Services Offered

What is it?

ARP is an acronym for Accelerated Recovery Performance, a system comprised of proprietary technology and protocols created by Denis Thompson founder of ARPwave. ARP uses a patented bio-electrical current, simultaneously with active range-of-motion and other exercise techniques, to significantly speed up the body's natural recuperative ability. ARP is based on the premise that injury is the result of the muscle’s inability to absorb force. The electrical stimulation device (the ARP) possesses specific characteristics that are not found in any conventional therapeutic neuromuscular electrical stimulator (interferential, microcurrent, galvanic, Russian stim, iontophoresis).

The ARP uses direct current (DC) compounded with a high frequency double exponential, patented background waveform. This background wave is harmonious with the body and significantly reduces skin and fatty tissue impedance allowing much deeper penetration of the direct current without the side effects of skin burning.

Also, the unique waveform produces minimal inhibitory protective muscle contractions allowing active range of motion during therapy and training. This permits eccentric (lengthening) contractions to occur which are critical to treatment.

How Is It Performed?

All ARP treatments work on the principle that joint problems, tears, sprains, fractures, or repetitive task injuries are caused by muscles not properly absorbing force. This energy propagates to tissue not intended to accept the force. We identify the muscles that are incapable of doing their job and treat them by placing electrode pads on the area to eliminate the cause of these symptoms. Most of the time, the symptom of pain or weakness will be resolved. We do not treat the specific bone fracture, joint problem, or tear, but treat the muscles so they can perform their normal role of stabilizing the site.

Who should consider ARP?

ARP treatment is indicated for the treatment of all muscle related injuries.

•Relaxation of muscle spasms
•Prevention and retardation of disuse atrophy
•Increase of local blood circulation
•Muscle re-education
•Maintaining and increasing range of motion

Post-surgical Rehabilitation ?ARP protocols can also be specifically used with the ARP to accelerate muscle rehabilitation of the following:

•Cervical and Lumbar spine
•Shoulder
•Elbow
•Wrist
•Hip
•Knee
•Ankle
•Foot

The Science Behind ARP

The cellular processes of tissue and bone healing are complex and multifactorial. The scientific basis for ARP treatment is the positive cellular effects of direct current electrical fields on these processes. Direct current has been shown to affect cellular migration and orientation, endothelialization, protein synthesis, and calcium regulation, as well as stimulation of new bone formation and fracture healing.(4,6,7,10,18,19,21,22,24,25)

The initial response after injury is coagulation modulated by plasma platelet cells that form fibrin clots to stop bleeding. The clots attract polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and fibroblasts that, in turn, adhere to the clots forming a fibrin gel. The PMNs consume bacteria and wound debris by secreting proteases.

Platelets also release growth factors that attract monocytes to the site of injury. Monocytes mature into macrophages that become the controlling cells in tissue healing. Macrophages continue the process of bacteria phagocytosis and cleaning of wound debris and also secrete growth factors that attract and activate fibroblasts.

Fibroblasts proliferate and migrate, and produce a collagen matrix. Concomitantly, endothelial cells migrate to the collagen matrix to produce new blood vessels in this matrix. Granulation tissue is formed composed of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, PMNs, and a collagen matrix.

Direct current electrical fields can modulate a number of factors involved in the healing response. A major process that is affected by direct current is cellular migration and orientation. Cooper and Keller, working with amphibian neural crest cells exposed to a direct current field, demonstrated a migration of cells towards the cathode with a resultant perpendicular cellular orientation.(7) In further studies, Cooper and Schliwa concluded that cell locomotion could be controlled with manipulation of the direct current field.(8) This process, called galvanotaxis, has been demonstrated also in neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts.(10,18,21,22,23)

Direct current can also produce changes in endothelialization. Nannmark et al reported an increased permeability to macromolecules, and changes in capillary permeability to white blood cells with exposure to low levels of direct current.(19) Direct current can affect the migration of endothelial cells in vitro.(24)

