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Custom Foot Orthotics

custom foot orthotics

Custom Foot Orthotics

At ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic, our unique, pain classification, assessment system will indicate if a person does or does not need a custom foot orthotic. Other interventions, not local to the foot, may address the issue at hand more effectively. We do not build custom foot orthotics based upon another individual’s thoughts or recommendations including: another healthcare provider, web search (i.e. WebMD), or Google recommendation. When we build custom foot orthotics, we use it as an integration, or extension, of an advanced pain categorization system. There are many factors that can lead to foot pain; however, multiple factors including age, gender, and movement or sport-requirements should be considered prior to orthotic fittings.1

Our system is incredibly thorough and will identify the appropriate course of action when appropriate. If we do not follow this approach, then it is an ethical, moral, and financial disservice to customers. We pride ourselves on using this pain categorization system, which directs a patient’s care flow.

Are Foot Orthotics Worth It?

Worth or value can also be viewed as “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” What is valuable, from one person to another, may be different. First answering subjective questions, then working to objectify them into monetary means, might be the best approach for some. While others may process the decision of value by working backward from monetary cost to subjective emotions or desires. The rate of purchase of an orthotic may be a factor in a person’s decision making as well (i.e. once every 5 years or twice per year). Because there are many factors for a person to consider in purchasing a custom foot orthotic, we can help educate you ahead of time on what the research indicates.

Dig Deeper

Click on any item below to learn more about Custom Foot Orthotics.

  • Foot Structure, Pronation, Foot Pain, and the Research

    Once upon a time, physical therapists, podiatrists, and chiropractors alike swore pronation (foot dropping inward to the ground) was the root of all evil. Thankfully, we are a few years past this thought process. However, some within these industries, and the running industry alike, will still regurgitate this old wives’ tale. It was, and still can be, communicated to an individual that a foot orthotic will help reduce the amount of pronation in a person’s foot or give them better support. This idea of “better support” is providing the illusion of walking or running pain-free or walking and running faster; research does not support this statement. In contrast, the research supports the opposite, in that a slight pronated foot might produce less injury rates.2 Another way to state this is that a foot that is less supported has decreased injury rates. Pronation or overpronation, as a single factor, is not justification for a custom foot orthotic. This research, in part, is what gave way to the popularity of the minimalist drop or neutral shoe. The foot is designed to move, not be restricted.

    With foot orthotics, the research indicates the two extreme foot structures, more so extreme flat feet, may experience benefit with a foot orthotic - over the counter or customized. Reasoning for this is still not clear; however, foot orthotics may distribute pressure away from the heel and forefoot into the arch which in turn increases sensory input throughout the entire foot.3 However, it is important to note, full length orthotics, which support the arch, can decrease musculature and strength of various foot muscle by as much as 17%.4 This study was performed for 12 weeks which targeted young, healthy adults.

    We do understand the overall range of pronation is not altered by foot orthotics, but some research suggests controlling the speed of pronation is the ultimate factor in reducing injury rates of these two extreme foot structures.5 A foot orthotic may help slow the speed of pronation down, but it is a short-term fix. Other interventions, dictated by our assessment protocols, produce more effective results in producing long-term pain reduction and performance outcomes.

    For both the extremes, high-arched and low-arched individuals, there are additional factors to consider with building or buying an orthotic. We can identify benefit with varus and valgus wedges with these different foot structures.6 These wedges are quite simple in that they support or push the foot by rolling the foot outward or inward.

    To recap this section, foot structure alone does not warrant a custom foot orthotic. Other interventions, such as specific exercises and over-the-counter orthotics, may be better alternatives regarding outcomes with pain, performance, and cost than expensive orthotics. Our goal in writing this section is not to scare you away from purchasing a custom foot orthotic but to highlight a genuineness in care you will receive from us if you are considering a foot orthotic or having foot pain.

  • Are Foot Orthotics Covered by Insurance?

    Foot Orthotics, without insurance, often cost between $200 to $800. Our orthotics fall in the middle at $400. This is usually for just the orthotic themself, not associated visits or fittings. At this time, foot orthotics may be a covered service for those with diabetic neuropathy or another form of leg or foot neuropathy only. There are hidden gem insurance plans which will cover some or all the costs. However, most insurance plans do not cover the cost(s) of foot orthotics. They might cover the appointment fees but not the actual foot orthotics themselves. Foot conditions surrounding neuropathy and diabetes, may be partly or completely covered by an individual’s insurance company, policy, and plan.

    Because of this insurance nuance, we will not bill to insurance(s) for orthotics. However, we can provide a receipt of purchase which you can in turn submit to your insurance company. Sometimes, an insurance company may allow this purchase to be distributed into your in-network deductible or out-of-network deductible. We, ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic, are not stating it will be covered or are subjugated to what an insurance may tell you in difference to this statement.

    Why are Foot Orthotics Not Covered by Insurance?

