Chiropractic Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments may sometimes also be referred to as manipulations. This procedure is performed by the doctor, using his/her hands to manipulate the joints of the body. The joint being treated usually elicits an audible "pop" or "crack," similar to when you "crack" your knuckles. You may also sense movement of the joint. The joint "crack" is not necessary for treatment to be successful.
Adjusting a joint restores full range of motion by breaking up adhesions, stretching tight ligaments, and relieving stress on nerves, muscles, and other soft tissues. Once adjusted, a joint can move more fully and naturally. Joint stress is more evenly distributed, and tissue compression is reduced when muscles are stretched to their full length. When muscles and joints are moving fully, previously unused muscle fibers are used. Restoring normal joint motion and balancing posture can relieve today’s pain as well as prevent tomorrow’s arthritic breakdown.
Joint Mobilization
Mobilization is a form of stretching that is applied to stiff joints in order to optimize and restore range of motion, relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. These procedures consist of small passive movements, usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual's joints. Mobilizations may be administered in various gradations or degrees of pressure, depending upon the sensitivity and stiffness of an individual's joints.
Flexion-Distraction
Flexion-distraction therapy is used to decompress the spinal joints by applying a gentle stretch, or traction, to the lower spine. It is usually applied in a series of repetitive slow movements without dynamic thrusts. The procedure is often used for people with disc problems, lumbar stenosis and facet syndrome, and may also be used in other ways, such as to gently mobilize joints.
Stretching
PIR (Post-Isometric Relaxation)
Post-isometric relaxation (PIR) is a very effective method of dealing with acute tension in soft tissue problems that may preclude immediate spinal adjustment. It can often reduce a muscular spasm that is responsible for a spinal fixation, and eliminate pain points where a tendon is attached to the periosteum. It is very effective for the acute patient who can hardly tolerate any movement at all.
PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) is a more advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted. PNF stretching was originally developed as a form of rehabilitation, and to that effect it is very effective. It is also excellent for targeting specific muscle groups, increasing flexibility and range of motion, as well as improving muscular strength.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a highly specialized stretching technique used to treat patients with a variety of soft tissue problems, usually due to overuse injuries such as strains and other micro-trauma, including hypoxia (lack of oxygen). These injuries can cause the accumulation of dense, thick scar tissue, which binds up and/or ties down structures that normally move freely. Muscles become shorter, putting pressure on tendons causing tendonitis, which can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength and pain. Nerves can become trapped and cause numbness, tingling and/or weakness.
Graston Technique®
Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat soft tissue areas exhibiting scar tissue or chronic inflammation.
http://www.grastontechnique.com
Kinesio Taping®
The Kinesio Taping® Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and give support or to prevent over-contraction. The first technique gives the practitioner the opportunity to actually give support while maintaining full range of motion. This enables the individual to participate in their normal physical activity with functional assistance. The second technique, which is most commonly used in the acute stage of rehabilitation, helps prevent overuse or over-contraction and helps provide facilitation of lymph flow. Correctional techniques include mechanical, lymphatic, ligament/tendon, fascia, and functional. Kinesio Tex® Tape can be used in conjunction with other therapies, including cryotherapy, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, and electrical stimulation.
http://kinesiotaping.com/
Exercise Instruction
All of our patients will at some point during their treatment, receive some form of exercise instruction. Home exercises are a key component of our treatment plan. Different conditions require different exercises, so we will customize an exercise plan for your specific needs. An example is Core stabilization, which plays an integral role in preventing low back pain.
Orthotics
Healthy, functional feet are literally the foundation for a healthy body and an active life. Custom made orthotics help to correct abnormal foot biomechanics that can lead to pain in the feet, ankles, knees, hips and even the back. We use medical-grade foot orthotics that are customized for each patient based on weight, foot flexibility and activity level.
http://www.solesupports.com/
Therapeutic Modalities
Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a deep heating modality that emits high-frequency acoustic vibration that is above the human audible spectrum. When electrical energy is applied to a crystal, it causes it to vibrate at a high frequency and to produce ultrasound. Ultrasound is delivered by continuous or pulsed waves and provides a high heating intensity. Therapeutic ultrasound stimulates the repair of damaged tissues, relieves pain, increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, and may speed the healing process.
Electrical Stimulation
Interferential Current (IFC)
Interferential current therapy involves administering alternating electrical currents (2 channels) through electrodes placed on the skin at a painful area, or over the spinal nerve root associated with a painful region. It is theorized that the medium frequency of the interferential current affects the nervous system in such a way as to result in muscle relaxation, suppression of pain and acceleration of healing.
Pre-modulated Current
Similar effects as IFC, but on only one channel. The current intensity increases and decreases at a regular frequency.
Russian Stimulation
Medium frequency sine wave with burst modulation that is used for muscle re-education, rehabilitation and muscle strengthening.
High Volt
Monophasic waveform (current goes in one direction) delivered at high voltage, which decreases skin resistance. Used to decrease muscle spasm, edema and pain, as well as muscle re-education and nerve stimulation.
Microcurrent
Monophasic waveform delivered at very low intensity that closely simulates the electrical current generated by the human body. It restores the body’s natural electrical potential to speed healing, reduce edema and reduce pain.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
This modality is for pain reduction only. Commonly used for Shingles, Rib fracture pain, TMJ pain and pregnancy pain (usually the back). It works by decreasing the patient’s perception of pain by slowing the impulses from the injured area’s nerves (Gate Control Theory).
Vitamins/Minerals/Supplements
Each individual person has his/her own nutritional needs. However, there are some supplements that should be taken daily by almost everyone for basic health and well-being. If you have questions concerning your specific nutritional needs or about Dr. Calkins’ suggested daily supplements, please do not hesitate to ask.
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