Archive for March 2015
ATM-2 Rehabilitation
Overview
An ATM based treatment is a combined clinician/patient effort to manage and control acute and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Significant results of lowered pain level, improved range of movement, general feeling, and functional goals have been achieved with patients immediately during and after treatment. These achievements are then maintained and controlled by the patient her/himself using an ATM2 system.
The Challenge: Chronic Back Pain
The ability to cure chronic back and neck pain appears to be one of the biggest challenges clinicians worldwide have to face. The novelty of the ATM Concept is that, in all most all cases, not only can it effectively and immediately reduce current symptoms in the clinic phase, but if indicated it will give the patient a tool to take home and control the disorder in the future. If the pain levels are eliminated or maintained at a minimum, and the correct muscles are trained daily or as needed in an efficient and comfortable manner, patient control over their own disorder might be within reach.
The Examination Phase
The patient is evaluated to determine weather the ATM Concept is suitable. A full examination is undertaken, and contraindications to the ATM2 are searched for. These include pregnancy, internal diseases or conditions, communication problems, psychological factors and others. The patient’s readiness to undertake such a project is required. The most important indicator to use the ATM Concept is the ability to significantly decrease the symptoms using the ATM2.
The Treatment Phase
After the evaluation, and deciding that the patient is suitable for the ATM treatment, the clinician will set the patient on the ATM2 so that the specific painful movement will become totally pain-free. The patient performs 1-2 minutes of comfortable exercises while supported by the patented ATM2 device. Immediately after the treatment the clinician will release the patient from the ATM2 and expect the previously painful movement to have an immediate and significant reduction in pain and increase in range of motion. The clinic phase will last several sessions depending on the patient’s condition.
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue using various techniques, to enhance function, aid in the healing process, decrease muscle reflex activity, inhibit motor-neuron excitability, promote relaxation and well-being, and as a recreational activity.
Massage therapy is an excellent way to restore the body to its natural state and increase its healing capabilities. Benefits that result from massage include increased blood circulation, relief from joint and muscle pain, as well as help reduce levels of stress and depression. It has also been proven to aid in detoxifying the body, helping to rid it of waste and toxins. Massage therapy has been used over many years to help treat a vast number of conditions.
When used in addition with exercise and good nutrition, massage therapy helps insure that your body stays in top form. Regular practice of these activities helps minimize stress and pain, also making it easier for your body to fend off disease. Massage therapy is an excellent resource in maintaining optimal health.
Evidence strongly suggests early mobilization and range of motion exercises greatly improve recovery from nearly any injury or surgery.
OUR MASSAGE THERAPISTS ARE TRAINED AND LICENSED PROFESSIONALS.
Haynes Chiropractic’s Licensed Massage Practitioners are selected for their knowledge, skills, experience, and commitment to excellence. Our therapists are members of national massage therapy associations and follow clinical guidelines for injury treatment and recovery. Our clinic can provide you the best in both therapeutic and relaxation massage.
THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE IS ESSENTIAL FOR COMPLETE RECOVERY FROM AN INJURY.
Haynes Chiropractic prides itself in the effective treatment of whiplash, work and sports injuries, and chronic physical complaints. Our care is personalized to each stage and severity of an injury. Massage decreases pain and spasm, promotes healing, and restores function.
MASSAGE IS RELAXING AND HEALTHY.
Massage sedates the nervous system and counteracts the body’s response to stress, relaxing muscle tension and allowing heart rate, blood pressure, and circulation to normalize. It also restores a calm mind and feeling of well being.
MASSAGE IS AFFORDABLE AND MAKES A GREAT GIFT.
Our therapeutic massage services are a covered benefit with most insurance plans: health insurance, car accident insurance, and workers compensation. Gift certificates are available and make a great gift for all occasions. On-site massage therapy is also available for your workplace, office, or special event.
Therapeutic Massage is used to:
- Reduce headache related symptoms including migraines
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce stress
- Reduce depression
- Reduce Anxiety
- Reduce Allergies
- Reduce Allergies
- Improve circulation
- Increase muscle elasticity
- Treat sport injuries
- Increase muscle tone, and flexibility
- Allergies
- Relax
How do I identify a Certified Animal Chiropractor?
The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association trains and certifies veterinarians in the art and science of animal adjusting. Veterinarians with certification in animal chiropractic may be called to see your horse without a referral.
When selecting a chiropractor for your horse, be wary of exaggerated claims. Performance horses often have many problems and many compensations. Some problems are permanent and some diseases are progressive despite the best health care. Have realistic expectations. Do not expect that the veterinary chiropractor will solve long standing or multiple problems with one adjustment. Healing takes time.For more information on animal chiropractic and certified animal chiropractors, follow this link:
American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA)
623 Main
Hillsdale, IL 61257
Phone: 309-658-2920
What about Veterinary Chiropractic Care?
Chiropractic care can be a cost effective way to maintain the performance ability of the horse. Chiropractic works to eliminate the source of the pain or problem potential.
