Muscular Therapies
Muscular therapies involve the use of additional equipment, such as Electrical Muscular Stimulation (EMS) and Ultrasound, and are used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments. These therapies may increase your body’s ability to heal, and decrease your pain throughout your treatment plan. We may or may not recommend its use, depending on your condition and symptoms.
Ultrasound is used to treat soft tissue injuries including muscle sprains, strains, joint pain, bursitis and tendonitis. It is applied by using a small sound head which sends high frequency sound waves through the tissues. It generates heat during the application, which draws more blood into the tissues. This in turn speeds up the healing process since our blood contains healing nutrients. After treatment, many patients report decreased pain, lower inflammation, decreased muscle spasms and an increased range of motion.
Electrical Muscular Stimulation (EMS) can be used as both a training and rehabilitation tool. After a musculoskeletal injury where damage to bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons can occur, it can be used to control pain and restore normal muscle function. The FDA certifies EMS devices into two broad categories: over-the counter devices (OTC), and prescription devices. OTC devices are marketable only for muscle toning. Birch Lake Chiropractic uses only prescription devices. These are authorized for use only under supervision of a medical practitioner, for the following uses:
Relaxation of muscle spasms
Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy
Increasing local blood circulation
Muscle re-education
Maintaining or increasing range of motion
Some healthcare plans cover these muscular therapy treatments, and others do not, depending on your insurance company and plan. If it is not a covered service, we will notify you of this before your treatment. At that time, if you decide to receive it, you may pay out of pocket according to our standard fee schedule.