    There are a few reasons behind this. Currently, custom foot orthotics are considered preventative under Medicare guidelines. Unfortunately, health insurance plans do not cover preventative care treatments or plans. With a deeper dive, insurance companies used to cover foot orthotics. Within the rumor mill, healthcare providers used to prescribe foot orthotics like opioids, “Want some? Come get some.” and bill to the insurance companies as such. Due to this approach, it became costly for the insurance companies and businesses, who pay a large share of an employee’s insurance plan, to keep covering as a provided service without having to increase cost to the employee’s monthly premium through the insurance plan.

Is your Foot Pain a Foot problem?

According to the EXPOSS study, 29% of the time, a foot problem is not foot in origin – it’s originating within the spine.7 How often have you had your spine thoroughly evaluated when seeking help for foot pain? Chance is, never; this is a shame. The low back can be a source of foot pain without having pain (i.e., back problem does not have to produce back pain). A back problem can produce foot pain without complications or pain elsewhere.

Without evaluating the low back as a source of your foot pain, then there is automatically a 29% reduction in producing positive outcomes. Morally, it is an injustice for us to consider an orthotic without assessing for the source of pain – especially considering a $400 foot orthotic that would then produce limited positive results at best. Tired of this approach? Us too. Therefore, you should seek care with an ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic doctor before a foot orthotic is considered. Let us be your traffic controller in the never-ending world of healthcare sales.

 29 % of the time a foot problem is originating within the spine

ICT MJC’s Extra Step to Foot Pain with Runners

If you are having foot pain and are a runner or attempting to get into running and having foot pain, other physiobiological factors, metabolic (energy efficiency) factors, and training programming may be the ultimate cause of your pain. Over the years, we have identified that addressing these factors can be vital to producing long-term results with fewer re-injury rates. Simply stated, the causative factor to mechanical pain or problems is not always mechanical in nature.

ICT MJC Approach to Foot Orthotics

As stated above, we assess everyone in a multitude of ways. We are not a one-trick-pony. If we do not take this approach, you as the customer waste time and money; this is a disservice. If a foot orthotic is warranted, which is seldom, we go through several aspects in building your foot orthotic.

  • Stance foot assessment (left vs. right)

  • Gait (walking pattern) motion videos

  • Motion induced ink pedographs

  • Palpation of restricted joints and tight tissue structures

  • Foam casting/molding

  • Consideration of cheaper orthotic interventions

We are moving beings and must be assessed as such. The documentation and collection of all this is processed and applied to your personalized orthotics by our chiropractic doctors and sent out for construction by Xtreme Footwerks.

Our Orthotic Partnership

We are excited and proud to offer you these top-of-the-line custom foot orthotics! We utilize our partnership with Xtreme Footwerks in Idaho Springs, Colorado. Shawn Eno, founder of Xtreme Footwerks, is a highly sought-after, board certified pedorthist who incorporates your entire assessment, highlighted above, into his moldings.

What Are Foot Orthotics Made of?

Through our partnership with Xtreme Footwerks, our custom foot orthotics consist of multi-layer EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetates). We utilize multi-layer EVA because long term orthotic users often prefer custom for their increased durability (graphite orthotics can last up to 15 years) and versatility even though custom foot orthotics have not been shown to not be more effective than over the counter orthotics.8 Over time, the increased durability of these insoles are more cost-effective.

Patients We Automatically Consider for Foot Orthotics May Have the Following Conditions:

  • Tibial Torsion, Valgum, Varum

    • Tibial torsion is when a shin bone grows in a twisted formation.
    • Tibial Valgum is bowing outwards of the shin bones.
    • Tibial Varum is bowing inward of the shin bones.

  • Varus to Valgus Forefoot

    • Similar to tibial torsion, the front part of the foot (forefoot) grows into a twisted position regarding the rearfoot (i.e. heel bone).

  • Hip Rotation (Retroversion and Anteversion)

    • Either of these variants are not a definitive reason for foot orthotics. However, depending on a person’s movement requirements (due to work or leisure) orthotics might be considered.

  • Bunion Formation or Restricted Big Toe

    • Bunion formations, of the big toe joint, are typically a byproduct from movement limitations within the foot. Gout is not the number one cause of bunions.
    • Bunion formation, with the big toe moving inward, is the number one cause of falls within the elderly population.

  • Navicular Drop

    • This is often thought of as the “instep” of the foot. With a significant navicular drop a person might not be able to achieve a relatively ideal midfoot position during certain phase of the gait process.
 15 years graphite orthotics can last up to 15 years
mold cast for custom foot orthotics

Alternative Foot Orthotics

We love the ToePro Pad. It’s a game changer foot, ankle, and calf rehab. It provides various levels of cushion and support which we have not seen matched by other products.

When it comes to cushion within a foot insole, Sorbothane products are the best. The wonderful benefits of Sorbothane are its affordability at roughly $20-30 and it being the most shocking absorbing foot orthotic material on the market! Sorbothane is a strong option for those who must stand all day. The downside to Sorbothane, is it being the most shock absorbing material, it can also deplete in rigidity faster (i.e. you may have to buy them once every few months). However, weighting a cost benefit analysis, a person can go through a lot of Sorbothane inserts before hitting the cost of a custom foot orthotic.

are not the cheapest option on the market, but they are considered to be the gold standard in a passive appliance helping open up the toes. Over the decades our shoe ware has caused restrictions in our toes and feet. Correct toes work to correct that problem.

