ADJUSTMENTS

The term "adjustment" refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. The objective of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the subluxation, which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability and improved function.

The adjustment made by the chiropractor consists of a high velocity, short lever arm thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible release of gas (joint cavitation). The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (cavitation). The sensation is usually relieving, though minor discomfort has been reported (that usually lasts for only a short time duration) if the surrounding muscles are in spasm or the patient tenses up during the chiropractic procedure.

There are times when joint cavitation or cracking does not occur and this is often due to either significant muscle splinting or the patient may not be adequately relaxed during the chiropractic procedure. At times like this, it is sometimes best for the chiropractor to apply ice, have the patient rest, or do electrical stimulationand massage prior to attempting spinal manipulation.

Cold Laser Therapy

Cold Laser Therapy is a treatment whereby a cold laser is utilized to treat chronic and acute pain. Cold laser therapy is used for persons suffering from back and neck pain, musculoskeletal pain, joint pain associated with arthritis, fibromyalgia, tendonitis, busiitis, neuropathy, achilles tendon pain, migraine headaces, sprains and strains, carpal tunnel and other associated pains. Cold laser therapy also treats conditions such as TMJ, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) and other inflammatory and scarring conditions.

Cold laser therapy increases serotonin levels which allow the body to heal itself. Cold laser therapy is non-thermal and noninvasive. A combination of cold laser and electric stimulation, cold laser therapy is one of the most effective healing therapies in the medical community today. Completed in ten to twelve sessions, cold laser therapy is not only significant in reducing treatment times, it is cost effective as well.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a Handheld, noninvasive, light-emitting medical device which is used over different areas of the body. It provides an unmatched advantage in the treatment of conditions such as:

" Athletic Injuries
" Lower Back Pain
" Knee and Foot Pain
" Shoulder Injury
" Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
" Arthritis, Muscle Spasm
" Relief of Muscle and Joint Pain
" Skin infections, including cold sores, warts, verruca
" Relief of Stiffness, the Promotion of Muscle Relaxation, and Cell Restoration
" Wound Management, Including Skin Ulcers, Pressure Sores and Burns
" Soft Tissue Injuries, Including Sprains and Strains, Tendonitis and Haematomas
" Joint Disorders and Conditions, Including Arthritis, and Tenosynovitis
" Chronic pain, including Trigeminal Neuralgia and Chronic Neck and Back pain

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

We teach our patients special exercises designed just for them to help strengthen and correct their 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%. This enhances the treatment process and helps maintain healing benefits, as well as reducing the likelihood of future problems.

Kinesio Taping

Developed by Japanese chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase more than 25 years ago, the Kinesio Taping method has become the gold standard in therapeutic taping. Dr. Mulak first used Kinesio Tape nine years ago while treating the shoulder of an injured volleyball player. The Kinesio Taping method gained worldwide recognition during the 2008 Summer Olympics when it was worn by many athletes, most noticeably by Kerri Walsh, U.S. Women's Beach Volleyball Gold Medalist.

Kinesio Tape is a cotton base elastic tape that is applied over and around muscles in order to:

Reduce pain and inflammation
Relax overused and tired muscles
Support muscles and joints

Kinesio Tape is non-restrictive type of taping that gives support and stability without limiting range of motion. The tape is water and provides therapeutic benefits 24 hours per day, for 3 to 5 days. Dr. Mulak uses Kinesio Tape everyday in his chiropractic office, treating patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, lowerback pain, herniated discs, knee pain, rotator cuff injuries, whiplash, tennis elbow and ankle sprains.