Joint manipulation is used to release restricted joints in both the spine and the extremities.  This is most commonly called “an adjustment,” and is one of the most common and most impactful treatments used by chiropractors and some osteopaths.

Spinal and extremity joints often become restricted due to poor posture, improper bio-mechanics, and/or injury. A joint that is restricted leads to excessive motion in nearby joints, and can cause  pain and discomfort. This excessive motion can lead to degeneration of the joint. Therefore, restoring movement and function in all joints is a preventative procedure for future degeneration and dysfunction. Proper joint mechanics are critical for joint nourishment and smooth movement during daily activities, exercise, and sports performance, such as a golf swing or baseball pitch. Joint Manipulation a.k.a Adjustments can also have a profound effect on the nervous system, which has contributed to some incredible results.

For those patients that prefer a lighter manipulation, we also provide mobilization to the joints to help restore movement and function. This is a low-velocity manual technique that does not provide the audible release (cracking/popping sound).

Dr. Annas uses manipulation and mobilizations as taught by the Motion Palpation Institute, a bio-mechanically sound and evidence-based chiropractic manipulation technique.

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Without a full range of motion and proper use of joints, our backs, necks and joints become stiff and less mobile, leading to pain, greater loss of movement and dysfunction. The McKenzie method is a standardized assessment tool, defining and classifying movement problems and recommending appropriate treatment.

MDT helps to treat conditions such as low back pain, neck pain, herniated discs, radiating leg pain, arm pain/numbness, and sciatica. MDT is also effective at classifying and treating joints of the extremities such as elbows, wrists, knees, ankles, and even the TMJ (jaw).

One of the key components of this method is patient education. This method utilizes education to train the patient on proper posture and ergonomics and provides the patient with exercises to treat their own pain. It is directed toward patient self-treatment methods, therefore making the patient less reliant on the doctor for relief of their symptoms.

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Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is derived from a technique pioneered by Drs. Vaclav Vojta, a Czechoslovakian neurologist, and Pavel Kolar, PhD, PT. Dr. Vojta developed a unique therapy that was originally intended to treat children with cerebral palsy. Since its inception in the 1960s, it has grown and expanded and is now indicated for a variety of conditions in both the child and the adult.

Prof. Pavel Kolar further evolved and expanded this technique to make it more dynamic and to yield faster results. The purpose of the technique is to promote proper activation and coordination of the neuromuscular system. This has yielded amazing success in treating pain syndromes as well as various neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy, scoliosis, and stroke cases. While DNS is routinely used in Europe, it has only recently started to gain popularity in the United States.

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Soft tissue pin and stretch techniques are used when a muscle, tendon, or ligament is overly tight, painful, or does not function properly.

Pin and stretch release  is a movement-based manual therapy technique that addresses muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. It involves breaking up adhesions in the soft tissues by having the patient go through various motions while the doctor applies a very specific pressure to the area being treated. It has been proven to be highly effective in treating many repetitive overuse injuries such as IT band syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, shin splints and even headaches.

Active Release Technique® is one of the industry leaders.

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Functional Rehabilitation consists of a variety of corrective and performance exercises with the goal of improving your movement and function in everyday living. Exercises are custom-tailored based upon the findings of your movement screen.  Dr. Annas utilizes movement screens from FMS and SFMA principles

Once movement dysfunction(s) have been identified from our thorough evaluation and movement assessment, a custom-tailored corrective and performance exercise program will be implemented with the goal of returning the patient/client to their regular activities of daily living while maintaining a pain-free state.

When a particular muscle is not doing its job correctly (inhibition), other structures have to pick up the slack causing them to become over-stressed. This is called altered motor control and can be due many factors including frequent sitting, sedentary lifestyle, poor postural habits and previous injury. This causes undue tension in aforementioned over-stressed muscles, ultimately leading to pain and injury. Corrective exercises are designed to curb altered motor control by stimulating the inhibited muscle(s) in functional patterns which translates to more efficient movement in sport and everyday activities; thus, increasing performance while decreasing the risk for injury.  Dr. Annas combines clinical rehabilitation and performance principles from multiple organizations, including FAKTR, NASM, and more.

Instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is an advanced manual technique where the therapist is able to effectively address myofacial or soft tissue dysfunctions (i.e. tight, stringy muscles) with the assistance of a contoured instrument.

The instruments give clinicians a mechanical advantage by reducing stress on the hands, magnifying abnormalities (e.g. restrictions, scars, adhesions), and focusing forces through a small area with less friction than using the thumb or fingers.

The goal of treatment is to stimulate an inflammatory healing response – increasing blood flow and stimulating collagen production promotes adequate remodeling and healing of soft tissue structures. Ultimately, reducing overall treatment time and allowing faster recovery.

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RockTape is a special kind of kinesiology tape that is used by practitioners to treat injuries, reinforce posture corrections, and improve sports performance. The stretch is used to promote healing as well as reinforce posture correction and proper muscle activation.

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Laser therapy uses a handheld device by the clinician to emit a light that passes through the skin.  As the light passes through, it interacts with the light sensitive elements in the cell.  Similar to photosynthesis in plants.  Laser therapy can be used for a wide variety of injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.  It is theorized to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing by increasing intracellular metabolism.

Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves above the range of human hearing.  Its purpose is to interact with the tissues in the body that are either modified or destroyed.  The output can be focused on specific targets for the purpose of heating or breaking up tissue.  Deep heating tendons, muscles or ligaments can increase circulation to those tissues, which is thought to help the healing process and decrease pain.  The heat is also thought to increase the stretch of the tight muscles or tendons, allowing for an increase in range of motion

Cupping is a practice used in traditional medicine across the world.  It involves creating a suction on the skin using a glass or plastic cup.  Negative pressure is created in the cup by applying a flame to remove oxygen or using a suction device.

The cup pulls the superficial tissue upwards, relieving tension on the underlying tissues, muscles, tendons, and nerves. The clinician will then take you through specific movements, stretches, or rehabilitation exercises with the cups strategically placed on the area of treatment.  The goal of the treatment is to increase range of motion, decreasing pain and recovery time, and stimulate an inflammatory healing response-increasing circulation and collagen production.

After thorough assessment, the clinician will determine if you are a candidate that would benefit from Cupping therapy.

With skills ranging from relaxation and rehabilitation to pain management, I customize each session to meet your unique needs, every session is thought out and intentional. With advanced training in pain science, body awareness, joint biomechanics, and relaxation techniques, I utilize science validated approaches and scrutinize our treatment outcomes to ensure that we’re reaching your wellness goals.

Massage has many health benefits including relieving tension and headaches, reducing anxiety, reducing chronic pain, reduce muscle stiffness and pain, reducing intensity and frequency of migraines, promotes relaxation, improving sleep and quality of life, and many more health benefits.

Each person requires specific, individualized treatment.  The clinician will determine if you are a candidate and what exactly needs to be done for you