October 10, 2017

Josh White, MTC, ATC, MTC

Mary White, MTC, MTC, CPI

Trigger Point Dry Needling is offered at Vertical Motion Physical Therapy. Dry needling is a physical intervention to stimulate trigger points. It’s used as a diagnostic tool and to treat neuromuscular pain and functional movement deficits. The approach is based on Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. Dry needling is not the same as acupuncture, which is a Chinese medicine technique.

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Medical doctors, physiotherapists, and chiropractors are using dry needling in their practices for treatment of myofascial pain and dysfunction. Dry needling is considered to be within the scope of practice for physical therapists in the state of Colorado, according to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). Physical therapists must show successful completion of a minimum of 46 hours of face-to-face dry needling course study and two years of practice as licensed physical therapists prior to using the dry needling technique.

October 10, 2017

Hannah Johnson, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as The McKenzie Method, is an evidence-based system of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment that has become widely used as a standard in the management of back, neck, and extremity pain. Certified MDT clinicians are trained to evaluate any joint or muscle, not exclusively those relating to the spine, for signs of mechanical response. This strategy involves active participation by the patient and empowers them to learn how to manage their symptoms independently. 

MDT does not rely on diagnostic imaging, medication, or modalities (i.e. heat, cold, ultrasound, etc.). Outside of serious pathology or non-mechanical types of pain, expensive diagnostic tests and imaging studies are often unnecessary when your symptoms can be classified into a particular subtype. MDT clinicians are able to rapidly determine whether the method will be effective for you. The McKenzie Institute International maintains an online listing of credentialed and diploma practitioners around the world. Please visit http://www.mckenzieinstitute.org for more information.