SERVICES

Chiropractic Adjustments
The central component of chiropractic treatment is the chiropractic adjustment. The adjustment, also know as spinal manipulation, is a specific and controlled pressure that reduces spinal joint motion restrictions, decreases pain, aligns the spine, and reduces muscle spasm. This procedure is believed to be over 4000 years old.

A relatively new method of delivering chiropractic care is the impulse adjustment instrument. The instrument, a small device controlled by micro-computer circuitry, produces a controlled force that can be precisely delivered to different areas of the body. In contrast to traditional hands-on methods, patients simply feel a light tapping sensation in the area being treated. This adjustment method eliminates the vigorous body motions involved in traditional chiropractic, making it ideal for seniors and those with increased physical fragility. In most cases, the treatment is painless, and after adjustment many patients feel relief of pain and improved mobility.


Low-Level Laser Pain Therapy (Phototherapy)
Laser therapy is an effective treatment for pain, inflammation, and a wide variety of conditions that benefit from soft tissue healing. Conditions that can be treated include:

• chronic or acute neck pain
• chronic or acute soft tissue injury
• muscle and joint aches, pains, and stiffness
• disc injuries
• tight or irritated muscles and trigger points
• minor pain and stiffness associated with arthritis and bone spurs
• neuralgia (nerve pain), bursitis, tendonitis, sprain, strain, plantar fasciitis, and contusions

During laser therapy, light energy is absorbed by small molecules within the cells and converted into biochemical energy in the treated tissue. This initiates beneficial physiological responses. With repeated treatments, the health of the injured area improves. See a systematic review of laser therapy treatment.


Spinal Decompression

Spinal decompression can be a valuable treatment for people who spend long hours sitting or standing without movement, and for people with chronic neck or back pain, headache, disc injury, degenerative disc disease, or nerve compression causing arm or leg pain.

Spinal decompression-traction uses a sensitive computer-feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the body's muscular reaction to the applied level of traction and re-adjusts the tension to maximize comfort. The treatment uses intermittent traction cycles that alternately hold and relax the traction tension. The theory behind non-surgical spinal decompression is that distractive (tension) forces, when applied to the lumbar or cervical spine, can create a negative pressure in the center of the intervertebral disc. The negative pressure creates a suctioning effect that may retract or reduce the size of a herniated or bulging disc, thus decreasing or eliminating nerve compression. At the same time, decompression helps bring nutrients and water into the disc. Since intervertebral discs have poor circulation, they depend upon receiving their nutrition through diffusion from the vertebrae above and below.

The benefits of spinal decompression-traction may include:

• relieves pressure on nerves
• unloads the spine
• gently separates vertebrae
• stretches ligaments and tendons
• stretches the joint capsule, facet joints, and discs
• decreases muscle tension
• decreases inflammation
• improves blood flow to tissues
• increases the flexibility of soft tissues such as joint capsules, tendons, and ligaments
• increases the range of motion

Spinal decompression-traction is designed to be painless and comfortable. Ask one of our doctors if you qualify as a candidate for a trial session or treatment plan of decompression therapy. Because results vary, qualified patients may choose to use decompression therapy at a treatment frequency specific to their needs. Our clinic offers an affordable pay-as-you go fee structure for decompression therapy, with no contracts involved.


Custom Foot Orthotics
If you suffer from chronic back pain, leg pain, or foot pain, it could be a result of improper lower-body alignment. Your chiropractor may assess your foot biomechanics and, if necessary, recommend custom orthotics (shoe inserts). Orthotics will reposition and realign your hips, knees, and feet, relieving the strain on your lower limbs and back. In assessing each person's orthotic needs, our clinic uses both dynamic computerized gait-scan technology and static foam casting techniques. Custom orthotics are covered by many private insurance plans.


Soft Tissue Therapy and Active Muscle Treatment
Active Muscle Treatment is a movement-based muscle release technique used to treat soft tissue and restore proper muscle and joint motion. Your chiropractor may use Active Muscle Treatment and/or myofascial release (focussed massage) to provide long-lasting relief from headache, backache, shoulder pain, tennis elbow, knee pain, shin splints, and other painful conditions that stem from overuse or restricted motion.

Active Rehabilitation
Active rehabilitation uses gentle exercises to help people recover from injury and restore their capacity for free, easy motion. Your chiropractor may design a supervised program that will meet your specific needs.

MULTI-LEVEL WELLNESS APPROACH

Whyte Avenue Chiropractic & Wellness Centre is a multi-service wellness centre that focuses on providing Edmonton area residents with natural wellness alternatives and resources for healthy living. Our group of qualified, dedicated wellness practitioners takes pride in providing clients with the best possible wellness care. Click for more information about our other wellness practitioners and their services.