Our Chiropractic Services
Chiropractic Adjustments
A chiropractic adjustment refers to the procedure performed when a chiropractor uses their hands to manipulate vertebrae in the spine that are not moving well, and thus not functioning normally.
The goal of an adjustment is to resolve joint inflammation and reduce pain. Adjustments result in an increase in range of motion, a decrease in nerve irritation, and improved function.
They don’t hurt!! They are a quick, controlled thrust to the vertebrae that correct alignment, and increase mobility. They often make a “pop” sound, which is the result of the release of gas from that joint space. Just like when you “pop” your knuckles. It is not harmful, and the gases all disperse after the adjustment back to their original location.
We do not perform adjustments on every patient! If a patient has significant osteoarthritis, or has osteoporosis, we may choose to treat that patient with other procedures including massage, or ultrasound rather than adjusting the joints. Of course we do what is most appropriate, and most beneficial for each individual patient.
Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound is a treatment tool commonly used to treat soft tissue injuries. It is sound waves at a higher frequency than what we can hear, that are transmitted from the head of the ultrasound machine to the injured/inflamed tissue.
Gel acts as a transmitter for the sound waves, and is placed on the body at the location of the tissue injury, and then the head of the machine is moved slowly over this gel. Ultrasound is not used over any metal in the body (surgical clips or implants), or on the back or abdomen of a female patient if she is pregnant.
Ultrasound can produce physiological effects through two different mechanisms: Thermal Effects, and Non-Thermal Effects.
Thermal Effects: This occurs when the settings are adjusted to create a continuous flow of sound waves to the tissue, 100% of the application time. It produces heat and feels wonderfully soothing over the affected area. It results in increased blood flow and elasticity in the tissue, relaxing muscle knots and increasing joint flexibility.
Non-Thermal Effects: This occurs when the settings are adjusted to create a “pulsed” flow of sound waves to the tissue, for up to 50% of the application time. This stimulates the release of specific immune system cells that help to significantly reduce inflammation in the tissues, and creates no heat. Ultrasound at this setting is often the treatment tool of choice for sprained joints, and tendonitis conditions.
Acupuncture Treatments
Acupuncture has been proven to be effective in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction! The needles are very fine, flexible, sterile, and single use. They do not hurt! Once inserted, electrical stimulation is added, and the effect is to activate the natural pain control and healing mechanisms of the body. The sensation is a light “tap” feeling where the needle is inserted, as the electric current does its work. The body pays special attention to the microtrauma and emits healing factors to the site, which stimulates the release of the body’s natural pain killers called endorphins. It is an extremely effective way to relax deep muscles, without the discomfort of deep tissue massage! It helps to diminish pain by releasing tight, spasmed, shortened muscles to their resting state. Acupuncture is proven to be an effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions including osteoarthritis, headaches, neck and back pain, muscle and joint pain.