Adjustment/Manipulation

When spinal vertebrae and pelvis are out of alignment, it has effect on muscle, ligament, tendon and nerve. If the misalignment is not corrected and the nerve impulse from the brain is interrupted, our body can not function properly at our peak performance level. By utilizing the hands or an instrument, an adjustment can correct these misalignment and putting a vertebrate back into the correct position. You may hear a sound of “cavitation”-release of gas such as oxygen and nitrogen like cracking your knuckles. Sometimes, Dr. Lee uses the Activator. The Activator is an instrument which is hand-held, spring loaded, manual tool that provides a low-force impulse. While the patient is lying face down on the adjustment table, Dr. Lee adjusts the spine (sometimes extremities joints) after evaluating leg length. It is considered as “gentle” technique.

Activator

Dr. Lee uses the Activator. The Activator is an instrument which is hand-held, spring loaded, manual tool that provides a low-force impulse. While the patient is lying face down on the adjustment table, Dr. Lee adjusts the spine (sometimes extremities joints) after evaluating leg length. It is considered as “gentle” technique.

Graston Technique

It is a form of an instrumented assisted soft-tissue mobilization.  The procedure involves an instrument with a specialized form of massage/scraping the skin gently. The goals of therapy are to reduce the patient’s pain and increase function through a combination of:
  • A) Breaking down the scar tissue and fascia restrictions that are      usually assisted with some form of trauma to the soft tissue (e.g., a strained muscle or a pulled ligament, tendon or fascia).
  • B) Reducing restrictions by stretching connective tissues in an attempt to rearrange the structure of the soft tissue being treated (e.g., muscle, fascia, tendon and ligaments).
  • C) Promoting a better healing environment for the injured soft tissue.

Cox Flexion - Distraction Technique

The technique involves a gentle adjustment that is designed to adjust vertebrae by introducing a gentle stretch and flexion to the lower back, usually in a series of repetitive slow movements similar to a rocking motion.

Therapeutic Exercises

The patients are often prescribed with the course of Therapeutic Exercises. It is to improve joint flexibility/motion, strength, motor control, endurance, efficiency, posture, balance or coordination by means of active and passive exercises.

Electro-muscle Stimulation

The therapy is designed to help reduce pain, swelling and muscle spasm by utilizing a small electrical current into the injured area. It allows return to the normal by relaxing the muscles.

Ultrasound

This is a therapeutic ultrasound machine.  It emits the sound wave which penetrates deep under the skin to facilitate the recovery by vibration and massage of the soft tissues: muscles, tendons and ligaments.  It is different from the com- monly known diagnostic ultrasound which is to see internally but the principles are same.

Cervical Mechanical Traction

Traction is a therapeutic method to relieve pain, numbness and tingling sensation in arm/hand/fingers by stretching the spine.  By stretching the vertebrae, it helps to relieve direct pressure and stress into the vertebral discs.   It also promotes an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc by creating a lower pressure in the disc.

Foot Orthotics

Flat feet or foot with high arch sometimes causes biomechanical aberrant motion at the foot causing the extra pressure/stress in the ankle, knee, hip, back and neck.  Orthotics will often not only reduce pain but also realign bone in the foot and ankle and in return take the pressure off from the rest of the body.

McKenzie Protocol

The McKenzie Protocol was developed in the 1960s by Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist in the New Zealand.  In his practice, he noted that extending the spine could provide significant pain relief to certain patients and allow them to return to their normal daily activities.  “Centralization” of the pain by moving it away from the extremities (leg or arm) to the center of the spine.  The goal of McKenzie protocol is:

  1. Reduce pain quickly.
  2. Return to normal functioning in daily activities.
  3. Minimize the risk or recurring pain. (avoid painful posture and movements)

 

Kinetic Taping

There are 5 current Connective Techniques: mechanical, fascia, space, ligament / tendon, functional and lymphatic.  After a careful and thorough evaluation, it will be determined which type of taping is the correct application for the patient.
You may have seen the athletes with kinetic-taping during the 2008 Beijing Olympic game on television.  Since the tape was functional taping, the tape was designed to be kept on  the injured area during the competition to give not only a support, stability and comfort but also it was a form of treatment to prevent / reduce further injury or swelling of the area.