The origin of chiropractic began in the 1890’s. The Latin breakdown of chiropractic means to do by hand practically. Chiropractic medicine is a comprehensive health care profession that addresses the wide variety of factors that impact upon human physiology. Chiropractic physicians specialize in natural, non-invasive health care and are trained to use a full range of medical diagnostic tools and a wide array of effective treatment options in patient care. Chiropractic is a system of complementary medicine based on the diagnosis and manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves, muscles, and organs. Most chiropractors seek to reduce pain and improve the functionality of patients as well as to educate them on how they can account for their own health via exercise, ergonomics and other therapies to treat spinal and extremity pain and injuries.

Cold compression or vasopneumatic compression is a method of decreasing the healing time of an injury and speeding up the body’s recovery after a trauma. The decrease in temperature decreases swelling and interrupts the inflammatory process. The compression helps to move existing inflammatory swelling out of the tissue and eliminate metabolic waste. The net effect of adding localized cold with localized compression is a decrease in stiffness and aching while increasing the speed of tissue recovery.

Massage therapy is manual manipulation of soft body tissues (muscle, connective tissue, tendons and ligaments) to enhance a person’s health and well-being. There are dozens of types of massage therapy methods (also called modalities).

Purpose

Generally, massage is known to affect the circulation of blood and the flow of blood and lymph, reduce muscular tension, affect the nervous system and enhance tissue healing. These effects provide a number of benefits:

• greater flexibility and range of motion
• increase of the ease and efficiency of movement
• relief of stress and aide of relaxation
• promotion of deeper and easier breathing
• improvement of the circulation of blood and movement of lymph

• relief of tension-related conditions, such as headaches and eyestrain
• promotion of faster healing of soft tissue injuries, such as pulled muscles and sprained ligaments, and reduction in pain and swelling related to such injuries
• reduction in the formation of excessive scar tissue following soft tissue injuries
• enhancement in the health and nourishment of skin
• improvement in posture through changing tension patterns that affect posture
• reduction in stress and an excellent stress management tool
• creation of a feeling of well-being
• reduction in levels of anxiety
• increase in awareness of the mind-body connection
• promotion of a relaxed state of mental awareness

Massage therapy also has a number of documented clinical benefits. For example, massage can reduce anxiety, improve pulmonary function in young asthma patients, reduce psycho-emotional distress in persons suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease, increase weight and improve motor development in premature infants, and may enhance immune system functioning. Some medical conditions that massage therapy can help are: allergies, anxiety and stress, arthritis, asthma and bronchitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries, chronic and temporary pain, circulatory problems, depression, digestive disorders, tension headache, insomnia, myofascial pain, sports injuries, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction

Corrective Massage therapy

Corrective Massage therapy is the application of a clinical strategy to utilize therapeutic touch, vigorous pressure directed to specific muscle regions and somatic relaxation techniques toward the goal of providing full resolution for a stated pain, movement dysfunction or other health concern.

Physical Rehabilitation is the application of a graded, long term clinical strategy to utilize therapeutic exercise toward the acquisition of broad, healthy movement habits and specific movement skills in order to restore efficient and painless movement. 

Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy is also known as Spinal Manipulation, or “adjustment,” and refers to gentle pressure or a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust to help restore function and motion to a joint that has become restricted from daily activities of living. The manipulation also stimulates the nervous system to help reduce pain and relax local musculature. The noise that can be heard with an adjustment is that of release of nitrogen gas from a joint capsule.  The amount of movement that is created with an adjustment is no more than a few millimeters.  Thus, no “bones are moved”.  Since 1994 when the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Policy and Research published this technique as a gold standard for low back pain, there has been an increasing amount of research supporting the efficacy of chiropractic manipulation for numerous musculoskeletal disorders.  Including headaches, neck pain, herniated discs, post-surgical rehabilitation and even infantile colic.

Thompson Drop technique utilizes a uniquely designed chiropractic adjusting table also known as “Segmental Drop Table” to enhance the motion force imparted towards the specific region of the spine by the doctor of chiropractic. The “Segmental Drop System” takes advantage of the spine’s inherent design of the joints in-order to move the spinal segment in the direction that will improve the motion of the segment with the one above and below. It’s a technique that allows for a gentle yet safe and effective method to adjust the segments of the spine. This technique can be utilized for all age groups and levels of dysfunction.

