Often referred to as “muscle stim,” the therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain and speed healing. Often described by patients as a pleasant, “tingling” sensation, or “electrical massage,” these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins. These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain, as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities. We often combine heat in combination with this therapy.

Ultrasound Therapy uses sound waves generated through a transducer head (which looks a bit like a microphone) to penetrate soft tissues. Thermal ultrasound therapy uses a more continuous transmission of sound waves. The sound waves cause microscopic vibrations in the deep tissue molecules, increasing heat and friction. The warming effect encourages healing in the soft tissues by increasing the metabolism at the level of the tissue cells. Mechanical ultrasound therapy uses pulses of sound waves to penetrate tissues. While this still has a minor warming effect on the tissues, it also causes expansion and contraction in the tiny gas bubbles of the soft tissues. This helps to decrease the inflammatory response, reducing tissue swelling and thus decreasing pain.

When heat is applied to the skin, it causes more blood to flow into the area. Heat affects the skin as well as the underlying tissues. How deeply these effects travel depends on what type of heat is used. For instance, a heating pad may only target the “shallow” tissues, while therapeutic ultrasound can penetrate into the deeper muscles.
How Heat Helps Pain:

When blood flow increases to an area, it brings along oxygen and nutrients that can help to speed healing. Heat helps to relax muscles, which can decrease some types of pain sensations. The sensation of heat on the skin also provides something called an analgesic effect: it alters the perception of pain so you don’t hurt as much.

When NOT to Use Heat for Pain:

Heat is best for injuries or conditions that are not in the acute phase. In other words, don’t use heat on a fresh injury: you could increase swelling, which in some cases could increase your discomfort. In these cases, ice is a better choice. Also, you shouldn’t apply heat over irritated skin or open wounds (including incisions that are still healing). Finally, people with cancer should not use heat to treat pain, as there is a chance of increased tumor growth.

When ice is applied to the skin, it has a few different effects on the surrounding tissues. First, it partially numbs the area, which can help temporarily reduce pain. Second, it causes blood vessels to tighten, which decreases the blood flowing into the area. In this way, ice can help decrease swelling and even slow or stop bleeding. In some cases, applying ice to the skin may even prevent some bruising.

Spinal traction is a treatment option that is based on the application of a longitudinal force to the axis of the spinal column. In other words, parts of the spinal column are pulled in opposite directions in order to stabilize or change the position of damaged or compressed aspects of the spine. The force is usually applied to the skull through a series of weights or a fixation device. In essence is stretches the spinal discs allowing more room for the spinal nerves to exit.

When the spine has lost its curved shape, the discs are compressed and rich lubricating fluid is unable to penetrate. This causes premature aging in the form of stiff dry joints. When the spine is properly curved, nutrient-rich fluid is “imbibed” or drawn into the discs by their “sponge-like bellows action,” promoting spinal balance and joint wearability. Posture Pump® was invented & patented by a doctor with over 25 years experience for home care of neck pain, back pain and stiffness.

We use the Posture Pump device to exaggerate the curves in the neck and lower back causing the discs to expand and creating more space for the spinal nerves to exit the spine.