The Benefits of Therapy
Other than administering the chiropractic adjustment, Dr. Grenon and Dr. Ruddy are also trained to use a variety of modalities (therapies) as methods to get patients well. In our office, several members of the staff are also trained to help administer these treatments in order to give our patients the quality of care that they deserve. The therapeutic methods used in our office not only helps the patient Feel Good, but they also have far-reaching physiological effects that support the chiropractic adjustment. Most commonly, you will receive one or more of the following “treatments” after the doctor decides which modality(s) is(are) most beneficial for your specific condition at the time.
Moist Heat:
Moist heat is frequently used in our office following a chiropractic adjustment. This modality helps to reduce muscle spasms in a deeply penetrating and soothing manner that is both relaxing and beneficial. Decreasing the muscle spasm allows the bones moved by the adjustment to remain in place, and reduces the tendency of the spasm to pull the bone back out of alignment.
Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS):
EMS is regularly used in combination with Moist Heat. Small charges of electricity are dispersed into the desired area via conduction pads in order to serve two main functions; to reduce pain or discomfort in the region, and to help further reduce muscle spasm in that location. The intensity of the electrical impulse used is set to the tolerance of each individual patient, to a level that is both soothing and relaxing. It is not uncommon for a patient to fall asleep during this therapeutic treatment.
Ultrasound:
Ultrasound produces millions of tiny vibrations which results in a penetrating heat wave that helps to break up scar tissue, reduce muscle spasm, and increase blood and nutrient flow to an area. Blood and nutrient flow is important to an area of injury because without this, healing in the region cannot occur. Often, ultrasound is used on extremities (elbows, wrists, feet, etc.) to help decrease inflammation in the area. Expect this modality to be used with a water-based gel, which acts as a conducting median between the Sound Head and your skin.
Cryotherapy (Ice):
Ice packs are used in our office when a patient has an extremely acute injury and the inflammation in the region is causing them considerable pain. Ice reduces swelling and pain by cooling down the injured area and inhibiting conduction of pain sensation to the brain. In addition, cryotherapy may be used on chronic, overuse injuries such as tendonitis or bursitis.
Mechanical Traction:
Most often, mechanical traction is used on a selected population of patients whose condition will benefit from distraction (stretching) of the cervical or lumbar spine. Degeneration, disc bulge, or extreme muscle tightness in the neck or low back are some instances when this treatment would be administered. Distraction of the joints in the cervical and lumbar spine can reduce pressure and irritation on spinal nerves while improving muscle tone in that region.
Rehabilitative Stretches & Exercises:
“Stretch and Stabilization” procedures are given to the majority of patients as soon as the doctors feel that these movements will not cause a setback in the path to healing. At the appropriate time, patients will be given exercise handouts specific to their condition. The doctors will instruct patients on rehabilitation training so that they may strengthen the injured areas and prevent similar conditions again in the future. Usually, the stretch and stabilization exercises are part of a 10-15 minute program that can be completed at home. Sometimes, the doctors will request that a patient use specific rehab machines in the office to help improve and prevent their condition. |
