Commonly Treated Conditions

Chiropractic Manipulation

The Chiropractic Manipulation is also known as a Chiropractic Adjustment or Spinal Manipulation.  It has been repeatedly shown to be a safe and effective treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. 

During this procedure the doctor will place his hands on the area to be treated and mobilize the joint.  Often the doctor will apply a quick, short movement over the joint.  The joint usually elicits a "pop" or "crack", we term this an "audible release". 

The goal of the Chiropractic Manipulation is to

1. •Increase the joint mobility and range of motion
   

2. •Relieve pain
   

3. •Reduce muscle spasm
   

4. •Restore optimal joint function
   

If you haven't been adjusted before, we will discuss the risks and benefits of this remarkably safe procedure.

Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (McKenzie Method)

The McKenzie© Method (McKenzie Technique)  was developed in the 1960’s by Robin McKenzie, a Zealand physical therapist. During the course of his practice, he discovered that extending the spine (backward bending) could provide significant relief from low back and lower extremity pain for certain patients. This represented a significant shift in thinking for spine care practitioners, as much of the focus of spine care previously was on flexing (forward bending) the spine.

With the McKenzie approach, a step-by-step examination identifies the movements and postures that best relieve a spine pain sufferer's complaints.  The focus of the examination is on identifying which movements and postures "centralize" the patient’s pain.  That is,  which positions and activities reduce any extremity (or "peripheral") symptoms.  The theory of the approach is that centralizing the pain allows the source of the pain to be treated rather than the symptoms.

A central tenet and goal of the McKenzie Method is to teach neck pain and/or back pain sufferers how to treat themselves and manage their own pain for life using exercise and other strategies.

Rehab/Exercises/Stabilization

The goal is to train or retrain the body to improve the way that the body works.  We accomplish this with a two tier approach:

1. •First, we teach the patient what actives to perform to relieve their pain
   

2. •Then we instruct exercises that will improve function and prevent re-occurrences of pain.
   

The doctors in this office believe that the patient needs to take an active role in their treatment.  This requires the patient to do more than merely come in our office and get adjusted.

SASTM

Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (SASTM) Instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves like a stethoscope and allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, due to square surface concept.

The introduction of controlled micro-trauma to affected soft tissue structure causes the stimulation of a local inflammatory response. Micro-trauma initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibrosis or excessive scar tissue and facilitates a cascade of healing activities resulting in remodeling of affected soft tissue structures. Adhesions within the soft tissue which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.

SASTM is similar to Graston technique and other instrument assisted soft tissue tools.  The major difference is the tools themselves.

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Kinesio Taping

The Kinesio Taping Method has taken the Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine world by storm. Developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase nearly 25 years ago in Japan, Kinesio Taping has become the gold standard for therapeutic rehabilitative taping. The proprietary method of taping uses a uniquely designed and patented tape for treatment of muscular disorders and lymphedema reduction.

The Kinesio Taping Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support while maintaining full range of motion, enabling the individual to participate in physical activity with functional assistance. The second technique helps prevent overuse or over-contraction and helps provide facilitation of lymph flow 24 hours per day.

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Electric Stimulation

There are many different variations of electrotherapy and we have found this to be the most effective for pain, muscle spasm and joint irritation. Electrode pads are placed on the skin to allow the electrical impulses to criss-cross at the problem area. These impulses reduce inflammation by causing certain chemical reactions underneath the skin and reduce muscle spasm by “pushing the reset button” on tight muscles.

Ultrasound

Inside the sound head of the ultrasound applicator is a crystal that vibrates very quickly to produce very high frequency sound waves that are then directed into the tissue. These sound waves then act similarly to snow plows and mechanically push away inflammation and promote healing.

Distraction Technique

Also known as Flexion/Distraction manipulation.  This procedure is used to decompress the spinal joints by applying a gentle stretch, or traction, to the lower spine. It is usually applied in a series of repetitive slow movements without dynamic thrusts.  The procedure is often used for people with disc problems, lumbar stenosis and facet syndrome.

Personal Training

One on One Exercise Instruction

Exercise sessions are based on individual professional exercise coaching one-on-one session. Clients find this mode to be motivating and helpful with strength training, including people who require strength training and cardiovascular fitness per a physician’s prescription. Sessions are individualized based on current health status and posture analysis.