Chiropractic manipulation, as described, involves the application of force to joints, particularly in the spine and extremities, to restore motion and alleviate pain. The rationale behind this practice is to address joint restrictions caused by factors such as postural habits, repetitive movements, or injuries. By doing so, chiropractors aim to temporarily enhance joint mobility, reduce pain, and prevent unwanted motion at adjacent joints that may lead to overuse and injury.

The concept of spinal manipulation is to provide a manual intervention that can restore motion to restricted areas or segments, promoting confidence and ease of movement in those regions. This approach is commonly associated with an audible release, often described as a cracking or popping sound. It's important to note that this sound is not universally present in all chiropractic manipulations.

For patients who prefer a gentler approach, mobilization is offered as an alternative. Mobilization is a low-velocity manual technique that aims to restore movement and function to joints without the audible release associated with manipulation.

Soft tissue techniques are integral to chiropractic care, addressing concerns in muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia when they feel tight, painful, or restrictive.

The Active Release Technique (ART) is a movement-based manual therapy focusing on muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. ART aims to restore range of motion and alleviate pain by applying precise tension during specific patient movements. This approach contributes to improved function and reduced discomfort.

The McKenzie method (MDT) is effective in addressing conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, radiating leg pain, arm pain/numbness, and sciatica. It is also successful in classifying and treating extremity issues, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, and TMJ (jaw). The McKenzie method also focuses on patient education. By teaching changes to posture, ergonomics, and providing self-treatment exercises, patients learn movements they can do at home to self-treat and alleviate their own pain, reducing dependence on healthcare providers.

Athletic Movement Assessment (AMA) is a method that uses science-based movement evaluations to understand how athletes move. By considering the demands of their sport, we create personalized assessments to help reduce injury risk and boost performance. Our unique feedback system helps us measure an athlete's skill level. The goal is to bridge the gap between managing injuries and improving performance, guiding interventions based on the athlete's specific movement profile.

Functional Range Conditioning (FRC) is a system of mobility training designed to improve your ability to move freely and safely. The focus is on enhancing flexibility, joint strength, and control to optimize your overall movement. FRC involves specific exercises that target your joints and muscles, helping you develop a greater range of motion, better control, and improved function in various activities. The goal is to enhance your body's mobility, making everyday movements easier and reducing the risk of injuries.

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is a movement and rehabilitation method that concentrates on exercises replicating developmental movements such as crawling and rolling. These exercises are designed to promote coordinated movement, emphasizing "joint centration." This focus on joint alignment can be beneficial in reducing pain and enhancing both range of motion and stability.

Neurodynamics is an approach that looks at how your nerves move and function within your body. It involves specific techniques and exercises aimed at improving the mobility and health of your nervous system.

Think of your nerves like pathways that need to move freely. Sometimes, due to injury, stress, or other factors, these pathways can become tight or restricted, leading to discomfort or pain. Neurodynamics helps address these issues by gently mobilizing and releasing tension in the nerves.

During neurodynamic exercises, your practitioner will guide you through movements that aim to stretch and release tension in specific nerve pathways. This can help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and enhance overall nerve function.tion

We integrate barbells and strength training into our exercise prescription to help patients bridge the gap from pain to high performance, including a return to sport. Barbells contribute to pain reduction by strengthening muscles and bones, fostering confidence, and decreasing sensitivity to pain. This comprehensive approach not only addresses discomfort but also facilitates a successful return to sports activities, empowering patients to achieve their performance goals.

Pain science incorporates the biopsychosocial model. This means understanding that pain is influenced by physical, psychological, and social factors. As a patient, you can use pain science and education to reframe and understand your pain better. Recognizing that pain is not solely linked to the severity of an injury allows you to take an active role in managing it.

By exploring the various factors influencing your pain, including thoughts, emotions, and lifestyle, you gain a more comprehensive perspective. This understanding empowers you to actively participate in your pain management.