Although Trey McBride has heard about Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt’s misfortune, the Arizona Cardinals tight end plans to continue his weekly physical therapy dry needling (DNDAP) sessions.
“It’s something I do frequently. I’ve never had a problem like that, he said. But as with any treatment, everything you do carries risks. »
The risk associated with PPAS — at least in some areas — caught many people off guard last week when Watt was hospitalized after suffering a pneumothorax during a PPAS session. The 2021 NFL MVP will be out indefinitely after undergoing surgery.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, PPAS is a treatment used by physical therapists and acupuncturists to treat pain and mobility problems. Healthcare professionals insert needles under the skin to target tension points, which are knotted or sensitive areas of the muscles.
“I think there’s some sort of systemic reaction,” said Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman, who undergoes the treatment five to 10 times a year. When you do this, it can draw blood flow and other elements to the affected areas. I think there’s a bit of that classic effect of acupuncture on muscle tension. I have always used it to treat soft tissue issues. »
PPAS relieves tight muscles in NFL players
According to the Cleveland Clinic, this treatment is often part of a broader pain management plan. The treatment is designed to relieve tension and tender areas in the muscles by increasing blood flow to the affected area. It can also trigger the release of endorphins which help relieve pain.
The treatment is called physiotherapeutic dry needling, since the fine needles do not contain any medication.
“It just helps loosen up tight muscles,” said Bobby Okereke, a linebacker for the New York Giants. If you have some plantar fascia tension, this helps loosen some of the fascia. This can somehow provide you with targeted release of tension points, where massage or different stretching techniques fail to relax the muscle. Sometimes you stick a needle deep into that area, and that’s enough to relax it. »
The two most common techniques are the superficial technique, where the practitioner inserts the needle into the bottom layer of the skin, above the point of tension, and the deep technique, where the needle is inserted deep into the muscle to penetrate the point of tension. There is also the plunger technique, where the practitioner quickly moves the needle up and down through the tissue.
Sam Cosmi, a guard for the Washington Commanders, said he began using PPAS while studying at the University of Texas. In his fifth season in the NFL, he undergoes a session approximately every three weeks.
He describes the sensation of the needle entering as a “prick.”
“I only do it when I have to. It’s not my favorite,” Cosmi admitted.
In short, despite some concerns and Watt’s mishap, NFL players will probably continue to use PPAS.
– With contributions from Teresa Walker, Howard Fendrich, Will Graves, David Brandt, Charles Odum, Stephen Whyno and Noah Trister, from the Associated Press
