Computerized Testing Equipment

Range of Motion and Manual Muscle Testing measurements are done by computerized equipment to get objective measurements. These objective measurements can easily be compared on subsequent visits.

Cervical Spinal Decompression

Gentle longitudinal mechanical pull on the cervical spine, can be set to pull intermittent or static. Usually prescribed for relief of cervical radiculopathy and muscle spasms. We use the DTS Triton by Chattanooga.

Lumbar Spinal Decompression

Gentle longitudinal mechanical pull on the lumbar spine, can be set to pull intermittent or static. Usually prescribed for relief of lumbar radiculopathy and muscle spasms. We use the DTS Triton by Chattanooga.

Wrist Decompression

Gentle longitudinal mechanical pull on the wrist, intermittent or static. Relief of radiating wrist pain caused by nerves being compressed within carpal tunnel. (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) We use the DTS Triton by Chattanooga.

Electrical Stimulation

We have the ability with our modern and sophisticated equipment to provide many different types of electrical stimulation including, interferential, premod, TENS, Hi-volt, muscle stimulation. Each different type of electric stimulation has its own function. These include pain relief, reduction of inflammation, increasing blood flow to the injured area, causing muscle contractions.

Ultrasound

The thermal effects include: Increased extensibility of collagen-rich structures, Decreased joint stiffness, Decreased pain and spasm, Increased blood flow, Increased nerve conduction velocity, Production of a mild inflammatory reaction

 The non-thermal effects are: Stimulation of tissue regeneration, Soft tissue and bone repair, Increased blood flow, Changes in cell metabolism, Promotion of pain relief

Infrared

 This is a deep heating technique and is found to be extremely helpful in reducing muscle spasm and trigger points.

Paraffin Bath

A superficial thermal modality using paraffin wax and mineral oil. Paraffin is a means of delivering heat, especially to areas that are difficult to heat with anything but a liquid medium, i.e. hands and feet. The effects of paraffin are: increase of local metabolism, increased local perspiration, promotion of muscle relaxation, sedation of sensory nerve endings reducing pain and softening of the skin. Paraffin bath can be used for subacute, chronic traumatic, and inflammatory conditions.

Exercise

With or without added resistance. Usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardio-vascular endurance.

Progressive Resistive Exercises. Exercises that gradually increase in resistance (weights) and in repetitions. Usually prescribed for strengthening.

Passive Stretching

Lengthening of muscle or connective tissue. Usually prescribed to improve the ROM of muscles that have tightened due to disuse or in compensation to pain, spasm or immobilization.

Range of Motion

Active Range of Motion: Patient lifts body part through range of motion against gravity. Usually prescribed for arthritis, gentle strengthening without trauma to joints.

Active Assistive Range of Motion: Therapist assisted active range of motion. Usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for very weak body part.

Passive Range of Motion: Therapist moves body part through range without participation of patient. Usually prescribed to maintain ROM of an injured body part.

Spinal Adjustments

In basic terms, the spinal adjustment or spinal manipulation refers to the process in which the doctor of chiropractic skillfully applies controlled force into one or more vertebrae of the spine. The adjustment is also frequently used in the pelvic region to normalize the sacroiliac joints. The adjustment is usually delivered using the hands or through the use of a specialized mechanical tool.

Gait Training

The analysis of gait deviations by visualizing primarily the interaction of the back and the joints of the lower extremity during the various stages of walking, including stance, toe off, heel strike, etc. Many lower extremity or back problems may be related to even very subtle gait deviations.

Balance Training

Balance is the ability to maintain the body in equilibrium with gravity both statically (e.g. while stationary) and dynamically (e.g. while walking). Persons with balance / coordination deficits due to trauma, disease, stroke or other impairment are assisted through physical therapy in improving their balance by following individual treatment plans established by a physical therapist after a thorough evaluation. Treatment plans may include balance activities, sensory training, ambulation training possibly with an assistive device, therapeutic exercise and modalities as appropriate.

Cold / Ice Packs

Vasoconstriction to reduce swelling, inflammation, muscle spasm, then, reflex vasodilation. Used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.

Moist Hot Packs

Usually prescribed to improve superficial circulation, relax musculature and relieve pain.