We often hear patients say “I’ve been to see a Chiropractor, but never an office experience like this.” If I say Chiropractor, you think spinal manipulation (adjustment, “crack my back”), but that’s not all at Natural Life Chiropractic. Dr. Hinze is involved your entire visit, providing quality one-on-one care not clocked with a stop watch. Some of the other therapies provided to patients include:
THERAPEUTIC STRETCHING EXERCISES
Following an injury, therapeutic stretching is an important way to prevent scar tissue from forming. Even after the injury has healed, maintaining a regular stretching program helps keep tissues flexible, increases mobility, and protects you from new injuries. Dr. Hinze takes the time to stretch patients and will instruct you on proper stretching techniques.
INTERSEGMENTAL TRACTION (IST TABLE)
This table is designed to stretch and distract areas of the spine. Essentially this assists in mobilizing the vertebrae and at the same time stretches out those intrinsic muscles that wrap around the vertebrae. This treatment also helps separate the vertebrae resulting in disc decompression and reduced nerve root pressure. Ten minutes on this table and you may be so comfortable you fall asleep….yes, it’s happened.
POSTURAL EXERCISES
Chiropractors commonly prescribe specific strengthening exercises for their patients with back, neck, and extremity problems. These exercises can decrease pain, prevent muscle deterioration, promote joint health, increase strength, stability and range of motion, and protect against new or recurring injuries. Dr. Hinze will show you how to do the exercises and supervise you until you are comfortable doing them on your own. It’s important to keep up with your exercises as prescribed, as studies show that individuals who follow their exercise instructions heal faster than those who do not.
ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (E-STIM)
This type of therapy uses light electrical pulses that are transmitted to specific muscle areas through electrodes placed on the skin. The pulses contract the muscles, which increases blood flow and expedites healing. The muscle stimulation can assist in re-educating and rebuilding injured muscles when you are unable to physically exercise. And this therapy is also used for pain relief or to reduce inflammation.
ICE AND HEAT THERAPY
Ice and heat have long been used to treat many painful conditions. Ice therapy is often used to reduce swelling and help control pain immediately after an injury. Heat therapy is used to relax the muscles, increase circulation, and can provide relief to patients with chronic pain. Depending on the patient’s condition, a combination of ice and heat can be used.
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION THERAPY (DTS)
Non-surgical DTS is a revolutionary technology used primarily to treat disc injuries in the neck and in the low back. Utilizing FDA cleared equipment, distraction forces are applied to spinal structures in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of partial relaxation. This technique of Spinal Decompression, that is, unloading due to distraction and positioning, has shown the ability to gently separate the vertebrae from each other, creating a vacuum inside the discs that we are targeting. The cycles of decompression promote the diffusion of water, oxygen, and nutrient-rich fluids from the outside of the discs to the inside, which help enable the torn and degenerated disc fibers to begin to heal. Learn more on our spinal decompression page.
Treatment in our office is more than just spinal manipulations. Quality Chiropractic techniques are combined with effective Chiropractic Physiotherapy to help the body to heal itself and naturally take you to a pain-free and healthy life. If you haven’t already, come experience something remarkable!