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Treatments
Activator Method Treatments
Being a “low force” technique means there is no cracking or twisting of the spine that comes to mind for some people when they think of Chiropractic.
The Activator Method: • Utilizes the Activator Instrument, a small hand-held, manually operated device which in the expert hands of our doctors can deliver a controlled, light, and fast thrust to misaligned vertebrae with minimal sensation to you. • Is unique because no other Chiropractic technique can deliver such controlled and exact adjustments. • Uses a rapid motion, controlled instrument, so your body's natural reflexes are unlikely to resist, enabling a more precise and successful adjustment. For more information on Activator, visit their Website www.Activator.com. • While Activator Method is the literal “backbone” of our practice, we also provide a number of additional treatment methods to aid in your pursuit of relaxation, rejuvenation, and total body health. Four Types of Traction:
1) Pronex II — Our most recent addition to the office is called Pronex II which performs pneumatic cervical (neck) traction. This device relieves the pressure upon the cervical region of the spine providing very effective management of new and chronic neck pain. A patented expandable bellows system cradles the neck area of the patient while lying on their back. And it is the patient who controls the expansion of the bellows by remote, thus finding the position most comfortable for them. The gentle expansion lifts the weight of the head away from the neck while supporting the natural cervical curve, providing safe, pain relieving traction. Until now, this wonderful device has only been available in orthopedic and neuro-surgical offices, but when we discovered it's safety, gentle approach, patient friendly control, and effectiveness in relieving pain, we made sure to make the Pronex II available to our patients here in our office. The Pronex II is particularly suited to relieving pain associated with herniated disks, pinched nerves, and a host of other neck discomforts. 2) Non-Invasive Disc Rehabilitation (NIDR) — This fancy term simply suggests that rehabilitation of worn, pinched, or misaligned discs can be accomplished without surgery, a painful, costly, and risky "invasive" procedure. Instead, great rejuvenative progress can be made through a technique called "Inertial Traction." This traction is performed on a special kind of table called an "inertial extensilizer" which you don't have to memorize. All you need to know is that this process "pumps" the discs of the spine, promoting healing by enabling the regeneration of vital cartilage tissues. 3) Inter-Segmental Traction— This procedure is a favorite among clients as it feels more like a massage at a fancy resort than a clinical therapy at the Chiropractor's office. Inter-Segmental traction is achieved through the patient lying upon his/her back on a special table fitted with rollers along its length. These rollers gently move, mobilizing various segments of the spine, drawing blood into those regions. This procedure achieves an overall relaxation in the muscles of the back and neck regions, and helps to actually balance and align these soft tissues as well as provide a gentle traction of the vertebrae along the back and neck. 4) Manual Traction — As the name implies, this form of traction is done without any fancy machinery, just a doctor's skill with their hands. We make use of a little mechanical advantage in the form of a small weight and the help of gravity to apply tension to the traction. For this cervical traction, a pillow is placed behind the patient’s head and neck to serve as a fulcrum, or point of balance. Then the doctor uses their great skill to apply tension and maneuver the vertebrae by hand in order to restore the spine's normal curvature.
In addition to the four methods of traction described above, Northgate Chiropractic also provides the following additional therapies: 1) Ultrasound—Deep Heat —This is one of several methods of delivering heat to sore muscles and joints to provide a number of beneficial effects. It is available for use on a wide range of problem areas, including the neck, back, shoulders, and wrists. Ultra Sound-Deep Heat provides four principal physical benefits: 2) Cold Laser Therapy — This low level laser is an FDA approved light therapy in a very specific region of the electromagnetic spectrum, 785nm and 870nm. The coherent, focused laser energy penetrates deeply to stimulate target tissue. The benefits are restoration of normal function, increased local circulation, accelerated tissue repair, reduced pain, decreased inflammation and enhanced immune response. 3) Diathermy — This is the deepest form of heat available. It is perfect for hard-to-reach joints like shoulders and hips, though it can be applied anywhere. Its penetrating warmth provides relief for the most hidden deep down aches and pains. 4) Trigger Point Massage — This is a therapeutic massage that breaks up knots and provides relief for tight, stiffened muscles which can be painful when moved or touched. Trigger Point Massage helps restore a greater freedom of movement which promotes a healthier musculature overall, and healthy muscles keep in balance a healthy spine. 5) Massage Therapy — We have massage therapists on our staff. Call 415.492.2273 today to make an appointment and experience relaxing and therapeutic treatment. 6) TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Microcurrent Therapy — This is a small battery-powered device that many people find effective for relieving their pain. TENS has become a recognized and well-proven method of treating pain in the back and other areas.
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