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During your first appointment at Reform Physical Therapy Atlanta, your Physical Therapist will conduct a assessment of your condition to determine the best course of treatment. This may include a physical examination, discussion of your medical history, and questions about your symptoms and goals. You can also expect an introduction of the type of treatment you will receive.
Dry Needling involves multiple advances of a thin needle into the muscle in the region of a ‘trigger point’. A myofascial trigger point is a tender ropey band in a muscle, which can cause pain at a site or refer pain to a specific area related to that muscle. The goal of dry needling is to relieve pain – achieved by creating a local twitch response to release muscle tension in the nervous system.
No. Physical Therapists and Acupuncturists use the same type of needles, however, the concept is very different. Acupuncturists work off of meridians in your body to heal an ailment, whereas, physical therapists insert the needles into tight bands within a muscle to relieve pain and restrictions.
The local twitch response to release muscle tension can be uncomfortable. However, movement, increased water intake and low level stretching can boost recovery time.
Yes. Trained and certified in this type of therapy, the physical therapist at Reform Physical Therapy has been practicing this type of modality for over 13 years and uses the utmost caution.
LightForce® therapy lasers work by flooding the tissue with photons, which energizes cells resulting in increased circulation to the injured area and ultimately pain reduction, in a process called photobiomodulation (PBM).
LightForce laser therapy uses high-intensity light (photons) to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and speed up cellular healing, usually feeling warm and soothing. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic sound waves to deliver mechanical energy, breaking down scar tissue and initiating a pro-inflammatory healing response in chronic conditions, which can be intense and painful.
Laser therapy treatments must be administered directly to skin, as laser light cannot penetrate through layers of clothing. You will feel a soothing warmth as the therapy is administered. Many patients receiving LightForce® Therapy Laser treatments report enjoying the experience.
Patients receiving treatments with higher-power lasers also frequently report a rapid decrease in pain. For someone suffering from chronic pain, this effect can be particularly pronounced. Laser therapy for pain can be a viable treatment.
Class IV laser therapy (now called photobiomodulation) devices were cleared in 2004 by the FDA for the safe and efficacious reduction of pain and increasing micro-circulation. Therapy lasers are safe and effective treatment options to reduce musculoskeletal pain due to injury. The biggest risk to injury during laser therapy treatments is to the eye, which is why certified, protective eyewear is always required during LightForce® treatments.
Most clinicians will encourage their patients to receive 2-3 treatments per week as the therapy is initiated. There is a well-documented support that the benefits of laser therapy are cumulative, suggesting that plans for incorporating laser as part of a patient’s plan of care should involve early, frequent treatments that may be administered less frequently as the symptoms resolve.
The nature of the condition and the patient’s response to the treatments will play a key role in determining how many treatments will be needed. Most laser therapy plans of care will involve 6-12 treatments, with more treatment needed for longer standing, chronic conditions. Your doctor will develop a treatment plan that is optimal for your condition.
Patients often report improved sensation, including a therapeutic warmth and some analgesia immediately after the treatment. For noticeable changes in symptoms and condition, patients should undergo a series of treatments as the benefits of laser therapy from one treatment to the next are cumulative.
Yes. We are in-network with some insurances. Please call the office to to inquire if your insurance is in-network for Reform Physical Therapy.
No. Reform Physical Therapy Atlanta does not offer telehealth services. We believe that hands-on treatment is important during all sessions.
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