What is Modern Cupping Therapy?

Modern Cupping Therapy is a form of alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups made of glass, silicone, or plastic that are placed on the skin to create suction. This suction is believed to increase blood flow to the area and promote healing.

Cupping therapy has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, and its modern iteration has evolved to become a non-invasive and safe therapy.

Here's what you need to know about this popular alternative therapy:

How does Modern Cupping Therapy work?

During a cupping session, a therapist places cups on the skin and creates suction. The suction is created using a handheld pump. Once the cups are in place, they are left on the skin for several minutes before being removed. Sometimes, they are moved in a very specific pattern or sequence depending on the desired effect.

The suction created by the cups is believed to stimulate blood flow to the area and promote healing. It can also help to relax the muscles, reduce pain, and improve overall circulation.

What conditions can Modern Cupping Therapy help with?

It can be used to help many different conditions including, but not limited to, those listed below:

• Back pain

• Neck pain

• Shoulder pain

• Knee pain

• Migraines

• Arthritis

• Fibromyalgia

• Lymphedema

Is Modern Cupping Therapy safe?

Yes! It is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional. Minor side effects may include mild discomfort, bruising, or skin irritation. It is important to seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional before using cupping therapy.

Conclusion

Modern Cupping Therapy is a popular alternative therapy that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of cups placed on the skin to create suction, which is believed to stimulate blood flow and promote healing. The therapy is generally safe when performed by a qualified healthcare professional and can help with a variety of conditions. However, it should not be used as a replacement for conventional medical treatment. If you are interested in trying Modern Cupping Therapy, call today and we can chat further to determine if cupping is right for you and how to work it into your treatment program.

References:

1. Wang, Sz., Lu, Yh., Wu, M. et al. Cupping Therapy for Diseases: An Overview of Scientific Evidence from 2009 to 2019. Chin. J. Integr. Med. 27, 394–400 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11655-020-3060-y

2. Mohamed, Ayman A., Zhang, Xueyan, and Jan, Yih-Kuen. ‘Evidence-based and Adverse-effects Analyses of Cupping Therapy in Musculoskeletal and Sports Rehabilitation: A Systematic and Evidence-based Review’. 1 Jan. 2023 : 3 – 19.

Dry Needling

Autumn Paul, PT, DPT

You may have heard about dry needling from one of your friends or family members and now you are thinking, “What is dry needling? Could I benefit from it?”

Dry needling is where the practitioner uses a solid filiform needle or hollow-core hypodermic needle (similar to an acupuncture needle) and places it through the skin and enters the muscle. The practitioner’s goal is to place the needle specifically into a myofascial trigger point (hyperactive muscle fibers).

These trigger points can be located in a tense band of muscle. For example, many people have tightness/soreness located in their shoulders/neck from the tension that they carry throughout the day.

These hyperactive muscle fibers (tense bands of muscle) can send signals to other parts of your body which are considered “referred pain”.

The goal of dry needling is to pierce these trigger points in order to allow these muscle fibers to relax, which can help reduce your pain levels.

“So what conditions may dry needling help with?”

● Headaches

● Shoulder/neck pain/tightness

● Lower back pain

● Tennis and golfer’s elbow

● Shin splints

● TMJ/jaw pain

● Plantar fasciitis

● Hip Pain

“Can any physical therapist perform dry needling?”

In order to be able to perform dry needling, the physical therapist is required to go through extensive training. This training includes studying human anatomy and hands-on practice. These training sessions are often a weekend course or even several weekend courses.

“Awesome, I want to see a physical therapist who can assess and see if I could potentially benefit from dry needling. How do I make an appointment?”

First, look online to see what location is closest to you. Then, you can request to schedule an appointment with a physical therapist who is certified to perform dry needling.

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References:

Firth C, Meon J, Price M, Taylor J, Grace S. Dry Needling: A literature Review. Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society . 2020;26(1):22-28. Accessed January 14, 2021.

http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=143040461&site=eds-live

http://www.kinfolkwellness.com.au/dry-needling-adelaide

Benefits of Diaphragmatic Breathing

Kelsey Hinkley, DPT

We tend to underestimate the power of breathing! Breathing is an automatic response we typically do without thinking about it. However, breathing and how we breathe has shown to be extremely important.

There are many benefits specifically to diaphragmatic breathing. Some include but are not limited to:

·        Lowering cortisone (the body’s stress hormone) to help your body relax (6)

·        Lowering the body’s heart rate

·        Lowering blood pressure

·        Reducing gastric reflux by applying pressure to the esophagus (4)

·        Increasing sustained attention (6)

·        Reducing swelling and improving efficiency of the lymphatic system (1)

The diaphragm is an upside down U-shaped, skeletal muscle that separates our chest from the abdominal cavity. When we inhale, the diaphragm contracts pulling down and flattening. This helps create a vacuum effect to pull air into our lungs. When we exhale, the diaphragm relaxes back into that U shape, helping to push air out of the lungs. (4,5)  The more air we bring into our body, the better we can oxygenate our blood.

