treatments

Manual therapy:

Manual therapy is an application of force through the hands to assist proper motion of a joint or restore normal muscle function. Stimulatory techniques may be applied to muscles to enhance the activation. Inhibitory techniques may be applied to muscles to decrease unwanted tension. Manipulation is a fast small motion applied to a joint to allow relaxation of the surrounding musculature and reestablish normal joint motion. It is often but not always associated with a "pop" sound. May use massage techniques may be used to retore muscle, tendon and ligament health.

Massage:

Massage is a systematic and scientific manipulation of soft tissue including muscle, skin, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and membranes. Techiques used include Swedish massage, deep tissue, frictions, myofascial, active release techniques and Graston Technique™(this technique is only available from the chiropractor) to improve muscle function, restore normal circulation as well as prevent swelling and scar tissue. Massage can hasten recovery from injury, reduce or eliminate pain, remove harmful waste products, improve mobility, increase venous and lymphatic drainage, and relieve tension.

Modalities:

• Ultrasound:

  Ultrasound is the use of high frequency waves transmitted through the tissue to stimulate collagen formation (tissue found in muscle, tendons, and ligaments), decrease inflammation, improve ability of local cells in the tendons, muscles, ligaments and joints to eliminate toxins and take in nutrients. It can also be used to increase blood flow to the area.

• Electrical stimulation:

  Various types of electrical stimulation are available (EMS, TENS, IFC). Some help activate muscles that have been shut down due to injury, swelling, pain, or lack of use. Other forms of stimulation are to help rid the body of swelling and / or pain.

• Heat or cold:

  These are applied to help reduce muscle spasm, restore blood flow to the area, control swelling in the area, and to modulate pain.

• Acupuncture:

  Application of a sterile needle to a key point to reduce pain and improve lymphatic drainage. A modified technique can be used to reduce muscle tension by insertion of the needle into the trigger point of a muscle.

Specific exercises prescription:

After a thorough assessment, weak, long, and stiff muscles or other structures are identified. Specific exercises are given to assist in increasing strength, lengthen shortened muscles and other structures as required. These exercises are used to restore the normal joint motion and prevent painful stress on specific structures and tissues. Muscle imbalance is corrected through these exercises.

Taping:

Specific sports taping, postural taping and kinesotaping can be used to improve activation of certain muscles, turn off other muscles, and support injured structures.

Mechanical traction:

Mechanical traction is a machine to apply a gentle force to the spine to unload the joints, allow proper blood flow to the area, reduce compression pain, decrease swelling around neural issue.

Sports injury therapy:

Specific treatment for injuries and screening to prevent injuries is available.

Preventative physical screening:

Preventive accessments are available with corrective exercises and ergonomic education regarding positioning for sleep, driving, work, etc. to prevent pain and improve function and health.

Chronic pain:

By definition chronic pain has no known structure causing the pain. Pain management with specific pain alleviating techniques, plus corrective postural exercises can restore the best environment for the chronic pain to reduce or resolve.

General Conditioning:

specific programs can be developed by our staff to assist you in achieving your training goals. Aerobic conditioning is important to maintain health and improve blood flow though out the body there by nourishing the tissues and keeping you heart and lungs healthy. Strength training can be used to prevent age related postural changes, help prevent bone loss, and support your body well into the future.

Musician related injuries:

Musicians often play for prolonged durations in postures that are less than ideal. Specific strengthening to ensure ability to sustain the positioning required is necessary. Also, musicians can be thought of as athletes, often training 5 hours or more a day. Overuse injuries can be prevented with proper posture, strength, and training schedule.

Counseling:

Cognitive behavioural therapies are used to help people manage anxiety, depression, and pain. Available from our psychologist.

Nutritional Counseling:

after analysis of your existing eating habits and discussion regarding your goals, the licensed dietician will establish a plan to assist in your achievement of nutritional goals such as management of diabetes and weight.