by admin | Jun 28, 2012 | Services
What is Myotherapy?
Myotherapy is about providing optimal hands-on care and management for muscle dysfunction. It is an essential part of the health care team and can provide relief from the pain of muscle strain and injury and also relieve the tension and stress from everyday life. They provide expert assessment, treatment and management of the soft tissue structures within the body.
Myotherapy is applied in the preventative, corrective and rehabilitative phases of therapy to restore and maintain the normal integrity of the soft tissues and joint structures within the human body. This, combined with other clinical modalities such as exercise therapy restores health and mobility. A wide range of conditions can be treated from minor muscle pain to post operative rehabilitation.
Myotherapy Methods
Depending on the particular problem, the Therapist may use a combination of modalities such as:
- Soft Tissue Manipulation
- Myofascial Stretching
- Dry Needling
- Rehabilitative Exercises
- Sports Massage
- Neuromuscular Assessments
- Relaxation massage
- Myofascial Release
- Trigger point therapy
- Posture correction exercises
When can Myotherapy help?
For aches, pain or discomfort at rest or on movement (including headaches)
Those with sports or occupational induced injuries
To increase range of motion and decrease tension around joints
To restore muscle balance and improve posture
To reduce recovery time and soreness after exercise
The treatment provided by a Therapist can be complimentary to that provided by other allied health practitioners and may be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment.
Your first treatment will begin with a detailed, thorough examination of your injury/condition and how it affects you as a whole. A treatment program is then designed to give you maximum results in a minimum period of time to return you to health, activity, work and optimal function.
DRY NEEDLING
What is Dry Needling?
Dry Needling involves insertion of a fine needle into the muscle in the region of a “Trigger Point’. The aim of Dry Needling is to achieve a local twitch response to release muscle tension and encourage localized increased circulation to targeted muscles tendons and bone structures. Dry needling is an effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin with very few side effects.
This technique is unequalled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
The needle used is very thin and most subjects do not even feel it penetrate the skin. A healthy muscle feels very little discomfort with insertion of this needle. However if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject will feel a sensation like a muscle cramp -’the twitch response’. The patient also may feel a reproduction of their pain, which is a helpful diagnostic indicator for the practitioner attempting to diagnose the cause of the patient’s symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length function to the involved muscle. With needle insertion it specifically increases natural healing phase of the body to a targeted area. This is done by increasing circulation of white blood cells leukocytes myocytes and natural endorphins to the impacted area. This incredibly effective technique causes very little discomfort for the patient and the results are often amazing when used in conjunction with traditional Myotherapy techniques.
However, you should not confuse dry needling with acupuncture as they are actually two different things. Acupuncture uses points that lie along the body’s meridians or energy channels, while myofascial dry needling uses points that are defined by western based anatomy and physiology.
It is a safe and effective method of treatment that can alter the pain threshold and pain perception in the acute and chronic stages of injury. With dry needling we can help to reduce healing time and promote relief of pain and soreness no matter how long the issue has been at hand.
Problems that can be helped with dry needling
- Chronic back or neck pain
- Migraines and headaches
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Work related injuries
- Motor vehicle injuries.
- Sports injuries
What is Cupping?
This therapy helps increase circulation, relieves pain, removes toxins and allows the body to feel free and rested. The technique uses a suction force created in small cup created by heating the air within the cup, then placed on the body to draw tight tissue upward into the cup.
Blood flow in the selected region is increased and a stretch is applied to the surrounding tissue to facilitate better tissue condition and improved healing.
There are two kinds of cupping techniques. The first is termed as the “sliding cupping” wherein the cups are moved around the desired area to provide relief to sore and affected tissues. The second technique is “Stationery Cupping” where the cups are placed on a specific pressure point and not removed until the desired time has elapsed.
During the cupping session you might experience a unique suction and after the cups are removed you notice red spots on your skin that may turn into superficial bruising due to the localized increase of circulation. You will also feel light and sense a feeling of suppleness in their joints. A cupping session improves blood circulation and this in turn enhances the healing process. After a while, your aching muscles and sore tendons would start to feel agile and you would be able to return back to your normal self. If you continue this form of treatment then your overall flexibility is bound to increase and you would feel stress free and relieved.
by admin | Jun 28, 2012 | Services
What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a philosophy, science and art of things natural; a system of adjusting the segments of the spinal column by hand only, for the correction of the cause of disease – B.J. Palmer. Chiropractic is a combination of science, art and philosophy.
