WHAT IS FUNCTIONAL DRY NEEDLING?
Functional dry needing (FDN) is a skilled technique performed by a qualified therapist using a filiform (or dry) needle to penetrate into muscles and other tissue to influence the body’s function and help in the treatment of neuromuscular conditions, pain, and dysfunction.
This technique was first proposed for use to stimulate muscles in the early 1930s and started to be widely used in the 1980’s after more research on the topic was published.
WHY IS IT CALLED DRY NEEDLING?
Because the filiform needles used do not inject a substance into the body, hence “dry needle.”
They look more like a pin than a needle, and instead of slicing open the muscle for injection— the way needles do for vaccines and shots—these needles slide in more smoothly.
HOW DOES IT HELP?
FDN can help decrease pain, increase range of movement, and increase strength.
FDN acts as a reset for a dysfunctional muscle and it’s nervous system circuit.
If a muscle is too tight or knotted this will reset it to a more loosened or relaxed state.
If a muscle is under active this can stimulate it to start working again.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
IS FDN FOR ME?
It might be. It is not a technique that is safe for everyone. For instance, it is not used in the first trimester in pregnancy or for people with bleeding or clotting disorders among other health conditions. Furthermore, if you really dislike needles or have a severe phobia of them it may not be the treatment for you.
Talk to your physiotherapist and discuss whether it is appropriate or not for you.
CALL LIQUIDGYM TODAY TO BOOK WITH ONE OF OUR PHYSIOTHERASPIST WHO OFFERS FUNCTIONAL DRY NEEDLING AS A TREATMENT OPTION!
LEARN MORE
- Please ensure you have completed your online assessment form before arriving for your appointment.
- Your first appointment is a land appointment. Shorts and t-shirt/tank top are appropriate.
- Bring your physician’s referral, if you have one (though not required)
- Provide any relevant medical history
- Bring any relevant reports/test results (e.g. x-rays, ultrasound scan, MRI reports)
- Personal and family medical history
- Major illnesses that you have experienced
- Surgeries or operations that you have had
- Medications that you are currently taking
- Your level of activity at work and leisure
- Sleeping habits
- Blood pressure, pulse and breathing
- Reflexes
- Muscle strength
- Flexibility
- Range of motion
- Coordination
- Posture Analysis
- X-Ray review
- Movement Analysis
Do I need a physician’s referral?
Physiotherapists are primary health care practitioners and therefore offer direct access to physiotherapy services without the need for a physician’s referral. Some extended health insurance plans require a physician’s referral; however, please check your insurance plan if in doubt.
Can you bill directly to my insurance company?
Some extended health insurance companies currently accept direct billing from Physiotherapy clinics. Ask and we can let you know if your insurance company accepts direct billing from LiquidGym.
Does LiquidGym accept Motor Vehicle Accident claims?
No. As of September 1, 2021 we no longer submit nor bill for MVA claims. LiquidGym can, however, treat MVA injuries. You just need to pay our standard therapy rates at the time of your appointment.
Do you direct bill for Veterans Affairs, RCMP, and Canadian Forces?
Yes. If you have Blue Cross coverage through either Veterans Affairs, RCMP, or Canadian Forces, we can bill directly with Blue Cross. To proceed, we require your ID number and the contact information of your case manager, if applicable.
Many patients pay out-of-pocket for physiotherapy. At LiquidGym we respect your dollar by providing only one-on-one appointments with your physiotherapist. We do not double-book clients, nor do we provide your treatment through support personnel. In addition to your on-site treatment, if appropriate, the physiotherapist will provide a self-managed home care treatment program to facilitate your recovery.
No, LiquidGym is not an OHIP designated clinic.
Due to a high number of last minute cancellations and missed appointments, any physiotherapy appointments cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time will be subjected to a $50 cancellation fee per 30 minutes of missed appointment time.
When you cancel your appointment, please inform office staff why you are cancelling. This information will be passed along to your therapist.
Appointment reminder emails will be sent out 24 hours in advance.