Our Specialties

Manual therapy encompasses a variety of hands-on techniques used by trained healthcare professionals to diagnose, treat, and prevent musculoskeletal conditions and pain. It involves skilled manipulation and mobilization of the body's tissues, including muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. The primary goal of manual therapy is to improve mobility, alleviate pain, enhance function, and promote overall wellness.

Manual therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It is frequently combined with other therapies such as exercise, stretching, ergonomic adjustments, and patient education to optimize outcomes and prevent recurrence of symptoms. Additionally, manual therapists typically tailor their techniques to each individual's specific needs, taking into account factors such as age, health status, and personal preferences.

Dry needling is a technique used by healthcare professionals, typically physical therapists, to treat musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific points to address tight restricted tissues or address neural hyperirritability within and surrounding the soft tissue structures that can cause pain, restricted movement, and other symptoms.

Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and focuses on balancing the flow of energy (qi) along meridian pathways, dry needling is based on modern Western anatomical and neurophysiological principles. The needles used in dry needling are typically thinner than those used in acupuncture and are inserted directly into the trigger points, tight bands of muscle tissue, or perineural to hyperactive neural tissues.

The primary goal of dry needling is to stimulate a therapeutic response in the dysfunctional muscle tissue, leading to relaxation of the muscle, increased blood flow, and reduced pain. The insertion of the needle into the trigger point can also create a local twitch response, which is believed to help release tension and improve muscle function.

Dry needling is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for conditions such as muscle strains, tendonitis, myofascial pain syndrome, and other musculoskeletal disorders. It is frequently combined with other therapies such as manual therapy, exercise, and stretching to optimize outcomes.

Cupping therapy is an ancient alternative medicine practice that involves placing cups on the skin to create suction. This suction draws the skin and underlying tissue upward into the cup, which is believed to promote increased blood flow, lymphatic drainage, and relaxation of muscles and connective tissue.

Once the cups are applied, they may be left in place for a few minutes or moved around the treatment area to target specific areas of tension or pain. Cupping therapy can leave temporary marks or bruises on the skin, which are caused by the suction and typically fade within a few days.

Cupping is often used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, promote relaxation, and improve circulation. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, muscle stiffness, and sports injuries. Some proponents also claim that cupping can help with respiratory conditions, digestive issues, and even promote detoxification, although scientific evidence supporting these claims is limited.

While cupping therapy is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, it may not be suitable for everyone.

High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT) is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses concentrated light energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain and inflammation. Unlike low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which uses low-intensity lasers to promote cellular healing, HILT delivers a higher intensity of laser energy to penetrate deeper into tissues.

During HILT treatment, a handheld device emitting high-energy laser light is applied directly to the affected area of the body. The laser energy is absorbed by the body's tissues, where it triggers a series of biological responses that promote healing. These responses may include increased circulation, enhanced cellular metabolism, and the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body.

HILT is often used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including acute and chronic pain, sports injuries, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries such as tendonitis and sprains. It can also be effective in promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation associated with conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

One of the primary advantages of HILT is its ability to deliver therapeutic doses of laser energy to deeper tissues without causing damage to the skin or surrounding structures. This makes it a safe and effective option for patients seeking pain relief and accelerated healing without the need for surgery or medication.

HILT treatment sessions are typically short, lasting anywhere from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the size and location of the treatment area and the specific condition being treated. The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual and the severity of their condition, but most patients experience significant improvement after a series of treatments.

Overall, HILT laser therapy offers a promising approach to pain management and tissue healing, providing patients with a non-invasive, drug-free option for addressing a wide range of musculoskeletal problems.

Scraping treatments involve scraping the skin with a smooth-edged instrument, typically made of jade, stone, or metal, to stimulate microcirculation, release tension, and promote healing.

During a scraping treatment session, the practitioner applies oil or lotion to the skin to reduce friction, then gently scrapes the skin in long, sweeping strokes using the instrument. The scraping motion creates friction, which generates heat and causes superficial blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow is believed to help remove toxins and metabolic waste from the tissues, reduce inflammation, and promote the body's natural healing processes.

Scraping treatment is often used to alleviate muscle pain and stiffness, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility. It is commonly applied to the back, neck, shoulders, and limbs, but can also be used on other parts of the body depending on the individual's needs.

After a scraping treatment session, temporary redness or bruising may appear on the skin, which typically fades within a few days. Some people may also experience a sense of relaxation and improved range of motion immediately following the treatment.

While scraping treatment is generally considered safe when performed by a trained practitioner, it may not be suitable for everyone.