Research shows the greatest tool in the physical therapist’s tool belt is customized and properly dosed exercise to improve the mobility, strength, and function of the human body. However, some adjuncts can further assist recovery, healing, and the reduction of pain. Listed below are some of the modalities used to improve recovery time, reduce pain, and get you back to function, quicker! With many insurances denying coverage for several modalities, cash options are available for each modality below. Click on each tab to learn more about how each modality can be used to further improve your health and wellness.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
ESWT introduces a hyperfocused sound wave that causes mechanotransduction, improving fibroblast proliferation, neovascularization, and chemical signals to reduce pain. This is helpful in tendonitis conditions, bursitis, and erectile dysfunction in men. Not covered by insurance, and available at $50 per session (30min total with 15min treatment time plus 15min of exercise).
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is the use of sterile single-use monofilaments to release tension in trigger points of muscles, improving input into the sensorimotor cortex, causing improved proprioception and muscle activation, as well as reducing pain and improving range of motion. This is useful in treating most active and latent trigger points, and is best followed up by exercise. This can be accompanied with electrical stimulation to improve muscle activation and the release of muscle derived dopamine to reduce pain. Accepted by insurance, and also available at $50 per session (30min total with 15min treatment time plus 15min of exercise).
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Using techniques derived from therapeutic massage, and the use of tools in instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), pain is reduced, blood flow increases, and overall range of motion increases. This is a great adjunct to exercise in all mobility impairments. Accepted by insurances, and also available at …