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Fourteen members of the physiotherapy team at the Health Services Authority (HSA) have completed three dry-needling courses to enhance their delivery of pain management techniques, expand their knowledge, and help reduce recovery time for patients.

The dry needling courses target myofascial pain and muscle dysfunction, offering broad therapeutic applications to benefit acute and chronic pain sufferers, individuals with headaches, athletes, and post-surgical patients.

The courses, Instrumented Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) and American Institute of Functional Integrated Dry Needling (FIDN) were facilitated by Dr. Mihir Somaiya, a renowned expert in the field and founder and chief instructor of the American Institute of Functional Integrated Dry Needling. Dr Somaiya also serves as the director and chief instructor at MKT Healthcare Innovation USA.

HSA Therapy Services Manager, Rockella Smith, noted, “it is crucial for staff to stay current with the latest evidence-based practices and advances in physiotherapy. The completion of certifications in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization and Dry Needling serves this purpose. Dry Needing, in particular, is one of the leading emerging therapeutic modalities and I am pleased that the staff are now able to offer this treatment option.”

Patients are already benefiting significantly from the newly acquired skillsets, as physiotherapists are reporting positive feedback from patients, detailing improvements in mobility and reduction in discomfort for longer periods.

Tamesha White, a patient who has suffered from debilitating back pain for years, is now feeling relieved, thanks to the incorporation of the dry needling technique into her therapy treatment.  

“I tried various treatments, from physical therapy to chiropractic sessions, but nothing seemed to help, my pain was relentless. I was then introduced to dry needling, and it has truly been a game changer. After just three sessions, about 85% of my pain has vanished. I finally feel like I can move freely again and enjoy life without the constant discomfort. The results have been incredible,” Ms White stated.

Course participant and HSA Physiotherapist Shelley Webster indicated “I found the dry needling course very interesting and beneficial to my clinical practice. Dry needling proved to be highly effective for one of my patients in alleviating neck pain and enhancing range of movement.”

“After a single session, I was able to significantly reduce pain experienced by my patient from an 8/10 to a 2/10, there was reduced muscle spasm and improved movement in all directions,” Ms Webster stated. “The patient's feedback a week later highlighted a notable decrease in discomfort during daily activities and a greater ease in performing exercises, demonstrating a positive impact of dry needling on their overall quality of life.”

For HSA Physiotherapist Rejuan Henry, the new techniques have been invaluable and offer a way for him to build trust with patients and help with making rehabilitation seamless.

“I've seen firsthand how FIDN can truly transform patient outcomes. This dramatic change not only provided immediate relief for the patient but also built a strong foundation of trust between us. With this trust, the patient felt more confident and motivated, making their rehabilitation process much smoother and more effective. FIDN has been an invaluable tool in my practice, helping me deliver quicker and more reliable results for my patients,” he said.

Physiotherapy helps individuals suffering from prolonged pain, reduced movement, weak bones, joints and tissues, sports injuries, and other debilitating conditions.

Participants in the training course are Camille Marshall-Morris, Kareen Hadome, Georgia Kirby, Stephanie Ming-Yorke, Taylor Reid, Virginia Barnes, Chelsea Tennant, Kristina Bramwell, Rockella Smith, Chickandarvin Chellaswamy Santha, Christy Mariya Thressa, Daniella Gourzong, Rejuan Henry, and Shelley Webster.

The HSA Therapy Services are Best of Cayman Islands 2024 Gold Winners for Physiotherapy, Speech & Occupational Therapy.  Located at Bay Town House, 36 West Bay Road.

To book an appointment, call 244-2593 or 244-2594, or send an email to info@hsa.ky.