Sol Physical Therapy




Dry Needling Therapy

Dry needling is performed by a specially certified therapist who uses thin needles to stimulate a muscle or tissue to facilitate healing. Dry needling can be done as a standalone therapy or in connection with physical therapy to help speed up the healing process and get you back to life.

PT dry needling a patient
dry needling on a patient's leg
dry needling patient's arm

FAQs

Dry needling (or trigger point dry needling) is a procedure used to reduce pain and soreness through the insertion of thin needles into muscle or tissue.

A certified dry needling therapist inserts a thin needle (i.e. an acupuncture needle) into the skin and muscle. The needle stimulates a “twitch” response in the muscle fibers, which releases the trigger point that is causing the pain.

The name might sound scary, but dry needling is safe, minimally discomforting, and can be an effective technique for patients with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

Providers

Stephanie Popelka, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

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.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Savannah Gates, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

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.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

AJ Noble, PT, DPT
Clinic Director

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.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Sharon Farrell, PT
Physical Therapist

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.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.

Jacob Vogel, PT, DPT, ATC
Physical Therapist

Jacob Vogel is a physical therapist and certified athletic trainer who has a special interest in treating orthopedic conditions, sports injuries, vestibular disorders, concussions and headaches. He is certified in dry needling and the Graston Technique, and is passionate about providing a therapy experience that uses specific treatments to meet specific goals.

Understanding one’s condition, movement impairment or functional limitation is key during the rehabilitation journey. Jacob is intent on ensuring each patient feels educated and empowered through the recovery process allowing confident return to the activities he or she loves.

Outside of work, Jacob spends time with his wife hiking, biking, camping and fishing. He enjoys cheering on his favorite Indiana sports teams and playing basketball, golf and soccer.

To learn about our other practitioners, go to Our Team page.