Therapies

Spinal Decompression
A non-surgical treatment for degenerated, bulging and herniated discs, Spinal Decompression Therapy is effective at stretching the spine to increase the space between discs. This pain-free therapy has a very high rate of success at reducing or even eliminating neck and back pain. As an alternative to surgery, decompression restores nutrient flow to the discs, takes pressure off the nerves, and helps to prevent further disc problems to help minimize the debilitating pain and discomfort associated with disc issues.

Spinal discs are the "spacers" between vertebrae that help cushion the spine that keep the bones from rubbing together and causing spinal degeneration. With continuous or accumulated damage, these discs can become worn, compressed, bulging, or herniated. Lower back pain, sciatica, neck pain, and a variety of symptoms can be caused by damaged or degenerated spinal discs.

Corrective Chiropractic & Wellness uses a state-of-the-art machine which is considered the leading non-surgical alternative to relieve symptoms of cervical and lumbar disc degeneration. Due to the non-invasive and effective nature of this traction treatment, millions of people in Harker Heights and surrounding locations suffering from degenerative disc disease and the painful symptoms associated with it have been given new hope!

The treatment lasts less than 20 minutes and is administered while you are fully clothed. The Decompression Unit will take each patient through cycles of stretch and relaxation, which peak after several minutes. Most of our patients report a noticeable difference after only a few treatments. There are several position options for your comfort and for the success of the treatment

Patient Benefits of Spinal Decompression:

• Helps reduce/eliminate back and neck pain
• Releases pressure on the nerves
• Improved circulation of spinal fluids
• Pain-free alternative to surgery
• Reduction in disc degeneration and thinning
• Non-invasive and effective treatment

"IST" Inter-Segmental Traction
The IST therapy at our Harker Heights chiropractic clinic is one of the patient's favorites as it combines the use of gentle rollers and vibration (optional) to induce passive motion in the spine. By stretching the spinal joints, there is an increase in mobility, circulation, healing, and a reduction in the degeneration and/or thinning of discs.

Patients simply lie face up on the IST table, relax, and let one of our Chiropractic Assistants activate the motion which consists of rollers that slowly move up and down the spine and the optional constant vibration. The soothing motion and gentle rolling action exercises the spine without effort and is found to be very restful. Discs often have poor blood supply as fixations prevent the natural flow of fluid from the surrounding spinal joints. This can cause disc degeneration and thinning. By stimulating and stretching the spine you increase the circulation of blood, help stop further degeneration, and begin the healing process.

Patient Benefits of IST:

• Relaxing, comfortable, rejuvenating
• Increased spinal mobility
• Improved circulation of spinal fluids
• Increased mobility and healing
• Reduction in disc degeneration and thinning

 
Low Level Laser
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser, is a painless, sterile, non-invasive, drug-free modality that is used for a variety of conditions such as, acute and chronic pain, body-contouring, acne and cellulite.
 
Housed within the mitochondria, the cell energy manufacturer, are receptors capable of absorbing distinct parameters of light. Think of these receptors like any drug receptors. When we consume a prescription medication, the compound is absorbed by the body and it locates a particular receptor, and based upon its molecular design, will bind to that receptor. Once the drug binds, a secondary reaction inside the cell takes place. A similar mechanism is observed when exposing the body to a particular color of light. During a laser treatment the light will penetrate the skin and is absorbed by this receptor within the mitochondria. Receptor stimulation with light promotes energy production, biochemical reactions, protein and growth factor synthesis, cell growth and proliferation and enhanced blood and oxygen flow.

Patient Benefits of Low Level Laser Therapy:

• Stimulate repair of tissue
• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve pain in musculoskeletal disorders

 
"STIM" Electrical Stimulation
This interferential electrical therapy is different than an at-home TENS unit. The STIM uses two different low frequency stimulations that are placed diagonal of the injury area allowing the waves to intersect and promote pain relief and healing. Natural endorphins and other natural painkillers are induced by these tiny electrical impulses that are described as having a faint "pins and needles" sensation. It is a therapeutic treatment that relieves pain and decreases swelling and inflammation through alternating electrical wavelength frequencies. It is a therapeutic treatment to aid in soft tissue healing, ligament sprains, and muscle strains and spasms.

