Thompson Technique

Thompson Terminal Point Technique, also known as Thompson Drop-Table Technique, is a chiropractic technique which uses a precision adjusting table along with a weighing mechanism which gives sufficient tension to keep the patient in the “up” position before the thrust or pressure is applied. Thompson Technique is a specific chiropractic technique which was discovered and developed by Dr. J. Clay Thompson. This technique comprises of a special table with several segments in it known as drop pieces. These table segments can be lifted up a fraction of an inch, so that upon delivering the thrust, the table drops. This table is known as “Segmental Drop Table,” and it helps in enhancing the motion of the area or segment which is to be adjusted, usually the mid-back, low back and pelvic area. These drop pieces aid in the thrust thus minimizing the force/pressure required for the adjustment. This is one of the benefits of this technique. This technique (spinal adjusting) usually entails the patient lying face down. Another important feature of the Thompson Technique is the leg length analysis concept. This concept is used to determine imbalance in the leg lengths with the patient lying in a prone position (face down) on the table. Other than checking the leg lengths, palpation, X-rays and other suitable tests may be also be used by the chiropractor for determining the area to be adjusted.

NUCCA

NUCCA stands for National Upper Cervical Chiropractic Association and is a specific technique practiced by only a small number of qualified practitioners. It consists of a gentle touch and controlled contact on the first vertebrae in the neck designed to restore balance to the spine. Even though the primary focus is the neck, the effects of the correction influence the whole spine and all body systems. This is because the NUCCA procedure influences one of the highest control centers over body balance: the brain stem and central nervous system. The C-1 vertebrae, also known as the Atlas, is a small donut-like bone located at the top of the spine and the base of the skull, surrounding the brain stem. When the spine is subjected to stress, the Atlas can become misaligned. This phenomenon is known as the Atlas Subluxation Complex Syndrome or the ASC Syndrome.

The Balancing Act

The nerves in our spinal column are very sensitive to pressure and stress. When the spine becomes misaligned, it stresses the nerves, compromises their normal impulses, and changes function throughout the body. Nerves are responsible for four primary functions:

1. Control and regulate all vital functions, including circulation, breathing, and digestion. 2. Activate muscles, allowing us to move. 3. Allow us to sense, perceive, and feel. 4. Relate us to the world outside ourselves by way of learning, experiencing, and behavior.

Small Adjustments, Precise and Accurate

The upper cervical adjustment depends upon precise mathematical calculations, physics, and biomechanics. X-rays are a critical part of ensuring the spinal correction is accurate and successful. The doctor will take pre-adjustment x-rays from different angles focusing on the Atlas. These x-rays determine the direction and degree of spinal misalignment and how to properly restore the spine to normal.

TOGGLE

Toggle recoil is a chiropractic technique popular with patients who prefer or need a more gentle approach. The practitioner places their hands lightly on the area of joint restriction and then perform an extremely fast, though very light thrust, quickly removing their hands from the contact point.

Hammering in a nail is a good analogy for how this technique works. It would be very difficult if you tried to push a nail in with your hand, but it’s easy with a gentle tap from a hammer.

Most chiropractic techniques are characterised by the high speed of thrust, required to help reset the sensors between the joints and surrounding muscles and restore movement. The aim with chiropractic treatment is to try and restore normal neurological function.

The difference between most chiropractic techniques is the amplitude and degree of force applied, which are chosen depending on the area of the body, age, fitness, fragility and pain sensitivity of the individual.

Activator

The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques, with nearly 600 people searching for more information each month. Offered as a treatment for those suffering back and neck pain, as well as headaches, the Activator Technique is a fantastic complement or alternative for traditional chiropractic adjustments.

If you've been curious about this world-renowned treatment option, continue reading for everything you need to know before making an appointment.

What is the Activator Technique?

The Activator Technique is a device-assisted method of spinal and joint manipulation. Categorized as a mechanical force manual assisted (MFMA) instrument, the Activator Technique consists of a small handheld device known as an Activator Adjusting Instrument (AAI), or more simply, an Activator.

Also referred to as the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique, the Activator Technique delivers controlled and reproducible impulse force to vertebrae (the small bones that make up the spine) as well as the joints that connect them. While originally the Chiropractic Activator was a spring-loaded instrument, it has evolved into an electronic tool which delivers a mechanical force. Both forms of the instrument are known for delivering targeted and gentle impulses to the spine.

