Services

Diversified (Gonstead Manual Spinal Manipulation)

Diversified technique is the most commonly used adjustment technique by chiropractors, as well as the most familiar to patients. Diversified is characterized by a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust, usually delivered by hand. Its objective is to restore proper movement and alignment of spine and joint dysfunction.

ArthroStim Instrument (Handheld Activator)

This unique hand-held instrument was designed to give patients a specific and gentle chiropractic adjustment. Like manual adjustments, the ArthroStim activator can be part of the process of restoring spinal balance in the patient and is even preferred by some patients because of the low-force thrust. In fact, adjustments with the Activator are so quick and measured, the body’s muscles are less likely to resist, allowing for a more precise and accurate adjustment. Pregnant patients and older patients with bone-weakening conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis particularly find comfort with the gentle nature of an Activator adjustment over traditional methods.

Manual Traction

Manual or “hands-on” traction is applied by the doctor and involves a continuous steady pull, intermittent pulls, or just a few quick pulls. This force is applied to a part of the body in an effort to stretch soft tissue or increase joint movement. Traction separates or stretches spinal segments and/or extraspinal joint surfaces, relieving muscle spasms, improving joint mobility, and reducing edema or congestion in an area, stretching fibrotic tissues and breaking adhesions.

VibraCussor

This is not a common massage device! The VibraCussor penetrates deep within the body tissues, stimulating your body’s own healing properties. The device is used in our clinic by the chiropractors to loosen tissues in the body, increasing range of motion. Muscles and connective tissue can tighten within the spinal and neck area, disrupting the nervous system communication. With proper technique, the VibraCussor loosens these restrictions, allowing your body to resume proper function, including the heart, breathing, and reflexes. In addition, joints, fascia (the lining around your muscles), lymph pressures (infections and allergy), and even scar tissue can be treated with the VibraCussor.

X-Ray Services

Chiropractic “best practices” require examination of recent spinal x-rays prior to providing patient adjustments. That’s why we have our own x-ray facility on site at our clinic.

Swedish

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation. Designed to relax muscles, five basic strokes, all flowing toward the heart, are used to manipulate the soft tissues of the body. Therapists use a combination of kneading, rolling, vibration, friction, percussive, and tapping movements, with the application of oil or lotion to reduce friction on the skin. The many benefits of Swedish massage include generalized relaxation, dissolution of scar tissue adhesions, toxins release, increased oxygen flow and improved circulation, which may speed healing and reduce swelling from injury.

Deep Tissue Massage

Techniques that utilize deep-tissue/deep-muscle massage are administered to affect the sub-layer of musculature and fascia. It is designed to relieve severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue (fascia). Deep tissue focuses on the muscles located below the surface of the top muscles. Often recommended for individuals who experience consistent pain, are involved in heavy physical activity (e.g., athletes), and patients who have sustained physical injury. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot stones make for a warm and cozy massage with plenty of health benefits. When placed on areas along the front or back of the body, these hot stones are specially designed to relieve stress and pain, relax muscles and their surrounding tissues, and improve circulation and overall health. Hot stones are sometimes used in combination with massage to treat injuries as well.

Cupping Therapy

A local suction is created on the skin to mobilize blood flow in order to promote healing, facilitate joint mobilization and soft tissue release. Small plastic or silicone cups are placed on the treatment area and suction is created using a hand pump. Usually used with lubrication (lotion or oil), kept stationary or slightly moved. Warm and relaxing, an increased local blood supply to the muscles and skin brings nourishment and allows for toxins to be carried away through the veins. Patients often feel deep warmth during the session and a tingling sensation long after the treatment has ended.

Geriatric Massage

Geriatric massage, with its focus on the elderly, addresses the psychological and physiological aspects of aging and its associated diseases. Bodywork is sometimes limited to a shorter time span.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Manual lymph drainage (MLD) is an advanced form of massage that aims to stimulate the lymphatic system to remove congestion and stagnation from within the body, and so help it return to a healthy condition. MLD therapy utilizes gentle massage strokes that remove blockages and promote proper lymph flow. This is important because it is the primary function of the lymph system to defend the body against disease by cleansing, detoxifying and nourishing the body’s tissues. Thus, when the lymph system is blocked, toxins and plasma may accumulate causing interference with cell nourishment and depressing the immune system. Symptoms that are said to respond well to MLD are a weakened immune system, chronic congestion (sinus, etc.), rheumatoid arthritis, and even wounds, burns, and scars. MLD is also often incorporated into the treatment and control of Lymphoedema.

