Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation, also known as spinal manipulation or chiropractic adjustment, is a therapeutic procedure performed by chiropractors. It involves applying controlled force to joints, particularly in the spine, to improve spinal motion, reduce pain, and enhance overall body function. This technique can be applied using the chiropractor’s hands or specialized instruments. 

Key aspects of chiropractic manipulation:

  • Goal: To improve spinal alignment, reduce pain, and restore proper joint movement. 
  • Technique: Chiropractors use controlled force, either manually or with instruments, to move spinal joints. 
  • Scope: While primarily focused on the spine, chiropractic manipulation can also address joints in other areas of the body. 
  • Conditions treated: Chiropractic manipulation is used to treat a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and sciatica. 
  • Safety: Chiropractic manipulation is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained chiropractor. 
  • Potential benefits: In addition to pain relief, chiropractic manipulation may improve posture, range of motion, and overall physical function. 
  • Possible risks: Temporary soreness, stiffness, or tiredness are common side effects. Rare but serious risks include vertebral dissection and stroke, particularly with cervical (neck) manipulation. 

Different types of chiropractic manipulation techniques: 

  • Diversified Technique: A common hands-on technique that involves specific high-velocity, low-amplitude thrusts to adjust the spine. 
  • Activator Technique: Uses a handheld instrument to deliver gentle, controlled impulses to specific joints. 
  • Gonstead Technique: A detailed system of spinal analysis and adjustment that emphasizes precise adjustments. 
  • Thompson Technique: Employs a specialized adjusting table with drop pieces that allow for a controlled and gentle adjustment. 
  • Flexion-Distraction Technique: A gentle technique that uses a specialized table to stretch the spine and improve spinal motion. 
  • Spinal Mobilization: A gentler technique that focuses on restoring joint movement through controlled, passive movements. 

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (E-stim, EMS)

Chiropractors use electrical stimulation (e-stim) as a therapeutic tool to complement traditional adjustments, offering pain relief, muscle relaxation, and improved healing. E-stim can be used to stimulate nerves and muscles, helping to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery from injuries or muscle imbalances. 

How it works:

  • Pain Relief: E-stim can interfere with pain signals traveling from the body to the brain, reducing the perception of pain. 
  • Muscle Relaxation: By stimulating muscle contraction, e-stim can help relax tense muscles, reducing pain and improving range of motion. 
  • Improved Circulation: The electrical impulses can increase blood flow to the area, which can help to speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation. 
  • Muscle Strength and Tone: E-stim can be used to stimulate muscle contractions, which can help to rebuild muscle strength and tone after an injury or surgery. 

Types of e-stim used in chiropractic care: 

Therapeutic Ultrasound (ultrasound)

Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment modality that chiropractors commonly use to address musculoskeletal issues by employing high-frequency sound waves to generate heat and promote healing in soft tissues. It’s often used alongside chiropractic adjustments to enhance their effectiveness, especially in cases of chronic pain and scar tissue. 

How it works:

  • Sound waves: Therapeutic ultrasound uses a device that emits sound waves at frequencies beyond human hearing. 
  • Deep heating: These sound waves penetrate the tissues, creating friction and generating heat. 
  • Tissue response: The heat can increase blood flow, relax muscles, and potentially improve tissue elasticity. 

Benefits:

  • Pain relief: Therapeutic ultrasound can help reduce pain associated with various conditions. 
  • Reduced inflammation: The increased blood flow can help to decrease inflammation in the affected area. 
  • Improved tissue healing: By promoting blood flow and tissue relaxation, ultrasound can potentially speed up the healing process. 
  • Scar tissue breakdown: The heat and vibration can help to break down scar tissue, improving flexibility and reducing pain. 
  • Combined with adjustments: Ultrasound can be used to prepare the body for a chiropractic adjustment, potentially making it more effective. 

Common conditions treated:

  • Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, tendinitis, bursitis
  • Joint inflammation: Osteoarthritis
  • Chronic pain: Muscle soreness, aches, and pains
  • Scar tissue: Post-surgical or injury-related scar tissue 

Important considerations:

  • Safety: Therapeutic ultrasound is generally considered safe when administered by a trained professional. 
  • Not for all: It may not be appropriate for certain conditions, such as pregnancy or around the eyes. 
  • Consultation: It’s essential to discuss your specific situation with your chiropractor to determine if therapeutic ultrasound is the right treatment option for you. 

