What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Both use very fine needles, but they come from different traditions and target different things. Dry needling places needles into specific tight bands of muscle, called trigger points, identified during a musculoskeletal exam, with the goal of releasing tension and reducing pain. Acupuncture places needles at defined points on the body drawn from traditional practice. Omni offers both, and your provider will recommend the right approach for your condition.

Do you treat student athletes?

Yes. Omni treats athletes of all ages and levels, from grade school, high school, and college athletes to recreational players, weekend warriors, and professionals. Treatment plans account for growth, sport demands, and safe return-to-play timelines.

Do I need a referral for sports medicine care?

It depends on who delivers your care. Chiropractic-led sports medicine care does not require a referral. Physical therapy always requires one at Omni. Call the office nearest you and our staff will sort out what applies to you and verify your coverage before your first visit.

Our services

Sports Medicine

Omni Physical & Aquatic Therapy provides sports medicine care for athletes of all ages and levels. Sports therapy and sports injury rehabilitation are combined with techniques including dry needling, Kinesio taping, the Graston Technique, and cold laser therapy, delivered by chiropractic physicians and physical therapists working on one plan of care.

Whether you compete, train, or just refuse to sit still on weekends, an injury does more than hurt. It takes away the activity you love. Omni's sports medicine care is built around getting you back to your sport safely, with a plan matched to your body, your injury, and the demands of what you play.

Sports injury care runs deep on Omni's team. Dr. Chris Giannos is board certified in chiropractic sports medicine (C.C.S.P.). Dr. David Spadaro has spent his career treating athletes at every level, from grade school and high school to college, recreational, and professional. Dr. Erik Reich is certified in soft-tissue techniques used widely in sports settings, including kinesiology taping and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

Recovery doesn't end when the pain stops. Omni's ProPerformance program pairs computerized balance assessment with guided training, so you can measure your readiness and keep building after your rehab is done.

Sports injuries we treat

Sprains, strains, and muscle pulls
Knee and ankle injuries
Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff problems
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and other overuse injuries
Back and neck pain from training or contact
Re-injury prevention and return-to-play conditioning

How we treat sports injuries

Your provider builds your plan from the techniques below, based on your injury, your sport, and how you respond to treatment.

Sports therapy: individualized hands-on treatment and exercise programs designed around the demands of your sport.
Sports injury rehab: structured, progressive rehabilitation that restores strength, mobility, and confidence before you return to play.
Dry needling: very fine needles placed into tight bands of muscle (trigger points) to release tension and reduce pain.
Kinesio taping: elastic therapeutic tape applied to support muscles and joints while preserving your full range of motion.
Graston Technique: instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that addresses scar tissue and soft-tissue restrictions from injury or overuse.
Cold laser therapy: low-level laser light used to help manage pain and support soft-tissue recovery.

ProPerformance: train the readiness behind your game

Balance and coordination are hidden ingredients in almost everything you do on the field or the course. ProPerformance measures yours with a computerized evaluation and builds a training plan from your numbers.

About ProPerformance

Conditions we commonly treat

Sprains and strains
Knee and ankle injuries
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
Tennis and golfer's elbow
Overuse and repetitive stress injuries
Sports-related back and neck pain

Where to get sports medicine care

Call Omni at (203) 562-8600 and we'll match you with the right provider and office for your care.

Sports Medicine — frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?: Both use very fine needles, but they come from different traditions and target different things. Dry needling places needles into specific tight bands of muscle, called trigger points, identified during a musculoskeletal exam, with the goal of releasing tension and reducing pain. Acupuncture places needles at defined points on the body drawn from traditional practice. Omni offers both, and your provider will recommend the right approach for your condition.
Do you treat student athletes?: Yes. Omni treats athletes of all ages and levels, from grade school, high school, and college athletes to recreational players, weekend warriors, and professionals. Treatment plans account for growth, sport demands, and safe return-to-play timelines.
Do I need a referral for sports medicine care?: It depends on who delivers your care. Chiropractic-led sports medicine care does not require a referral. Physical therapy always requires one at Omni. Call the office nearest you and our staff will sort out what applies to you and verify your coverage before your first visit.

Start sports medicine care at Omni

Call Omni — we'll match you with the right provider and location.

Request an Appointment Call (203) 562-8600

Or find the office nearest you