Neuropathy and Dry Needling

Peripheral neuropathy is one of those unhappy companions that join some of us along our journey through this life, and there has, until recently, been only very little that could be done for it. Physical therapists with appropriate training can provide specialized treatment using dry needling. This type of therapy is uniquely able to improve nerve signaling and promote enhanced nerve regeneration, giving your nerves a chance they otherwise may not have for recovery.

What is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Symptoms typically include numbness, burning, aching, and/or tingling sensations that begin at the toes. Over time, they gradually develop through the foot and into the lower leg in what is commonly described as a “stocking distribution”. Peripheral neuropathy is different from other nerve problems like sciatica or other “pinched nerves” as these conditions typically create a traceable nerve pain that begins further up the leg. In contrast, peripheral neuropathy starts at the toes and progresses upwards.

The treatment for peripheral neuropathy depends partially on the underlying cause.  Reduced blood flow due to peripheral artery problems or diabetes are common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Still, neuropathy can develop from other less known or undetected conditions as well. The appropriate provider should treat the underlying causes of peripheral neuropathy to prevent the condition from worsening. However, regardless of the root cause, the result is the same: damage to the delicate small nerves in the periphery. Once this occurs, common treatment typically shifts to managing symptoms using medications such as gabapentin and conducting skin checks.

The discomfort from burning and tingling feet and lower legs can be maddening. Having numbness in your feet can be very bothersome and increases your risk of falling. The lack of sensation means you lose awareness of ground contours and a sense of where you are in space. As sensation lessens in the feet, the risk of injury increases. In advanced cases, it’s possible to step on a sharp object and not even know! Diminished or absent sensation can result in unnoticed injuries. If wounds go unattended, they can lead to infection and can even become life-threatening. 

So, what can be done? 

Hands-on treatments and exercises to try and drive greater blood flow and stimulate the nerves in the feet and lower legs in addition to balance and gait training are common in physical therapy practices to help the body compensate. These are excellent starting places, but there is a limited effect size inherent to massage and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, and balance training is limited by the ability of the other balance systems in the body to compensate.

Dry needling for nerves

Novel treatment with dry needling along the peripheral nerve pathways paired with a particular frequency of electrical stimulation has been shown to: 

• improve the ability of the nerves to signal 

• improve blood flow along the nerve pathway as well as into the leg and foot itself

• and it can be beneficial in aiding nerves undergoing natural repair processes

Essentially, dry needling provokes a host of your body’s natural responses necessary for healing and guides the body to the intended target. Nearly all physical therapy treatments are designed to work this way, even exercise, as they introduce a stimulus or stress to which the body must respond. The human body is tremendous at healing, but sometimes your systems need a nudge in the right direction. 

This specific treatment for treating nerves requires specialty training to provide therapy competently and effectively. Fortunately, the Doctors of Physical Therapy at Precision Osteopractic are trained and ready to administer this type of therapy! If you or a loved one is dealing with peripheral neuropathy, schedule an evaluation today to determine if treatment with dry needling is right for you!

What is Dry Needling?

What is Dry Needling?

Dry Needling involves inserting a thin filament needle into specific points of soft tissues such as muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments. This technique stimulates the healing process, leading to pain relief and restoration of normal function. Research shows that dry needling can improve pain control, reduce muscle tension, normalize biochemical and electrical dysfunctions, and accelerate recovery during rehabilitation.

Trigger Point Release

During Dry Needling, the needle targets "trigger points" in muscles—areas of tension and pain. The goal is to elicit a local twitch response, releasing muscle tension and alleviating pain. This method effectively treats chronic neuropathic pain with minimal side effects.

How it Works

The thin needle used in Dry Needling is barely felt as it penetrates the skin, causing minimal discomfort in healthy muscles. In muscles with tension or active trigger points, patients may feel a sensation similar to a muscle cramp, known as the "twitch response." This response helps deactivate trigger points, reduce pain, and restore muscle function.

What are Trigger Points?

Trigger points are hyperirritable spots in skeletal muscles, often palpable as painful nodules or knots, which can cause pain locally or refer pain to other areas.

Difference from Acupuncture

Dry Needling differs from acupuncture in that it is based on western neuroanatomy and scientific understanding of musculoskeletal and nervous systems, rather than traditional Chinese medicine.

Benefits

Dry Needling can benefit individuals with a range of musculoskeletal issues, including acute or chronic injuries, headaches, neck and back pain, tendonitis, muscle spasms, sciatica, and more.

Safety and Side Effects

Side effects are typically minimal, such as mild muscle soreness or temporary bruising at the needle insertion site. Post-treatment care like staying active, using heat, or staying hydrated can help alleviate any discomfort.

Where to Find Expert Care

At Precision Osteopractic Physical Therapy, our highly trained experts integrate Dry Needling into personalized treatment plans to eliminate pain and enhance performance. Schedule your appointment easily at PrecisionOPT.com with locations at the River Valley Club in Lebanon, NH and the Nugget Arcade building on Main Street in downtown Hanover, NH. We offer convenient hours including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.

Precision Osteopractic Welcomes Dr. Mike to our Team!

Precision Osteopractic is excited to welcome Dr. Michael Nash, DPT, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT to Our Team!

Dr. Mike hails from the great state of Texas and is a proud UT graduate. He earned his Diploma in Osteopractic from the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy and went on to become a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists. He is proficient in the areas of dry needling, spinal and extremity manipulation, instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation, and more. He specializes in the treatment of a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal and myofascial conditions with a special interest in chronic spinal pain. He is now an instructor for his fellowship alma mater. Dr. Mike’s expertise enables him to promote healing for tendinopathies, myofascial pain, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, and more.