Intracellular processes are also affected by exposure to direct current. Cheng et al established that relatively low levels of direct current can raise the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level almost 500 % and increase protein synthesis and membrane transport.(6) Bourguignon et al demonstrated an uncapping of insulin receptors on the cell membrane and enhancement of protein and DNA synthesis within the first minute after direct current stimulation.(4)

New bone formation and fracture healing are positively affected by the application of a direct current electrical field.(11,12,14,17) The net effect of direct current on bone is an increase in osteoblastic activity and new bone formation around the cathode. These effects are optimally demonstrated with a current level of 5 to 20 micro amps. Studies have shown increased spinal fusion rates, and increased healing of fracture nonunions.(5,9,13)

The scientific basis for the use of direct current stimulation in tissue healing has long been established. The clinical problem has been in the application of the direct current without severe discomfort and skin damage. With precise application of an ingenious, patented background waveform, ARP technology allows clinically appropriate levels of direct current to be delivered to tissues safely.

References:

ARP is the culmination of an immense body of research comprising the science behind the technology: 1. Bassett CAL, Hermann I. The effect of electrostatic fields on macromolecular synthesis by fibroblasts in vitro. J Cell Biol, 329: 9, 1968. 2. Borgens RB, Vanable JW, Jaffe LF. Bioelectricity and regeneration. Large currents leave the stumps of regenerating newt limbs. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 74: 4528-4532, 1977. 3. Borgens RB, Chapter 5: Integumentary potentials and Wound Healing in Electric Fields in Vertebrate Repair: Natural and Applied Voltages in Vertebrate Regeneration and Healing. Borgens RB, Robinson KR, Vanable JW, McGinis ME, McCaig CD (eds). New York, NY, Alan R. Liss, pp 171-224, 1989. 4. Bourguignon GJ, Wenche JY, and Bourguignon L. Electrical stimulation of human fibroblasts cause an increase in calcium influx and the exposure of additional insulin receptors. J Cellular Physiology, 140: 379-385,1989. 5. Brighton CT. Current concepts review: The treatment of nonunions with electricity. J Bone Joint Surg, 62A: 847-851, 1981. 6. Cheng N, et al. The effect of electrocurrents on ATP generation protein synthesis, and membrane transport in rat skin. Clinical Orthopedics, 171: 264-272, 1982. 7. Cooper MS, Keller RE. Perpendicular orientation and directional migration of amphibian neural crest cells in DC electric fields. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 81: 160-164, 1985. 8. Cooper MS, Schliwa M. Electrical and ionic controls of tissue cell locomotion in DC electric fields. J. Neurosci Res, 13: 223-244, 1985. 9. Dwyer AF, Wickham GG. Direct current stimulation in spinal fusion. Med J Aust, 1: 73-75, 1974. 10. Erickson CA, Nuccitelli RL. Embryonic cell motility can be guided by physiological electric fields. J Cell Biol, 98: 296-307, 1984. 11. Friedenberg ZB, Kohanim M. The effect of direct current on bone. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 131: 894-899, 1970. 12. Friedenberg ZB, Andrews ET, Smolenski BI et al. Bone reaction to varying amounts of direct current, Surg Gynecol Obstet, 131: 894-899, 1970. 13. Friedenberg ZB, Harlow MC, Brighton CT. Healing of nonunion of medial malleolus by means of direct current: a case report. J Trauma, 11: 883-885, 1971. 14. Friedenberg ZB, Roberts PG, Didizian NH, Brighton CT. Stimulation of fracture healing by direct current in the rabbit fibula. J Bone Joint Surg, 53A: 1400-1408, 1971. 15. Goh JCH, Bose K, Kang YK, Nugroho B. Effects of electrical stimulation on biomechanical properties of fracture healing in rabbits. Clin Orthop, 233: 268-273, 1988. 16. Illingworth CM, Baker AT. Measurement of electrical currents emerging during the regeneration of amputated finger tips in children. Clin Phys Physiol Meas, 1: 87, 1980. 17. Lavine LS, Lustrin I, Shamos M, Moss ML. The influence of electric current on bone regeneration in vivo. Acta Orthop Scand, 42: 305-314, 1971. 18. Luther PW, Peng HB, Lin JC. Changes in cell shape and action distribution induced by constant electrical fields. Nature, 303: 61-64, 1985. 19.Nannmark U, Buch F, Albrektsson T. Vascular reactions during electrical stimulation. Vital microscopy of the hamster cheek pouch and the rabbit tibia. Acta Orthop Scand, 56: 52-56, 1985. 20. Nessler JP, Mass DP. Direct current electrical stimulation of tendon healing in vitro. Clinical Orthpedics, 217: 303 -308, 1985. 21. Orida N, Feldman JHD. Directional protrusive psudopodial activity and motility in macrophages induced by extracellular electric fields. Cell Motility, 2: 243-255, 1982. 22. Nucatelli R, Erickson Ca. Embryonic cell motility can be guided by physiologic electric fields. Exp Cell Res, 147: 195-201, 1983. 23. Pethig R, Kell DB. The passive electrical properties of biologic systems: their significance in physiology, biophysics, and biotechnology. Phys Med Biol, 32 (8): 933-970, 1987. 24. Sawyer PN, Suckling EE, Wesolowski SA. Effect of small electric currents on intravascular thrombosis in the visualized rat mesentery. Am J Physiol, 198: 1006-1010, 1960. 25.Schwan HP. Mechanisms responsible for electrical properties of tissues and cell suspension. Med Prog Technol, 19 (4): 163-165, 1993-94

