relieve joint pain. Some of the most effective strategies include:

Exercise: As mentioned earlier, exercise can be an effective way to manage joint pain. Working with a physical therapist or primary healthcare provider is important to develop an exercise program that is appropriate for your specific condition and needs.
Weight management: Being overweight can put extra stress on the joints, which can lead to pain and inflammation. Losing weight can help to reduce this stress and improve joint function.
Heat and ice: Applying heat or ice to the affected joint can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Heat can help to increase blood flow to the joint, while ice can help to reduce swelling.
Massage: Massage can help to reduce muscle tension and improve circulation, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected joint.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can effectively manage mild to moderate joint pain. Prescription medications, such as corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), may be needed for more severe cases.

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5 Important Questions To Ask Your Physical Therapist Before Starting Treatment

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Physical Therapy Questions To Ask Before Starting Treatment

If you are starting physical therapy for the first time or someone returning for another round of treatment but trying a different clinic, ask these five crucial questions before you begin treatment. These questions will help you make more educated decisions about your health while avoiding setbacks, wasting time, and insurance benefits. Ask these questions over the phone before your first appointment or during the initial evaluation to ensure your treatment plan is clear and in line with your goals and expectations.

Best Physical Therapy

Question 1: What specialized training do you have to treat my particular condition?

Each physical therapy practice specializes in different types of rehabilitation, and each therapist that works at the practice also has their own specific education and certifications. Make sure to ask your therapist if they treat your condition or symptoms regularly and what credentials they have that will benefit you during recovery.

The American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties list ten specialties, which is always great to identify to start:

Orthopedics
Cardiovascular and Pulmonary
Clinical Electrophysiology
Geriatrics
Neurology
Oncology
Pediatrics
Sports
Women’s Health
Wound Management

On top of that, there are individual certifications and continued education for therapists, such as:

DPT– Doctor of Physical Therapy
OCS- Orthopedic Certified Specialist
MLD- Manual Therapy Certified
ATC- Athletic Trainer Certified
PAS- Postural Alignment Specialist
COMT- Certified Orthopedic Manual Therapist
BRM- Barbell Rehab Method
BFR- Blood Flow Restriction Training
IASTM– Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation

And many more.

Question 2: Who will I be working with for each visit? Will it be the same person each time?

Many people run into this problem in as little as a couple of appointments. They have an initial evaluation with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) and return to their second appointment to find out they will be working with a physical therapy assistant or a physical therapy technician.

Technically, this is ok as long as a licensed DPT is present in the clinic area, but it could lead to some problems with the quality of treatment moving forward. A PTA or PT Tech does not attend the same amount of schooling or have the same experience as a DPT.

If you or someone from your family is a fall risk, has new questions at each appointment, or requires special attention, it may be best to find who you will be working with each time.

At Balanced Physical Therapy, all of our patients get treated by a licensed and certified Doctor of Physical Therapy. We believe this is the best way to provide the safest, most effective care for everyone. Patients experience different symptoms and feel better or worse daily. With Dr. Robert Litzenburg and Dr. Tori Gasperoni working individually with each patient for all appointments, they can adjust treatments quickly, provide timely and accurate education, and notify primary care doctors when necessary.

Mt. Clemens Physical Therapy

Question 3: How much time will I get with my physical therapist? How much time will I spend with an assistant, tech, or aid?

A great follow-up question to question number two is to find out the specific details of how much time you spend with each person. Confirm exactly what your treatment will look like if you are getting treatment from a physical therapy clinic that splits up your treatment time between a doctor, the assistant, and/or aid.

Sometimes certain therapy places will have the DPT or PTA perform manual skills at the beginning or end of treatment and exercises under the supervision of a tech/aid/or assistant.

Question 4: How long will each physical therapy appointment be? And how long will I be attending physical therapy?

These two questions for your physical therapist will give you a better idea of how long your recovery process will take. While an exact time may be difficult for any healthcare professional to provide for new patients, you can still gain valuable insight, even if it’s a general estimate.

