One of the keys to a healthy back and neck is to make sure that the vertebral bones are aligned and the joints between them are moving freely. Improper alignment or restrictions of motion of the joints that connect the vertbrae and ribs can be corrected through a variety of techniques including muscle energy and mobilization. Once proper alginment is achieved, muscle retraining is performed so that stability of the affected joints is maintained.

Joint mobilization is a manual, or hands-on technique used to improve joint motion, relieve pain and stiffness, and improve the overall function of the affected joint. Joint mobilization can be used on the spine, and joints of the arms and legs.

(aka Myofascial Release or Fascial Mobilization)

Myofascial Release is a technique used to correct soft tissue restrictions and return the body to a more balanced and symmetrical position. Fascia, or connective tissue, is found throughout the entire body and surrounds all of the tissues including muscles, nerves, and organs. Because it is an integral part of all anatomical structures, it plays a vital role in the structural, nutritional, and protective functions of those parts.

Restrictions within the fascial system can contribure to pain and decrease in function. The restrictions may be a result of postural imbalances, surgery, trauma or inflammation. With skilled application of fascial release techniques, it is possible to return the tissues to a more balanced and healthier state, reduce pain and restore function.

Muscle energy is a direct, manual therapy technique used to improve alignment, increase range of motion, decrease pain, and balance muscle tone around joints. With this technique, the client has control over the amount of force used and so is very safe and comfortable. Once placed in a specific position, the client contracts muscles to realign the involved joint.

Just like the muscular system, the nervous system needs to be flexible for normal movement to occur. After injury, prolonged poor postural habits, or surgery the nervous system can be affected with the tissues not being able to "glide" or "slide". Neural mobilization is the technique used to restore the proper mobility of the nervous system in the arms and legs, and spine through very specific movements.

Robin McKenzie developed a systematic approach to diagnosing mechanical back and neck pain. Through this evaluation method using repeated movements and static positioning one is able to determine the type of pain producer and develop a specific treatment plan for that individual. This approach emphasizes education so that the patient becomes actively involved in the treatment program.

Therapeutic exercise is used for a wide vaiety of reasons including improving strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. The goal of exercise is to help the patient return to his/her normal daily activities without pain or impairment.

Electrical stimulation is a treatment technique that can be used to decrease pain or elicit muscle contraction, depending on the settings used. The current is introduced into the body by surface electrodes (patches) placed on the skin.

Iontophoresis is a less invasive alternative to receiving an injection for administering an anti-inflammatory medication. With this technique an electrode placed on the skin uses a small electric current to "push" the medication through the skin to the target area. This is most frequently used for treating localized pain and inflammation from tendonitis and bursitis.

The position of your body determines the stress on the joints of your body, especially in the back and neck. Through education and practice, you can learn to improve your posture in sitting, standing, and sleeping as well as improve your body mechanics when lifting and doing other activities. By improving your posture and reducing your joint stress you can recover from injuries faster and prevent future injuries.

Therapy programs are designed to return the patient to full function following injury or surgery. We will ask you for specific information about your daily activities so that we can progressively simulate them.

Strain/Counterstrain is a very gentle and effective therapy technique that uses positioning to decrease pain by decreasing muscle tightness and spasm. With this technique, the client is placed in positions that immediatly reduce pain and tightness. After staying in this position for a period of approximately 90 seconds, the client is slowly brought out of this position and is taught positioning for home application. It can be used to treat tightness/spasms of the head, spine, ribs, pelvis, sacrum, arms, and legs.

Lymph Drainage Therapy is a gentle, hands on technique that targets the lymphatic system (vessels and nodes) to restore proper function and flow within the system. The strokes applied assist the lymphatic system in the uptake of congested fluid throughout the body. Benefits of the Lymph Drainage Therapy include the reduction of swelling, pain, fatigue, and acute and chronic inflammation.

(aka Cranial Osteopathy)

Craniosacral Therapy is another gentle, manual technique used to normalize the mobility of the deep connective tissue of the head, sacrum, spinal cord, and spinal nerves. It has its origins in osteopatic medicine and has been found to be effective in the treatment of headache, spinal pain, and neurological disorders to name a few. The restoration of normal function assists by improving the self-healing mechanisms of the body.

PNF is a technique used for muscle re-education, improving motion and stability of the body. It uses diagonal patterns of motion against resistance for the arms, legs and trunk. It is very effective for rehabilitation after stroke, back or neck injury, or loss of normal motion following injury.

McConnell Taping is a method of managing pain around the knee-cap or shoulder pain. It involves assessing the joing to find what position it is in at rest and while moving. Tape is then applied to improve the resting position of the joint, typically with a significant improvement in function and reduction of pain.

Massage is one of the oldest hands on techniques used to assist in healing tissues. Through the application of a variety of techniques, massage can assist with improving blood flow, inducing nervous system relaxation, reducing scar tissue, increasing mobility, and restoring function.