Webster Technique is a chiropractic manipulation that is a specific sacral adjustment to help facilitate the mother’s pelvic alignment and nerve system function. This in turn balances pelvic muscles and ligaments, and reduces torsion to the uterus.  It is therefore considered prudent that this specific sacral analysis and adjustment be used throughout pregnancy to detect and alleviate sacral imbalance and optimize pelvic neuro-biomechanics. Because of the particular female adaptations from the increase of hormones, weight gain and postural adaptations, pregnant mothers have a greater chance of sacral misalignment and neuro-biomechanical imbalance than the general population. Additionally, because of the effect the chiropractic adjustment has on all body functions by reducing nerve system stress, pregnant mothers should have their spines checked regularly throughout pregnancy, optimizing health benefits for both the mother and baby.

Pediatric and Adolescent Care offers your family a solid foundation for wellness. Throughout pregnancy, birth, and childhood, the chiropractic lifestyle offers choices and benefits for your greater health and well-being. Many people have a misconception of what an adjustment is when dealing with our younger population.  Think of this concept.  You have a perfectly ripe tomato; that’s your child’s spine.  As a physician, my job is to use the least amount of pressure possible in order to put a small dent (or movement) into that tomato.  As children age, their spines become more rigid and the amount of pressure used to create that 3-5mm of movement within the joint will match each child’s growth pattern.

Cupping therapy was first discussed in old medical textbooks in the Western World and was described as a medical practice that was used by Egyptians. There have also been accounts of Hippocrates using the Cupping Method for internal disease. Fire Cupping has also been practiced throughout Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Cupping used to be performed using hollowed out animal horns and was a method said to pull toxins from the body. The application of cupping throughout the years has evolved from the use of animal horns to bamboo cups, and then to the glass cups, we see used today.

Several other cultures used cupping therapy as a method to treat several different ailments. The Chinese use cupping during surgical procedures as a way to help divert the blood flow from the surgical site. American and European doctors have used cupping to treat more common ailments such as the common cold and chest infections and congestion.

Cupping therapy, also known as hijama therapy in some Arabic cultures, is a fascinating alternative form of medicine that has received mention in historical accounts dating from possibly 5,000 years ago.

The basic idea behind cupping therapy is to place glass cups or silicone cups on the patient’s skin to create a vacuum, so the blood is drawn to the surface of the skin in specific parts of the body that need healing.

There are 3 types of Cupping.  Dry, Wet and Massage Cupping.

During a dry cupping session, the glass cup or vessel is set on fire using a flammable substance such as alcohol or herbs. The fire begins to go out, and the alternative medicine practitioner places the glass therapy cup on the surface of the patient’s skin.

As the therapy cup cools, it creates a vacuum or suction. The skin will rise into the glass cup and will begin to redden. Typically, these glass or silicone cups are set in place for up to three minutes at a time. But some treatments require longer times and can last up to twenty minutes.

Dry cupping produces a low amount of pressure. The cups are better suited for use on the softer tissue so that a secure and tight seal is allowed against the skin. The skin may also be lubricated so that the cups can be moved around from one area to a larger area.

Massage Cupping

During massage cupping, the practitioner moves the cups around and glide them across your skin, and it is recognized as a form of massage therapy. Massage Cupping has also been used for weight loss and cellulite reduction. Silicone therapy cups are more typically used for this form of cupping therapy because these therapy cups are softer and more flexible which makes it easier for the practitioner to glide them across the patient’s body.

In massage cupping therapy, the muscles are tended to with the application of pressure. Negative pressure is better to help with pain management than tissue compression.  With the cupping therapy method, the skin, tissue, and muscles are instead pulled upwards to enhance circulation and provide pain management.

Massage cupping therapy also utilizes different oils so that the cup can glide easily across the back of the patient. Massage cupping is considered an alternative medicine to help with pain management and induces feelings of relaxation and stress relief to ease tension.

This information was provided by www.cuppingresource.com

Active Release Technique is a specific approach to manual therapy in which the practitioner applies localized tension over a musculotendinous junction in order to restore healthy movement among muscle, tendon and fascia.

Graston Technique is a specific approach to tool assisted manual therapy in which the practitioner utilizes clinical tools to both diagnose and treat areas of musculoskeletal dysfunction, muscle tension and local inflammation.

FAKTR  FAKTR (pronounced “factor”) is an acronym that stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab and is an advanced form of instrument assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM).  The concept was co-developed by Dr. Tom Hyde and Dr. Greg Doerr.  FAKTR incorporates the latest research and evidence-based soft-tissue techniques into a comprehensive protocol to treat common disorders of the neuromusculoskeletal system and complicated injuries quickly and easily with impressive results.  The co-developers wanted a concept that included function and treatment of the kinetic chain while utilizing various forms of rehabilitation at the same time because they found this to be more effective and efficient in getting rid of their patients’ pains. This unique approach to treating in the position of provocation (pain, loss of range of motion, feeling of tightness within the fascia/soft tissues) during motion sets FAKTR apart from any other treatment protocol.  Dr. Jenn has had the unique opportunity to not only learn directly from Drs. Hyde and Doerr but also had the pleasure of assisting Dr. Hyde in one of his most recent teachings here in Pennsylvania.

