What’s the difference between gentle chiropractic and traditional chiropractic? It’s all in the technique used. Overall, both approaches seek to relieve musculoskeletal pain and promote optimal health. However, they differ in their methods of achieving these goals. At Advanced Wellness Solutions, we provide patients with options tailored to their specific needs and preferences. There are […]
stuart fl chiropractor
What’s the difference: gentle chiropractic and traditional chiropractic?
What’s the difference between gentle chiropractic and traditional chiropractic? It’s all in the technique used.
Overall, both approaches seek to relieve musculoskeletal pain and promote optimal health. However, they differ in their methods of achieving these goals. At Advanced Wellness Solutions, we provide patients with options tailored to their specific needs and preferences.
There are over 150 different techniques chiropractors use to treat musculoskeletal pain and injuries. These techniques generally fall into one of two categories:
- High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) also known as “Traditional” chiropractic care
- Low Velocity Low Amplitude (LVLA) also known as “Gentle” chiropractic care
Technological Advancements in Chiropractic Care
Advancements in technology have revolutionized the field of chiropractic care. This allows practitioners to integrate a variety of tools and techniques into their treatment methods.
One significant development is the rise of gentle chiropractic, a modern approach that utilizes cutting-edge instruments and techniques to provide more precise adjustments.
Unlike traditional chiropractic, which primarily relies on manual manipulation, gentle chiropractic incorporates state-of-the-art devices designed to deliver precise and targeted adjustments. These tools ensure a gentler experience for patients while still achieving optimal results. Additionally, modern equipment allows for greater customization of treatments based on individual patient needs, making the entire process more tailored and effective.
By combining traditional hands-on techniques with technological advancements, gentle chiropractic offers a comprehensive approach to addressing pain and discomfort.
Overall, the integration of modern tools and devices has elevated the quality of care provided by chiropractors, offering patients a more comfortable and personalized treatment experience with improved outcomes.
Traditional Chiropractic Care
The High Velocity Low Amplitude (HVLA) or a traditional chiropractic adjustments rely on rapid movements. The goal of HVLA is to restore normal joint mobility and reduce pain by breaking up adhesions or restrictions in the joint.
This technique involves applying a quick, precise thrust to the affected joint at the end of its range of motion. Some patients enjoy the satisfying “pop” or “cracking” sound which is caused by the release of gas bubbles from within the joint fluid.
During an HVLA treatment, the practitioner will carefully assess the patient’s condition and determine the appropriate direction and force for the adjustment.
Despite its effectiveness, HVLA is not be suitable for every patient since it involves twisting, snapping and popping to manually manipulate the spine and other joints.
Patients considering HVLA should consult with a qualified healthcare professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for their specific needs.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, the treatment technique our chiropractic physicians choose depends upon what is best for the patient. While some are disappointed to learn they no longer “qualify” for a traditional HVLA chiropractic treatment, most are delighted with the results of gentle chiropractic care.
Gentle Chiropractic Care
Gentle chiropractic care techniques have many advantages over traditional HVLA chiropractic adjustments. There’s no twisting, snapping, or wrestling involved. Gentle chiropractic is a modern approach that utilizes cutting-edge instruments and techniques to provide more precise adjustments.
Gentle chiropractic care causes less post treatment soreness while providing excellent results.
Several of the more common gentle spinal mobilization methods include:
Activator method
The Activator is a hand-held chiropractic tool, allowing the chiropractor to delivers a precise low-force impulse. Using this tool means there is no bending or twisting of the patient. One key advantage of this technique is the joint is never placed in a compromised position.
Cox Flexion-distraction
This technique requires a special table which is able to deliver a series of repetitive slow movements similar to a rocking motion. This applies gentle stretching or traction to the lower spine.
Toggle Drop
This gentle chiropractic technique requires a specialize table. The patient lays face down and the chiropractor presses down firmly. This causes a section of the drop table to fall which taking advantage of gravity to apply the adjustment.
Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT)
This method involves placing wedges or blocks under the pelvis, allowing gravity – with some addition low force assistance by the chiropractor – to realign the pelvis.
Other gentle chiropractic treatments include heat therapy, cold therapy and muscle work.