Intervertebral Traction

Intervertebral traction, also known as spinal traction, is a treatment that uses gentle stretching and decompression of the spine to relieve pressure on the spinal discs and nerves. It aims to create space between vertebrae, reducing pain and improving mobility. This can be achieved manually by a physical therapist or mechanically using specialized equipment. 

How it works:

  • Decompression: Traction techniques apply controlled force to the spine, stretching it and creating space between the vertebrae. 
  • Nutrient & Oxygen Flow: This separation can allow for better circulation of nutrients and oxygen to the intervertebral discs, which can aid in healing. 
  • Nerve Pressure Relief: By reducing pressure on the spinal nerves, traction can alleviate pain caused by conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. 

Types of Traction:

  • Manual Traction: A physical therapist uses their hands to apply controlled force to the spine.
  • Mechanical Traction: Devices like traction tables or cervical traction units are used to apply a consistent pulling force. 

Conditions it can treat:

Important Considerations:

  • Individualized Approach: The specific type and intensity of traction should be determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual’s condition and needs. 
  • Part of a Treatment Plan: Spinal traction is often most effective when combined with other therapies like physical therapy exercises and postural training. 
  • Not a Universal Solution: While traction can be beneficial for some, it’s not a guaranteed cure for all back pain, and results can vary. 

Cold Laser

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation (PBM), uses low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. It’s a non-invasive treatment that can help reduce pain, inflammation, and promote tissue repair. 

How it works:

  • LLLT involves applying low-power lasers or LEDs to the body, penetrating the skin to interact with cells. 
  • Unlike high-intensity lasers used for cutting or destroying tissue, cold lasers don’t produce heat, but rather stimulate cellular activity. 
  • The light energy is absorbed by cellular photoreceptors, triggering chemical changes and potential biochemical benefits. 
  • This can lead to increased ATP production, improved blood circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cell repair. 
  • LLLT can penetrate deeper into tissues than some other therapies, making it useful for joint spaces and deeper tissues, according to Spring Forward PT. 

Conditions treated:

Benefits:

  • Non-invasive and painless.
  • No recovery time.
  • May reduce the need for pain medication.
  • Can be used on various parts of the body.
  • Some research indicates it can be effective for pain management and osteoarthritic conditions. 

Important Considerations:

  • While generally safe, some individuals may experience temporary side effects like skin discoloration or mild pain. 
  • Effectiveness can vary depending on the condition being treated and individual factors. 
  • Multiple treatment sessions are often needed for noticeable results. 
  • It’s crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine if cold laser therapy is appropriate for your specific situation. 

Neck (cervical) Traction

Chiropractors use cervical traction, a technique that gently pulls on the neck to relieve pressure, reduce pain, and improve mobility. It can be performed manually by the chiropractor or with a mechanical device. This technique can help with a variety of neck pain and related conditions, including pinched nerves, sprains, and fractures. 

How Cervical Traction Works:

  • Manual Traction: The chiropractor uses their hands to gently pull and stretch the neck, often flexing the neck slightly. 
  • Mechanical Traction: A harness is attached to the head, and a machine or weights are used to apply a controlled pull. 

Benefits of Cervical Traction: 

  • Pain Relief: By stretching the neck, cervical traction can help relieve pressure on nerves and muscles, reducing pain. 
  • Increased Mobility: The gentle pulling can help improve range of motion and alleviate stiffness. 
  • Improved Circulation: Traction can increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing. 
  • Muscle Relaxation: Cervical traction can help relax tight muscles in the neck, contributing to pain relief and improved mobility. 

Conditions Treated:

  • Pinched Nerves: Cervical traction can help decompress the spinal nerves and relieve pressure. 
  • Neck Sprains: Traction can help reduce muscle spasms and stiffness associated with neck sprains. 
  • Fractures: In some cases, traction may be used to help realign the bones in the neck after a fracture. 
  • Other Conditions: Cervical traction can also be used to address conditions like herniated discs, muscle strain, and other types of neck pain. 

Important Considerations:

  • Not Suitable for Everyone: Cervical traction may not be appropriate for certain conditions, such as acute neck injuries, spinal instability, or certain types of cancer. 
  • Contraindications: It’s important to have a thorough evaluation by a chiropractor before starting any new treatment, especially if you have a history of neck problems or other conditions. 
  • Potential Risks: While generally safe, cervical traction can cause side effects like muscle spasms, shooting pains, or headaches in some cases. 

