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SUMMARY OF OUR SERVICES
A doctor of chiropractic undergoes an extensive 4-year post-graduate training program in the diagnosis and management of muscle, joint and nerve conditions in addition to having an undergraduate degree.
Each chiropractic treatment can vary in terms of the therapy used. In addition to chiropractic adjustments we offer several other forms of treatment to address conditions of the muscles and joints.
Joint adjustments, muscle techniques, acupuncture and exercise can all be considered chiropractic treatment. Some patients may prefer one treatment approach over another while others enjoy a combination of several approaches. That is why it is good to have options and a doctor who respects your comfort level.
JOINT ADJUSTMENTS
Spinal joint adjustments are the form of therapy chiropractors are most well-known for due to its effectiveness in relieving pain and restriction in the head, neck and back. An adjustment is a comfortable and often pleasant procedure that produces immediate relaxation of the surrounding muscles and increased movement at the joint where it is applied.
The adjustment can be described as a very quick, but small movement of the doctor’s hands that causes the two sides of a joint to be separated ever so slightly past the typical range.
Joint adjustments are a very safe and effective treatment approach for neck and back pain and a particularly a good compliment to muscle release techniques applied to the surrounding muscles and ligaments.
Mobilizations of the joints are a slower, more subtle movement of the joint surfaces for those looking for an alternative to chiropractic adjustments.
MUSCLE THERAPIES
Release techniques are a form of stretch where the problematic muscle is contacted by the doctor’s hands, similar to a deep tissue massage, creating pre-tension in the muscle. The patient then performs a stretch specific to that muscle.
Massage techniques involve applying pressure to the muscles. The pressure can be held constant, applied in a sweeping or stripping motion or in an on-off percussion fashion. This is most commonly done with the hands, but at times using a tool can carry additional benefits. Common tools used are Graston scaping tools, Cups that provide suction and Theragun or Thumper percussion massagers.
These techniques have the ability to improve the muscle quality over time as it rebuilds in response to the physical tension or pressure. The muscle’s flexibility and function become restored helping to improve range of motion and control around a joint. They are also highly effective techniques for reducing muscle pain and spasm.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture makes use of small, single use needles inserted into specific points of the body to affect the nerves which are responsible for blood flow, muscle tension, as well as pain sensation. Together with light electrical-stimulation of the needles, acupuncture can decrease or eliminate pain, increase blood flow necessary for healing, and improve muscle function.
Acupuncture is now one of the most studied forms of conservative treatments and there are numerous trials in major medical journals demonstrating its effectiveness on a variety of conditions. This effective and simple treatment approach is based on current concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and pathophysiology. It is the method taught to physicians, chiropractors, physiotherapists and other health professionals at McMaster University in the Contemporary Medical Acupuncture program.
EXERCISE THERAPY
Active exercise therapy is the one therapy which has been shown to be effective in almost every pain condition from low back pain to sports injuries. Rehabilitation works by restoring function to the individual muscles as well as entire movements which become imbalanced after injury. As function is restored, stress is removed from tissues and pain diminishes.
Pre-habilitation is used to prevent future risk of injury or prepare a patient for surgery. Physical exam findings identify ‘weak links’ in strength, mobility, balance, or general movement problems which may predispose you to injury. Corrective exercises are then prescribed to gradually return your body to optimal shape & function, thus reducing injury risk. This can also help patients recover faster after surgery when done prior to their procedure.