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What is it?

Active Release Technique (A.R.T.®) is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue system that diagnoses and permanently treats soft tissue injuries. These injuries can be a result of repetitive stress or trauma such as whiplash or from over-use of the same muscle group doing the same activities. It is a non-invasive healing procedure that locates and breaks down scar tissue and adhesions that cause soft-tissue injuries.

How is it performed?

It is a method of healing injuries by locating scar tissue, then applying tension to the scar tissue while lengthening muscles, tendons and ligaments. ART returns tissue to its correct tension, texture, movement and function thus eliminating symptoms.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach - treatment and specific moves incorporated depend on the evaluation results of the patient.

Who should consider ART?

ART is a highly successful treatment not only for athletes, but to anyone who leads an active life, sits at a computer all day, or enjoys gardening. Many daily activities cause repetitive stress and the formation of scar tissue, which hinders the movement and function of soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves). This creates symptoms of pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, numbness and weakness.

If you suffer from any of the following ailments, ART may be the solution for you.

•Headaches
•Back pain
•Hip pain
•Neck pain
•Carpal tunnel syndrome
•Golfer's elbow
•Tendonitis
•Shin splints
•Finger pain
•Shoulder pain
•Sciatica
•Leg pain
•TMJ
•Plantar fasciitis
•Knee problems
•Wrist pain
•Tennis elbow
ART has a 90% success rate in treating these symptoms permanently.
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What is Spinal Rehabilitation?

Spinal rehabilitation is a broad term which refers to the identification and correction of problems of the spine and surrounding musculature to restore spinal health and optimal function. In other words, spinal rehab utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to help people regain daily activities and decrease pain.

The spinal column, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, runs from the base of the skull to the buttocks. It includes 24 vertebrae, the intervertebral discs acting as “shock absorbers" between the bones, the sacrum located in the pelvic area between the hip bones, and the coccyx or tail bone. Problems in any of these areas can encompass a wide variety of ailments.

