Therapeutic Techniques

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Some aspects of the care we provide to our patients are common to many of our services. As a result, below we offer an overview of our use of fitness equipment and how we employ specialized methodologies and techniques.

Methodologies and Techniques

At Health Check Physical Therapy, we favor describing conditions and their treatment using terms and phrases that most patients find meaningful. Yet we occasionally find some patients who wish to know more about the methodologies and techniques used for their treatment. As a result, the following describes some of those methodologies and techniques. Noteworthy, however, is that we continue to avoid any use of overtly technical language.

While reading the following, some may note an apparent overlap in the conditions these methodologies and techniques address. Consequently we wish to assure patients that the staff at Health Check Physical Therapy will always make appropriate treatment choices based on each patient’s condition and personal needs.

The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

The McKenzie Method ® of Mechanical Diagnosis and Treatment ® (MDT) serves to assess and treat the cause of many conditions. These include: back pain, neck pain and pain (or numbness) felt in the extremities (buttocks, legs, knees, feet, arms, shoulders, hands). We encourage you to read more complete information on The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.

Graston Technique

Graston Technique ® (GT), a patented form of soft tissue mobilization, relies on specially designed stainless steel instruments. These instruments serve to locate and treat scar tissue and adhesions in connective tissue (fascial tissue) that typically result from some sort of trauma (injury or surgery). We encourage you to read more complete information on Graston Technique.

Active Release Technique

Active Release Technique ® (ART) is a patented soft tissue system/movement based massage approach used to treat problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue and nerves. These problems generally arise from a single common cause: overuse! We encourage you to read more complete information on Active Release Technique.

Dry Needling

Dry Needling is a relatively new treatment option used to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement problems. It involves the insertion of sterile needles into various trigger points. Trigger points are typically areas of muscle tissue that have become quite painful and tender to the touch thus preventing normal muscular function. Overuse and injury are often contributing factors.

Dry Needling accelerates the body’s natural healing process and increases blood flow and circulation.

In some ways, Dry Needling is similar to Acupuncture. Acupuncture, which stems from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), uses sterile needles that are inserted along the body’s meridian lines (energy pathways) in order to improve the flow of energy throughout the body. These energy pathways are not physical entities. Dry Needling differs in that it focuses on trigger points in muscles in order to relieve pain and restore or improve normal function.

While you may feel some discomfort during the needling, many people don’t even feel the needle going in. Others, liken the feeling to a small prick. When the needle is in the trigger point, it can be painful and cause a twitch response. Afterward, you may feel tightness or soreness near the insertion site, but it’s important to keep moving and stretching.

Dry needling is not recommended for patients with conditions like bleeding disorders, infections, open wounds or compromised immune systems, Certain medications (e.g., anticoagulants, immunosuppressants) also preclude dry needling as a treatment option.

The following lists conditions that may respond favorably to dry needling.

shoulder pain,
rotator cuff pain,
biceps tendinitis
pain on the outside of the knee (iliotibial band syndrome)
Achilles tendinitis
low back pain

tennis elbow
whiplash or neck pain
headaches and migraines
muscle strains
hip pain
fibromyalgia

Dry Needling

If muscle pain or stiffness is limiting your daily life, dry needling is a clinically supported technique used by our licensed physical therapists to help restore mobility and reduce discomfort. By targeting specific “trigger points” (tight muscle bands) with thin, sterile needles, we help stimulate your body’s natural healing response—no medication required.

The Benefits of Dry Needling

Pain Management: Helps decrease localized muscle soreness and tension.
Improved Mobility: Supports better flexibility and a greater range of motion.
Muscle Relaxation: Assists in reducing muscle spasms and cramping.
Recovery Support: Can be an effective part of a comprehensive injury rehabilitation plan.

Conditions We Commonly Treat

Dry needling is often used as part of a personalized treatment plan for:

Chronic neck and back pain.
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries.
Hip, knee, and joint discomfort.
Sports-related strains and overuse injuries.
Tension-related headaches.

Common Questions & Expectations

What does it feel like? You may experience a brief “local twitch response” or a mild, temporary ache as the muscle relaxes. Most patients tolerate the procedure very well.
How does it differ from acupuncture? While the needles are similar, dry needling is based on Western medical anatomy. It focuses on treating the musculoskeletal and nervous systems rather than traditional energy pathways.
Is the procedure safe? Yes. Our therapists are specifically trained in dry needling. We use only sterile, single-use needles and follow strict safety protocols.
When will I notice the difference? While many patients report improved mobility shortly after a session, a series of treatments is typically recommended for long-term functional goals.

Ready to Move Better?

Our goal is to help you return to the activities you love. We combine dry needling with personalized exercise and manual therapy for the best possible outcomes.

Call to schedule an appointment and see if dry needling is the right fit for you!

Fitness Equipment

While neither a gym nor a fitness center, when a patient visits Health Check Physical Therapy for orthopedic physical therapy, sports physical therapy, pre surgical fitness, post rehabilitation fitness or a nutrition and wellness program, both they and our staff have at their disposal a wide array of fitness equipment. This equipment allows patients to improve or restore their fitness level by performing both cardiovascular exercises and strength training exercises. Preceding the use of any piece of equipment our staff educates each patient on its proper use. Similar education precedes any attempt to perform a particular exercise. Even after demonstrating a degree of mastery on a piece of equipment or a particular exercise, our staff continues to closely supervise all patient activities. As a result of close supervision we hope to both ensure patient safety and promote progress toward goals.