Adjustments
Adjustments are the movement and correction, by hand, of the vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae, reduce nerve irritation, and improve function.
When the vertebrae are misaligned, it has an overall systemic effect from muscular to the central nervous system. Without proper alignment and flow of all nerves and systems in the body from the brain, we can't function at our peak.
An adjustment is often a pressure from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebrae back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like you're cracking your knuckles referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.
Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is able to respond and perform as it was designed.
X-Rays
X-rays are taken on patients to give the doctor an inside look at what is going on with the bone structure of the entire spine and surrounding skeletal structure. From this x-ray, the doctor can tell your current spine angles as well as any potential issues.
Furthermore, we have now gone digital with our x-rays! By using the latest technology we can see more and achieve another level accuracy with your healthcare.
Massage
Massage is an excellent method for improving overall health and musculoskeletal efficiency. Massage has a number of beneficial effects on the body and the mind. Some of these include removal of toxins that can build up in the muscles of the body, increased circulation, and increased flexibility in not only the muscles, but also the connective tissue within the body.
Flexion-Distraction
The doctors at Stout Chiropractic Clinic use lumbar flexion-distraction, a technique developed by Dr. James Cox of Fort Wayne, IN. It is considered the “gold standard” and is used by physicians worldwide to treat low back & leg pain, & other spinal pain conditions. The specially engineered table is hinged, in the middle, and allows the chiropractor to very specifically traction or stretch a specific area of the spine. The technique is comfortable and creates a negative pressure on the disc which reduces bulging, swelling and relieves nerve pressure. At Stout Chiropractic, we prefer this well researched “hands-on” approach to spinal care vs. mechanical, computer operated, decompression therapy.
Therapeutic Exercise
Strong muscles and good body tone help keep the spine in alignment, and training to keep the muscle toned assists in your spinal correction. The following exercises are good general exercises for your spinal health and we develop individualized exercise programs for each our patients when they are under care.
Custom Foot Orthotics
Orthotics are a great way to help with issues related to walking and alignment. Some of these include but are not limited to knee, foot and lower back pain. The need for orthotics is often related to an issue with the natural functioning of the foot. Orthotics will often help to realign the bones within the foot and ankle and therefore take pressure of other parts of the body such as the back, neck, shoulders and hips. In addition, orthotics will help with distributing your weight properly and take further pressure off of toes, bunions and other parts of the foot.
Orthotics are really for anyone with an issue or discomfort relating to walking or imbalances in the body that are known to cause related pain. The great benefit of orthotics is that they can be worn on a daily basis and be utilized during most activities to take further stress of the body.
Orthotics can often be prescribed by your chiropractor and can last well over a year in most cases. This is a great investment into your overall health and well being via a biomechanical standpoint.
Electro-Therapy
Interferential Electro-Therapy is an excellent method of helping the body deal with spasms, sprains, and issues related to soft tissues. This therapy accomplishes this with a very low simulated frequency that is put on the soft tissue. The feeling of this therapy is very light and most patients feel very comfortable during the treatment.
In addition to this therapy simulating the body's natural healing method by helping it to produce natural pain killing endorphins, it also helps with the release of these strains, spasms and soft tissue issues.