Dry Needling Physical Therapy
How does Dry Needling aid Physical Therapy?
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a pain-relieving technique using a tiny acupuncture needle. The needle is inserted at points of the body that are constantly tight, creating pain relief that many patients never thought possible. The needles can treat deep parts of the muscles- areas that are often difficult to reach with massage. They cause a “twitch” response – a brief contraction followed by sustained relaxation. This response can “deactivate” painful, knotted areas in the muscles.
Benefits of Dry Needling Therapy
Dry needling therapy, at times, is included in a complete treatment plan aimed at relieving pain and promoting mobility. It is a technique that aims at trigger points in the muscles and relaxes the muscles as well as increases the movement. Studies demonstrate that the method of dry needling can not only be a pain killer but also facilitate the communication between nerves and muscles, thus decreasing the time for recovery.
Moreover, physical therapists are trained in-depth about anatomy and modalities of treatment including some extra specialization for performing dry needling therapy. When you decide to get dry needling, always ask about your therapist’s qualifications and experience.
What can dry needling treat?
The dry needling technique can help relieve pain in most muscles, including jaw pain, shoulder pain, hamstring tension, and golfer’s elbow. It can improve blood flow, speed healing time, and help rid muscles of deep knots that other techniques cannot reach. Dry needling leads to many of the same results as massage, but at a deeper level. For a patient that has experienced results with massage, but found them to be short-lived, dry needling may be a good option. It can also complement massage therapy.
Who Shouldn’t Get Dry Needling Therapy?
Not every patient can benefit from dry needling therapy. The method is inappropriate for children under the age of 12 because of the possible pain factor involved. In case of a child considering it, you must always talk to a medical professional first and start with other non-invasive approaches. Furthermore, some patients need to discuss with their doctors before undergoing dry needling therapy like people who are:
- Pregnant
- Not able to comprehend the treatment properly
- Scared of needles (trypanophobia)
- Have weak immunity
- Had tracheostomy recently
- Are on anticoagulants
How does dry needling work?
Dry needling is not acupuncture – it is based strictly on Western medical principles and research. However, it is sometimes used within the context of an acupuncture practice. According to research by Dr. Jay Shah at the National Institutes of Health, inserting a needle into trigger points can lead to biochemical changes that reduce pain. The biochemical changes can help lead to the essential twitch response, which is the first step in breaking the cycle of pain.
Will the procedure hurt?
Because the needle is so small, it does not hurt the way a larger hollow needle does when puncturing the skin. Most patients describe the sensations as “releasing” or “pressure.” The needle remains in the skin for a very short amount of time – just enough to relax the muscle. There may be a small amount of pain, which some patients describe as a slight shock or a cramping sensation, but it is well worth the lasting relief that dry needling causes.
How will I feel after the session?
The muscles treated will likely feel sore, the way they do after challenging exercise. This is because the needle has caused them to contract numerous times in quick succession in order to relax them. Patients may feel fatigued, but not so much that it interferes with everyday activities. Some patients find it helpful to treat the area with heat or ice if there is soreness. After just a couple of sessions, most feel lasting relief from pain.
How often will I need to return to maintain my progress?
Usually, a dry needling treatment is repeated every five or six days until the pain cycle is broken. The first cycle will focus on just a few key muscles. Then, as the body becomes more used to the sensations, the treatment is fine-tuned to be as effective as possible. The technique is not a quick fix; instead it is a process that will help break the pain cycle. Once the pain cycle is broken, other treatment options are introduced to help prevent future problems.
Have Questions?
Let us know if you have any questions about your treatment, our practice and whatever else is on your mind. We are here to help and we look forward to serving you!
Motor Vehicle Injury Rehabilitation in Fort Lee, NJ
Recover Pain-Free & Regain Mobility
Our motor vehicle injury rehabilitation services focus on helping you regain strength, restore movement, and return to work with confidence. We combine targeted exercises with manual therapy, all within a personalized treatment plan. Take the first step toward a pain-free recovery — book your assessment today.
Get started with physical therapy.
What is Motor Vehicle Injury Rehabilitation?