Dr. Mike believes connection with his patients combined with individualized one on one care yields the greatest results for those burdened by pain and injury. He is very excited to have the opportunity to practice this way at Precision.  His journey began as a teenager, when he helped his younger brother recover from a traumatic injury. Dr. Mike witnessed how restoring movement and function brought joy to his brother’s life and decided he wanted to do the same for others. Additionally, his own major injuries have given him a personal understanding of chronic pain and have enhanced his love of caring for those who have been unsuccessful in finding relief from the care that is widely available. He is an expert in treating pain and dysfunction quickly and effectively.

In his formative years, Dr. Mike was a sprinter and long jumper, and played football for a semi-professional team in San Antonio. He has been a water sport enthusiast most of his life and enjoys slalom skiing and wake surfing as well as kayaking and paddle boarding. These days, he also loves mountain biking, hiking, and camping. His favorite place is being with his beautiful wife and three wonderful children.

Book with Dr. Mike--RVC

Book with Dr. Mike--Hanover

Osteopractic: The Gold Standard for your Neuromusculoskeletal Care

We treat all types of orthopedic and sports related injuries. We also have a specialization in treating back & neck pain, headaches, and jaw pain. We utilize the latest and most scientifically proven treatment interventions to get you back to doing what you love fast.

Osteopractic Physical Therapy is a sub-specialty within physical therapy. “An Osteopractor is a physical therapist or medical doctor that has completed a rigorous post-graduate training program with a primary focus on spinal and extremity high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation, dry needling, instrument-assisted manual therapies, and differential diagnostics for the management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions.  Osteopractors treat the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes the treatment of myofascial trigger points, tendons, ligaments and fascia in addition to bones & joints.

When you have a skin condition, you go to your dermatologist. When your child needs medical care, you seek out a pediatrician. Likewise, when you have neuromusculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, it makes sense to look for a specialist within physical therapy, i.e. an Osteopractic Physical Therapist or Osteopractor, who is specifically trained and has advanced post-graduate qualifications to treat neuromusculoskeletal conditions.

Examples of CONDITIONS WE TREAT

• Elbow, hand, and wrist pain when you do house work, yard work, play tennis, or golf

• Sports performance pain and limitations for runners, swimmers, cyclists, skiers, ball and court sport athletes, golfers, tennis players, CrossFit athletes and more including:

  • Mobility limitations

  • Biomechanical dysfunctions and

  • Pain limitations

• Orthopedic and sports injuries

• Acute and chronic back and neck pain

• Nagging hip pain

• Shoulder pain

• Headaches that seem to start in your neck and radiate into your head, eye, or jaw

• Knee pain while running, biking, hiking, or other activities

• Foot pain when you get out of bed, walk, and run

• Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMJ) or jaw pain

• Read more about our services here

Here’s a testimonial supporting the Osteopractic approach from an incredible athlete in the Upper Valley: “I was fortunate to meet Dr. Shea first as a fellow cyclist here in the Upper Valley, and then later as a therapist when I needed help working through a cycling-related injury. As a highly competitive cyclocross racer, I have had more than a few occasions over the years to seek help from a therapist, and often, my condition did not improve until I received coordinated care from a team of individuals (chiropractor, physical therapist, sports medicine rehabilitator). The amazing thing about Greg is that his training and expertise allows him to fulfill all of these roles at once—so you not only get more improved care overall, but the results come faster. Also, being a competitive athlete himself, Greg wholeheartedly embraces the “active lifestyle” at the center of his practice. Finally, if you’re squeamish at all about dry needling, I would encourage you to “bite the bullet” and try it, knowing that you’re in the best hands with Greg. He is one of the gentlest, most precise dry needlers I have worked with, and it makes a huge difference from both a therapeutic and performance standpoint. Thanks for all your help—you’re a lifesaver!” Alix N.

Dr. Gregory Shea & Dr. Taelon Parson are the only Osteopractors in the Upper Valley. Together they are dedicated to the profession and committed to your success.  They both have a history of collegiate athletics and enjoy treating all individuals motivated to achieve their goals.  You can learn more and self-schedule your appointment today, now at two convenient locations: River Valley Club in Lebanon and the Nugget Arcade building in downtown Hanover.

Keep scrolling through the blog to read our many success stories! Check us out on Instagram @PrecisionOPT

Source: Spinal Manipulation Institute (2018) Diploma in Osteopractic. Retrieved from:  https://spinalmanipulation.org/diploma-in-osteopractic/

Success Story: No More Achilles' Heel

Two years ago, I suffered a torn Achilles tendon while playing basketball. Despite undergoing 3 months of physical therapy at another clinic post-surgery, I struggled to regain full range of motion in my foot and battled with scar tissue buildup around my Achilles. My journey took a significant turn for the better after consulting with Dr. Tae at Precision Osteopractic Physical Therapy, LLC.

Thanks to a tailored combination of mobility training, dry needling, and adjustments provided by Dr. Tae, my condition has improved dramatically. The scar tissue has notably diminished, and my range of motion has been fully restored, possibly even surpassing its pre-injury state. Dr. Tae is not just a practitioner but a remarkable professional whose sessions are as enjoyable as they are enlightening. I wholeheartedly recommend Precision Osteopractic Physical Therapy to anyone in need of exceptional physical therapy services. I’ve now had the opportunity to work with Dr. Tae and previously with Dr. Greg. Both clinicians excel in their field, demonstrating unparalleled expertise and care. As someone who actively participates in workouts, flag football, and basketball, maintaining my sessions with them for adjustments and dry needling has been crucial in keeping my body in peak condition, ready for any activity.  

