Massage and Deep Tissue Therapy Muscles play an integral role in moving and stabilizing the joints of the body. Simply put, the human body requires a good balance between its muscles and joints in order for it function properly. If your muscles are too tight (from spasm or hypertonicity) there is a good chance the joint mechanics will be poor. Massage therapy is very helpful in reducing spasm (from and injury) and hypertonicity (from poor posture or repetitive mental or physical stress). Patients often notice immediate improvement in their symptoms following massage. Promoting muscular relaxation is an extremely important part of correcting many musculoskelatal conditions.

Nutritional Advice The intake of proper nutrients is vital for the human body to heal and function properly. If you put diesel fuel in a car that uses regular unleaded gasoline the vehicle will not run and will actually get damaged. The same thing happens in the human body. Whether your dealing with an acute injury or a chronic condition, good nutritional advice on what to consume and what to avoid is vital. At Dr. Matt’s Wellness Center we provide this advice for every patient.

Ultrasound Therapeutic Ultrasound waves are generated by a piezoelectric effect caused by the vibration of crystals within the head of the probe. The sound waves that pass through the skin and cause a vibration of the local tissues. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation via micro massage, increase local blood flow, and breakdown scar tissue. It is a very effective tool in promoting proper tissue injury healing.

Interferential Electrical Muscle Stimulation Electrodes are placed on the skin over the desired muscle or muscle groups. Rhythmical contraction and relaxation of the muscle increases local blood circulation, relaxes muscle spasms, increases range of motion, and prevents atrophy in muscles that are not being used due to a nerve injury or other injury that doesn’t allow the patient to use the muscle. Patients often notice an immediate reduction in the intensity of pain following this type of modality.

Russian Stimulation Originally developed by the Russian Olympic team for muscle mass enhancement, this modality provides electrical stimulation with a specific waveform and frequency to achieve muscle strengthening as well as to reduce spasm.

Mechanical Intersegmental Traction Also known as “roller massage table” this gently mobilizes the spine and massages the muscles surrounding the vertebrae. It is very useful to help relax the patient before or after the adjustment procedure.

Cryotherapy and Moist Heat Therapy Ice and heat are used to reduce pain and spasm as well as to promote proper healing for an injury. The decision to use ice or heat is based on the stage and nature of the injury at the time of the assessment.

Kinesiotaping This is a special type of tape that is applied to tendon and muscle strains. It provides support for the injury but doesn’t restrict range of motion. This taping technique is very effective for sports injuries and is popular with athletes.

Rehabilitation and Personal Training At Dr. Matt’s Wellness Center we believe that every patient should take an active role in his or her treatment. Everyone has unique body mechanics and composition so it only makes sense to prescribe specific corrective exercises for that individual that they can perform in the office and at home. Following the exam and evaluation we determine what areas need improvement in flexibility and what areas need to be strengthened. This approach ultimately allows for permanent correction of the condition.

Muscle Activation Technique (M.A.T) Muscle Activation Technique is a unique therapeutic approach that addresses muscle weakness rather than tightness as the source of correction. It is extremely effective in finding the source of the underlying problem because it facilitates strength in the inhibited muscle groups allowing the tight, overworked muscles to finally relax.

X-rays Radiographic evaluation has a valuable role in the care of patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Although x-rays are not necessary in order to treat every patient, they can be helpful in not only determining the cause of the patient’s pain but also to rule out more serious conditions that need to be referred out to a specialist or for advanced imaging.

MRI MRI is the gold standard for soft-tissue evaluation (i.e. ligaments, muscles/tendons, bursa, intervertebral discs, spinal cord, nerves). MRI is considered advanced imaging because it allows for visualization of anatomy that cannot be seen on x-ray and can provide helpful information when a condition is not improving within a normal time frame.