Myofascial Release Therapy

Myofascial Release Therapy (aka Nimmo Receptor Tonus Technique), gives our patients an advantage to a treatment protocol that yields, quicker, more effective, longer lasting results and faster transition to a higher level of activity and an approach to wellness that is integrative, focusing on structural integrity, symmetry and balance. Technique is performed by manually scanning the muscles to detect the presence of noxious generative points similar to myofascial trigger points which cause improper muscle contraction and pain. The presence of these trigger points is the source of pain which can refer pain to other sites in the body causing structural adaptation and imbalance. The treatment consists of detection of these noxious points and application of digital pressure 10 to 12 seconds with a quick release. This technique requires the doctor of chiropractic to be extremely perceptive to the patient’s muscle tonus, a high degree of sensory and palpatory acuity to perform this technique.

Fascial Manipulation© is a manual therapy method that has been developed by Luigi Stecco, an Italian physiotherapist from the north of Italy. This method has evolved over the last 40 years through study and practice in the treatment of a vast caseload of musculoskeletal problems. It focuses on the fascia, in particular the deep muscular fascia, including the epimysium and the retinacula and considers that the myofascial system is a three-dimensional continuum.  This method presents a complete biomechanical model that assists in deciphering the role of fascia in musculoskeletal disorders.

The mainstay of this manual method lies in the identification of a specific, localised area of the fascia in connection with a specific limited movement. Once a limited or painful movement is identified, then a specific point on the fascia is implicated and, through the appropriate manipulation of this precise part of the fascia, movement can be restored.  Dr. Hartmann has had the unique pleasure and opportunity to have been one of the first credentialed practitioners in the United States and took her education directly from Dr. Antonio Stecco and Dr. Warren Hammer almost 5 years ago.

The Selective Functional Movement Assessment is a clinical assessment of overall movement capability.  The assessment works by systematically categorizing the body into its individual, observable joint motions.  The SFMA separately tests both the stability and the mobility of each single, isolated joint.  A qualified, certified clinician utilizes this test to gain both an insight into total movement efficiency as well as the specific causes for any movement related pain or dysfunction.

The Functional Movement Screen is a scientifically engineered series of seven movement tests which provide both a metric for overall movement capability as well as the risk of injury.  Using the seven tests a qualified and certified movement expert can identify risks of future injury and implement a training program in order to increase functional skill and decrease the risk of injury.

Adrenal Stress Index is a saliva test to measure cortisol rhythm throughout the day to assess reasons for fatigue we experience, poor sleeping patterns, slowed muscle and joint tissue repair and healing process in the body both energy production and muscle/joint. A take home kit is given to the patient with labeled vials and instructions on performing the test. The kit is then sent out in the mail to the laboratory that will read the samples and give us a detailed report on the findings. We will then consult with our patients. We correlate these findings with the previously mentioned tests to determine the appropriate course of supplementation, changes to the diet etc.

Nutritional Evaluation Consultation utilizing examination techniques and re- evaluations that allows us to make patient specific recommendation for nutritional support and methods to gage progress and response to specific nutrition and dietary treatment protocols and nutritional supplementation. Our nutritional consultation looks at information from a symptom survey form, systems review health questionnaire, physical examination (including palpation, blood pressure tests and other tests to determine mineral deficiencies, hair analysis test and saliva tests to assess adrenal function assessing reasons for fatigue, gluten sensitivities.

Spectracell Advanced Micronutrient Testing  
OFFERS THE MOST ACCURATE, SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN METHOD OF ASSESSING NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES. SpectraCell’s Micronutrient tests measure the function of 35 nutritional components including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals and amino acids within our white blood cells.  Scientific evidence shows us that analyzing the white blood cells gives us the most accurate analysis of a body’s deficiencies.  Vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies have been shown to affect the function of the immune system which can contribute to degenerative processes such as arthritis.

Hair analysis evaluation to determine metabolism type, mineral and vitamin balances and ratios to determine to determine foods to avoid and foods to increase in the diet. Hair analysis affords the patient a tool to re assess progress and usefulness of diet plan. A hair sample is taken by the doctor and sent out to a lab for results. Nutritional physiology takes place at the cellular level. What you eat is not as important as what is reaching your body on a cellular level. Hair analysis is a method to utilize to determine directly about the main site of nutritional metabolism.

