Chiropractic

Chiropractic science concerns itself with the relationship between the structure (the musculoskeletal system), and the function (primarily coordinated by the nervous system) of the human body, as that relationship affects the restoration and preservation of health. Chiropractic is a natural, preventative, and non-invasive form of health care which is based on the principle that the body has the inherent ability to heal without the use of drugs or surgery. This fundamental approach to wellness mirrors a new and changing attitude toward health care in the United States and around the world. Since an individual's health is either directly or indirectly controlled by the nervous system, interference within this system impairs normal function and lowers resistance to disease. Through chiropractic adjustments, nervous system interference due to abnormalities in the musculoskeletal relationships of the vertebrae (called subluxations) can be corrected. This allows the nervous system to function properly, enabling the body to self-regulate and self-heal through its own natural recuperative powers. Chiropractors are highly skilled in the art of adjusting all the articulations of the body, thereby reducing or minimizing the effects of chronic or acute trauma and biomechanical instability or inefficiency. The adjustment is a gentle and specific maneuver which can be applied effectively and safely to people of all ages.

Active Release Technique (ART)

ART is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

How do overuse conditions occur?
Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

• acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
• accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?
ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients' symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients' problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

 

Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments  to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. Research conducted by Graston Technique trained clinicians at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, found that the controlled micro trauma induced through the Graston Technique protocol, increased the amount of fibroblasts to the treated area. That amount of inflammation to the scar tissue helps initiate the healing cascade. The structure of the tissue is rearranged, and damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue. Ice is then applied to reduce the pain and exercise is implemented to increase function and range of motion. Other clinical studies continue to document the success of the Graston Technique, generally achieving better outcomes when compared to traditional therapies, and resolving injuries that have failed to respond to other therapies.

 

Flexion Distraction (Cox® Technic)

Flexion Distraction Decompression Adjustment & Manipulation is a gentle chiropractic adjusting technique largely used for back and neck pain and/or injury. Its procedures were established by Dr. James M. Cox and have evolved over the past 40+ years due to the many efforts of researchers and fellow chiropractic physicians. Cox® Technic is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions don't demand surgical intervention or back surgery. Cox® Technic may help relieve pain from disc herniations, failed back surgery syndromes, leg pain, sciatica, neck pain, arm pain, ruptured discs, herniated discs, slipped discs, low back pain, facet syndrome, bulging discs, spondylolisthesis, transitional segment, rib subluxations, thoracic spine pain, scoliosis, sprain/strain, disc prolapse, etc. Acute back pain and spinal pain as well as subacute back pain and chronic back pain can be addressed.

 

Webster Technique

The late Dr. Larry Webster, founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, developed this technique, which focuses largely on the Sacrum (the large bottom bone of the spine). Sacral subluxation causes the tightening and torsion of specific pelvic muscles and ligaments producing uterine constraint. It is these tense muscles and ligaments and their constraining effect on the uterus which prevent the baby from comfortably assuming the vertex position. Uterine constraint has also been linked to birth defects and congenital deformities. The Webster Technique is defined as a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system, facilitates balance in the pelvic and abdominal muscles and ligaments, which in turn reduces constraint to the woman's uterus, allowing the baby to get into the best possible position for birth. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. Any position of the baby other than vertex may indicate the presence of sacral subluxation which may result in intrauterine constraint. It is strongly recommended that this specific analysis and adjustment of the sacrum be used throughout pregnancy, to detect imbalance and prevent intrauterine constraint. Because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, allowing for safer, easier deliveries and optimized health benefits for both the mother and baby.