If you believe that your horse may benefit from the services of an animal chiropractor, how do you choose a practitioner?
Always have your veterinarian examine the horse first to determine if problems exist that require medical or surgical attention.
What about Conditioning?
Horses are more prone to subluxations and spinal trauma when soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles are not conditioned for work Interval training, adequate warm-up periods, and varying the type of activity will help with conditioning the equine athlete.
What about Massage?
Massage therapy is an excellent way to restore the body to its natural state and increase its healing capabilities. Benefits that result from massage include increased blood circulation, relief from joint and muscle pain, as well as help reduce levels of stress and depression. It has also been proven to aid in detoxifying the body, helping to rid it of waste and toxins. Massage therapy has been used over many years to help treat a vast number of conditions.
When used in addition with exercise and good nutrition, massage therapy helps insure that your body stays in top form. Regular practice of these activities helps minimize stress and pain, also making it easier for your body to fend off disease. Massage therapy is an excellent resource in maintaining optimal health.
Massage and muscle therapy is beneficial in the continued spinal health of a horse. Massage increases blood supply that brings nutrition to muscles as well as carrying away waste toxins. Massage relaxes tight, tense muscles allowing for better function. Massage is helpful in the healing of tissues to remove adhesions and speed removal of fluid.
What about Conformation?
The conformation of the horse should be considered when selecting a horse for a particular use. Horse breeds have been selectively modified to function best in a variety of performance types. Selection of breed or halter conformation is not a guarantee of successful athietic function. Study those horses that are winning consistently. What are their characteristics? Horses with long backs are more prone to muscle and ligament injuries, and straight shoulders predispose to front leg problems.
How can I identify these symptoms?
Range of Motion
The horse should move freely in all ranges of motion with no tension both under saddle and from the ground.
1. Ask the horse to bend his head and neck to touch its nose to cinch area on each side. Does the horse resist more on one side? This could indicate a subluxation of the neck.
2. Test the lateral bend of the horse’s back by pulling on the tail with one hand as the other hand rests on the tops of the vertebra. Is one side stiffer than the other?
3. Apply moderate downward pressure on back. The back should flex and dip slightly and not feel tight and rigid.
Muscle Palpation
Examine the major muscles of the horse for pain, tone, and symmetry. Horses in condition should display muscles of good tone that are symmetrical from one side to the other. The muscles should be firm without being too hard or too soft. Muscles should not be painful to moderate pressure of palpation.
Bone Palpation
Palpate down the spine for prominent elevations or bumps. Compare the two prominences at the top of the hips; they should be level. Notice any bumps in the neck.
What are the symptoms of a Subluxation?
Subluxations of the spinal column may produce many symptoms. The most common problem is pain. Animals in pain will compensate in gait or posture and may resist or refuse to perform. Compensatory movements may cause other problem such as added stress on joints. The following is a list of symptoms that may indicate pain from a subluxation.
- Abnormal and varying posture when standing
- Discomfort when saddling
- Discomfort when riding
- Evasions such as extending head and neck or hollowing back
- Wringing tail and pinning ears
- Refusal or unwillingness over jumps
- Refusal or resistance in performance such as lateral or collected movements
- Development of unusual behavior patterns
- Facial expression of apprehension or pain
- Sensitivity
- Stiffness, resistance to move
Subluxations may cause changes in muscle coordination and flexibility that affects the performance ability of the horse or dog.
These symptoms may be:
- Lack of coordination in gaits
- Clnusual, perhaps indefinable gait abnormalities which var from limb to limb and change depending on gait
- Stiffness when coming out of stall
- Stiffness in lateral movements of neck or back
- Muscle atrophy
- Shortened stride in one or two limbs
- Inability to engage rear quarters
- Inability to lengthen top line
- Improper frame
- Decreased stride length
- Difficulty flexing at the poll
- Lameness
- On line or pulling on one rein
- Rider cannot sit centered on horse
- Not using the back in movement (leg movers)
Subluxations may cause problems in the nerves that supply other cells such as those of the skin, glands, and blood vessels. Some of the symptoms that result may be:
- unusual body or tail rubbing
- increased sensitivity to heat or cold
- asymmetrical sweating or lack of sweating
How do I examine my horse for Subluxations?
Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct subluxations. However, trainers, riders, or owners may check to see if their horses have problems with the spinal column. Examination of the spine before purchase is just as important as examination of the extremities.
Gait and Performance
- Has the horse recently changed behavior or working below its ability?
- Does an obscure or shifting lameness exist?
- Is the rider having difficulty staying centered?
- Is the rider or trainer noticing subtle shifts or difficulties in gaits without apparent lameness?
- Is the horse dragging toes or showing unusual shoe wear?
The following may cause subluxations:
- Trauma
- Conformation Traits
- Trailers
- Birth
- Confinement
- Performance Type
- Rider Ability
- Equipment
- Age
- Shoeing