Dr. Kari Elste PT, DPT is trained in the current evidence based manual therapy techniques including joint mobilization and manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, pin and stretch, and trigger point dry needling. Joint mobilization includes applying a gentle force to the joint, whereas joint manipulation includes applying a high velocity force to a joint. Both improve joint motion, thus decreasing stiffness and pain. Soft tissue mobilization addresses irregular tissue in the muscle or fascia with the use of a PT’s hands or an instrumented tool. Pin and stretch applies a direct force to taut tissue and then a gentle stretch to decrease tissue tension. Trigger point dry needling uses a small needle inserted into a myofascial trigger point in order to decrease muscle tightness.