Content written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) Certified Exercise Trainer, Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR) Certified, Selective Functional Movement Assessment Certified (SFMA) Certified, Functional Movement Systems (FMS) Certified, Buteyko Instructor
Content reviewed by Dr. Tyler Panko, DC | Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) Certified, Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) Certified, OnBaseU Level 1, Pain Free Performance Specialist (PPSC) Certified

View Citations and References

1 Michaud T. Injury-Free Running: your illustrated guide to biomechanics, gait analysis, and injury prevention. Lotus Publishing. 2021

2 Nielsen RO, Buist l, Partner ET, et al. Foot pronation is not associated with increased injury risk in novice runners wearing a neutral shoe: a 1-year prospective cohort study. Br J Sports Med.2014;48(6):440-447. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2013-092202.

3 Franklyn-Miller A, Wilson C, Bilzon J, McCrory P. Foot orthoses in the prevention of injury in initial military training: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Sports Med. 2011;39(1):30-37. doi:10.1177/0363546510382852.

4 Protopapas K, Perry SD. The effect of a 12-week custom foot orthotic intervention on muscle size and muscle activity of the intrinsic foot muscle of young adults during gait termination. Clin Biomech. 2020;78:105063. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105063.

5 MacLean C, Davis IM, Hamill J. Influence of custom foot orthotic intervention on lower extremity dynamics in healthy runners. Clin Biomech. 2006;21(6),623-630. doi:10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2006.01.005.

6 Kogler GF, Veer FB, Solomonidis SE, Paul JP. The influence of medial and lateral placement of orthotic wedges on loading of the plantar aponeurosis. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1999;81(10):1403-1413. doi:10.2106/00004623-199910000-00005.

7 Rosedale R, Rastogi R, Kidd J, Lynch G, Supp G, Robbins SM. A study exploring the prevalence of Extremity Pain of Spinal Source (EXPOSS). J Man Manip Ther. 2020;28(4):222-230. doi:10.1080/10669817.2019.1661706

8 Landorf KB, Keenan AM, Herbert RD. The effectiveness of foot orthoses to treat plantar fasciitis: a randomized trial. Arch Intern Med. 2006;166(12):1305-1310. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.12.1305.

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Contact Us with Further Questions

If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

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Kinesio Tape (Rocktape)

chiropractor applying kinesio tape (KT Tape) to bottom of patient's foot

Kinesio Tape (Rocktape) Therapy in Wichita, KS

Kinesio Tape, also referred to as KT Tape, K Tape or RockTape, is the application of certain tapes to improve stability, increase blood flow, and improve proprioceptive (sensory) feedback.

KT Tape has quickly revolutionized in-between visit care for all, from everyday individuals to elite performance athletes. Depending on the problem at hand, KT Tape can be applied in various ways for desired effects.

What Is the Purpose of KT Tape?

The goal with KT Tape is to help individuals temporarily move in a way without pain. Taping can help achieve this by stimulating sensorimotor (sensory to motor) units to help re-communicate injured tissue(s) (nerves, fascia, muscles, joints, etc.) to the brain. This in-turn helps an individual move without pain and/or in a pattern that will less likely lead to compensation and subsequent pain.  

How Does KT Tape (RockTape) Work?

The best scientific literature to date on the effectiveness of taping outcomes is based on neurology. Pain is always a sensation and expression of the brain. There are countless amounts of sensory fibers traveling to the brain. Sensory fibers travel at different speeds to the brain depending on the stimulus.

Stimulated sensory fibers from the skin, by KT Tape, travel faster to the brain than certain pain fibers. As a result, the brain interprets the stimulated skin fibers first. The brain is tricked into focusing on the stimulated skin instead of the damaged tissue. This process is how KT Tape or RockTape is highly effective at helping eliminate pain.

How Does Tape Help Pain Go Away?

At the end of the day, the fastest horse wins the race. Pain signals from muscles travel between 5 to 15 m/s or 11 to 33mph. At any given time, the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) can only handle processing so much sensory information. The nerves that are communicating to the brain at a faster speed are the nerves that win the race. The sensory fibers from the tape travel at a faster speed than the pain fibers.

Different Styles of Taping

Outside of the main tape producing companies, there are many different “styles” of taping. Each style has its own purpose or validation.

Specific Proprioceptive Response Taping (SPRT)

Specific Proprioceptive Response Taping (SPRT) is unique within the taping world. SPRT does not use Kinesiotape to help the injured tissue. However, Kinesiotape is sometimes used as a buffer between clothing and the more important taping aspect of SPRT. SPRT considers the location, intensity of pain, and direction of pull/support of a “tab” to help facilitate healing.

