Types of Treatment

Dr. Symes has been well trained in many different types of manual adjusting (hands-on) techniques, including, Diversified and Gonstead. He is also well-versed in the use of Activator and Active Release Technique (A.R.T.).

Chiropractic manipulation or adjustment:

The term adjustment refers to the specific manipulation chiropractors apply to vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or fail to function normally. Restricted movement in the joints, including the spine, leads to pain and reduced function. The objective of the chiropractic treatment is to reduce the misalignment of the vertebra (subluxation), which results in an increased range of motion, reduced nerve irritability, decreased pain, and improved function.

The adjustment consists of a high velocity, short lever, arm thrust applied to a vertebra, which is often accompanied by an audible release of gas. The audible sound is caused by the release of oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide, which releases joint pressure (like popping open a can of soda). The sensation is usually relieving and provides many benefits.

Adjustments reduce pain, increase range of motion, and improve function. Chiropractic care is beneficial in treating back pain, neck pain, headaches, radiating pain (such as sciatica), athletic injuries, muscular tightness/stiffness, whiplash injuries, and many other musculoskeletal based issues.

Active Release Technique:

ART is a state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

Decompression Therapy:

Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy produces the forces and positions required to cause decompression of the intervertebral discs. Decompression is the unloading due to distraction and positioning of the spine.

This therapy produces negative pressure within the disc to allow the particular injury to heal naturally. Conditions that may be treated include: back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome and sciatica.

Ice (Cryotherapy) and Heat (Hydrocollator) Therapy:

Cryotherapy (ice) is used to control inflammation (swelling), reduce pain, and reduce muscle spasm. Cryotherapy is an inexpensive, readily available, and easy way to reduce the local swelling of inflamed tissues. In addition to the reduction of swelling, it is used to numb the affected area, thereby reducing pain.

Hydrocollator therapy (moist heat) can be applied to increase blood flow, reduce muscle spasms, reduce joint stiffness, and make soft tissue more limber. These therapies assist with the spinal adjustment and have therapeutic benefits as well.

Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) aka Electrical Stimulation (E-stim):

Interferential current therapy (IFC) is a modality used to aid in the relief of pain and promote soft-tissue healing. This machine produces electrical currents that pass through the affected area of the patient. The current tends to penetrate deeper than other electrical modalities and has a number of physiological effects that have therapeutic value.

The physiological effects include:
a) An increase in localized blood flow which can improve healing by reducing swelling and increasing nutrients to the damaged area.
b) The stimulation of local nerve cells that can have a pain reducing effect.
c) Some degree of muscle stimulation and muscle contraction which can help increase and restore range of motion.
Other benefits are: relaxation of muscle spasm, prevention of disuse atrophy, muscle re-education, and symptomatic relief of chronic pain.

During treatment patient will feel a tingling or 'pins and needles' sensation at the contact area of the electrodes and may also feel the tingling sensation throughout the area being treated. Most patients find this therapy to be very relaxing and beneficial.

Intersegmental Traction Table (Roller Table):

Intersegmental traction therapy gently and effectively re-establishes normal range of motion to your spine. It also facilitates muscle relaxation to significantly reduce muscle spasms.

When the spine's postural muscles-the muscles that hold you upright-are fatigued, traumatized or negatively impacted from lost circulation due to accident or injury, spasms may occur. The intersegmental traction table carefully elongates the postural muscles of your spine in a comfortable, even manner, and allows normal joint motion, circulation and mobility to return.

Benefits of the table include:
a) Mobilization of the spinal column while simultaneously and gently stretching ligaments and muscles.
b) Increase in blood flow and oxygen to discs, ligaments and muscles, thereby improving balance, strength, and mobility.

Our office designs treatment plans for all our patients, based on the condition and their particular needs.
The three phases we consider are:

Relief Care

Relief care is designed to decrease, eliminate, and manage pain. Typically, patient's see relief in a short amount of time.

Corrective

Corrective care is designed to prevent pain and symptoms from returning after relief, correcting the cause of the issue and eliminating that cause. Oftentimes, this is done with rehabilitation of the muscles and joints, strengthening exercises, and home care programs.

Wellness

Wellness is our ultimate goal for all of our patient's. This is achieved with proper diet, exercise, healthy attitude, good posture, and sleeping habits. Wellness comes through lifestyle choices and changes and is necessary for a lifetime of good health.