Chiropractic Manipulation (Back to Top)

The goal of chiropractic manipulation is to restore normal joint motion. When a joint is unable to glide normally, pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm can occur. There are three common ways that joints can become restricted:

Musculature in a state of continual contraction due to over activity or injury can restrict joint movement.
Joints are lined with synovial folds of cartilage that can become entrapped between the two joint surfaces preventing normal movement.
Adhesions and scar tissue can develop around the joint and restrict normal movement. This can be a result of trauma, inflammation, immobilization or degenerative joint disease.

Joint manipulation is a sudden impulse-like movement across the joint to separate the two surfaces and is usually associated with a ‘click’ noise. Joint mobilization is similar to manipulation but entails oscillations or tractional movements that coax movement. Each of these methods will correct alignment, increase or restore joint mobility, and decrease muscle tone around the joint.

Active Release Techniques (Back to Top)

Active Release Technique (ART) is a state-of-the-art soft tissue treatment system designed to identify and treat scar tissue adhesions that form around muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Many conditions can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART including headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee pain, and tennis elbow.

When muscle is overused, it tends to shorten. This is a result of fibrous scar tissue (adhesions) that builds up within muscles and between muscles. Normal muscle acts like a bundle of rubber bands- it is able to contract and lengthen freely. When a muscle is overused, scar tissue adhesions build up.There are four basic processes that cause scar-tissue adhesions:

Injuries (like tearing from a muscle pull)
Micro trauma (the accumulation of small injuries over time)
Hypoxia (when a muscle doesn't get enough oxygen, adhesions build up)
Friction (during movement, muscles must slide against other structures, muscles, nerve, etc.)

Eventually, the build up of scar tissue adhesions will cause noticeable symptoms, like pain and weakness. However, long before symptoms are felt, athletic performance is affected through reduced range of motion and loss of strength.

Kinesiotaping (Back to Top)

Kinesio tape is used to decrease pain and swelling, assist muscle function, and improve joint function The following describes why Kinesiotaping is unique:

Kinesiotape structurally lifts the skin and allows the flow of body fluids under the application area, reducing edema, inflammation, and discomfort
Kinesiotaping simulates human skin in thickness and weight It has an elastic component that allows a stretch 30-40% beyond its normal length. Unlike other tapes that restrict movement, Kinesiotape allows for full range of movement while providing support to the muscle
Kinesiotape is heat activated and durable which allows for a 3-4 day wearing periods This avoids the hassle of applying and removing traditional sports tapes every few hours It also gives lasting support and pain relief
Kinesiotape has a 100% high grade cotton, wavy design that enhances comfort and channels out air, sweat, and water
Kinesiotape is hypoallergenic and latex-free minimizing skin irritation.