This advanced technique allows them to effectively target muscle tension and trigger points to help relieve pain, improve mobility, and speed up recovery. Each of them incorporates dry needling into personalized treatment plans to help patients move better, feel better, and get back to the activities they love. Scott Vancura, DPT, Philip Parker, DPT, and Kaylee Jensen, DPT, are all certified in dry needling.
Pinpoint Relief:
Discover the Power of Dry Needling
As the cooler November weather sets in across Nebraska, many people begin to notice familiar aches and stiffness returning to their muscles and joints. Whether you’re an athlete finishing the fall season, a parent staying busy with holiday prep, or someone managing chronic pain, your body may be telling you it needs a reset. At Columbus Physical Therapy, Humphrey Physical Therapy, and Northeast Nebraska Physical Therapy, we’re proud to offer Dry Needling, an advanced treatment technique that helps restore comfort, mobility, and strength.
Understanding Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a modern, research-supported physical therapy treatment designed to reduce pain, release muscle tension, and improve movement. It involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into areas of tight or knotted muscle known as trigger points. These points often develop when muscle fibers stay contracted for too long, limiting blood flow and causing discomfort or reduced range of motion.
Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, Dry Needling is rooted in Western science and focuses on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. The goal is to stimulate the body’s natural healing response by releasing the trigger point and improving local circulation. This can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore normal muscle function.
How Dry Needling Works
During your session, your physical therapist will assess areas of tightness, tenderness, or restricted movement. Once the target muscles are identified, small filiform needles are inserted directly into the trigger points. This process stimulates the muscle to contract and then relax, which helps reset its activity and promotes healing. Many patients describe an immediate sense of relief or a noticeable decrease in muscle tension.
Research supports the effectiveness of Dry Needling for a wide range of conditions. Studies show that it can significantly reduce pain and improve function for people with chronic neck and shoulder pain, tension headaches, lower back pain, and athletic injuries. Another systematic review found that Dry Needling was particularly beneficial for upper-body musculoskeletal pain, helping patients achieve greater flexibility and faster return to activity.
Conditions That Respond Well to Dry Needling
This versatile treatment can benefit nearly anyone experiencing muscle pain or movement restrictions. It is often used to treat:
- Chronic muscle pain and stiffness from overuse or poor posture
- Arthritis and joint pain by addressing surrounding muscle tension and improving range of motion
- Sports injuries such as hamstring strains, tennis elbow, and rotator cuff pain
- Headaches and neck pain caused by tight muscles at the base of the skull or upper shoulders
- Lower back and hip pain, including sciatica and piriformis syndrome
- Post-surgical rehabilitation, to help restore normal muscle function after healing
- Work-related pain, especially for those with physically demanding or repetitive tasks
Dry Needling is often paired with other physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, or neuromuscular re-education to maximize recovery and improve long-term outcomes.
What to Expect During Treatment
Your therapist will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history, and goals. The treatment area is cleaned, and sterile, single-use needles are inserted into the targeted muscles. You may feel a mild twitch or brief ache as the muscle responds, followed by a deep sense of release. Afterward, it is common to feel mild soreness, similar to what you might experience after a workout, which typically resolves within a day or two.
Sessions usually last 15–30 minutes, depending on your needs and the number of areas treated. Most patients notice improvement within one to three sessions, though chronic conditions may require additional treatments. Your therapist will design a plan that complements your overall physical therapy program to ensure long-term success.
Why Patients Choose Columbus Physical Therapy
At Columbus Physical Therapy, PC, our certified physical therapists use evidence-based methods and advanced clinical training to help you recover safely and effectively. We understand that every patient’s pain is unique, and we take time to identify the root cause rather than only treating symptoms. Our goal is to help you move better, feel stronger, and live without limitations.
We offer Dry Needling at our Columbus, Humphrey, and Northeast Nebraska (Norfolk) locations, along with a full range of hands-on treatments and therapeutic exercises. Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with chronic muscle pain, or simply want to move more freely, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Feel Better, Move Better, Live Better
If you’ve been struggling with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, don’t wait for it to get worse. Discover how Dry Needling can help you find lasting relief and regain the activities you love. Schedule an appointment today at one of our convenient locations.
Exercise of the Month
DUMBBELL FRONT RAISE
Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms resting in front of your thighs and palms facing your body. Keeping your arms straight (but not locked), slowly raise both arms in front of you to shoulder height. Pause briefly, then lower back down with control.
3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: dumbbells)
3 Ways to Practice Gratitude
We all love Thanksgiving for the excellent food, football, and time spent with family, but truthfully, this holiday means much more. Practicing gratitude can lead to greater happiness all year long.
According to Harvard Health Publishing, “Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.”
If you want to implement more gratitude in your own life, take a look at these 3 tips.
1. Write thank you letters
Remember writing thank you letters? How long has it been since you wrote one? You don’t need to have a wedding, graduation, or other big life event to thank the people in your life. Try writing thank you letters to your friends and family for the little things– you’ll be surprised at how good it feels!
2. Write down what you are grateful for every day
This might sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Take a few minutes each morning or evening to write down at least 3 things that you are grateful for in your life. This repeated action helps us shift into a more positive mindset and can help fight symptoms of depression and anxiety.
3. Use visual reminders
It can be hard to remember to practice gratitude. With your hectic schedule, sometimes it can feel impossible to sit down, take a moment to breathe, and reflect on your blessings. Visual cues can be a great tool for reminding us to take a beat.
