Advances in both technology and medical understanding have improved numerous different health-related fields in recent years, and physical therapy is no exception. There are several modern physical therapy programs and techniques that have only become viable or popular in the last several years, but which can provide immense value to many patients.
At ImPackt Physical Therapy, we’re here to offer a huge range of services from the top physical therapists in Utah, including a number of modern approaches ranging from deep tissue laser therapy to dry needle therapy and many others. While this is far from an exhaustive list, here are some examples of modern physical therapy techniques that may be beneficial for your needs, plus what to consider within each area if you’re thinking about proceeding with that approach.
Trigger Point Dry Needle Therapy
As we just referenced it above, let’s start with trigger point dry needle therapy. This is a form of physical therapy that’s like acupuncture in some ways, but it’s not the same thing. Acupuncture involves placing thin needles into specific points on the body to improve energy flow; by contrast, trigger point dry needle therapy targets myofascial pain and dysfunction directly.
With trigger point dry needling, your physical therapist will insert a thin needle into a trigger point in a given muscle area that’s causing pain. This will cause the muscle to contract and release, which relieves the trigger point and also activates the brain to release endorphins to ease the pain. This technique has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and increasing range of motion in patients with musculoskeletal conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, and neck pain.
In addition to treating trigger points, dry needling can also be used to stimulate nerve pathways and promote blood flow in certain areas of the body. This can help with healing and muscle recovery after an injury or surgery. It may also improve overall athletic performance by releasing tension and improving flexibility in muscles.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy
Another technique that’s growing much more popular in physical therapy in recent years is BFR therapy, which involves the use of elastic bands or cuffs to restrict blood flow to a specific muscle or limb during exercise. This may seem counterintuitive, but research has shown that BFR therapy can actually improve healing and muscle strength while using much less resistance than traditional exercises.
How does it work? By restricting blood flow, muscles are forced to work harder with less oxygen, which results in the production of growth factors and hormones that stimulate muscle growth. This groundbreaking technique is used by physical therapists to help patients recover from injuries and surgeries faster, as well as improve overall muscular endurance and strength.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
Physical therapists have been using lasers in a few major ways in recent years, and one of them is deep tissue laser therapy. This type of treatment uses a high-intensity laser to penetrate deep into tissues and promote healing at the cellular level. It can be used to treat a variety of conditions, such as chronic pain, muscle strains, and joint injuries.
The process involves the therapist using a handheld device to target specific areas with the laser, delivering concentrated light energy that stimulates cell growth and regeneration. It also helps reduce inflammation and increase blood flow in the targeted area, aiding in faster healing and reducing pain.
Not only does this cutting-edge therapy provide quick relief for acute or chronic pain, but it also has long-term benefits for strengthening muscles and improving overall physical performance. Physical therapists often use laser therapy in conjunction with other treatments, such as exercise and manual therapy, to maximize its effectiveness.
As you can see, there are several modern techniques and approaches that are making a difference in the world of physical therapy – and there are many more we didn’t cover here. To learn more about this, or for information on the broad array of issues our physical therapists in Utah can assist you with, contact our team at ImPackt Physical Therapy today!
