Chiropractors use many different approaches either on their own or in combination to have the best effect on the patient. These include:

 

Chiropractic Adjustment and Mobilization: An adjustment is a highly skilled movement that is applied by hand to the spine or other joints of the body. The goal of an adjustment is to reduce pain, restore movement, and reduce muscle tightness to ultimately improve function. With an adjustment, there may or may not be an audible 'pop' coming from the joint. This is completely normal and is caused by the quick change in pressure within the joint.

A mobilization is a graded gentle, pulsing repetitive motion, similar to an adjustment.

 

Contemporary Medical Acupunture: This form of acupuncture is a nerve stimulation technique utilizing fine sterile needles with or without electrical input to restore normal muscle activation, stimulate local tissue healing and blood perfusion, and reduce pain.

 

Myofascial Release Therapy: This is a soft-tissue treatment technique targeting muscles and connective tissue (fascia, tendons, ligaments). The practitioner uses his/her hands to apply tension to the involved tissue while the patient is guided through specific movements. Myofascial release is utilized to address abnormal tension in muscles and fascia that may be contributing to pain, restricted movement, diminished local tissue healing and blood flow, and entrapment of nerves.

 

Functional Range Release: This technique focuses on the assessment, localization, and systematic treatment of soft-tissue lesions (adhesions) and areas of fibrosis (scar tissue) which develop as a result of injury, repetitive strain, and cumulative trauma. This technique expands on the basic tenets of myofascial-release treatments by simultaneously assessing, expanding, and strengthening the patient’s functional range of motion.

 

Athletic and Functional Taping: These taping procedures are used as an adjunct to therapy to reduce pain perception, enhance the awareness of the body's position in space (proprioception), act as a postural reminder, as well as reduce swelling and bruising.

 

Mulligan Mobilizations: This simple yet effective manual approach addresses musculoskeletal disorders with pain free manual joint “repositioning” techniques for restoration of function and reduction of pain. It involves a mulligan belt and applying a gentle joint gliding technique to help restore normal joint movement and decrease joint pain.

 

Graston Technique®: This is an evidence-based 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 effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis (scar tissue), chronic inflammation and promote healthy blood flow to the area.

 

Rehabilitation Exercises: These exercises are utililzed to return tissues to their pre-injury state, reduce the likelihood of future injury, and address faulty movement patterns. Programs are specifically tailored to each patient and may include strengthening, endurance exercises, mobility training, movement re-education, balance/proprioceptive training, and/or sport-specific exercises.

 

Orthotics and Supports: When approriate, we may prescribe orthotics or recommend over-the-counter supports to help treat abnormal foot mechanics. Foot dysfunction may not only cause foot pain but may also result in lower leg, knee, hip, and low back pain.