Services
1) Spinal Manipulation (adjustment)
Manipulation is defined as a form of manual therapy, which involves movement of
a joint passed its usual end range of motion, but not passed its anatomic range
of motion. This can be applied to any joint. What generally happens, is that the
stretching of the capsule causes a negative pressure which provides a rapid
release of gas into the space which produces the audible sound.
Spinal manipulation is usually considered as that of long lever, low velocity,
non specific type manipulation as opposed to short lever, high velocity,
specific adjustment.
There is no definitive concept of what actually happens to the joint which
produces the pain for which manipulation is indicated.
2) Physical Therapies
-Electro muscle stimulation
Electro Muscle Stimulation is a very safe and simple procedure, in which
micro currents are applied to the muscle fibers of a treated area, stimulating
them and making them work. The stimulation creates huge energy demand in the
muscles. To satisfy this demand, muscles utilize surrounding fats as the source
of energy, burning them the same as they do during a regular workout.
Basically, Electro Muscle Stimulation is an extensive fitness therapy: fifteen
minutes of electro muscular stimulation equals forty-eight hours of nonstop gym
exercise. As a result of Electro Muscle Stimulation treatments, muscles and skin
become tight and fats are eliminated. Besides firming muscles and burning fat,
which results in an incredible loss of inches, electro stimulation also
increases metabolism, fluid circulation and oxygenation of a treated area,
making it a very effective tool for anti-cellulite treatment.
-Ultrasound
Is a form of sound waves that we can not hear but is able to penetrate into
different tissues at different rates. This procedure enables the patient to have
a high degree of comfort during the procedure. It can be used to control pain in
the acute stage, to facilitate the healing process and improve circulation
during the subacute stage, and to decrease scar tissue formation in the later
stages of healing. The effects of therapeutic ultrasound include:
» increasing chemical activities
» reduce spasm
» increase Range of motion
» change the rate of exchange between cells
and thereby enhancing the transfer of fluids and nutrients to the cell (increase
speed of healing).
-Intersegmental traction for cervical and lumbar spine
What is Intersegmental Traction?
It is a way of inducing passive motion into the spine for the purpose of
stretching spinal joints, increasing mobility.
How does Intersegmental Traction work?
The patient lies face up on a bench table which has roller type cams beneath its
surface. These rollers can slowly travel the length of the spine, stretching
spinal joints.
What does Intersegmental Traction feel like?
Most patients find this form of treatment to be relaxing and very helpful. The
gentle rolling action is restful, exercising the spine without effort.
Why is Intersegmental Traction used?
Since discs have a poor blood supply, they get nutrients from the circulation of
fluids surrounding spinal joints. Fixations prevent this natural circulation and
can cause disc thinning and degeneration. Intersegmental traction helps increase
and restore necessary elasticity and motion to the spine.
Benefits of Intersegmental Traction
3) Rehabilitation exercises
Stretching
Any form of inactivity, especially where an injured back is involved, is
usually associated with some progressive stiffness. Therefore, it is necessary
to push the range of motion as far as can be tolerated (in a controlled manner).
Patients with chronic pain may find it takes weeks or months of stretching to
mobilize the spine and soft tissues, but will find that the increase in motion
provides meaningful and sustained relief of their back pain.
Stretching exercise should focus on achieving flexibility and elasticity in the disc, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Additionally, it is important to activate and strengthen muscles not directly involved with the injured area, such as the arms and legs. For example, the hamstring muscles play a role in lower back pain, as it is clear that hamstring tightness limits motion in the pelvis and can place it in a position that increases stress across the low back.
Specialized equipment is available that helps repetitions to be done in the same manner so that progress can be identified and the level of exercise regulated.
Strengthening
It is thought that re-injury is less likely to occur if back strengthening
is accomplished than if mere pain relief is achieved with just stretching. An
episode of back pain that lasts for more than two weeks should be treated with
proper strengthening exercise to prevent a recurring cycle of pain and weakness.
There are two primary forms of exercise for strengthening and/or pain relief that tend to be used for specific conditions. When appropriate, the two forms of physical therapy may also be combined.
4) Nutrition consultation
One of the services that I provide, is coaching my clients to understand what their body's needs are. We are all different in so many ways. What we eat is much the same. Your health is very dependant on food you eat and the nutrition derived from that food. And probably more importantly, the nutrition that is not derived from the food you eat.