Archive for January 2014

In the natural sciences, the term diathermy means “electrically induced heat” the use of high-frequency electromagnetic currents as a form of physical or occupational therapy and in surgical procedures. It is commonly used for muscle relaxation. It is also a method of heating tissue electromagnetically or ultrasonically for therapeutic purposes in medicine. Diathermy is used in physical therapy and occupational therapy to deliver moderate heat directly to pathologic lesions in the deeper tissues of the body.

Read More

It is common for a doctor to take an X-ray of their patients so that they may get an inside look to see with is going on with their patient’s bone structure, including the spine and its surrounding skeletal structure. Using the information provided from an X-ray, the doctor can see any current irregularities with the spine that may need to be addressed and will also let them know if any further insight needs to be taken, such as through the use of an MRI. 

Ultrasound is an oscillating sound pressure wave with a frequency greater than the upper limit of the human hearing range. Ultrasound is thus not separated from ‘normal’ (audible) sound based on differences in physical properties, only the fact that humans cannot hear it.

The use of ultrasound can induce hyperemia, which increases blood flow as tissue is heated. This thermal effects speeds up the healing process while reducing inflammation. Ultrasound is also used to vibrate tissue, stimulating cell membranes and heightening their repairing effects. Chiropractors often use ultrasound therapy to help their patients reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and decrease pain, spasms, and stiffness.

Microcurrent Therapy involves a device that is used to send weak electrical signals into the body. These currents are very small and nearly go unnoticed by the patient receiving them. Microcurrent therapy is primarily used to enhance the body’s healing and recovery.

If spasms are being experienced in the back or neck muscles, Microcurrent Therapy may be an excellent choice as a means of relaxing your muscles and quickly returning them to their normal state. Microcurrent therapy sessions are rather quick and an excellent way to get rid acute and chronic pain.

Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), also known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) or electromyostimulation, is the elicitation of muscle contraction using electric impulses. EMS has received increasing attention in the last few years, because it has the potential to serve as: a strength training tool for healthy subjects and athletes; a rehabilitation and preventive tool for partially or totally immobilized patients; a testing tool for evaluating the neural and/or muscular function in vivo; a post-exercise recovery tool for athletes. The impulses are generated by a device and delivered through electrodes on the skin in direct proximity to the muscles to be stimulated. The impulses mimic the action potential coming from the central nervous system, causing the muscles to contract.

Ask Us About Electrical Muscle Stimulation Today!

DTS therapy is a gentle, non-surgical therapy that provides relief for lower back pain, sciatica pain, neck pain, a pinched nerve, bulging or degenerative disc disease, and lumbar pain. DTS therapy is used to decompress the spine to allow improved blood flow and nutrient exchange to the injured area. This occurs in a series of stretch and relaxation that takes only a number of minutes to reach its peak.

Sessions of DTS therapy are typically less than 20 minutes and take place three times a week for a period one month. Most patients feel relief after 6 treatments and are usually released after 8 weeks.

It is vital that patients of DTS therapy undergo a complete program that targets the function and stabilization of their muscles. This can include other therapies such as heat, muscle stimulation, ultrasound, and cold therapy. The goal of the entire process is not only to heal the disc, but to also enhance control of the back and neck as well as overall muscular control.

Over 75% of patients have found DTS therapy effective and usually experience long term results. Regular exercise at home and a continuation of periodic visits to your chiropractor will help ensure and maintain your spinal health as well as reduce the possibility of pain reoccurrence.

Foot orthoses are a specially fitted insert or footbed that you insert into your shoe. Also commonly referred to as “orthotics” these orthoses provide support for the foot by distributing pressure or realigning foot joints while standing, walking or running. A great body of information exists within the podiatry and pedorthotic community describing the sciences that might be used to aid people with foot problems as well as the impact “orthotics” can have on knee, hip, and spine conditions. As such they are often used by athletes to relieve symptoms of a variety of inflammatory conditions that affect soft tissue such as plantar fasciitis. They may also be used in conjunction with properly fitted orthopedic footwear in the prevention of foot ulcers in the at-risk diabetic foot.

Cryotherapy is an excellent way to reduce inflammation and temporary pain. Ice causes constriction in the veins of the affected tissue, limiting blood flow and acting as an anesthetic. Once the cold compressor is removed, blood will rush back to the affected area providing nutrients that will help with the healing process. 

Cryotherapy is often used in the treatment of back and neck pain. It lessens the severity of muscle spasms, reduces pain by causing numbness, and aids in lessening soft tissue damage.

Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud’s Syndrome, colds or allergic conditions, paralysis, or areas of impaired sensation should not use cryotherapy.