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Treatment Techniques
used at our office include: |
| ADJUSTMENTS |
| Adjustments, which are
high-velocity, low-force techniques, are used by chiropractors
to restore motion to the joints in the spine and extremities.
Back pain can be caused by trauma and postural overstrain.
This can cause entrapment of the synovial folds in the facet
joints of the spine, which can lead to pain, spasm, and
swelling. Adjustments can free up the synovial folds, providing
pain relief. |
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| ULTRASOUND |
| Ultrasound is a treatment
that can be useful in speeding up the healing process of
injured tissues. Ultrasound travels into the damaged tendons
and muscles, causing the molecules to collide, resulting
in a deep heating effect. This thermal reaction causes increased
metabolic activity and vasodilation of the blood vessels,
allowing for more nutrients and oxygen to reach the damaged
tissues while washing away many of the pain producing chemicals.
The thermal effects of ultrasound decrease pain of the damaged
tissues. Ultrasound also has a mechanical effect on the
tissues that possibly causes the breakdown of scar tissue.
During the first 24-48 hours of a soft tissue injury (the
acute stage), the acronym "PRICES" is the preferred
method of treatment to control the inflammatory response
(Protect-Rest-Ice-Compression-Elevation-Stabilize). Ice,
not heat, should be utilized during this period of healing.
Pulsed ultrasound can be utilized in the acute stages of
an injury to break up scar tissue without the heating effects
of continuous ultrasound. |
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| ELECTRIC
MUSCLE STIMULATION |
| Electric
muscle stimulation is another therapy that is useful in
speeding up the healing process of injured tissues. This
device sends an impulse into the damaged tissues, causing
the muscles in that region to contract. Ongoing contraction
of these muscles will decrease reflex inhibition and help
to restore normal muscle tone, and the sensory input of
this modality will decrease pain and spasm. |
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| COMBOTHERAPY |
| Combotherapy
combines ultrasound and electric muscle stimulation as a
single treatment device. Based on clinical experience, combotherapy
is a more effective treatment than just using ultrasound
or muscle stimulation separately. Ultrasound and electric
muscle stimulation are useful treatment modalities for creating
a more favorable environment for the body to heal itself. |
Side View of
Spinal Segment |
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Demonstrating
PINCHED Nerve (Circled Above) |
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| TREATING
INFLAMMATION |
| An
injury caused by a forceful trauma (such as an ankle sprain)
or a repetitive strain (such as overuse of the back from
lifting) will result in an inflammatory response. Inflammation
isolates the injury and activates the local and systemic
defense and repair processes. Inflammation is a good thing,
as it is necessary for proper healing of the tissues to
occur. However, inflammation is a primitive response, and
may become detrimental to the healing process if it is not
controlled. Too much inflammation can lead to a delay in
the healing process, as well as excessive scarring, ongoing
chronic pain, and improper movement patterns. The key to
tissue healing is to maximize the positive effects and minimize
the negative effects of inflammation, thereby creating the
ideal environment for the body to heal itself. When cell
membranes of tissues are damaged, prostaglandin is released
into the surrounding region, causing the surrounding capillaries
to swell. Prolonged inflammation will decrease nutritional
flow to the injured tissues, cause scarring, and ultimately
lead to dysfunctional muscle groups, improper motion patterns,
prolonged dysfunction, and ongoing pain sensitivity. The
acronym PRICES has been used by the medical community to
describe the proper measures to take in the acute phases
(first twenty-four to forty-eight hours) of an injury. |
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P = protect
R = rest
I = ice
C = compress
E = elevate
S = stabilize |
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| Ice
will cause vasoconstriction of the capillaries. Both ice
and compression result in improved reabsorption of fluids
and decreased pain. Elevation will help drain fluids away
from the injury. These three methods will limit the primitive
responses of inflammation and create the optimum environment
for tissue healing. As a general rule, ice should be applied
to the injured tissue over a 20-minute period with a 1-hour
rest period between applications. Studies have suggested
that ice therapy combined with compression is more effective
then ice therapy alone, so the ice pack should be secured
with an ace bandage. Individuals suffering from Raynauds
phenomenon, peripheral vascular disease, or susceptibility
to frostbite should be cautious when utilizing this technique. |
Using a typical inverted ankle sprain as an example,
here is how PRICES works: |
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As soon after the
injury as possible, take two ice/gel packs and place
one on the outside and one on the inside of ankle. |
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Wrap an ace bandage around the
foot and ankle for support and compression. |
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Place three pillows under the
leg and rest the ankle in an elevated position. |
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During
the first 6 days of the inflammatory process, non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Ibuprofin) are useful in
inhibiting prostaglandin formation, thereby limiting inflammation.
These medications may be purchased over the counter or prescribed
by your doctor (for stronger doses) and should be taken
after a meal to prevent gastric upset. |
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We offer many other health services. Please feel free
to contact us with any questions you may have. |
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| We look forward
to working with you in achieving your maximum health! |
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