Posts

Dry Needling and the placebos effect.

Image
  Dry needling, a technique involving the insertion of thin needles into trigger points and tight muscles, has gained popularity for its potential to alleviate musculoskeletal pain. However, like many therapeutic interventions, the question of the placebo effect arises. Dry Needling Therapy Spruce Grove   At Sunrise Physical Therapy, we strive to provide evidence-based care, and it’s important to understand the true mechanisms behind dry needling's effectiveness.    Understanding Dry Needling and the Placebo Effect Dry Needling: Involves inserting thin, solid filament needles into trigger points (knots in muscles) or tight muscle bands. It aims to elicit a local twitch response, releasing muscle tension and reducing pain.    Placebo Effect: A phenomenon where a person experiences a perceived benefit from a treatment that has no inherent therapeutic value. It's driven by psychological factors like expectation and belief.    Addressin...

Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough in Pain Relief and Healing

Image
  Chronic pain, soft tissue injuries, and stubborn musculoskeletal conditions can significantly impact daily life. Whether you’re an athlete recovering from tendon injuries or an individual struggling with plantar fasciitis or calcific shoulder pain, finding an effective treatment can be challenging. At Sunrise Physical Therapy, we offer shockwave therapy Spruce Grove , a non-invasive and highly effective treatment that accelerates healing, reduces pain, and restores function. ✔ Tendonitis & Tendinopathy (e.g., Achilles, rotator cuff, tennis elbow) ✔ Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Spurs ✔ Shin Splints & Stress Fractures ✔ Calcific Shoulder Tendinitis ✔ Hip & Knee Pain ✔ Muscle Strains & Trigger Points How Shockwave Therapy Works During a shockwave therapy session, a handheld device delivers focused acoustic waves to the affected area, penetrating deep into soft tissues. This process: ✅ Increases Blood Circulation – Enhances oxygen and nutrient delivery to promote fast...

Runner's Knee: Diagnosis and Treatment by a Sports Physiotherapist

Image
  What Is a Runner's Knee? Runner’s knee, also known as patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), is a common condition among runners and active individuals. It causes pain around the kneecap, often worsening with activities like running, squatting, or climbing stairs. If left untreated, it can limit your mobility and keep you from performing at your best. Sports physiotherapy Spruce Grove At Sunrise Physical Therapy, our sports physiotherapists specialize in diagnosing and treating runner’s knee to help you recover quickly and prevent future injuries. Diagnosing Runner’s Knee A sports physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, movement patterns, and overall knee function to determine if you have a runner's knee. Common signs include: ✅ Dull, aching pain around the kneecap (especially after running or prolonged sitting) ✅ Worsening pain when descending stairs or hills ✅ Cracking or grinding sensations in the knee ✅ Swelling or tenderness around the kneecap A thorough evaluation at ...

Cervicogenic Dizziness: The Role of the Neck

Image
Dizziness can be a disorienting and frustrating condition, making daily tasks challenging and affecting overall well-being. One often-overlooked cause of dizziness is cervicogenic dizziness, which originates from dysfunction in the neck (cervical spine). Vestibular physiotherapy Spruce Grove At Sunrise Physical Therapy , our physiotherapists specialize in treating neck-related dizziness, helping patients regain stability and confidence. What Is Cervicogenic Dizziness? Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of vertigo or imbalance caused by dysfunction in the cervical spine. It often occurs due to issues such as: ✔ Poor posture ✔ Neck muscle tension ✔ Joint stiffness or misalignment ✔ Whiplash or previous neck injuries Unlike vestibular disorders that originate from the inner ear, cervicogenic dizziness is related to the neck's impact on balance and coordination. The cervical spine contains receptors that communicate with the brain to help regulate balance. When the neck is injured or st...

How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need?

Image
Dry needling is a popular treatment used to address muscle pain, tension, and trigger points. As a specialized technique, it involves inserting thin needles into specific points in the body to relieve pain, promote healing, and improve mobility. If you’re considering dry needling for pain management or muscle recovery, you may wonder how many sessions are typically required to experience optimal results. Dry Needling Therapy Spruce Grove At Sunrise Physical Therapy , we help guide our patients through the dry needling process and provide a clear understanding of what to expect in terms of treatment frequency. How Many Dry Needling Sessions Will I Need? The number of dry needling sessions required varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the nature and severity of the condition being treated, your overall health, and how your body responds to the treatment. On average, most patients require between 3 to 6 sessions to experience significant improvements, th...