#PTonICE Podcast Episode 1969 - Dry needling: expand your clinical targets with e-stim
Aug 20, 2025
Paul Killoren, the Dry Needling Division Leader at ICE, shares his expertise on transforming pain management through advanced dry needling techniques. He discusses leveraging dry needling to positively impact the nervous system, promoting recovery and enhancing performance. The conversation reveals innovative strategies like integrating electrical stimulation for acute pain relief, and the evolving applications of dry needling in treating conditions like arthritis. Paul emphasizes effective patient communication and engagement, showcasing the progressive curriculum at ICE.
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CrossFit Mishaps and A Chipped Tooth
- Paul recounts a brutal CrossFit Open workout where he finished with one second to spare and puked afterward.
- He also describes chipping a front tooth during an early partner WOD that likely caused a concussion.
Broader Indications From New Evidence
- Research and clinical experience expanded indications from myofascial pain to recovery, arthritis, spasticity, and neuro applications.
- Functional MRI and nervous system data helped move practice beyond a sarcomere/twitch-only model.
Needling As A Recovery Tool
- Dry needling with e-stim is widely used for athlete recovery and in-season maintenance.
- Needling produces muscle pumps and nervous system effects that mimic or augment active recovery without heavy loading.