Muscle Therapies

At Spine Align Chiropractic Center in Greenville NC, our patients thoroughly enjoy muscle therapies. For the chiropractors at Spine Align, providing therapy to our patients is an important aspect of our treatment program. Muscle therapies help our patients hold their adjustments longer, which in turn improves the re-training process of their muscles or their muscle memory. Along with helping patients feel better quicker, using therapy helps to shorten the length of their treatment program and decrease the cost of their overall treatment program at Spine Align Chiropractic.

Cervical Traction

Cervical traction is a therapy that involves gentle stretching of the neck to relieve pain and improve mobility. The patient typically lies on their back while a weight gently pulls their head away from their neck. This traction force helps to elongate the cervical spine which can reduce pressure on the nerves and discs in the neck.

Combo/ Electrical Stimulation/Ultrasound

Combo therapy is a combination of two separate types of therapy, often high voltage electrical stimulation and ultrasound. The high volt puts a contraction and then a relaxation into the muscles. The process exhausts the muscles. The ultrasound puts a deep heat in the area. It increases the metabolism inside the muscles which allow healing to occur quicker. Combo therapy is often used to treat trigger points.

The two separate therapies are connected together with a dispersal pad, an electrode pad that is placed on an area of the patient where they are not receiving therapy for the purpose of completing the electrical circuit. The therapy must be delivered directly on the skin with a

hand-held applicator covered with ultrasound gel.

Cryotherapy (ice)

Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice, ice massage and/or ice packs to reduce the temperature of tissues directly on or below the skin surface. Surface cooling constricts blood vessels (reduces capillary leakage), numbs painful areas, and helps relax muscle spasms and myofasciitis. It is most often used to manage acute injuries or exacerbations of chronic conditions. It is also used to shrink torn capillaries that can occur after an injury. Cryotherapy is effective in reducing and preventing posttraumatic swelling.

Exercise Therapy

Exercise therapy is a set of repetitive stretching or strengthening maneuvers designed to develop weakened or injured muscle groups that support the spine. A group of exercises will be designed to condition soft tissues that hold the positioning of specific joints. The most significant benefits of exercise therapy take time to appreciate. Exercise therapy will increase range of motion, retrain damaged muscles, speed recovery, and help maintain spinal adjustments.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a method of therapy that utilizes a table that houses enclosed water and propelling jets. The patient lies face up on the table. Hydrotherapy enables the body to relax deeply, increases flexibility and range of motion, reduces inflammation and increases joint mobility. Additional benefits include the stimulation of the lymphatic system and the elimination of muscle toxins. Patients describe a pleasant and relaxing “kneading” sensation.

Interferential Therapy

Interferential therapy is a type of electrical therapy. It stimulates endorphin production which is the body’s natural pain killers. It also performs muscle strengthening and muscle reeducation which is very important when the body has not been working properly.

Intersegmental Traction

Intersegmental traction is a therapeutic method of introducing passive motion into the spine for the purpose of stretching spinal joints, increasing mobility, and improving circulation to the disc. The treatment requires the patient to lie on their back as a mechanism introduces motion to the spine.

Laser Therapy

Therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate skin and tissue to promote healing and reduce pain. The laser energy increases blood flow to the area of application which can reduce inflammation and swelling and also stimulate endorphin production..

Superficial Heat

Superficial heat (hot moist packs) is a method of therapy used to help raise the temperature of soft tissues directly below the surface of the skin. This type of therapy can be used to increase flexibility, range of motion, and promote increased circulation. It can also be used to speed the healing process. This type of therapy is used on patients after the acute phase or for chronic conditions where inflammation is not problematic. Its purpose is to soften scar tissue, relax muscle spasms, promote flexibility and increase lymphatic blood and chemoreceptor exchange, as well as sedating damaged nerves.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a type of therapy that uses high frequency sound waves to increase the metabolism inside the muscle tissue. It is hand applied with an applicator. A water-based gel is used to allow the wand to move smoothly over the skin. The treatment is administered directly to the area of complaint and penetrates deeply into the body. A rise in temperature occurs which increases blood flow, relaxes muscle spasms, aids in the breaking up of trigger points, massages damaged muscles and speeds the healing process.

Call (252) 355-1770 to schedule an appointment today.