What is the Purpose of the Activator Technique?

The Activator Technique is known as a softer, or more gentle method of spinal manipulation. As opposed to a traditional chiropractic adjustment, which uses the hands to manually manipulate the specified vertebrae or joint, the Chiropractic Activator handheld device completes the action on behalf of the chiropractor. Of course, a chiropractor is still the one holding and controlling the device, however, the impulse delivered to the targeted area is derived from the mechanic force of the Chiropractic Activator as opposed to hands.

When a vertebra or joint shifts out of its respective alignment in the spine, the bone will intrude on space in the spinal canal that's designated for nerve and blood flow. The intrusion of the misaligned structure creates a blockage that can impinge on nerve roots, creating sensations of pain and numbness. Chiropractors refer to this misalignment as a subluxation.

The Activator Technique produces enough gentle force to shift the subulaxation back into its respective alignment within the spine without causing further injury.

How Does the Activator Technique Work?

When a patient is experiencing a subluxation in the vertebrae or spinal joints, the resulting side effects can radiate throughout the entire body. In addition to compressing spinal nerves, a subluxation can create significant inflammation which can limit range of motion and create stiffness. Surrounding muscles and tendons which are connected to the vertebrae or joint will shift along with the bone, altering posture and creating a tight, painful sensation.

The Activator Technique uses gentle impulses to nudge the subluxation to its correct place within the spine, releasing pressure from spinal nerves and eliminating the strain from spinal muscles. The Activator gives off no more than 0.3 J of kinetic energy in a 3-millisecond pulse. This process is more rapid than a manual chiropractic adjustment but is just as targeted, and can be repeated as necessary without causing injury.

How Does a Chiropractor Know Where to Use the Activator?

To administer the technique, activator chiropractors compare functional leg lengths. Even when not evident to the naked eye, a subluxation in the vertebrae will contract muscles so that the overall posture is altered throughout the body. Activator chiropractic doctors ask a patient to lie flat and complete a series of muscle movements, such as moving their arms in a certain position in order to activate the muscles attached to specific vertebrae.

When leg lengths are not the same, that is taken as an indication that the subluxation is located at that vertebra. Your activator chiropractic doctor will move progressively along the spine in the direction from the feet toward the head, identifying problem-areas as he or she goes.

Who Can Benefit from the Activator Method?

By correcting subluxations in the spine, the Activator Method can help to restore motion, combat inflammation, and alleviate pain. Likewise, the Activator can remove blockages in nerve flow, restoring proper function and sensation to the affected area. Much like a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation, the Activator Technique can benefit those with back or neck pain as well as chronic headaches.

However, subluxations can cause much more far-reaching effects than just localized pain. Effectively removing subluxations can be benefical for those suffering:

• Asthma
• Allergies
• Arthritis
• Insomnia
• Nerve pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Ear infections
• Low immunity
• Stress or anxiety
• Organ dysfunction
• Digestive disorders
• High blood pressure
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)

Cranial

What Is The Cranial Release Technique?

The Cranial Release Technique (CRT) is a natural, hands-on approach to releasing the body's inborn capacity to heal and regenerate itself. CRT can be applied in only one minute, yet it has profound effects on overall health and well-being. The Cranial Release Technique® works to restore proper function to the nervous system and proper balance to body structure. It has positive effects on conditions ranging from aches and pains to overall health and wellness. CRT makes a wonderful addition to anyone's healthcare regimen.

What Is Cranial-Based Healthcare?

About 100 years ago, an American physician, Dr. William G. Sutherland, discovered that the 22 bones of the head move. Dr. Sutherland's subsequent research revealed that:

·  The bones of the head (cranium) move in a rhythmic pattern throughout life.

· This movement of the bones of the head is responsible for the proper function of the nervous system -- and promotes optimum health.

· When the skull is distorted and this movement is disturbed, overall health and well-being suffer, and pain or illness may result.

· Proper movement of the cranial bones can restored using the hands-on CRT method, which helps trigger a return to good health.

Modern researchers using sophisticated instruments have now proven that this movement of the bones of the head indeed occurs. Other studies have shown that the position of the bones can be changed using hands-on techniques.

Since its inception in the 1900's, researchers have developed many schools of cranial technique. Until now, these methods had several common aspects:

· The bones of the skull were corrected one at a time, individually.

· Work could be very time-consuming, with sessions often lasting 45 minutes or more.

