Good morning... Friday, July 4, 2008
The core treatment in chiropractic is the spinal adjustment or manipulation. It is what sets chiropractic apart from all the other healing arts. However, we understand that some types of problems require additional therapies to be effective. That is why we are certified to administer physical therapy modalities as adjuncts to our core treatment. We offer a variety of state of the art treatment choices. Click on any of the following to learn more about them.

Conditions Chiropractors Treat:
There are many conditions that can be successfully treated by a skilled chiropractor. Just about anything that does not absolutely require drugs or surgery falls within the scope of chiropractic. Of course, most of what we treat falls into the general category of neuro-musculo-skeletal disorders. This includes subluxations, herniated discs, muscle strains and sprains, bursitis, tendonitis, peripheral joint (all joints other than the spine) dysfunction, plantar fascitis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, headaches (most), carpal tunnel syndrome, TMJ syndrome, sciatica, whiplash injuries, sinusitis (non-obstructive and non-infectious), premenstrual syndrome, enuresis (childhood bedwetting), heel spurs, pinched nerves, shin splints, scoliosis, childhood earaches, pregnancy related back pain, weight management and nutritional disorders.

Manipulation/Adjustments

Key Benefits:

  • Restores or normalizes spinal joint function
  • Induces relaxation
  • May help to normalize internal organ function
  • Allow the body to perform to its optimum capacity

There are many forms of manipulation from non-force to high velocity. With the assistance of an adjusting device or solely by hand. Chiropractic physicians learn dozens of adjustments while in school and dozens more at advanced chiropractic technique seminars. Chiropractors use those techniques that they are comfortable with and have great proficiency in applying and according to the clinical situation. Most of the procedures we utilize are of the "diversified" type. We also use assisted devices, such as the Torque-release or Activator, in certain specialized instances. What is chosen depends upon your condition, age, complications or what has worked for you in the past.

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Key Benefits of Moist Heat:
  • Superficially warms and increases local circulation
  • Relieves muscle spasm

Hydrocollator Packs:

We use hydrocollator steam packs to deliver moist heat. This is a canvas bag filled with silica that is designed to absorb water. The packs are kept in a special hot water tank called an hydrocollator. The water is kept at about 1700F. It is then wrapped in several layers of toweling in order to safely deliver the proper therapeutic amount of warmth.


Key Benefits of Ice (Cryotherapy) therapy:

  • Reduction in inflammation
  • Reduces pain

Ice is applied by packs similar to hydrocollator. It can also be administered by "ice massage." In this method water is frozen in a special cup and the ice is applied directly to the skin and moved around (massage) the affected area.

Reference Accounts:
Applied Physiotherapy, American Chiropractic Association

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Moist Heat or Ice

There are various ways of applying intersegmental traction. The two most common are motorized and manual. The manual form of traction, shown below, allows for more specific treatment and greater control. Traction of this type is utilized by us very successfully in the treatment of herniated discs. It is also excellent for the older patient who may not be able to handle regular spinal manipulation. Our success rate for herniated discs exceeds 75% with traction. We utilize the Cox method of traction. You may have seen some local chiropractors advertising this as a new method of treatment. Probably, it is for them. We have been using this method for 20 years!

We are proud to be one of over 1,000 clinics nationwide to offer safe and effective DTS Therapy utilizing the Chattanooga DTS (Decompression Traction System). This is a fully registered FDA device. It is extremely effective for reducing herniated or protruding discs in the lower back and neck. It provides for re-hydration of the disc allowing it to heal.

Unlike other traction devices on the market we can treat with emphasis on patient comfort. We can treat supine (on the back), prone (on the belly) or on the side.

We can also treat the neck and wrist for carpal tunnel syndrome with special, custom attachments.

So, if you have neck, lower back or carpal tunnel symptoms you haven't tried everything until and unless you have tried this. Don't run off for surgery...give yourself a fighting chance!

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Key Benefits:
  • Provides deep heating and micromassage of deep tissues
  • Reduces inflammation
    Application

An ultrasound device includes a high frequency generator and an application wand. The application wand has a piezoelectric crystal that vibrates to produce very high frequency sound waves in the 1-3 MHz (megahertz or millions of cycles per second) range. In order for the sound waves to penetrate the body tissues a coupling agent is used. This is a specially formulated gel or lotion that transmits the waves from t3he applicator to the body. Here, Jeanette is applying ultrasound to a patients shoulder in the treatment of muscle spasm and trigger points. The patient feels a gentle warmth.

Reference:
Applied Physiotherapy, American Chiropractic Association

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Ultrasound

Diathermy

 Key Benefits:
  • Warming of deep muscles
  • Increases circulation to the damaged area
  • Relaxes muscles in spasm
  • Softens ligaments and adhesions

Some Conditions Treated With Diathermy:

  • Bursitis
  • Facet syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Myositis
  • Muscle spasm
  • Sciatica
  • Neuritis
  • Sprains
  • Strains
  • Subluxations

References:
Applied Physiotherapy, American Chiropractic Association

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Electrical muscle stimulators come in a variety of "flavors." Low volt, high volt, microcurrent and interferential models. At Professional Chiropractic Associates we have found that the best results are obtained with high volt and interferential stimulators. The interferential variety is able to treat joints from the inside out and can also stimulate nerves. The high volt units are great for muscle spasm. Our microcurrent unit (Clarks Summit only) is used to stimulate acupuncture points (non-needle electroacupuncture) and for successful treatment of TMJ (temporomandibular joint or jaw) syndrome and chronic sinus problems.

With this therapy electrical pads are applied to the affected areas in a specific manner. As the current is turned up you will feel a mild tingle* that slowly becomes stronger. Some patients say that it is a tickle sensation that becomes "heavy." Soon, the muscles begin to contract...not a spasm but a tightening. If applied to the upper back it is like you are shrugging. As with all other therapies we make sure the intensity is always within your tolerance. Never any pain.

This therapy will soften tight muscles so that it is easier to apply a manipulation treatment. The softer muscles will also be less likely to move the adjusted spinal area back out of alignment.

* No sensation is generally felt with microcurrent. It is considered a sub-threshold stimulation. It reacts with the cells rather than with hole tissues.

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Electrical Stimulation

Paraffin Bath

 Key Benefits:
  • Similar to other forms of superficial heat
  • Used for small joints
  • Softens adhesions

Conditions Treated with Paraffin Bath:

  • Non-acute arthritic joints
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Scars and contractures that limit motion

Reference Accounts:
Applied Physiotherapy, American Chiropractic association

http://www.Therabath.com

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Nutrition

Proper nutrition is vitally important to the successful treatment of your condition. Often, we will recommend a specific supplement. It may be a vitamin, mineral, herbal or homeopathic formulation. Whatever the situation you can be rest assured that the advice we give you is based upon past successes or upon the most recent health literature. 

We carry a full line of supplements. All are professional brands and cannot be obtained in supermarkets or health food stores. The purity and content are guaranteed.

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