Lumbar Spinal Decompression Therapy
In
the past, a patient suffering from disc problems usually was given
pain medications, instructed to refrain from physical activities,
referred for physical therapy, and when they weren’t progressing
they were sent for spinal surgery. Conservative chiropractic care
proved very helpful in many cases, yet there have been some cases
when surgery seemed to be the only other option… until now.>>>READ
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Chiropractic
care focusing in low back and neck pain relief
Chiropractic
is a drugless form of healthcare based on restoring and maintaining
proper function of the spine. The spine provides structural support
for the body, as well as, protection for the primary components of
the nervous system. Chiropractic philosophy is centered on promoting
good health through relieving nervous system irritation.>>>READ
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Electric
Muscle Stimulation
Electric Muscle Stimulation is a special form of electrical current
that is administered at the site of soft tissue injury, especially
muscles, for the blocking of pain. Small amounts of electrical current
are induced into the tissues for the purpose of reducing swelling.
This widely used technique safely strengthens muscles and helps reduce
painful symptoms. Patients generally feel a slight tingling sensation
at first. Since your body may become accustomed to the initial setting,
the intensity may be raised during the course of your 10 - 20 minute
treatment, for maximum healing. Electric Muscle Stimulation is recommended
in cases in which pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation.
In addition to reducing pain and swelling, the treatment also promotes
general muscle tone and speeds the healing process.
Superficial
Heat
Hot packs, warm moist towels and heating pads are often used to help
raise the temperature of soft tissues directly below the surface of
the skin. Heat applied to the surface of the skin enlarges blood vessels
below the surface, relaxing tissues and temporarily relieving painful
symptoms. Increasing circulation and relaxing muscles is helpful before
or after chiropractic adjustments. Heat is usually recommended for
the relaxation of tissues in spasm and for temporary relief of the
symptoms associated with chronic pain and muscle tightness. Using
heat to calm tissues suffering from long term spasm or irritation
is an easy way to increase flexibility, range of motion and promote
increased circulation to speed the healing process.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice, cold
towels, ice massage and compresses to reduce the temperature of tissues
directly on or below the surface of the skin. Surface cooling constricts
blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and helps relax muscle spasms.
Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission of painful symptoms and
provides temporary relief. Ice is most often used to manage acute
injuries or recent eruptions of chronic conditions. Cooling affected
tissues is effective in reducing and preventing posttraumatic swelling.
Local cooling should be applied several times a day during the initial
stages of an injury. Cryotherapy is an easy way to reduce local swelling
of inflamed tissues, numb pain and reduce muscle spasms.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a therapeutic treatment using high frequency sound waves
administered in the region of soft tissue injuries. Sound vibrations,
as fast as a million times per second, penetrate the tissues deep
in the body, creating a heat response. These vibrations and heat help
break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other hard tissue accumulations.
The gel used to conduct the sound waves is at room temperature and
may momentarily feel cool to the skin when it is initially applied.
Most patients feel nothing, some experience a pleasant and relaxing
sensation below the surface of the skin. Treatment can usually be
administered directly to the area of complaint, penetrating deep into
the body. The rise in temperature increases blood flow, relaxes muscle
spasms, massages damaged tissues and speeds the healing process.
Interferential
Electro-Thearpy
Interferential Electro-Therapy is a treatment to aid in the relief
of pain and the promotion of soft tissue healing. Tiny amounts of
electrical impulses are induced into the tissue in the vicinity of
the injury. Where these waves intersect below the surface of the skin,
low frequency stimulation is created. This prompts the body to secrete
endorphins and other natural painkillers to help relieve pain. Most
patients find this form of therapy to be extremely beneficial and
describe the sensation as a faint "pins and needles" feeling.
Interferential Electro-Therapy is most often used for pain relief
and to aid in reducing the swelling of soft tissue. Ligament sprains,
muscle strains and spasms often respond to this treatment, helping
to reduce atrophy and increase blood circulation.
Microcurrent
Therapy
Microcurrent Therapy uses extremely small amounts of electrical current
(millionths of an amp) to help relieve pain and heal soft tissues
of the body. Injury to the body disrupts its normal electrical activity.
Microcurrent Therapy produces electrical signals like those naturally
occurring when the body is repairing damaged tissues. By applying
similar electrical currents, the healing process is enhanced. The
electrical current used in Microcurrent Therapy is so small that it
is rarely felt. However, the water moistened electrodes or gel used
to conduct the current may seem cool when first applied. Microcurrent
Therapy is often recommended in cases involving soft tissue inflammation
or muscle spasm. Since Microcurrent Therapy mimics the body's electrical
fields, it is helpful in relieving pain and stimulating the healing
of soft tissue, releasing muscle trigger points and improving regeneration
of the tissue.
Trigger
Point Therapy
A Trigger Point is an area of uncontrolled muscle tightness causing
tenderness, which interferes with normal muscle function. This restricts
normal range of motion, weakens the muscle, and may refer pain to
other parts of the body. Using the hands, the skin is gently pressed,
to locate underlying tight bands or nodules of muscle fibers. Then
using the hand, fingers, elbow, or small hand instrument, the muscle
is compressed with sustained pressure to relax it. To prepare the
site, a cooling spray may be used. As pressure is applied, some patients
experience temporary discomfort until the muscle relaxes. Others may
feel referred pain to other parts of the body. Trigger Point Therapy
is a highly effective way to reduce muscle spasms and relax hyperactive
muscles. This helps restore normal range of motion and promote faster
healing.
