Chiropractic care focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health. It is used most often to treat musculoskeletal complaints, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, pain in the joints of the arms or legs, and headaches. Chiropractic care is one of the most popular forms of natural health care in the world, encompassing hands-on diagnostic and treatment skills, therapeutic and rehabilitative physical therapy and nutritional, dietary and lifestyle counseling.
Chiropractic Manipulation or Adjustment
The most common therapeutic procedure performed by doctors of chiropractic is known as “spinal manipulation,” or “chiropractic adjustment.” The purpose of manipulation is to restore mobility by manually applying a controlled force into joints that have become restricted in their movement as a result of a tissue injury. Tissue injury can be caused by a single traumatic event, such as improper lifting of a heavy object, or through repetitive stresses, such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period of time. In either case, injured tissues undergo changes that can cause inflammation, pain, and diminished function for the sufferer. Manipulation, or adjustment of the affected joint and tissues, restores mobility, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, and allowing tissues to heal.
Impulse Activator
Some patients do not feel comfortable undergoing manual manipulation; so Rappe Chiropractic also offers adjustments utilizing a device know as an impulse activator. An impulse Activator is a small hand-held instrument that looks and acts similar to a 6- inch pogo stick. A spring inside delivers a high-speed, but gentle, thrust to the vertebrae or joint via a small rubber tip. Using the activator, rather than a manual adjustment, the patient’s muscle resistance is not fighting against the adjustment. A typical manual adjustment can require the chiropractor to bend and twist the patient into positions that are not natural to the body, causing the patient to tense up.
Interferential Current
Interferential current therapy, also known as muscle stimulation, administers low volt electrical pulses to specific areas of the body in order to stimulate motor nerves to cause muscle contractions, pain relief and/or to reduce inflammation. Interferential current therapy is often used to prevent or reduce muscle atrophy.
Total Body Wellness
Chiropractic care may be the primary method of treatment in cases such as neck or lower back pain, but it can also complement or support standard medical remedies. During the course of chiropractic therapy, other conditions may improve as well, such as asthma, acid reflux, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, allergies and stress. This is because Chiropractors work with the nervous system, which controls all of the functions within the body, while manipulating the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractic care is designed to support total body healing and well-being.
"The treatment I received here has been second to none. The Doctor has made me feel like a new man. I went from my back hurting all the time to being hurt free in my lower back. Thanks to all of you."
- Ed Klingenberg
