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Chiropractic is a branch of healthcare that is used to treat a variety of different conditions. Chiropractors are most noted for our treatment of spinal pain and nerve compression however we can also treat problems in your shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and feet just to name a few. The chiropractic manipulation is the hallmark of our treatment and the types of manipulation are as varied as chiropractors are themselves. In general, a force is applied through a joint at a specific angle in order to move that joint in a specific direction. We treat joints that are moving incorrectly or not moving at all and by doing so we have a variety of different effects. The first and most important is the relief of pain but we can also help to reduce muscle tension through reflexes and in some cases we can even help to relieve internal pain such as the pain caused by menstrual cramps.

The technique we employ most at Kauffman Chiropractic is the diversified adjustment. This is a type of manipulation that delivers a “thrust” to specific joints in a specific direction. It is done as gently as possible to avoid pain and most patients do not experience discomfort during the manipulation itself. We are also trained in the use of an activator and in the flexion/distraction method described by Dr. Cox. The activator is a low force technique that is accomplished with an instrument that delivers a high velocity, low amplitude thrust through the joint. It is effective however in most cases a “pop” is not heard. 

Flexion/distraction is a form of intermittent traction that is used to treat lower back pain and nerve compression. We use this most with disc derangements, sciatica and even stenosis. This is a slow, gentle form of traction that is accomplished by a special table and the pressure of the doctor to direct the traction where it is needed most.

In addition to manipulation we also use a variety of different modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, diapulse, moist heat, ice and massage to help relieve pain and muscle spasm. The diapulse also helps with sinus congestion and allergies. Stretches and exercises are a part of our care plan and provide our patients with the tools they need to address their specific condition on a long term basis. It helps correct the underlying problems that have led to the pain and dysfunction. If you have any questions about your specific condition and whether or not it can be treated with chiropractic please feel free to contact our office.

 Acupuncture is an ancient health science used to treat pain and dysfunction by the insertion of needles into specific points on the body. It is deeply rooted in China and believed to have been developed over 5,000 years ago. It did not become widely used in the U.S. until about 1971. The theory behind acupuncture is that there is an energy network under the skin which links the external world and the internal organs. The network travels through meridians or channels and these channels should be balanced to promote health. When the energy is in harmony there is health throughout the systems of the body. Should the energy become blocked or weakened the harmony is disrupted and pain and dysfunction occur. Needles or other types of stimulation are used over specific points along the body surface to restore the normal harmony of the external and internal worlds.

One would assume that the insertion of needles into the skin is painful however in most cases acupuncture is not extremely painful. The needles are quite thin and the insertion is done so quickly that patients report only a slight prick when the needle is inserted. The number of treatments required varies greatly according to the condition and the patient being treated. In some cases there is immediate relief while in others several treatments are needed to promote the balance and restore the harmony and health. In very few cases the patient may actually have a temporary worsening of symptoms as the body returns to a more normal state. That is not cause for alarm in most cases. In acute cases acupuncture can provide long lasting relief of symptoms without the need for additional care. In some chronic cases however the amount of tissue damage does not allow for permanent resolution and in those cases the patient is treated intermittently at a low frequency to control the pain and dysfunction.

A typical treatment with acupuncture at our clinic involves an examination to determine the exact nature of the problem. This can include more traditional examination techniques or the evaluation of the meridians themselves to determine the balance within those channels via a small, painless electrode on specific sites. The doctors will then determine what points are needed and the needles are inserted. The patient is allowed to rest for 20 minutes with these needles in place. They are then removed and the treatment session is concluded for that day. There is not typically bleeding when the needles are removed. The patient may return to their normal daily lives.

Acupuncture is a safe, effective and proven method to treat many types of conditions. Acute or chronic pain, headaches, sinus and allergy problems as well as neurological problems to include sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome are commonly treated at our clinic. At times acupuncture is used in combination with chiropractic manipulation. That seems to provide exception benefits as well. In general we do not address addiction issues or weight loss and we do not treat animals. If you have questions about whether your specific condition would be well addressed with acupuncture or any other questions about this type of treatment please contact our clinic.

 At Kauffman Chiropractic we believe that the muscles are an essential part of most painful conditions of the spine and extremities. By addressing the muscular component of your condition we can improve our response to chiropractic care and provide more lasting relief. Our chiropractors all do some massage as part of your visit but in some cases addition therapy targeting specific muscles or muscle groups improves a patients response to care dramatically. In those cases massage therapy is prescribed as part of your treatment program. We currently have four certified massage therapists working at our clinic. Their methods differ slightly but all are skilled in deep tissue massage and trigger point therapy. Most are also trained in active release techniques or PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation).

Therapeutic massage is done in our clinic in a relaxed but professional environment. Our caring massage therapists work under the supervision of our chiropractors which helps them to target the areas that are most problematic for you. Each has the ability to use deep pressure but the amount of pressure is up to you. In some cases this therapy is covered by your insurance company if it is part of an active care plan established by a doctor or chiropractor. We do accept patients on a cash only basis who are not under a doctor’s prescription. We offer day and evening appointments as well as appointments one Saturday a month for your convenience. If you have questions about this service, please contact our office.