What is Chiropractic?
Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that restores and optimizes patient health through a series of non-invasive procedures without the use of drugs. Its goal is to effectively treat injuries to provide long-lasting relief from discomforts and pain by focusing on disorders of the musculo-skeletal and nervous systems. Chiropractic is a holistic branch of medicine that aids the body in the healing process, restores normal body mechanics and improves overall health. Treatment of injuries involves locating and treating misalignments (Spinal dysfunctions) and other spinal abnormalities through a series of spinal and extremities manipulations (Adjustments) and other therapeutic treatments and protocols (Modalities).
Chiropractic can help improve a patient's range of motion, relieve pain and stiffness, increase energy and performance and direct a person's body to better balance and coordination. Chiropractic will also assist in reducing the risk of injuries due to improper range of motion and the effects of the degenerative process.
Chiropractors have broad diagnostic skills. We will provide an examination before your treatment in order to assess the best course of care for your condition. Occasionally a condition will present that is not appropriate for Chiropractic treatment. You will be informed and we will readily refer you to the appropriate health care provider qualified to help you.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Your Chiropractic manipulation (Adjustment) will be performed by Dr. Altamirano. Chiropractic adjustment is a scientifically based treatment that involves specific force to a joint that has been fixated or locked in place through misalignment or some form of injury. It is a precise therapeutic technique that is usually accomplished through hand placement to a movable joint with a specific direction of thrust and force or with specially designed instruments. Chiropractic adjustments, (along with therapeutic treatments, stretching and strengthening exercises, proper every day posture, improvements of biomechanics and dietary supplementation/awareness), have been documented to provide long term relief of musculo-skeletal pain and discomfort and improve nervous system functions. The purpose of the adjustment is to improve joint mobility. Chiropractic manipulations/adjustments are a conservative, natural and safe approach to alternative health care. Improved spinal and nervous system functioning leads to improved overall health and well-being.
Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression
A revolutionary treatment for low back and neck disc injuries. It is a safe, FDA approved therapy that gently separates the vertebrae from each other. This treatment may reduce bulging or herniation of the disc over the course of treatment. Results are cummulative and dramatic over a six-to-eight week treatment course. This is a gentle and comfortable, non-surgical treatment of lower back and neck pain for diagnoses of bulging discs, herniated discs, pinched nerves, sciatica, radiating arm pain, degenerative disc disease, leg pain, and facet syndromes.
X-Ray
Our office is equipped with the safest and latest in X-ray technology. We only take X-rays if they are absolutely medically necessary to locate a spinal problem and/or to confirm and/or rule out examination findings/diagnosis. X-Rays assist to provide a more accurate, same day diagnosis or guidance to a proper referral. I want to protect your health and that of a child. Women of childbearing age are always questioned to ascertain if pregnancy is a possibility and treatment is rendered accordingly.
Cryo- and Heat Therapies
Cryotherapy involves the application of ice or cold packs to reduce the temperature of tissues to alleviate pain and discomforts due to inflammation. Cryotherapy is also used to relax acute muscle spasms and block the pain. It provides temporary relief.
Heat therapy involves the application of heat to specific areas of the body to raise the temperature of tissues, increase circulation and relax the muscles prior to a chiropractic adjustment, exercise and other treatments. Heat therapy typically provides temporary relief of pain and discomfort. When it is used in conjunction with other modalities and treatment, such as cryotherapy, a longer lasting benefit is achieved.
Electro-Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
EMS is the safe and effective use of small amounts of electrical current to stimulate muscle tissues and also to block pain. It is an effective treatment that reduces swelling of tissues, relieves painful symptoms and helps to safely increase muscle strength.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound involves the therapeutic use of high-frequency sound waves to help break down unhealthy tissue, mobilize bio-waste accumulation and relieve pain. Sound vibrations penetrate body tissues to help heal at a cellular level, providing a speedy recovery and a proper restructure of the damaged soft tissue areas.
Therapeutic Massage
Our spacious facility offers a variety of massage therapy techniques in conjunction with Chiropractic. Therapeutic Massage is accomplished through either hands-on or hands-off procedures. It's purpose is to stimulate or soothe soft tissues for long-term relief of pain and discomfort. Contracted muscles can press on or pinch your nerves causing tingling, numbness or pain. Tension and stress can disrupt your sleep leaving you tired, irritated and emotionally drained. When muscles get tense they become tight and ineffective. There are many causes of muscle tension-among these are: injury, poor circulation, overuse, misuse and/or lack of your normal range of motion. When left unattended, these conditions can become chronic and affect the quality of your daily life. Therapeutic massages along with chiropractic will improve your venous and lymphatic circulation, help decrease tension and stress, minimize head aches and provide an overall feeling of refreshed stamina and vitality. Therapeutic massages and Chiropractic treatment will also speed recovery of injuries, illness, reduce chronic pain, minimize head aches and improve your skin and muscle tone. Chiropractic can give you back your sleep, calm your nervous system and strengthen your immune system to help you cope with and ease your everyday stress.
Hands-off Massage:
Our office is equipped with Aquamed massage beds that use heated water in an up and down motion at different speed and pressure settings to relieve body aches and discomforts. Our friendly office staff assists each patient in starting the treatment, but the speed and pressure can still be adjusted by the patient when necessary. Each Aquamed massage bed is in a private room for ultimate noise reduction and relaxation (See picture under Amenities tab). Patients may choose to relax quietly during the treatment, opt to watch a soothing film or listen to music on conveniently placed touch-screens.
Hands-on Massage:
Our trained massage therapists specialize in a variety of techniques.
Swedish Massage:
Is a relaxing, light presure massage with the goal of releasing stress and relaxing the body.
Deep Tissue Massage:
Involves the application of heavy pressure to force muscles to relax. It is used to release deep tension in the soft muscle tissue.
Sport and Fitness Massage:
Uses moderate pressure to release waste products that accumulate in the muscles during certain sports training.
Pregnancy Massage:
Is a gentle massage that safely alleviates stress and tension associated with pregnancy while nurturing the growing fetus.
Website content, photography and design by Silvia Nena, 2009
