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At first glance, acupuncture and dry needling might seem identical. Both involve inserting thin needles into the skin, and both are used to treat pain. However, these two techniques are fundamentally different in their philosophy, application, training requirements, and treatment goals. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between acupuncture and dry needling so you can better understand which therapy might be right for you—or for your patients if you’re a practit …

Chronic muscle pain, tension, and restricted movement can significantly impact your daily life, signaling the need to explore effective treatment options. One such technique that has gained traction in the fields of physical therapy and pain management is dry needling. This innovative approach is recognized for being safe, minimally invasive, and remarkably effective in addressing various musculoskeletal conditions. But what is dry needling, who practices it, and how can individuals benefit from …

The kinetic chain is a key principle in physical therapy, referring to the way muscles, joints, and bones work together in a sequence to perform movements. Each part of the body is interconnected—like links in a chain—so dysfunction or weakness in one area can affect the entire system. Physical therapists use this concept to assess movement patterns, identify root causes of pain or dysfunction, and create effective treatment plans that go beyond isolated symptoms. A Connected Body Ph …

When a patient begins hand therapy—whether recovering from an injury, surgery, or neurological condition—the first session is all about understanding their current function and setting a baseline for recovery. This process, known as an initial hand function evaluation, guides treatment planning and allows therapists to track meaningful progress over time. Here’s a breakdown of what a typical evaluation looks like, and how tools like handheld dynamometers, hand grip dynamom …

If you’re starting hand therapy—whether after surgery, a stroke, or a neurological condition—you might be wondering what it’s all about. Hand therapy is a specialized form of occupational therapy (and sometimes physical therapy) designed to enhance hand function, dexterity, coordination, and overall upper extremity function. This will ultimately enable you to return to the activities that are most important to you.    In this overview, we’ll expl …