SPRT taping is often referred to as Tab Taping. It is relatively self-explanatory. Instead of using Kinesiotape to pull on the tissue, a stiffer tape, Leukotape, is used to pull the tissue more aggressively via the creation of a “tab.” This tap helps to pull the tissue to a further degree away from the inflamed area. It also helps to create a more prominent high low-pressure gradient underneath the tab.

What Does a High Low-pressure Gradient with Taping Do?

This is a key feature of SPRT taping. By creating a high low-pressure gradient, the inflammation can travel out of the problematic area faster.

Why Would I Use SPRT?

The uniqueness of SPRT lies within the degree a practitioner can mechanically pull on the tab. This capability can offer significantly more support, if necessary, to stabilize a joint and/or the surrounding soft tissue structures. The level of support SPRT can offer compared to other taping styles can give it a significant advantage with helping to facilitate the healing process.

applying rocktape for foot injury

Common Symptoms Relieved Through Chiropractic Kinesio (RockTape)

Our chiropractor’s approach in using Kinesio (RockTape) is to assist an injured or problematic area in the recovery process by improving stability, blood flow, and proprioceptive input. Below are some common ailments and diagnoses our expert chiropractors find KT Tape (RockTape) can address.

  • Tennis elbow

  • Sciatic nerve pain

  • Carpal tunnel

  • Shoulder pain

  • Shin splints

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Knee pain

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Back pain

  • Muscle pain/support

  • Tendon pain/support

  • Ligament pain/support

  • Joint pain/support

  • Tingling/numbness/weakness

  • Nerve entrapments (pinched nerve)

Additional Benefits of Kinesio Tape (RockTape)

ICT Muscle and Joint Clinic’s chiropractic doctors may also integrate KT Tape to improve movement patterns, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow. RockTape and Kinesio Tape are meant to be utilized for short-term results. Once inflammation and pain-free movement patterns are established, our expert chiropractors recommend care plans that should transform into rehabilitative exercises for long-term results.

Why You Should Choose Our Chiropractors in Wichita, KS, for KT Tape (RockTape)

Our experienced chiropractors in Wichita, KS, can help you by providing professional insight toward your current symptoms and how KT Tape can benefit you. Whether you are facing back pain or would like better support for your joints, our chiropractic doctors can help. Each of our chiropractic doctors are highly educated and eager to help you treat your current symptoms through the use of RockTape.

Content written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries Certified
Content reviewed by Dr. Sam Reals, DC | Functional Taping for Musculoskeletal Injuries Certified

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Contact Us with Further Questions

If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

Contact Our Team

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Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

chiropractor providing instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) Therapy

IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) is an advanced therapeutic technique commonly used by experienced chiropractors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to release tight muscles and fascia by the use a medical-grade, stainless steel tool “scraped” along the skin.

There are many techniques, within using a metal “scraping” tool, that utilize some form of stainless steel or rubber-based instrument including Graston, FAKTR, IASTM, ASTYM. Often, these various techniques become referred to as ‘blading’ or ‘scraping’ due to the nature of the techniques.

How Does the IASTM Scraping Tool Work?

The scraping tool works in two different ways: locally and neurologically.

  • Locally

    By repeatedly scraping the FAKTR tool along an area, our chiropractors can see tiny red dots called ‘Petechiae.’ Locally, these tiny red dots are an indication that blood is returning to the area.

    This local breakdown of the tissue creates a positive, PRO-inflammatory response which induces a healing effect in the tissue by stimulating new collagen and elastin production. Collagen and elastin comprise our soft tissue structures.

  • Neurologically

    On a neurological level, the scraping tool allows the brain and body to reconnect better. The brain realizes the area at hand is being addressed, which in turn allows the brain to relax and release the neurological tension being held within the area.

Is Bruising Common with Scraping?

Very light bruising may occur. Anything more than this and you should question the individual’s knowledge with using these types of instruments. Bruising is NOT the goal!

Common Symptoms Relieved Through Chiropractic IASTM

Chiropractic IASTM in Wichita, Kansas, can help reduce and eliminate various neuromuscular pains and problems. Below are some of the common ailments and diagnoses that IASTM can address.

  • Neck pain and spasms

  • Muscle spasms

  • Tight muscles

  • Back pain

  • Sciatica

  • Achilles tendonitis

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Elbow tendonitis

  • Headaches

  • Shoulder pain

  • Knee pain

  • Shin splints

  • Hip pain

  • Carpal tunnel

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Paige H.

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"Great chiropractors and super nice! They use special techniques like dry needling, cupping, scraping etc. They have helped me with multiple sports injuries over the years. Check them out!"

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Content written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR) Certified
Content reviewed by Dr. Rachel Sparks, DC | Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehabilitation (FAKTR) Certified; Graston, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Certified

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Contact Us with Further Questions

If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

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Read more …Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

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Active Release Techniques (ART)

chiropractor performing active release therapy (ART) on a patient's leg and hip.