Here is a link to a video tutorial that provides a 3-D view of the diaphragm during diaphragmatic breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hp-gCvW8PRY

If we are stressed or have cardiopulmonary issues, we tend to be shallow breathers and use accessory muscles in our necks rather than our diaphragm.  This could lead to muscle imbalance, tension, headaches, decreased oxygen levels, and pain. The more we perform diaphragmatic breathing, the more optimally we function. If we do not breathe like this naturally, it is important to practice this type of breathing. The more we practice, the more efficient and more automatic this type of breathing becomes.

How to Perform Diaphragmatic Breathing (3):

1.      Lie on your back with your knees bent and your back flat

2.      Place your hands on your stomach (A.) or place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest (B.) and concentrate on your breathing

3.      Inhale while expanding your stomach with minimal to no trunk or chest movement

4.      Then exhale without forcing.

5.      There should be a short pause after each exhale before the next inhale.

According to the Cleveland Clinic website, it is recommended to initially practice diaphragmatic breathing exercises 5-10 minutes about 3-4 times per day. (2) If no dizziness or discomfort is noted, gradually increase the length of time as desired.

I hope that after reading the benefits of diaphragmatic breathing, you will take the last 5-10 minutes of your busy day to perform this type of deep, relaxed breathing. You may be amazed how it may benefit your daily life.  Remember, we all get stressed and overwhelmed in life, however, it is how we overcome and deal with these emotions that matter.

 

Citation:

1.      Abu-Hijleh MF, Habbal OA, Moqattash ST. The role of the diaphragm in lymphatic absorption from the peritoneal cavity. J Anat. 1995;186 (Pt 3):453-467.

2.      Diaphragmatic Breathing. Cleveland Clinic website. Updated September 14, 2018. Accessed December 27, 2020. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/9445-diaphragmatic-breathing

3.      Diaphragmatic Breathing. Physiotec Website. Copyright 1996 to 2020. Accessed December 27, 2020. https://hep.physiotec.ca/

4.      Drake R, Vogel A, Mitchell A. Gray’s Anatomy for Students. 2nd ed. Churchill Livingstone, an imprint of Elsevier Inc.; 2010.

5.      Hadjiliadis D, Harron P, Zieve D.  Diaphragm and lungs. National Library of Medicine: Medline Plus. Updated May 16, 2019. Accessed December 5, 2020. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/imagepages/19380.htm

6.      Ma X, Yue ZQ, Gong ZQ, et al. The Effect of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Attention, Negative Affect and Stress in Healthy Adults. Front Psychol. 2017;8:874. Published 2017 Jun 6.doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2017.00874

Best Way To Get Rid Of Back And Neck Pain… Physical Therapy!

Dennis Kaster, PT

Unfortunately, one of the best-kept secrets around, is that Physical Therapy is one of the most effective and cheapest ways to get rid of back and neck pain.  Most back and neck pain is due to muscle weakness, tightness, poor posture, or work stations that are set up poorly and put extra stress on your body.  A Physical Therapist will assess which of these issues is causing the pain and help you to get rid of it by doing things such as specific stretches, strengthening, improving posture, performing treatment to decrease pain or swelling, using better lifting mechanics, or helping you to set up your work or home workstations to put less stress on your body. 

The typical process in the past has been that when someone injures their back, they go to a medical doctor.  The doctor would decide what to do next, which many times included rest, medications, or expensive imaging.  Several years ago a large medical organization, Virginia Mason, broke down the process of medical care for back injuries, looking for the quickest, most effective, and cheapest way to treat low back pain.  In the end, they found that people who saw a Physical Therapist first for low back pain recovered much quicker, returned to work sooner and the overall cost of care was much less.   This is because Physical Therapists specialize much more in the anatomy and mechanics of how the back works and how to stop and prevent pain.  Physical therapists also do not prescribe opioid pain medications.  Many times medical doctors prescribe opioid prescriptions, advise patients to rest until the pain goes away, or order expensive medical imaging, which many times is not necessary.  Many other research studies have found the same results.

