Dry Needling is a technique used by certified therapists to target musculoskeletal trigger points . A very thin needle ( the size of an acupuncture needle ) is inserted into a targeted muscle belly stimulating underlying myofascial trigger points and muscular and connective tissues . The needle allows the therapist to target tissues that cannot be accessed by touch . No medication is injected , hence the name " dry needling ".
At the Center , a multi-faceted treatment approach provides patients with a variety of tools and coping skills , giving them a sense of control over their ailment that is often lost . All aspects of a patient ’ s life is examined in order to determine what may be contributing to their headaches . A “ team approach ” is provided in which the patient is very involved in the decision making process . This involvement provides the patient with a sense of ownership to their disease ( instead of their disease owning them ). Also , there is an emphasis on understanding the headache cycle and why treatments ( both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic ) are utilized . Patients often comment that no one has ever taken the time to explain why they are having headaches or the pathophysiology behind those headaches . Once patients are able to absorb this information , they are then better attuned and able to treat their headaches .
When asked about any significant growth or changes at the Center anticipated during the next few years , Dr . Holdridge indicated that the Center is expanding their office to the western suburbs of Milwaukee , and also anticipate an additional office hub in Milwaukee proper by the end of this year . They are very excited about this growth opportunity allowing more access to headache care for the citizens of Wisconsin .
When asked about why she chose headache medicine , Dr . Holdridge noted “ My medical residency was in neurology which is near and dear to me . However , I became disheartened with the amount of neurodegenerative diseases that I often encountered . In the field of neurology , there are many diseases that do not improve as there are no treatments available . Headache medicine was a niche within the field of neurology that I was drawn to as I was able to see patients improve . I was able to take the strong neurology foundation and apply it to headache medicine . I was fortunate enough to be able to be mentored during
my fellowship by Dr . Merle Diamond of the Diamond Headache Clinic in Chicago . I was able to observe the strong relationship and admiration that Dr . Diamond has with her patients and I hope that I was able to take a part of that with me when I interact with my patients .”
When asked about what she enjoys the most about working in Headache Medicine , Dr . Holdridge replied : “ I have seen how crippling and life-altering headaches can be , not only for the patient , but also the whole family . We often treat multiple generations of a family which provides a very unique opportunity to develop strong relationships . I wake up each day knowing that I get to work at my dream job in which I can make a difference in the lives of those suffering from head and facial pain . I also really enjoy the opportunities that Wheaton Franciscan has afforded me in educating the public . I often can be found participating in community events sponsored by Wheaton / Ascension , conducting local headache lectures at the community library , or working with commercial media . We want to educate the public that there is no need to continue suffering with headache pain , there are treatments available !”
Her advice to headache patients : “ You do not have to suffer ! We see so many patients in mid-life who are just now receiving treatment and often wish they had come in sooner !” HW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLINIC , PLEASE VISIT :
www . mywheaton . org / services / neurology-stroke / headache-care The Comprehensive Headache Center Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare 9969 South 27th Street Franklin , WI 53132 ( 414 ) 325-4710
38 HeadWise ® | Volume 6 , Issue 3 • 2017
170767 _ LOT A _ NHF Feb 2017 Vol . 6 Issue 3 . indd 38 2 / 15 / 17 12:48 AM