A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) in Wichita, KS

A.R.T. (Active Release Technique) is the progression of an older and comparable approach generalized as “pin and stretch.” A.R.T. is a highly effective and efficient hands-on treatment procedure consisting of over 500 different movements to treat soft tissue structure(s).

Even though they are similar, A.R.T. is utilized by chiropractors who create tension and compression, via thumb(s), instead of a generalized hand contact as seen in “pin and stretch.”

Common Symptoms Relieved Through Chiropractic A.R.T.

Active release treats inflamed, scarred, irritated, and tight soft tissue structure(s), which may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and fascia. Through ART, our chiropractors in Wichita, Kansas can help reduce and/or eliminate various neuromuscular pains and problems. Below are some of the common ailments and diagnoses that Active Release Techniques can address.

  • Tension headaches

  • Neck pain

  • Tennis elbow

  • Sciatic nerve pain

  • Carpal tunnel

  • Shoulder pain

  • Shin splints

  • Plantar fasciitis

  • Low back pain

  • Exercise-induced pain

  • Joint pain

  • Tingling/numbness/weakness

  • Nerve Entrapments (Pinched Nerve)

How Our Chiropractic Clinic Can Help

Over time, improper or dysfunctional tissue can create joint compression and altered movement patterns leading to pain. A.R.T. has quickly become one of the leading treatment protocols for collegiate, professional, and Olympic level athletes world-wide. Regardless of athletic ability, many individuals experience adaptive changes within their soft tissues, often leading to pain. ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic’s chiropractors are trained in A.R.T. to better treat your array of pains and tissue dysfunction in the timeliest manner!

Custom Pain Management

Each session of A.R.T. can be different and customized to your needs. At ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic, our professional chiropractors can utilize the sizable number of treatment protocols to ensure that you have the best treatment possible. Often, we pair A.R.T. with other interventions such as dry needling, and rehabilitation exercises.

Long-Term Benefits of Using A.R.T. (Active Release Technique)

  • Increases flexibility

  • Lower Back Pain Reduction

  • Carpal Tunnel Pain Reduction

  • Running Injury Prevention and Performance Improvement

Content written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | Former ART Elite Provider Network
Content reviewed by Dr. Sam Reals, DC | Upper Body ART

For More Health Info and Topics

Search our Library for more information surroundings various health topics, facts, and myths of healthcare, and much more. Sign up for our Newsletter to receive monthly health tips and our 10 Tips to True Health.

Download Now

Contact Us with Further Questions

If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

Contact Our Team

Read more …Active Release Techniques (ART)

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Dry Needling

chiropractor administering dry needling therapy

Dry Needling Performed by Qualified Chiropractors in Wichita, KS

Why Should I Trust ICT Muscle & Joint Clinic with Dry Needling?

In Kansas, there is no requirement for a healthcare practitioner to have a license or certification to acknowledge a base level understanding of how to perform dry needling or the contraindications to dry needling. The only current requirement is having a certain level of professional degree – DC, MD, DO. Our chiropractic doctors have gone above this standard, or lack of a standard, and are credentialed through various dry needling certifications.

Dry Needling with Our Chiropractic Clinic in Wichita, KS

At ICT Muscle and Joint Clinic, our staff of chiropractic doctors have the experience needed to help guide patients through our dry needling process. Now stating this, we do not dry needle a la carte, upon another individual’s thoughts or recommendations (including another healthcare provider), web search (i.e. WebMd), or Google recommendation. If we perform Dry Needling via these parameters, it would be an ethical, moral, and financial disservice to you or our customers.

When our doctors perform dry needling, we implement dry needling as an integration, or extension, of an advanced pain categorization system. This system is incredibly thorough and will identify the appropriate course of action when applicable. We pride ourselves on using this pain categorization system, which directs a patient’s care flow.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling incorporates the use of inserting a thin acupuncture needle into the body to release an unwanted trigger point or tension point. Dry needling is in reference to the inability of the needle to inject or withdraw any fluid. This type of needle is utilized in both dry needling and acupuncture.

Is Chiropractic Dry Needling Effective?

Dry needling can be very effective. However, like anything, effectiveness comes from when an intervention is utilized at the appropriate time. Remember, dry needling is just a tool – it is not the end-all-be-all. Most chiropractors and physical therapists use dry needling to remodel deep soft tissues by releasing tight and restricted tissues (i.e., muscles, fascia, tendons, and ligaments), which hands-on technique, such as Active Release Technique, have a harder time in producing results when deeper tissues are at hand. Dry needling, like almost all soft tissue treatments of varying degrees, can produce desired results in three different ways (soft tissue remodel, neurological, and chemical) explained more below.