Motor Vehicle Injury Rehabilitation is a specialized multidisciplinary program involving chiropractors, physical therapists and specialists that helps reduce pain and improve mobility, supporting a safe recovery after a motor vehicle accident. One of the primary goals of physical therapy for MVA is to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing faster.
Motor vehicle accident recovery takes more than temporary relief. Our treatment programs focus on long-term functional recovery, posture correction, and injury prevention to support a full recovery. Start your journey to long-lasting mobility and pain-free living.
Get your assessment today and start your personalized rehabilitation program. Take your first step toward being pain-free.
Achieve your best health
How Injury Rehabilitation Is Approached at Fort Lee PT
Motor vehicle injury rehabilitation follows a structured, multi-phase process customized to each individual. Therapy aims to restore strength, pain-free function, and mobility through passive and active exercises, building endurance over time. You may benefit if you are dealing with
- Whiplash and neck strain
- Back and spinal injuries
- Muscle spasms and tissue damage
- Joint pain
- Nerve compression
- Headaches from collision or trauma
- Reduced range of motion
- Postural dysfunction after impact
- Pain after an accident
What Conditions Does it Address?
Our rehabilitation programs help to solve musculoskeletal and neurological problems:
- Strains in the ligaments and muscles.
- Disc injuries and herniations
- Sciatica and nerve irritation
- Injuries of tendonitis and overuse compensation.
- TMJ dysfunction from impact
- Carpal tunnel and upper-extremity nerve issues
- Scar tissue restrictions
- Pelvic and hip pain
- Post-traumatic swelling and inflammation
- Collision-related chronic pain syndromes.
We BELIEVE In...
Care that is very personalized and results-oriented.
Each program is designed around your specific injuries and pain levels. Our specialists evaluate your condition thoroughly and create a customized plan that targets your needs for faster, more effective recovery.
Rehabilitation Supported by Education.
We combine hands-on treatment with guided exercises and patient education to support long-term recovery. Understanding your rehabilitation journey empowers you to take an active role in healing and help prevent future injuries.
Compassionate Treatment
We treat every patient with care in a supportive environment. Our team ensures each step of your rehabilitation feels comfortable and focused entirely on your well-being and recovery goals.
Safety as Clinical Standard
Every treatment is provided by licensed physical therapists using evidence-based approaches and strict safety measures. All protocols follow clinical guidelines, ensuring you receive safe and effective rehabilitation care.
Other Services Provided by Fort Lee PT
Motor vehicle injury rehabilitation focuses on relieving pain and restoring movement after an accident. Our services combine manual therapy with targeted exercises for faster recovery. Beyond injury rehabilitation, the clinic offers a range of specialized therapies to support patients at every stage of life.
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Personalized care that supports physical growth, coordination, and functional skills in children at all stages. Our pediatric specialists use age-appropriate techniques to help young patients build strength, balance, and confidence.
Sports Physical Therapy
Focused rehabilitation and injury-prevention programs that help athletes recover safely and maintain performance. Whether dealing with sprains, fractures, or overuse injuries, we help you get back in the game stronger and more resilient.
Amputee Care Therapy
Get your mobility and strength back after losing a limb. Our dedicated team designs progressive injury rehabilitation programs that focus on prosthetic training, balance restoration, and building independence for everyday life.
PT for Women’s and Men’s Health
Get your pelvic health checked and gender-specific conditions treated. Special treatment that deals with daily functioning. Our therapists provide a comfortable, private setting to address sensitive health concerns with expert care.
We offer 10+ specialized therapy services for all your rehabilitation needs
What Our Patients Say
Patients consistently rate our motor vehicle injury rehabilitation services highly. Read what real patients have to say about their experience at Fort Lee PT.
5.0
Based on Google Reviews
Meet our Physical Therapists
Your doctoral-level clinician will personally work with you and your physician to create an individualized treatment plan and walk you through every step of your rehabilitation. We are dedicated to helping you find pain relief, restore function, and maximize your physical well-being. All physical therapists on our team hold Doctorates in Physical Therapy.
Dr. Hyun (June) Park
PT, DPT, CIDN, Owner
Dr. Hyun J. (June) Park, PT, DPT, CIDN graduated from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ) with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. She is certified in dry needling by the Integrative Dry Needling Institute. She is a member of the APTA (American Physical Therapy Association), with special interest in the Sports Physical Therapy section.
