OUR CHIROPRACTIC SERVICES
Every patient and every injury is different. The chiropractors at Aculas are certified to perform a variety of services that effectively target the joints and muscles to make sure that we can offer exactly what YOU need. Below are a list the services we are able to perform here in the office. Your treatment will consist of a unique combination of these services designed to get you out of pain and back to doing what you love.
Chiropractic Adjustments/Joint Manipulations
A chiropractic adjustment/manipulation consists of a controlled and sudden force applied to a joint. It is commonly utilized in the spine, but can be used to restore movement to any joint in the body. The goal of an adjustment is to restore range of motion in that joint and improve physical function. Adjustments and mobilizations can be tailored to patients of all sizes and ages. It is one of our most common services utilized for spinal and extremity joint dysfunctions and pain.
Rehabilitative Exercise
Rehabilitative exercise is an integral part of how we treat and how your body learns to move properly. It largely affects the way that your body responds to care, its ability to dynamically move and stabilize itself, and offers a great opportunity for you, as the patient, to have a role in your treatment progress both in and out of our office.
Our primary technique utilized for rehabilitative exercise is DNS (Dynamic Neuromuscular stabilization). DNS is a series of very specific movement patterns designed to improve motor control, strength and stability in the body. This protocol can be utilized with patients of all ages. The use of DNS exercises in conjunction with manipulation and soft tissue work allows us to address pain and injuries in a way which promotes better treatment outcomes and long-term health benefits.
Manual Muscle Therapy
Myofascial release (manual muscle therapy) is a soft tissue technique featuring the hands, rather than an instrument. It is used to treat muscle tension caused by overuse injuries and trigger points. Myofascial release can increase mobility, the extensibility of muscles and fascia, improve blood flow, and provide sensory input to the affected area to reduce pain. As with all of our other treatments, manual muscle therapy is typically utilized in conjunction with adjusting and rehab exercises.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization
IASTM is a technique that can be used in several ways to decrease pain and improve musculoskeletal system function. Common goals of IASTM include increasing sensory input to the brain, accelerating the body’s natural healing process, and reducing inflammation/swelling following an injury. A stainless steel tool is used to gently manipulate the fascia and muscles involved in your complaint. Some benefits of treatment include an increase in mobility, decrease in pain, and improved blood flow to the affected area. Like the other therapies we provide, IASTM is almost always used alongside adjustments or in conjunction with rehabilitative exercises.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is used to address trigger points in muscles, improve blood flow to involved areas, and decrease pain. When a trigger point releases, you will typically feel a quick contraction of the muscle, called a twitch response. The experience of a twitch during treatment is a normal reaction. It confirms that the trigger point was successfully located and stimulated. In our office, dry needling is almost always used in conjunction with other therapies to achieve the best treatment outcomes.
Normatec Recovery System
The Normatec Recovery System, aka "The Boots", is a feel good favorite for our patients. By using dynamic air compression therapy, muscle fatigue & soreness are reduced while providing a compression based "massage". With attachments for the legs, hips/low back, and arms, the therapeutic effects of the boots + the relaxing environment of our recovery room is the perfect compliment to any recovery routine. We offer free Normatec sessions post-appointment, as well as the option to purchase as a stand alone session.
Cupping
Myofascial cupping is a technique used to treat sore muscles, trigger points, and areas of overall tension. During treatment, small plastic cups are suctioned onto the skin over the affected areas. This therapy increases blood flow to the area which can accelerate recovery, decrease pain, and decrease muscle tension. Cupping is unique to other treatment modalities in that it uses decompressive forces, rather than compression, to achieve treatment goals. Cupping can be used alone or as an adjunct therapy to adjustments & other services.
McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method is a provider favorite in our office. It is an assessment and treatment protocol which consists of repetitive, specific, movements. This protocol is used to treat disc related issues and other joint limitations. In applicable cases, your provider will assess your complaint to determine the specific movements that would be most beneficial to your treatment plan and assist you in performing repetitive movements to decrease and/or prevent symptoms during and after your visit. A part of this treatment consists of simple, at-home, exercises that provide you an active role in your treatment outcome. The McKenzie Method can also be helpful for patients who don’t want to (or don’t need) be treated with adjustments.
Sports Physicals
The movement-based chiropractors at Aculas are pleased to offer Sports Physicals to students in the Kansas City Metro area. Sports physicals offer insightful and educational information about your child’s overall health. We can observe their ability to functionally move well, without high risk of injury during performance. A sports physical is an important precursor to participation in any sport to prevent injury and identify potential risk factors. Some activities include, but are not limited to: baseball, basketball, football, soccer, tennis, track, golf, and volleyball. After completing the physical, we’ll discuss any functional improvements that might be needed in regards to specific sports. We are honored to help improve your child’s health and ensure they’re ready for a fulfilling and injury-free season.