Don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with them; it could be the turning point towards your recovery and optimal physical health.

Success Story: Running into World Class Care

I have been running for over two decades and have had right knee pain for as long as I can remember. Throughout high school and into my mid-twenties, I went to numerous physical therapists, with no change in results. In the past, I had to stop running entirely for weeks to give my knee pain a rest. Even when I resumed running after time off, my knee pain was limiting my running pace and the frequency of my runs. 

When I started to train for a marathon this past summer, my knee pain returned as expected. But this year was different as my knee pain was progressively worse, having to cut each run shorter and shorter. Despite returning to my strength exercises and running at a slower pace, I eventually couldn't run for one mile without excessive pain. Being an athlete and someone who enjoys working out, I was frustrated that the limiting factor to my activity was my knee pain. I knew something had to change if I wanted to have any sort of race season. I asked around at the gym and was recommended by a friend to see Dr. Parson. 

On my initial visit, Dr. Parson was not only incredibly thorough with his assessment, but he asked what my goals were in seeing him. His passion for getting me mobile again to reach the point where I didn't have to come back to physical therapy was infectious. From our initial visit, the progress was exponential. He was observant to detail on what exercises were working and what was not, and quickly modified instructions as needed. Dr. Parson was attentive to my reports on returning visits after asking "How are things going?" and adapted the exercise progression as well as needle stimulation accordingly. His diagnosis of my knee issue actually stemming from my hip/gluteal region was spot on, and my knee pain vanished! VANISHED! I couldn't believe Tae fixed my knee issue in less than 3 months, what other providers hadn't been able to solve for years. Tae is extremely intelligent and is fantastic at explaining what he is doing and most importantly, why he is doing it.  Thanks to Dr. Parson, I not only had a great running season, but one of the fastest seasons of my life! I continue to do the playbook of exercises Dr. Parson showed me and I remain free of knee pain. I am so grateful that years of my bad knee pain led me to Tae, an incredibly passionate physical therapist who I would recommend to anyone! 

- Jenna R

Success Story: Righting the Ship

If my life story ended here today, it would be a happy ending. Right now I am underway, sailing to Boston from New York City on a tugboat hauling 50,000 barrels of heating oil for all the homes and businesses of New England. 

My job is physically and mentally demanding. Getting along with crew members is very important because no one is going anywhere if you don’t like it or can’t get along with someone. When the weather changes, the stress level changes, and everyone needs to keep their opinions to themselves. This is relevant, because as I sit in the galley writing this, there are numerous brands of ibuprofen, aspirin, homeopathics, and pain ointments that help us get through the day and night. 

The saying goes, “nothing says sailor like caffeine and nicotine”. I would like to add pain distractors to that saying too, but no one talks about that. No one wants to hear anyone complain about pain, probably because we’re all hurting in one way or another. Steel doesn’t give way to anyone.

Since I was a child, my Mom started taking me to the chiropractor as I was in a few accidents, I was very active in the mountains of NH and there was no activity I wouldn’t try to press the limits on. Well, with age those injuries have caught up to me; they almost led to shoulder surgery and loss of my job.

With a sense of panic about losing my job, I began searching for alternative medicine. About 7 years ago I found a Taiwanese acupuncture doctor who brought me back to working condition. My session with her was three parts and took about 2.5-3 hrs. First, was the “massage” where she walked on my back and used her heels to dig into and kick my body. Then, cupping with the old school glass cups, which would be left on for 15-20 minutes. Finally, the acupuncture with electric stimulation attached. This was the saving grace that brought my mobility and strength back, enough to allow me to keep working. 

The regimen with the acupuncture doctor and chiropractor every 3 weeks was working, but I still had headaches and muscle pain, almost all the time. I began to take CBD and turmeric concoctions which did help and still is helping a lot. Ultimately I moved back to NH after 30 years of being away, and that mentally uplifted me to a whole new mindset.

Now, back “home” I began to physically decline as my team was a long flight away. With so many things to do getting set up in my new home, I didn’t make time for self care. This resulted in starting the ibuprofen and aspirin regimen. Yes, I got a gym membership my first week at my new place and stretched and worked out to keep my body strong for work. Despite these efforts, the pain was increasing, and my tolerance for mistakes made by crew members at work was decreasing at the same rate. After a few call-ins to the port captain’s office asking me to “take it down a notch” I began to search for a new team.

I looked for my new team within a 2 hour driving radius. I tried an acupuncture doctor and massage therapist with a plastic cupping session. This would not do: the acupuncture had no electric stim and the massage was the gentle feel good type. I would leave both practitioners feeling so upset with such dismay that my body would get more tense, yikes.

So, I continued my search. This time physical therapy was on the table. I had been to a physical therapist after I had knee surgery, you know the treadmill and 5 pound weights with a lot of just sitting there listening to the therapist tell me about what they’re trying to get me to do and why it would work. In my mind physical therapy was an insurance racket.

Then I saw Dr. Greg’s story. Bingo, this guy has been where I was right then. I called, got a 2 hour appointment and kept very low expectations. I arrived at Gr. Greg’s clinic and noticed he had mats, stretchy bands, and foam rolls, so okay he might know what’s going on.

We started the session talking, putting things at ease, and to me this is very important because to me half of pain is in the mind and emotional state one is in. Then, we got on the mats, both doing the stretches together, and he could see where I was having a hard time getting movement. After about 45 minutes of stretching, I got on the table, a chiropractor table, and he pressed around finding my areas of concern, counting vertebrae and ribs. Then, the needles came out. I am not a needle person but if it would help heal me and ease the pain I am for that. I think the first ones were in the shoulders and I won’t lie, there was pain, and like in the Marine Corps, the saying goes, pain is weakness leaving the body.

