Dry needling is a key attachment to Von Glaser’s tool belt.
It is something he says will grow his personal practice, but more importantly benefits Rock Valley Physical Therapy’s Iowa City, Iowa, clinic.
A bundle of upbeat and outgoing energy, Glaser, PT, DPT, is a gifted, caring therapist, who in May of 2024, was selected to guide the fortunes of the clinic.
“There are many components to being the best therapist you can be, and this is one,’’ Glaser said of his dry needling specialty. “It’s about great care and doing all you can for your patients.’’
Dry needling is a technique Glaser and other Rock Valley therapists use to treat musculoskeletal pain and movement issues.
When using dry needling, Glaser, once he locates a trigger point, inserts a thin, sharp needle through the skin. Stimulating trigger points with a needle helps draw normal blood supply back to clear the affected area and release tension. The prick sensation can also fire off nerve fibers that stimulate your brain.
When applied to your muscles and tissues, dry needling can decrease tightness, increase blood flow, and reduce local and referred pain. Glaser uses needles void of any medication, hence the term “dry.”
“I have always been intrigued by it,’’ Glaser said of dry needling. “My first position – as a therapist – I had a leader who liked us to have it. I found positive results from it and decided to add it to my toolbelt.’’
Glaser notes that anyone struggling with pain can benefit from dry needling. “Patients from all walks and struggles have been really receptive to it,’’ he said.
Glaser says one question always comes with anyone asking about dry needling. “Is it related to acupuncture?’’ he said with a smile.
There are similarities in that needles are used, but there is a significant difference in dry needling and acupuncture.
“Dry needling is the Western medicine spin and acupuncture is more a global approach to the whole body,’’ said Glaser, also noting that the two differ in the number of needles used, that dry needling is a treatment for pain and mobility issues related to trigger points, areas that can restrict muscle and joint movement.
Having the chance to work with a company he has long admired is an amazing opportunity for Glaser. He has known Rock Valley as a patient, a student and now as a clinic manager.
“I’m lucky to have (PTA) Angie (Dixon) here and Rachel (Schaefer) up front,’’ added Glaser, who notes his relationship with Rock Valley began with (CEO) Mike Horsfield PT, MPT, MBA, OCS, who was his therapist after a knee injury suffered playing high school basketball.
“To say the least, Mike had left an impression on me and was my first contact with Rock Valley. Having Mike and another therapist in my corner made it easy to make that transition when it came to a career choice.’’
Both Glaser, and Dixon, a tremendous clinic fixture, say they have the perfect location to grow the clinic.
“It’s a unique component, but I have heard from everyone how convenient it is to find our clinic and how even better it is to get in and out of,’’ said Dixon, who does tremendous work in balance and fall prevention, chronic pain, aquatic therapy, and sports medicine.
“We have this open lot with tons of parking. It is flat and people can get in and out. We see many older adults and flat, available parking is a key issue for them. You give great care and then you make it easy for people to get to and from and in and out. It’s important.’’
So is continuing to “Make Better Lives’’ in a special place.
By: Johnny Marx, Rock Valley Storyteller