Treatment Procedures
Due to extensive post-graduate training by the doctors at Spine and Sports Institute, we offer highly specialized and comprehensive care. We provide a full range of services individually designed to rapidly resolve injuries, restore function, and improve athletic performance. Our sports medicine chiropractic physicians continue to stay abreast of the latest clinical research and innovative treatment procedures.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
The primary focus at Spine & Sports Institute is the soft tissue component of injuries. Soft tissues are: muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, fascia, and nerves. The treatment of these structures is known as soft tissue mobilization. When trauma occurs, whether it is a single traumatic event or repeated microtrauma, inflammation follows. The inflammation leads to scar tissue formation within the muscle and between the muscles and the other layers of connective tissue. This scar tissue formation decreases the ability of the muscle to lengthen and contract normally, which leads to a decrease in range of motion. This effect can be very specific within a muscle or can affect the muscle groups very broadly leading to faulty biomechanics that are dysfunctional and inefficient. The scar tissue can also cause pain and can predispose you to re-injury. Additionally, pain can lead to muscle guarding in order to protect the injured area, if prolonged guarding occurs the muscle can loose it’s normal length. The purpose of soft tissue mobilization is to restore the normal texture, tightness, flexibility, and function to the affected tissue. It includes several techniques such as transverse friction massage, Active Release Technique® (ART), myofascial release and neurofascial release.
Transverse Friction Massage (TFM)
Scar tissue forms when inflammation is present after an injury. The presence of scar tissue often leads to a significant loss of function. Transverse friction massage (TFM) involves deep pressure with specifically directed movement in order to remodel scar tissue allowing the soft tissue to become more flexible, pliable, and more functional.
Active Release Technique (ART®)
ART® is a patented deep massage technique that treats injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Treatment involves placing tension on the affected tissue and then instructing the patient to move through a range of motion in order to lengthen the tissue and remove microscopic scar tissue. For more information please visit www.activerelease.com.
Myofascial / Neurofascial Release
Fascia is a tough connective tissue that surrounds most structures in the body. It functions to provide support, protection, and improves shock absorption. Myofascial release focuses on removing fascial adhesions acquired during injuries by using gentle sustained pressure applied in a specific direction. Myofascial release is beneficial for the treatment of chronic pain, peripheral nerve entrapments, and various other injuries.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Muscle Stretching
PNF stretching is an advanced form of flexibility training and is considered to be the fastest and most effective way to increase static flexibility. Overall, PNF flexibility training reduces post workout soreness, decreases musculoskeletal injury, increases range of motion, and improves muscular strength and coordination.
Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation is a passive musculoskeletal procedure performed by the doctor to create a stretch to the joint. The effects of joint manipulation include relief from musculoskeletal pain, a shorter recovery time from sprains, an increase in range of motion, and positive influences on the nervous system.