This needle session is not like acupuncture where they stick them and just leave them in your energy meridians, these were going where my pain was. He wiggled them around, and the sensation was unlike anything I have felt before; it was like using a stim pack but in my muscle. Then, he said, yep your shoulder just dropped about an inch! The session continued and after each placement there was a few seconds of pain as my muscles were so tight from not having my usual regimen at my old home, and then, wow ! , blood flow and release in my body. 

The biggest part of my therapy has been this one spot that I rarely tell any therapist because no one has ever had any success with it, so i just avoided the aggravation of being teased with hope of relief. But Dr. Greg found it, he calls it the epicenter. It was a muscle tear that pulled a rib out of place right before I went to Paris Island for 13 weeks of boot camp and it never got a chance to heal. Since then I have been jamming any corner of any structure into that spot for so long I have damaged the muscle tissue.

After seeing Dr. Greg for about a year, that spot has slowly left my life. My shoulders work, my lower back works, and the spot is fading into a story with a happy ending. Recently I traveled to Italy with my girlfriend I met in VT. It was our first trip together without any of life’s distractions and I wanted it to go smoothly and keep my calm in any stressful situations while traveling aboard, i.e. sitting in an airplane for a long time. I made an appointment with Dr. Greg right before I left. I flew and walked the streets of Cinque Terre and the Tuscan hillside with only the beautiful landscape and my beautiful girlfriend on my mind. 

Thank you Dr. Greg!

~Jesse Masek

Success Story: Learning to Run All Over Again

I am a trail runner who found myself suffering through my runs starting in May of 2023. I endured the summer just getting through runs and not enjoying it. The front of both of my knees were in pain to the point where I had to stop running. My nightmare. I could not walk downstairs or play with my kids. I knew I had to do something.

A friend recommended seeing Dr. Tae, which I did in early-September 2023. At the beginning of my first appointment Dr. Tae pinpointed the problem! “You’ve been quad dominant your whole life. It worked for you until it didn’t but we are going to fix it.” His energy was high and he was very confident that he could indeed fix it.

He gave me stride advice and said to go run after the appointment. It was really hard to focus on running using my hamstrings and glutes after rarely using them. I did it and it got easier and easier and my knees felt better and better.

Dr. Tae also stuck some needles in me. I do not like needles but his calmness and sense of humor got me through it the first time. After I felt the results, dry needling also became easier. 

Finally, he gave me a bunch of exercises to do. I started these and they now have become part of my warm up routine. By mid-September 2023 I was running pain free! I couldn’t and still can’t believe it! I thought I was old and done running, instead I am running faster than ever thanks to Dr. Tae. My only regret was not going to see him right away in May. 

Dan Chomko

Precision Osteopractic offers one-on-one sessions with these highly trained clinicians, the only Osteopractic physical therapists in the Upper Valley. You can easily self-schedule with Dr. Tae or Dr. Greg at https://www.precisionopt.com/.  Don’t wait, schedule your appointment today.  You deserve to be pain free!

Success Story: A Cyclocross Tale of Resilience and Triumph

Cyclocross is a discipline of cycling that is hugely popular in northern Europe and has a small but fervent following in the US. Originally created as a way for road cyclists to stay fit in the cold and dark European winter, it is a short (45-60 minutes) intense event that involves sprinting, dismounting and often running with the bike. Cyclocross rewards the athletic cyclist that can balance hard pedaling while maintaining speed through off camber, often slippery corners. 

I discovered Cyclocross shortly after finishing a successful collegiate wrestling career. I had been an avid mountain biker for years, and I found the intensity, elbow to elbow racing, and technical nature of ‘cross to be the perfect outlet for my competitive drive. The fact that the races were less than an hour also fit nicely into my lifestyle, as having a career and young (at the time) family meant that I did not have endless hours to devote to training.

For the first 5-6 years of my ‘cross “career”,  I got by with the core strength I developed over a lifetime of wrestling. Unfortunately, the further I got away from that training, and the older I got, the core strength began to dwindle.  Over time, I started to notice some lower back pain that gave me pause. I spent a few years where I would train hard, get fit, and then do something silly like bend over wrong and I would be off the bike for weeks in pain. The last straw was during the spring of 2021, when I ended up on the floor unable to move without pain. That is when I finally decided to visit Dr. Greg and Precision Osteopractic.

I had met Dr. Greg on one of the many local group rides in the Upper Valley, and was aware of his specialized training and approach to orthopedic and sports rehabilitation.  Upon our initial visit, I was blown away with his approach to uncovering the cause of and developing a plan to begin to remedy my injury. I was also impressed with his interest and insight into my athletic history, lifestyle, and goals for the future as an athlete and human.

My treatment plan combined hands on body work with a targeted, progressive exercise prescription to address some muscular weaknesses and general imbalances that I had developed over the years of being a cyclist. Through working with Precision Osteopractic, I have developed a new training regimen which includes these specific exercises along with my cycling workouts and routine “tune-up” visits to address any issues that come up.

As my body became stronger and more balanced, I began to notice an increase in the overall power I was able to produce on the bike, as well as my ability to recover from the increasingly difficult training sessions. Being a stronger athlete has led me to have one of my most successful cyclocross seasons ever. 

