Treatment

• Chiropractic Manipulation
• Myofascial Release & Massage
• Physiotherapy & Rehabilitative Stretches
• Physiotherapy & Rehabilitative Exercises
• Graston Technique
• Kinesio Tape

The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” also called “chiropractic adjustment.” Treatment may be accompanied by adjunctive therapies in order to provide the appropriate care to the specific condition.

Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation is emphasized as the primary treatment in musculoskeletal, biomechanical, and neurological abnormalities of the spine. When spinal manipulation is not indicated, other modalities are used to provide the most effective relief. An adjustment should be given when the spine or extremity joints are associated with pain or when articulating joint motion has been compromised. This is what we call a subluxation. If subluxations are found, immediate correction is generally indicated.

Myofascial Release & Massage

Myofascial release is a non-invasive treatment focused on restoring proper muscle function and movement to enable the body to perform at its most efficient level. The chiropractor uses his hands to mobilize the muscles (shortened and lengthened state), fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves in their dynamic biomechanical direction. The goal of this procedure is to release spasms, tension, restrictions, and pain. Adults and children, professional and weekend warriors, laborers, housewives, office workers and many others can benefit from myofascial release and massage. Myofascial release and massage may be accompanied with the Graston Technique which is explained below.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitative Stretching

Stretching is important for improving flexibility and is useful for injury prevention. A recommended 10 minute cardiovascular warm up is necessary in providing muscles proper blood flow which is useful in achieving an effective stretch. A stretching program is a necessity in the rehabilitation stage of treatment. It is very useful in maximize the range of motion of your joints and improves muscle balance around a joint. It can also prevent micro-tears in a muscle or tendon that occur when you force a joint to go through its full range of motion when the tissues are too tight. Stretching is important for reducing chance of muscle strains, ligament sprains, and it increases blood and nutrient supply in order to reduce soreness.

Stretches should be held for 10 to 60 seconds with no bouncing. Bouncing can be dangerous because it causes stress on the joints and can lead to hyperextension of a muscle. Bouncing may engage the natural reflex of the golgi tendon and does not offer any benefits to flexibility. By holding a stretch the involuntary reflex (i.e. when a doctor taps on your knee with a reflex hammer) will not be engaged allowing an effective stretch to be achieved.

Physiotherapy & Rehabilitative Exercise

Exercising is an integral component in living and sustaining a healthy life. A sedentary lifestyle can place an individual at risk for developing a variety of health concerns such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, and depression. The benefits of regular activity lead to improved health, stronger muscles and bones, weight control, and reduced stress with a more relaxed state of mind. Rehabilitative exercise is essential in stabilizing and maintaining injuries found in the neck, back, and extremities. When indicated, an exercise program can be specifically tailored to your condition and practiced in the comfort of your own home.

Graston Technique

Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Graston Technique Slide Show Presentation.

For the Patients

• Decreases overall time of treatment
• Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
• Reduces the need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Reduces chronic conditions thought to be permanent

For Employers and Healthcare Industry

• Allows patients to remain on the job
• Reduces the need for splints, braces and on job modifications
• Contributes to reduction of labor and healthcare cost

Clinical Applications

• Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
• Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
• Carpel tunnel syndrome (wrist pain)
• Plantar Fascitis (foot pain)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
• Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder pain)
• Petellofemoral disorders (knee pain)
• Achilles tendonitis (ankle pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Scar tissue
• Trigger points
• Shin splints

TherapyCare Resources (TCR) has analyzed the results of patient care by utilizing the outcome analysis system of the Graston Technique® for licensed clinicians. The positive clinical results achieved thus far have led to additional research that explores patient responses to the Graston Technique®. Patient outcome data that measures pain and function – including activities of daily living – continues to be gathered.

Kinesio Tape

Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for preventive maintenance, edema, and pain management. The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

Other Modalities

Some physical modalities are used in conjunction to chiropractic care. Such modalities include: biofreeze, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, bracing, Activator, cyrotherapy, and hydroculator pads.