Therapy

Adjunctive therapy refers to additional treatments used alongside a primary, foundational treatment to enhance its effectiveness, manage side effects, or improve overall outcomes.

Electrical Muscle/Nerve Stimulation is used as a therapeutic treatment and diagnostic tool. The electrical stimulation mimics the impulses from your brain which instruct muscles to contract. It is used extensively in physical training for athletes. In chiropractic care electrical muscle/nerve stimulation may be used for rehabilitation and strengthening to prevent further injury. The nervous system of your body uses small electrical charges to control muscle function. Impulses from your brain travel through nerves to the muscles, fibers, and other tissues and cause them to contract and relax according to the activity you are doing. Electrical muscle/nerve stimulation can be used to improve endurance and strengthen muscles. Small electrodes are placed on the body to target specific muscle groups. A small electrical charge is then applied to the body and muscles contract and relax during therapy. The FDA has approved electrical muscle/nerve stimulation for the following uses: Increase or maintain range of motion Relax muscle spasms Increase circulation Reeducation of muscles Post-surgical stimulation of the calf muscles to prevent blood clots immediately after surgery Electrical muscle/nerve stimulation mimics the natural action of the stimulation of muscles and surrounding nerves by the brain. This can help to reeducate muscles and nerves after injury. As a rehabilitative technique electrical muscle/nerve stimulation is very effective when used in a clinical setting. Dr. Mac may also prescribe an at-home unit for you to use. These units may be used to relieve chronic pain or help recover from an injury. In patients who have immobile muscles electrical muscle/nerve stimulation can help the muscles to be less rigid and increase their range of motion. Electrical muscle/nerve stimulation is a safe and effective treatment used by The Spine Center to treat injuries, in rehabilitation treatment, and to increase endurance. It has been used for many years and has a long history of success and safety in the United States and Europe.

Therapeutic ultrasound is used to treat soft tissue lesions, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. It has been used in the United States since the 1950s and has proven to provide therapeutic relief of many conditions affecting the soft tissues of the body. Therapeutic ultrasound is administered with a machine which produces ultra-high sound frequencies, too high for the human ear to hear. The machine has a special crystal which produces the high frequency vibrations. A small paddle is applied to the skin to administer therapeutic ultrasound. A gel or other medium may be used to aid in the focus and administration of the ultrasound waves. It is a painless treatment and can produce many beneficial effects on soft tissues in the body. Therapeutic ultrasound produces heat in the body’s tissues which can help to treat injury and as a therapeutic treatment for arthritis and other conditions. The ultrasound waves are focused into the affected area for the most beneficial treatment. Dr. Mac will adjust the frequency according to the depth of treatment and results desired. Most therapeutic ultrasound is performed at 3MHz and may be pulsed or constant. Benefits of therapeutic ultrasound include: Increased blood flow to the area Increased flexibility of collagen fibers Anti-inflammatory benefits Tissue regeneration Bone strengthening These benefits are the result of the body’s response to the ultrasound waves. Cavitation is the result of gas filled bubbles which compress and expand because of the ultrasonic wave. Cavitation causes pressure changes in tissue fluids and may increase the flow of fluids in the surrounding tissues. This effect is very beneficial for the treatment of soft tissue injury and repair. Microstreaming is another result of therapeutic ultrasound therapy. It affects cell membrane structure and may help to aid in tissue repair. Therapeutic ultrasound is a painless and effective treatment method which has been used for over 70 years for the treatment of soft tissue injury, repair, and bone strengthening.

Red light therapy (RLT) uses low-wavelength red and near-infrared light (600–850 nm) to boost cellular energy (ATP), enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing inflammation. It is widely used for skin rejuvenation (collagen boost), hair growth, pain relief, and faster healing, typically requiring 5-20 minute sessions 3-5 times per week for 2-4 months. Key Health Benefits and Uses Skin Rejuvenation: Reduces wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and inflammation while boosting collagen. Hair Loss:  Promotes hair regrowth and increases thickness in cases of hereditary or hormonal loss, with results potentially comparable to minoxidil . Pain & Healing: Assists in treating inflammation, swelling, wound healing, and, in some cases, improving joint and muscle function. Other Applications: Used to treat early-stage precancerous skin spots, improve sleep quality (if used at the right time), and potentially support cognitive health.  How It Works The light penetrates the skin (about 5-10 millimeters), where it is absorbed by mitochondria, triggering a process called photobiomodulation. This increases energy production and helps cells function more efficiently.  Potential Side Effects and Considerations Safety: Generally considered safe and non-invasive, though improper use can lead to burns, blisters, or skin lesions. Application: It is crucial to use the correct dosage, usually 5–20 minutes per session. Limitations: While promising, the full, long-term effectiveness of RLT for all conditions is still under study.  Usage Tips Consistency is Key: Results typically become visible after 2–4 months of consistent use. Device Quality: While at-home LED devices are convenient and generally effective, professional-grade lasers can provide more targeted and intense treatment. Timing: For energy, use in the morning or afternoon; if using for relaxation, evening may be better. 

Soft tissue cupping, or myofascial decompression, is a therapeutic technique using suction cups to lift skin, fascia, and muscle tissue. It boosts blood flow, eases muscle tension, breaks up adhesions, and improves mobility. It is best for alleviating chronic pain (back/neck), treating trigger points, reducing soreness, and assisting in rehabilitation from sports injuries.  Key Aspects of Soft Tissue Cupping: Mechanism: Unlike massage (compression), cupping uses negative pressure (decompression) to pull tissue upward, separating tissue layers and increasing circulation. Techniques: Cups may remain in place (stationary) or be moved along muscles (gliding). They are sometimes used during active range of motion exercises. Benefits: Muscle Relaxation: Loosens tight muscles and reduces myofascial tension. Pain Relief: Effective for chronic, acute pain and improving lymphatic flow. Scar Tissue Reduction: Helps break up adhesions and scar tissue. Improved Mobility: Enhances tissue glide between muscles, tendons, and skin. Common Applications: Primarily used on the back, shoulders, and legs for injuries like tendinitis or bursitis. Side Effects: Often results in temporary, circular, purple or red marks caused by capillary rupture (not bruises from trauma). Other risks include skin irritation, skin infections, or, rarely, dizziness.