Chiropractic Treatments
Although chiropractors main method of treatment typically consists of the spinal adjustment (spinal manipulation), chiropractors also employ many adjunctive therapies and applications in order to
provide the most effective and efficient relief from neuromusculoskeletal disorders.
PRIMARY THERAPY
The chiropractic spinal adjustment represents the cornerstone of the chiropractic
treatment. Spinal adjustments are used successfully to treat a variety of different soft tissue disorders as well as a number of other health problems. Chiropractic doctors are the only health care
professionals trained to deliver the chiropractic spinal adjustment.
Spinal adjustments or spinal manipulation is the process of applying a quick but gentle pressure to "subluxated" vertebrae in a corrective manner. The adjustments are not and should not be painful. In fact, most patients look forward to their chiropractic adjustments as they usually provide immediate relief from discomfort and increase one's sense of well being. Many years of study and practice are necessary to acquire the skills of providing an effective and safe spinal adjustment.
Research has shown spinal adjustments to be the most effective treatment in numerous conditions including back pain. This is because spinal adjustments correct many of the structural, biomechanical and neurological abnormalities of the spine which cause or contribute to a high number of back, neck and other non-spinal ailments.
ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES
Soft Tissue & Massage Therapy
There are a number of soft tissue therapy techniques which can be successfully
employed to assist in the reduction of pain and muscle hypertonicity and spasm. Some of these include massage therapy, trigger point therapy, somatic therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular
facilitation, acupressure point therapy, and rolfing. The need and benefits of these therapies vary from patient to patient. Depending on your condition and response to treatment we may incorporate
one or more of these therapies into your treatment plan.
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercise For Life
Exercise is essential for a long, healthy and vibrant life. It has been
scientifically shown to increase health by lowering blood cholesterol levels, strengthening the immune system, lowering body fat, increasing one's sense of well being, and increasing muscle
strength, tone and function.
Chiropractors understand the importance of exercise and the essential role it plays in health. We encourage all patients to participate in physical activities which promote cardiovascular health and can assist you finding the right activity. We do recommend those over the age of 40 or those with known health problems to consult our office prior to initiating any exercise regimen.
Exercise For Injuries
Therapeutic exercises for the neck, back, and extremities are an essential part of
the rehabilitative process following injury. Chiropractic doctors commonly prescribe specific strengthening and stabilizing exercises and stretches for their patients with back, neck and extremity
problems.
Exercises provide many benefits during the healing and preventative stages. Early on, exercise prevents muscle deterioration and promotes joint health. Later on, exercises increase strength, proprioception and stability to protect from new injuries and recurrences of past problems.
Therapeutic Stretches
Therapeutic stretching is important to prevent scar tissue and adhesion formation
following injury. Stretching is most effective when initiated early on in the treatment plan before scar tissues become permanent.
Maintaining a regular stretching program once the rehabilitation stage of treatment has been completed will help keep tissues flexible and loose, increasing mobility and preventing the development of new injuries.
Physical Modalities
There are some physical modalities which in certain cases can provide additional pain
relief and accelerated healing. Some of these more common modalities include muscle stimulation, interferential stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, and diathermy (deep heating modality).
Employee Health Training & Education
Employee health training and education is aimed at reducing work-related injuries.
Optimal workstation setup, the employment of ergonomics, training of proper lifting techniques, adequate physical conditioning and the employment of appropriate safety precautions all play
important roles in employee health, work injury prevention, and employee satisfaction.
Part of any successful and effective treatment plan should address these issues.
Diet & Nutritional Counseling
Dietary and nutritional imbalances are responsible for and contribute to a great
number of disorders and illnesses which are prevalent in today's society. The top killers such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer have all been linked in numerous ways to diet and
nutrition.
Doctors of chiropractic receive thorough training in the areas of human diet and nutrition. We can design a personalized dietary or nutritional program to minimize the risk of developing these killer conditions and to assist your body in achieving and maintaining optimal health and superior wellness.
Lifestyle Modification Counseling
Good health is much more than the absence of pain or discomfort. Health exists along
a very wide scale and where you lie on that scale largely depends on the lifestyle choices you make on a daily basis. Years of many small unhealthy choices can manifest into very serious health
problems. Unhealthy choices include habitual poor posture, improper lifting techniques, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive reliance on medication, excessive soda and coffee
consumption, excessive saturated fat consumption, lack of nutritious fruits and vegetables, and excessive mental stress. These slowly chip away at your good health. We can help you sort through and
identify those unhealthy decisions and provide you with practical strategies to deal with and effectively manage them.