Your nervous system controls and co-ordinates the function of every single cell, tissue and organ in your body, and the spine protects and allows this system to function normally. Therefore, a healthy spine and nervous system is crucial for the maintenance of optimal whole body health.
Mal-positioned vertebra can cause pressure to spinal nerves that exit from the spinal cord that is encased within the vertebral column resulting in interference. These areas of mal-position are called subluxations. Your brain communicates with every part of your body through the spinal cord and the rest of your nerves. Hindrance to the vital nerve links between your brain and body can lead to ill health.
Chiropractic involves the specific detection and correction of subluxations that are causing nerve interference and symptoms of ill health, whether they may be back pain, headaches, migraine, allergies or indigestion.
What is Gonstead?
History
The Gonstead system of chiropractic was founded and developed by Dr. Clarence Gonstead who graduated a chiropractor in 1923 after a career in mechanical engineering. His devotion and commitment to getting sick people well, led him in his desire to establish a system of finding the major problem and then giving it a specific chiropractic adjustment to restore normal function.
It was this approach that enabled him to achieve outstanding results. His reputation as the Chiropractor’s Chiropractor and “Miracle Man” of chiropractic grew as his work was validated with thousands of spinal cases, clinical studies and personal research.
His idea of what a chiropractor should do: “Find the subluxation, accept it where you find it, correct it, and leave it alone.”
The system
The Gonstead System is a method of chiropractic used to analyze and care for the spine that has been around for over 50 years and has stood the test of time. It is a safe and effective technique system that is suited to everyone from infants to grandparents.
The method of analysis involves:
Comprehensive and detailed health history
Visualization of your posture and movement
Measuring the difference in skin temperature on either side of your spine by way of instrumentation at the level where the nerves exit
Feeling your spine (static palpation) and surrounding tissue for local tenderness, swelling and muscle activity
Assessing the motion (motion palpation) between individual spinal segments
Meticulous study of your x-rays performing a thorough biomechanical analysis and for signs of disease, fracture and anomaly.
Correction vs. manipulation
Correction involves adjusting a subluxation, with the primary purpose of restoring it to its normal resting position and state of function.
There is a vast difference between an adjustment and a manipulation. A manipulation involves twisting (rotation) of the spine. Tension is developed in the region and a further force allows for a release within the joints that are under torsion. The aim of a manipulation is to mobilize the spinal region by freeing restriction in the associated joints. However, this does not have an affect on the individual segmental position of a malpositioned vertebra.
A correction on the other hand, is delivered to a previously determined malpositioned vertebra following a thorough assessment of the spine and subsequent diagnosis. The correction is a highly specific, manual adjustment applied in a precise direction delivered through the hands of a skilled chiropractor. The adjustment is a quick, shallow sustained thrust with the intent of correcting, not manipulating the subluxation.
by admin | Jun 21, 2012 | Common Ailments
Scoliosis is an abnormal side-ways bending of the spine.
Scoliosis is an abnormal sideways curve of the spine that causes spinal pain, stiffness, degeneration and dysfunction. Most are idiopathic, meaning that a definite cause is unknown. Scoliosis can vary between a minor curve of a few degrees, to a life-threatening distortion. If scoliosis is detected early, treatment will prevent it from progressing and worsening over time.
A Chiropractor can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, and observing the following:
• One shoulder being higher than the other.
• One shoulder blade may be higher or more noticeable than the other.
• There may be more space between the arm and the body on one side when the arms hang freely at the side.
• One hip may seem to be higher or more noticeable than the other.
• The head is not aligned with the pelvis.
• One side of the back appears higher than the other when the individual is viewed from the rear and asked to bend forward until the spine is flattened.
Studies show that people with scoliosis, especially girls (up to 9:1)
• are taller and slimmer than their non-scoliotic peers
• have problems with the gut that influence absorption of nutrients
• have hormone imbalances
• have distortions in the spinal cord and brain
• have differences in the make-up of muscles surrounding the curves
• tend to occur along family lines, suggesting a genetic influence
• have subtle, complex, yet important problems with balance
The best thing that a parent can do is have a Chiropractor check the child on a regular basis, say two to four times per year, so that any curvature development can be detected. However, in-home examination is also recommended as a way of early detection.
