CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS 
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Spinal adjustment refers to the method of physically changing the function of joints in the spine. A chiropractic adjustment is the use of a specific force in a precise direction applied to a joint that is fixated or not moving properly. Adjustments help restore motion to the joint. Correcting the function of these joints helps to remove interference to the nervous system – and that is the real point of chiropractic. Your nervous system regulates and controls everything else in your body. Removing nerve interference and maintaining optimum nerve function is vitally important for health.  

Adjustments also means treating joints and muscles outside the spine. I adjust any joint in the body when needed and desired (such as elbows, knees, hips, shoulders, wrists, feet, and jaws). Patients often find such adjustments to their extremities helpful, as poorly functioning joints throughout the body are often the cause of many pain problems. 

I use Diversified and Gonstead techniques and the Activator instrument to adjust my patients.  


SPECIFIC STRETCHES / ACTIVE THERAPY 

I often recommend exercise or stretching for specific conditions. I will show you precise stretches and give you a personal home exercise program to aid in correcting posture and regaining spinal balance. 


TRIGGER POINT MASSAGE / MUSCLE WORK 

Specific massage reduces the trigger points (knots in the muscles) and increases vascular and lymphatic flow, while aiding to increase range of motion. When it is needed, I provide selective, specific muscle work and muscular trigger point therapy. These techniques are performed in 10 to 15 minute increments, and I focus the therapy on a specific area.

Trigger point massage is an important aspect of care, as muscles can become a repository for chemicals and waste products. Clearing out these unwanted chemicals relaxes the muscles, increases flexibility and decreases pain.

I provide this service myself and employ no massage therapist in my office. 


CUSTOM ORTHOTICS 

An orthotic is a stabilizing shoe insert which is custom made for your foot and helpful in reducing back, knee and foot pain.
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In some cases - not for every patient - I recommend orthotics .
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The foundation of the spine is the foot. The arches of your feet provide a vital foundational support for your knees, hips and spine. Have you noticed that your foot arches are shaped like the gentle arch in a bridge? Just like a bridge which supports vehicle weight, your arches support the load of your body weight.

If your arches are fallen, the balance and postural support of the spine is compromised. This can lead to foot, knee, hip and spinal pain, especially lower back pain. Sometimes it is necessary to support the arch that is fallen, to help corrective spinal care be fully effective.

I work with Foot Levelers, a specialized lab in Virginia, which creates custom arch support orthotics. They are a nationally recognized leader in the science of arch support. If you need this type of support, we “cast” your feet and Foot Levelers lab technicians make a custom orthotic especially for you. 


GENTLE ADJUSTMENTS FOR CHILDREN 

People are sometimes surprised that chiropractors treat infants and children. Nothing could be more logical. 

Children have spines and joints. They often have more bumps, falls, and injuries than do adults. The birth process for a newborn can be physically traumatic and can be a source of spinal joint motion restriction and nerve interference. 

Babies may develop colic or earaches. I have successfully treated these problems through the use of gentle adjustments. Teens are often involved in school athletics, and I have seen and successfully treated many who had symptoms of pain resulting from sports injuries.  

I encourage parents to have their children checked for posture, balance, and spinal alignment problems. 

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PREGNANCY CARE

While a chiropractic doctor does not act as a primary care physician for the expectant mother, a chiropractor may provide significant support during her pregnancy. 

Maintaining spinal balance and motion while hormonal changes are occurring over the 40-week term is very important to mother and unborn child. Chiropractic is a relief for the aches and pains of pregnancy, especially during the last trimester. 

Through regular chiropractic adjustments, a less painful pregnancy is possible. After giving birth, women also find that chiropractic care helps them transition back to pre-pregnancy spinal motion and alignment.