Drs. DeRose and Levy hold Advanced Proficiency Ratings in the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) ® and the highest level of certification in the Cox Low Back Flexion Distraction Technique ®. Both Doctors have taught and lectured for AMCT on the proper use of the Activator Instrument and Diagnostic Technique. Dr. DeRose and Levy are also certified in the use and application of the Impulse Adjusting Instrument by Neuromechanical Innovations Post Graduate Education.
INSTRUMENT ADJUSTMENTS
An alternative to traditional manual adjustment (manipulation), low force instrument adjusting techniques have been developed in order to provide patients a gentler, more comfortable treatment. Often times, patients may tense up (muscle guard) prior to a manual adjustment. The more a patient tenses up, the more force is needed from the chiropractor to perform the adjustment. Instrument adjustments deliver a mechanical, specific thrust that are a great deal faster than manual adjustments. This eliminates the inclination to muscle guard, allowing for a comfortable, and pain free treatment.
Our practice specializes in the use of the Impulse Adjusting Instrument ® and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique ®. These are two of the most popular and researched chiropractic techniques available, and our doctors are certified at the highest levels to utilize them. Not only do these techniques allow for increased specificity when contacting the affected area (i.e. low back, neck), but also control over how much force to use during treatments. This enables us to provide reliable care for all who seek our service, from infants to adults to seniors. Instrument adjustments also provide safe, effective treatment when dealing with extremity injuries including shoulders, arms, wrists, knees, and ankles, and even jaw/TMJ pain.
For more information please visit www.neuromechanical.com and/or www.activator.com.
PRONEX CERVICAL (NECK) TRACTION
Cervical/neck traction can be effective when treating those who present with neck pain and/or related conditions (joint pain/symptomatic facet joint, degenerative changes, spasm/guarding, disc pain, nerve impingement, herniated disc, spinal stenosis).
PRONEX is a comfortable, non-threatening, traction device (no weights, no cables, no springs or levers) that can help helps break pain cycles by providing support to the natural curve of the cervical spine and equal distraction to the anterior and posterior cervical discs.
COX LOW BACK FLEXION DISTRACTION ®
Some of the more involved (serious) conditions concern injuries/damage to the lumbar intervertebral disc and/or surrounding elements (facet joints, nerve roots). Many who suffer from these complaints have already tried non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or physical therapy, or more invasive methods (epidural steroid injections, back surgery) gaining little or no relief.
Cox flexion distraction is a gentle, safe, research based treatment that reduces intra-discal pressures (on nerve roots to relieve pain), increases intra-discal height, and foraminal size (more room for nerve roots and spinal cord).
During treatment, patients lie prone while the chiropractor concentrates on one vertebral motion segment at a time, reducing stenotic (spinal narrowing) effects by reducing intra-discal pressure and increasing the size of the intervertebral foramen (nerve opening). The Cox table is built to traction and produce motions that are normal for the spine allowing the table to go up and down (flexion and extension), side to side (lateral flexion), or movement in a circular motion (circumduction). All movements are slow, gentle, and safe.
For more information please visit HYPERLINK "http://www.coxtechnic.org" www.coxtechnic.org.
INTERSEGMENTAL TRACTION
Intersegmental traction is a means of inducing passive motion into your spine for the purpose of increasing mobility and stretching spinal joints. The discs of your spine have a poor blood supply. Sustenance is accomplished and maintained through spinal joint movement. Proper spinal movement (mechanics) allow needed proteins/nutrients to enter the disc. This also allows for the removal of waste, decreasing the likelihood of bone spur formation (degenerative arthritis). Misalignment of the spine prevents this exchange from occurring. A lack of proper circulation can lead to disc thinning and degeneration of the spine. intersegmental traction helps restore proper motion and prevent this from occurring.
Patients lie supine on a table which has vibrating roller-type cams beneath its surface. These massaging rollers travel slowly up and down the spine. Most patients find this form of traction to be very relaxing and therapeutic.
EXERCISE THERAPY
Exercise therapy consists of stretching and/or strengthening maneuvers designed to develop the weakened or injured muscle groups of your spine or related areas (i.e. hips/pelvis). Quite often, by the time patients have arrived in our office, fibrous scar tissue has changed the elasticity and strength of an injured area. Rehabilitative exercises can help to restore better tone, flexibility and strength to these injured tissues.
Exercise therapy varies depending on your individual needs. Most patients are given a stretching routine when beginning care. As they progress both functionally and subjectively, new exercises may be introduced. At CommonHealth Chiropractic those exercise may include resistance training, core strengthening, and/or thera-ball exercises.
TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
A trigger point is an area of uncontrolled muscle tightness causing pain or discomfort that interferes with the normal function of that muscle. This will typically restrict normal ranges of motion, cause weakness, and may even refer pain to other parts of the body.
Trigger point therapy is performed by palpating the affected muscle until tight bands, nodules or spasm are located. The doctor may use his hand or a small instrument to apply pressure in an attempt to relax the muscles. Once accomplished, patients will normally experience an increase in their ranges of motion and decreased pain/sensitivity.