· Some schools treated the skull as a separate part of the body -- with no mention of the cranium's effect on overall body physiology.

How Is The Cranial Release Technique Different?

The Cranial Release Technique® is a new school of thought. In its corrective approach, CRT considers all of the many tissues affected by the nervous system.

The CRT approach differs in that:

· The entire cranium is "released" -- or restored, to normal function with one process.

· This "release" of the bones of the skull initiates a release of all of the tissues and structures associated with the cranium.

These include:

· The spine and pelvis.

· The extremities: shoulders, hips, knees, etc.

· The Dura Mater, which is the protective covering over the brain and spinal cord.

· The Fascia, a connective tissue envelope, which runs head to toe, front to back, and side to side, and surrounds every organ, muscle, and vessel in the body.

· Cerebro-spinal fluid flow, which is vital to the health and proper function of the nervous system.

The "Global Release" provided by the Cranial Release Technique has far-reaching positive effects on overall body function. This "global" impact occurs because of the wide extent of tissues and structures affected.

Using the targeted CRT approach, this overall "release" of cranial and body structures can be accomplished in just one minute.

LOGAN

Logan Basic

Logan Basic Technique, developed by Hugh B. Logan D.C., focused on the fact that the spine rested on the sacrum. His goal was to able to level and remove subluxation in the sacrum, so that a more stabilized spinal base would prevent other spinal subluxations from occurring.

Analysis

Dr. Logan analysis revolves around the five cardinal signs, that can be remembered by the acronym HELPS.

• H – Higher iliac crest
• E – Erector spinae (tight)
• L – Lowest moveable vertebral body rotation
• P – Pain during palpation
• S – Sacrotuberous ligament (tight)

The use of these 5 signs to see what side most of the signs are on, allows the chiropractor to know which sacrotuberous ligament to contact during the treatment.

Treatment

Constant pressure will be applied on the proper sacrotuberous ligament, while the other hand moves up the spine feeling for tightness in the spinal muscles. The length of the adjustment is determined by the amount of tension and areas found as the chiropractor goes up the spine. Patients report feeling relaxed after this technique is performed, as it decreases the sympathetic nervous system (fight and flight response) and increases the parasympathetic nervous system (relax and digest response).

When Used

This technique can be valuable in helping pregnant women as they experience lot more tension and stress on the sacrum and pelvic region. We also see great results with babies, especially as they learn to walk, and keep falling on their sacrum. Since this is such a light force technique it is great for kids as they develop. Finally, it shows great results in helping kids to be able to unwind and calm down to be able to sleep.

DIVERSIFIED

Technique description: Spine-health states that Diversified technique, also commonly referred to as Diversified Chiropractic Technique, or DCT, involves application of “a short (low-amplitude), quick (high-velocity) thrust over restricted joints (one at a time) with the goal of restoring normal range of motion in the joint.”

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners reports that, although the typical chiropractor uses as many as five or six different adjusting techniques in their course of practice, 96 percent report that Diversified technique is one of them. They further indicate that this method is used to treat 71.5 percent of their patients.

Basic technique principles: Diversified technique has three main objectives. These are to restore spinal alignment, repair joint dysfunction, and enhance proper movement.

· Musculoskeletal disorders. Not only can this technique help in the treatment of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders but a cross-sectional survey  published in >span class="18"> also found that “DCs reporting the use of the Diversified technique received significantly more workers’ compensation cases” involving these types of claims.

· Migraine headaches. In a study involving 127 migraine sufferers, researchers found that two months of Diversified technique provided the intervention group “statistically significant” improvements in the frequency, duration, and disability of their headaches when compared to controls. It also enabled them to reduce their reliance on migraine medications.

· Pregnancy-related issues. Some women struggle with back pain, restless sleep, and increased headaches during pregnancy. Research published in Chiropractic and Pregnancy found that chiropractic can potentially help with all of these issues, and also that the Diversified technique is the most utilized method of chiropractic for this demographic.

· Inward curvature of the neck. According to a study published in Europe PMC, extension-compression traction combined with Diversified technique can sometimes help patients with a lordotic curve that arches too far inward. Furthermore, results can generally be obtained with 10 to 14 weeks of daily treatments.

