Treatment Options

SPORT SPECIFIC MUSCLE TESTING

We can’t call it ART because we didn’t feel it necessary to pay the thousands of dollars a year just for the name. And although Dr. Wes has been trained by ART, he likes to call it as the title indicates! So enough of the soapbox; this is a technique that is utilized widely in the health care industry and found on almost all major sports sidelines. It is a very efficient and effective way to stretch a specific muscle that may be causing serious biomechanical issues that often lead to sprains and strains. It only takes a matter of minutes and is that kind of “good hurt”.

CHIROPRACTIC ADJUSTMENTS/MOBILIZATIONS

A chiropractic adjustment is not a scary thing! The doctor feels for joint motion restriction and with a precise force, angle, speed, he mobilizes the joint into the direction it is lacking movement. This is a therapy that has been shown through research and imaging to be effective, comfortable and safe. The most common side-effect to an adjustment is muscle soreness, kind of like what you feel after exercising. Dr. Wes makes sure to describe what he is going to do, how it should feel and what you will likely feel afterwards before he ever begins the treatment. The cool thing is that there are lots of ways to adjust a joint or the spine, so if you like or dislike a certain method… just say so!

TRACTION/FLEXION DISTRACTION

This therapy is a gentle and often very comfortable method of decreasing muscle tone, increasing space between joints that may be jamming together causing pain, reducing disc herniations and can be very effective in reducing or eliminating radiating arm or leg pain. This is a go to treatment in the world of conservative therapies for disc-related injuries. It’s kind of like an inversion table but the benefit is that the doctor can be very specific in targeting the main problem area as to maximize the healing potential. This type of therapy is widely utilized across multiple health care industries.

ELECTRICAL STIMULATION

This is a popular and widely used physical therapy modality that is great at targeting soft tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons. The uses of this therapy range from muscle spasms to tendonitis to wound healing from cuts in the skin. It is effective in calming nerve pain, decreasing muscle tone, decreasing inflammation and rehabbing sprains and strains. Although it may sound barbaric, it is actually quite relaxing. This is another therapy that Dr. Wes speaks with you about first to make sure you know exactly what to expect, how it will feel and how it may help you.

ULTRASOUND

Another commonly used modality in the world of physical therapy and sports, ultrasound is an excellent way to treat soft tissue injuries. This is often the go-to for tendonitis and other inflammations in tendons and muscles. It is great for sprains and strains too. Ultrasound works in a similar physiological fashion as laser therapy in that it is a deep heat. It helps to stimulate the cells that rebuild tissue, the cells that clean up damaged tissue and it helps to improve elasticity of soft tissues. Added benefits are release of endorphins and calming of pain-signaling nerves.

KINESIOLOGY TAPING

It’s all that colored tape you see athletes wearing. Not just for looks and not just a fad, this stuff is pretty cool. Based on taping techniques, benefits include: management of swelling, lymphatic drainage, reduction and support for tight muscles, sensory input, balance improvement, support for sprains and strains. The tape we use in the office is one of the best. It sticks on you for 3 to 7 days even as you go through your job, sport and isn’t bothered by the shower.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISES

Okay, so we know what you are thinking…homework, I’m out. But bare with us a second here. Although the therapies we provide are quite effective, the fact is that if you don’t work to maintain your progress and work towards improved muscle balance and range of motion, most likely you will experience your problem sometime down the road. Dr. Wes absolutely will NOT waste your time with a bunch of silly nonsense. He prescribes a few different at-home exercises you can do in a matter of minutes that will have a huge impact on your body for the long term.