Chiropractic Treatments in Portland

On your first visit, please plan to arrive 30 minutes early in order to fill out the new patient paperwork. You may also download it from our website and fill it out prior to your first appointment. Be sure to bring your insurance information and claim number (for motor vehicle accident or worker’s compensation claims). Your first visit will be approximately 45 – 60 minutes. A complete physical will be performed during this initial consultation.  The clinical findings will result in a diagnosis and treatment plan for your particular condition which will be explained to you in detail.  Many acute injuries are relieved after 2-5 visits. Patients with chronic pain may need more than 5 visits to reach maximal clinical improvement (MCI).

Chiropractic care at the North Portland Wellness Center will include treatment with one or more of the following modalities:

Diversified Adjusting

Our chiropractor at North Portland Wellness Center uses diversified adjustments. Diversified adjusting simply means that the doctor will check your whole spine for the presence of chiropractic subluxations (joints that are not moving the way that they should) and will use his hands to deliver the chiropractic adjustment. The goal of the adjustment is to restore movement to these fixated joints and quite often the adjustment is accompanied by the familiar audible ‘pop’.

Extremity Adjusting

Many people do not realize that chiropractors can adjust not only your spinal column but also your extremities!  Our chiropractor utilizes different adjusting techniques, including diversified manipulation, activator, and manual mobilization techniques.  Please consult with your chiropractor if you prefer a specific style or have any concerns about adjusting techniques.

Activator/light force manipulation

An activator is a hand held chiropractic instrument used to deliver light, specific adjustments. Multiple settings allow the chiropractor to choose the strength of the adjustment therefore it can be used to treat sensitive areas such as the hand as well as larger areas such as the low back or hips. The activator is an excellent instrument for patients who have arthritis in their neck, those who prefer not to have their neck adjusted manually or for people who are unable to lie down on the adjusting table.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio Tape is an athletic tape with the same elastic properties as skin. It is used to facilitate a weak muscle, inhibit an overused or injured muscle and decrease inflammation (for more info visit www.kinesiotaping.com)

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

With IASTM, the chiropractor uses a series of six specifically designed stainless steel tools to locate and treat acute or chronic muscular dysfunction. The following is a list of conditions that respond well to treatment with IASTM, some, the treatment of which eliminates the need for surgery:

• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
• Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cervical Spine Sprain/Strain
• Thoraco-Lumbar Sprain/Strain
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Patellar Tendonitis
• Tibialis Posterior Tendonitis
• Reduced Range of Motion due to Scar Tissue
• Achilles (Heel) Pain
• DeQuervain’s Syndrome
• Post Surgical Traumatic Scars
• Myofascial Pain/Restrictions
• Acute/Chronic Sprain/Strain
• Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
• Ilio-Tibial Band (ITB) Syndrome
• Wrist Tendonitis
• Achilles Tendonitis

What to expect: The chiropractor will first warm up the area to be treated either with heat or by having you perform some exercise. Some emollient is placed on the area to be treated to allow the tools to glide over the skin. The chiropractor will select a tool and pass it along the treatment area to scan for adhesions. Both the doctor and the patient will be able to feel the graininess of the adhesions as they are passed. The doctor may switch to a more specific tool depending on the findings. The patient should expect to see some bruising or redness where the adhesions have been broken up. After treatment it is important to stretch the area and perform strengthening exercises at home in order to re-educate the treated muscles. Be sure to drink plenty of water to flush your system after treatment.

The average number of treatments is 6-10 but can vary from 1-15 depending on many variables. If you have not experienced any relief in 4 visits then the treatment protocol should be re-evaluated. For the most effective treatment you should be seen twice a week initially.

Interferential Current (electro-stim therapy)

Interferential current (IFC) is used to decrease pain and spasm. Electrodes are placed on the skin and turned up until a “buzzing bee” or “pins and needles” feeling is experienced in the treatment area. The sensation should not be painful and should not cause your muscles to contract. The small electrical impulses induce the body to release molecules called endorphins which are its own natural pain-killers. Patients generally describe IFC as being relaxing and beneficial in the treatment of pain and spasm.

Lifestyle Counseling

Lifestyle therapy targets the underlying causes of chronic illnesses by incorporating a sensible eating plan, exercise, nutritional supplementation and stress management.  By discussing any chronic issues you have with your chiropractor they will be able to customize a program to accurately address deficiencies which have led to the current disease present.

Exercise and Movement Rehabilitation

Our chiropractor is a great resource to provide exercises and a rehab program for you, to aid you in recovery from your injuries.  Adjusting can be helpful in restoring function to the spine and your central nervous system, while exercises and rehab, can help strengthen the supporting musculature and improve function of the stabilizing muscles.  This can be an important piece in “holding” your adjustments.

Postural Awareness

Many of the musculoskeletal complaints afflicting patients, stem from poor posture. Sometimes our ideas about “good “ posture are actually causing further harm.  It can be helpful to get the guidance from our chiropractor to ensure that your spine is aligned and that your postural techniques are indeed helping you.

Self Care Techniques

Self care that enhances your well-being will support the treatment you receive and improve the outcomes and benefits from the chiropractic care you receive.  Self-care may include techniques for stress reduction, dietary recommendations, postural education, rehab exercises, or even simple things like ice or heat treatments at home.  Our chiropractor truly values the importance of self-care.