· Improved blood sugar control. In 2008, a case study was published in the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research involving a 9-year-old girl with subluxations, diabetes, and hypothyroidism. After 52 visits (at the rate of three adjustments per week) involving Diversified technique, the mother reported that the child’s glucose levels had stabilized and her hypoglycemic episodes had decreased from once a week to once a month. Her sleep patterns improved as well.

SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

Nonsurgical spinal decompression is a type of motorized traction that may help relieve back pain. Spinal decompression works by gently stretching the spine. That changes the force and position of the spine. This change takes pressure off the spinal disks -- gel-like cushions between the bones in your spine -- by creating negative pressure in the disc. As a result, bulging or herniated disks may retract, taking pressure off nerves and other structures in your spine. This helps promote movement of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids into the disks so they can heal.

ART

What is Active Release Therapy?

Active Release Therapy (ART), also called Active Release Technique, is a non-invasive manual therapy technique that works to correct soft tissue restrictions that cause pain and mobility issues. The goal is to break down scar tissue and adhesions in order to optimize function in the body.

The technique can be applied to both acute and chronic conditions involving the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and fascia.

During treatment, a trained physiotherapist will position your tissue so it’s “active.” For example, to treat an injured muscle with ART, the therapist puts you in a position so that the muscle is shortened and then applies hands-on tension. Next, they’ll instruct you to lengthen while they hold the tension in place. They may apply this combination of tension and motion to several different areas before you feel the full release.

It’s kind of like massage but with motion and stretching, except the physiotherapist will use small, targeted contact points rather than broad strokes. The technique can feel quite intense as it increases your nervous system’s tolerance for stretching the muscle. Many describe it as a “good pain.”

GRASTON

The Graston Technique is a form of manual therapy known as soft-tissue instrument-assisted mobilization. It is one of a number of manual therapy approaches that uses instruments with a specialized form of massage/scraping the skin gently.

The therapy is designed to help the practitioner identify areas of restriction and attempt to break up scar tissue.

See Manual Physical Therapy for Pain Relief

The Graston Technique is often practiced by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and some licensed massage therapists and athletic trainers.

Graston Technique Goals

The general goals of the therapy are to reduce the patient's pain and increase function through a combination of:

• Breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions that are usually associated with some form of trauma to the soft tissue (e.g., a strained muscle or a pulled ligament, tendon, or fascia).

• Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissue in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendons, ligaments).
• Promoting a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue.

See Myofascial Therapy for the Treatment of Acute and Chronic Pain

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There also appears to be a neurologic benefit to treating patients with the Graston Technique Instruments. This response is similar to that involved with other manual therapies. The literature suggests that when a patient is given manual or instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) therapy, certain nerve fibers are activated. Additionally, the body's position sense organs, such as mechanoreceptors and proprioceptors, seem to respond to these forms of treatment.

Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercises are different from what most people think of exercise. Therapeutic exercises are specific exercises meant for correcting specific problems. The focus of Therapeutic exercises is on regaining flexibility, strength and endurance related to specific physical problems

What is Therapeutic Exercise?

Therapeutic exercise is the systematic and planned performance of body movements or exercises which aims to improve and restore physical function. Exercise is defined as “activity that is performed or practiced to develop or improve a specific function or skill to develop and maintain physical fitness

Aims of Therapeutic Exercise

1. The ultimate goal of a therapeutic exercise program is the achievement of an optimal level of symptoms free movement during basic to complex physical activities.

2. To improve and restore physical function.

3. To prevent loss of function.

4. To enhance a patient’s functional capabilities.

5. To prevent and decrease impairment and disability

6. To improve overall health status, fitness and sense of well-being

Types of Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises are classified according to the aim and purpose of the exercises into many types:

1. Range of motion exercises which aim to maintain and increase range of motion as traditional ROM exercises (passive, active and active assisted ROM exercises) and techniques of joint mobilization and soft tissue stretching.

2. Muscle performance exercises to increase muscle strength, power and endurance as resisted exercises and endurance exercises.

3. Postural exercises to improve posture and correct faulty posture.

4. Balance and coordination exercises to improve balance and coordination.

5. Relaxation exercises to induce relaxation.

6. Area specific exercises as breathing exercises and circulatory exercises.

ICE and Heat Therapy

Heat and cold therapy are often recommended to help relieve an aching pain that results from muscle or joint damage.

Basic heat therapy, or thermotherapy can involve the use of a hot water bottle, pads that can be heated in a microwave, or a warm bath.

