Recently I’ve been working with a physical therapist to resolve pain that only comes on when I sit down, nerve pain in my upper hamstrings, hip flexors, and glutes. It’s been an ongoing problem for many years, sometimes less, sometimes more, but never gone. I’ve experimented with chiropractic, massage, exercise, and supplements to try and resolve it on my own, but it’s been a very long time since physical therapy was considered.
Today I had my 2nd session with the PT, and was prepared to experience dry needling for the first time. I’ve had acupuncture for this same condition, and my research on the internet seems to say the main differences between the two are licensing, directing ‘energy’, and depth of insertion, dry needling going deeper. About 3 seconds after the PT inserted the second needle into my lower lumbar area, I felt a strange sensation, light headed, told him “I think I’m gonna pass out…”, and promptly did, for about 15 seconds. Fortunately I was face down and clothed on a massage type table. When I came to, it was agreed that we wouldn’t attempt THAT therapy again, and proceed with different manual therapies and stretching on my own. I don’t discount any therapy that gets results, even the “hocus-pocus-crystal waving-energy work” stuff, but until you yourself have actually tried something, you’ll never really know.
In addition to the health history form and other documents the PT has you fill out, there is a completely separate form regarding the dry needling, and for some reason when I signed it today, I actually read it in detail and now know why PT’s try and protect themselves from potential lawsuits in this fashion. I have a firm belief the PT today did nothing wrong, and my reaction to the therapy was not a normal occurance. However, if it happened to me, it could happen to you, and in sharing my experience today maybe I can save someone from having a similar reaction. Consider the pro’s and cons, a price always has to be paid for any benefit, and make an educated choice. The world of physical therapy now includes spinal manipulations, dry needling, electro stimulation, and many other helpful techniques in addition to simply sending the client home with an exercise and stretching routine. Don’t become frustrated if plan A, B, C, and D don’t work for you, don’t give up, keep a firm belief that your pain will be resolved, and if massage therapy is on your radar, I hope to see ya soon!
