703 Olive St., St. Louis chiropractor, chiropractor in 703 Olive St., St. Louis, MO

Physical Therapy

Electrical Muscle Stimulation

Often referred to as "muscle stim," this therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain, swelling and muscle spasms and speed healing. Often described by patients as a pleasant, "tingling" sensation, or "electrical massage," these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins. These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain, as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities.

Russian Stimulation

Russian Stimulation uses a stronger electrical current to cause a muscle group to contract and then relax by placing electrodes on the skin over the weak muscle. The current will elicit a gentle contraction, which will increase the strength of the muscle.

Interferential Current

This electrical stimulation is applied with electrodes, typically in a crossed pattern surrounding the painful area. The frequencies interfere with the transmissions of painful messages at the spinal cord level. The deep tissue penetration stimulates parasympathetic nerve fibers for increased blood flow, which increases circulation, decreases inflammation and pain and promotes healing.

Iontophoresis

Iontophoresis is the process by which anti-inflammatory medicines are introduced into a joint, painful or inflamed region of the body via electrical current. The electrical current pushes the medicine through the skin in a non-invasive and painless manner. The localized concentration of medication reduces pain and inflammation.

Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation

A TENS machine uses an electrical current to decrease pain. Electrodes are applied to the affected area. Gentle electrical currents are sent through the electrodes producing a tingling sensation, which is felt in the underlying skin and muscle. The stimulus disrupts the pain signal that is being sent from the affected area to the surrounding nerves, resulting in the reduction of pain.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy addresses a variety of health conditions, the most prevalent being stress-related tension, which, experts believe, accounts for 80%-90% of disease. Massage has many physiological effects, such as:

" Increased circulation to all areas of the body. This means that more oxygen goes to the tissues, enabling them to function more efficiently.
" Removal of toxins and waste products that build up in the tissues.
" Reduction in recovery time from certain injuries.
" Softening of the connective tissue that permeates the body, resulting in more relaxed muscles and more efficient organ function.
" Breaking of the pain-tension cycle, which helps prevent muscle strains and aches.
" Increased flexibility and joint mobility.
" Better muscular balance throughout the body, resulting in effective support for other healing modalities, such as chiropractic.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy is a term that describes the application of ice/cold therapy to reduce the temperature of tissues directly on or below the skin surface. Cryotherapy works on the surface cooling constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and helps relax muscle spasms. Cold temperatures reduce nerve transmission of painful symptoms and provide temporary relief. Cooling affected tissues is effective in reducing and preventing post-traumatic edema or swelling. It helps reduce swelling and inflammation, numbs the affected area to reduce pain and reduces muscle spasms.

Intersegmental Traction

Intersegmental traction is a therapeutic treatment table with a traction generator designed to apply distraction to the spine. This distraction attempts to separate, vertebral bodies and elongate spinal structures. The goal of treatment is to relieve pressure on spinal structures that may be causing pain.

Therapeutic Exercises

We use and teach our patients special exercises, designed just for them, to help strengthen, restore mobility and correct their own unique problem. These exercises can improve the effectiveness of your spinal correction by as much as 30-40%. This enhances the treatment process and helps maintain healing benefits, as well as reducing the likelihood of future problems.