This season I have been competing with racers who in years past would have left me behind early in the race. By remaining injury free, I also have been able to have consistently strong results throughout the season. Highlights for me this year are finishing 4th place in the season long River Valley Cyclocross Series in my category (a top 10 was a season goal for me), and coming in 3rd in the USA Cycling New England Regional Championships.

I continue to see Dr. Greg on a regular basis both in and out of season for tune-up adjustments, and to get updated exercise prescriptions that increasingly challenge me and make my body more adept to handle the rigors I am asking of it. 

If you are an athlete, weekend warrior, or just want to have a body that feels better, I highly recommend the services of Dr. Greg and Precision Osteopractic.

Craig Vettori

Trigger Points: What are they and can you please make them GO AWAY!

Self Discovery:

Try this, reach your left arm across your body supporting the underside of your elbow with your right hand.  Now use a pincer grip between your left thumb and index finger and roll the large muscle that goes from the top of your shoulder up to your neck between your fingers.  Chances are you’ve just discovered a nodule or taut band within the muscle and in doing so discovered what a myofascial trigger point or simply a trigger point (Trp) is.  If you were previously aware you had pain generated from this area that would be classified as an active trigger point and if you just discovered pain after you rolled over the region for the first time you have a latent trigger point.  

Definition:

Dr. Janet Travel (president Kennedy's personal physician) brought trigger points to the forefront. She was the only one who could help him with his chronic low back pain.  A trigger point can be described as a taut band of tissue within a muscle that has poor oxygen and blood flow.  It is a hyperirritable point that can refer or “trigger” pain to different regions of the body.  The pain does not follow a typical dermatomal (nerve) pathway and clear differential diagnosis is required by a skilled clinician.  However, the referral patterns are well documented. With years of experience and the awareness of myofascial trigger points as potential contributors, the clinician becomes proficient at identifying these regions. The involved muscles are often inhibited and weak.  Here are some common muscle groups where trigger points are found:  

• upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, levator scapulae (contributing to headaches and neck pain)

• quadratus lumborum, gluteus minimus and serratus posterior-superior (contributing to back pain) 

• lateral quadriceps (IT Band Syndrome)

• gastrocnemius/soleus complex (knee & ankle pain)

• the muscles of mastication (chewing) (Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction, often colloquially referred to as TMJ)

Why Me?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  Millions of people just like you suffer from myofascial trigger pain syndrome.  We spend too much time hunched over our laptops, texting on our smartphones, crouching into the windshield, and generally slouched.  Other contributors can be repetitive stress or overuse, improper training, poorly fitting equipment, and bad ergonomics.  We are hanging on our muscles, asking them to perform work they are not designed to do. Consequently, they’ve had enough and are now letting us know about it.  Now, remember it’s not just about your muscles.  Let's not forget about our skeletal system. That's right, your bones and joints are being stressed too. Problems here actually need to be addressed first, otherwise it’s the equivalent of running the sump pump in your basement instead of addressing the crack in the wall of the foundation.  For full resolution, we need to address the source rather than treat the symptoms.

Is there any hope out there?

It can be a very hard and often frustrating process to identify the appropriate clinician to address the problem.  Many years of clinical experience utilizing many different sprays, tools, and techniques that resulted in mediocre outcomes with partial or temporary relief motivated us to pursue an intense advanced training program to address these problems.  Medications and injections always come with some level of risks, side effects, and potential complications. Theracanes, balls, and rollers can be good intermediaries or provide some temporary emergency relief in a pinch. We now have an inclusive, effective approach backed by science that addresses both the bony problem as well as the muscle or soft tissue contributor.  They both must be addressed for a successful outcome. The skeletal system is treated with high-velocity, low amplitude manipulation to free up fixations and restrictions within the spine and extremities. The muscles are treated with Western trigger point dry needling. This technique elicits a local twitch response from the muscle, indicating a reset of the motor loop and release of the tight muscle, allowing the return of blood flow and oxygen to the muscle and the resumption of normal slide and glide of the muscle fibers.  If you only address one component (remember the sump-pump analogy) successful resolution is impossible.

The Osteopractic Approach:

An Osteopractor is a physical therapist or physician who has completed an evidence-based, post-graduate training program in the use of spinal and extremity manipulation, dry needling, instrument-assisted manual therapies, and differential diagnostics for the management of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. The Osteopractic method is an approach to care, a sub-specialty, and more accurately describes the kind of physical therapy services (rather than simply “physical therapy”) within physical therapy which helps the public to identify the appropriate practitioner of choice.

For example, when you break a bone, you look for an orthopedist, not just a general medical doctor. When you have a skin condition, you go to the dermatologist. When your child needs medical care, you look for a pediatrician.  Likewise, when you have neck pain, low back pain, headaches, tennis elbow, heel pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, knee osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis, shoulder impingement, joint pain or myofascial trigger points, it makes sense to look for a specialist within physical therapy, i.e. an Osteopractic Physical Therapist or Osteopractor, not a generalist. The Osteopractor is specifically trained to treat these neuromusculoskeletal conditions including myofascial trigger points.  They can address the bony problem (the cracked foundation) and the muscle problem under the same roof at the same time.  When the time is right, they may refer you for additional soft tissue massage and strength training as part of a comprehensive long-term plan.

If you have pain or limitations in areas of your body that are inhibiting your athletic and daily functional performance and overall enjoyment of life, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment. Dr. Gregory Shea, DPT, Dip. Osteopractic or Dr. Taelon Parson, DPT, Dip. Osteopractic are the only Osteopractors in the Upper Valley. We offer two convenient locations at The River Valley Club in Lebanon behind the food Co-op and in the Nugget Arcade building on main street in Hanover. We offer easy online self-scheduling at https://www.precisionopt.com/. We approach each patient as a unique individual and would be honored for the opportunity to work with you. 

