Modern Physical Therapy: What’s bringing results?
The world of physical therapy changes as research grows and new findings are implemented. Modalities and techniques change as time passes, with some becoming trends, and at times falling out of practice. Dry needling, for example, may have the spotlight right now, and is also an effective treatment technique in today’s practice, but it’s far from the only effective tool physical therapists use today. For those that may be afraid of needles, there is more beyond the practices of both dry needling or acupuncture! Backed by fresh 2024 research, a new wave of evidence explains how effective other hands-on therapies are in helping people manage pain, recover from injury, and optimize movement.
Here’s a breakdown of the most current and effective modalities you should know about.
1. Myofascial Release: Releasing More Than Just Muscle Tension
What It Is:
Myofascial Release applies gentle, or moderate, sustained pressure to fascia and soft tissue to reduce pain and restore mobility. It can be done through manual pressure and massage, foam rolling, the use of various tools, or specific and targeted stretches.
Recent Research (2024):
A 2024 meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports evaluated manual myofascial techniques (e.g., foam rolling and stretching) and found they significantly improved joint range of motion in athletes with a moderate effect size, meaning it’s more reliable. Researchers attributed the benefits to improved fascial hydration, circulation, and neuromuscular relaxation.
Who It Helps:
Perfect for athletes, desk workers, older adults, and anyone experiencing chronic muscle tightness or joint stiffness. With golfers specifically, a healthy fascia is what helps provide better muscle control and fluid movement, which will directly impact a golf swing.
2. Cupping Therapy: Ancient Method, Modern Evidence
What It Is:
Cupping uses suction to increase blood flow and reduce tension in targeted areas. Cupping has been used for centuries as an ancient Eastern form of medicine, used similarly to acupuncture in regards to where the cups are placed. Older methods tend to follow acupoints and are left on the body for longer periods of time without the patient moving. Modern methods of cupping follow a different approach, leaving cups on for shorter periods of time and kept on during movements or exercises to target certain muscles or tissues.
Recent Research (2024):
A meta-analysis of 11 randomized controlled trials published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice concluded that cupping significantly reduces low back pain and disability, with a large effect size (d = 1.09). Dry cupping showed moderate benefit, while wet cupping provided even greater short-term pain relief—especially when applied over acupuncture points.
Who It Helps:
Highly effective for individuals with chronic pain, muscle tightness, or recurring back and neck stiffness. This can also be a substitute for acupuncture for those who are afraid of needles, as it follows some of the same guidelines and points of application and has been shown to have similar benefits.
3. Graston Technique (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)
What It Is:
This modality uses stainless-steel tools to break down scar tissue, release fascial restrictions, and promote blood flow in injured tissue.
Recent Research (2024):
In a randomized controlled trial comparing Graston therapy to eccentric exercises in patients with Achilles tendinopathy, both groups improved—but the Graston group showed greater functional gains during mid- and post-treatment phases. Published in The International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, the findings support Graston’s use in treating chronic tendinopathies.
Who It Helps:
Ideal for athletes, runners, post-op patients, or anyone with overuse injuries and lingering soft tissue tightness. Overuse injuries include other forms of tendinopathy, including Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, or Patellar Tendinopathy, which this new research can also be applied to.
4. Kinesiology Taping: Support That Moves With You
What It Is:
Elastic therapeutic tape is applied over muscles and joints to improve movement awareness, reduce pain, and enhance support. They are applied in specific patterns to help engage weak muscles or help facilitate certain movements that your body may be lacking that cause a compensation somewhere else, leading to pain.
Recent Research (2024):
A randomized crossover study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders evaluated the effects of kinesiology taping after ankle fatigue. Results showed immediate improvements in muscle strength and proprioception, though not in balance. The tape helped restore neuromuscular function post-fatigue, reinforcing its value in injury recovery and movement retraining.
Who It Helps:
Athletes, dancers, gym-goers, or anyone needing extra joint support or help retraining proper movement patterns. This taping method can be applied nearly anywhere on the body to help you move and feel better after injury, during recovery, or even preventatively during athletics and activities.
Why These Modalities Matter—For Everyone
Modern physical therapy is no longer limited to post-surgery patients or elite athletes. Whether you're:
A weekend warrior nursing a sore knee
A desk worker with stubborn neck pain
A senior managing arthritis or past injuries
Or a golfer looking to improve your swing mechanics
These hands-on therapies offer safe, research-backed solutions to help restore function, relieve discomfort, and support better movement every day.
Final Thoughts: Physical Therapy in Green Bay, WI
The newest research shows that cupping, Graston, myofascial release, and kinesiology taping all offer evidence-based alternatives that are:
✅ Non-invasive
✅ Supported by 2024 studies
✅ Effective for both pain relief and performance enhancement for all groups of people
Here in Green Bay, WI, Full Swing Fitness and Rehab provides all of these services. The modality that will benefit you the most will depend on a comprehensive evaluation to determine what is the root cause of your pain. Contact us today to schedule a free consult, and we can get to work!