Advice
Advice is clearly not a technique but probably the most important part of managing your condition outside the clinic, hence we feel it warrants a mention here as well. In fact, we think it is so important that we have dedicated a separate section for it under ‘Advice’. The advice given is tailor made to your condition and lifestyle and could be all or any of the following: Exercises (stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular, Pilates, Yoga etc), Postural awareness and ergonomics, Nutrition, Heat/Cold therapy, Massage or other Therapies your chiropractor may recommend for your condition
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is a course of exercise therapy designed to strengthen and restore the normal function of muscles, improve endurance and stamina, increase flexibility and range of movement of tight muscles, and reduce pain. Balance exercises are also included to improve the reaction time of lazy muscle groups. Each patient is individually assessed and a programme is devised specific to individual needs and level of ability.
Diversified
This is the most common non-specific technique used by most general practice chiropractors. It is a technique which may utilise more than one method. It will involve spinal adjustment, and generally results in a popping sound.
Drop techniques
A specific technique for adjustment of the full spine on a special table. The adjusting table with a segmented drop system quickly lowers the section of the patient’s body corresponding with the spinal region being adjusted.The chiropractor’s thrusts (using minimal force) initiates movement, and the fast drop of the table carries the joint through the remainder of its range of motion.
Acupuncture/Dry needling
This technique combines modern western Trigger Point theories with traditional Chinese Acupuncture. Fine needles are inserted to stimulate acupuncture points, creating a small inflammatory reaction and stimulating the body’s own pain relieving and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.Acupuncture/Dry Needling works in this instance by inhibiting some of the body’s responses to the problem, particularly muscle spasm and so relieving some of the pain and thus allowing the Chiropractic Adjustments to work unopposed.
SOT
SOT is an acronym for Sacro Occipital Technique. It is a method of chiropractic based primarily on the identification and treatment of three bodily systems: the cranial sacral respiratory system, the weight-bearing system and the function of the lumbar spine. An SOT chiropractor analyzes your body, concentrating on these three areas. They integrate large amounts of information, and then use several different techniques and approaches simultaneously, including the use of blocks, joint adjustment, organ/soft tissue reflex manipulation and cranial corrections.
SOT patients are also routinely given guidance regarding home care, diet, and nutrition.
Modalities - Electrotherapy (interferential) and ultra-sound
Interferential Therapy uses a mid-frequency current for treating muscular spasms and strains. The current produces a massaging effect over the affected area at periodic intervals, and this stimulates the secretion of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, thus relaxing the strained muscles and promotes soft tissue healing.
The ultra-sound machines we use utilises low frequency, long wavelength energy to simultaneously treat both the superficial and deep tissues with minimal energy output. Rather than all the ultrasonic energy being absorbed within the first 10mm of the skin’s surface, the long wave energy is able to penetrate much more deeply. It is used to complement the treatment of both acute and chronic soft tissue injuries.
Typical injuries that we have seen benefit include: Torticollis, Cervical Spondylosis, Low Back Pain, Sacro-iliac Strain, Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow, Frozen Shoulder, Tenosynovitis, Groin Strain, Ankle Sprain, Muscle Haematoma, Traumatic Contusions, Muscle Spasm and Tendonitis.
