At Helping Hands Chiropractic of Boulder, we are proud to offer our patients a wide range of therapeutic treatments and state-of-the-art equipment tailored to their specific chiropractic needs. Ultrasound Therapy Therapeutic ultrasound is used to increase blood flow to the treated area, accelerating healing and removing toxins. It also produces a pain killing effect, reduces muscle spasm and joint contractures. Ultrasound therapy creates a sound wave, produced by a vibrating crystal inside a treatment sound head. Gel or water is used as the coupling agent to transfer the sound waves to the tissue. Electrical Stimulation Electrical stimulation works by channeling therapeutic electrical current through the muscle, nerve and connective tissue. This therapy provides relief from patients suffering from both acute and chronic pain. Electrical stimulation relaxes muscle spasms, increases local blood circulation and can be used for muscle re-education. Adjustment (Chiropractic Manipulation) The purpose of an adjustment is to restore joint mobility by manually applying a controlled force into a joint that has become hypomobile, a restriction in the movement, as a result of tissue injury (subluxation). Tissue injury can simply be due to improper lifting, or repetitive stresses such as sitting in an awkward position with poor spinal posture for an extended period. Tissues undergo physical and chemical changes that can cause inflammation, pain and diminished function for the sufferer. Adjustments restore mobility to the affected joints and tissues. This alleviates pain and muscle tightness and promotes healing of the tissues. Decompression Therapy Decompression Therapy is an FDA approved therapy for disc deterioration, herniated discs, bulging discs, arthritis, stenosis and sciatica. This treatment applies distraction forces to the spine in a precise and graduated manner. Distraction is offset by cycles of relaxation and this allows the vertebra to gently separate from one another creating a "vacuum effect" inside the disc. This creates a negative intra-discal pressure and promotes diffusion of water, oxygen and nutrient rich fluids from the outside of the discs into the inside. These nutrients enable the torn and degenerative disc fibers to begin to heal. Rehab to re-create cervical lordosis Cervical lordosis is the shape of a normal cervical spine (neck) which is a backward "C" shape. The cervical spine is made up of 7 cervical vertebra. Between each of the vertebra there are discs that act like shock absorbers. The entire spinal cord is joined together by ligaments that allow the body to bend and twist with the right balance of strength and flexibility. There are facet joints that allow individual bones to move. Muscles are important to maintain posture and help the spine carry the load. All these structures contribute to the lordotic (backward "C") shape of the cervical spine. Cervical lordosis can be lost as the result of whiplash, poor posture, and degenerative changes. These conditions can cause an abnormal condition in the neck where the cervical curve may straighten out or reverse (kyphosis). This causes the center of gravity to change and overtime this increases pressure on the discs and joints of the spine causing them to wear away at a faster rate. Cervical lordosis is regained by performing a series of cervical seated traction sessions. Sustained traction can re-create the lost curve. The patient also has resistant exercises that he/she performs daily. Rehab to treat scoliosis Scoliosis is defined as a lateral curvature of the spine. Our spines should be straight when viewed from the front or back. This lateral curvature creates more pressure on certain structures in the spine which can cause pain and discomfort. Scoliosis rehab can only correct the curvature 30%-50% at best. This straightening does allow this uneven pressure to be decreased, which helps decrease the patient's discomfort. Soft Tissue Work Soft tissue massage helps to increase flexibility of tissues, increases joint range of motion, stimulates immune function, promotes tissue regeneration, reduces scar tissue, and decreases muscle spasms. Flexion/Distraction This technique involves the use of a specialized table that allows for passive distraction, flexion, lateral bending and rotation to open up disc and joint spaces and lengthen soft tissues. Helping Hands Chiropractic is proud to be able to provide our clients with the latest therapeutic techniques and equipment. DECOMPRESSION MASSAGE THERAPY Spinal problems, like cavities, begin years before pain begins. We offer FREE spinal screenings for children age 14 and under. Refer new patients and get movie tickets for two!