I’ve spent my fair share of time at PT offices, in training rooms during my college years and at various orthopedic offices. And there’s one common thread I’ve noticed through the years – many practitioners want to put a Band-Aid on the issue and send you out the door. Foot pain? We’ll just assume it is plantar facititis, give you some exercises and send you out the door. Oh, and stay off your feet so you can get better. If you’re competing, we’ll just shoot you up with cortizone to mask the pain, tape the area and send you on your way.

Frustrated, but with no other real options, I went with the Band-Aid approach. So I’ve intermittently given up running countless times while faithfully doing PT exercises only to end up with knee pain, plantar facititis for the millionth time or something else.

But, through a twist of pure luck (thanks to CBS Better Mornings Atlanta), I found a PT practice that operates differently. One that spends time going through the biomechanical issues that actually cause the problem in the first place and then uses a systematic approach to treating areas that are tight, muscles that aren’t firing and more. And, they also incorporate a technique called dry needling. A technique that alone has made an immediate difference!

With dry needling, small needles are placed within within those muscle knots that are so tender. The needles hit the specific area within muscle tissue that is locked, causes it to twitch, cramp and release. For 2 seconds of pain you get amazing results! Sure, deep tissue massage feels great and it works but in my experience, dry needling is an instant relief – especially if you have painful tendonitis – you’ll feel better right away.

So what’s my take home message here? There are practices out there that take the time you need to thoroughly evaluate and then treat the actual cause of your joint and muscle pain. You may pay more, or pay out of pocket but, in the long run you’ll pay a lot less if you fix the problem on the first try instead of paying a bunch of copays and money on ineffective treatment modalities (remember, spending $20 to “try something” that has no validity, is likely a waste of $20).

In Atlanta, GA or the surrounding areas, my choice is One Therapy.
In Bethesda, MD or surrounding areas, go with Bethesda Physiocare.

Disclosure: because my treatment philosophies line up with One Therapy’s, I have aligned my business with theirs but, I’m also a patient. And, for the first time, my biomechanical issues (poor running gait, muscles not firing when they need to so I’m overcompensating with other muscles and overloading my knees) are being addressed.

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