Chiropractic Adjustments
Dr. DelPlato provides safe, gentle and effective spinal correction with manual adjusting techniques. She utilizes the minimum force needed to restore the motion in a joint that is fixated, “locked up”, or not moving properly. These adjustments help normalize spinal function and avoid bone and soft tissue degeneration.
Physical Therapy
Moist Heat
Hot packs are often used before the adjustment to help relax the surrounding muscles. Relaxing the tissues and increasing circulation can temporarily relieve symptoms.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
This therapy, combined with heat, helps reduce muscle spasm and tension which frequently accompany joint restrictions and spinal pain. Tiny amounts of electrical impulses are induced into the tissues, creating a pulsing sensation in the muscles. This prompts the body to secrete endorphins and other natural pain killers to help relieve pain.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is therapeutic treatment using high frequency sound waves administered in the region of soft tissue injuries. Sound vibration, as fast as a million times per second, penetrate the tissues deep in the body, creating a heat response. These vibrations help reduce swelling and inflammation.
Traction
Traction may be indicated for the neck or low back to relieve pressure on nerves. This pressure typically results in pain radiating down the arms or legs, as in sciatica.
Trigger Point Therapy
Most treatments include some work on the muscles in the form of massage. Trigger point therapy targets specific points in the body located on sensitive areas of the muscle.
Manipulating these trigger points helps to relieve pain in other areas.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio Tape may be just what you need to speed up healing or to allow you to compete in a critical sporting event. Although this tape is not intended for long term use (it acts as a temporary support system for an underlying problem), it can be worn for up to 3 days after its application – even in and out of the shower. Kinesio Tape has 3 main purposes:
- Providing stability to joints.
- Supporting the function of muscles.
- Encouraging the flow of fluids under the skin.
Home Exercise Program
Specific exercises will be prescribed to help speed the recovery of your injury or condition. Dr. DelPlato teaches special “blueprint” exercises, designed individually, to help strengthen and correct your own unique problem.
These exercises can be performed in the comfort of your own home and can improve the effectiveness of your spinal correction by as much as 30-40%. In addition to skeletal misalignment, muscles and connective tissues can be out of place or strained by improper alignment and use. Specific exercises and stretches can help your body stay in balance and in health.