At Advanced Wellness Solutions, the treatment technique our chiropractic physicians choose depends upon what is best for the patient.
Arthritis Pain Management
Gentle chiropractic is a safe, nonsurgical method of arthritis pain management. Gentle chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and increase range of motion while reducing arthritis pain.
Movement is like lubrication for the joints. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help to encourage full range of joint motion to provide safe arthritis pain management. In conjunction with the gentle chiropractic adjustment, electrical muscle stimulation is often used for immediate pain relief. In addition to in office therapies, patients are also given appropriate exercises to perform at home to promote increased joint mobility.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the cartilage which causes swelling and tenderness in afflicted joints. Cartilage is the connective tissue that surrounds the ends of bones. It is dense, elastic tissue that supports and cushions the joints while helping joints to move smoothly. When cartilage becomes inflamed, joint pain and stiffness result.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While the symptoms are similar, the cause of each is dramatically different.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease.
RA is an autoimmune disease is when the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. In the case of RA, the healthy cells in the cartilage cushioning the joints are attacked. The joints affected are usually in the hands, wrists, and knees. When the body’s immune system attacks the joint cartilage, it becomes inflamed, swollen and tender. Eventually, the inflammation damages the joint cartilage as well as the bones of the joint. This can cause long-lasting or chronic pain, unsteadiness (lack of balance), and deformity (misshapenness). 3
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis.
OA is a degenerative condition that affects joint cartilage and bones. It causes pain, loss of mobility, as well as decreased muscle function and strength. Like RA, osteoarthritis causes joint pain and stiffness. It was once thought that in osteoarthritis, the joints were simply wearing out. Research has shown that OA is a complex process with many causes. It is not an inevitable part of aging experts say, but rather the result of a combination of factors.
While osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects joints that bear weight — like your knees, hips, feet, and spine. It often comes on gradually over months or years.2 Ten percent of men and 20% of women aged between 45 and 65 years report OA,4 with 80% of those older than 75 years showing radiographic evidence of OA.5
Treatments for Arthritis Pain
According to Scott Haldeman, MD, a neurologist in Santa Ana, California and Chairman Emeritus of the Research Council for the World Federation of Chiropractic as quoted in arthritis.org6,
Chiropractic care is one of the safest therapies you can use if you have back or neck pain due to osteoarthritis.
In addition to treating neck and back pain from osteoarthritis, gentle chiropractic treatment can also treat osteoarthritis of the hip 7 and other arthritic joints.
Gentle Chiropractic Care for arthritis pain
Gentle chiropractic care can help increase the range of motion in arthritic joints and reduce arthritic joint pain.
While gentle chiropractic care won’t repair or rebuild cartilage, it can relieve pressure on joints caused by arthritis. Gentle chiropractic care can also stop muscle spasms and tenderness caused by osteoarthritis through gentle manipulation of muscles and soft tissues surrounding arthritic joints.
Acupuncture for arthritis pain
Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been used for thousands of years to relieve arthritis pain. While acupuncture can’t cure or reverse the process of arthritis, a study showed it can help you feel significantly less pain and function better. 8
Over-the-counter medications
It’s very common to reach for over the counter (OTC) pain medication for arthritis pain management. Unfortunately, all NSAIDs (including OTC pain medication) now carry a black box warning. This is the strongest of all FDA warnings and is reserved for drugs that pose a significant risk to the population. In 2007, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement warning of the long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) 9 which included this warning:
“Consumers are advised that all over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications, including NSAIDs, should be used in strict accordance with the label directions. If use of an OTC NSAID is needed for longer than ten days, a physician should be consulted.”
A practice based study of patients with acute and chronic low back pain found that patients receiving chiropractic manipulation as their primary treatment had significant reductions in visual analogue scale (VAS) scores within two weeks of care.10 This study also included evaluation of traditional medical management with a primary treatment using NSAIDs. The same level of pain reduction was not reported in the NSAID group until the 12-week marker.
Herbs and supplements for arthritis pain relief
There are many herbal supplements which tout anti-inflammatory properties. It’s important to exercise caution when taking supplements. Just because a product is natural does not mean it’s safe. The contents of supplements are not verified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Some supplements can interact with medications or can cause health problems.
You should always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplement.
