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Services provided at Chiropractic Center For Families
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is also known as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). TENS delivers a painless electrical current through the patient's skin to specific nerves. The current produces mild heat that works to relieve stiffness and pain and helps to improve range of motion (mobility).
This treatment is non-invasive with no known side effects. It may be used to control acute pain and chronic pain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a common non-invasive therapy used to treat back and neck pain, tendon and ligament injury, muscle spasms, joint problems and other spine related conditions. Besides chiropractors, ultrasound is also used by physical therapists in rehabilitation facilities.
The practitioner applies gel to the patient's skin to create a friction free surface and the ultrasound probe is gently swirled over the area. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to deliver heat deep into tissues (eg muscles). This therapy promotes circulation and healing, relaxes muscle spasm, decreases inflammation and helps to alleviate pain.
Cervical Traction
Traction is the application of a mild stretch to the muscles, ligaments, and tissue components of the spine to provide pain relief. Traction promotes separation of the intervertebral joint space that contains the disc and may reduce a "bulge" or impingement of the structures within this area. Traction devices may be used to treat various portions of the spine. Most devices are designed to treat either the cervical spine (neck) or the lumbar spine (low back).
Traction provides effective pain relief for a variety of spine disorders resulting from conditions such as:
Muscle spasm
Degenerative joint disease
Spondylosis
Facet joint dysfunction Nerve root compression
Osteoarthritis
Myofascial syndrome (pain from postural changes)
It allows the patient to effectively manage pain.
It provides comfortable, convenient relief without side effects that may be caused by medications such as pain relievers and muscle relaxants.
Activator Method
An Activator is a small hand-held instrument that looks and acts similar to a 6- inch pogo stick. A spring inside delivers a high-speed, but gentle, thrust to the vertebrae or joint via a small rubber tip. Using the activator, rather than a manual adjustment, the patient’s muscle resistance is not fighting against the adjustment. In contrast, a typical manual adjustment requires the chiropractor to bend and twist the patient into positions that are not natural to the body, causing the patient to tense up. Patients remain in their own clothing during adjustments, making a visit to the chiropractor relatively quick and uncomplicated.
Flexion Distraction
Flexion distraction combines chiropractic manipulation with gentle adjustments made while the patient lies on a specialized treatment table. The features of the table allow it to slowly move up and down, side to side, and to rotate. The table movements mimic flexion/extension, lateral flexion, and circumduction. Distraction manipulation does not cause pain.
Hot/Cold Therapy
Hot and cold therapy can help to reduce back pain. Heat relaxes muscles and soothes away the pains. Cold numbs the pain and relieves the muscles.
Massage Therapy
There are many types of massage including acupressure ("Shiatsu"), deep tissue ("Swedish Massage") and myofascial release. Massage may benefit patients with sprains or strains and other soft tissue conditions. If the muscles that support the spine are tight and dehydrated, they will pull the vertebrae out of correct position. Therefore, massage therapy and chiropractic treatments work very well in realigning the body.
Acupressure
The practitioner uses his hands and fingers to apply steady pressure to specific body points (meridians, acupressure points). Acupressure theory claims that it opens blockages allowing energy (Qi, "chee") to freely flow. This type of massage also stimulates circulation to help remove toxins and promote healing.
Deep Tissue Massage
Deep tissue massage works to increase the flow of lymphatic fluid. Overuse and injury can cause pain, stiffness, and numbness. The practitioner uses his fingers, thumbs and elbows to work into the muscles and connective tissue. The lymphatic fluid helps to maintain the body's fluid balance and protect against infection.
Myofascial Release
Fascia is a sheath of connective tissue that supports muscles, bone, and organs. Stress from injury or poor posture causes the fascia to tighten. As the fascia constricts, muscles and bones may be pulled out of place causing pain. The practitioner uses his fingers, palms, elbows and forearms to firmly and gently stretch the fascia.
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