Therastim
Our therastim units address the pain generators by applying tiny amounts of electrical current into and around the injured and sore tissue. The result is a very soothing therapy that aids in the healing of those tissues. Our patients most commonly tell us that this therapy feels “very relaxing” or like a “massage”.
The effects on your body will be to decrease pain, decrease swelling, promote healing by increasing blood flow into the area, and to increase muscle tone. It has the added benefit of helping the body to release its natural painkillers called endorphins.
Intersegmental Traction
Intersegmental Traction is used to induce motion into the spine. This therapy comes in the form of a table that you lay on. Inside of the table are three rollers that rotate and move from head to toe. The rollers gently roll up and down your spine. In addition to the incredible relaxation that you feel, this therapy is very beneficial to the health of your spine.
Research shows that by putting your spine through this type of motion, you not only increase the range of motion of your spine but you pump the discs that are between the vertebrae of the spine. This is very helpful in preventing disc degeneration and “slipped discs”. This traction also improves the circulation of the spinal fluid that bathes the spinal cord and gives it it’s nutrition.
How would our patients describe this therapy? Let’s suffice it to say that after their first intersegmental traction treatment, most of them want to buy one for their home!
Diathermy
Diathermy is used for speeding up the healing process by using very deep heat. Diathermy units use short-wave electro-magnetic energy to heat tissues deep below the surface of the skin. Unlike home heating pads, Diathermy penetrates the skin to get the heat where it is most useful.
Our patients describe diathermy as a warm sensation when used without ice. Dr. Martin and Dr. Presas commonly prescribe diathermy to be used in conjunction with ice in very acute (recent onset) cases. This, of course, depends upon your specific problem.
The effects on your body will be to speed up the healing process by increasing circulation in the affected areas. This increased circulation brings the nutrients that your body needs to heal and it has the added benefit of taking out and removing the “trash and debris” from the injury. It also increases range of motion and relaxes muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is used to help in the healing of soft-tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, bursitis, and tendonitis.
Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce an increase in temperature in the affected area. It comes in the form of a hand-held wand that is covered in a warm gel and placed on the skin over the area of injury. Ultrasound is effective in speeding up healing, decreasing calcium deposits, increasing blood flow, and reducing nerve irritation or pain.
Our patient’s describe this therapy as “warm and soothing.”