Levittown Health Center

The goal of chiropractic adjustment, also known as manipulation, is to correct structural alignment and improve the body's physical function.  The chiropractic adjustment is a procedure in which trained specialists (chiropractors) use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to the joints of the body, particularly the spine.  Adjustments rarely cause discomfort and can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following treatment.

In addition to manipulation, additional adjunctive therapies may be used to augment your care. While the list below is not all-inclusive, the most common treatments used by chiropractors are:

Hot pack

Moist heat packs are used to help ease muscle pain and spasms. They are also a great way to prepare damaged muscles and joints for chiropractic adjustments and other therapeutic techniques.

The benefits of moist heat include increasing the blood flow and circulation of affected areas. This aids in relieving muscle spasms, decreases joint stiffness and increases the extensibility of collagen tissues. It is most beneficial in the post-acute stages of healing by increasing blood flow and circulation.

If an injury or condition is chronic, moist heat can help with residual soreness/stiffness.

Cold pack

Also known as cryotherapy – the use of ice packs, cold towels or ice compresses over an acutely injured area. The cooling effect of this therapy has several positive effects. First, it constricts the blood vessels, thereby reducing circulation and the formation of inflammation. Second, it numbs the area to help with pain control and finally it helps the muscles relax.

Interferential

Interferential therapy is an electric modality that sends electrical impulses through the skin to the injured area. These impulses are set at specific frequencies which actually stimulate the cells in the area to release endorphins, which work like natural pain killers.

These frequencies also stimulate the cellular metabolism to promote healing and the reduction of inflammation. This type of modality has been around for many years and its effectiveness has been well documented in dealing with acute spasms, pain relief, the reduction of inflammation, and stimulating the healing process.

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Therapeutic ultrasound is the application of sound waves to help reduce pain and inflammation, while at the same time promoting tissue healing.

The basic principle is that high frequency sound waves, unperceivable to the human ear, are used to increase circulation and stimulate the cell membranes. This promotes a healing effect, while at the same time reducing swelling, increasing blood flow, and decreasing pain, stiffness, and spasms.

Laser

Laser treatment is one of the most recent modalities used to help reduce acute and chronic pain. It is also known as phototherapy or low level laser therapy.

The application of low-power coherent light to injuries stimulates healing and reduces pain. Low-level laser therapy has been found to increase the speed of tissue repair, reduce inflammation and give pain relief. It is effective when dealing with both chronic and acute injuries.

This therapy has been cleared by the FDA and enables patients to have an alternative to drugs and surgery.

ConnecTX is an instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization system (IASTM) that helps chiropractors treat many soft tissue issues more quickly and efficiently than by simply using their hands. ConnecTX system can speed pain reduction and promotes healing of acute or chronic connective tissue disorders. The ConnecTX system utilizes evidence-based, research-reflective date to achieve improved results, and is duly registered with the FDA.

Acupuncture is a form of health care that promotes the body's natural healing process. The practice of inserting very fine sterile, disposable needles into specific points on the body – known as acupoints – has a successful track record dating back more than 2,500 years. It is based on the theory that vital energy called qi runs through the body along specific channels called meridians. Sometimes this energy gets blocked or flows abnormally resulting in illness. Acupuncture unblocks the energy and restores the body's healthy balance.

A mild sensation of dullness is common and desirable at the site of insertion, however acupuncture is not painful.

Bodywork can be applied before or after an acupuncture treatment to support and enhance the benefits of acupuncture.

Tui Na or Chinese Massage, involves medical manipulation of the soft tissue, using techniques such as lateral decompression, grasping, pulling, traction, pressing, and rolling. Tui Na helps break-up blockages and promotes circulation and increased range of motion. Removing these blockages restores the balance of qi in the body, leading to improved health and vitality. These techniques can be applied to all parts of the body to address both internal and musculoskeletal disorders.

Amma Bodywork is another type of Asian bodywork that focuses on regulating qi flow through the body by stimulating acupuncture points and channels. Amma can be excellent for maintaining health, as well as addressing many issues including digestive disorders, skin conditions, back and neck pain, depression, arthritis, headaches, stress, chronic pain, asthma, insomnia, infertility, PMS, and menstrual issues. Amma Bodywork is a more gentle and superficial style of bodywork than Tui Na.

Qi Gong and Tai Chi are ancient Chinese health care systems that integrates physical postures, breathing techniques and focused intention. They incorporate physical movement/exercises that move energy in a way to promote healing. They focuses on relaxation and concentration and awareness of Qi circulation and movement. Specific exercises may be recommended to support the acupuncture treatment.

Usually these movements are designed to generate better integration of the whole body and to support everyday movements. It has many functions including helping the body's qi move more smoothly, reducing stiffness and soreness, increasing the body's resistance, relaxation and many more.

In Chinese dietary therapy, food is considered as medicine and a patient’s diet is modified based on individual needs. All foods have specific properties and nutritional value to them above and beyond their vitamin and mineral content. Foods are recommended based on their properties, such as temperature and nature, as well as the patient’s constitution and the season of the year. It helps support the benefits of acupuncture and aids in preventing disease. Each person’s health is significantly influenced by the foods he or she consumes.

Herbal medicine involves the use of plant, mineral and some animal products – used in combination – to create decoctions, granular formulas, elixirs, tinctures and pills specifically designed based on each patient's unique presentation. Herbal formulas are unlike prescription medications because of their ability to be completely individualized for the patient and modified as a condition changes.

Herbal formulas can be very effective in treating many various disorders from pain problems to internal disorders, such as:

• Digestive problems
• Asthma
• Dysmenorrhea
• Peri-menopausal symptoms, and
• Dermatological conditions

Even the common cold can be helped using an herbal formula. They are quite often prescribed for chronic conditions, but are certainly efficacious for acute conditions as well. Frequently used in combination with acupuncture to enhance the course of treatment.