Appointment times vary from clinic to clinic and typically range from 30 minutes to 45 minutes, up to an hour. At Balanced Physical Therapy, we always say time is valuable and something to consider seriously (which is why we treat every patient for 1 hour). From the surface, patients can flat out get more done in an hour than they can in 30 minutes, allowing them to progress better and/or more quickly. Other patients recover a little slower and can’t rush through an entire treatment program like others, which is another reason more time should be allowed.

Question 5: What will I do at each appointment with my therapist?

Each patient is different and requires specific treatments more than others. Knowing what you will be doing at a physical therapy session for the first week, month, and months after is crucial.

Pain management, strength, flexibility, mobility, biomechanics, and sports-specific exercises are a few possible things to work on during an appointment. Ask this question to make sure what you are doing is safe, will contribute to better outcomes, and help you achieve your long-term goals.

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Occupational Therapy For Work Related Injuries

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Occupational Therapy

A work injury is a common fear for many people across Michigan and the United States. Autoworkers, stockers/order fillers, construction workers, retail associates, and even nurses all have repetitive tasks that make them susceptible to injuries. Looking closer, every workplace has its dangers such as hazardous chemicals, unsafe tools, and poor ergonomics. If an injury occurs at work, it can be difficult for a person to adjust from a pain-free life where a person can make a living; to recovering and returning to a routine.

Occupational therapy is a great tool available for any employee injured on the job to help alleviate the confusion about what is wrong with the body and provide rehab expertise so you can return to work without risking another injury or more damage.

Occupational Therapy

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy (OT) is an all-natural healthcare specialty focused on helping people of all ages with workplace-related injuries return to a pain-free, active life and improve how a person performs activities at work. The procedure involves diagnosing the injury type, the severity of the injury, what factors at work or throughout the body contributed to the damage, and creating a plan to return to work safely.

Specifically, occupational therapy includes therapeutic activities to improve mobility, body mechanics, coordination, stability, and employability. Patient education also provides workers with practical techniques for managing any symptoms caused by a work-related injury and putting preventive measures to ensure further damage doesn’t occur.

Common Work-Related Injuries

Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) are injuries caused by repetitive motions. CTD’s can be thought of as minor stress injuries that accumulate and worsen over time. A CTD can result from several things such as muscle imbalances, inefficient workstation setups, or just performing a task a thousand (or more) times a day for many years.

Injuries that fall under CTDs include:

Clinical syndromes (inflammations of the tendons such as tennis elbow)
Nerve compression disorder (for example, carpal tunnel syndrome)

carpal tunnel from working

Other common injuries that require Occupational Therapy include sudden injuries. These are injuries that happen quickly because of poor work safety standards or accidents such as:

Slips, Trips, or Falls
Overexertion and Muscle Strains
Bone Fractures and Dislocations
Neck Injuries (including whiplash)
Back Injuries ( such as herniated disc)

Why is Occupational Therapy Important?

Being injured in the workplace, either by an accident or repetitive stress, can severely limit or completely change someone’s life. Occupational therapy benefits injured workers by allowing them to regain function after an injury so they can return to work confidently and safely.

In the process, injured workers learn the specific triggers that put them at risk for re-injury, how to handle a flare-up, and ways to adjust to limitations when returning to work.

Occupational therapy can help workers return to normal after common work-related injuries. It allows them to work more confidently and strengthen/maintain their bodies for many years after discharge.

Occupational Therapy Benefits

Regain Strength and Prevent Further Injury

When a worker sprains, strains, or breaks a muscle, ligament, or bone, the body becomes weakened. Occupational therapy strengthens the injured body part and surrounding areas so that you have better protection from being hurt again in the future. In the case of a CTD, rehabilitation of a tendon or ligament can include implementing proper techniques for repetitive tasks that can cause that injury.

