Laser Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy
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 Therapy
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. This can be a relaxing treatment, but Dr. Annas has an integrated sports medicine and movement based application of cupping.
After thorough assessment, the clinician will determine if you are a candidate that would benefit from Cupping therapy.
Massage 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
Spinal Decompression and Traction
Spinal decompression therapy is a treatment designed to take pressure off of the discs of the vertebral canal. By creating a traction force, we are attempting to decompress the discs in between each spinal segment, momentarily increasing the space between each spinal segment.
The goal is to allow nourishment and blood flow to enter the discs over time as they are being decompressed and tractioned. The surrounding joints are also opening as this is happening, potentially creating increased range of motion and nutrition.
The center of the disc is avascular, so it is important to nourish the outer margins of the discs through movement. Why is this important? The hydration of your bones and discs is critical for shock absorption. Also, if the center of your disc is not well maintained, more pressure is placed on the outer ring, potentially predisposing you to disc herniations.
Our office has two specialized tables for the treatment. Spinal Decompression and Traction is not for everyone, especially those with hypermobility or certain vascular problems. Only after a thorough history and examination, Dr. Annas will then determine if you are a candidate for Spinal Decompression therapy and traction.
