Goals of Treatment:

The primary goal of treatment is to eliminate pain in people suffering acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain so they can return to a normal functional lifestyle, work, and recreational activities.

The second goal is to determine underlying cause of their problem to assure that the changes will be permanent. This is known as identifying the perpetuating factors. Sometimes the cause is an identifiable trauma but frequently people suffer pain for no apparent reason and without an injury. This usually means that there is an underlying problem with their structure. For example collapsed arches or one leg longer than the other that is contributing to stress in their muscles and therefore pain.

Having underlying structural asymmetry can contribute to pain and dysfunction, anywhere in the body. For example, an asymmetry in the pelvis can contribute to low back pain or neck pain and headaches because the structure is not level. If you think of it in terms of your home, it's like having a sagging roof because the foundation is collapsing. Sometimes people are sitting or working with poor posture or inefficient work ergonomics and this will contribute to chronic pain.

I believe it is imperative that we identify the cause of the problem to get long term, lasting relief.

Treatment Modalities

Manual Therapy - Utilizes hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve range of motion and function in restricted joints, muscles, nerves, and ligaments. It may be used for a wide range of problems, including; low back pain, neck pain, headaches, TMD, hip, knee, ankle and foot problems, post-surgical conditions, hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder problems, and injuries caused by accidents or repetitive strain.

Manual Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy - This hands-on technique involves using pressure on the trigger points. Trigger points are contracted knots in the muscle fibers that refer pain. The goal is to release the contracted muscle fibers of the trigger point.

Identification of Perpetuating Factors - Trauma, structural, postural, ergonomic. Perpetuating factors are the underlying issues that contribute to formation and maintenance of trigger points.

Therapeutic Stretching –Involves specific stretches to help relieve muscle tension, joint restrictions and trigger points.

Spray and Stretch - This technique uses a vapo-coolant spray to relieve trigger points and increase the muscles ability to stretch. There is also a version that utilizes ice instead of the vapo-coolant spray and is referred to as Ice and Stretch.

MFR - Myofasical Release is a method of addressing the fascia of the body. Fascia is a connective tissue that exists throughout the body. These techniques can be very gentle and slow, but also work very deeply.

CST - Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach to balancing the craniosacral system, which is the environment in which the brain and spinal cord function. This type of manipulation encourages the body's natural healing mechanisms to bolster the central nervous system, dissolve stress, enhance health, and strengthen resistance to disease. It involves very gentle, subtle mobilization to the cranial bones.

Muscle Energy Mobilization - This is a manual therapy technique that uses the patients muscular effort to move and realign a joint. Muscles move joints, so the therapist moves the patients joint into a certain position and then asks them to move against a little resistance. This will activate a muscle to pull the joint back into alignment.

Posture Control Insoles - Feet are our foundation. When your feet are not in proper alignment; it puts stress on the muscles and joints at the feet, ankles, knees, hips, back, neck and jaw. Correcting that foundation with the use of insoles can alleviate pain from the feet on up. Posture Control Insoles are inserts for your shoes that add support and/or correct the alignment of the foot.

Interactive Guided Imagery - Using the power of the mind to evoke a positive physical response, interactive guided imagery can reduce stress, stimulate the immune system, and reduce pain. Interactive guided imagery is an excellent way to prepare for surgery, improve sleep, increase immune function and assist in resolving acute or chronic pain.

The subconscious mind thinks in pictures, sounds and movements, which helps explain why imagery is such a powerful way to achieve higher levels of awareness and understanding. Interactive Guided Imagery (IGI) allows you to direct the imagery, usually beginning with a "safe place" where you can relax and quiet your mind. No medications or hypnosis are involved. The visualization can be in thoughts, pictures, and/or feelings.

Meditation - Meditation encompasses a variety of techniques that allows the person praticing to quiet the mind and be more present by utilizing the breath. There is evidence that regular meditation has an impact neurologically, can lower blood pressure, and decrease anxiety.