After a sudden injury such as a disc herniation, learning proper body mechanics for pushing, pulling, and lifting is one of the best ways to prevent future accidents. In the process, your therapist will also use natural methods to decrease pain so that you can work on more advanced exercises.

Mount Clemens Occupational Therapy

Avoid Surgery

With CTDs, if you and your doctor can catch an injury early enough, it is possible to reverse sufficient damage to avoid surgery. When a person takes advantage of the therapist’s expertise and comprehensive therapy plan, occupational therapy offers an opportunity to ease pain and regain function without going under the knife.

Eliminate Pain and Minimize Surgery Complications

After a workplace injury, occupational therapy can introduce methods for pain reduction, including splints, taping, and manual massage techniques.

After corrective surgery, occupational therapy will provide you with the best therapy treatments to return to full functionality quickly and safely. Communicating with your therapist, attending every appointment, and following a home exercise program can be critical in preventing setbacks, surgery complications, and re-injury.

Retain Independence

One of the most frightening parts of an injury from work is how it may change a life. No one wants to give up their hobbies or not have a source of income, so losing independence because of an injury is can be a scary thing. Occupational therapy offers ways to help heal your body and provides new methods for adapting the world to your body’s unique needs.

How Balanced Physical Therapy Helps With Worker’s Comp Injuries

After you’ve been hurt, you just want to feel better. We understand your concerns and fears, which is why we provide full 1-hour appointments with a licensed and certified therapist. With no double or triple bookings, we make sure injured workers are our number one priority. Our therapists are known for working with your doctors and worker’s comp case managers so that you get the care and documentation as quickly as possible.

Rest assured that when you work with Balanced Physical Therapy, your health and recovery will be cared for by most professional staff (we do not use techs or aids to provide our treatments for our patients. With flexible appointment times for early morning and late evenings, we are always ready to help anyone in Mount Clemens, St. Clair Shores, Clinton Township, Fraser, and other surrounding areas of Macomb County.

Our primary focus is getting back to living with the joy and confidence you had pre-injury. To find out more about our occupational therapy treatments, insurance coverage, or appointment availability, give us a call at (586) 741-5806.

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Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Athletes

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Physical Therapy For Athletes

Physical therapy and sports medicine for athletes focus on the mechanics of your moving body. How an athlete’s body moves, what muscles and ligaments are used in each movement, and what are the strengths and weaknesses to work on in order to fully recover.

Working with a physical therapist will aid athletes in getting back on their feet (metaphorically and literally) quicker, safer, and more efficient.

Sports Injury Doctor

What is Physical Therapy?

Working with a Physical Therapist for athletes is like calling an auto mechanic for your car when you see a check engine light. Just like a mechanic will run the engine, listen for unusual noises, and watch the engine at work, your physical therapist will do the same after an athlete is injured.

In sports medicine, a physical therapist is a diagnostician. First, they assess the movements of your body to provide an accurate injury diagnosis, determine why the injury occurred, and consider other risk factors for future injuries. After your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will make a personalized treatment plan that includes a combination of hands-on orthopedic manual techniques, improving muscle strength, stability of the joints, optimizing mobility, and decreasing pain.

Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy

For instance, if you’ve injured your Achilles tendon, they’ll examine it by checking the range of motion, level of pain, and how strong the associated muscles are. Then, a treatment plan to get you back on your feet is drawn up, including strengthening techniques, flexibility techniques, and other things designed to bring strength and mobility back.

Physical therapy is designed to bring function back after an injury holistically. What’s more, it’s also meant to prevent sports injuries by educating about proper moving techniques before the tendon ever ruptures.

Why is Physical Therapy Important for Athletes?

Relive Pain, Restore Function, and Prevent Future Injuries are the most important goals for athletes after suffering an injury.

Pain when moving is always unpleasant, but more so for athletes. Physical therapy has techniques for immediate pain relief (such as dry needling, Kinesio taping, or cupping therapy) to make all athletes more comfortable so they can progress to more advanced exercises in order to return to competition.