Something as simple as sticky notes, a poster, or even your home screen on your phone or laptop can help us remember to slow down and shift to a positive mindset.
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Innovative Approaches to Physical Wellness this Thanksgiving Season
Thanksgiving is more than just a day of feasting; it’s a time to come together and celebrate what we’re thankful for. While traditional advice often emphasizes the basics, let’s elevate your approach to physical well-being this season with these cutting-edge tips:
- Dynamic Warm-Up Before the Turkey Trot: If you’re planning a Thanksgiving morning run or family games, forget old-school stretching. Use a dynamic warm-up to prep your muscles and boost your range of motion.
- Text Neck Prevention: As we catch up on social media or text friends and family Thanksgiving wishes, “text neck” can be a real issue. Counteract this by sitting tall or not at all and doing neck stretches every hour.
- Mindfulness Through Movement: Instead of sitting to meditate or relax, try combining mindfulness with gentle movements like Tai Chi or a light stroll through the neighborhood.
Embrace your health by prioritizing your physical and mental well-being to ensure you have the best Thanksgiving yet!
Your Success Is Our Priority!
Return to Columbus Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
Savor all the comforting flavors of the holidays with this Paleo Gluten-Free Stuffing, made with wholesome, nutrient-rich ingredients. It’s a hearty, delicious side dish that brings the perfect balance of tradition and healthy eating to your festive table.
Healthy Recipe
Paleo Gluten Free Stuffing
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 small butternut squash, diced
- 2 cups Brussels sprouts, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium-sized yellow onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 apple, sliced and diced into small pieces
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh sage
- 2 Tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary (or 2 tsp dried)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Turkey Sausage: - 1 lb Ground chicken or turkey
- 1 Tbsp fennel seeds
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Mix together ingredients for turkey sausage in a large bowl. Add butternut squash and brussels sprouts to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over med-high heat. Add turkey sausage and break up with a slotted spoon, cooking about 5-7 minutes until just browned. Remove turkey from skillet and add in onions, celery, red pepper and apple, then drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Saute for about 7-8 minutes until veggies soften. Add turkey sausage back to skillet with other veggies. Add cooked squash and Brussels sprouts. Add that to the skillet along with rosemary and sage and saute another 2-3 minutes, stirring everything very well.
November Word Scramble
nrbareycr
tfuisngf
ouoarncpic
iamylf
drapea
altkunhf
Answer Key
cranberry
stuffing
cornucopia
family
parade
thankful
Kaylee Jensen, DPT
Columbus PT
Arthritis Workshop (Columbus)
Whether your arthritis affects your knees, hips, hands, shoulders, or spine — this workshop, Kaylee Jensen, DPT, will give you the knowledge and tools to take control of your pain and get back to doing what you love.
Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
Ashley Reestman, PTA
Northeast Nebraska PT
Arthritis Workshop (Norfolk)
Whether your arthritis affects your knees, hips, hands, shoulders, or spine — this workshop, Ashley Reestman, PTA, will give you the knowledge and tools to take control of your pain and get back to doing what you love.
Tuesday, Nov 11, 2025
Philip Parker, DPT
Columbus PT • Humphrey
Shoulder & Neck Pain Workshop (November • Humphrey)
(December • Columbus)
Get back to normal naturally without medication, injections or surgery. Led by Philip Parker, DPT, the workshop is for people suffering with shoulder pain who are looking to feel normal again and heal naturally without medications, injections and surgery.
Tuesday, Nov 18, 2025
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025
Sara Wendt, PTA
Columbus PT
Rotator Cuff Workshop (Columbus)
Get back to normal naturally without medication, injections or surgery. Led by Sara Wendt, PTA, the Rotator Cuff Workshop is for people suffering with shoulder pain who are looking to feel normal again and heal naturally without medications, injections and surgery.
Tuesday, Dec 9, 2025
DRY NEEDLING: A Precise Approach to Pain Relief
At Columbus Physical Therapy, we believe healing should target the root of your pain, not just the symptoms. One of the techniques our skilled therapists use to achieve that is dry needling, a safe and effective way to release muscle tension, improve mobility, and promote faster recovery.
Dry needling involves using a thin, sterile needle to gently stimulate specific trigger points within your muscles. This helps reset tight or knotted tissue, increases blood flow, and encourages your body’s natural healing response. It can be especially beneficial for conditions such as neck and back pain, shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, and chronic muscle tightness.
Many of our patients notice immediate improvements in movement and a decrease in discomfort following treatment. When combined with personalized exercise and manual therapy, dry needling helps restore function and get you back to feeling your best.
Ready to experience the Feel Good Difference? Contact us today to discover how dry needling can be an integral part of your recovery plan.
Staff Highlight
Help us congratulate our PTA, Jami, and her husband, Josh, on welcoming their sweet baby boy!
❤️ Brecken Michael
❤️ Born August 29th
❤️ 7lbs 14oz
❤️ 19.5 inches
Staff Spotlight: Meet Ashley Korth, PTA
Director of Rehab, Vice President of Operations
Meet Ashley, a hometown favorite who has been part of the Columbus Physical Therapy family since 2012. She loves connecting with patients and treating them as a whole while leading and growing alongside what she calls a “top-notch team.” Born and raised in Columbus, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, playing volleyball, and cheering on Husker volleyball with a cup of Folgers coffee and a splash of milk in hand.
