Therapeutic Modalities Aid in Decreasing Pain and Promoting Healing
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
Often referred to as "muscle stim.", the therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain and speed healing. Often described by patients as a pleasant, "tingling" sensation, or "electrical massage," these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins. These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain, as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities.
Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy is the application of red and near infra-red light over injuries or lesions to improve wound / soft tissue healing and give relief for both acute and chronic pain. It is now officially referred to as (Low Level Laser Therapy) LLLT. Laser therapy is used to increase the speed and quality of tissue repair, give pain relief, and resolve inflammation.
Interferential Electro-Therapy
Interferential Electro-Therapy is most often used for pain relief and to aid in reducing the swelling of soft tissues. Ligament sprains, muscle strains and spasms often respond to this treatment, helping to reduce atrophy and increase blood circulation. Tiny amounts of electrical impulses are induced into the tissues in the vicinity of the injury. Where these waves intersect below the surface of the skin, a low-frequency stimulation is created. This prompts the body to secrete endorphins and other natural pain killers to help relieve pain. Most patients find Interferential Electro-Therapy to be extremely beneficial and describe the treatment as a faint "pins and needles" sensation.
Intersegmental Traction
Intersegmental traction tables gently help re-establish the normal ranges of the body's spine. Intersegmental traction tables also help facilitate muscle relaxation and reduce muscle spasms. Intersegmental traction tables mobilize the spinal column while simultaneously and gently stretching ligaments and muscles. In addition, Intersegmental traction tables increase blood flow and oxygen to discs, ligaments, and muscles, thereby improving balance, strength, and mobility.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the use of ultrasonic waves to help in the healing process of strained muscles tendons, and ligaments. This therapy will increase blood flow in the treated area(s). This improves healing, decreases pain, reduces swelling/edema as well as gives a gentle massage to the muscles, tendons and/or ligaments.
Hot & Cold Therapy
Many episodes of muscle strain result from over-exertion, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the area of pain. Heat therapy can help relieve chronic pain from muscle spasms and related tightness. Cold therapy is best for acute pain caused by recent tissue damage (acute inflammation) and when an injury is inflamed or sensitive. This treatment is typically used in combination with other therapies.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Pain is also relieved through active techniques and exercise therapy - exercises that stretch the sore muscles and increase their flexibility. This is achieved through various exercise recommendations in order to isolate a desired muscle or muscle group to increase the effectiveness of the exercise. Exercise therapy improves connective tissue strength and integrity, and range of motion of the spine and extremities.Typically a rehabilitation exercise program is given after the acute phase of treatment is completed.