Spinal rehabilitation can treat problems with the bones, the surrounding muscles and any collateral problems such as radiating pain symptoms. Herniated discs, where the soft central portion between the bones leaks out of its enclosure, and spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal becomes narrowed, are two problems for which a rehab program can be beneficial. Degenerative disc disease, also known as degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis, where deformities of the bone come from normal wear-and-tear, also responds well the spinal rehab. Even facet syndrome or irritation of the joints of the spine, and injuries or pain from sports, accidents or overuse can benefit from spinal rehabilitation.

Basically, spinal rehabilitation consists of finding the injury or site of pain and using various therapeutic techniques to correct problem, relax surrounding tight muscles, decrease pain symptoms and regain functional motion. Rehab begins with finding the root of the problem. Some common procedures used are diagnostic testing like MRI’s or magnetic resonance imaging and nerve conduction tests. This is then followed by a comprehensive treatment program to reduce symptoms and restore mobility.

Chiropractors also play a big part in spinal rehabilitation as their focus is on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal problems. This includes the bones and the surrounding muscles to help ease pain and restore mobility.

In short, spinal rehabilitation is the term used when there is some sort of problem with the spine or surrounding tissues. It includes a wide range of treatment options to help solve or relieve the pain and dysfunction often related to an abnormality of the spine. It is a process in which each patient receives an individual care plan to best manage their individual symptoms and functional problems to return to normal daily activities.

copyright © 2003 - 2009 Sandra Koehler and www.wisegeek.com

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Sports medicine specializes in preventing, diagnosing and treating injuries related to participating in sports and/or exercise, specifically the rotation or deformation of joints or muscles caused by engaging in such physical activities.

History

Primitive efforts in sports medicine began almost 5,000 years ago in Eastern Asia. Taoist monks used breating excersizes to clear "congestion" from the organs. The doctors of the Greeks and Romans are atributed with the first contiouns efforts in sports medicine. The Greeks knew there was a clear association between a person's enduarance level and diet between their overall health. Greek doctors even developed primitive excersize plans for athletes. Other major developments in sports medicine occured in the Middle Ages during the Renaissance. One main development that came out of the middle ages was the concept that even healthy people needed to excercise to maintain their good health.

Common Sports Inuries

Concussion- caused by severe head trauma where the brain moves violently within the skull so that brain cells all fire at once, much like a seizure

Muscle Cramps- a sudden tight, intense pain caused by a muscle locked in spasm. Muscle cramps are also recognized as an involuntary and forcibly contracted muscle that does not relax

ACL Sprains- The anterior crutiate ligament (ACL) is a ligament involved in knee stabilization. An ACL rupture can occur when the foot is planted and the knee twists to change direction.

Ankle Sprain- The ligaments that hold the ankle bones in place can easily be stretched out.

Shin Splints- The tissue that attaches the muscles of your lower leg to the shin bone may be pulling away from the bone, or it may be inflamed from overuse.

©Mathys, F. K. "The History of Sports Medicine." Medicine and Sport Part I (1987): 582-85. Web,Common Sports Injuries." Common Sports Injuries. Union Memorial Hospital. Web. 10 Dec. 2009.

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" Chiropractic care for my child? Why? His back doesn't bother him."

How often chiropractors have encountered parents who appreciate the importance of regular checkups for their child's teeth, hearing, eyes and ears, but draw a blank when it comes to a spinal checkup. In fact, a spinal checkup could be one of the most important checkups your child will ever have. Your child's spine is his/her lifeline because running through it is the spinal cord, containing billions of nerve fibres that send messages and energy from the brain to every part of their body. Spinal problems can start earlier than you might think -- much earlier. In fact, the birthing process itself has been shown to wreak havoc on a baby's spine.

And if you've ever watched a toddler struggling to master the art of walking.... lots of stumbles and falls. Older children are also at risk of spinal trauma. Sports activities, poor posture ("slouching"), improper backpack use, and working at an improperly sized desk all take a toll.

It's no wonder that many youngsters develop a spinal condition called vertebral subluxation. This condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment.