How Dry Needling Works

There are three largely accepted models of dry needling: Radicular Model, by Gunn; Spinal Segmental Sensitization Model, by Fischer; and Trigger Point Model, by Travel. With these 3 models there are 5 known mechanisms for the effects of needling: local, segmental, extra-segments, myofascial trigger point, and central. To summarize the above, dry needling has many facets. How dry needling works and the different models of dry needling is commonly misunderstood amongst the general population and healthcare professionals alike. However, we do understand that dry needling can provide significant pain relief to myofascial pain.1

Most healthcare providers do not understand or go into the complexity of understanding how, when, and why a customer might be finding positive results with dry needling regarding these three “pathways.” Largely, healthcare practitioners and patients alike just care if dry needling is working, will work, or if it will not work. This is perfectly acceptable too. Sometimes it is better to be lucky than good. It is important to us to be honest that healthcare is equal parts science, art, and philosophy. No one practitioner, specialist, field, etc., has all the answers. Textbooks are constantly evolving. This means science is not ever settled. Experimentation must occur to find improvement within the science. Therefore, sometimes it is better to be lucky than to be good.

If someone is wanting to understand the interplay with dry needling and which concept is primarily happening with regard to results, our chiropractors integrate three strategies, when applicable, and based on your pain categorization – soft tissue remodel, neurological, chemical.

The 10,000 Foot View of How Dry Needling Works

Dry Needling works by targeting and releasing trigger points (TrPs). Trigger points are hyper-irritable, palpable knots within a myofascial unit that lose good oxygen and blood supply. These TrPs alter the firing rate and potential output of a muscle, minimizing its efficiency, ability to function, the position of associated joints, and even the effectiveness of corresponding tissues.

Our chiropractor’s approach to dry needling TrPs is to create micro-trauma inside a soft tissue (i.e. fascia, muscle, tendons, etc.) structure to elicit a twitch response. This twitch response is a neurological sign of released tension, which ensures our expert chiropractors are targeting the trigger points effectively.

chiropractor inserting dry needles chiropractor administering dry needling therapy
Dig Deeper

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  • Dry Needling and Soft Tissue Remodel

    According to Dommerholt J. 2004, there are three major effects which take place within the soft tissue with dry needling.2

    1. Disrupts integrity of dysfunctional motor end plates - Motor end plates are where the nerve meets the muscle fiber. This junction sometimes becomes non-functioning. Using a needle, by “stabbing” the area, the trauma can help to reset the firing rate of the muscle or improve the communication of the nerve and muscle fiber. 
    2. Causes a local twitch response (LTR) - This local twitch response is the process we can see or feel of “restarting” the firing rate of the muscle again. 
    3. Alter muscle fiber length - When a trigger point is present, the muscle is pulled inwards to the center of the trigger point. As a result, the aspect of the healthy muscle fiber(s) becomes stretched or pulled inwards to the trigger point. This causes a non-ideal resting state of the muscle which in turn does not allow the healthy muscle fibers to work correctly. 

  • Dry Needling and Neurological Release of Tension

    According to Baldry PE. 2001, there are three major neurophysiological effects which take place with the brain-body connection.3

    1. Stimulation of A delta nerve fibers (type III) for 72 hours post-needling - These are the fast nerve fibers of our body. Simply, the nerve fiber which reaches the brain faster wins and in so doing the brain registers these fibers versus the painful fibers first.
    2. Prolonged stimulation of these A-delta fibers may activate enkephalinergic inhibitory dorsal interneurons - When a nerve is stimulated from an injured area of the body, the nerve communicates this injury to the spine. The spine then sends signals back to the injured tissue and the brain. Once the signal reaches the brain the brain then sends signals back to the spine and the injured tissue. When A-delta fibers are stimulated, this stimulation helps to reduce or shut off the pain pathways which travel within the spinal column. This process makes things feel better again.
    3. Activate descending inhibitory systems which would block noxious stimulus into the dorsal horn - This is very similar to the above situation. The dorsal horn is part of the back aspect of your spinal cord. Instead of blocking pain fibers within the spinal cord, this is stating it blocks pain fibers from entering the spinal cord.

  • Dry Needling and Chemical Release (Anti-inflammatory Effect)

    Once an active trigger point is stimulated by a needle, and a local twitch response is felt or seen, there is a decrease of inflammatory chemicals. Shah J. et al. 20054 notes three chemicals to be significantly altered with needling. All three of these chemicals contribute or cause vasodilation, or the constricting of blood vessels.

    Bradykinin

    • Bradykinin causes inflammation. Dry needling helps to decrease the amount of bradykinin at the site of the trigger point which in turns makes the area feel less uncomfortable. The release of bradykinin directly causes the release of calcitonin gene related peptide and substance P.

    Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP)

    • CGRP has many roles within the body, but “without doubt, CGRP is one of the most potent peripheral microvascular vasodilators.5
    • CGRP may have a role in pain and itchiness associated with arthritis and skin-related disease.
    • It has many known effects but even more unknown effects currently. Outside of its neurological effects, CGRP affects blood flow related conditions such as migraines.

    Substance P

    • Substance P is well known for its neurotransmitter and a modulator of pain perception effects by altering the signal pathways within a cell.
    • Substance P affects gastrointestinal (GI) function, memory processing, angiogenesis (blood vessel growth), vasodilation (opening of blood vessels), and cell growth and proliferation (reproduction).
    • Dry needling helps to reduce substance P levels within multiple locations of the body.6
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Read answers to common questions about Dry Needling.