Shockwave Therapy

Shock Wave Therapy, or Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (EWST), is a non-invasive treatment that involves the delivery of shock waves to an injured area to promote healing.

This non-invasive procedure does not involve surgery or needles; results are often seen in only a few treatments.

The device delivers shock waves that are precise and targeted through a handheld wand. Deep tissues can be reached, and there are no significant adverse effects. ESWT is a fantastic alternative to pain medication, with some patients experiencing relief after the first visit.

Multiple studies have found that it can successfully treat conditions such as heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy.
This therapy is not new, but its use in treating painful joints and muscles is relatively recent.

Shockwave therapy was initially developed to help urologists treat kidney stones non-invasively. However, it has now been successfully used to help treat many musculoskeletal conditions.

This treatment produces highly effective shock waves that initiate biological regeneration processes at the cellular level.

The treatment involves applying short, frequent, and high-intensity bursts of mechanical energy (in the form of a shockwave) into injured soft tissue, scarred soft tissue, or tissue that is painful, inflamed, and contains adhesions.

Shock Wave Therapy causes three specific responses to the tissue, including:

1. Physical Response – shock waves hit the tissue and generate positive pressure waves.
2. Chemical Response – the pressure waves mechanically stimulate biochemical reactions that cause our cells to become activated.
3. Biological Response – the cells receive instructions to stimulate remodeling of blood vessels, reduction of inflammation molecules, and the stimulation of new and healthy tissue (muscles, ligaments, and tendons).

This procedure can help provide you with a solution to decrease pain, improve your movement, treat sports injuries, and optimize performance.

Shockwave Therapy Can HelpTreat The Following Conditions:

  • Heel Pain (Plantar Fasciitis or Heel spurs)
  • Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s knee) Achilles tendon pain (Achilles/Tendonitis)
  • Tennis and Golfer’s elbow
  • Rotator Cuff tendonitis, including calcifying tendonitis
  • Shin pain / tibial stress syndrome
  • Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
  • Muscular trigger points
  • Very tight fascia and muscles
  • Connective Tissue Pain and Degeneration
We Use Shockwave Therapy To Help Reduce Your Pain

How Shockwave Therapy Works:

Suppose you are a candidate for shock wave therapy. In that case, the primary area of pain is localized, and a skin gel is applied to the treatment area to allow the shock waves to be appropriately transmitted into the body.

Shockwave therapy accelerates the healing process in the body by stimulating metabolism and creating increased blood circulation to enhance the regeneration of damaged tissue.

Shockwave technology delivers intense energy pulses applied to the affected area for short periods. The procedure enables the cells in the body that are responsible for bone and connective tissue to heal. In addition, it produces an acoustic pressure wave that transmits to the body’s tissue. The pressure wave created at the point of contact sends radially inside the patient’s body.

Shock wave treatment sessions can be uncomfortable but usually well tolerated. In many cases, shockwave therapy treatments have proven effective in cases where the human body has not been able to heal itself.

How Many Treatments?

The general course of therapy could take 3 to 5 treatments. Some manual therapy sessions may be added to work on some other dysfunctional tissues. The shock treatment sessions take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on the problem area being treated.

After a therapy session, you will most likely feel no pain, but you may experience throbbing pain 2-4 hours following the treatment. This throbbing pain may last up to 24 to 48 hours.

In rare cases, patients may experience temporary skin reddening, pain, or worsening of symptoms during the first few days after treatment.

Benefits of ESWT

  • Non-invasive
  • No anesthesia
  • No scarring
  • No risk of infection
  • No downtime
  • Over 80% of patient satisfaction
  • Faster, easier healing

What are the possible side effects/complications?

The non-invasive ESWT treatment has virtually no risks or side effects.
Occasionally, patients may experience slight discomfort, which may continue for a few days in extremely sensitive areas.

Patients may experience bruising, swelling, or skin redness over the treatment area. Contraindications to ESWT include bleeding disorders, active malignancy, and pregnancy.

Our team is excited to be the only provider in South Florida to bring you Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT), a new tool used in many countries across the globe for promoting natural healing without surgery.

Our primary focus is providing patients with a pathway toward better health through ongoing chiropractic maintenance and preventative care. Our first concern is the health and safety of the people we serve.