My Case Management Approach
As you begin your care, there are usually many questions you may have concerning your treatment. I use a variety of techniques to achieve your treatment goals. Your care involves three main components: Education, Manual (Hands-On) Treatment and Therapeutic Exercise.

Education
First and foremost, my job is to teach you about the nature of your problem. Pain and the limitations it can cause can be very frustrating and confusing. I will attempt to identify the cause of your pain, explain your treatment options and help you to set recovery goals. Healthful lifestyle and nutritional recommendations are routinely provided as well. Your progress is a product of both your personal efforts and Dr. Tansey's care. The majority of patients are given specific home exercises to improve their flexibility, strength, or endurance to speed the healing process.

Treatments

Chiropractic Adjustments (Skilled Spinal Manipulation): Adjustments are a tool a Chiropractor uses frequently in treatment. The purpose of an adjustment is to correct the motion/ position of the joints in the spine and extremities. For some patients other “low force” treatments are more appropriate. One is  the “activator device adjustment”.  An activator is a spring-loaded device that introduces a very fast but gentle force into an individual joint.  This is often called the “clicker” in my office.  There are several other chiropractic adjustive techniques at our disposal to help you progress.

Manual Adjustment / Manipulation  The chiropractic adjustment is also referred to as a joint "manipulation". Dr. Tansey will apply his hands to the area of the spine to be treated in such a way as to mobilize the joints. Most commonly, the doctor will apply a quick, short manual movement to the joint. The joint usually elicits an audible "pop" or "crack," similar to when you "crack" your knuckles. You may sense movement of the joint. The joint "crack" is not necessary for treatment to be successful. The goals of the chiropractic manipulation are to increase the joint mobility/ range of motion,. relieve pain, reduce muscle spasm, and restore optimal joint function

Flexion Distraction Manipulation - Flexion-distraction therapy is a form of mechanical assisted joint mobilization that is used to decompress the spinal joints by applying a gentle stretch, or traction, to the lower spine. It is usually applied in a series of repetitive slow movements. This treatment option is especially helpful to mobilize stiff spinal areas when other techniques are not possible such as patients with disc derangements, lumbar stenosis and facet syndrome. 

Manual Joint Mobilization - Mobilization is a form of stretching that is applied to stiff joints in order to optimize and restore range of motion, relieve pain and reduce muscle tension. These procedures consist of small passive movements, usually applied as a series of gentle stretches in a smooth, rhythmic fashion to the individual's joints.  Mobilizations may be administered in various gradations or degrees of pressure, depending upon the sensitivity and stiffness of an individual's joints. Joint mobilization is frequently used in patients with shoulder, hip and knee problems.

Instrument Assisted Adjustments - An instrument called an Activator can be used to introduce a low but highly localized force into restricted joints to help restore normal motion. I typically use this treatment is used for patients who are not appropriate for hands on joint manipulation (such as those who have severe osteoporosis or simply not comfortable with hands on adjustments).

The McKenzie^© Method  With the McKenzie approach, a step-by-step examination identifies the movements and postures that best relieve a spine pain sufferer's complaints.  The focus of the examination is on identifying which movements and postures "centralize" the patient’s pain.  That is, which positions and activities reduce any extremity symptoms.  Frequently we find that extending the spine (backward bending) can provide significant relief from low back and lower extremity pain for certain patients. The theory of the approach is that centralizing the pain allows the source of the pain to be treated rather than the symptoms.

Manual myofascial Techniques — These are a category of treatments that involve hand on treatment to the muscles and fascia (connective tissues) in the body. a common example would be massage.

The Graston Technique^®  is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables me to effectively identify and break down scar tissue and mechanical restrictions within soft tissues. The technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments, in combination with stretches and exercises to achieve optimal outcomes.   Graston Technique^® is used to treat a number of tendon disorders, mobilize scar tissue and reduce edema. 

Trigger Point Therapy - During this procedure, deep manual pressure is applied to and held on sensitive pressure points within muscles.  This procedure usually reproduces discomfort in the area of a patient’s complaint, as well as under the point or pressure.  Trigger point therapy is used to relieve painful trigger points and their characteristic referred symptoms.

Electrical Therapy: This therapy uses gentle electrical stimulation of nerve and muscle to reduce pain and muscle spasm.

To schedule an evaluation or a complementary consultation call: 978-448-2800 or email Dr.Tansey