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Electrical stimulation consists of utilizing electrical currents to modulate the nervous system. Electrodes, controlled by a unit, are placed on the skin surrounding the area of complaint and electrical current is then sent from the unit to the electrodes and delivered into the tissues, effecting the nervous system. The results of this stimulation of the nervous system are targeted towards pain fibers in the nervous system or nerve-muscle junctions depending on the desired therapeutic effect. Patients do not feel pain when experiencing electrical stimulation. The procedure creates some tingling in the patient or some light muscle contractions, often feeling like a light massage.

Electrical stimulation has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for individuals suffering from pain, muscle tension and weakness. Below are some of the benefits patients may experience:

• Decrease pain
• Muscle re-education and Strengthening
• Increase range of motion
• Increase circulation
• Decrease spasticity
• Reduce edema
• Decrease inflammation
• Improve overall function

Ultrasound has a variety of uses in the medical community from including diagnosis and therapeutic agent. Therapeutic ultrasound is based on the same physics as ultrasounds that deliver images of the inside of our bodies, such as a fetus during pregnancy, but it's use and result are different. Ultrasound provides deep heat to the body and stimulates a healing response in the cells of the body. Ultrasound is delivered to the patient through a "sound head" with a conductive gel directly on the skin of the patient. Generally, the patient does not feel anything, some patients notice a slight warming or tingling of the area.

Ultrasound has been shown to be an effective therapeutic option for individuals suffering from pain, muscle and ligament injuries, joint contracture etic. Below are some of the benefits patients may experience:

• Decrease pain
• Accelerating cellular healing
• Increase circulation
• Increase range of motion
• Decrease spasticity
• Reduce edema
• Decrease inflammation
• Improve overall function

Traction is utilized for a variety of purpose. The decrease in compressive forces in the neck relieve pressure on the discs which lie between the vertebrae, as well as opening up the spaces where nerves exit the spinal canal. This helps to relieve symptoms of compressed or pinched nerves, as well as helping to stretch muscles and joint structures in the neck. Mechanical traction for your neck involves using a harness that attaches to your head and neck while you're lying down on your back. The harness is attached to a machine that can provide a traction force, and the machine has a control panel so that your physical therapist can change the amount of force applied to your neck.In general, a pulling force of about 20 pounds should be used when starting neck traction. The force should be held for 10 to 20 seconds, and then slowly released.

Common diagnoses that may benefit from cervical traction include, but are not limited to:

• Herniated or bulging discs in the neck
• Neck arthritis
• Neck strains
• Cervical muscle spasms

In addition to traditional chiropractic treatment and manipulation, Dr. Johansson works extensively with the soft tissues to restore normal function and reduce adhesions in the tissues that may perpetuate the pain/dysfunction cycle. Various approaches to soft tissue components may be utilized including:

The body has a thin covering called fascia throughout most of the body's structures. Trigger points are classically described as painful nodules in the fascia surround skeletal muscle. Trigger points are generally thought o arise due to stresses from overuse or trauma which can cause adhesions between the muscle and fascia layers. Trigger point can lead to an increase in muscle stiffness and tenderness and result in decreased range of motion. Additionally, the pain and discomfort from trigger points often radiate to cause pain in predictable referral patterns. Dr. Johansson, utilizes a variety of tried and true techniques to deal with this frequent and significant issue. Medical doctors will often opt to treat trigger points with injections of lidocaine, but the most effective treatment is hands on soft tissue work and stretching, which is what Dr. Johansson does best.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM) utilizes metal tools to treat adhesions and scar tissue in the body. Akin to gua sha in Oriental Medicine, the fundamentals of this approach is very old. In Oriental Medicine, the aim is to increase blood circulation and treat the acupuncture meridians and in the chiropractic world, we are focusing on adhesions in the tissues. The use of the tools aids in the focused and effective treatment of scar tissue working to both break up scar tissue and ensure that the collagen is aligned in a functional manner as the body heals. There are numerous conditions that is well suited for IASTM, it is very helpful in achieving faster and better outcomes in acute and chronic conditions such as Achilles Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, Adhesive Capsulitis, IT Band Syndrome, Lumbar Strain and Plantar Fasciitis and more.

Pin and Stretch, is a technique that works with the neuromuscular function of the muscles to aid in decreasing pain, increasing function and range of motion and overall aids in healing injuries. The technique involves focused stretches that work on specific parts of specific muscles to focus on the parts of the muscle that is truly injured and dysfunctional. Other techniques in this area include muscle energy technique (MET), Propricoeptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF). These are great, functional techniques that get you of pain and back to the activities you love.

This is classic rehabilitation. The key is identifying the parts of the body that aren't doing their job and providing the patient with proven exercises to strengthen the area of complaint. With years of expertise, drawing from yoga, martial arts and chiropractic, Dr. Johansson take pride in getting you functional, effective exercises to help heal and maintain your condition or complaint. Rehabilitation is a key part of the long-term treatment plan and the beauty of it is that is provides the patient with the empowerment to take care of their own care and condition. Dr. Johansson also strives to provide patients with a rehab program that patient's will actually follow-through with. So while you can get 1-2 hours of exercises thrown out you from many clinics, Dr. Johansson's approach is to provide you with a bite size, realistic program that you can maintain.

In conjunction with traditional diversified adjusting, Dr. Johansson draws upon various other treatment approaches to optimize patient care. These techniques are particularly beneficial for patients that are very acute, sensitive to traditional treatment or have complex and difficult conditions to treat. These include:

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. AK, a non-invasive system of evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts, has become a dynamic movement in health care in its relatively short existence.

The combined terms "applied" and "kinesiology" describe the basis of this system, which is the use of manual muscle testing to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

If you are suffering from low back pain, back pain, neck pain or headaches then these approaches may provide the relief you deserve. Call us today at 406-546-8806 to schedule.

Dr. Johansson is a Certified Medical Examiner and provides DOT physicals for truck drivers in Missoula, MT and the surrounding areas as well as drivers that are passing through. Call to schedule your DOT physical exam today!