What’s New In Physical Therapy?

By Lisa J. Allen, PT, DPT

BioMechanic Physical Therapy

. https://biomechanicphysicaltherapy.com

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What’s New In Physical Therapy?

So maybe you’ve been to physical therapy and received exercises, ice or heat, and maybe a massage. Is that all there is? Actually, no! A lot of new technology is helping patients heal faster and better with less effort. Here’s a quick look at the latest advances; shockwave therapy, Class IV lasers, electrified dry needling, electrical acupuncture, steroid delivery via electric transdermal systems, vibration plates, vagal nerve stimulators, and automated ultrasound. These technologies are costly for clinics to buy, so not every clinic will have them, but the good news is some are covered by insurance.

Shockwave therapy sends mechanical waves through tissues and stimulates cellular change. It has helped many people postpone joint replacement for years, restore shoulder range of motion in a single visit, speed healing after injuries, and treat problematic scars.

External vagal nerve stimulators, available since 2020, target the vagus nerve, which influences many bodily systems. Vagal stimulation can enhance neuroplasticity, making your physical therapy exercises more effective. It also may reduce chronic pain, improve digestion, lower stress levels, and support overall recovery.

Class IV lasers, such as MLS lasers (which use multiple wavelengths including non-visible infrared), are producing impressive results. They outperform basic visible red-light devices and cut healing time in half for bone and soft tissue. MLS lasers are the only commonly available technology that promotes nerve healing. They work for acute injuries, post-surgery or chronic conditions such as tendinitis, bursitis, plantar fasciitis, or back pain. Research shows 80% of people are 80% better after the first treatment!

Dry needling is popular for treating trigger points, tight muscles, and scars. Adding electrical stimulation to dry needling can enhance its effects. 

Electrical acupuncture delivers acupuncture-like stimulation without needles. It follows traditional patterns but treatment can take about 10 minutes versus the 30-plus minutes often required for traditional acupuncture.

You’ve probably heard of steroid injections for arthritis in the knee, hip, or shoulder. Newer transdermal delivery systems use electrical currents to drive steroids into local tissues without a needle, reducing the risk of systemic steroid exposure.

Vibration plates are used to improve balance, strength, proprioception and bone density.  The shaking platform causes small muscle contractions, enhancing exercises like squats and push ups.  Or you can just stand on it!

Technology is a great addition to manual therapy and targeted exercise, accelerating  recovery, reducing pain, and improving outcomes. You don’t want to be missing out on the latest technology! Find a PT who has it!