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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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