Manual Ligament Therapy (MLT)

This effective treatment is very gentle and you can stay completely clothed. Because ligaments are what control the amount of tension in our muscles, with a very gentle pressure on the ligament and some range of motion work, the therapist is able to help the muscle relax using MLT. This gives you more relief and a quicker healing time. Research studies have revealed that ligaments are a significant source of acute, sub-acute, and chronic muscle pain and dysfunction. MLT is the only known technique that addresses this fact. With this advantage, MLT is able to resolve both simple and complex injuries and pathologies quickly.

Prenatal Massage / Pregnancy Massage

Performed by a trained perinatal specialist, many methods of massage are effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women’s pregnancies. Prenatally, specific techniques can reduce pregnancy discomforts and concerns and enhance the physiological and emotional well-being of both mother and baby. In the postpartum period, specialized techniques rebalance structure, physiology, and emotions of the new mother and may help her to bond with and care for her infant.

Trigger Point Therapy

A trigger point is a sensitive area in the muscle or connective tissue (fascia) that becomes painful when compressed. Trigger point therapy targets these sensitive sites of the body with concentrated amounts of pressure to relieve muscle spasm.

How It Works

There are four main theories on how acupuncture works:

Trigger point therapy for myofascial pain and soft tissue injury: Acupuncture techniques are applied directly to the muscle or musculo-tendonous junction where active trigger points exist. By releasing these areas with dry needle application, pain relief and healing of damaged tissues can occur. According to the latest research, there is approximately an 80% correlation of myofascial trigger and motor points to acupuncture points.

The Gate Theory of Pain suggests that acupuncture stimulates large A-beta nerve fibers and “closes the pain gate” in the substantia gelatinosa (sensory aspect) of the spinal cord. Pain impulses (from A-delta and C-nerve fibers) are then prevented from reaching the brain.

The Neurohumoral Theory proposes that acupuncture induces the release of the endogenous opiates and hormones: endorphins, dynorphins, serotonin, and epinephrine. These chemicals are extremely powerful at suppressing pain. The practice of needle stimulation by rotation, electricity (electroacupuncture) or by heat (moxibustion) enhances the release of these natural pain killers.

Qi. Ancient Chinese cultures believed that the body flows with vital energy called “Qi” (pronounced “chee”) along channels termed meridians. When Qi becomes blocked or stagnant, it must be stimulated to flow freely. When Qi flows freely, health is maintained and restored.

Additional East Asian Therapies Offered

Although Traditional Asian Acupuncture is a primary form of treatment used in our clinic, one or more of the following techniques may also be used:

• Electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles with microcurrent therapy in specific points and meridians.
• Physiotherapy is used adjunctively for pain management/injury rehabilitation. Infrared may be used depending on the case.
• Cupping, the use of glass cups which form a suction on the skin to promote and stimulate blood flow to certain areas of the body.
• Gwa Hsa, a dermal friction technique to promote and stimulate blood flow to certain areas of the body.
• Tui Na, Asian massage to promote and stimulate blood flow.
• “Soft tissue injury” (also called “dry needling” or “intramuscular stimulation”).
• Dietary advice based on Traditional East Asian Medicine theory.
• Asian herbs and herbal formulas
• Sports Acupuncture

Sports Acupuncture

In the field of Acupuncture, Sports Acupuncture has become an advancing specialty. Practitioners in this field have an interest in assisting athletes to help their injuries heal more rapidly, prevent injury and enhance their athletic performance. Sports Acupuncture is often applied directly before or after athletic events for injury or prevention. It is also used for injury rehabilitation, often in conjunction with physical therapy. Sports Acupuncture combines the wisdom of the East with Western Medicine’s understanding of anatomy, injuries and soft tissue rehabilitation.

