Examination of the Soft Tissues:

When a patient presents with an injury there is usually a lot more involved than just bones out of place. A complete and thorough examination of the muscles, nerves, tendons and ligaments will be performed to determine the exact cause of pain. This is vital to the construction of a treatment plan that most effectively works for the patient. We believe in getting to the source of the problem and correcting it quickly so the patient can return to their daily activities as soon as possible.

Treatment Types:

Manipulation - Performed gently and safely, there are various ways to correct a misaligned bone in your spine or extremity. There doesn't always have to be a "crack" as is so often described by chiropractic patients. The importance of correcting misalignments of bones is so the nerves that travel between them can be free of interference. A misalignment in one bone can cause symptoms in many different areas of the body if the nerve is being pinched or "crowded". This type of treatment is usually performed after the soft tissues are relieved of their tension so the manipulation is never forceful.

Active Release Technique (link to ART website)

A soft tissue technique used to release adhesions and restrictions in all tissue types including muscle, tendon, fascia, and ligaments which can also relieve nerves that are entrapped within these tissues. This technique requires a provider to become Certified through the ART program and also requires continuing education in the field. This technique has helped relieve conditions such as:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Rotator Cuff Impingement
• All tendonitis
• Plantar Fascitis
• Trigger Finger
• Sciatica

Electronic Muscle Stimulation - a physical therapy that electronically contracts the muscles to relieve pain, spasm, and swelling. Always performed to the patient's comfort level, it really feels great!

Ultrasound - a deep form of heat used to soften scar tissue and disperse swelling.

Massage Therapy - performed by Certified Massage Therapists, this is a soft tissue technique that promotes blood and lymphatic flow to increase flexibility of the muscles and joints. A variety of techniques are available depending on the need or desire of the patient:

• Swedish Massage:
(Stress Relief/ Relaxation)
A light to medium massage utilizing long soothing strokes, designed to relax and reduce stress while improving circulation, tension and range of motion.

• Deep Tissue Massage:
This massage releases the chronic patterns of tension and stress in the body using slow and long strokes with deep finger pressure while relieving muscle tension, improving circulation and increasing range of motion.

• Neuromuscular Therapy:
A deep pressure massage that manipulates the soft tissue and balances the central nervous system with the structure and form of the musculoskeletal system. This technique is beneficial for chronic problems such as frequent headaches, back pain, or motor vehicle accident victims, etc.

• Sports Massage:
This massage is offered as a pre or post activity massage. This treatment can help prepare the body to function at peak efficiency or help to relax and recover after a strenuous workout.

• Pre-Natal Massage:
A massage created specifically for expecting mothers. This treatment helps to improve skins elasticity and assists in the prevention of the appearance of stretch marks while relaxing the body and relieving pregnancy heaviness.

• Reflexology:
Relieves stress through an organized system of pressure points on the hands and feet. These focus points relax and correspond to all the areas of the body.

• Hot Stone Massage:
A relaxation massage that utilizes warmed stones for deep, penetrating heat. The stones are placed both on and under the body on the main energy centers. They are also placed in the hands and between the toes. The stones are constantly moved and turned as the practitioner works on the body.

• Chair Massage:
This massage will help relieve tension, loosen stiff muscles and increase circulation in the neck, back, and shoulders. Massage is performed in a massage chair with the client fully clothed.

• Aromatherapy:
A relaxation massage with the use of essential oils to enhance the massage experience and assist in the physiological and physical well-being of an individual.

• Shiatsu:
A form of therapeutic massage in which pressure is applied with the thumbs, fingertips or palms to specific areas of the body used in acupressure. This massage is used to relieve tension and pain.

• Myofascial Release:
A type of therapeutic massage that is a very effective hands-on technique providing sustained pressure into myofascial restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion.

General Benefits of Massage:
• Increasing circulation, allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
• Stimulating the lymph system, the body's natural defense, against toxic invaders.
• Relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles.
• Reducing spasms and cramping.
• Increasing joint flexibility.
• Reducing recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains of the athlete at any level.
• Releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkiller. For this reason, massage is being incorporated into treatment for chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
• Reducing post-surgery adhesions and edema and reducing and realigning scar tissue after healing has occurred.
• Improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort for patients with low back pain.
• Relieving pain for migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.
• Providing exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reducing shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.
• Contributing to shorter labor and reduced tearing for expectant mothers, as well as lessening the need for medication, minimizing depression and anxiety, and shortening hospital stays.

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