Why Choose a Physical Therapist? Comprehensive Care with Dry Needling, Massage, and Spinal Manipulation for Holistic Healing

Folks often ask me why they should see me for their back and neck pain, versus a chiropractor.

In the realm of musculoskeletal health and pain management, clients often find themselves torn between seeing a physical therapist or a chiropractor. While both professions offer unique benefits, a physical therapist who also provides dry needling, massage, and spinal manipulation offers a comprehensive approach that can cater to a wide range of needs. Here’s why choosing such a versatile physical therapist could be your best decision for holistic healing and long-term wellness.

Here’s why you would choose to see me, Dr. Gina Kim, PT, LMT, CIDN

1. Comprehensive Care Tailored to Your Needs

My PT training encompasses a broad spectrum of treatments, allowing for a multifaceted approach to your care. Unlike a chiropractor, whose primary focus is spinal adjustments, a my approach can integrate a variety of techniques:

• Dry Needling: This technique targets trigger points in muscles, helping to relieve pain and improve function by releasing tight muscles and enhancing blood flow.

• Massage Therapy: Therapeutic massage can reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote relaxation, which complements other treatments and enhances overall outcomes.

• Spinal and Joint Manipulation: Similar to chiropractic adjustments, these manipulations by a physical therapist can help realign joints, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. NOTE: The medical term for manipulations are High Velocity Low Amplitude, or HVLA, thrust manipulations. Performed by physical therapists, osteopathic physicians, and chiropractors.

2. Personalized Rehabilitation Programs

Physical therapists excel in designing individualized exercise programs tailored to your specific condition and goals. Whether recovering from an injury, surgery, or managing a chronic condition, these customized plans are critical for regaining strength, improving mobility, and preventing future issues.

When you come to me for a physio evaluation, I will be interested in seeing how you move. After a physical examination that looks at everything from strength and range of motion to nervous system functioning, I will observe and assess basic movements related to your issue, such as a squats, walking, reaching, bending, and the list goes on.

3. Holistic Pain Management

Pain management isn’t just about addressing the symptom but understanding and treating the root cause. I am trained to use a holistic approach to evaluate and treat your body’s movement patterns, ensuring that underlying issues contributing to your pain are identified and addressed. This comprehensive assessment can lead to more effective and lasting relief compared to focusing solely on spinal adjustments.

Furthermore, advances in pain science enable me to empower you in understanding what could be driving the pain you’re experiencing, and how to manage it. So you’re not held captive by it!

4. Expertise in Posture and Ergonomics

One of the key advantages of physical therapy is the emphasis on posture correction and ergonomic training. Many musculoskeletal issues stem from poor posture or repetitive movement strain, which can be effectively managed through education and personalized adjustments to your daily activities. This proactive approach not only alleviates current pain but also prevents future problems.

In other words, I’m here to empower YOU so that you don’t need ME.

5. Long-Term Health and Wellness

The goal of physical therapy extends beyond immediate pain relief. By teaching you exercises, stretches, and healthy habits, physical therapists empower you to take control of your health. This education promotes long-term wellness, ensuring that you maintain the benefits of therapy long after your sessions have ended.

This includes looking at sleep, physical activity, coping mechanisms, and how to help you build resilience.

6. Versatility in Treating Various Conditions

Physical therapists are trained to handle a wide range of conditions, from sports injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to neurological disorders and chronic diseases like arthritis. Their broad expertise allows them to provide versatile care that adapts to your changing needs over time.

In my PRIVATE clinic, no one else is watching you. You don’t have to feel like you’re “on stage.”

7. Collaboration with Other Healthcare Providers

Physical therapists often work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide a coordinated approach to your care. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of your health are considered, leading to more comprehensive and effective treatment plans.

I’ll simply have you sign a Release of Medical Information form so that I can discuss your case with your physician, mental health therapist, surgeon, and other healthcare providers.

Making the Choice for Comprehensive, Holistic Care

Choosing a physical therapist who offers dry needling, massage, and spinal manipulation means opting for a well-rounded, integrative approach to your health. This combination of techniques not only provides immediate pain relief but also addresses the underlying causes of discomfort, promotes long-term wellness, and empowers you with the knowledge to maintain your health.

When considering your options for musculoskeletal care, think about the benefits of a holistic approach that encompasses multiple therapeutic techniques. My diverse skills can offer you the comprehensive care you need to heal, thrive, and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.

In other words, so you can get back to doing what you love!