In addition, a physical therapist specializing in sports medicine has methods for bringing your body back from injury to get your body back into peak performance. Assessing what went wrong in your body allows them to formulate how to fix it and give tangible methods for strengthening the injury.

After an injury, strength, and mobility can be compromised. For instance, rolling your ankle on the field means it’s tender for a long time afterward and not supporting your weight as well. Maybe it won’t support your weight to run down the field anymore, or it supports your weight but hurts so much you can’t see the ball anymore.

Physical therapy will help build the strength in that ankle back to where it was before the injury, eliminating the pain of that injury, as well as safeguarding against future damage.

Sometimes an injury can take a long time to heal. In the meantime, strength is lost, and it can feel insurmountable to get it back. In physical therapy, we focus on regaining that strength safely and healthily to protect against re-injury. As a result, some people even feel stronger than before the injury.

Reducing Pain and Understanding Your Body

A physical therapist has specific training to understand your body and how sports injuries can happen. In physical therapy, we focus on fixing pain and reducing and preventing it. Physical therapists can suggest correct techniques and help you determine what works best for your body to keep it strong.

Sports Medicine Doctor

Then, we’ll work one-on-one with you to show you the proper procedures so that these sensitive areas of your body are taken care of so well you won’t have to worry about them. These strengthening techniques don’t only fix what’s broken but also help keep them from breaking.

The Value of Balanced Physical Therapy

When doing physical therapy, you want to choose professionals at the top of their field. Our doctors are movement specialists who understand how your body moves during your sport and all the stresses that come with training and competing at a high level.

With Balanced Physical Therapy, you are treated as individuals with unique needs. Our athletes work one-on-one with a certified Doctor of Physical Therapist and are not passed around between assistants, techs, or aids. Each treatment is 1 hour, allowing for the safest, most professional care.

Our doctors also have experience working with male and female athletes of all levels in a vast range of sports, including:

Track-and field
Football
Soccer
Basketball
Swimming
Gymnastics
Wrestling
Performance Arts
..And more

Physical Therapy Prevents and Heals Sports Injuries

There are multiple disciplines in sports medicine. Depending on age, sports, and injury type, Balanced Physical Therapy has options that are proven to get you back to competing. Contact Us Today to speak with one of our licensed and certified Doctors of Physical Therapy or to get started with an initial evaluation.

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Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

IASTM: Manual Therapy For Movement Restrictions, Tension, and Pain

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What is IASTM in Physical Therapy?

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a type of manual massage therapy used by physical therapists. Commonly known as the Graston Technique, this type of treatment can be beneficial for many people with movement restrictions, tension, and pain.

The Taylor and Francis journal defines IASTM as “a skilled intervention that includes using specialized tools to manipulate the skin, myofascia, muscles, and tendons by using various direct compressive stroke techniques.”

Tightness, tension, and pain while sitting at office

What does IASTM Do?

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization helps break down restrictions, reduce pain, and facilitate healing by addressing musculoskeletal problems at the cellular level.

At the musculoskeletal level, a facial restriction is often a combination of scar tissue and adhesions built up over time. Ortho Bethesda does a great job explaining that “Scar tissue and adhesions essentially act like superglue in your body. When scar tissue is created after injury, new cells are laid down excessively and in a disorganized manner. Scar tissue/ adhesions prevent the muscle or other tissues from lengthening appropriately.”

IASTM is a way for physical therapists to use controlled microtrauma to stimulate a natural inflammatory response. When your body produces an inflammatory response, it triggers a series of events that include reabsorption of excess scar tissue and fibrosis that is causing restriction.

Additionally, IASTM also triggers a vascular response resulting in increased blood flow and improved healing. There is even a neural effect throughout pain receptors along the skin responsible for managing pain.

Who can benefit from IASTM?

