Chiropractic Techniques in Northwest Chicago IL

Many people have questions about the chiropractic techniques used at Elite Total Rehab in Northwest Chicago IL. This article is here to help explain some of the science behind our profession.

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Diversified Chiropractic Manipulation in Northwest Chicago IL

Diversified chiropractic manipulation is described as a high velocity, low amplitude force to a joint in a specific line of drive to increase its range of motion and remove “subluxation”, usually in the spine, performed by the clinician’s hands.

A subluxation is a segment of the spine that has lost its normal range of motion. The adjustment helps to restore that motion thus removing hypomobility (loss of motion) in the spine. Removing this “subluxation” not only helps to restore proper motion but can reduce nerve irritation and muscle tightness.

Sometimes during an adjustment, an audible release (a pop or a crack) may be heard. This is a normal occurrence and should not alarm you. The goal is not to “crack” the neck but to rather replace the lost motion in each segment. When performed correctly there is usually little to no pain with this procedure. Adjustment is one of the most powerful tools that manual clinicians can perform on their patients.

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Graston Technique

The Graston Technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively aid areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

It is used for multiple conditions including but not limited to: Cervical sprain/strain (Neck Pain), Lumbar sprain/strain (Back Pain), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Wrist Pain), Plantar Fascitis (Foot Pain), Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow), Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow), Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (Shoulder Pain), Patellofemoral Disorders (Knee Pain), Achilles Tendinitis (Ankle Pain), Fibromyalgia, Scar Tissue, Trigger Finger, and Shin Splints.

Research conducted by Graston Technique trained clinicians at Ball Memorial Hospital and Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana, found that the controlled micro-trauma induced through the Graston Technique protocol increased the number of fibroblasts in the treated area. That amount of inflammation of the scar tissue helps initiate the healing cascade. The structure of the tissue is rearranged, and damaged tissue is replaced by new tissue. Ice is then applied to reduce the pain and exercise is implemented to increase function and range of motion. This controlled micro-trauma effectively helps restore function to the involved area with stronger and better tissue function.

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Cox Flexion/Distraction

Cox flexion/distraction is a manual therapy performed on a designed table to help care for low back pain. The table functions to allow the low back to be stretched in flexion and extension (bending forward and backward), bilateral lateral flexion (bending sideways), and even rotation of the lumbar spine. The clinician places sustained pressure with their hands over the lumbar spine and use the table to manually stretch the lumbar spine in all planes of motion.

Flexion and distraction of the lumbar spine have been shown to help alleviate: muscle spasm, joint dysfunction, disc herniations, lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and even help improve range of motion and pain associated with arthritic pain. For a more thorough explanation visit Cox Technic to see if the treatment is right for you.

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If you would like to learn more about Chiropractic care in Northwest Chicago IL or see if you could benefit from its incorporation into your current care, please contact our team at Elite Total Rehab today for help.