Sarah Ann has a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology and is an Accredited Exercise Scientist and Exercise Physiologist. She has been testing, examining, prescribing and programming exercise and movement for acute and chronic health conditions since 2009. With almost ten years experience in business rehabilitating musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiorespiratory, metabolic & psychological conditions, injury and illness through exercise prescription; Sarah has thorough and precise knowledge in the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Sarah has now completed the Advanced Grad Cert in Dry Needling to assist with her exercise prescription programs. Trained by a doctor in Dry Needling, Sarah is very thorough and is able to work effectively. She has built a broad network of referring general practitioners, cardiac and orthopaedic surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, physiotherapists and podiatrists. Sarah takes pride in her work, and strives to achieve excellent results for her patients. Sarah is able to liase with your referring doctor and work as part of a professional team in order to help you overcome your injury, illness or condition. Her business is built on “Word of Mouth” referrals and there is not a condition Sarah has not treated before. Graduating with High Distinctions at University, Sarah has a profound knowledge in Sports Medicine and a thorough interest in all aspects of Medicine. Sarah is a well known, and highly regarded Clinical Exercise Physiologist amongst the medical doctors of the Caloundra and Sunshine Coast Regions.
Dry needling is an effective treatment for your myofascial pain and dysfunction. Sarah will place a thin, sterile needle directly into and/or around your trigger point, which is a discrete, irritable point in your muscle. Results are immediate and 100% guaranteed.
Dry needling works by a complex series of neurological events including neurological reflexes and nerve de-sensitisation, blocking pain transmission in your spinal cord. Dry needling releases neuropeptides such as CGRP and histamine allowing your blood vessels to dilate. This increases the blood flow to pain region and allows damaged tissues to heal.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
Decrease muscle tension
Decrease pain
Increase range of motion in joints
Improved healing
Tissue regeneration
Improved sleep and relaxation
What conditions does it assist?
Dry needling is safe to treat people of all ages and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including:
Shoulder tension
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Back pain
Frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
Hamstring tension
Knee pain
Calf muscle tension
Ankle inversion sprains
Tendinopathies including achilles, supraspinatus and biceps
How many sessions will be required?
The number of sessions required will vary from patient-to-patient and depending on your condition. Sarah will discuss the estimated time-frame with you, however after only one session you will feel and move differently and the pain will be dramatically decreased. Generally patients come in 6-12 times to have one area completely healed. The majority of Dry Needling patients are exercising regularly or under specific prescription from Sarah. The majority incorporate dry needling for maintenance or recovery purposes as part of their training. You do not have to have a diagnosed “injury” as such. If you feel any sort of “pain” or “discomfort” or “dysfunction” you are the perfect candidate for exercise physiology and dry needling.
Does it hurt?
Dry needling is usually pain-free. However, when the needle is inserted into the trigger point you may feel a light prick. On deep insertion of the needle, you may experience a deep ache or a tingling. This is completely normal and occurs as a result of trigger point stimulation. Once the trigger point has been stimulated, it is usually eliminated. You will be amazed at the results.
To further enhance the effect of dry needling Sarah may gently twist the needle, which can result in a deeper, heavier ache. It is a relaxing feeling, and it NOT painful in any way.
It does not matter if you have not been needled before, or are nervous. Sarah has many different sized needles for all body types, conditions and patients history of needling. Sarah always starts off with minimum dosage and will know by assessment what needles will suit you best. You do not feel any pain at any time, and if you are too nervous or uncomfortable the needles can always be removed upon your request at any time.
Are the needles sterile?
Yes. The needles are sterile, single use and individually wrapped to prevent infection. Sarah follows a strict health & safety protocol to prevent infection and cross-contamination.
Is dry needling the same as acupuncture?
Whilst the needles are the same, dry needling and acupuncture are very different techniques.
Acupuncture involves inserting fine, sterile needles into acupoints, which are found along the body’s meridians. It is a whole body treatment used to treat energy blockages (Qi) and disturbances in various bodily systems. (Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association)
Whilst many trigger points have a corresponding acupoint, dry needling is only used to treat pain as a result of myofascial trigger points. Many athletes, or people that exercise use Dry Needling as a form of recovery for their sport. Sarah treats many athletes who participate in sports such as;
CrossFit
Track and Field events
Swimming
Golf
Tennis
Marathon Runners
Soccer Players
Surfers and Surf Sports Competitors
Gym, Health and Fitness enthusiasts.
However, Dry Needling is NOT JUST FOR ATHLETES. Sarah is a University Degree Qualified Rehabilitation Specialist and can treat ALL Musculoskeletal injuries, pain, dysfunction relating to muscles, tendons, ligaments! Anything from migraines to knee pain!
Can I use my Health Fund?
YES. Sarah Latif is a registered practitioner with all major Health Funds. You will need to be covered under “Exercise Physiology” or “Extras” in order to claim Private Health Fund Rebates.
I don’t have Private Health, are there other rebates available to me?
YES. If you have a chronic or acute health condition, you may visit your regular G.P and ask for a Medicare Referral to see Sarah, Exercise Physiologist for exercise testing, prescription and programming for your specific condition. Dry needling can be added into your appointment if necessary and charged separately.
YES. If you are injured at work, Workers Compensation or Work Cover injuries are accepted by Sarah. You will need a G.P referral for your injury history in order to see Sarah for your exercise rehabilitation program. Dry needling can be added into your appointment if necessary and charged separately.
Fees, Payment & Duration of Treatment:
60minutes =$110.00 : Includes assessment, doctor reports, dry needling treatment, sports massage and exercise prescription.
