We use a variety of modalities in our clinic alongside our specialized treatment plans to help achieve the best results possible. Electrical Stimulation and Heat/Ice are helpful to decrease severity of pain and promote decreased inflammation and improved flexibility. Cervical and lumbar traction are also beneficial in decompressing the spine to improve symptoms of sciatica, radiculopathy, and stenosis.
Electrodes placed around the target treatment area. electrodes are then connected by wire leads to the unit, through which electricity can pass and ultimately interact with sensory and/or motor nerves. Electrical stimulation contains a variety of different modes: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), interferential, pre-modulated, Russian, and symmetrical or asymmetrical bi-phasic. Each one of these has a different purpose and will be prescribed according to the problems that you are presenting with.
Decreases blood flow and aids in inflammation and numbs the skin. Ice decreases pain, swelling, inflammation, and muscle spasm/cramping.
We use moist heat pads that are kept in hydrocollator with water at 160 degrees, we will then wrap thick pads around the hot pack and place it on the affected area. Sometimes this is used In conjunction with other modalities and some times it is used alone.
A technique that we use that uses sound waves to generate heat which relieves pain and inflammation.
Thermal- Using the thermal application heat enters the body on a deep level, increasing circulations and reducing pain.
Non-Thermal- This form of ultrasound does not use heat it only uses ultrasonic energy.
A technique where we use a special treatment table that is set up with specific poundage for each individual patient. This machine uses pressure to decompress the spinal segments.