At Musculoskeletal Therapy & Rehabilitation, we know that a healthy spine and properly functioning nerves, muscles, and joints are necessary for a healthy body and an active lifestyle.  The spine,  joints, and muscles are designed for movement, and therefore any reduction in normal motion can contribute to pain.  Gradual and controlled movement and exercise, instead of bed rest and inactivity, can actually help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.  We offer a full range of conservative treatment options to help eliminate and prevent pain, including: 

Chiropractic:  We perform conservative, non-pharmaceutical, non-surgical, hands-on manual medicine for the management of musculoskeletal pain.  Through the judicious use of chiropractic manipulation (aka the adjustment) as well as other effective manual mobilization and soft tissue relaxation procedures, proper motion is re-established in the stiff and painful area(s) of the body. We make every effort to utilize the most gentle and least invasive techniques possible in order to carefully restore the natural balance and pain-free function that was present before the injury.

Chiropractic manipulation / mobilization techniques:  These procedures are characterized by the application of the doctor’s hands to the afflicted area(s) in order to deliver gentle movement to the appropriate joints. Sometimes, this may produce a popping or clicking sound, which is similar to “cracking your knuckles”. As some may fear, this sound is not that of bones cracking, but is in fact the release of gas bubbles contained in the joint fluid.

 The objective of manipulation / mobilization techniques is to achieve the following:

• Pain relief
• Increase joint mobility / range of motion
• Reduce muscle spasm / tightness
• Restore optimal joint function

Common chiropractic and manual therapy procedures utilized in our office include: 

• Diversified chiropractic manipulation (adjustment)
• Flexion-distraction therapy
• Joint mobilization techniques / Mulligan technique
• Neural mobilization techniques
• McKenzie exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization / Trigger point therapy
• Muscle energy technique (muscle stretching & relaxation) 
• Myofascial release
• Instrument -  assisted soft tissue  mobilization (Graston)
• Kinesiotaping

Physiotherapy:   Physiotherapy treatments are administered to help ease pain and restore the function of an injured area of the body.

We utilize various therapeutic modalities in order to reduce pain and promote healing including:

• Electrical muscle stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Cryotherapy (cold therapy) 
• Moist heat
• Cervical and lumbar traction / Spinal Decompression

Rehabilitation:  After alleviating the pain complaint, our focus is to teach our patients how to take control of their condition through appropriate self care strategies and rehabilitative exercises.  Exercises and movement is important because it helps deliver essential nutrients to the discs, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints, helping to repair the injured structures.  Similarly, exercise helps keep the body healthy, flexible, and strong which will decrease the likelihood of further injury as well as future episodes of pain.

Some of the rehabilitative equipment we have include:

• Gym / Physio balls
• Thera-Band® and tubing
• Balance / Proprioception equipment (rocker & wobble boards, balance sandals, posturomed, etc) 

We teach an individualized rehabilitation program which generally includes the following components: 

• Therapeutic Exercise:   Exercise programs are customized for each condition and are utilized to strengthen, stabilize, and/or stretch the affected area(s) to restore normal pain-free range of motion and proper muscle balance.  Special attention is paid to sports and job-related activities that may require specific training techniques or protocols.

• Postural, Balance, and Coordination Correction (aka Neuromuscular Reeducation):  Proper body alignment and coordination can be facilitated through postural exercises, proprioception (self-awareness) training, and/or behavior modification.

• Home Exercise Program:  Every effort is made to teach each patient a concise and appropriate home exercise and/or stretching program individualized for their condition.  Most home exercises can be performed with minimal equipment, such as floor stabilization training, band/tubing resistance exercises, and walking or biking.  We also educate our patients about proper body mechanics as well as ergonomic and lifestyle changes necessary to prevent recurrence of their discomfort.