  • Is Dry Needling Covered by Insurance?

    Dry Needling is not covered by insurance at this time. It is considered experimental or investigative. At this time, we do not have an idea of when or if dry needling will be covered by insurance in the future. If it does become covered under insurance, we believe it will fall under a person’s deductible plan and not the co-payment.

  • Why Should I Try Dry Needling for Pain?

    Outside of explaining how dry needling is effective, Dry Needling, or at least the use of needles to alleviate pain, has been around for thousands of years. The ultimate power of Dry Needling is its capability to alter the physical, chemical, and neurological inputs at the target tissue quickly to which other treatment certifications, methods, and protocols cannot reach at all, as effective, or as fast. Dry needling can be quick and relatively a painless experience.

  • How Dry Needling and Acupuncture are Different

    The question, is dry needling the same as acupuncture, is a common theme. Since it’s “inception” in the 1980’s, dry needling has branched into many different models, techniques, certifications, and certifying companies. With the evolution of these dry needling companies, we can largely view the difference between dry needling and acupuncture as being the assessment, method, and/or justification for a needling intervention.

    A true acupuncturist will claim dry needling is a branch of acupuncture, even though the method between the two are different. A “mixer” (person who does both acupuncture and dry needling) or a dry needling specialist typically do not argue with the above statement; however, the assessment and method associated with the various dry needling certifications do not resemble acupuncture’s method of assessment. Within acupuncture there are ~2,000 acupuncture points on the body. Dr. Ronald Melzack (1977)7 found that more than 70% of the classic meridian acupoints correspond to commonly used trigger points. As a result, there are overlapping dry needling points with acupuncture points on the body. Either way, the length of history associated with needling is well established with positive results.

  • The Additional Layer of Dry Needling and Healing Timeframe

    If you have tried dry needling, with us or with another chiropractic or physical therapist healthcare provider in the past, you can often identify 30% improvement in a single visit. The question here is, how can that degree of pain reduction be possible in reference to the time frame with the healing chart?

    healing times of injured tissues

    It is simple, just because you are experiencing pain, it does not mean there is an injured tissue at the site of pain (perception of pain – central sensitization), or that the pain you are experiencing is entirely local to the site of the also injured tissue (peripheralization). Pain is simply an interpretation of something is wrong; not necessarily where it is wrong. Ron Donelson, an orthopedic surgeon, and former vice president of the American Back Society notes, “The only time it really matters where the pain is coming from is if some invasive treatment, like an injection or surgery, is being contemplated.”8 Pain is not linear in the statement “pain here must mean problem here” but merely an interpretation or an awareness of something is less than ideal.

    The brain, in the brain-body connection, is contributing to or producing the pain as a warning sign. When we dry needle, and we see a significant reduction in pain (30% or more), we then have identified a neurological brain-body hack. The brain produces protective patterns for various reasons but primarily to restrict you in a position or movement that the brain-body connection perceives as a threat. This does not mean that we have started the healing process for the locally injured tissue, if there is one present, but merely a reduction of pain to allow the healing process to begin with less intensity of symptoms.

How Our Chiropractic Dry Needling Services Can Help You

Dry needling is becoming more commonly used by chiropractors and physical therapists to address myofascial pain syndromes and chronic trigger points. There is not full adoption, in that all chiropractors or physical therapist utilize dry needling, however, most acknowledge there can be benefit from utilizing dry needling. As stated earlier, our chiropractors are well versed in multiple styles of dry needling to better serve the greater Wichita, KS Metro.

Our chiropractors integrate dry needling and various other rehab and soft tissue procedures into a chiropractic visit to produce more effective results, faster based on our assessment protocols.

This lack of a pain categorization protocol has been consistently noted as a problem within healthcare with different clinicians coming to different conclusions based on different testing protocols. There is no cohesive understanding amongst healthcare providers with assessing and diagnostic testing. The research concludes healthcare testing is based on the type of healthcare provider providing the testing, not what is statistically a correct course of action based on a pain classification system.9 10 11 12

Read Feedback from Our Dry Needling Patients

  • Lisa V.

    5-star Review on Google

    "As a nurse who worked 12 hour shifts for years, I had low back and hip pain. I took antiinflammatories, Acetaminophen, steroid injections. My daughter-in-law, in Missouri, who holds a doctorate in physical therapy recommended finding someone who practiced dry-needleing therapy. I found Dr. Keith Sparks and he gave me my quality of life back with adjustment, dry needling and a few other therapeutic measures. But what helped to take away the pain and keep it away were easy, simple short intervals of simple muscle strenthening. I cannot recommend him enough. He knows his stuff and is very personable. And I am off all medication I was on before."

  • Alysia R.

    5-star Review on Google

    "Dr. Reals has been a wonderful help! He is very knowledgeable and educated me on important stretches to add into my every day life to help aid my neck pain along with the dry needling I requested. The dry needling he has done is working wonders and he makes the process very comfortable."

  • Bettina S.

