Electrical Stimulation (EMS) :

This type of therapy uses light electrical pulses that are transmitted to specific areas of the body through electrodes placed on the skin.   EMS is a special form of electrical current that is administered at the site of soft tissue injury, especially muscles to produce an anesthetic effect.  EMS works inducing amounts of electrical current into the tissues for the purpose of reducing swelling. This widely used technique safely strengthens muscles and helps reduce painful symptoms.  Patients generally feel a slight tingling sensation at first.  Since your body may become accustomed to the initial setting, the intensity may be raised during the course of your 10-20 minute treatment, for maximum healing effect.  EMS has been used as and effective form of pain relief. It is recommended in cases in which pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation. Patient benefits from EMS include reducing pain sensation, decreasing the swelling, increasing the healing process and the reduction of muscle atrophy and increase in range of motion.

Cryotherapy or heat therapy                                                  

Ice therapy is often used to reduce swelling and help control pain immediately after an injury.  Heat therapy is used to relax muscles and 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.

Ultrasound                                                       

 Therapeutic ultrasound is a form of deep heat therapy created by sound waves.  Ultrasound treatment exerts a localized thermal action( deep heat) which increases circulation, reduced swelling, decreases hypertonicity of muscles, and produces a localized analgesic effect, also creates a deep micromassage action which breaks up exudates and precipitates, increases cellular metabolism and thereby promotes healing.  Ultrasound is a therapeutic treatment using high frequency sound waves administered in the region of soft tissues.  Sound vibrations, as fast as a million times per second, penetrate the tissues deep in the body, thus creating a healing response.  These vibrations and heat help break down and disperse unhealthy calcium and other hard tissue accumulations.  The gel used to conduct the sound waves is at room temperature and may momentarily feel cool to the skin when it is applied.  Most patients feel nothing, or a pleasant and relaxing sensation below the surface of the skin.  Ultrasound treatment can usually be administered directly to the area of complaint, penetrating deep into the body.  The rise in temperature, increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, massages damaged tissues, and speeds the healing process.  Patients benefits of ultrasound are that it is highly effective in treating calcium deposition, it stimulates healing without irritation, it speeds metabolism and improves blood flow, reduces nerve root irritation and enhances the body’s natural healing ability. 

All in all the simple explanation is that when ultrasound is applied to soft tissues and joints, the sound waves are a form of micro-massage that help reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and decrease pain, stiffness and spasms.

Cold laser(Low level laser therapy/LLLT)                               

LLLT is popularly used for soft tissue injuries, joint conditions, chronic pain, non-healing wounds and ulcers and post-op pain.  LLLT is the application of red and near infra-red light over lesions to improve wound/ soft tissue healing and give relief from both acute and chronic pain.  It is used to increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair, give pain relief, decrease inflammation and improve function of damaged neurological tissue. The Cold laser is not like a high surgical laser.  There is no heating effect. The effects of the laser are photochemical (like photosynthesis in plants). Red and near infrared light can affect cell membrane permeability and aid the production of ATP thereby providing the cell with more energy which in turn means the cell is in optimum condition to play its part in a natural healing process.

Cervical/ Lumbar spinal traction:

This is used to reduce fixation in the cervical and lumbar spine, lengthen and strengthen cervical/lumbar muscles and ligaments, and decrease disc compression and nerve root irritation

Intersegmental Traction:

This is used to create better mobility in the spine, to strengthen paraspinal muscles and ligaments and prevent disc degeneration.  Intersegmental traction works with the patient lying face up on a bench table with high roller type cams beneath its surface.  The rollers slowly travel the travel the length of the spine, flexing spinal joints. Most patients find this form of treatment to be relaxing and very helpful.  The gentle rolling action is restful, yet flexes and exercises the spine without effort.  Since discs do not have a blood supply, they get nutrients from the circulation of fluids surrounding spinal joints.  Fixations prevent this natural circulation and can cause disc thinning and degeneration.  Intersegmental traction helps increase and restore necessary elasticity and motion to the spine.  Patient benefits of intersegmental traction are that it is comfortable and relaxing, it increases mobility, it improves circulation of the spinal fluids, and helps prevent disc degeneration.

Therapeutic Exercise Maneuvers/ Kinetic Activities:

These treatments are individually designed for the patient, based on a functional neuromusculoskeletal analysis for the purpose of rehabilitating weak intrinsic( postural stabilizers) and extrinsic paraspinal musculature and to restore and maintain proper biomechanical function.  These exercises may include stretching, abdominal or core exercises, pelvic tilts to name a few.

Massage Therapy