Chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which a sudden, controlled force is applied to a spinal joint to improve physical function in patients with low back pain, neck pain, and headaches. During treatment, the patient lies face down on a specially designed, padded chiropractic table, while the chiropractor pushes the spinal joint beyond the normal range of motion in a controlled and safe manner. Most patients achieve maximal improvement after six to ten adjustments.
Cupping therapy is a procedure that involves heating up special cups and placing them on the skin of the back, neck, and shoulders. Warming up the air inside the cup creates a vacuum that applies a pressure-gradient force on the tissue. This stimulates blood flow, loosens connective tissue, and promotes healing. Cupping therapy is recommended to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, enhance blood circulation, and promote relaxation.
Postural and gait analysis involves an examination of posture to identify and correct imbalances that may be causing pain or discomfort. During treatment, the chiropractor analyzes static and dynamic alignment, tests ranges of motion, and performs several manual tests. An exercise regimen is then developed based on findings from the initial examination. Benefits include improved postural alignment, increased flexibility, decreased wear and tear on joints, improved balance, and prevention of muscle strain and backaches.
Spinal decompression is a type of nonsurgical, motorized traction that alleviates back pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine to take pressure off spinal discs. During therapy, herniated discs may retract, taking pressure off the nerve and promoting the movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids that heal the disc. Spinal decompression is used to treat a variety of conditions, including back and neck pain, sciatica, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and posterior facet syndrome.
Active release therapy treats your body’s soft tissue through a combination of manipulation and movement. Active release therapy works by breaking up adhesions, which are dense collections of scar tissue that limit flexibility and cause pain and stiffness in the muscles and joints. The following signs indicate that you have accumulated scar tissue and may benefit from active release therapy:
Stiffness in your neck, elbow, hands, knees, or back
Increased pain during exercise
Sharp pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel
Pain, numbness, and tingling in your fingers
Reduced flexibility and limited range of motion
Decreased strength
Inflamed joints
Spinal stabilization is an active form of exercise that strengthens muscles to help support the spine and reduce low back pain. With the assistance of a chiropractor and through a regimen of exercises, the patient is trained to maintain a neutral spine position. The goal is to reduce back pain, heal soft-tissue injuries such as muscle strains and torn ligaments, and decrease the chance of back injury due to repetitive stress.
During post isometric relaxation (PIR), the muscle is placed in a stretched position, then an isometric contraction is exerted against minimal resistance. Relaxation and gentle stretching follow as the muscle releases. This technique is applied to tight, tender muscles that are commonly associated with musculoskeletal pain. PIR is performed as follows:
The hypertonic muscle is extended to the point where resistance to movement is first noted.
A submaximal (10-20%) contraction of the hypertonic muscle is performed away from the barrier for between 5 and 10 seconds while the therapist applies resistance in the opposite direction.
After the isometric contraction the patient relaxes and exhales while a gentle stretch is applied.
The procedure is then repeated two or three times.
Developed by expert physiotherapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s, the McKenzie Method is a well-researched, exercise-based approach that involves assessment, diagnosis, and treatment based on a comprehensive evaluation without the use of invasive diagnostic imaging such as x-rays and MRIs. The treatment principles of the McKenzie Method promote the body’s natural ability to repair itself without the need for medication, ultrasound, needles, and surgery. The McKenzie Method is a reliable assessment intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including back, neck, knee, shoulder, and ankle pain, as well as issues associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms, and numbness in hands and feet.