Services
ADJUSTMENTS/SPINAL MANIPULATIONS
The term “adjustment” refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the subluxation which results in an increased range of motion, reduce nerve irritability and improved function.
The adjustment consists of a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible release of gas (joint cavitation). The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation). The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported (that usually lasts for only a short time duration) if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.
There are times when joint cavitation or cracking does not occur and this is often due to either significant muscle splinting or the patient may not be adequately relaxed during the chiropractic procedure. At times like this, it is sometimes best for the chiropractor to apply ice and/or do electrical stimulation prior to attempting spinal manipulation.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
Spinal Decompression is applied to patients who have acute/chronic low back pain or neck pain, leg or arm referral pain. After a thorough consultation, exam and x-rays, Dr. Johnson will determine if spinal decompression traction is the right choice for you.
X-RAY / MRI / CAT SCAN
After performing a thorough consultation and examination, Dr. Johnson will determine whether or not x-rays need to be taken. It is for the benefit of the patient to have films to eliminate any guessing while adjusting the spinal column. Depending on the findings, Dr. Johnson may call a facility for an MRI or other imaging studies of the spine.
ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION
Often referred to as “electrical stim” or “muscle stim” is a therapy that involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce muscle spasms and pain as well as speed healing.
Often described by patients as a pleasant, “tingling” sensation, or “electrical massage,” these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins.
These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities.
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES
We teach our patients special exercises designed just for them to help strengthen and correct their own unique spinal problem. These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your own home and can improve the effectiveness of your spinal correction by as much as 30-40%. This enhances the treatment process and helps maintain healing benefits, as well as reducing the likelihood of future problems.
CUSTOM FOOT ORTHOTICS
An orthotic is a device designed to restore your natural foot function. Many “biochemical” (walking) complaints such as heel pain, knee pain, and lower back pain are caused by poor foot function. Orthotics re-align the foot and ankle bones to their neutral position, thereby restoring natural foot function. In turn, this helps alleviate problems in other parts of the body. In addition, orthotics give a more even weight distribution, taking the pressure of sore spots (e.g. the ball of the foot, corns in between toes, bunions, etc. ) and they provide some shock absorption.
Who needs orthotics? Orthotics benefit people with foot pain or discomfort due to walking imbalance (biochemical complaint). Imbalances such as flat feet, heel pain, knee pain, and shin pain are known to cause pain and discomfort.
Can you wear orthotics during all daily activities? People who stand or walk all day will benefit from orthotics. If you suffer from pain during any form of sporting exercise then orthotics can reduce the pain associated with your condition. For overweight individuals, orthotics will help to counteract the extra stress being placed on the feet.
What specific conditions may be helped? Orthotics can help with achilles tendonitis, corns, metatarsalgia, sesamoiditis, ankle sprains, flat feet, neuroma, tendonitis, arch pain, heel pain, pronation, top of the foot pain, bunions, knee pain. shin pain, toe pain. Imbalance in your feet can alter the boy structure of your feet and lower legs, foot orthotics may eliminate posture problems and foot and leg pain.
Why do I need orthotics? Imbalances of the bones of the feet can result in abnormal foot pronation (over-pronation.) This can impair foot function which can result in abnormal rotation of the legs and sometimes affects the knees, hips or back. If we combine these tremendous forces with the need for precise balance, we can see how small structural changes in the foot can make significant differences. Orthotics help to improved those structural changes.
How long will my foot orthotics last? Orthotics will usually last between 18 to 24 months.
Does ti take time to get used to orthotics? Your feet need time to adjust to the correct biomechanical (walking) position. Orthotics should be gradually used, to begin with. During the first 48 hours, you should use your orthotics for approximately 3-4 hrs. After this period of time, it is recommended you use the orthotics for 6-8 hrs for the first week. In the second week, you may use your orthotics all day.