Lester PT

02/03/2026

01/30/2026

Though they both include inserting thin needles in specific areas of the body, Acupuncture (what Dr. Marino offers) is focused on the flow of energy throughout the body and is most often used to treat internal issues like digestive problems, insomnia, and stress. Dry Needling (what Lester PT offers) is focused on the release of trigger points within muscles to treat cases of chronic and acute pain.

01/29/2026

Last week we discussed what to do after dry needling for optimal benefits so this week we will look at what we DON'T want to do after a session:

- Overexert yourself.

Although doing simple stretching exercises is recommended after dry needling, it is also key not to overexert your muscles. Avoid strenuous activities that can be taxing on the muscles. A rule of thumb is to wait for at least 24 hours before resuming your heavy workouts, otherwise, something light is fine.

- Sit still too much.

While strenuous exercises are not advisable, sitting still too much is also not a good idea as it can cause your muscles to stiffen up, increasing soreness in return. Getting ample rest is necessary but you can also continue your daily activities to prevent stiffness.

- Apply a cold or hot compress for soreness.

Cold eases pain, but, for post-dry needling, try using a hot compress instead. Heat brings more blood to the area and can help reduce spasms in tight muscles for less discomfort after a dry needling session.

01/28/2026

01/26/2026

CRACK! Well that’s not good! 🙀 Don’t let this winter weather get you down. Here are some “TIPS” to prevent “SLIPS.” Some common causes of these treated in physical therapy are:

1. Weak Glutes
2. Poor Ankle Stability
3. Slow Reaction Time

If you have already fallen and need help, we treat these following injuries and more:

1. Sprained Wrists
2. Strained Backs
3. Bruised Egos 😂

So come by Lester Physical Therapy and see us if you’re scared to slip, already fell, or are just tired of the cold because we can do a lot more than just put ice 🥶 on it!

❄️

01/25/2026

We have decided to close our office Monday January 26th.
If you have an appointment you can expect a call from us to reschedule.
Sorry for any inconvenience.

01/24/2026

REGAIN YOUR RANGE OF MOTION:

Few things stop you from moving like tight, painful muscles. If you have multiple trigger points, you may experience severely limited mobility. And when you’re not active, your muscles weaken and lose mass.

Dry needling relaxes the muscles, boosts blood flow, diminishes inflammation, and triggers a healing response. This treatment also improves nerve communication and activates the release of your body’s natural pain relievers.

We often combine dry needling with a physical therapy program to rebuild your strength and fully restore your range of motion. Physical therapy also retrains your muscles, and this helps to prevent future trigger points.

01/23/2026

More cancellations than usual over the next few days during this winter storm advisory, so we decided to make a video…

Oh and don’t slip on any ice, but if you do… we can help!

01/22/2026

Do you want to take note of some "dos and don’ts" after dry needling for optimum results?

This week we will look at what to DO:

- Know the side effects.

It's important to understand the possible side effects of dry needling so that you won't be alarmed and will be prepared. The most common side effects are short-term discomfort, feeling more tired than usual, and potential bruising if taking blood thinners.

- Stretching.

Since dry needling targets the trigger points that develop within stressed muscles, it is normal for you to feel sore after the session. So moving your body and heating the muscles through simple stretches help to speed up recovery and reduce soreness so you can return to your A-game as soon as possible.

- Get sufficient rest.

Other than doing simple stretching exercises, it's also important for you to get sufficient rest after dry needling for minimum soreness and discomfort while giving your muscles time to recover.

- Keep yourself hydrated.

Drinking plenty of water is another way to reduce muscle soreness, just like keeping yourself hydrated after an intense workout session is essential.

- Gentle massages.

Gentle, self-massage to the area could be beneficial for soreness since it keeps the muscles moving.

Remember, soreness should not last more than 12 hours so get in touch with us if discomfort persists.

01/21/2026

01/20/2026

Trigger Point Dry Needling (TDN) involves placing a small needle into the muscle at the trigger point in order to cause the muscle to contract and then release, improving the flexibility of the muscle and therefore decreasing the symptoms.

TDN is a valuable treatment for musculoskeletal pain in conjunction with other therapy procedures. Like any treatment, there are possible complications. While the complications are rare in occurrence, they are real and must be considered prior to giving consent to treatment.