Manual (hands-on) therapy is a highly effective treatment tool for managing conditions affecting the spine and extremity joints. There are many different types of manual therapy; some are very gentle, while others are more aggressive. After thoroughly assessing the patient’s condition and discussing it with them, Dr. Smith determines which forms of manual therapy are appropriate for each individual case. The type of injury typically dictates the choice of manual therapy, but patient preference is always taken into account. It is essential that every patient feels comfortable with their treatment. Some patients may find the “cracking” sound unsettling; in such cases, the treatment will be adjusted to incorporate techniques that “mobilize” joints without any “cracking. "
Manual therapy includes spinal manipulation (traditional chiropractic therapy often involves an audible “popping” sound), joint mobilization (passive joint movements that don’t produce any “popping” sounds), myofascial/soft tissue therapy (massage-like treatments for the muscles, ligaments, and fascia), myofascial percussion massage (utilizing a percussion tool) myofascial stretching, nerve mobilizations (active and passive movements aimed at addressing nerve conditions), McKenzie protocol (a PT technique designed to alleviate disc pain and pressure), and spinal distraction/decompression (gentle passive therapy to decrease disc pressure and pain, often utilized in the treatment of the disc herniations, sciatica, the arthritic spine and spinal stenosis).
Manual Therapy
Our Services
Our services encompass non-surgical, non-invasive treatment methods for spinal and joint-related disorders. Our approach focuses on the whole person. We recognize that a combination of factors, including age, occupation, medical history, overall health, and level of physical activity, often contributes to spinal and joint pain. We consider all these factors to make the most accurate diagnosis and tailor the most effective treatment plan for each patient.
Physiotherapies complement manual therapy by reducing muscle tension, inflammation, and pain while preparing the body to respond positively to these treatments. The physiotherapies we offer include electrical stimulation therapy, ultrasound, cryotherapy (ice), and moist heat.
Physiotherapy
Exercise plays a crucial role in the treatment and recovery of all musculoskeletal and spinal conditions. Dr. Smith will introduce and prescribe specific exercises for each individual patient, depending on their unique injuries and the phase of recovery (acute, subacute, or chronic). Every patient is given home exercises to follow.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Posture is an important variable that can positively or negatively impact your spinal condition. Poor posture can lead to improper repetitive strain on tissues and prolong injury. Therefore, we dedicate significant time to educate our patients about proper posture in relation to their condition.
Postural Education
Many conditions arise from repetitive strain due to daily activities at home and work. Ergonomics play a crucial role in successfully treating these conditions. We recognize the importance of teaching patients how to sit, stand, bend, and lift properly. Dr. Smith spends considerable time educating patients on proper ergonomics, from sitting and lifting to how to work out at the gym to avoid injury. Learning to move efficiently and reduce joint and spinal loading is essential for maintaining a healthy body, a strong spine, and staying active long after retirement.
Ergonomic Education
Two skilled, independent massage therapists see patients at our office. They collaborate with the doctor to ensure you get the most out of your appointment. The massage therapists are highly experienced and professional, ensuring a positive, effective, and relaxing experience. Chiropractic and massage therapy can be an effective treatment combination for spinal conditions, such as neck and low back pain, especially if the symptoms are chronic, persistent, or frequently re-emerge. Massage appointments can last half an hour (for focused areas) or a full hour for a complete, full body treatment. the therapists schedule their own appointments; please contact them directly.