Services
Chiropractic care
Chiropractic care is used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders including back and neck pain, as well as conditions of the extremities (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee etc.). Some of the other conditions that may benefit from chiropractic care include headaches, dizziness, sciatica, bulging or herniated discs and temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).
One of the most common treatments we perform is a chiropractic adjustment or spinal manipulation. The goal of the adjustment is to correct joint biomechanics, increase range of motion and restore function. The lack of movement occurring at the joint, otherwise known as hypomobility, is often due to tissue injury that can be attributed to repetitive stress or poor posture from sitting at a desk all day. Sometimes, joints do not need an adjustment due to them having too much movement, or hypermobility. These joints and surrounding structures need stabilization to support proper movement patterns.
soft tissue therapy
Soft tissue therapy is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care to help the patient achieve the greatest outcome possible. This therapy is used to help loosen muscles that are overly tight and to help activate muscles that might be inhibited or weak.
Most of the soft tissue work performed by Dr. Santos includes pin and stretch or myofascial release, instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, trigger point therapies and kinesiology taping.
Functional rehabilitation
Functional Rehabilitation is another aspect of patient care that is utilized in most treatment plans. Opposed to a passive treatment approach, Dr. Santos believes it is crucial to implement movement, strengthening and stabilization to not only allow the body to overcome pain, but to prevent future injuries. By using patient specific exercises, we aim to address movement deficiencies and areas of weakness or muscle inhibition to return the patient to an optimal level of performance.
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy
Dr. Santos is currently pursuing credentials in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy (MDT). This therapy was developed in the 1950’s and is considered one of the most well researched approaches of musculoskeletal care. The McKenzie Method is an assessment that uses the patient’s response to specific movements to treat musculoskeletal pain and associated conditions. Some of these conditions include sciatica, bulging or herniated discs, arthritis, joint pain and numbness and tingling in the hands and feet.
MDT gives a patient the ability to understand the causes of their discomfort and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management. In turn, it allows the patient to reduce dependence on invasive medical intervention and save money on expensive and high risk procedures.
