Functional Testing
Functional testing can detect muscle imbalances, muscle weaknesses, poor muscular
endurance, biomechanical abnormalities, abnormal movement patterns, and poor dynamic
stability. Functional testing can detect neurologic inhibition and overactive musculature.
Functional testing can show poor speed of contraction. These abnormalities, which
can be detected through testing are the real causes of neck and back pain. Exercises
that make you less vulnerable to stress are prescribed to prevent chronic and recurring
symptoms.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a physical therapy that also reduces swelling and creates heat at
the muscle bone interface. Ultrasound uses electromotive force to move fluids and
therefore reduce the inflammatory soup in the injured region. Ultrasound increases
the metabolic rate. Ultrasound speeds tissue healing.
Hydrocollator Packs
Hydrocollator packs or hot packs are used for pain management. Hydrocollator packs
provide a deep wet penetrating change in tissue temperature. Heat is soothing. Heat
increases blood supply and brings the building blocks of tissue repair to the injured
tissues. Heat softens and relaxes the paraspinal muscles to facilitate spinal manipulation.
Heat should be applied 72 hours following an acute injury and should not be applied
immediately following an injury.
Ice Therapy
Ice is a physical therapy modality that reduces the metabolic rate. Ice numbs and
calms the nerves. Ice should be applied within the first 72 hours following an injury.
If you were to hit your head on the corner of a door, ice is the treatment of choice.
Heat would actually enhance the swelling and make the swelling worse. Ice can be
applied at any time.
Spray and Stretch Therapy
Spray and stretch therapy uses rapid evaporation of a chemical on the skin to cause
a cold sensation. The cold sensation allows passive stretching and muscle relaxation
to occur. Spray and stretch is an amazing treatment for trigger points and muscular
spasm.
Deep Tissue Massage
There is no better way to feel paraspinal muscle spasm than by providing a deep
tissue massage. Massage is helpful in reducing the inflammatory soup surrounding
the injured tissue. Massage increases the metabolic rate, decreases swelling, decreases
muscle spasm, and decreases pain. Massage promotes increased blood flow and lymphatic
drainage. Massage breaks up soft tissue adhesions. Therapeutic massage is provided
by the doctors, not a massage therapist at the Slone Chiropractic Clinic.
Biofreeze
Biofreeze or counter a irritant is used to help cover up pain. Other creams such
as Ben Gay, or Tiger Balm, are also beneficial.
Core Strengthening and Intrinsic Muscle Exercises
Core strengthening exercises are provided to increase strength and endurance. These
exercises are provided using low-tech surgical tubing, which can be used at home
as well. Home stabilization exercises are an essential component of a treatment
program during your recovery. Identifying weak deep paraspinal muscles through functional
testing and then correcting those weaknesses is what corrects and prevents recurring
problems.
Home Stabilization Exercises
Home stabilization exercises are an important part of recovery from back pain and
neck pain. Functional testing will often detect specific weaknesses in strength
and endurance that contributed to your recurring problem. Home stabilization exercises
are provided to strengthen the weakened core musculature.
X-rays
X-ray is an important diagnostic tool. X-rays are essential in ruling out fracture,
dislocation, and disease X-rays help the doctor assess the health and biomechanics
of your spine. In some cases, X-rays can show injury to the ligaments as a result
of injury.