Turmeric, ginger and cinnamon are supplements that reduce inflammation in the body. There is also evidence that vitamin C and fish oil may help with arthritis pain while providing other health benefits.
Glucosamine sulfate supplements have unique anti-inflammatory effects. In some laboratory tests, it demonstrated a protective effect on the cartilage as well. Chondroitin sulfate supplements also appears to have anti-inflammatory properties. Some laboratory studies suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow cartilage breakdown associated with osteoarthritis and even stimulate cartilage growth.11
Trigger point injections for arthritis pain relief
If chiropractic treatment alone does not provide adequate pain relief, the medical professionals at Advanced Wellness Solutions may recommend a trigger-point injection. A trigger-point injection usually contains an anesthetic and a steroid to immediately help alleviate arthritis pain. These injections are rarely a standalone treatment. They work best when combined with other conservative treatment methods such as chiropractic care.
Trigger point injection therapy can provide immediate and ongoing relief from pain in the targeted area while chiropractic treatments address the underlying cause of the pain.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for arthritis pain relief
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers a small electric current to specific nerves. Tens units provide neuromodulation treatments which can ease pain with minimal risks and offer an alternative to pain medication for arthritis pain management. According to Arthritis.org 12
These devices are generally safe. However, they involve sending electrical impulses though your body. So it’s important to talk with your doctor first if you have a pacemaker, another implanted device, are pregnant, have epilepsy, or have a heart problem.
Topical medications for arthritis pain relief
Topical medications that do not contain NSAIDs that Advanced Wellness Solutions recommends are:
- CryoDerm Gel: It contains almost 300% more of the active ingredient and pain reliever menthol than other topical pain relievers. Menthol is used clinically as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. It creates a cold sensation on the skin, by activating the peripheral cold receptors.
- Biofreeze Professional: Biofreeze is greaseless, stainless and has a vanishing scent. It is an optimized, fast-acting proprietary formula.
Topical NSAIDS are now available without a prescription. Diclofenac sodium 1% gel (Voltaren Arthritis Pain) is now available at many pharmacies. A 2016 Cochrane review 14 concluded, “Topical diclofenac and topical ketoprofen can provide good levels of pain relief beyond carrier in osteoarthritis for a minority of people, but there is no evidence for other chronic painful conditions.”
Safe Arthritis Pain Management
When arthritis threatens to immobilize you, gentle chiropractic care can keep you moving.
Accepting new chiropractic patients. Call (772) 403-7640 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
You can find safe arthritis pain management at Advanced Wellness Solutions. Effective gentle chiropractic care can help to relieve the pain and slow the damage to cartilage from osteoarthritis. Gentle chiropractic maximizes the function of arthritic joints by encouraging full range of joint motion.
2 Martin County Gentle Chiropractic Locations
Advanced Wellness Solutions is pleased to announce our 2nd Martin County gentle chiropractic location at 10778 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455.
Accepting new patients. Call (772) 403-7640 to schedule your appointment.
We Accept All Major Medical Health Insurance and Medicare.
On February 1, 2021, Dr. Wayne Conlon, DC and Dr. Laurie Conlon, DC retired and sold their practice to Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC. The Conlons moved back to Massachusetts and are living happily ever after.
Advanced Wellness Solutions now has 2 Stuart, FL chiropractic care locations to provide relief from chronic pain as well as auto accident injuries.
Dr. Danielle provides the same gentle chiropractic care offered by Dr. Laurie. Dr. Danielle also provides the golf specific chiropractic care previously provided by Dr. Wayne.
The north office is located in the Royal Palm Financial Center at 729 SW Federal Hwy Suite 102 Stuart, Florida 34994. This location is convenient for Palm City, North Stuart, Jensen Beach and Port St Lucie residents.
The 2nd Martin County Gentle Chiropractic Care office is located at 10778 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455
The Gentle Chiropractic Care You Expect from Advanced Wellness Solutions
Dr. Danielle provides the same effective gentle chiropractic care Dr. Laurie provided for her patients. Dr. Danielle also provides the golf specific chiropractic care provided by Dr. Wayne.
The biggest transition Conlon Chiropractic patients have had to make is that Advanced Wellness Solutions only sees patients by appointment.