Success Story: Going the Distance

Upon meeting Dr. Tae in January 2023, I knew that life was going to change for the better!  I had recently agreed to be my sister's teammate in a 29029 hiking endurance event and knew I needed help in accomplishing this goal. Unfortunately, I had been living with chronic joint pain for the past 20 years and had major concerns about being able to complete the event.  

What I realized during my first visit is that Dr. Tae is an excellent listener and a highly skilled professional! His ability to use multiple healing modalities in one visit has been extremely beneficial. I also appreciated the personalized strengthening exercises that he gave me to work on between visits. His humor and understanding that we are all human and learning made this journey of health even more beneficial. I truly believe that I have not only strengthened my body but my mind and spirit also.

Not only did my sister and I complete our event, we were two hours above the average time. I feel that my body thrived on the mountain.  I felt strong and capable during our 32-hour quest.  I have also been very excited about how my body recovered! I have used the techniques that Dr. Tae taught me and they have proven to be very beneficial. I am looking forward to my next appointment when I arrive back in town.

As a 50+ woman focusing on longevity, I feel blessed to have Dr. Tae and Precision Osteopractic on my team!

Success Story: Functional and Strong

I came to Dr. Greg/Precision Osteopractic back in 2019 looking for someone to help me with some lower back and neck pain left over from years of competitive rowing during college and beyond, and a newly unstable pelvis and lower back after giving birth to my son. I had dreams of making Team USA as a rower after college, but the diagnosis of a genetic heart condition at age 25 took away my ability to be an endurance athlete overnight. Now at 38, and a new mom, I needed more support to keep my body comfortable, functional, and strong.

I can remember thinking during my first session that Greg was the best practitioner I have had the opportunity to work with, and as my body continued to feel better after that first session, my belief solidified as I continued to work with him. He is smart, attentive, intuitive, and effective, with seemingly endless tools and approaches at his disposal. 

In a handful of sessions, my pain was gone, and I had a clear roadmap forward to how I could take care of myself going forward to strengthen what was weak and mobilize what was less mobile. I also had this sneaking suspicion that going to see Greg regularly was a good way to stay on top of issues that can build up over time, and he shared this approach.

Greg and I have worked together every 10-12 weeks for years now, and I believe it is the single best thing I can do for the overall health and functioning of my body, particularly my musculoskeletal system. It is an investment in myself now and in my future self. Now at age 42, between the treatments in the office and the exercises I do at home, I feel as mobile and strong as I did in my 20s, and while things are different, I know I have decades ahead of me of enjoying what my body and I can do together in the world physically. The investment more than pays off and I feel so fortunate Dr. Greg and Dr. Tae are here in the Upper Valley.

Success Story: Achieving New Heights

After enduring four years of Division I sports, my body struggled to keep pace with the level and intensity of exercise that I continued to demand from it while in the “retirement stage” of my collegiate career. Without the support of my team’s athletic trainer, I lacked professional knowledge and treatment when mild knee discomfort quickly escalated into debilitating pain. 

Having been an athlete my whole life, I didn’t understand why suddenly I couldn’t walk or descend stairs – let alone run a mile – without intense knee pain. For nearly two months I tried to remedy the situation on my own, yet my efforts were to no avail. Thankfully, multiple teammates raved about the skill and compassion of Dr. Tae, guiding me towards Precision Osteopractic. 

When initially scheduling an appointment, Dr. Tae had no availability for the subsequent two weeks; however, I emailed him, explaining my situation, and he was able to make time for me within 48 hours. I really appreciated his responsiveness and flexibility, realizing that I would be in great hands moving forward. When I stepped into Dr. Tae’s office for the first time, I described my situation but more importantly, I described my goal for treatment. In three months, I was slated to hike Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, but how could I possibly accomplish this feat if I struggled to simply walk down the stairs? From that point on, Dr. Tae did everything to ensure that I would not only complete the hike, but that I would thrive on the hike – without giving my knee a second thought. 

Dr. Tae diagnosed my knee pain as a manifestation of something bigger occurring in my hip region and we swiftly got to work. Through a series of stretches (edited over time to account for different muscles), cupping, and dry-needling, I began to feel like the athlete I once was! The intelligence and expertise that Dr. Tae brought to the table was truly remarkable, as he clearly held a deep understanding of the human body. I believe that Dr. Tae went beyond the textbook methods of recovery, tailoring a personalized recovery plan that addressed my specific needs and challenges. His ability to explain complex muscle concepts in an accessible manner not only educated me about my own condition, but also empowered me to take an active role in my own healing. Furthermore, Dr. Tae fostered a sense of camaraderie and trust that made every session both productive and enjoyable. His ability to listen attentively, provide encouragement, and adapt the treatment plan based on my feedback ensured that I felt supported every step of the way. 

Thanks to Dr. Tae and Precision Osteopractic, I am now able to engage in activities I once feared were out of reach. I am proud to say that I summited Mount Kilimanjaro without any knee pain and have returned to my usual running regimen – while continuing to use the very same stretches and exercises that Dr. Tae provided me with three months prior. In a world where exceptional healthcare professionals can be difficult to find, I consider myself very fortunate to have been under the care of Dr. Tae and Precision Osteopractic.

