Adjusting Techniques

Thompson Technique
This technique uses a special table that has pads that drop about a half an inch during the adjustment. This gives the adjustment extra speed thereby requiring less force.

Activator Technique
An activator is a small hand held instrument that is used to deliver a high velocity, low force thrust. Due to its speed and size, this instrument can adjust a specific vertebra accurately and efficiently. Due to its low force, it is extremely safe for older and younger patients.

Sacro Occipital Technique
This is a gentle technique that uses blocks and gentle touch to help restore the position and movement of vertebrae.

Upper Cervical Specific Technique
This technique is similar to NUCCA and the Palmer Technique. It is based on the fact that the first cervical vertebra is the most freely moveable vertebra in the spine, making it a common problem area. Since it is located just below the brain and contains the brain stem, improper functioning of this vertebra can effect transmissions between the brain and the entire body.

Physical Therapies

Myofascial Release
This soft tissue technique breaks up scar tissue adhesions between the muscles and the surrounding connective tissue called fascia resulting from injuries, stress, inflammation, trauma, and poor posture. These scar tissue adhesions can compress nerves and blood vessels causing pain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensations, as well as muscular weakness. This technique works faster than massage and is very effective with carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, TMJ dysfunction, head forward posture, and certain types of headaches.

Strain/Counterstrain
This soft tissue technique was developed by an osteopath. It gently places the body in a position comfort for a period of 90 seconds which allows the body to reset it's muscles to normal, allowing them to relax much faster than with ordinary massage.

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
This is an advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the muscle group being targeted. It tricks the receptors of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments into allowing a greater range of motion than is possible with regular stretching.

Rehabilitative Exercises
We recommend exercises to strengthen weak muscles. Not all conditions are due to muscle weakness. Visit our Frequently Asked Questions Page for more information on when exercises are appropriate.

Cervical Traction
We use different types of traction depending on patient need. One form helps restore the normal cervical curve. The other form helps take pressure off of injured discs.

Cryotherapy
When inflammation is present, ice packs help reduce the swelling and the cold helps numb painful nerve endings.

Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasonic waves cause tissues to vibrate resulting in a "micromassage." Tissues of different densities vibrate at different frequencies causing friction and heat. Heat and "micromassage" help speed healing by reducing swelling, softening scar tissue and fibrous adhesions, and increasing blood and nutrients in the injured area.

Diathermy
Diathermy means "deep heat." It uses short waves to cause water molecules to spin. Since most of the water is in the muscles, this therapy heats the muscles better and deeper than hot pack, hot rocks, or ultrasound.

Russian Stumulation
Developed by the Russians during the cold war, this electrical muscle stimulation helps strengthen weak muscles.

Interferential Therapy
This electrical therapy helps stimulate your body to produce its own natural pain killers (endorphins and enkephlins.)

Premodulated Therapy
This electrical therapy also stimulates pain killers, but not as well as interferential.

Microcurrent
Studies were done on animals that can regrow their own limbs (ie. starfish, geckos) and it was found that they send a small electrical current into the space where the limb is going to grow. When tested on humans, we didn't regrow limbs, but it did speed healing. It seems to be a healing frequency.

X-ray
Radiographs are helpful in identifying certain problems, but they are not always necessary. The need for x-rays depends on your specific problem and will only be taken if necessary.