|
Active Spine and Joint Care is a full service clinic that offers a variety of chiropractic and physical
medicine services to meet the needs of our diverse patient population. Following a consultation and
examination, Dr. Lipton will establish a treatment plan that will incorporate some, many, or all of our
services offered to ensure quick and effective care.
Chiropractic Manipulation
The most significant aspect of any chiropractic treatment is chiropractic manipulation of the spine or
joints of the extremities. Commonly referred to as an "adjustment", chiropractic manipulation is performed
to improve lost range of motion, increase segmental joint mobility, stimulate joint position sensors and
promote normal function of the central nervous system.
The adjustment is vital in restoring normal joint function and range of motion and improving overall
joint health. Chiropractic manipulation is a safe, gentle and effective method for treating neck, mid
back and lower back pain in addition to disorders of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. By
restoring normal function to the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints of the spine,
manipulation allows the nervous system to operate without imbalance and regulate the various systems of
the body and promote optimal health.
Dr. Lipton utilizes a wide variety of chiropractic techniques when adjusting his patients, allowing him
to tailor treatments to the specific needs and tolerances of each individual patient.
Spine and Sports Rehabilitation
In conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation is an essential component of any
treatment plan. Studies have shown that without rehabilitation, recovery from an acute injury or
chronic condition takes longer and the potential for exacerbation or re-injury remains high. Exercise
protocols can help improve motion, increase muscle strength, and enhance balance and co-ordination. For
each patient, a rehabilitation program will be custom-designed to expedite the recovery process, and
prevent re-injury or exacerbation.
Physical therapy programs that we offer include pre-and post-natal conditioning, lumbo-pelvic
stabilization programs, cervical stabilization programs, sports injury rehabilitation, balance and
stability training, flexibility training and postural re-education and training. For many disc injuries, we
utilize the McKenzie technique as a treatment method with great success.
Soft Tissue Techniques
Soft tissue techniques include massage therapy, trigger point therapy, and myofascial stripping. These
techniques are performed to decrease muscle spasm, reduce tension and increase blood flow to the area to
remove toxins and supply nutrients. Additionally, soft tissue techniques serve to improve flexibility,
decrease pain, increase range of motion and facilitate tissue healing.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy modalities are offered as a complementary therapy to the manual therapies performed.
Interferential Current
Also referred to as "muscle stim" or "electric stim", this form of therapy is used to reduce both acute and
chronic pain, and to speed tissue healing. There is some evidence that suggests that electrical
stimulation may block the transmission of pain signals along nerves. Additionally, electrical stimulation has
been shown to promote the release of endorphins, which are natural pain killers produced by the body.
Interferential current is painless and patients commonly report a "tingling" or "pins and needles"
type of sensation when it is applied.
Ultrasound
Not to be confused with diagnostic ultrasound, which is commonly used in prenatal screening, this is a
therapeutic procedure that uses sound waves to treat:
- tendon and ligament injuries
- muscle and soft tissue injuries
- scar tissue
- arthritis and bursitis
Ultrasound is useful for resolving chronic inflammatory conditions, and has a micro-massage
effect that enhances fluid exchange to promote tissue healing. Additionally, ultrasound has been shown to
improve local blood supply and stimulate reconstructive cells, providing rapid, initial wound
strength. Ultrasound also promotes the formation of scar tissue that is as similar as possible to the
parent tissue. Ultrasound is a painless procedure and most often the patient cannot perceive any sensation
except slight warmth when it is applied.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy can provide significant pain relief for many types of pain. It is most effective if it is
applied soon after the injury occurs. The cold makes the blood vessels in the tissue contract, reducing
circulation and thereby reducing the inflammation and swelling that occurs after an injury. Ice also can act
like a local anesthetic, numbing the sore tissues.
Additionally, ice slows nerve impulses to the area where it is applied, which interrupts the pain/spasm
reaction between the nerves and muscles.
Moist Heat
Moist heat can aid the healing process by increasing circulation to the affected area and decreasing muscle
spasm. Heat is most effective in treating conditions that are chronic in nature - it is not recommended to
use heat within the first 48 hours of an injury or if any signs of swelling or inflammation are present. The
desired effect from heat is deep penetration to the muscles, providing relaxation and pain relief and
promotion of tissue healing through increased blood circulation.
Traction
This procedure can be performed either manually (by the doctor's hands) or mechanically (with the use of a
table). It is commonly utilized to reduce pressure on the discs of the neck or lower back. With traction,
the discs are decompressed, thereby relieving nerve pain, tissue inflammation and pressure cause by
herniated or bulging discs. This is a painless procedure that patients most often find very
comfortable and pleasant.
Orthotics
Foot function affects the entire chain of bones leading to the spine, and poor foot mechanics can
contribute to knee, hip and lower back pain. An orthotic is a supportive device that is placed inside
your shoe, to change the mechanical function of the foot. Custom orthotics can effectively prevent,
reverse or comfortably manage many common foot, lower extremity and spine pain syndromes, deformities and
functional deficiencies.
Disclaimer: No individuals, includi
ng those under our active care, should use the information, resources or
tools contained on this website to self-diagnose or self-treat any health-related condition. Diagnosis and
treatment of all health conditions should only be performed by your doctor of chiropractic or other
licensed health care professional.
|