For cold therapy, or cryotherapy, a water bottle filled with cold water, a pad cooled in the freezer, or cool water can be used.

In some cases, alternating heat and cold may help, as it will greatly increase blood flow to the injury site.

Fast facts on cold and heat treatment:

• Cold treatment reduces inflammation by decreasing blood flow. Apply within 48 hours after an injury.
• Heat treatment promotes blood flow and helps muscles relax. Use for chronic pain.
• Alternating heat and cold may help reduce exercise-induced muscle pain.
• Never use extreme heat, and never put ice directly on the skin.

Cold therapy

Hot and cold packs can help relieve pain. The choice can depend on the type and cause of the pain.

Cold treatment reduces blood flow to an injured area. This slows the rate of inflammation and reduces the risk of swelling and tissue damage.

It also numbs sore tissues, acting as a local anesthetic, and slows down the pain messages being transmitted to the brain.

Ice can help treat a swollen and inflamed joint or muscle. It is most effective within 48 hours of an injury.

Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) are part of the standard treatment for sports injuries.

Note that ice should not normally be applied directly to the skin.

Types of cold therapy

Some ways of using cold therapy include:

• a cold compress or a chemical cold pack applied to the inflamed area for 20 minutes, every 4 to 6 hours, for 3 days. Cold compresses are available for purchase online.
• immersion or soaking in cold, but not freezing, water
• massaging the area with an ice cube or an ice pack in a circular motion from two to five times a day, for a maximum of 5 minutes, to avoid an ice burn

In the case of an ice massage, ice can be applied directly to the skin, because it does not stay in one place.

Ice should not be applied directly to the bony portions of the spinal column.

A cold compress can be made by filling a plastic bag with frozen vegetables or ice and wrapping it in a dry cloth.

What is ice useful for?

A cold compress applied within 48 hours of an injury can help reduce inflammation.

Cold treatment can help in cases of:

• osteoarthritis
• a recent injury
• gout
• strains
• tendinitis, or irritation in the tendons following activity

A cold mask or wrap around the forehead may help reduce the pain of a migraine.

For osteoarthritis, patients are advised to use an ice massage or apply a cold pad 10 minutes on and 10 minutes off.

When not to use ice

Cold is not suitable if:

• there is a risk of cramping, as cold can make this worse
• the person is already cold or the area is already numb
• there is an open wound or blistered skin
• the person has some kind of vascular disease or injury, or sympathetic dysfunction, in which a nerve disorder affects blood flow
• the person is hypersensitive to cold

Ice should not be used immediately before activity.

It should not be applied directly to the skin, as this can freeze and damage body tissues, possibly leading to frostbite.

Professional athletes may use ice massage, cold water immersion, and whole-body cryotherapy chambers to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) that can lead to delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). DOMS commonly emerges 24 to 48 hours after exercise.

A study published in The Cochrane Library in 2012 suggested that a cold bath after exercise may help prevent DOMS, compared with resting or doing nothing.

The participants spent between 5 and 24 minutes in water between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, or 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.

However, the researchers were not certain whether there may be negative side effects, or if another strategy might be more helpful.

Cryotherapy is primarily a pain-reliever. It will not repair tissues.

Ice and back pain

Ice is best used on recent injuries, especially where heat is being generated.

It may be less helpful for back pain, possibly because the injury is not new, or because the problem tissue, if it is inflamed, lies deep beneath other tissues and far from the cold press.

Back pain is often due to increased muscle tension, which can be aggravated by cold treatments.

For back pain, heat treatment might be a better option.

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Heat therapy

Applying heat to an inflamed area will dilate the blood vessels, promote blood flow, and help sore and tightened muscles relax.

Improved circulation can help eliminate the buildup of lactic acid waste occurs after some types of exercise. Heat is also psychologically reassuring, which can enhance its analgesic properties.

Heat therapy is usually more effective than cold at treating chronic muscle pain or sore joints caused by arthritis.

Types of heat therapy

Types of heat therapy include:

• applying safe heating devices to the area. Many heat products are available for purchase online, including electrical heating pads, hot water bottles, hot compress, or heat wrap.
• soaking the area in a hot bath, between 92 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 33 and 37.7 degrees Celsius
• using heated paraffin wax treatment
• medications such as rubs or patches containing capsicum, available for purchase online.

Heat packs can be dry or moist. Dry heat can be applied for up to 8 hours, while moist heat can be applied for 2 hours. Moist heat is believed to act more quickly.

