Dry Needling is a technique used
by certified therapists to target
musculoskeletal trigger points. A very
thin needle (the size of an acupuncture
needle) is inserted into a targeted
muscle belly stimulating underlying
myofascial trigger points and muscular
and connective tissues. The needle allows
the therapist to target tissues that cannot
be accessed by touch. No medication is
injected, hence the name "dry needling".
At the Center, a multi-faceted treatment approach
provides patients with a variety of tools and coping skills,
giving them a sense of control over their ailment that is
often lost. All aspects of a patient’s life is examined in order
to determine what may be contributing to their headaches.
A “team approach” is provided in which the patient is very
involved in the decision making process. This involvement
provides the patient with a sense of ownership to their dis-
ease (instead of their disease owning them). Also, there is
an emphasis on understanding the headache cycle and why
treatments (both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic)
are utilized. Patients often comment that no one has ever
taken the time to explain why they are having headaches
or the pathophysiology behind those headaches. Once
patients are able to absorb this information, they are then
better attuned and able to treat their headaches.
When asked about any significant growth or changes
at the Center anticipated during the next few years, Dr.
Holdridge indicated that the Center is expanding their of-
fice to the western suburbs of Milwaukee, and also antici-
pate an additional office hub in Milwaukee proper by the
end of this year. They are very excited about this growth
opportunity allowing more access to headache care for the
citizens of Wisconsin.
When asked about why she chose headache medicine,
Dr. Holdridge noted “My medical residency was in neu-
rology which is near and dear to me. However, I became
disheartened with the amount of neurodegenerative dis-
eases that I often encountered. In the field of neurology,
there are many diseases that do not improve as there are
no treatments available. Headache medicine was a niche
within the field of neurology that I was drawn to as I was
able to see patients improve. I was able to take the strong
neurology foundation and apply it to headache medicine.
I was fortunate enough to be able to be mentored during
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Volume 6, Issue 3 • 2017
my fellowship by Dr. Merle Diamond of the Diamond
Headache Clinic in Chicago. I was able to observe the
strong relationship and admiration that Dr. Diamond has
with her patients and I hope that I was able to take a part
of that with me when I interact with my patients.”
When asked about what she enjoys the most about
working in Headache Medicine, Dr. Holdridge replied: “I
have seen how crippling and life-altering headaches can
be, not only for the patient, but also the whole family. We
often treat multiple generations of a family which provides
a very unique opportunity to develop strong relationships.
I wake up each day knowing that I get to work at my dream
job in which I can make a difference in the lives of those
suffering from head and facial pain. I also really enjoy the
opportunities that Wheaton Franciscan has afforded me in
educating the public. I often can be found participating
in community events sponsored by Wheaton/Ascension,
conducting local headache lectures at the community
library, or working with commercial media. We want to
educate the public that there is no need to continue suf-
fering with headache pain, there are treatments available!”
Her advice to headache patients: “You do not have to
suffer! We see so many patients in mid-life who are just
now receiving treatment and often wish they had come in
sooner!” HW
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CLINIC, PLEASE VISIT:
www.mywheaton.org/services/
neurology-stroke/headache-care
The Comprehensive Headache Center
Wheaton-Franciscan Healthcare
9969 South 27th Street
Franklin, WI 53132
(414) 325-4710