The connection between alcohol and increased risk of cancer. That is particularly important because Blancas says most of his patients are already on multiple medications. For the most part, he says, they want to feel less pain by learning how to help themselves.
Dry needling treats muscle tissue, and its goal is to reduce pain, inactivate trigger points and restore function. Trigger points are tight bands in the muscles that restrict movement, and it is into these that thin needles are pushed to alleviate pain.
Blancas says they see patients with vertigo, dizziness and post-stroke weakness. Many of his clients are post-orthopedic surgery patients who have undergone cervical spine fusions, carpal tunnel release, rotator cuff repairs and total shoulder replacements to name just a few. Blancas explains that older patients who suffered with coronavirus during its first wave were often hospitalized for extended periods of time and ended up with lung damage. Many were not on oxygen prior to the pandemic but must use it now.
Some come in wheelchairs, weakened by inactivity during their prolonged hospital stays. An active lifestyle is the best prevention, explains Blancas. He says yoga in particular has been proven to prevent and manage back pain.
Additionally, he recommends water aerobics and aquatic therapy. According to Blancas, a patient is ready to be discharged from PT treatment when they are no longer in pain, or their pain is more controlled. Many would like to continue PT indefinitely because they feel so much better. They treat our patients with a magic touch and caring compassion that can reduce pain; help patients avoid medications and surgery, recover from surgery, and lead a more functional and fit life.