IASTM treatment can be beneficial for a variety of impairments and conditions. It can be beneficial for many people undergoing orthopedic surgery, people that sit for long hours in an office, and athletes after intense training or injuries. Your physical therapist may provide you this manual therapy for impairments such as:

Limited mobility
Pain with motion
Loss of range of motion
Decreased muscle recruitments
Excessive scar tissue formation

More specific conditions that benefit from the application of IASTM include:

Plantar Fasciitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Neck Pain
IT Band Syndrome
Heel Pain/ Achilles Tendinitis
Ankle Sprains and Strains
Back Pain
Shin Splints
Post Surgical Hip and Knee Replacements
Musculoskeletal Imbalances
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
Myofascial Pain and Restrictions

Physical Therapy for Neck Pain

For certain conditions, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization may not be recommended. These can include having:

Unhealed Fracture
Hematoma
Hemophilia
Uncontrolled Hypertension
Open Wound
Patient Hypersensitivity

What to expect during and after an IASTM Treatment

IASTM treatments during physical therapy sessions are often paired with a warm-up such as heat, stationary bike, elliptical machine, or light jogging to make the tissue more pliable. After a warm-up, your therapist can begin working with stainless steel, plastic, or titanium instruments that contour to your body in order to find the specific tissue and muscles that are restricted.

Tools used by Physical Therapist for IASTM

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization starts with gentle pressure and steadily increases in order to effectively treat the areas causing pain and movement restrictions. At Balanced Physical Therapy, we encourage open communication and let our therapists know when the pressure becomes too uncomfortable to tolerate.

After the IASTM treatment, most patients follow up with more exercise to help restore better movement patterns. Some soreness after treatments is considered normal; patients should not panic because it does go away and gets less severe with multiple treatments. If you are attending physical therapy anywhere from 2-3 times per week, a noticeable result can be felt by the 3rd or 4th appointment (sometimes even on the first treatment). When IASTM is combined with exercise, stretching, and a focused effort on home exercises, patients can progress reasonably quickly through their recovery.

If you would like to learn more about IASTM or are experiencing pain, tension and movement restrictions give us a call to speak with a therapist. Our team is always ready to help you make the best decision with regard to your overall health and wellness.

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Dry Needling: Therapy for Pain and Movement Impairments

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Balanced PTs are licensed and certified to provide dry-needling treatment to help with neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairment. Learn more about the dry needling and which specific conditions can benefit the most from this treatment.

What is Dry Needling (DN)?

Dry needling is a safe and minimally invasive treatment used to help patients with neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments(Mayo Clinic). Some benefits include decreased muscular pain, easing trigger points, and improved range of motion.

It is administered by certified and trained healthcare professionals such as physical therapists, medical doctors, and some chiropractors. Some other common names for dry needling therapy include trigger point dry needling (TDN) and Functional Dry Needling (FDN).

Difference Between DN and Acupuncture?

While DN stems from traditional Chinese medicine like acupuncture, it is a treatment that has evolved into a modern Western medicine treatment. Inserting needles into the skin is something both dry needling therapy and acupuncture share, but after that, the treatments are undoubtedly different (Denver Physical Medicine and Rehab).

Acupuncture treatments are more of traditional Eastern medicine based on restoring the proper energy flow throughout the body by inserting needles along meridian lines.

DN therapy has been developing since the 1980s and focuses on relieving chronic and acute pain by inserting needles into trigger points to restore normal function. Many athletes and people with musculoskeletal conditions have turned to DN in the past several years to help alleviate pain, accelerate recovery, improve muscle function, and enhance overall mobility.

Will DN Work For Me?

