Dry needling is the use of a monofilament needle inserted into muscles, tendons, ligaments, scar tissue, and near nerves. The purpose of dry needling is to induce a physiologic effect, including promotion of blood flow and oxygenation, and to signal the release of endogenous opioids, thus creating a healing environment. Dry needling is proven to reduce pain, improve range of motion, improve muscle tension, improve function, and improve quality of life. Dry needling is used with a vast patient population ranging from the elderly and chronic pain patients to professional athletes. It is important to note that not all dry needling is created equally. The treatment itself can vary drastically depending on the training of the clinician. We are highly skilled and trained in the most optimal dry needling techniques.

Dr. Imam is a senior dry needling instructor for the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy, sharing his knowledge and skills with other practitioners in the field.

Spinal and extremity manipulation is a technique used by osteopaths, chiropractors, and few physical therapists. It is used to promote improvements in range of motion, reduce pain, restore function, and improve muscle activation. This is a technique that many think of as causing a “cracking” or “popping” sound. This is done by applying a specific amount of force and speed that promotes improved movement for therapeutic purposes, and can only be done correctly by a skilled clinician with training and experience, such as an Osteopractic Physical Therapist.

Joint mobilization is a skilled manual therapy technique of passive movement to the joint complex applied at varying speeds and amplitudes. Joint mobilizations can help improve range of motion, restore function, and promote synovial fluid in the joint capsule, thus relieving pain.

Body tempering is a technique that uses heavy cylindrical weight to improve pain, range of motion, muscle soreness, athletic performance, and flexibility. Body tempering was pioneered as recently as 2014 by Donnie Thompson. Due to its novelty, few practices in Michigan offer body tempering as a manual therapy technique. Still, body tempering is a promising myofascial technique that is sure to pick up popularity over the next decade.

Body tempering is used by the NFL, MLB, NCAA, and Olympic Gold Medalists.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, or IASTM, is a myofascial technique done with a metal tool that is used to break down myofascial restrictions and scar tissues. The introduction of a controlled microtrauma stimulates local inflammation to recreate a healing cascade. IASTM helps release fascial tissues, improves movement of blood, stimulates neurological pathways and reflexes that affect muscle tone, flexibility, and mobility.

Cupping has been used in Eastern medicine for thousands of years as a method for releasing toxins from body tissues. Our use of static and dynamic cupping is with a plastic cup or silicone cup, respectively, creating a vacuum. Static cupping and dynamic cupping are used for different purposes; however, both can are used to improve pain, improve blood flow, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and facilitate healing. Cupping can also be used for nerve entrapments and to improve nerve conduction.

While static cupping results in circular bruises that will last for about a week (think Michael Phelps during the 2016 Olympics), dynamic cupping leaves minimal to no bruising.

Our manual therapy techniques combined with sport specific, functional exercise, and our knowledge of biomechanics is designed to get you back to your sport at the highest level. Our manual techniques are used by professionals athletes for recovery to optimize athletic function.

Neuromuscular re-education is an exercise technique used to restore normal body movement patterns. This is commonly referred to as the “brain-body connection.”

Therapeutic exercise is movement prescribed to improve impairments, restore function, and improve well-being. These types of exercises range from coordination exercise, to strength and power exercise, to range of motion exercises. These exercises are specifically tailored to your needs.

Corrective exercise is a technique that utilizes a deep understanding of anatomy, kinesiology, and biomechanics to address movement imbalances and improve movement compensation.

Our feet are our foundation. Gait assessments are performed to determine if there are any limitations in a client’s feet that cannot be corrected through exercise. This has a huge impact in walking, running, and sports. If there are any limitations that can benefit from a custom orthotic, we are able to create a temporary orthotic. If you have relief from the temporary orthotic, we will recommend and prescribe a custom orthotic to be made by a partner.

Manual spinal decompression is used for radicular pain in the arms/legs stemming from the spine.

The highest risk factor for an injury is a previous injury! Whether you are a fall risk individual or an athlete, the risk of injury may be on your radar. Schedule your comprehensive evaluation to address any compensations and work on injury prevention!