Why I'm Finally Adding Dry Needling to My Norfolk Physical Therapy Practice: A Journey from Skeptic to Advocate

Dry needling

Why I'm Finally Adding Dry Needling to My Practice: A Journey from Skeptic to Advocate

For the past five years, I've had a front-row seat to one of the most significant developments in physical therapy: the explosive growth of dry needling. What started as a relatively niche treatment has evolved into one of the most sought-after interventions in our field, backed by an ever-expanding body of research demonstrating its effectiveness.

The Question I Hear Most Often

Without fail, when athletes discover I'm a physical therapist, the conversation quickly turns to one question: "Do you dry needle?" It's become the new standard inquiry, replacing the old standbys about stretching routines or ice versus heat. This shift alone speaks volumes about how dramatically the landscape of physical therapy has changed and how educated our clients have become about treatment options.

Why I Waited: The Corporate Healthcare Dilemma

For years, I found myself in a frustrating position. While working within the corporate healthcare system, the path to dry needling certification was laden with bureaucratic hurdles. The time investment, financial requirements, and reimbursement strings attached through my employer created significant barriers. More importantly, I wasn't yet fully convinced of the treatment approach myself.

In the world of corporate "sick care" – as I like to call it – professional development decisions often prioritize what's financially expedient over what's clinically optimal. The system's focus on volume and quick fixes didn't align with my growing understanding of what truly helps people achieve lasting results.

The Freedom of Private Practice

Now, as the owner and clinician of Plan for Resilience Physical Therapy and Wellness (PFR, everything has changed. I have the autonomy to invest in treatment approaches where I genuinely see the most value and benefit for my clients. This freedom isn't just about business decisions – it's about being able to practice physical therapy the way I believe it should be practiced.

Without the constraints of corporate policies and profit-driven priorities, I can focus on what matters most: helping my clients become the most resilient versions of themselves.

A Commitment to Continuous Learning

As a physical therapist, continuous learning isn't just encouraged – it's part of our professional DNA. The field evolves rapidly, new research emerges constantly, and effective practitioners must evolve alongside it. My decision to pursue dry needling certification represents this commitment to growth, but it certainly won't be my last investment in professional development.

The beauty of our profession lies in its complexity and the multitude of tools we have at our disposal. Dry needling will be a valuable addition to my existing repertoire, complementing the comprehensive approach I already take with each client.

Looking Forward

Adding dry needling to my practice isn't about following trends or meeting market demand – though I recognize both exist. It's about expanding my ability to help people overcome pain, improve function, and build resilience. After years of observation, research review, and clinical experience, I'm confident that dry needling will enhance the outcomes I can achieve for my clients.

This addition represents more than just a new certification; it symbolizes the evolution of PFR Physical Therapy and my ongoing commitment to providing the highest level of care possible.

What This Means for You

If you're one of the many people who have asked about dry needling, your wait is nearly over. Soon, I'll be able to offer this evidence-based treatment as part of our comprehensive approach to physical therapy. But remember – dry needling is just one tool in a much larger toolkit. The magic happens when we combine multiple interventions tailored specifically to your unique needs and goals.

As always, thank you for trusting PFR Physical Therapy with your health and wellness journey.

Dr. Hallie Afentakis, PT, DPT, DN-Cert