Much severe cases may require bracing or surgery.
Treatment of Scoliosis
Conservative treatment can often be successfully applied, especially in the early stages of the disease.
The following interventions have had some success in either preventing or reversing the progress of scoliotic curves. By combining treatments into a program tailored for each patient and adjusted according to response, it is often possible to avoid the more unpleasant, expensive or dangerous treatment options.
• Specific Chiropractic Adjustments, designed to correct dysfunction of skeletal structures and reduce the torsion in the spinal cord
• Use of foot Orthotics and Heel Lifts to level the pelvis
• Exercises specifically designed to address balance, co-ordination and proprioceptive (body awareness) problems as well as stretch the muscles around the curves and correct changes in muscle fibres
• Nutritional support and correction of gut function
Using the Chiropractic approach stabilizes the spine and prevents the scoliosis curves from progressing. Chiropractic care for scoliosis can be very effective, especially when the deformity is in the early stages. The treatment program requires a commitment by the patient, but if undertaken enthusiastically it has the potential to prevent the need for much more drastic treatments later on.
by admin | Jun 21, 2012 | Common Ailments
Hip, leg and foot problems are commonly the result of joint dysfunction and nerve irritation in the spine, pelvis or lower limb. They can also be caused due to over-use, or direct trauma to the area.
Why do problems occur?
1. Lumbar (lower back) or sacro-iliac (pelvic) dysfunction.
Malfunction of joints in the pelvis and lower back may interfere with nerves exiting the spine, resulting in referred pain, numbness, pins and needles or weakness in the legs. Nerves to blood vessels may also be affected, and can cause hot or cold changes, or pain in the legs.
2. Imbalance of other joints.
This may arise at the hip, knee, ankle or foot.
3. Muscle or tendon injury/imbalance.
Lower back, pelvic or other joint imbalances or muscle and tendon injuries frequently arise from:
Sudden trauma – including injuries from sporting or car accidents, or from falls, knocks and sudden jolts.
Overuse/excessive loading – resulting from repetitive strains from work, poor posture, carrying school bags on one shoulder, sporting activities, poor bedding/pillows or sleep patterns, incorrect footwear, etc.
Osteoarthritis.
Injury and poor function of joints can cause premature wear and tear, leading to osteoarthritis. Correct joint alignment, mobility, and muscle balance are essential in preventing degenerative changes.
Our chiropractic approach
Many common problems such as sciatica, bursitis, runner’s knee, recurrent ankle and knee strains/sprains, shin splints and metatarsalgia respond well to Chiropractic management. Poorly functioning joints of the spine or limbs interfere with nerve pathways, leading to weakness, poor co-ordination and breakdown.
Our approach is to:
• correct poorly functioning joints causing nerve irritation,
• improve muscle balance and strength,
• and to advise on rehabilitative exercises and preventative procedures.
At Better Health Chiropractic, we will examine your spine, pelvis, hips, knees and feet. X-rays or other scans may be taken. A course of treatments will then be recommended to re-establish normal function. Treatments may involve muscle therapy, strengthening exercises, and specific chiropractic mobilizations/adjustments.
Ongoing care may be recommended to assist in the maintenance of health, and for prevention of future problems for maximum benefit.
by admin | Jun 21, 2012 | Common Ailments
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a common and very debilitating disorder. TMJ usually begins as pain, clicking and popping noises in the jaw during movement. If not properly evaluated and treated, TMJ problems can continue to worsen and lead to headaches, facial pain, ear pain and difficulty eating. Many chiropractors are specially trained to treat TMJ problems.
If you have a TMJ disorder, every time you open and close your mouth you put wear on the tissues of the jaw joint. It is accompanied by noises such as clicking, grinding, or crunching when you open and close your mouth. This can cause severe problems if not treated properly, so it is recommended that you seek treatment.
How can Chiropractic help TMJ syndrome
Chiropractic examination and treatment can help TMJ (jaw) disorders. At Better Health Chiropractic, the condition is treated through the use of specific muscle releases, mobilisations and stretching techniques. Various jaw exercises are then applied.
