We use a number of highly-effective adjusting approaches to help improve spinal biomechanics and reduce nervous system interference. The approach we use is based on our judgment and years of experience.
The primary adjusting techniques we use include:
Cox Flexion-Distraction
While there are nearly 60,000 chiropractors, many of whom are exposed to flexion-distraction Cox® Technic in their schooling or after graduation via post-graduate study or influence of a colleague, only about 1% of chiropractors are actually certified in its procedures, only 1% have chosen to focus on carefully studying and caring for the most difficult spine pain conditions with well-researched protocols.
Cox® Distraction Decompression Adjustment Manipulation (flexion distraction) is a gentle chiropractic adjusting technique procedure for back and neck pain. Its procedures were established by Dr. James M. Cox and have evolved over the past 40+ years due to the many efforts of researchers and fellow chiropractic physicians. Cox® Technic is a safe alternative to back surgery for those 95% of patients whose conditions do not demand surgical intervention or back surgery. Cox® Technic may help relieve pain from disc herniations, failed back surgery syndromes, leg pain, sciatica, neck pain, arm pain, ruptured discs, herniated discs, slipped discs, low back pain, facet syndrome, bulging discs, spondylolisthesis, transitional segment, rib subluxations, thoracic spine pain, scoliosis, sprain/strain, disc prolapse, etc. Acute back pain and spinal pain as well as subacute back pain and chronic back pain can be addressed.
During a treatment on the Cox® Table, you will lie on your stomach (or on your side if pregnant or in acute pain) while the doctor concentrates on just one area of our spine to relieve muscle spasm and open the vertebral canal to give the nerves more space so that pain-producing pressure is reduced. While concentrating on the low back, the doctor may use the table’s caudal (the part the legs lie on) section to allow lateral (side) and circular motion which returns normal motion to the spine with reduced pain.
Activator Methods®
The Activator Methods Adjusting Technique was developed in the late 1960’s and in the past 30 years has grown to be the most widely used “low-force” technique in chiropractic. This specific system of adjusting has been developed with the ability to restore spinal balance and joint alignment with safety and comfort to the patient. The adjustment is given by means of a a small hand-held instrument (an Activator) that is very specific in its contact. A spring inside delivers a high-speed, but gentle, thrust to the vertebrae or joint via a small rubber tip. The thrust delivered by the instrument is so quick that it accelerates ahead of the body’s own tendency to tighten up and resist the thrust of an adjustment. Because of the accuracy and controlled light force, Activator Methods adjustments are suitable and comfortable for all types of patients, ranging from pregnant women, babies and children, to athletes and senior citizens.
Low Level Laser Light Therapy
Our office is pleased to announce the addition of a new treatment modality. Although available in Europe for more than 20 years, only recently the FDA approved LLLT in the United States. Laser Light Therapy is backed by extensive research and hundred of published studies, covering a variety of conditions including:
Low Level Light Therapy
- Arthritis (knee, hip, spine, elbow, hand)
- Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
- TMJ pain
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Tendonitis (wrist, elbow, shoulder, knee, ankle)
- Low back pain, neck pain, and sciatica
- Migraine/tension headache
- Frozen shoulder/rotator cuff injuries
Treatments are fast, effective, safe, and easy to administer. Low level light therapy (LLLT) consists of low light energies that do not cause gross thermal heating of tissue and instead rely on causing subtle changes in tissue at the molecular level for clinical effects.
TENS
A TENS (transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation) unit is a small, battery-powered, portable muscle stimulation machine that can be used at home to help control pain. Variable intensities of electric current are used to control pain. This treatment is recommended to help patients get through periods of severe (acute) pain. TENS units are typically not recommended for chronic pain.
Electrical Muscle Stim
EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) uses light electrical pulses that are transmitted to specific areas of the body through electrodes placed on the skin. There are many different types of electrical stimulation. Some are more beneficial for pain relief or to reduce inflammation, some for muscle spasm, and some actually cause muscles to contract in order to reduce muscle atrophy. Some have combination effects.
Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a form of deep heat therapy created by sound waves. When applied to soft tissues and joints, the sound waves are a form of micro-massage that help reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and decrease pain, stiffness, and spasms.
Ice and Heat Therapy
Ice and heat have long been used to treat many painful conditions. Ice therapy is often used to reduce swelling and help control pain immediately after an injury. Heat therapy is used to relax the muscles and increase circulation and can provide relief to patients with chronic pain. Depending on the patient’s condition, a combination of ice and heat can be used.
Diversified
After identifying which vertebrae have lost their normal motion or position, a specific manual thrust is applied to free up “stuck” spinal joints.
Gonstead
This full spine approach relies on X-rays and a heat-sensing instrument for a thorough evaluation and documented results.
Thompson
Thompson Terminal Point technique is a system of analysis and a special table that reduces the amount of energy needed to adjust your spine.
Sports Chiropractic
If you’ve been to a chiropractor before and prefer to be adjusted in a particular way, let our doctors know. We want you to relax, enjoy and fully benefit from your chiropractic care.