What is Chiropractic?

Chiropractic is a non-invasive, drug free healing practice based on the scientific fact that your nervous system controls the function of virtually every cell, tissue, organ, and system in your body. If trauma, illness, stress, or a chemical imbalance compromise the function of the nervous system, the spinal bones can deviate from their normal position and the nerves int he spinal column may not function properly. This is called a vertebral subluxation. Chiropractic adjustments relieve the vertebral subluxation and realign the spine, allowing your body’s nervous system to function as effectively and efficiently as possible, thereby restoring your health and well being.

What Can Chiropractic Do for You?

• Relieve your pain
• Increase your mobility
• Decrease your time of disability
• Improve your overall health
• Restore joint function and alignment
• Speed recovery
• Enhance your quality of life

What Conditions Can Chiropractic Treat?

• Back pain
• Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Knee, wrist, and ankle pain
• Arthritis
• Shoulder problems
• Jaw pain
• Hip pain
• Scoliosis

Examination Process

We use state of the art scan equipment called the “Subluxation Station” to scan your nervous system (to analyze what nerves are pinched) and to scan the muscles (to see what muscles are tight, have trigger points). The Subluxation Station is a neurospinal screening and evaluation system that uses surface electromyography (SEMG) technology originally designed to measure changes in the spinal muscles of astronauts. The Subluxation Station can help identify subluxations, or misalignments of the spine, by measuring muscle activity. Subluxations disturb the muscles regular nerve function, causing an abnormal amount of electrical flow to the muscles as well as other body organs. This electrical flow is measured and displayed graphically to show the effect that spinal nerve interference has on each client. This allows for increased accuracy in diagnosis, review of progress and improved care.
The Subluxation Station uses technology developed for NASA to measure the effects of space flight on the spines of space shuttle astronauts. The system has been continually developed into use in healthcare and has become valuable in the assessment and review of individual client progress. You will be able to see the progress that you are making at regular ‘Progress Exams’.

What techniques do the Doctors use?

Activator Methods adjusting:

Activator Methods adjusting technique is one of the most popular low force adjusting techniques.  It is safe for patients with osteoporosis, the elderly, children and any patient who wants gentle adjusting.  The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument adjusting technique with clinical trials to support its efficacy.Activator Methods International has been providing chiropractic care, resources and training since 1967. Founded on the principles of clinical research, the company’s major contribution to chiropractic care is discovery and development of the world’s most popular instrument adjusting technique, the Activator Method. Search activator.com for more studies on different conditions such as neck pain, low back pain, etc.

Arthrostim low force adjusting

A practitioner’s skilled-hands can do things that instruments cannot do. What instruments have to offer is that they can assist a practitioner’s skilled-hands to deliver beneficial mechanical forces that would be difficult, or impossible, to produce on their own.

The ArthroStim® instrument​, invented in 1982, ​can produce a dozen spring-cushioned mini-toggle-recoil™ thrusts per second. Rapid, repetitive thrusting enables a practitioner to distribute the overall thrusting force over a series of thrusts. This helps to reduce the amount of peak force that would be required using a single thrust. This can be a great advantage for working with clients who are sensitive, or in pain. ​This technology is used to mimic the “hands on” feel that some patients are accustomed to.  ​​The different attachments are used for spinal adjusting or trigger points in muscles.

Traditional Hands-on / Diversified / Thompson Drop / Sports Chiropractic

This type of Chiropractic technique has been around since the late 1800’s.  At our office we used electric tables​ that have spring loaded drop away cushions to assist in the adjustment.  Often patients will feel a release or feel a “pop”.

A practitioner’s skilled-hands can do things that instruments cannot do. At our office we also use low force adjusting instruments for adjusting the spine and releasing trigger points.  What instruments have to offer is that they can assist a practitioner’s skilled-hands to deliver beneficial mechanical forces that would be difficult, or impossible, to produce on their own.​

Acupuncture

Did you know that Dr. Karen Achtermann does acupuncture? Conditions she treats:

• Tight muscles
• Immune system boost
• Stress Reduction
• Headaches/ neck pain
• Low back pain/ Sciatica
• Tendonitis

Cost is $55.00 per session.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of extremely thin needles through your skin at strategic points on your body. A key component of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat pain.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains acupuncture as a technique for balancing the flow of energy or life force — known as qi or chi (CHEE) — believed to flow through pathways (meridians) in your body. By inserting needles into specific points along these meridians, acupuncture practitioners believe that your energy flow will re-balance.