Heat should normally be applied to the area for 20 minutes, up to three times a day, unless otherwise indicated.

Single-use wraps, dry wraps, and patches can sometimes be used continuously for up to 8 hours.

What is heat useful for?

Heat is useful for relieving:

A hot bath can provide comfort and relief from some types of pain.

• osteoarthritis
• strains and sprains
• tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in the tendons
• warming up stiff muscles or tissue before activity
• relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including the lower back

Applied to the neck, heat may reduce the spasms that lead to headaches.

In 2006, a team of researchers found that patients with lower back pain who exercised and use continuous low-level heat wrap therapy (CLHT) experienced less pain than those who did not use CLHT.

Previous studies had shown that, for some people, CLHT relieved pain more effectively than oral analgesics, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen.

However, the effectiveness of heat treatment may depend on the depth of the tissue affected by the pain or injury.

Some people use heat treatment, often in the form of a hot bath, to stave off DOMS.

There is some evidence that this might help, but heat that is applied for only 5 to 20 minutes may be less effective, as does not have the chance impact the deeper levels of tissue.

Some researchers have suggested that moist chemical heat packs, which can be used for 2 hours, may be the best way to prevent DOMS through heat treatment.

When not to use heat

Heat is not suitable for all injury types. Any injury that is already hot will not benefit from further warming. These include infections, burns, or fresh injuries.

Heat should not be used if:

• the skin is hot, red or inflamed
• the person has dermatitis or an open wound
• the area is numb
• the person may be insensitive to heat due to peripheral neuropathy or a similar condition

Ask a doctor first about using heat or cold on a person who has high blood pressure or heart disease.

Excessive heat must be avoided.

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Alternating cold and heat

When cold is applied to the body, the blood vessels contract, vasoconstriction occurs. This means that circulation is reduced, and pain decreases.

Removing the cold causes vasodilation, as the veins expand to overcompensate.

As the blood vessels expand, circulation improves, and the incoming flow of blood brings nutrients to help the injured tissues heal.

Alternating heat and cold can be useful for:

• osteoarthritis

• exercise-induced injury or DOMS

Contrast water therapy (CWT) uses both heat and cold to treat pain. Studies show that it is more effective at reducing EIMD and preventing DOMS than doing nothing.

A review of studies has suggested that, for elite athletes, CWT is better at reducing muscle pain after exercise compared with doing nothing or resting.

However, the researchers point out that it may not better than other strategies, such as heat treatment, cold treatment, stretching, or compression. They say that more evidence is necessary.

Tips

Heat should not be used on a new injury, an open wound, or if the person is already overheated. The temperature should be comfortable. It should not burn.

Ice should not be used if a person is already cold. Applying ice to tense or stiff muscles in the back or neck may make the pain worse.

Heat and cold treatment may not be suitable for people with diabetic neuropathy or another condition that reduces sensations of hot or cold, such as Raynaud’s syndrome, or if they are very young or old, or have cognitive or communication difficulties.

It may be hard to know when the heat or cold is excessive in these cases.

Science has yet to firmly establish the effectiveness of heat and cold therapies, but neither treatment is very potent, and the danger of an adverse reaction, when applied to a particular point on the body, is usually low.

Individuals with chronic pain or a non-serious injury can try either method and find their own best solution.

Stretch Therapy

The Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) method of muscle lengthening and fascial release is a type of Athletic Stretching Technique that provides effective, dynamic, facilitated stretching of major muscle groups, but more importantly, AIS provides functional and physiological restoration of superficial and deep fascial planes. Over the past few decades many experts have advocated that stretching should last up to 60 seconds. For years, this prolonged static stretching technique was the gold standard. However, prolonged static stretching actually decreases the blood flow within the tissue creating localized ischemia and lactic acid buildup. This can potentially cause irritation or injury of local muscular, tendinous, lymphatic, as well as neural tissues, similar to the effects and consequences of trauma and overuse syndromes.

The AIS TechniqueDeep, Superficial Fascial Release

Performing an Active Isolated Stretch of no longer than two seconds allows the target muscles to optimally lengthen without triggering the protective stretch reflex and subsequent reciprocal antagonistic muscle contraction as the isolated muscle achieves a state of relaxation. These stretches provide maximum benefit and can be accomplished without opposing tension or resulting trauma.

