The spinal and extremity mobilization and manipulation techniques featured in chiropractic care have been used by various cultures for thousands of years.
MANUAL THERAPIES
Chiropractic care is a form of physical medicine that involves the evaluation of patient concerns based on a comprehensive medical history, detailed physical assessment and lab work to yield a diagnosis and recommendations for non-operative treatment.
Chiropractic care encompasses many different therapies.
Manipulation is a high velocity, low amplitude thrust to the synovial joints of the spine or joints of extremities to affect the motion and function of the joint, whereas mobilizations use a low velocity, low amplitude, oscillatory approach. Dr. Lau practices the Diversified Technique which uses specific manual thrusts focused on restoring biomechanical function.
Several scientific studies and systematic reviews suggest that patients with neck or back pain demonstrate clinically important improvements and that spinal manipulation achieves equal or superior improvement in pain and function when compared with other commonly used interventions for short, intermediate, and long-term follow-up.
Other treatments that may be used in conjunction with manipulation during chiropractic care include Myofascial Release Technique, Trigger Point Therapy, Kinesio Taping, Graston Technique, and the modalities of Heat Therapy/Cryotherapy, Electrotherapy and Percussive and Vibration Therapy/Thumper.
Myofasial Release Technique is a form of soft tissue therapy used to treat somatic dysfunction (i.e. impaired or altered function of bodily structures) and the resulting pain and restriction of motion. This therapy works by releasing the level of tightness or scar tissue formation that has resulted from overuse, injury, or postural imbalances, thereby improving tissue texture, tension, movement, and function.
Trigger Point Therapy uses deep digital pressure held for a period of time to relieve the tension in muscle “knots”, or trigger points, that may have resulted from stress, overuse, injury, or postural imbalances.
By releasing the tension, this therapy will relieve the pain associated with the tight muscles and improve movement and function.
Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body’s own natural healing process. It gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without impairing circulation and range of motion and is used for preventive maintenance, edema, and to treat pain. It works by activating the muscular, neurological and circulatory systems. Because muscles control venous and lymphatic circulation as well as body temperature, functional problems with muscles induce various symptoms. The method stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name “Kinesio”.
Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Kinesio tape is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is a non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion. In contrast, traditional sports’ taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids as an undesirable side-effect.
Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions.
Graston Technique® utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. It has been shown to decrease overall time of treatment, speed up rehabilitation and recovery, reduce the need for anti-inflammatories, and can resolve both acute and chronic conditions.
Rehabilitation and Reconditioning is a form of therapy is an integral part in achieving full recovery. With specific prescription exercises including stretching and strengthening, as well as cardiovascular exercise, it will not only facilitate any weak or underused muscles, bu condition the body to be stronger, more responsive, and prevent recurrence or persistence of symptoms. Rehabilitation and reconditioning should be incorporated in all patient treatment care programs.
Heat Therapy/Cryotherapy are temperature-related therapies which reduce pain and inflammation. Heat is beneficial for relieving tight muscles. This decreases pain caused by muscle tension, and increases blood flow to the area because of vasodilation of the blood vessels. Patients with muscle strains, spasms or arthritis often benefit from heat therapy. Cryotherapy is generally used to treat areas of pain and inflammation. The cold temperature, applied to the area in need of treatment, causes the vasoconstriction of blood vessels. This will decrease the inflammation in the area which in turn will decrease pain and swelling.
MODALITIES
Modalities are used in chiropractic care to help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Dr. Lau uses a variety of modalities in conjunction with manual therapies to aid in the optimal recovery of her patients:
Electrotherapy involves applying special pads to the skin in the proximity of the muscles to be stimulated, and delivering therapeutic current to the tissue causing excitation of the muscle. This therapy is used for pain management, treatment of neuromuscular dysfunction, improving joint and muscle mobility, treatment of acute and chronic edema, and tissue repair.
This therapy is used to treat variety of conditions ranging from acute sprains/strains to chronic muscle and joint pain and inflammation.
Percussive and Vibration Therapy offer deep tissue massage therapy within a short period of time.
“Thumper” massage enhances two of the main functions of the body, which are the delivery of nutrients to the trillions of cells in the body, and the elimination of waste products from the trillions of cells in the body. The blood and lymph fluid systems facilitate this crucial delivery and elimination activity, upon which all of life depends. Massage aids this process by dilating blood vessels and relaxing muscles, which improves the flow of life-giving blood, and the flow of cleansing lymph fluids throughout the body.