Mobility vs Stability: The Balance of Homeostasis

The human body is a homeostasis machine. Our bodies like to be at baseline: baseline body temperature, baseline hydration, baseline movement level, and our bodies are very clever about how they maintain that normal level. When it comes to the musculoskeletal system and how we move, our brains are constantly adapting to our external and internal environment. As we grow stronger, less force is required, and if our training fades, compensations have to be ordered. The goal is to be in the middle, to marry mobility and stability so that our bodies can move fluidly with force, but that is easier said than done.

Some bodies are more mobile at baseline than others: loose and stretchy. We all know people who have always been able to bend over to touch the floor. Or maybe you know someone who is “double-jointed” or hypermobile: able to move some or all of their joints beyond what baseline is for most. More mobile bodies require more intervention from the musculoskeletal system to get back to baseline because their foundation, their connective tissue, is typically less rigid and provides less structural support.

Photo by Alex Shaw on Unsplash.com

That is important to consider because if you are someone who is generally flexible or hypermobile and you have an injury it is likely not something that needs to stretch. Often, your body is looking to find that middle ground, homeostasis again, and muscles are stiffening up to compensate for that difference in structural integrity. If stretching and mobility don’t change symptoms and your activity level continues to suffer, it may be time to start strengthening the pieces of the puzzle instead of stretching them. 

On the contrary, there are imbalances in mobility that can contribute to injury. If your body is limited in the range of motion due to restrictions at the joint or muscular level, then it will be challenged in completing tasks. This imbalance in mobility can lead to compensations that develop into problematic patterns and eventually injuries. Mobility can be described as a tolerance for time-under-tension, or the ability for joints and muscles to adapt at end ranges of motions and typically that is the way to develop and train mobility. To gain more range of motion in functional positions and movements, you have to spend time at the end range of those movements. 

This post should give you an idea about where to start with your current limitations. If the joint in question is already mobile, it requires strengthening. If there are range-of-motion restrictions, then working on mobility is the place to start. If you are unsure about where your body falls on the spectrum: < Mobility <> Stability >, then it is time to check in with the Osteopractic experts at Precision where we start with a comprehensive screening to determine where to start to get you back on track to achieving your goals. —PrecisionOPT.com—

Success Snapshot: Dartmouth Aerialist Flies to Success

“I am an aerialist, mostly trapeze, and I’m also on Dartmouth club surf and gymnastics. Basically, I love running around. Mid March I broke my right ankle, about a year after I had ACL reconstruction surgery on the same leg. It was my senior spring at Dartmouth, and I was utterly devastated. I had surgery for my Weber B fibular fracture during spring break on March 15, 2023. My surgeon estimated I’d need to spend six weeks on crutches, and an additional two in the boot, at least. My prior experiences with rehab had been mundane and ineffective. Physical therapy is almost optional after ankle surgery and doesn’t usually start until the boot comes off. I almost didn’t see anyone for rehab, but my friend on the varsity track team told me to reach out to Dr. Tae. I was skeptical, but it was the best decision I could have made. Dr. Tae isn’t like other PTs. Osteopractic, as I came to learn, combines dry needling, electric stimulation, and deep tissue activation with exercise. Manually working my muscles in a holistic way with Dr. Tae before I was weight-bearing got me off crutches and walking two weeks earlier than expected. It was miraculous, and my pain was minimal. I started surfing 10 weeks post-op. I probably could have gone earlier had there been waves! I am now back to my usual training regimen. 

Dr. Tae completely restored my confidence as an athlete. He reminded me of my best coaches who pushed me to train aggressively without sacrificing my well-being. With him, I learned to trust my intuition, and he taught me how to evaluate my own body to know what it could handle. I didn’t just come away with a stronger ankle but with a holistic understanding of my physical health. Plus, he has great music taste and sessions are never boring. I send all my friends - and even professors - his way. I am forever grateful for the care I received and the coaching I got that allowed me to return to the activities I love, safely, and in record time. ”

Easy online Self-Scheduling with one of our Osteopractic clinicians at PrecisionOPT.com

Success Snapshot: Throwing the Distance

A session with Dr. Greg is my secret weapon. I’m very good at finding new ways to injure myself in my sport, but Dr. Greg can cut my healing time in half. This helps me get back to my javelin throwing sooner. My mindset is that I will recover but along with Dr. Greg’s methods and advice the progress is now much faster. Thank you, Dr. Greg & Precision, for your expertise!

Zane Rodriguez, Masters Javelin Thrower

3rd place, 2022 World Masters Championships

Success Snapshot: Sending it on Skis!

Participating in extreme sports year round requires me to be on top of my game and pain free at all times. In the summer you will find me on the mountain biking trails, climbing and descending all of the locals favorite spots. In the winter, I manage a small non-profit ski area and I am on my skis every day that we have snow helping in mountain operations, lift operations and ski school. On my days off in the winter, you can find me alpine touring in the backcountry or skiing fast, backwards and flying off jumps at bigger resorts. When you spend hours on your bike or skis, your body needs to be in tip-top shape to keep you going pain free. That is what led me to Precision Osteopractic.

After sustaining an injury to my upper back and neck, I found myself not being able to ski the way I like to. I could no longer ski backwards, hit jumps or ski aggressively due to a worsening pain in my neck. That is when I met Dr. Greg. After four sessions with Dr. Greg, my pain is gone! I am back to skiing the way I used to, and progressing daily. Not only did Dr. Greg’s Osteopractic Physical Therapy relieve my pain, he gave me tips and exercises that help ensure the pain stays away. Thanks to Dr. Greg, I have a great self-care routine of stretching and corrective exercises. This routine keeps me functioning at my highest level and has added benefits of relaxation and meditation each morning. I cannot recommend Precision OPT enough. If you are ready to rid yourself of that chronic nagging pain, get on Precision's schedule now!

