Therapies To Heal Injury, Reduce Muscle Spasm, Improve Muscle Tone and Improve Blood Flow
Physiotherapy aka Physical Therapy is variety of techniques, including exercise, massage, and manual therapy, to help people manage pain, improve their range of motion, and prevent injuries.
We use this term to refer to the passive therapies in our office. Click over to our Sports/ Posture Rehabilitation page to read more about the active therapies we use in our office.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
When a patient begins care at our office, in cases of an acute injury or an acute relapse of a chronic injury, we have to focus on pain management. Reducing muscle spasm and managing blood flow to the area are great places to start relieving pain. We have many options available at our office to meet these goals. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) is a common first step. It involves placing electrodes or “pads” onto the area and conducting low voltage electrical signals through the area. These electrical signals may override the body’s spasm cycle and also may override the pain signal sent from the injury. Most patients report immediate relief and a feeling of “numbness” or “low electrical sensation” afterwards in place of their pain. For pain-control at home we offer TENS units for purchase at our office.
Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
We have written extensively about our powerful Laser and what it can do. Similar to the device above, it improves blood flow, it reduces muscle spasm via a different pathway and sends a pain-relief signal to the brain. Most people love the instant relief from pain experienced using the laser.
Acupuncture and Dry Needling
Applying needles via acupuncture can be a strong pain-reliever. There are many surgical procedures performed using only Acupuncture as the form of anesthesia to this day. Dry needling can be used to relieve muscle spasm or improve muscle tone. The insertion of needles also helps direct the body’s immune system toward the area treated.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy can be many types of manual soft-tissue massage or manipulation. We often use this in our office to manipulate myofascial connections and shortened muscles. Some manual therapy is performed using instruments such as the Graston Technique® Other techniques involve myofascial release methods to release trapped nerves, tendons or muscles.
