What is it?

"A.R.T." is patented, state of the art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow a just a few of the many conditions that are resolved quickly and permanently with A.R.T. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they often result from injury to over-used muscles.

How do Over-Use Injuries Occur?

Over-used muscles and other soft tissues change in three important ways:

• Acute injuries (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)

• Accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)

• Not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissue that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced ranges of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What does treatment look like?

Every A.R.T. session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The A.R.T. provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. These treatment protocols - over 500 of them- are unique to A.R.T. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient.

A.R.T is not a cookie-cutter approach. To read more about A.R.T. click here

What is it?

Acupuncture is a method of encouraging the body to promote natural healing and to improve functioning. This is done by inserting needles and applying heat or electrical stimulation at very precise acupuncture points throughout the body.

How does it work?

The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body and over its surface. These energy channels, called meridians, are like rivers flowing through the body to irrigate and nourish the tissues. An obstruction in the movement of these energy rivers is like a dam that backs up in others.

The meridians can be influenced by needling the acupuncture points; the acupuncture needles unblock the obstructions at the dams, and reestablish the regular flow through the meridians. Acupuncture treatments can therefore help the body's internal organs to correct imbalances in their digestion, absorption, and energy production activities, and in the circulation of their energy through the meridians.

The modern scientific explanation is that needling the acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system.

The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and in promoting physical and emotional well-being.

What is Medical Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a very old medical art, and there are many approaches to learning and practicing it. Medical acupuncture is the term used to describe acupuncture performed by a doctor trained and licensed in Western medicine who has also had thorough training in acupuncture as a specialty practice. Such a doctor can use one or the other approach, or a combination of both as the need arises, to treat an illness.

Who is Acupuncture For?

Medical acupuncture is a system which can influence three primary areas of health care:

• promotion of health and well-being

• prevention of illness

• treatment of various medical conditions

While acupuncture is often associated with pain control, in the hands of a well-trained practitioner it has much broader applications. Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment used, or as the support or adjunct to other medial treatment forms in many medical and surgical disorders.

The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of a wide range of medical problems, including:

• Digestive disorders: gastritis and hyperacidity, spastic colon, constipation, diarrhea.

• Respiratory disorders: sinusitis, sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, recurrent chest infections.

• Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, facial tics, neck pain, rib neuritis, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, various forms of tendinitis, low back pain, sciatica, osteoarthritis.

• Urinary, menstrual, and reproductive problems.

Acupuncture is particularly useful in resolving physical problems related to tension, stress and emotional conditions .

What is treatment like?

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The number of treatments needed differs from person to person. For complex or long-standing conditions, one or two treatments a week for weeks may be recommended. For acute problems, usually fewer visits are required, and for health

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS TO THE TREATMENT?

Usually not. As energy is redirected in the body, internal chemicals and hormones are stimulated and healing begins to take place. Occasionally the original symptoms may temporarily worsen, or other general changes in appetite, sleep, bowel or urination patterns, or emotional state may be triggered. These should not cause concern, as they are simply indications that the acupuncture is starting to work. It is quite common with the first one or two treatments to have a sensation of deep relaxation immediately following the treatment.

Acupuncture FAQ

WHAT ARE THE NEEDLES LIKE? DO THEY HURT?

People experience acupuncture needling differently. Some patients feel only minimal pain as the needles are inserted; most feel no pain at all. Once the needles are in place, there is no pain felt. Acupuncture needles are very thin and solid and are made from stainless steel. The point is smooth (not hollow with cutting edges like a hypodermic needle) and insertion through the skin is not as painful as injections or blood sampling. The risk of bruising and skin irritation is less than when using a hollow needle.

Only one time usage, disposable needles are used! Therefore, there is no risk of infection from the treatments.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE REALLY WORK?

Yes. In the past 2,000 years, more people have been successfully treated with acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. Today acupuncture is practiced widely in Asia, the Soviet Union, and in Europe. It is now being used more and more in America by patients and physicians. Acupuncture treatments can be given at the same time other techniques are being used, such as conventional Western medicine, osteopathic or chiropractic adjustments, and homeopathic or naturopathic prescriptions. It is important that your physician-acupuncturist know everything that you are doing, so he or she can help you get the most benefit from all your treatments.

DO I HAVE TO BELIEVE IN ACUPUNCTURE FOR IT TO WORK?

No. Acupuncture is used successfully on cats, dogs, horses and other animals. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better. A positive attitude toward wellness may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of acupuncture or any other treatment. A neutral attitude ("I don't know if I really believe in this.") will not block the treatment results.

ARE THERE ANY "DO'S AND DONT'S" FOR ME ON THE DAY OF A TREATMENT?

Yes. To enhance the value of a treatment, the following guidelines are important:

• Do not eat an unusually large meal immediately before or after your treatment.

• Do not over-exercise, engage in sexual activity, or consume alcoholic beverages within 6 hours before or after the treatment.

• Plan your activities so that after the treatment you can get some rest, or at least not have to be working at top performance. This is especially important for the first few visits.

• Continue to take any prescription medicines as directed by your regular doctor. Substance abuse (drugs and alcohol) especially in the week prior to treatment, will seriously interfere with the effectiveness of acupuncture treatments.

• Remember to keep good mental or written notes of what your response is to the treatment. This is important for your doctor to know so that the follow-up treatments can be designed to best help you and your problem

What is it?

Adjustments, or manipulation as they're sometimes referred to is the minor movement of vertebrae in the spine. The objective of this movement is to realign vertebrae that have moved out of place for a number of reasons ranging from normal daily activity to trauma such as a car accident.

What does treatment look like?

