Adjustment

Chiropractic care is known (but not exclusively) for its use of the adjustment, sometimes called manipulation.  An adjustment is a precise procedure in which the trained Doctor of Chiropractic exerts specific corrective pressure at specific places on your spine or other joint.  When a thorough examination reveals joints that are not in proper function, adjustments are applied to correct joint alignment, mobility, relieve associated muscle and nerve tension, improve balance and assist healing.  In most cases, adjustments are performed manually or with a handheld instrument.

Rehabilitation

Without some form of active care or rehabilitation, recovery from an injury or a long-standing spinal problem can take longer to achieve.  When muscles, tendons, or ligaments of the spine are damaged through an accident, overexertion, repetitive motion, or simply weakened by inactivity, your overall health can be affected. Without the proper tone in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of your body, you would collapse like a rag doll. Overlooking the importance of improved range of motion and muscle strengthening can result in a relapse, with your original health problem returning again and again.

Chiropractic rehabilitation involves the restoration and proper joint function of the spine or extremities, and the strengthening of supporting muscles and soft tissues.  This will usually involve specific spinal adjustments, combined with a program of stretching, resistance training, and exercises to improve muscle tone.
Dr. French always prescribes an at home stretching program to aid in your recovery.  However, some types of injures will require the use of specialized equipment to isolate and strengthen specific areas of the spine. 

Therapy/Modalities

Electrical Simulation
            To further aid in your recovery, Dr. French may also add electro-muscle stimulation, also called as e-stim.  E-stim is a special form of electrical current that is administered at the site of soft tissue injury, specifically muscles.  This helps to reduce pain, decrease swelling, promote muscle tone, and speed the healing process.
Why do we use this in our office?
E-stim has been used as an effective form of pain relief.  It is recommended in cases in which pain is accompanied by swelling and inflammation.

Intersegmental Traction
            Intersegmental traction is a way of inducing passive motion into the spine for the purpose of stretching spinal joints, and increasing mobility.  The paitent lies face up on a bench table that has a roller beneath its surface.  These rollers slowly travel the length of the spine, stretching spinal joints.  Dr. French also uses commercial grade massage chairs that serve a less intensive purpose.
Why do we use this in our office?
            Because spinal discs have a poor blood supply, they get nutrients from the circulation of fluids surrounding the spinal joints.  Fixations of the spine prevent this natural circulation and can cause disc thinning and degeneration.  Intersegmental traction helps increase and restores necessary elasticity and motion to the spine.