chiropractic services Casper, WY

STRETCHES AND EXERCISES

Our patients learn to perform home stretches and exercises to improve their overall fitness and health. Condition specific exercises and stretches are customized to each patient’s physical needs. Descriptive handouts are provided to facilitate ease of implementation.

ELECTRICAL MUSCLE STIMULATION

Often referred to as “muscle stim,” the therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain 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.

    CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENT

    The chiropractic adjustment is also referred to as a spinal “manipulation”. During this procedure, the doctor applies his / her hands to the area of the spine to be treated in such a way as to mobilize the joints. Most commonly, the doctor will administer a quick, short hands-on movement to the joint. The joint usually elicits a “pop” or “crack,” similar to when “cracking” one’s knuckles. Patients usually sense movement of the joint.

    THE GOAL OF THE CHIROPRACTIC SPINAL MANIPULATION IS TO:

    • Increase the joint mobility / range of motion.
    • Relieve pain
    • Reduce muscle spasm
    • Restore optimal joint function
    • Joint mobilization

    Mobilization is a form of stretching that is applied to stiff joints in order to optimize and restore range of motion, relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. These procedures consist of small passive movements, usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual’s joints. Mobilizations may be administered in various gradations or degrees of pressure, depending upon the sensitivity and stiffness of an individual’s joints.

    X-RAY

    X-rays show problems with bones, such as infection, bone tumors, or fractures. X-rays of the spine also can give your doctor information about how much degeneration has occurred in the spine, by showing the amount of space in the neural foramina and between the discs. X-rays are usually the first test ordered before any of the more specialized tests. Special X-rays called flexion and extension X-rays may help to determine if there is instability between vertebrae. These X-rays are taken from the side as you lean as far forward and then as far backward as you can. Comparing the two X-rays allows the doctor to see how much motion occurs between each spinal segment.

    Other testing in office include Neurologic and Orthopedic exams. A specific Chiropractic exam is also done. If other diagnostic imaging is needed our office will provide the necessary referral process.

    SPINAL DECOMPRESSION

    Spinal decompression is a process that relieves pressure from compressed spinal nerves. Spinal decompression can be achieved in some cases through non-surgical means. This process uses mechanical traction at a specific angle and weight to achieve the desired outcome. This process is most often painless, but may take several sessions to reach recovery.