Henderson Health Care Services Press Release
October 21, 2025
The Physical Therapy Department at Henderson Health Care is proud to announce that its team of highly skilled Physical Therapists, Whitney Rathke and Tanner Steingard, are now certified in Functional Dry Needling Level 2 (FDN2), marking another step forward in providing advanced, evidence-based care to patients experiencing pain or limited mobility.
Functional Dry Needling (FDN) is a skilled technique that uses thin, monofilament needles to target muscular dysfunction, helping to relieve pain, improve movement, and restore function. FDN can also be paired with electrical stimulation, helping to promote nerve function, blood flow and muscle recruitment. By completing FDN2, Whitney and Tanner added approximately 77 new muscle targets to their skill set — including complex muscle groups in the shoulder, hip, spine, jaw, lower leg, and neck regions.
“Completing the Functional Dry Needling Level 2 certification has really elevated how we are able to approach complex muscle and joint pain,” said Tanner Steingard, DPT. “This advancement in training gives us another tool to target the root cause of a patient’s discomfort and help them move and feel better faster.”
“Level 2 dry needling builds on the basics and takes treatment to another level,” added Whitney Rathke, DPT. “It allows us to address deeper and more intricate muscle groups, which can make a big difference for patients recovering from chronic pain, injuries, or post-surgical stiffness.”
Patients who may benefit from dry needling include those with back or neck pain, tension headaches, shoulder, hip or pelvis dysfunction, or chronic muscular dysfunction. By integrating this advanced skill into individualized treatment plans, the Physical Therapy Department continues its commitment to delivering comprehensive, state-of-the-art rehabilitation care close to home.
To learn more about Functional Dry Needling or to schedule an appointment with one of our certified therapists, call 402-723-4005 or visit www.hendersonhealthcare.org.
