Dry Needling (DN) is a valuable effective skilled treatment utilized to address musculoskeletal pain, muscle stiffness, neuromuscular inhibitive weakness, joint restrictions, arthritis pain, Headaches, TMJ, tendinopathy, ligamentous strains, nerve pain, Inflammation, vascularity (blood flow), scar restrictions and post sport recovery whilst promoting homeostasis and healing.
Trigger point dry needling involves inserting a fine, sterile monofilament non cannulated needle into a muscle or muscles in order to release shortened bands of muscles called trigger points. Sterile technique is used and safe application to address specific targeted tissue while avoiding sensitive neurovascular structures, visceral and pulmonary structures. DN can help resolve pain and muscle tension, will promote healing and helps to improve functional mobility. This does not involve injection and is not traditional Chinese Acupuncture but is instead a medical treatment that relies on a medical diagnosis, detailed anatomical knowledge and skilled clinical assessment identifying trigger points in order to be safe and effective.
Other dry needling techniques include specific placement of needles along nerve and vascular pathways, around and in tendons and ligaments, fascial stimulation, bone surface stimulation and in and around scar tissue. Several different skills and techniques are used including pistoning, needle winding with needles remaining in tissue for a period of time, pecking of tendon and bone, scar winding to gently release adhesions, electric dry needling and fascial needling.
Physical therapists do not require certification but do require 50 hours of training through a credentialed program and 25 observed post training cases to be qualified to legally perform dry needling in the State of Florida. Dr. Pierce has gone above and beyond the basic requirements, acquiring multiple peer reviewed certifications and attaining 150 hours of multidisciplinary training to provide his patients with the safest, most comprehensive advanced and effective dry needling available. Dr. Pierce's initial training included an additional 30 hours of advanced techniques totaling 80 hours. After passing a rigorous theoretical and practical examination process he was awarded certification and the prestigious credential of CMTPT/DN (Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist/Dry Needling) through Myopain Seminars the leaders in trigger point needling.
Physical therapists do not require certification but do require 50 hours of training through a credentialed program and 25 observed post training cases to be qualified to legally perform dry needling in the State of Florida. Dr. Pierce has gone above and beyond the basic requirements, acquiring multiple peer reviewed certifications and attaining 150 hours of multidisciplinary training to provide his patients with the safest, most comprehensive advanced and effective dry needling available. Dr. Pierce's initial training included an additional 30 hours of advanced techniques totaling 80 hours. After passing a rigorous theoretical and practical examination process he was awarded certification and the prestigious credential of CMTPT/DN (Certified Myofascial Trigger Point Therapist/Dry Needling) through Myopain Seminars the leaders in trigger point needling.
Dr. Pierce has gone on to do additional training in the unique advanced technique of Functional Subcutaneous Needling through Functional Fascia Therapeutics (FFT) and is the only FFT certified practitioner in Florida and 1 of 40 in the country. Dr. Pierce has completed additional training in electric and peri neurovascular needling through the Dry Needling Institute of the American Academy of Manipulative therapy awarded designation of Cert. DN.
Dr. Pierce is a Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with 28 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist. Combining his eclectic spectrum of advanced manual therapy certifications, techniques and skills, 150 hours of training in multiple disciplines of dry needling brings a safe unique highly effective comprehensive advanced treatment to all his patients for superior outcomes. Dr. Pierce has been practicing and has integrated dry needling extensively and effectively as team physical therapist with the ECHL Florida Everblades professional ice hockey team having great success keeping these professional athletes on the ice and having great results with post game recovery. He has also been utilizing Dry needling in clinic for 5 years at North Naples Physical Therapy with excellent clinical outcomes and is receiving accolades with rave patient satisfaction.
Dr. Pierce in Action
