Targeting Pain at Its Source

Dry Needling Arrives in Philipsburg

Granite County Medical Center (GCMC) is proud to introduce dry needling therapy, an advanced treatment designed to alleviate muscle pain, improve mobility and promote healing. Leading the way is Roger Terry, GCMC’s Director of Physical Therapy, who brings over 20 years of experience in rural Montana. Lori Kohl has been a Physical Therapist for 16 years and has her Pelvic Health certification. Roger is Level 1 certified in dry needling, and Lori Kohl is Level 2 certified. This equips them both to deliver expert care and tailored treatment plans for patients with a variety of musculoskeletal conditions.

What is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin, solid needles into or near “trigger points” in muscles and connective tissues. Once a needle is inserted, the practitioner can use a pistoning method in which the needle is manipulated in an up-and-down fashion to target a larger area, or more commonly, a small current of electrical stimulation is applied to the needle to elicit muscle contraction of the muscle being targeted. These hyper-irritable spots, often referred to as muscle knots, can develop due to overuse, injury or poor posture. The technique works by:

• Promoting blood flow to the targeted area
• Releasing muscle tension
• Stimulating the body’s natural healing processes

Patients may experience a brief “twitch response” during the procedure, a positive indicator of muscle release and tension relief.

“Dry needling allows us to target pain and dysfunction at its source,” said Roger Terry. “By addressing trigger points directly, we can help patients recover more quickly and improve their quality of life — all while staying in their own community.”

Benefits of Dry Needling

1. Pain Relief Reduces discomfort caused by trigger points and muscle tension.
2. Improved Mobility Releases tight muscles and enhances joint flexibility.
3. Faster Recovery Increases blood flow to aid in healing.
4. Chronic Pain Management Helps manage long-term conditions like fibromyalgia, tension headaches, and sciatica.
5. Less Reliance on Medications Provides a drug-free option for managing pain.

Dry needling is also highly effective in treating a variety of common musculoskeletal issues, such as:

• Muscle strains and sprains
• Tension headaches
• Frozen shoulder
• Back and neck pain
• Sciatica
• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction

Bringing Expertise to GCMC

Roger Terry’s and Lori Kohl’s extensive experience and certifications mean that our patients receive safe, effective treatment, and his dedication to providing personalized care makes dry needling an invaluable resource for those seeking pain relief and improved function.

“Helping our patients recover and feel better is why I do this work,” said Roger. “Dry needling is another tool we can use to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

Safe and Accessible!

GCMC is committed to patient safety and comfort, with licensed professionals performing all procedures. While some patients may experience mild soreness after treatment, these effects are temporary and outweighed by the long-term benefits.

For more information about dry needling therapy or to schedule an appointment, contact GCMC at (406) 859-3271.