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What is
Cryotherapy?
Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice, cold
towels, and compresses to reduce the temperature of tissues directly on or below
the surface of the skin.
How does
Cryotherapy work?
Surface cooling constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas,
and helps relax muscle spasms. Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission of
painful symptoms and provide temporary relief.
What does
Cryotherapy feel like?
Ice is most often used to manage acute injuries or recent
eruptions of chronic conditions. Cooling affected tissues is effective in
reducing and preventing posttraumatic swelling. Local cooling should be applied
several times a day during the initial stages of an injury.
Why is
Cryotherapy used?
Cryotherapy is inexpensive, readily available , and an easy way
to reduce local swelling of inflamed tissues.
Patient Benefits:
- Helps
reduce swelling and inflammation
- Numbs
affected area to reduce pain
- Reduces
muscle spasms
- Inexpensive
and can be self-applied
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Consult your doctor before the self-administration of any therapy.
What is
Electro-Muscle Stimulation?
It is a special form of electrical current that is administered
at the site of soft tissue injury, especially muscles, for the blocking of pain.
How does
Electro-Muscle Stimulation work?
Small amounts of electrical current are induced into the tissues
for the purpose of reducing spasm and swelling. This widely used technique
safely strengthens muscles and helps reduce painful symptoms.
What does
Electro-Muscle Stimulation feel like?
Patients generally feel a slight tingling sensation at first.
Why is
Electro-Muscle Stimulation used?
Electro-Muscle Stimulation has been used as an effective form of
pain relief. It is recommended in cases in which pain is accompanied by spasm,
swelling and inflammation.
Patient Benefits:
- Reduces
pain sensation
- Helps
decrease spasm
- Promotes
general muscle tone
- Speeds the
healing process
Many
painful symptoms can be relieved with the application of Electro-Muscle
Stimulation
 What is
Intersegmental Traction?
It is a way of inducing passive motion into the spine for the
purpose of stretching spinal joints, increasing mobility.
How does
Intersegmental Traction work?
The patient lies face up on a bench table which has roller-type
cams beneath its surface. These rollers can slowly travel the length of the
spine, stretching spinal joints.
What does
Intersegmental Traction feel like?
Most patients find this form of treatment to be relaxing and very
helpful. The gentle rolling action is restful, exercising the spine without
effort.
Why is
Intersegmental Traction used?
Since discs have a poor blood supply, they get nutrients from the
circulation of fluids surrounding spinal joints. Fixations prevent this natural
circulation and can cause disc thinning and degeneration. Intersegmental
traction helps increase and restore necessary elasticity and motion to the
spine.
Patient Benefits:
- Comfortable
and relaxing
- Increased
mobility
- Improves
circulation of spinal fluids
- Most
patients enjoy the relaxing motion and the increased mobility gained from
Intersegmental Traction.
What is
ultrasound?
It is a therapeutic treatment using high-frequency sound waves
administered in the region of soft tissue injuries.
How does
Ultrasound work?
Sound vibrations, as fast as a million times per second,
penetrate the tissues deep in the body, creating a heat response. These
vibrations and heat help break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other
hard tissue accumulations.
What does
Ultrasound feel like?
The gel used to conduct the sound waves is at room temperature
and may momentarily feel cool to the skin when it is initially applied. Most
patients feel nothing, or a pleasant and relaxing sensation below the surface of
the skin.
Why is
Ultrasound used?
Ultrasound treatment can usually be administered directly to the
area of complaint, penetrating deep into the body. The rise in temperature,
increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, massages damaged tissues, and
speeds the healing process.
Patient Benefits:
- Highly
effective in treating calcium deposition
- Stimulates
healing without irritation
- Speeds
metabolism and improves blood flow
- Reduces
nerve root irritation
- Enhances
the body's natural healing ability
- Ultrasound
can often help shoulders, elbows, and sports-related injuries.
What is
Superficial Heat?
Hot packs, warm moist towels, heating pads, water bottles and
infrared lamps are often used to help raise the temperature of soft tissues
directly below the surface of the skin.
How does
Superficial Heat work?
Heat applied to the surface of the skin enlarges blood vessels
below the surface, relaxing tissues and can temporarily relieve painful
symptoms. Increasing circulation and relaxing muscles is helpful before or after
chiropractic adjustments, exercises, and other treatments.
When should
Superficial Heat be used?
Heat us usually recommended for the relaxation of tissues in
spasm and temporary relief of the symptoms associated with chronic pain and
muscle tightness.
Why is
Superficial Heat used?
Using heat to calm tissues suffering from long term spasm or
irritation is an easy way to increase flexibility, range of motion, and promote
increased circulation to speed the healing process.
Patient Benefits:
- Helps
increase circulation
- Relaxes
muscle tension
- Reduces
joint stiffness
- Prepares
tissues for rehabilitation
- Widely
available and inexpensive
- Consult
your doctor before the self-administration of any therapy.
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