Book Now

Success Snapshot: Back to College Pain Free!

Lia, a Hanover High alum and new USC Trojan, was experiencing some pain that was slowing her down on the slopes and challenging her upcoming season on the field. Her experience with Precision OPT went like this:

“Dr. Tae eliminated my persistent knee pain in just two visits! The needling and cupping work he did dissipated my pain, and the personalized exercises he created for me have prevented the pain from returning. As a former Hanover High 3-sport athlete and a current college club athlete, I appreciate his deep understanding of a female athlete’s body and its functions. Dr. Tae is extremely professional as well as personable. He is clearly very knowledgeable in his field, but is able to explain everything he does so that the patient can fully understand and appreciate his work.”

If you are experiencing a persistent issue, chronic pain, or restriction preventing you from doing what you love, come to the Osteopractic experts at Precision. We will identify the cause of your pain, address the root cause, and alleviate or eliminate the symptoms.. Easily self schedule an appointment at PrecisionOPT.com

Success Story: Tuned Up for the World Cup!

The pursuit of excellence in my sport and profession led me to Precision Osteopractic.  Playing for the Men’s US National Field Hockey Team and working as an ICU Nurse are physically demanding passions.  I’ve always wanted to be the best at what I am doing and as time passes along and life gets busier and more demanding I’ve realized I need help optimizing my performance.  

At age 16, as I was fighting my way onto the USA Men’s Junior National Outdoor Field Hockey Team I developed hip pain. I was fortunate enough to play on both the Junior and Senior National teams for field hockey for 8 years. My career always had the undertone that hip pain is part of the sport. It’s played on a hard surface with a short stick, often requiring deep lunging postures, quick directional changes, cutting, pivoting and twisting.  I was always searching for ways to manage the pain and improve my mobility. Even with the guidance of the Team USA Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainers, and Strength and Conditioning coaches, I was never able to truly identify the source of pain and rectify the problem. The general consensus amongst the health care professionals I worked with was that the only fix was to stop playing, otherwise learn to deal with it. Consequently, I retired from the National Team in 2018 and focused on my career as a nurse. 

Nursing is a demanding profession, often requiring heavy lifts to transfer or move patients, odd ergonomic positions when performing clinical techniques, and long hours with high levels of responsibility.  It can be stressful and has resulted in several bouts of low back pain over the years. 

In 2019, I returned to playing field hockey at the international level for the USA Men's Indoor Field Hockey team. Unfortunately, this almost instantly reignited my left hip issues. Enter Precision Osteopractic & Dr. Greg.  I decided to take advantage of Precision's free 15 minute screening opportunity and during that short session gained an understanding of the source of my hip pain, an encouraging prognosis and sense of confidence that we could resolve this chronic problem so I could pursue my dreams. During that quick 15 minute screening, Dr. Greg told me that I could become pain free and compete at the international level. I was skeptical, to say the least, since every other Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine Physician had previously told me it was going to be impossible to be pain free if I continued playing and training. So I made the commitment and within four sessions I had the education and tools from Precision to be successful. I was taught how to increase my ankle, hip, and back mobility. During our sessions I received incredibly helpful dry needling treatments as well as spinal and hip adjustments. This truly changed my hip pain and improved my pain-free mobility. I was able to lift weights, run, and play hockey at my highest level all while being pain-free for the first time ever! 

Then, March 2020 happened and it was all hands on deck for nurses. We all worked overtime shifts, long days and managed patients with high acuity.  At work, I sustained a lower back injury moving a patient as so many nurses do. Precision Osteopractic was my first call. No referrals or primary care visits required.  I was able to be evaluated right away.  A quick assessment by Dr. Greg determined I had injured my quadratus lumborum (QL) muscle (a large muscle on the side of my back). This tied into my core strength and hip mobility (I started to see a theme here) which made sense to me. Again, Greg was able to address this quickly in the clinic and show me how to continue self-care at home. Four dry needling sessions got me back to work with no back issues. 

 Now, I am fortunate enough to work with Precision as I prepare to play in the Indoor Field Hockey World Cup at the end of January, 2023.  As my training volume intensifies and I continue to train both on and off the field, the tune-up sessions are paramount to my success. Anytime I want to care for my body as an athlete, the guidance and care I receive at Precision OPT is invaluable. I am forever grateful for the expertise, the confidence, and professional care I receive every time I work with Precision Osteopractic.

Precision Osteopractic has two convenient locations and two specialized Osteopractic Clinicians. They are conveniently located on Main St. in Hanover on the second floor of the Nugget Arcade building and on the ground floor of the River Valley Club. To learn more and self-schedule an appointment please visit them at PrecisionOPT.com

Schedule Appointment

Success Snapshot: Flying Without Wings

3 years ago I sustained a hip injury that consequently caused symptoms of urgency and frequency in urination. My medical diagnosis was Interstitial Cystitis. I was never convinced my injury had anything to do with my bladder but I certainly had symptoms one would think was related to a problem with the bladder. I was prescribed a number of drugs, none of which made a difference. I was a walking zombie, still having urgency and frequency that derailed my daily life. After a lot of research it was clear my injury had caused pelvic floor dysfunction. My husband was seeing Greg and mentioned my issues and Greg said “ I can needle for that”. After a number of strategic dry needling sessions with Greg and physical therapy exercises I was able to come off all drugs. I am currently pain free and only see Greg on a sporadic basis when I overdo myself physically. In my opinion dry needling is one of the only treatments for pelvic floor dysfunction and more women need to know this. Greg is responsible for restoring my life!