Prior to becoming the owner and Clinical Director of Fort Lee Physical Therapy in 2009, she worked at various physical therapy centers, such as the Kessler Rehabilitation Centers.
Dr. Park has extensive knowledge in working with pediatric and special needs patients, and makes it a priority to stay knowledgeable in the latest rehabilitation treatments such as Kinesio Taping, which is a rehabilitative technique that uses Kinesio Tex Tape to provide patients muscle and joint support during therapy sessions. As a physical therapist, her expertise also includes sports injuries, neck and back pain, outpatient therapy and post- surgical rehabilitation.
Dr. Park’s interest in physical therapy was inspired by her prior career in the fitness industry, where she came across many clients suffering from long term physical injuries. Her patients praise her upbeat personality, and her ability to consistently motivate them through every stage of their recovery. She continues to be passionate about physical fitness, and enjoys hobbies such as mountain biking, skiing, and golf.
Dr. MJ Marcano
PT, DPT
Dr. Michael J. Marcano (MJ), DPT graduated from Mary Baldwin University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Michael’s career and internships have given him experience in settings including: acute care, sub-acute care, and outpatient orthopedics.
Michael has worked with many patient populations within his experiences that encompass a diverse population of patients in outpatient orthopedics and medically complex settings.
Michael prides himself on his ability to apply a breadth of manual therapy techniques while curtailing his treatment plans to his patients’ specific needs in order to address and treat their functional impairments.
Outside of the clinic, Michael enjoys running, lifting weights, cooking, and traveling.
Dr. Marvin Mui
PT, DPT, ACSM - EP
Dr. Marvin Mui PT, DPT, ACSM – EP was born and raised in the heart of New York City, Lower East Side, where he grew up playing basketball. His passion for sports led him to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and then a doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University at Buffalo. Marvin has experience caring for a wide range of patients in acute care settings, specialized nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics.
Since graduating, Marvin continues to further his education by taking Mckenzie, Mulligan, and Maitland certification courses. He also began to learn Korean to provide better care and education for his patients in Fort Lee. When he is not practicing Korean, Marvin speaks Cantonese at home.
Marvin believes in optimizing functional activities and exercises in conjunction with manual therapy to return patients back to their daily lives.
During his days off, Marvin loves to stay active and play sports like tennis, basketball, and ping pong. If not outdoors, Marvin enjoys staying home and cooking for his girlfriend and his dog.
Dr. Kang Yeon
PT, DPT
Dr. Kang Yeon, PT, DPT graduated from Rutgers University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.
Kang was originally a member in 2020 when Covid first started. During that time, he was determined to get experience in a PT clinic after graduating with a Bachelors in Exercise Science at Rutgers University. Kang than applied to PT school where he provided physical therapy in settings such as acute care, outpatient, sub-acute, and ortho based physical therapy. Kang has worked with many patient populations that require dexterity in outpatient orthopedics as well as patients who need comprehensive care management.
Kang communicates with his patients, accommodating certain needs depending on patient necessity. He believes in a holistic approach where both he and the patient work together to create the best treatment plan.
Kang enjoys being active, weight-lifting 4-5 days per week. During his downtime, Kang enjoys to play bass and learn rock music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motor Vehicle Injury Rehabilitation
Some treatments may cause mild discomfort, but therapy is adjusted to your comfort and safety.
Yes. Rehab can be done to the injured part to alleviate pain. It also enhances mobility and accelerates the healing of accident-related injuries.
Return to daily activities depends on your recovery progress. Ask your therapist to provide a personalized plan.
Get a medical check-up as soon as possible. Report your injuries to make an appointment with a physical therapist and avoid severe complications.
Recovery varies by injury severity. But consistent therapy and adherence to your plan accelerate progress.
Many insurance plans cover post-accident rehabilitation. Confirm with your provider for specific benefits.
It specifically deals with accident-related injuries that integrate full functional recovery using manual therapy and patient education.
Yes! Therapy strengthens muscles, restores proper movement, and helps prevent chronic pain or postural issues.
Schedule an evaluation with a licensed physical therapist to create a personalized recovery plan.