TREATMENT MODALITIES

1) Anodyne: a non-invasive drug-free modality which utilizes Monochromatic Infrared Photo Energy to improve local circulation to the nerves of soft-tissues of the extremities.  Anodyne therapy is FDA approved and is ideal for patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, to help decrease pain and restore sensation and balance.  If patient’s symptoms improve significantly, we can help them obtain
a unit for home use for on-going management of their condition.

2) Ultrasound: a non-invasive modality that utilizes acoustic energy to penetrate sound waves of varying frequencies into soft-tissues via the use of a water-based gel. Ultrasound is used clinically to provide a deep heating effect to the soft-tissues, to help relieve pain and edema so as to improve tissue circulation and restore function.

3) Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): a modality that utilizes adhesive electrodes, selectively placed around the involved neuromusculoskeletal region that delivers micro currents at varying frequencies, pulse durations, and intensities depending on the treatment goal:

    A) Re-education of muscles that are weak, atrophied, and denervated due to disuse following injury. 

    B) Following post-surgical conditions to help improve the pumping action of surrounding muscles, to relieve tissue fluid congestion (edema), so as to improve tissue circulation and restore joint and soft-tissue function.

    C) Targeting certain muscle groups during exercise for strength enhancement, such as with weightlifters/bodybuilders.

4) Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): a modality that stimulates neurophysiological mechanisms of the central nervous system to treat acute and chronic pain, through the application of controlled low-voltage electrical pulses via electrodes placed on the skin.

5) Mechanical Spinal Traction: a electronic unit attached to a therapeutic treatment table that applies a graded distraction force to the spine with the patient positioned most appropriately to gently separate the vertebrae and elongate surrounding soft-tissues so as to reduce pain and relieve pressure from the surrounding nerve roots.

6) EMG (Electromyographic) Biofeedback: a modality that utilizes surface electrodes placed over the desired muscle or muscles (most commonly the quadriceps following knee ailments/injuries).  An electrical signal generated by the muscle during contraction is detected by the electrodes, conveyed by the connecting cables to the biofeedback unit, where these signals are then processed and presented to the patient by visual and/or auditory means.  This information helps the patient learn how to control a voluntary muscle contraction, while assisting the therapist in providing suggestions and/or therapeutic interventions that will help the patient improve and ultimately achieve a desired movement pattern.

7) Fluidotherapy: a modality that utilizes superficial dry heat through convection, via extremely small solid particles (usually sand) that are heated and suspended by circulating air. The thermal conductivity and specific heat of the particles and circulating air allow the temperature of the unit to be higher than that of water to be used therapeutically. Thus, patients can safely tolerate relatively higher temperatures. As is the case for other superficial heating modalities, before initiating this treatment to the desired region, the patient must present with good skin integrity, as well as good circulation and sensitivity to heat. The patient sits with his/her hand or foot placed in a small enclosed sandbox, with heated air-blown sand. Typical treatment duration is 20 minutes. Fluidotherapy is commonly used to help reduce chronic pain/edema and improve tissue circulation.