In contrast, many Western practitioners view the acupuncture points as places to stimulate nerves, muscles and connective tissue. Some believe that this stimulation boosts your body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow.

During acupuncture

Acupuncture points are situated in all areas of the body. Sometimes the appropriate points are far removed from the area of your pain. Your acupuncture practitioner will tell you the general site of the planned treatment and if you need to remove any clothing. If appropriate, a gown, towel or sheet will be provided to preserve your modesty. You lie on a padded table for the treatment, which involves:

• Needle insertion. Acupuncture needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes little discomfort. Between five and 20 needles are used in a typical treatment. You may feel a mild aching sensation when a needle reaches the correct depth.
• Needle manipulation. Your practitioner may gently move or twirl the needles after placement or apply heat or mild electrical pulses to the needles.
• Needle removal. In most cases, the needles remain in place for 10 to 20 minutes while you lie still and relax. There is usually no discomfort when the needles are removed.

After acupuncture

Some people feel relaxed and others feel energized after an acupuncture treatment. But not everyone responds to acupuncture. If your symptoms don’t begin to improve within a few weeks, acupuncture may not be right for you.

Orthotics

 

There are many routine treatments for foot problems, from anti-inflammatory pills to cortisone injections, to a million different pads, cushion, ointments, and of course surgery. All of these have temporary, pain-relieving effects. But if you want the chance to permanently solve the problem, you must change the way your feet function on the ground. And the only way to do that is to use a custom, biomechanical orthotic. At Achtermann Chiropractic we have found that Sole Supports custom insoles are some of the best arch supports on the market. Go to solesupports.com for more information. If you would like to be casted for these very supportive orthotics, we will cast your feet at our office and within 2 weeks we will have your custom made arch supports for you! Price: $300/ pair. Additional pairs are discounted if ordered within 6 months of initial casting.

Kinesiotape

What does K-Tape Do?

K-Tape creates stabilization, which decreases pain, swelling, muscle spasm,  and speeds recovery time! It’s like having a brace on, but without the bulky feeling and you can move freely.

This past month, we have taped patients for shoulder stabilization, leg spasms, nervy arm pain, midback/ shoulder blade tightness, wrist sprain, arm tendinitis, tight trapezius muscles that cause headaches, and IT band pain/tightness.  In every case, taping helped reduce pain and stabilize the area faster!

RockTape Kinesiotape

Kinesiotape (K-Tape) is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy.  By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, K-Tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin.  This lifting affect forms convolutions in the skin thus increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.

The physical benefits of K-tape include

• Pain Relief

Although it contains no medications or topical substances, K-Tape can effectively relieve both acute and chronic pain. Its elasticity lifts the skin slightly, which immediately reduces pressure on sensitive pain receptors under the skin. In addition, its stimulating effect on pain pathways provides a competitive stimulus that blocks pain signals going to the brain.

• Reduced Swelling and Inflammation

Reduced pressure on the lymphatic drainage channels enhances removal of fluids and other materials that collect in an injured area. This applies not only to sports injuries, but also to post-surgical recovery and other inflammatory conditions, including lymph edema (severe swelling of the extremities.)

• Accelerated Recovery from Bruises and Contusions

One of the most dramatic effects of K-Tape is the removal of blood that accumulates under the skin due to bruising.

• Prevents and/or Relieves Muscle Spasms and Cramping

Enhanced circulation improves delivery of oxygen and nutrients to overused or fatigued muscles, helping to prevent or relieve spasms and cramps.

• Speedier Recovery of Overused Muscles

Fatigued, overused muscles contain byproducts of exercise (such as lactic acid) that contribute to pain and stiffness and limit the ability to continue exercising. When K-Tape is used over these areas, enhanced removal of these byproducts allows for more rapid recovery. Combined with improved delivery of oxygen via enhanced blood flow, this could translate into improved performance in an endurance event or more complete recovery between repetitive, high intensity events.

• Supports Injured Muscles and Joints without Restricting Range of Motion

The unique elastic properties and application techniques of K-Tape allow it to provide support to injured muscles or joints without restricting range of  motion.

Call for an appointment or ask at your next appointment!

Pricing: (not reimbursable under insurance plans)

$15.00 per area