As a result of the findings of multiple research studies, many insurance companies no longer require a physician referral to cover physical therapy, as they realize that people with mechanical low back pain respond much quicker and better if they see a Physical Therapist first.  Most people are not aware of this.  Several studies have shown that as little as 7% of people with low back pain see a Physical Therapist.  This is crazy…..when Physical Therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat low back pain.  Also, Physical Therapists have the expertise to recognize more serious medical issues that would require a referral to a medical doctor.  So if you see a Physical Therapist first and your pain is due to a medical issue, you can rest assured that the Physical Therapist will recognize it and direct you to the appropriate care.  PLEASE HELP US TO GET THE WORD OUT!!  IF YOU HAVE BACK OR NECK PAIN, SEE A PHYSICAL THERAPIST FIRST.  IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW HAS BACK OR ANY MUSCLE OR JOINT ISSUE, LET THEM KNOW THAT PHYSICAL THERAPY MAY BE THE BEST FORM OF TREATMENT FOR IT.  If you have questions, please give us a call and we can answer them for you or check with your insurance to make sure our treatment is covered.

References

• Furhmans V. Withdrawal Treatment: a novel plan helps hospital wean itself off of pricey tests.  The Wall Street Journal. January 12, 2007

• Pendergast J, Kliethermes S, et al, A Comparison of Health Care Use for Physician-Referred and Self-Referred Episodes of Outpatient Physical Therapy. Health Research and Educational Trust DOI:10:1111/j.1475-6773.01324.x, Oct. 2011

• Mitchell JM, de Lissovoy G. A comparison of resource use and cost in direct access versus physician referral episodes of physical therapy. Phys Ther. 1997;77: 10-18

• Moore JH, McMillian DJ, et al. Risk determination for patients with direct access to physical therapy in military health care facilities. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2005;35:674-678

• Leemrijse CJ, Swinkles I, Veenoff C. Direct access to physical therapy in the Netherlands: Results from the first year in community based physical Therapy. Phys Ther 88;8:936-946

• Kenney. Transforming Healthcare, Virginial Mason Medical Center’s Pursuit of the Perfect Experience.  CRC Press, 2011
  
  

Start the Year Right, Prevent and Treat Shoulder Pain

Phil Sorensen, PT, CSCS

From Thanksgiving through Christmas & New Years I have had more friends and family members ask me about their painful shoulders than any other body area. Not one had a specific injury. Pain developed with use/reaching, exercise, work and in most cases was interfering with their ability to sleep. The good news for them was their condition is very treatable and responds well with physical therapy. The longer you ignore symptoms and the repetitive pain with daily use, reaching, etc. the more challenging it can become to relieve. Structure of the Shoulder: In most parts of the body, the bones are surrounded by muscles. In the shoulder region, however, the muscle and tendons are surrounded by bone. If you tap the top of your shoulder, you can feel bone immediately under the skin, this is called the acromion of the scapula. Directly under this bone is the rotator cuff, a group of four muscles and tendons. In the image below, the supraspinatus is one of the tendons that are most commonly involved. It along with the bursa (a fluid-filled sack) is positioned right between the humerus (upper arm bone) and the acromion that you tapped. This structure of muscle-tendon between bones is a contributing factor to the development of impingement syndrome (shoulder bursitis, rotator cuff or biceps tendinopathy).

Muscles of the Shoulder: Proper rotator cuff (RC) and scapular muscle strength is critical in both preventing and treating shoulder pain/impingement. The RC role is to keep the ball of the humerus in the correct position with the scapula. The rotator cuff enables the other major muscles of the arm, the deltoid and Latissimus dorsi (“lats”), to properly perform their job during reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling. Balanced strength around the shoulder blade, in the lower & middle trapezius, rhomboids & serratus anterior (scapulothoracic) muscles, is crucial for shoulder blade movement and shoulder mechanics. Weakness and imbalance in these muscles and/or the RC is another primary factor with impingement syndrome, shoulder bursitis & rotator cuff tendinopathy. Corrective Measures: Learning proper technique to balance the previously mentioned muscles in various positions then progressing to movements can be complex and is where the skills of a PT are of great benefit to optimize your time and efforts. Below is a link to a video demonstrating a great shoulder stability exercise that engages these muscles using a small looped band while doing a small forward reach. CLICK HERE

In addition to developing proper rotator cuff & scapulo-thoracic muscle strength, it’s important to address adequate shoulder, rib cage & thoracic (upper back) mobility. Your physical therapist will assess, treat and instruct you in things you can do to improve your mobility. In most cases, shoulder impingement, bursitis, &/or rotator cuff tendon injuries can be completely rehabilitated and should leave no residual effects once a person has recovered. Shoulder pain can be debilitating by limiting your ability to exercise and perform daily tasks. Start the year out right, be proactive in the care of your shoulder. Call and set up an appointment to see a PT today. The longer a condition is left untreated, the more potential for harm and tissue damage which may lead to a longer recovery process.

The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) is an excellent resource for learning more about physical therapy as well as locating a physical therapist in your area.