A Chiropractor specializes in treating the neuromuscular system (nerves, muscles and joints) and helps these systems function optimally together.  A Chiropractor’s goals are: to diagnose the injury, explain what has lead to the injury, treat the tissues involved and train the body to function optimally so no further treatment is required.   A thorough history and physical evaluation is performed including range of motion, muscle testing, orthopaedic testing and activity analysis.  These evaluations assist a chiropractor in making an accurate diagnosis.  The chiropractor will then devise and discuss a treatment plan with the patient.  The 3 main goals of treatment plans are:

1) decrease pain

2) restore and improve function

3) prevent future re-injury and improve general health

Treatment programs emphasize releasing tissue adhesions, restoring proper biomechanics of joints and correcting muscular imbalances by utilizing rehabilitation exercises and stretches.  This approach helps the body use muscles and joints optimally and prevent future injury.  Therapeutic modalities are also used to help control pain and promote tissue healing (i.e. Tens, IFC, Ultrasound, Microcurrent, ice, heat).

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MASSAGE THERAPY:  

The practice of massage therapy is the assessment of the soft tissue and joints of the body and the treatment and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain of the soft tissue and joints by manipulation to develop, maintain, rehabilitate or augment physical function, or relieve pain. (Massage Therapy Act 1991)

Massage therapy melts away stress and tension, relieving associated headaches and muscular aches & pains. By encouraging the body's own healing processes to act, massage therapy reduces injury healing time. Massage therapy aids in the healing process from injury or over-use, and is an excellent form of preventive health care.

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ATHLETIC THERAPY

The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity and facilities.

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUES (ART®):

• acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
• accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
• not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).

These tissue injuries cause the body to produce scar tissue in an attempt to repair the damage.  The cells that form scar tissue are not as mobile as normal tissue cells and prevent tissues from moving properly which leads to pain, reduced range of motion and loss of strength.  Scar tissue may also adhere to nerves.  If a nerve is trapped, you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements to break down scar tissue.  Treatment helps restore range of motion and promote proper healing.

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GRASTON TECHNIQUES®: 

The technique utilizes six patented stainless steel instruments, uniquely shaped to treat different areas of the body.  The weight and design of the various instruments allow clinicians to effectively treat deep tissue dysfunctions. The Graston Technique® instruments allow the clinician to isolate adhesions and restrictions, and treat them very precisely.  Scar tissue (adhesions) can stick fascia to muscle impairing your function (range of motion) and producing pain.  Tendons and ligaments also are surrounded with fascia and can be affected in the same manner.  When someone says they feel tight, or have pain with movement, they are experiencing the binding effect of scar tissue. Over time, this treatment process will reduce or eliminate the adhered fibres, restoring function and eliminating the pain associated with it.  A key benefit to patients is they are able to engage in everyday activity during treatment.

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CUSTOM ORTHOTICS:

It's important to understand your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body.  A small abnormality in your foot function can have a large impact on the joints throughout your body, causing pain and discomfort.  Our Doctors use the Orthotic Group gait scan system to generate a computer image of the pressures generated by the foot while you the patient are walking.  We then combine the scan with a foot cast which allows for the most accurate development for the individualized orthotic.

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GAIT ANALYSIS: 

Our Doctors take the time, with the use of video analysis, to evaluate your gait cycle.  The running stride and gait cycle can be broken down and improved to increase efficiency, reduce risk of injury or re-injury, and give you the necessary tools to reach the next level.