An adjustment is often a pressure from the chiropractor utilizing the hands or an instrument to move a vertebrae back into place. This happens with a quick movement and is often without discomfort. You may hear a noise that sounds like you're cracking your knuckles referred to as joint cavitation. It is the release of gases such as oxygen and nitrogen from the joint.

Overall, adjustments are an excellent way to keep the body functioning at its highest level. When the body is in alignment, the body is able to respond and perform as it was designed to.

What is it?

Laser therapy is a new non-invasive innovative technique which uses focused light at a cellular level with the goal of relieving pain in patients. This technique stimulated a process called PBM (photobiomodulation) in which photons enter the tissue forming a cascade of events leading to a decrease in pain, reduction in muscle spasms, increased cellular metabolism and improved microcirculation.

Class IV laser therapy specifically administers the optimal treatment dose to patients in order to provide more consistent, positive outcomes in recovery and pain management. The higher wattage of class 4 lasers are often able to assist in patients who have been unsuccessful in managing pain & injury with other lower level laser treatments.

Who is it for?

Laser therapy is for anyone experiencing both acute or chronic pain, as well as clients and athletes in recovery. It is considered an alternative treatment to using pain relieving medication and in some cases to prolong the need for surgery. In fact, laser therapy is also a great post and pre surgery treatment to control pain, swelling and aid in recovery.

Laser treatment is a new technology increasing in popularity at college, Olympic and pro level sports across the world due to its effectiveness!

Common clinical uses for laser treatment are for patients experiencing:

• Sciatica

• Soft tissue damage

• Sports injuries

• Plantar fasciitis

What Does Treatment Look Like?

Laser therapy encourages a number of healing responses in your body. During laser treatment, your therapist will apply the laser directly to the skin. You will start to feel a soothing, warm sensation in the targeted area as a result of the laser inducing cellular activity in your body. Many patients enjoy the treatment as it is soothing and not at all painful.

Therapy sessions usually last 3-10 minutes. Unlike the usual Class 3 lasers that are measured in milliwatts, class 4 lasers are measured in watts and provide much quicker results with fewer treatments needed.

What is it?

Orthotics are a great way to help with issues related to walking and alignment. Some of these include but are not limited to knee, foot and lower back pain. The need for orthotics is often related to an issue with the natural functioning of the foot.

Orthotics will often help to realign the bones within the foot and ankle and therefore take pressure off other parts of the body such as the back, neck, shoulders and hips. In addition, orthotics will help with distributing your weight properly and take further pressure off of toes, bunions and other parts of the foot.

Who are Orthotics for?

Orthotics are really for anyone with an issue or discomfort relating to walking or imbalances in the body that are known to cause related pain. The great benefit of orthotics is that they can be worn on a daily basis and be utilized during most activities to take further stress of the body.

Orthotics can often be prescribed by your chiropractor and can last well over a year in most cases. This is a great investment into your overall health and well being via a biomechanical standpoint.

What is it?

Inferential Electro-Therapy is an excellent method of helping the body deal with spasms, sprains, and issues related to soft tissues. This therapy accomplishes this with a very low simulated frequency that is put on the soft tissue. The feeling of this therapy is very light and most patients feel very comfortable during the treatment.

In addition to this therapy simulating the body's natural healing method by helping it to produce natural pain killing endorphins, it also helps with the release of these strains, spasms and soft tissue issues.

Ask us if this therapy is right for you today!

Benefits of Massage

Massage is an excellent method for improving overall health and musculoskeletal efficiency. Massage has a number of beneficial effects on the body and the mind. Some of these include removal of toxins that can build up in the muscles of the body, increased circulation, and increased flexibility in not only the muscles, but also the connective tissue within the body.

Massage also can help with muscle spasms as well as soft tissue injuries. Increasing the movement and reducing the overall recovery time by helping the body in the healing process. In addition, consistent massage has been known to increase balance.

What is it?

Shockwaves are acoustic waves with an extremely high energy peak like ones which occur in the atmosphere after an explosive event such as a lightning strike or a sonic boom. A shockwave differs from ultrasound by its extremely large pressure amplitude. Additionally, ultrasound usually consists of a periodic oscillation, whereas a shockwave is a single pulse.

Who is Shockwave for?

Shockwave therapy can be used for both chronic and acute soft tissue disorders in the field of sports medicine. Latest results prove shockwave is efficiency in muscle strain healing, swt dramatically reduces healing and recovery interval and allows faster comeback to full sports endurance.

Shockwave therapy can help alleviate pain associated with:

•  Tennis elbow

• Shoulder tendonitis

• Groin pain

• Achilles tendon pain

How Shockwave Therapy has progressed.

The term “shockwave therapy” refers to the mechanical pressure pulses that expand as a wave within the human body. In 1980, the shockwave method was used for the first time to disintegrate kidney stones in a patient (Journal of Urology, 1982). During the past two decades, this method has become the standard treatment of choice for renal and urethral calculi.

Shockwaves therapeutic effect

Extracorporeal acoustic wave therapy (in contrast to lithotripsy) is not used to disintegrate tissues, but rather cause microscopic intersticial and extracellular biological effects which include tissue regeneration. In modern pain therapy, acoustic wave energy is conducted from the point of origin, which is the acoustic wave generator (via a coupling gel) to the body regions experiencing pain. There, its healing capacity is applied.

Clinical indications

Over time, acoustic wave as proven to be an effective and non-invasive method for the treatment of localized musculoskeletal pathology including: epicondylitis, heel spur and plantar fascitis, rotator cuff disorders, trigger points, variety of chronic tendinopathies and many other indications.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is most frequently used in physiotherapy, orthopaedics and sports medicine.