Vertebral subluxation is linked with a myriad of childhood ailments, such as colic, asthma, ear infection, and attention deficit disorders. As children grow older, untreated vertebral subluxations may also spark headaches, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Drs work to correct these subluxations before the onset of symptoms -- and to prevent new ones from forming. This is accomplished with safe and effective maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments. These are extremely gentle, modified adjusting techniques to alleviate spinal problems in pediatric patients.

Posture & Scoliosis : Scoliosis - a lateral curvature of the spine - is clinically significant in 5% of youngsters. Early detection is key to keeping scoliosis under control and preventing the conditions associated with it, such as back pain, headache and in severe cases, heart and lung disorders. In-school screenings are not as in depth as when done by a doctor of chiropractic, they are spinal specialists. Posture screenings conducted by chiropractors are extensive, including various orthopedic tests and assessments. The result is a comprehensive evaluation that provides a thorough assessment of a youngster's current spinal health and risk of future postural disorders.

Why do Infants Need Chiropractic?

You do everything to ensure your baby's health during pregnancy: you eat right, avoid drugs, smoking and drinking, take childbirth classes so you can have a natural, drug-free birth. After the baby is born, you breastfeed knowing that is the superior form of nutrition; you do everything you can to make sure your baby is healthy ---- but have you had the most important part of their health, their spine and nervous system, checked?

Birth Trauma - The First Subluxation: "The birth process ... is potentially a traumatic, crippling event.... mechanical stress imposed by obstetrical manipulation --- even the application of standard orthodox procedures may prove intolerable to the fetus. The view has been expressed clinically that most signs of neonatal injury observed in the delivery room are neurological...."

Towbin A., Latent spinal cord and brain stem injury in newborn infants. Develop. Med. Child Neurol., 1969.

"With the birth process becoming more and more an intervening procedure....the chiropractic checkup becomes even more important to the child's future." Larry Webster, DC, of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association

Chiropractic care if you're pregnant? ABSOLUTELY!

Keeping your spine free from the vertebral subluxation complex is one of the best things you can do if you are pregnant. Pregnant women should see a chiropractor more than anyone else.

Your doctor of chiropractic will examine your spinal column for misalignments (called vertebral subluxation) causing spine and nerve stress. These subluxations damage the nervous system and affect the workings of the entire body. If subluxations are present, the chiropractor will correct them with a gentle chiropractic spinal adjustment in order to release the spinal stress. Without subluxations the body will function better, have higher resistance to disease and express more wholeness (health) than a body with uncorrected subluxations. That is the essential message of chiropractic.

All this is extremely important for the pregnant woman who needs to have her body as healthy and strong as possible in order to handle the rigors of pregnancy and childbirth. Chiropractic care will help ensure that the reproductive and other systems so essential for a healthy pregnancy receive a nerve supply from the spinal column without interference. The slightest interference to the nerve supply could adversely affect the mother and the developing fetus.

Another excellent reason for seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy is that it is a drugless health care system. Drugs, whether prescription or over-the-counter, can harm the growing fetus.

There are so many things pregnant women worry about: staying pregnant, carrying the baby to full term, morning sickness, the baby developing normally, backaches, leg pain and if their labour will be safe and (hopefully) easy. Over the past 100 years chiropractic care has proven to help pregnant women by helping to maintain pregnancy, control vomiting during pregnancy, deliver full-term infants with ease and produce healthier infants.

Questions & answers regarding chiropractic & pregnancy:

1. Is chiropractic safe in pregnancy?

Chiropractic is very safe and very sensible for both mother and baby.

2. Is it difficult to receive a chiropractic adjustment when pregnant?

Not at all. Chiropractors are trained in adjusting the spines of pregnant women and many chiropractic adjusting tables have special modifications and pillows for the pregnant figure.

3. How late in pregnancy is it possible to get an adjustment?

Patients have received adjustments even during labour, as that is when movement/shifting happens in the mother's pelvic area.

