Dry Needling
Dry Needling Therapy at Sol Physical Therapy: Targeted Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation
Specialized Care for Musculoskeletal Pain and Dysfunction
Sol Physical Therapy offers dry needling therapy to help individuals suffering from musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Our skilled therapists provide precise and effective treatment to alleviate pain, release muscle tension, and improve mobility for those experiencing a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
What is Dry Needling Therapy?
Dry needling therapy involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points within muscles, tendons, ligaments, or fascia to release tension and alleviate pain. Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling targets specific anatomical structures to address musculoskeletal issues and promote healing.
Conditions We Treat
- Muscle Tension and Trigger Points: Targeting tight, knotted muscles and trigger points that cause pain and restrict movement.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Addressing chronic pain and tightness in the muscles and surrounding connective tissue.
- Neck and Back Pain: Alleviating pain and stiffness in the neck, upper back, lower back, and shoulders.
- Headaches and Migraines: Providing relief from tension headaches and migraines caused by muscle tension and trigger points.
- Joint Pain and Dysfunction: Supporting recovery from conditions like arthritis, tendonitis, and bursitis by reducing pain and improving range of motion.
- Sports Injuries: Accelerating healing and relieving pain associated with sports-related injuries such as strains, sprains, and overuse injuries.
Our Approach
- Comprehensive Assessment: We conduct a thorough evaluation to identify areas of muscle tension, trigger points, and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
- Precise Needle Placement: Using sterile, disposable needles, we target specific trigger points and areas of muscle tightness to achieve optimal results.
- Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation: Dry needling promotes the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body and encourages muscle relaxation, providing immediate relief and improved function.
- Patient Education: We educate patients about the dry needling process, potential benefits, and what to expect during and after treatment.
- Integration with Other Therapies: Dry needling may be combined with other physical therapy techniques, such as manual therapy, exercise, and modalities, to enhance overall treatment effectiveness.
Why Choose Sol Physical Therapy for Dry Needling?
- Experienced Therapists: Our therapists have specialized training and certification in dry needling therapy, ensuring safe and effective treatment.
- Evidence-Based Practice: We use the latest research and best practices to deliver high-quality dry needling therapy tailored to each patient’s needs.
- Focused Treatment: Dry needling targets the underlying source of pain and dysfunction, providing targeted relief and promoting long-term healing.
- Personalized Care: We develop individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique condition, goals, and preferences.
- Patient-Centered Approach: We prioritize patient comfort, safety, and satisfaction throughout the dry needling experience.
Experience Targeted Pain Relief
Find relief from musculoskeletal pain and tension with dry needling therapy at Sol Physical Therapy. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and discover how dry needling can help you achieve optimal musculoskeletal health and function.
Meet Our Specialists
AJ Noble, PT, DPT
AJ is a local Tucsonan who graduated from the University of Arizona and is back after receiving his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University. AJ spent nine years coaching and training athletes of all levels (from youth to professional), predominantly in basketball and swimming, and some in volleyball, golf, and softball, before pursuing his interest in physical therapy and current work in the orthopedic, sports, and pediatric fields. He enjoys utilizing manual techniques including Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Trigger Point Dry Needling, Kinesio Tape, and Joint Mobilization, as well as focusing on therapeutic exercise to help patients achieve therapy goals. In addition to being Titleist Performance Institute certified for golf, AJ has experience with vestibular rehabilitation, and pediatric conditions including sports and orthopedic injuries, torticollis, developmental delay in gross mobility, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
AJ enjoys carrying his own interests back to the clinic including basketball, soccer, golf, swimming, skiing and outdoor adventure to help his diverse patient group get back to what they love most.
Rachel Locke, OTR/L, CHT, C/NDT
Rachel graduated with a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Barry University, after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. Rachel is a certified hand therapist (CHT), holding advanced knowledge and extensive training in shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand-specific rehabilitation. Rachel is proficient in splinting the upper quarter to facilitate healing post-surgery as well as to reduce pain and improve function in the non-surgical upper limb.
In addition to upper extremity orthopedic specialty, Rachel is certified in neuro-developmental treatment, a treatment approach specific to rehabilitating the upper limb post brain injury/stroke. Rachel believes the upper extremities provide a level of independence that is directly related to quality of life. Rachel enjoys helping her patients restore function and reduce pain so they can participate in activities that are meaningful.
Outside of practicing occupational therapy, Rachel enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter and two dogs.
Stephanie Popelka, PT, DPT
Stephanie is a Physical Therapist with 17 years of experience in the outpatient, orthopedic setting. She originally hails from Indiana but has called Tucson home for over 10 years. She earned a B.A. in Pre-Medicine and Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and went on to Northwestern University to complete a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Her rehabilitation interests include upper and lower extremity rehabilitation, spine rehabilitation, and return to sport and/or work. Her specialty training areas include Graston Technique, Dry Needling, Cupping, Muscle Energy Techniques, Mulligan Techniques, Joint Mobilization, and Trigger Point Release.
In her free time, Stephanie can be found spending time with her husband, their two sons, and their dog, Rocky. She also enjoys cooking, baking, cross-stitching, cheering on Notre Dame, playing tennis, hiking, biking, and skiing.