Benefits of Sports Acupuncture

• Pain management and treatment for acute and chronic injury
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
• Improvement of muscle strength, girth and tone
• Pre–event performance enhancement/post–event revitalization and relaxation
• Coordinated care and communication with Allied Health Professionals: Physical Therapists, Sports Medicine Physicians, Orthopedists, Osteopaths, Naturopaths and Chiropractors

Cupping

Cupping is an ancient treatment modality in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for several minutes to create suction. It is used to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, dermal friction release and to improve well-being. Our acupuncturist typically uses glass cups as an adjunctive therapy along with acupuncture treatments rather than as a therapy by itself.

The suction of cupping is created by placing the special cup upside down on your skin and using a small pumping device to create a vacuum. This causes your skin to rise and redden as the blood vessels expand. The cup is left in place for several minutes for maximum therapeutic effect. The practitioner may use an average of 4-6 cups during your first and subsequent sessions. Afterward, you may have some mild “bruising” that resolves in 2-5 days. If you have concerns about bruising, the practitioner can modify the degree of suction with the pump device. Be sure to notify the doctor if you are taking blood thinners, anti-clotting agents or have a history of bruising easily.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese herbs have been used for centuries. Among the earliest literature are lists of prescriptions for specific ailments, exemplified by the manuscript “Recipes for 52 Ailments”, found in the Mawangdui tombs which were sealed in 168 BC.

The first traditionally recognized herbalist is Shénnóng (“Divine Farmer”), a mythical god-like figure, who is said to have lived around 2800 BC. He allegedly tasted hundreds of herbs and imparted his knowledge of medicinal and poisonous plants to farmers. His Materia Medica is considered the oldest book on Chinese herbal medicine. It classifies 365 species of roots, grass, woods, furs, animals and stones into three categories of herbal medicine: the “superior” category, herbs effective for multiple diseases and mostly responsible for maintaining and restoring the body balance, with almost no unfavorable side-effects; a category comprising tonics and boosters, whose consumption must not be prolonged; and a category of substances which must usually be taken in small doses, and for the treatment of specific diseases only.

There are roughly 13,000 medicinals used in China and over 100,000 medicinal recipes recorded in the ancient literature. Plant elements and extracts are by far the most common elements used. In the classic Handbook of Traditional Drugs from 1941, 517 drugs were listed – out of these, only 45 were animal parts, and 30 were minerals.

Botanical Medicine

Today’s use of medicinal plants, known as Clinical Phytotherapy, has its origins in rich herbal traditions from all over the world. Scientific evidence in medical literature has documented the effectiveness of many plants in the treatment of disease and restoring health. Our naturopathic physician uses botanical medicines from Native American, European, Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions.

Therapeutic Nutrition

Many health conditions are treated successfully with nutrition. Therapeutic diets, fasting, detoxification diets, elimination diets and therapeutic use of foods are a cornerstone of naturopathic treatment. To achieve maximum therapeutic benefit nutritional supplements are prescribed to address your unique health conditions.

Physical Medicine & Physiotherapy

This subspecialty of Naturopathy involves external treatment modalities applied to the body to enhance healing. Therapy is focused on soft tissue, bones, spine and muscles. Secondary benefits of physiotherapy can affect the skin, immune system, lymphatic system and overall well being.

• Therapeutic ultrasound
• Trigger point injections
• Therapeutic exercises/stretches
• Infrared therapy
• Hot pack/cold pack application

When structural, postural or spinal treatments are indicated, our naturopathic physician refers to Chiropractors, Osteopaths and Massage Practitioners. Spinal manipulation, craniosacral and soft tissue manipulation are helpful adjunctive therapies to your Naturopathic wellness program. Our naturopathic physician also refers to physical therapists if patients need specialized rehabilitation.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy uses small doses of natural substances to stimulate the body’s healing response. If your health condition indicates a remedy, our naturopathic physician may recommend a specific homeopathic medicine for your acute condition. Bach Flower remedies are often advised for complex cases involving psychosomatic (mind & body) dysfunction. For patients who require more intensive homeopathic workup, our naturopathic physician refers out to naturopaths who specialize in Classical Homeopathy.

Lifestyle and Fitness Counseling

Naturopathic physicians are teachers, giving patients sound counsel on stress management, exercise, diet, proper lifestyle and sleep habits. Evaluating the whole person takes into account the patient’s occupation, environmental issues and their psychosocial health. Guiding patients to make healthier choices and reach their weight management/fitness goals is an integral part of Naturopathic treatment.