Physical Therapy

Heat Therapy

We wrap moist hot packs in several layers of towels and place them on the area that needs treatment. The heat provided by the hot packs has several important benefits. It relaxes tight muscles causing tissues to relax. This decreases pain caused by muscle tension or spasms. It also causes vasodilatation of the blood vessels which increases circulation to the area. Patients with muscle strains, spasms, or arthritis often benefit from treatment with moist hot packs.

Cryotherapy

Cold packs are a frozen gel substance used by Chiropractors to treat areas of pain and inflammation. The cold packs are wrapped in a wet towel and applied directly to the area in need of treatment. The cold transferred to the patient’s skin, muscle, and tissue has several beneficial effects. The cold temperature causes vasoconstriction of the blood vessels in the area. This decreases the inflammation in the area. By decreasing inflammation, pain and swelling are decreased.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound machines are a treatment modality used by Chiropractors that utilize high or low frequency sound waves. These sound waves are transmitted to the surrounding tissue and vasculature. They penetrate the muscles to cause deep tissue/muscle warming. This promotes tissue relaxation and therefore is useful in treating muscle tightness and spasms. The warming effect of the sound waves also cause vessel vasodilatation and increased circulation to the area that assists in healing. The Chiropractor can also adjust the frequency on the machine to use waves that will decrease inflammation.

Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. By placing electrodes on the skin in various locations the Chiropractor can recruit the appropriate muscle fibers. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle. The Doctor can change the current setting to allow for a forceful or gentle muscle contraction. Along with increasing muscle strength, the contraction of the muscle also promotes blood supply to the area that assists in healing.

Russian Electrical Stimulation

This machine sends an electrical current through the skin. Russian stimulation causes strong muscular contractions. The purpose of Russian stimulation is to enhance muscular contraction during exercise in order to improve strength.

Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation

The purpose of Microcurrent is to affect the tissue on a cellular level. The theory is that Microcurrent simulates the natural current present in cells. The natural current is disrupted in damaged tissue causing pain, swelling and dysfunction of the normal cellular process. Microcurrent helps to normalize tissue on a cellular level to reduce swelling, decrease pain and normalize function. Patient sensation is nearly imperceptible.