Savannah Carlson, PT, DPT
Savannah specializes in evaluating and treating orthopedic and sports injuries and conditions as well as rehabilitation in upper and lower extremities, spinal region, and return to sports or work. A true Arizona native, Savannah grew up in Tucson and attended Northern Arizona University to receive both her bachelor’s in Exercise Science and her Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Her journey in physical therapy started as a patient, battling injuries caused by years of youth softball and volleyball. This first-hand experience led her towards the path of helping patients from the therapist perspective.
An avid reader, you can find Savannah enjoying a good book when she is not in the clinic treating. She also loves being outdoors, especially to participate in water activities like stand up paddle boarding or walking her dog, Rocky.
Sharon Farrell, PT
Sharon has over 30 years of experience treating spine and both upper and lower extremity issues including acute injury, post-op, fractures, joint replacement and chronic issues/diagnosis. She attended the University of Arizona and went on to Northern Arizona University to receive her Physical Therapy degree. Sharon’s current focus is with active adults, assisting clients in meeting goals of restoring abilities and returning to daily activity such as at home independence, returning to work, and returning to sport and recreation. She has a special interest in treatment and management of osteopenia and osteoporosis. Sharon’s focus is providing one-on-one care, tailored to clients’ specific needs and goals, with a hands-on approach. Sharon’s treatment strategies entail manual techniques, functional movement, strength, balance and posture training. She has been practicing in Tucson since 1987, beginning her career in TMC’s Neurological and Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit, then serving as the supervisor of TMC’s Outpatient Orthopedic Clinic, and then going into private practice in 1990, specializing in Manual Therapy and Orthopedics. Throughout her career, Sharon has completed numerous postgraduate courses and trainings including certification in Dry Needling and Kinesio Taping techniques.
Outside of the clinic, Sharon enjoys hiking, Pilates, skiing, golf, tennis, group exercise classes (Zumba, P90X, Insanity) and volunteer work in the community.
Megan Bardach, PT, DPT
Megan has a Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Arizona with a Minor in Spanish, and received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Northern Arizona University in Phoenix. She was born and raised in Tucson, and returned to live in Oro Valley after completing her education. Her specialties include orthopedics and geriatrics, including acute, chronic, and post-operative conditions. Megan focuses on teaching self-management of conditions to help patients feel confident in maintaining their improvement outside of the clinic. Megan is also certified in Dry Needling, to be used for appropriate conditions and diagnoses.
In her free time, Megan likes to spend time with her husband and her two dachshunds, visiting the park and eating all the delicious food that Tucson has to offer.
What Our Patients Say...
I was very happy with my experience here. The staff was friendly and helpful. My therapist was excellent. All over a wonderful place to get therapy! Highly recommend!
- Holly W. (via Google Reviews)
I see 3 of the physical therapist there and feel like part of the family. I am treated with respect and my pains are very serious to them as they always put me first. Thank you SOL Physical Therapy!
- Dawn R. (via Google Reviews)
I have been to many different physical therapy places but of all the ones I have been to, I must say, SOL Physical Therapy is the best. All the therapists, techs and front office personnel are unbelievably friendly, knowledgeable and always willing to assist you and your questions. They never try and rush you through your therapy (and I have been places where that was definitely the case). I would recommend SOL to anyone that needs physical therapy, they are top notch!!
- Debbie A. (via Google Reviews)
Sol Physical Therapy is such an incredible place to go for physical therapy. I have been going for over a year and have never once had a problem. Everyone from the front desk staff, to the techs, to the physical therapists are extremely helpful, care about the patients, and will do whatever is needed to support you as the patient.
- Aimee K. (via Google Reviews)
We brought our 4 month old in to see AJ for torticollis. I am beyond happy we found this place as AJ was AMAZING with our son. He was personable and explanatory with everything and our son smiled so much during our visit while he was checking out his range of motion and doing stretches. We have upcoming appointments and though he is booked out a good month in advance it is WORTH the wait ten fold ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Tali B. (via Google Reviews)
I have had the pleasure of seeing Stephanie L, Dan, Rachel, and Joe at the Fort Lowell location. They are all extremely knowledgeable and know how to make the experience fun, even when you are in pain. I would (and have) highly recommend them to anyone who needs PT or OT. Kailey at the front desk is always very kind and willing to help as well.
- Sarah G. (via Google Reviews)
The staff is amazing. Very knowledgeable therapists. The front office staff is very friendly. I can’t say enough about the practice but thank you to everyone.
- Paulla N. (via Google Reviews)
We took our daughter here to get evaluated for her torticollis. The staff was very friendly and helped us get set up with a few appointments at once. Our physical therapist AJ was very informative and was gentle with our baby. Definitely looking forward to coming back for future appointments.
- Nick T. (via Google Reviews)
I would not choose another place! Very professional and goes beyond to get you in at your convenience!
- D. A. (via Google Reviews)
The BEST! Philip is my Vestibular/Physical therapist. I have been diagnosed with bilateral, Superior Canal Dehiscence. Migraines, balance problems, hearing loss, the whole 9 yards. After a procedure to correct one side (done at UCLA), I had to find a "VRT". My husband and I absolutely love the results and improvements in my daily life. Thank you Philip, Patrick, Jessie, Jessa, A.J, Matt and Sharon, for the help you all provide to your patients!!
- D. Val (via Google Reviews)
We picked this physical therapy business randomly as it was close to home and they take my insurance. As it turned out, we were very pleased. The staff was very efficient and friendly. The thing that pleased me most was that they asked how things went since the last session. Then based on what I said, they tailored the day's exercises.
- Barbara S. (via Google Reviews)