3-Dimensional Custom Orthotics by Foot Levelers support all 3 arches of the foot, which make up the plantar vault.  Utilizing the laser-guided 3-D scanner, your orthotics will be made by hand based on your unique feet, body and health profile.  Just as no two bodies are alike, no two pairs of Foot Levelers custom orthotics are alike.

Over-the-counter orthotics may initially cost less, but they only support one arch in your foot. When only one arch is being supported, it may not maintain the structure of your plantar vault, and problems can start in other parts of your body. In fact, “over-supporting” just one arch of the foot may actually cause pain and symptoms, not relieve them.

Biomechanical analysis (including gait, posture and movement), when performed by an experienced movement expert, can provide diagnostic information pertaining to pain or dysfunction in every region of the body.  Walking requires the coordination of the entire body not merely the legs.  It is an entire body exercise and as such will inform the adequately knowledgeable clinician of the health of every component of the locomotor system.  Detailed gait analysis is a critical component of formulating any movement based diagnosis.

Posture screening in our office utilizes a patented digital screening tool that looks at roughly 20 different points on the body to determine the various forces being applied to your spine and muscles that create abnormal biomechanics and compensations that can cause chronic pain and dysfunction.

Squat Screening in our office utilizes a patented digital movement screening analysis that will identify a person or athlete’s likely Overactive and Underactive muscle groups that can be causing overcompensation and weaknesses in the body.  This analysis will provide an auto suggested list of corrective exercises for the person or athlete to implement in order to correct the problem or defeciency based on the screening results

Kinesiology taping activates mechanoreceptors (the sensation of physical touch) and thus minimizes the pain sensation through innocuous, non-threatening stimulation.  This method of pain relief is a well-documented neurophysiological phenomenon known as The Gate Theory of Pain.   The tape also “folds” or “lifts” the skin away from the muscle and thereby decreases local tissue compression.  This translates to an increase in circulation and a decrease in local tissue inflammation.  Finally, the tape can be applied so that it does not “wrinkle” but instead provides biofeedback and encouragement into proper posture.  For example, the upper back can be taped in such a way as to create tension if the patient slouches into poor posture.  Upon feeling the stretch, the biofeedback works as a signal or a “reminder” to utilize proper posture and foster healthier movement habits.

Professional and Amateur Athlete Injury Prevention at Strafford Chiropractic & Healing Center is taken very seriously.  From the confidentiality of the athlete and their family to working tirelessly with the athlete’s orthopedist, athletic trainer and physical therapist; we aim to help create the most expedited road to recovery.  If you are looking for preseason, in season or postseason assistance, please do not hesitate to call us.  On-field, travel or in-hotel care is always available with our experienced practitioners.

Corporate Wellness is among the most vital investments that a company can make. Businesses that start Corporate Wellness programs aren’t only investing in the physical wellness, safety, and mental health of their employees, but are also taking preventive measures by creating a healthier environment.  Corporate wellness programs are designed to nurture wellness in workers, regardless of the work environment. Corporate Wellness programs could be found in factories, corporate offices, large corporations, and small corporations alike.

By starting a Corporate Wellness program, corporations are able to improve the overall productivity and are able to save money on health care expenses. Often, corporations are concerned about the actual wellness ROI (return on investment) but the fact is that by encouraging healthier lifestyles, corporations are creating healthier employees who will work more diligently and miss fewer days of work due to illness.

It is imperative that companies not only provide Corporate Wellness solutions for their staff members, but that they also maintain ongoing knowledge about safety and wellness techniques. Businesses need to keep up to date on health statistics and stay aware of ways to encourage specific wellness issues like use of tobacco cessation or weight loss.  It’s often helpful for a company to consult with physicians who participate in continuing education so that they’re up to date with how they can assist their employees in maintaining wellness.  Corporate Wellness programs are most successful when the business and workers are fully engaged in the program with good health in mind.

Lean Body Mass Index Screening is a patent-pending body composition analysis test that will accurately estimate percentage body fat and Waist To Hip Ratio from digital imagery taken by the physician of the patient or athlete.  What Lean Body Mass Index Screening can do in minutes that is within tenths of a percent of accuracy against underwater weighing techniques

1. Calculate percent Body Fat (Department of Defense Anthropometric Method)
2. Calculate Waist to Hip Ratio (WHR)
3. Calculate Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
4. Calculate Body Mass Index (BMI)
5. Calculate Lean Body Mass (LBM)
6. Calculate Fat Body Mass (FBM)
7. Generate PDF reports
8. Email password protected (HIPAA Compliant) PDF Reports to clients