Chiropractic Treatments

Although chiropractors main method of treatment typically consists of the spinal adjustment (spinal manipulation), chiropractors also employ many additional therapies and application in order to provide the most effective and efficient relief from neuromusculoskeletal disorders.

Spinal Adjustment

Chiropractic spinal adjustments represent the cornerstone of the chiropractic treatment. Spinal adjustments are used successfully to treat a variety of different soft tissue disorders as well as a number of other health problems. Chiropractors are the only health care professionals trained to deliver the chiropractic spinal adjustment.

Spinal adjustments, or spinal manipulations, are the process of applying a quick, but gentle pressure to “subluxated” vertebrae in a corrective manner. The adjustments are not, and should not, be painful. In fact, most patients look forward to their chiropractic adjustments as they usually provide immediate relief from discomfort and increase one’s sense of well being. Many years of study and practice are necessary to acquire the skills of providing an effective and safe spinal adjustment.

Research has shown spinal adjustments to be the most effective treatment in numerous conditions, including back pain. This is because spinal adjustments correct many of the structural, biomechanical and neurological abnormalities of the spine. These cause or contribute to a high number of back, neck and other non-spinal ailments.

Soft Tissue & Massage Therapy

There are a number of soft tissue therapy techniques which can be successfully employed to assist in the reduction of pain and muscle hypertonicity and spasm. Some of these include massage therapy, trigger point therapy, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and acupressure point therapy. The need and benefits of these therapies vary from patient to patient. Depending on your condition and response to treatment we may incorporate one or more of these therapies into your treatment plan.

Rehabilitation & Exercise

Therapeutic Exercises
Exercise is essential for a long, healthy and vibrant life. It has been scientifically shown to improve health by lowering blood cholesterol levels, strengthening the immune system, lowering body fat, increasing one’s sense of well being and increasing muscle strength, tone and function.

Chiropractors understand the importance of exercise and the essential role it plays in health. We encourage all patients to participate in physical activities which promote cardiovascular health and can assist you finding the right activity. Exercise is not a “one size fits all” activity. It is important to discus with your health care provider which exercises or activities will bebeneficial for you. We do recommend those over the age of 40 or those with known health problems to consult our office prior to initiating any exercise regimen.

Therapeutic exercises for the neck, back, and extremities are an essential part of the rehabilitative process following injury. Chiropractic doctors commonly prescribe specific strengthening and stabilizing exercises as well as stretches for their patients with back, neck and extremity problems.exercise

Exercises provide many benefits during the healing and preventative stages. Early on, exercise prevents muscle deterioration and promotes joint health. Later on, exercises increase strength, proprioception and stability to protect from new injuries and recurrences of past problems. Chiropractic care alone will not provide life long results in the form of pain relief. At Phillips Chiropractic we understand the importance of educating our patient’s in not only their injury, but how to prevent injury in the future with stretches and exercises.

Therapeutic Stretches
Therapeutic stretching is important to prevent scar tissue and adhesion formation following injury. Stretching is most effective when initiated early on in the treatment plan before scar tissue become permanent. Maintaining a regular stretching program once the rehabilitation stage of treatment has been completed helps keep tissue flexible and loose. This increases mobility and prevents the development of new injuries.

Dr. Phillips has gone through extensive training receiving her Masters in Sports and Rehabilitation and considers herself a great wealth of knowledge. When it comes to assessing, treating, and prescribing rehabilitation not only for injuries, but for overall health, Dr. Phillips is by your side every step of the way.

Physical Modalities

There are some physical modalities which in certain cases can provide additional pain relief and accelerated healing. Some of these more common modalities include muscle stimulation and therapeutic ultrasound.

Lifestyle Modification Counseling

Good health is much more than the absence of pain or discomfort. Health exists along a very wide scale and where you lie on that scale largely depends on the lifestyle choices you make on a daily basis. Years of many small unhealthy choices can grow into very serious health problems. Unhealthy choices include poor posture, improper lifting techniques, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, excessive reliance on medication, excessive soda and coffee consumption, excessive saturated fat consumption, lack of nutritious fruits and vegetables, and excessive mental stress. In moderation these generally do not end in life long issues, but in excess they slowly chip away at your good health. We can help you sort through and identify those unhealthy decisions and provide you with practical strategies to deal with and effectively manage them.

Employee Health Training & Education

Employee health training and education is aimed at reducing work-related injuries. Optimal work station setup, the employment of ergonomics, training of proper lifting techniques, adequate physical conditioning and the employment of appropriate safety precautions all play important roles in employee health, work injury prevention, and employee satisfaction.