Therapeutic Treatments
Therapeutic treatments are used to aid in the healing process. These can be stand-alone treatments or used in conjunction with Chiropractic care.
Pulsewave
Pulsewave or Extracorporeal ShockWave Therapy (ESWT) an excellent treatment for inflammatory disorders.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses high energy acoustic sound waves to reduce pain and stimulate the body's natural healing processes in musculoskeletal conditions. The shock waves trigger biological responses, such as increased cell permeability, improved circulation, and breakdown of calcium deposits, promoting tissue repair, and reducing inflammation. ESWT can be used for chronic conditions like tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and some bone fractures, often providing an alternative to surgery for some patients.
How It Works
- Acoustic Energy: High-energy sound waves are directed at the injured or painful area.
- Stimulates Healing: These waves activate cellular processes, including:
- Revascularization: Promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
- Cell Proliferation: Stimulates cell growth and repair.
- Metabolism Boost: Increases metabolic activity in the treated area.
- Calcium Breakdown: Helps to break down calcified deposits in tissues.
- Nociceptor Modulation: May disrupt the ability of nerve endings to transmit pain signals.
- Revascularization: Promotes the growth of new blood vessels.
Common Applications
ESWT is used for chronic and often painful musculoskeletal conditions, such as:
- Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Plantar Fasciitis (heel pain)
- Calcific tendinopathy (e.g., shoulder)
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
- Arthralgia
Class IV Laser Therapy
Red light therapy for joints and muscles
Laser therapy for pain, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses concentrated light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation and pain. The non-invasive treatment works at a cellular level and is used by medical professionals for both acute and chronic conditions.
The process is compared to photosynthesis in plants, where light is absorbed and converted into energy. During treatment, a handheld device emits photons of light that pass through the skin to interact with the mitochondria inside cells. This triggers a series of cellular events:
- Increased energy production: The photons accelerate the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which increases a cell's energy and enhances its ability to repair itself.
- Reduced inflammation: The improved cell metabolism increases circulation, which helps reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain by minimizing pressure on nerve endings.
- Accelerated tissue repair: Laser therapy speeds up cellular growth and reproduction, promoting faster healing of damaged nerves, tendons, ligaments, and muscles.
- Pain relief: The therapy can decrease nerve sensitivity and stimulate the production of natural pain-relieving hormones like endorphins.