Dry Needling in Katy, TX
Dry Needling is a technique used by Chiropractors and other healthcare professionals to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain and movement impairments. The process involves inserting thin, solid needles into the skin and underlying tissues, particularly targeting areas of muscle tightness and pain directly into trigger points to provoke a localized twitch response, or spasm. Provoking trigger points releases built up scar tissue/muscle tension and it also activates nerve fibers that prompt the brain to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain reliever.
Benefits of Dry Needling
- Breaks up knots and adhesions between muscle fibers
- Increases blood flow to wash away inflammatory biochemicals
- Resets muscle contraction and relaxation mechanisms
- Deactivates painful nerve endings re-establishes normal nerve signaling
- Decreases joint pain
Conditions Treated by Dry Needling
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Headaches
- Shoulder Pain
- Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow
- Hamstring Strains
- Shin Splints
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Carpal Tunnel
- Tendonitis
How Does Dry Needling Work?
Let’s take an overused muscle as a real-life example: Overused muscles experience an energy crisis where the muscle fibers aren't receiving an adequate blood supply. Without this supply, they lack the oxygen and nutrients needed to return to their normal resting state. As a result, the tissue near the trigger point becomes more acidic, sensitizing the nerves and causing soreness and pain. Dry needling stimulates trigger points to help draw normal blood supply back to flush out the area and release tension, thus helping restore normal function.
Many people experience immediate improvement in pain and mobility after a dry needling session, while others may need multiple sessions to notice significant changes.
Dry Needling Treatment Process
Dr. Lacie will identify trigger points, clean the area, and mark the spots to be treated. Then, needles will be inserted into the marked areas. She may move the needle slightly to elicit a local twitch response—a quick spasm of the muscle—which can indicate a positive reaction.
Depending on the technique, needles may remain for a few seconds or several minutes. In some cases, electrical stimulation (e-stim) may be used to help stimulate blood flow and provide analgesic effects to help numb the pain, supporting long-term relief.
If you think you may be a candidate for this therapy, just ask! We’re happy to answer any questions you may have about this exciting new service.
Spinal Decompression in Katy, TX
Spinal decompression is a non-surgical treatment using a special table to lightly stretch a compressed disc and relieve pressure on spinal nerves.
This process creates negative pressure within the spinal column, allowing for retraction of bulging or herniated discs and promoting the flow of healing nutrients to the affected areas. Long-term objectives include pain relief, improved mobility, and avoiding surgery.
What Conditions Does Spinal Decompression Treat?
- Bulging Discs
- Degenerative Discs
- Herniated Discs
- Pinched Nerves
- Sciatica
- Spinal Stenosis
What Happens During Spinal Decompression Treatment?
1) Patient Positioning: The patient lies on a specialized table, either face up or face down, depending on the condition treated.
2) Harness Application: Harnesses are placed around the patient's pelvis and sometimes around the trunk to secure them to the table.
3) Gentle Stretching: The table or a computerized device gently stretches and relaxes the spine in a controlled manner. This process creates negative pressure within the spinal discs.
4) Decompression: The negative pressure can help retract herniated or bulging discs, reduce pressure on nerves, and facilitate the movement of oxygen, water, and nutrient-rich fluids into the discs to promote healing.
Spinal Decompression Treatment Protocol
Session Duration: Each session typically lasts 30-45 minutes and is usually accompanied by other non-invasive therapies such as exercise, heat/cold therapy, electrical stimulation (e-stim), or ultrasound.
Frequency: Treatment is often performed multiple times a week for a few weeks. The number of treatments is condition dependent, but 15-28 sessions is usually recommended. Many patients will experience some relief after the first session, but long-term wellness is best achieved at the frequency suggested by Dr. Lacie.
Non-surgical spinal decompression can be a great option if you're dealing with back or neck pain, but it's important to have a thorough evaluation to ensure it's the right treatment for you. Not everyone is a candidate, especially if you have conditions like fractures, tumors, severe osteoporosis, or metal implants in your spine.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. Your comfort and understanding are important to us as we work together to improve your spine health.
