Chiropractic - Chiropractic Adjustments are generally pain free. The doctor will apply a quick force to a spinal segment or peripheral joint to restore proper movement, alignment and function. Adjustments will sometimes produce a audible “popping”. To some, this sound is startling, but usually feels like a good release and is nothing to be afraid of.
Active Release Therapy (A.R.T.) - During an ART session the doctor will instruct the patient to actively move their body while the doctor maintains tension on a specific muscular structure. The patient will experience an intense localized stretching sensation, which can sometimes a little painful, but most patients state that it is a “hurts so good” feeling.
Acupuncture - Acupuncture needles are metallic, solid, and hair-thin. These tiny needles are placed at very specific areas around the body to stimulate the body's natural ability to heal and to relieve pain. People experience acupuncture differently, some people are energized by treatment, while others feel relaxed, but most feel no or minimal pain as the needles are inserted. However, no pain, does not mean no sensation. Most of the time acupuncture produces some kind of sensation at the site of needling; most commonly either heavy, achy, tingling or warming sensations are felt, though some patients may feel very little to nothing at all.
Sacro Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) - S.O.T. is a more gentle and subtle Chiropractic technique intended to restore proper motion and alignment using "blocking" or props to realign an the the pelvis and spine. Blocks are placed under specific parts of the body, and the patient relaxes comfortably on the blocks for a short period of time while the body re sets.
Myofascial Release - Myofascial release is a hands on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore function. This pressure will likely feel much like ART, as in a ‘good hurt’ feeling, or similar to a deep sports massage.
Trigger Point Therapy - Trigger points are hyper-irritable spots in skeletal muscle that are associated with a hypersensitive palpable nodule. Trigger points can be treated in many different ways. Typically direct pressure is applied to the Trigger Point until it releases. The patient will typically experience localized pressure that may or may not cause local and/or referred pain.
Positional Release - Positional release is a form of complete body evaluation and treatment. It uses comfortable body positions and the release of tender points to relieve pain and discomfort. The main goal of the therapy is to improve the health and functioning of the body as a whole by correcting any imbalances of the musculoskeletal system.
Flexion/Distraction - This technique requires specialized equipment and training. A Flexion/Distraction table will be used to move your body in certain ways to help distract or open the space between vertebrae. This Technique usually feels great, though patients that are particularly tight may experience some discomfort as their body is stretched.
Electric Stimulation - Electrical Stimulation can be used to reduce muscle spasm and edema, increase range of motion, and to stimulate healing. The treatment is performed by placing electrical sticky pads on the body. Once in place the doctor will slowly turn the stimulation up until the patient feels an intense tingling sensation. Treatment should not be painful and will typically last between 5-15 minutes.
Ultrasound - Ultrasound treatments are considered a deep heating modality. This is done to promote localized healing. The patient will first have a ultrasound gel applied then the doctor will apply the ultrasound head to the skin of the patient, slowly moving it around in small circle. The patient may or may not feel a gentle warming sensation in the area being treated.
Kinesio Taping - Kinesio Tape is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, and support muscle function. The taping is non restrictive and allows for full range of motion. The tape can be left on for 2-3 days and can be removed at any time.
Passive/Active Stretching - Stretching is used to help optimize muscular skeletal function.
Passive stretching is when the doctor facilitates the stretch.
Active stretching is when the patient plays an active role in facilitating the stretch.