Dr. Danielle splits her time between these two offices. She sees patients in the north office on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon. She sees patients at the 10778 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, Florida 33455 office on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday morning.
If you’re a former Conlon Chiropractic patient, give us a call.
Call (772) 403-7640 to schedule your appointment with Advanced Wellness Solutions today!
What To Do After an Accident in Stuart, Fl
Florida has a reputation for “bad” and “aggressive” drivers. For those who live or work in Stuart, Florida, if you haven’t been in a car accident recently, you probably know someone who has. Just because we live in paradise doesn’t mean life here is perfect – or predictable. Being an accident is scary and confusing. That’s why we’ve created this checklist to help you know what to do after an accident in Stuart, Florida.
Being in a car accident, even a minor one, can be traumatic and frightening. The moments during a car crash are often violent. Your body is subjected to extreme forces that can affect your body in unexpected ways. Even a seemingly minor fender bender can result in injuries that need treatment for the driver and/or passengers.1
If you’re able to escape your vehicle after the accident, you may think you weren’t seriously injured. It’s important to know that it could be weeks – or even months – before the full extent of your injuries are known. Even if you go to the hospital immediately following your car accident, some injuries like whiplash, traumatic brain injury and even spinal cord injury may not be immediately evident, even with appropriate imaging!
Following a car accident, it may take time for you to begin thinking clearly enough to make sound judgments and important decisions. That’s why we’ve created this checklist to help.
Here are 7 things you need to do if you’ve been in a car accident in Stuart or Martin County, Florida:
#1: DO NOT LEAVE THE SCENE OF AN ACCIDENT.
Even if it’s a minor fender bender, stay at the scene. If it’s your fault, stay at the scene. Even if your car is the only one involved in the accident, stay at the scene. If you leave, you could face felony charges.
#2: CALL THE POLICE.
Even if there are no apparent injuries, you should still call the police. You’ll need a police report to file a claim with your insurance company.
#3: TAKE PICTURES.
Use your phone to take pictures of the vehicles and the scene while you wait for the police to arrive. If you have visible injuries, you should document them with photographs as well. The worst case scenario is you won’t need these images. It’s better to have these images and not need them rather than need these images and not have them.
#4: WHEN THE POLICE ARRIVE.
Tell the investigating officer(s) exactly what happened. If someone asks if you’re injured, you should reply that you’re not sure. This is the truth. There’s no way you can know immediately after your accident if you were injured.
As your accident was happening, your body released a burst of the hormone adrenaline. This hormone decreases your ability to feel pain, increases your strength, and sharpens your mental focus. (If you watched the accident happen in slow motion, you can thank adrenaline for that.) Because of this adrenaline rush, it may be days before you realize the extent of your injuries.
#5: GET WITNESS INFORMATION.
If there are witnesses, you should get their contact information.
#6: SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION.
You should be seen by a doctor, ER physician or chiropractor within 14 days of your car accident. You should do this even if you don’t feel any pain or soreness. Many injuries – especially whiplash and head trauma are not immediately apparent. You can sustain serious, life altering injuries in seemingly minor accidents. If you lost consciousness or were dazed – even for a short period of time – you may have suffered a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Even if you just “bumped your head” in the accident, that minor injury can be deadly if it caused bleeding in the brain. The symptoms of TBI may not appear for weeks – or even months. That’s just one reason why it is so important to see a physician or chiropractor within 14 days of a car accident.
#7: CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
Car owners in Florida are covered under PIP, or No-Fault insurance. This means that you can receive treatments for your injuries even if you were at fault for the accident. In order to activate your PIP insurance benefits, you have to file a claim with the insurance company and you must schedule an appointment with a doctor or chiropractor within 14 days of the accident.
If your injuries are serious, you may need more medical care than is provided by your PIP benefits. If this is the case, Dr. Danielle Hurd, DC will give you the names of attorneys who expertly handle personal injury cases.
If your primary care physician refuses to treat you for injuries suffered in a car accident, don’t be upset. Would you be upset if if your dentist didn’t want to perform open heart surgery? Chiropractors are trained to treat the musculoskeletal injuries common in car accidents. Dr. Danielle is experienced in treating the trauma that can result from car crashes.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, call us today at 855-509-5400.