    5-star Review on Google

    "Dr. Panko is a gift! He resolved my pain issue in my hip and I’m so relieved! I tried other modalities but his dry needling did the trick!"

Read More Patient Reviews

  • Potential Non-Dry Needling Circumstances

    The following are reasons against (contraindications) dry needling as a potential treatment option.

    Absolute Contraindications

    A patient with needle phobia
    Unable to give consent
    History of abnormal reaction to needles
    Medical emergency
    Anticoagulant therapy or thrombocytopenia
    Paresthesia
    Lymphedema in limb
    Hematomas

    Relative Contraindications

    Abnormal bleeding
    Compromised immune system
    Vascular disease
    Diabetes
    Frail individual
    Children
    Epilepsy
    Allergies to metals or latex
    Certain medications
    Anatomic consideration of the body (i.e. throat)
    Near surgical site (not the same as surgical scars)

  • Potential Associated Risks

    The following are associated risks with undergoing dry needling.

    1. Pneumothorax - A Pneumothorax simply is a punctured lung. Under very rare circumstances this may occur. We take extra precautions when needling within or around the lungs. This is an importance as to why we have taken many dry needling courses – to protect you.
    2. Vasovagal reaction - A vasovagal reaction is when your body temporarily shuts down from a stimulus. It’s almost like a reboot for a computer. An example is when someone faints at the site of blood. The body temporarily shuts down due to a significant enough stimulus. Under rare circumstances a person may feel warm, flushed, lightheaded, nausea, and/or faint from dry needling. Again, we take extra precautions to identify the individuals that this may occur to and extra steps to prevent a vasovagal reaction.
    3. Muscle soreness
    4. Fatigue
    5. Bruising
    6. Pain during insertion
    7. Infection

Content Written by Dr. Keith Sparks, DC | Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) Level 1 and Level 2
Content Reviewed by Dr. Tyler Panko, DC | Trigger Point Dry Needling (TPDN) Level 1, Structure & Function

View Citations and References

1 Chou LW, Kao MJ, Lin JG. Probable mechanisms of needling therapies for myofascial pain control. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2012;2012:705327. doi:10.1155/2012/705327.

2 Gerwin RD, Dommerholt J, Shah JP. An expansion of Simons' integrated hypothesis of trigger point formation. Curr Pain Headache Rep. 2004;8(6):468-475. doi:10.1007/s11916-004-0069-x.

3 Baldry P. Management of myofascial trigger point pain. Acupunct Med. 2002;20(1):2-10. doi:10.1136/aim.20.1.2 .

4 Shah JP, Phillips TM, Danoff JV, Gerber LH. An in vivo microanalytical technique for measuring the local biochemical milieu of human skeletal muscle. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2005;99(5):1977-1984. doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00419.2005.

5 Russell FA, King R, Smillie SJ, Kodji X, Brain SD. Calcitonin gene-related peptide: physiology and pathophysiology. Physiol Rev. 2014;94(4):1099-1142. doi:10.1152/physrev.00034.2013

6 Hsieh YL, Yang CC, Liu SY, Chou LW, Hong CZ. Remote dose-dependent effects of dry needling at distant myofascial trigger spots of rabbit skeletal muscles on reduction of substance P levels of proximal muscle and spinal cords. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:982121. doi: 10.1155/2014/982121..

7 Melzack R, Stillwell DM, Fox EJ. Trigger points and acupuncture points for pain: correlations and implications. Pain. 1977;3(1):3-23. doi: 10.1016/0304-3959(77)90032-X

8 Donelson R. Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Pathway to Widespread Recoveries and Savings. Hanover, NH: SelfCare First; 2007: 133.

9 Cushnaghan J, Cooper C, Dieppe P, Kirwan J, McAlindon T, McCrae F. Clinical assessment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Ann Rheum Dis. 1990;49(10):768-770. doi: 10.1136/ard.49.10.768.

10 Liesdek C, Van der Windt DA, Koes BW, Bouter LM. Soft-tissue disorders of the shoulder. Physiotherapy. 1997;83(1):12-17. doi: 10.1016/S0031-9406(05)66103-2.

11 Cherkin Dc, Deyo RA, Wheller K, Ciol MA. Physician variation in diagnostic testing for low back pain. Who you see is what you get. Arthritis Rheum. 1994;37(1):15-22. doi:10.1002/art.1780370104.

12 Spitzer EA. Scientific approach to the assessment and management of activity-related spinal disorders: A monograph for clinicians. Report of the Quebec Task Force on Spinal Disorders. Spine. 1987;12(7 suppl):S1-S59.

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Contact Us with Further Questions

If you are in the Wichita, KS, area and are having frustrations, complications, or stagnant results with care, then contact us for in-person help with our unique healthcare approaches. If you are not within the greater Wichita, KS metro, we have created amazing Telehealth and Video Programs to provide you the same high-quality care. Contact our professional chiropractic staff at our East Wichita clinic or West Wichita clinic about possible treatments for your muscle, joint, nutrition, and health-related concerns today.

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