Patient Benefits of STIM:

• Reduces Painful Symptoms
• Decreases Local Swelling
• Promotes Muscle Tone
• Restores Normal Movements
• Releases the Body's Natural Pain Killers
• Accelerates the Healing Process

Ultrasound Therapy
Ultrasound therapy refers to the therapeutic treatment of soft tissue injuries by the administration of high-frequency sound waves to the affected region.

These high-speed waves generate a heat response in the injured tissue, leading to a therapeutic healing effect. This is brought about by the breakdown of calcium and other dangerous deposits in the soft tissue by the vibrations and heat in the ultrasound waves. The transmission of these waves to the skin is achieved by the use of a gel which might feel cool when applied to the skin at room temperature. The ultrasound treatment is applied at the site of injury and penetrates deep into the body, causing a rise in temperature which helps to relax muscle spasms, massage damage tissues, increase blood flow to the injured site, and ultimately speed the recovery process.
 
Patient Benefits of Ultrasound Therapy:

• Dissolving calcium deposits
• Improving blood flow, and hence speeding metabolism and the healing process
• Providing relief from nerve root irritation
• Effective in the treatment of shoulder, elbows, and other sports-related injuries

Curve Restoration Traction
Traction applied to the spine to restore or decrease the curves of the spine as viewed from the side. Research has determined the amount of curve that is appropriate for the various regions of the spine. Abnormal spinal curves make the spine more prone to degeneration, disc bulges, disc herniations, and other injuries.

 
Core Muscle Strength Training
Beyond all the muscles in the legs and arms, the core is the most essential part of the body to possess strength and stability. Core muscle weakness is a major cause of many musculoskeletal problems and pain syndromes. By developing proper core muscles, many problems can be resolved as well as preventing future injuries.

Your "core" is the same thing as your torso or trunk which extends from the shoulders down to the buttocks and hips, including everything in between. Many people think working the "abs" by doing crunches is all they need to do but the abdominals make up a very small portion of the core. Crunches are beneficial only if done properly, to protect the lower back, and need to be augmented with a variety of core exercises to achieve functional strength.

Core strength and stability is considered "functional training" in that it enhances the day-to-day routine work you put your body through and makes daily chores easier, faster, and safer by stabilizing the spine during lifting, twisting, contraction, stretching, and other movements.


Muscle Stretching and Joint Flexibility Exercises
Because the skeletal system and musclular system work together constantly, the focus on muscle and joint care is paramount when dealing with structural issues. If you are not including enough stretching and flexibility exercises in your routine, your body will start to feel the effects of constantly contracted muscles and limited joint range of motion. This condition can easily lead to increased injuries. We will show you specific exercises that will help to reduce muscle strain, increase flexibility, and even reduce pain.

Posture Correction
The constant structural position of your body, known as your posture, and in exercise your 'form,' has a tremendous impact on your health and vitality. Bad posture is a leading cause of spinal pain and other symptoms, as well as loss of function and spinal curvature. There are also a host of soft tissue problems associated with poor posture. Good posture optimizes the function and form of your body, and is crucial to your quality and quantity of life.

Considering that all but one of your major organs are in your torso (your brain is in the skull), the positioning of the skeletal and muscular systems are key in providing enough room and protection for these vital areas. Proper posture not only offers health and longevity to your spine, it allows your lungs to receive enough oxygen, gives your heart room to pump powerfully, keeps the digestive system moving smoothly, and allows all your organs to do their jobs without restricting the physical space needed to function properly.

We will show you what the best posture is for you and how to maintain it! Posture correction can be achieved through a combination of chiropractic manipulations, tractioning procedures, and posture exercises. The doctors will make recommendations as needed per your initial and progress exams.