Physical Therapy

At American Family Chiropractic, we utilize both active and passive therapy techniques to aid in the recovery process from musculoskeletal conditions.  The services are as follows:

  • Electrical stimulation therapy: uses electrical impulses to elicit muscle contractions which help strengthen muscle and improve fatigue resistance. 
  • Ultrasound therapy: speeds up the healing process by increasing blood flow in the treated area.  Ultrasound also decreases pain from the reduction in swelling and edema. 
  • Soft tissue release: helps by breaking down scar tissue that forms around muscles and ligaments following an injury.  This will help improve circulation and range of motion. 
  • Application of ice and heat:  cryotherapy (ice therapy) is used for injuries because it helps to calm down damaged tissues that are inflamed.  Thermotherapy (heat therapy) is used for controlling the pain of muscle spasms/trigger points. 
  • Diathermy: provides deep heat in body tissues to help increase blood flow and decrease pain. 
  • Mechanical traction: helps to reduce pressure on the intervertebral discs, which allows for improved circulation and exchange of fluids within the disc.  This helps repair the disc and allow itself to heal. 
  • Neuromuscular re-education:  refers to techniques that that retrain the neuromuscular system to function properly.  It helps to form certain pathways of communication between the muscles and nerves which allow a patient to perform simple everyday acts. 
  • Home exercises:  are given to patients to help them strengthen and rehabilitate weak or injured muscles.  Performing on a daily basis helps to shorten healing time.
  • Paraffin wax bath:  the heat from the wax bath helps to increase blood flow and relax muscles and joints that are commonly affected by arthritis and fibromyalgia.  We use the paraffin wax most commonly for hands and feet.