Myofascial ReleaseAchieve Optimal Flexibility

Aaron Mattes' myofascial release technique, which also incorporates Active Isolated Stretching, uses active movement and reciprocal inhibition to achieve optimal flexibility. Using a 2.0 second stretch has proven to be the key in avoiding reflexive contraction of the antagonistic muscle. Without activating muscle group contraction, restoration of full range of motion and flexibility can be successfully achieved.

Theragun

The basic concept behind how the Theragun works is through the use of percussive therapy. The vibration and force produced by the device is said to have a variety of benefits including pain relief, increased range of motion, reduced muscle stiffness and soreness, and a faster recovery time from workouts.

Benefits of the Theragun

· Reduce pain.

· Increase blood flow.

· Break up scar tissue.

· Decrease lactic acid.

· Release muscle spasms.

· Increase lymphatic flow.

· Improve range of motion.

· Improve body awareness.

Sports Cupping

What is Cupping?

Cupping was developed thousands of years ago and though the techniques have modernized, the original philosophy remains the same.

Cupping involves placing glass, bamboo or plastic jars on the skin and creating a vacuum by suctioning out the air. The underlying tissue is raised, or sucked, partway into the cup. The purpose of cupping is to enhance circulation, help relieve pain, remove “heat” and pull out the toxins that linger in your body’s tissues.

Cupping causes the skin to temporarily turn red, blue or purple, especially if there is an injury or energetic blockage under the area that was cupped. The skin discoloration can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, but is rarely painful. Once the marks have cleared, the procedure can be repeated until the condition or ailment is resolved.

Arthrostem

As technology advances, your chiropractor might discover new ways to provide treatment to his/her patients. As you can imagine, your doctor sees many different types of people of all shapes and sizes every day, each with different sensitivity levels and pain thresholds. With such a wide variety of patient needs, sometimes the manual adjustment a chiropractor can provide might not be as effective or efficient, which is why your doctor might use a tool like the ArthroStim Instrument to enhance their treatment sessions.

In order to understand how an ArthroStim Instrument works, you have to understand how chiropractic adjustment works. A chiropractic adjustment produces precise movements which stimulate ‘neural receptors’ in an injured/affected area. These receptors will then produce nerve impulses which transmit important information to the brain. The brain will process this information and use it to update its awareness about the condition of an area. Once the brain evaluates the changes prompted by the adjustment, it can begin sending out self-correcting commands to the muscular system, and other systems, to bring about healing within your body. The ArthroStim is just another way to administer these adjustments, but it is faster, more comfortable and efficient due to its controlled repetitive input. This input produces a ‘snowballing’ effect on neural receptors and allows it to transmit more information to the brain with less effort, pain, and force.

What are the benefits of ArthroStim?

The ArthroStim Instrument allows your doctor to maintain the effectiveness of your treatment while greatly reducing the amount of force that is applied, which makes it easier to use on a wide variety of conditions and ailments. Individuals that may especially benefit from the use of the ArthroStim Instrument include:

· Infants and young children

· Individuals with acute or extreme pain

· Particularly sensitive individuals

· Individuals who dislike being “cracked”

· Individuals who suffer from neck pain

· Individuals who require adjustments to the extremeties

· Elderly individuals

Even people who are larger and stronger and therefore more difficult to adjust from a standard single thrust will benefit from the ‘neurological assist’ that the ArthroStim Instrument provides.

Global Neurological Assessment

Like most physiological processes, proprioception (ability for your brain to communicate with your body and coordinate movement) can be impaired by disease or disuse, or neurological dysfunction, creating a neurological imbalance.

Ultimately, dysfunction makes an athlete (or individual) prone to injury, and decreased performance. Previous injuries and imbalances in joint function in the spine and extremities create muscle imbalance which leads to decreased stabilization. This often Painless phenomenon or ‘disconnect’ between the brain and the body promotes instability and an increased potential for injury and recurrent injury patterns.

Using a global performance assessment on every patient, elite athlete or not, allows us to understand how quickly the brain is able to send messages to the body, and vice versa. This assessment shows us the underlying neurological issues that may be affecting spinal and extremity health.

Mobility/Stability Training.

What is stability and mobility training?

To improve the function of the entire body, we start from the ground up by using exercises that will challenge the stability of joints that are meant to be stable, while increasing the mobility of joints that are designed to be mobile. By using this method, injuries can be prevented and function improved (or restored).