Patients experiencing chronic pain are typically great candidates for dry needling therapy. Patients can expect to see the most significant benefits when DN is incorporated with exercise, manual therapy, stretching, and education. It is a low-cost, low-risk treatment that can help with conditions such as (Virginia Sports Medicine Institute):

Acute and Chronic Tendonitis/ Tendinosis
Athletic Overuse Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Frozen Shoulder
Muscle Spasms
Whiplash from auto accidents
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Fibromyalgia
IT Band Syndrome
Sciatic pain
Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Neck and lower back pain

Dry Needling Therapy

While DN can be beneficial to many different types of conditions, it is also essential to know when this treatment is not appropriate. DN is not suitable and potentially harmful (Cleveland Clinic) for the following reasons:

A patient with a needle phobia
Pregnancy (first trimester)
Patient with an allergy to metals
Patients who have an infection present
Needling over cosmetic implants
Patients with a heart valve replacement (endocarditis)
Patients with epilepsy (or other seizure disorders)

Suppose you are looking for natural pain management treatment options, and dry needling is not an option. In that case, we always recommend scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician, orthopedic surgeon, or physical therapist. They will be able to diagnose your pain and provide you with a list of safe treatments available near you.

How Does Dry Needling Work?

Multiple clinical studies show that dry needling works by restoring muscles to a normal resting state. We know that patients suffering from chronic pain, a traumatic injury, or overused muscles often develop trigger points (also known as knots) that cause pain and discomfort.

Looking further into why this causes you pain, research shows that the trigger points form due to prolonged or abnormal muscle contraction where your muscle is not receiving enough blood supply. The lack of blood supply (filled with oxygen and nutrients required for healing) to an injured area will cause the surrounding tissue and nerves to become more sensitive.

By stimulating the trigger point with a sterile needle, dry needling therapy can help drive more blood to an injured area, release muscular tension, and help the brain release endorphins that promote healing.

Dry Needling Therapy

Step By Step Treatment Review

Before administering dry needling therapy to any patient, your physical therapist will examine your past medical history to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe. Part of the evaluation will also consist of your therapist using palpation skills to identify trigger points causing pain and limited motion.

Once you and your therapist agree that dry needling will benefit your recovery, the therapist will go over each part of the treatment in more detail (Verywell Health). Specific details that help patients understand dry needling can include:

How long does dry needling take? Typically, a single treatment can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, which is most commonly a part of a total of 30 to 60 physical therapy sessions.
What to wear for a dry needling appointment: We recommend our patients wear the usual, comfortable physical therapy attire. Clothing that allows easy access for your therapist to administer the treatment is always a good idea.
Insurance information and expected costs: Some insurances do cover DN, while others do not. It helps to know upfront what co-pay and out-of-pocket costs to expect.

Once an evaluation is complete, some patients can start dry needling therapy that same day ( others may need to wait until the second appointment; this varies from clinician to clinician.)

Your physical therapist will always begin the dry needling procedure by sterilizing the treatment area and preparing the needles in a private setting. After preparing the treatment area, the therapist will start inserting thin, dry needles (needles that do not contain medications or fluids ) into problem-causing trigger points.

The dry needles are inserted directly into the skin at varying depths (depending on the DN technique). Oftentimes, patients will feel the physical therapist gently move the needle around to stimulate a local twitch response. A local twitch is good, as it signifies that a muscle is reacting to the treatment.

After 15-30 minutes, your therapist will carefully remove the dry needles. They will inspect the treatment area for bleeding and skin reactions before leaving for home.

What To Expect After Your Appointment

After a dry needling treatment session, patients often report decreased pain and increased range of motion. A patient will require more than one treatment to reach the desired results in more severe cases.

Muscle soreness and light bruising are common side effects of dry needling, for which your therapist may recommend rest, heat, or ice. These symptoms typically resolve themselves over a couple of days to a week.

If you are experiencing more severe side effects (these are considered rare), such as difficulty breathing or significant bleeding, we recommend contacting emergency medical services immediately.

Schedule Your Assessment Today

Balanced Physical Therapy is located in Royal Oak and Mt. Clemens, Michigan. Our patients enjoy working in one-on-one therapy settings with board-certified physical therapists. To schedule an appointment, call us at (586) 741-5806 or visit our Appointments page to schedule an evaluation.

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