WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC?
Chiropractic services are some of the oldest medical practices around, tracing back to the beginning of our written history, they were often referred to as “bone setters” in other areas of the world, although this is a misleading name since this style of healing is performed to the joints between the bones, not the bones themselves.
Subtle. Gentle. Movement.
Doctors of Chiropractic treat musculoskeletal and neurological ailments through non-invasive chiropractic therapies, based on the principle that the human body holds natural regenerative and healing abilities that can often overcome the need for surgery or medication.
As Chiropractors, we care for your spinal health, muscles and fascia. We use gentle adjustments to realign areas of the spine so that joints are functioning properly. Contrary to common knowledge, Chiropractors are more than just spine doctors, we adjust joints in other areas of the body as well. Pain is one indicator of dysfunction of the joints, as is decreased function and range of motion. By re-educating your body by teaching corrective exercises to strengthen weak, tired muscles and relax muscles that are stuck in patterns of over-engagement, we can create a program specific to you and your daily needs. With a focus on posture and proprioception so that you find yourself standing tall, enjoying a strong, pain-free body
A Chiropractic adjustment is defined as a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust or grade V mobilization. It can be done utilizing a hands on thrust over the joint needing restored motion, or with the assistance of adjusting tools such as the activator, pelvic SOT blocks, or therapeutic chiropractic tables. Each adjustment is quick and specific, often performed with the rhythm of your own breath.
What you may experience during your visit?
We are here to listen to you and find what is the root cause of what brought you into us. We’ll perform a thorough history and physical examination in order to identify the cause of your concern. We look at your range of motion, gait, postural analysis, muscle health, associated symptoms, etc. If warranted or needed, we may order tests such as X-rays, MRI’s, diagnostic ultrasound, or other laboratory tests to help establish a diagnosis.
In developing a treatment plan, we may prescribe massage, physical therapy, or acupuncture in conjunction with your treatment. We also work closely with many other medical providers in the community, both primary care, naturopathic, and allopathic physicians. We will readily refer to other medical specialists, such as an internist, a physiatrist, an orthopedic surgeon, or neurosurgeon, when chiropractic care will not appropriately address your concern.
We often incorporate other modalities into your chiropractic treatment plan such as soft tissue mobilization, manual therapy, at home exercise therapy, and breathing exercises, to lengthen, strengthen and stabilize the body in order to prevent future flare-ups.
Chiropractic first visit: 60 min
Chiropractic follow up visit: 30 min
THE CHIROPRACTIC “POP”
The audible sound created during a chiropractic adjustment is due to the quick formation of negative pressure and gas bubbles, such as nitrogen and carbon dioxide, within the joint capsule that let out a “pop” as the joint is rapidly adjusted into proper alignment.
Some people absolutely love the “pop” sound associated with the immediate release of tension felt when using a diversified technique chiropractic adjustment- quick, hands on, push or pull thrust. However, not all chiropractic adjustments involve the stereotypical “pop.” This audible sound associated with chiropractic is not necessary in order to establish improved motion and function, but it does feel good! Some adjustments don’t have that “pop,” sometimes based on the type of joint being adjusted and sometimes based on your own personal body.
Not everyone “pops” and yet some are like glowsticks! Some people really enjoy the satisfaction of the “pop” and others are nervous about it. Both reactions are completely normal and natural. We use styles that are tailored to you and your body needs. If you prefer a non-popping adjustment, we can absolutely use the gentle but effective activator and SOT blocks, as well as our distraction or decompression tables. These above techniques are great for those who are nervous, extra tight, in acute phase of healing, have certain conditions such as osteoporosis, or just need or want a gentler style of adjusting. We are here to put a plan in place, but it only works with you at the helm deciding your comfort level with the techniques we recommend.
CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTING
Styles used at Sisu
Diversified Manual Manipulation
The most commonly used of all chiropractic treatments, utilizing quick, shallow thrusts to treat the joints of the body.
Activator Method
The activator is a hand-held spring-loaded adjusting instrument that delivers a small rapid pulse in order to gently help restore normal functioning in the body.
Webster Technique
An adjustment method using a combination of muscle energy technique, ligamentous pressure points, and SI active mobilization together for women during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.
Decompression Table Technique
An adjustment method performed with the patient lying supine on a table. A portion of the table that you are lying on is then gently pulled away straight down the table, held and released cyclically in order to produce the desired change in the joints or musculature of the back or neck.
Flexion Distraction Table Technique
A combination of both mechanical and manual manipulation that uses a special table on which the spine is tractioned and flexed forward to increase the mobility of spinal joints.
Pelvic Blocking
Cushioned wedges are placed under each side of the pelvis to facilitate gentle maneuvers intended to restore normal alignment of the low back and pelvis. This technique allows gravity and changes in mechanics to draw the discs away from the nerve.
Muscle Energy Technique
Adjusting technique where the doctor places pressure over a specific spot while simultaneously the patient is asked to move in a certain way to restore proper joint function.
Training
The path to becoming a Chiropractor includes completion of a four-year pre-medical undergraduate degree, followed by four years of education in a Chiropractic graduate school. Areas of study in the health sciences mirror those taken in all medical schools, including anatomy, physiology, rehabilitation, radiology and nutrition. This is followed by a one-year clinical based program with a focus in patient care. Finally, students must pass a rigorous four- part national board examination to obtain licensure.