4. Can spinal care help postpartum depression?

For years chiropractic's beneficial effects on emotional stress and personality have been noted. At least one journal has quoted a doctor as saying that "postpartum depression is a rarity in patients receiving chiropractic care".

5. Can back pain be helped with chiropractic?

Chiropractic is not a treatment or therapy for back or spinal pain. However, with chiropractic spinal adjustments the body will be better able to heal its back and spinal pain, as well as many other health problems. Studies have shown a significant decrease in back and labour pains in mothers receiving chiropractic care.

6. Do I have to have a problem in pregnancy to see a chiropractor?

Not at all. Chiropractic should be used as preventive maintenance. Periodic spinal checkups during pregnancy should be as common as periodic weight checkups.

7. Can my baby receive chiropractic?

Infants a few hours old have been given spinal checkups and adjustments, if needed.

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What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine that originated in China over 5,000 years ago. It is based on the belief that living beings have a vital energy, called "qi", that circulates through twelve invisible energy lines known as meridians on the body. Each meridian is associated with a different organ system. An imbalance in the flow of qi throughout a meridian is how disease begins. Acupuncturists insert needles into specified points along meridian lines to influence the restore balance to the flow of qi. There are over 1,000 acupuncture points on the body. In 1997, acupuncture needles were reclassified from "experimental" to "medical device" by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The National Institutes of Health released a consensus statment in the same year endorsing acupuncture for the treatment of a variety of conditions such as post-operative pain, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Acupuncture is one of the best known of the alternative therapies. The FDA estimates that people in the United States spend more than $500 million annually on acupuncture treatments. Many people have insurance coverage for acupuncture.

How Acupuncture Works

There are numerous theories about how acupuncture works. Some of them are:

*acupuncture stimulates the release of pain-relieving endorphins

*acupuncture influences the release of neurotransmitters, substances that transmit nerve impulses to the brain

*acupuncture influences the autonomic nervous system

*acupuncture stimulates circulation

*acupuncture influences the electrical currents of the body

Conditions Treated By Acupuncture

*migraines and tension headaches

*sinusitis

*common cold

*addictions, quit smoking

*trigeminal neuralgia

*Meniere's disease

*tennis elbow

*sciatica

*arthritis

*menstrual cramps

*fibromyalgia

*low back pain

*asthma

*weight loss

*infertility

What a Typical Acupuncture Treatment is Like

Before the initial appointment, clients usually complete a health history questionnaire. The acupuncturist then interviews the client, asking about his or her primary health concern, lifestyle habits, diet, emotions, menstrual cycle, sleep, temperature, appetite, stress, and sensitivity to foods, temperature, and seasons. During the interview, the acupuncturist examines the client carefully, noting his or her face color, voice, and tongue colour and coating. There are also three pulse points at the wrist of each hand that the acupuncturist will assess to further determine the health of the 12 meridians.

After the interview, the acupuncturist gives a diagnosis and begins treatment. Typically, the acupuncturist will use 6-12 needles during the treatment. The number of needles used does not correspond with the intensity of the treatment, rather it is the precise placement of the needles that is important.

Upon insertion, the client may feel a slight sting or prick. Once the needle is inserted, there should be no pain. You should feel comfortable during the treatment. If you experience pain, numbness, or discomfort, notify the acupuncturist immediately.

Treatment length varies from seconds to longer than one hour. The typical length is about 20 to 30 minutes. The acupuncturist may use the following techniques during the treatment:

*moxibustion - heating of acupuncture needles with dried herb sticks to activate and warm the acupuncture point. Also known as "moxa".

*cupping - the application of glass cups to create a suction on the skin. This is to relieve stagnation of qi and blood, e.g. in sports injury.

*herbal medicine - Chinese herbs may be given in the form of teas, pills, and capsules to supplement acupuncture treatment.

*electrostimulation - provides electrical stimulation to two to four acupuncture needles. Can be used for pain relief and muscle pain.

*laser acupuncture - non-needle stimulation of needles

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