Frankfort West Chiropractic

Dry needling is available for a variety of conditions involving the muscles and tendons.  This treatment, using a fine filament needle in precise locations and positions, provides a very focused way to reduce muscle tension and stimulate healing in a specific area.  This therapy is performed on trigger points located in the patients problem area and seeks to relieve both muscle tension, and referred and radiating pain by going directly to the source, the trigger point.  Not all patients are good dry needling candidates, but talk with your provider to find out if this is something appropriate for.

EMG/NCV testing is performed in our Frankfort West office by Dr. Luking.  Currently using a Cadwell Sierra Summit machine. Electrodiagnosis is a two part test with both parts completed on the same day.

The first part of this test is called nerve conduction velocity (NCV).  In this procedure  electrodes, which are small sticky tabs are placed to the muscle or nerve area being examined.  Then, using a small stimulating probe  a tiny flow of electrical current into the nerve or muscle.  This causes a measurable and predictable reaction, which is transmitted by the electrodes to the electomyograph machine.  The EMG machine measures and records this reaction and the amount of response time.  These data are valuable in diagnosing neuromuscular problems.  The tiny amount of current used in this test will not injure the nerve or muscle tissue and it causes only a slight uncomfortable feeling, similar to a mild “crazy bone” sensation.

The second part of the EMG test is called determination of muscle action, in this procedure a small Teflon-coated, needle-shaped electrode is inserted into the muscle.  The patient experiences a sensation like a mild pinch.  Again, a tiny amount of current is detected in the muscle and the electromyograph measures and records the reaction.

After both parts of the EMG are completed, the electromyograph computer generates a photograph of the results.  The physician can read these results to diagnose an existing condition, or can store the results for future comparisons.

A good chiropractic adjustment is quick, restores joint motion and reduces symptoms, and should be a largely comfortable process. Our doctors come from some of the most prestigious chiropractic institutions in the country where education is focused on spinal manipulation to restore proper function to the spine. We provide safe, effective, clinically proven care using hands on techniques and at times techniques that employ assistance from the tables or a handheld device. We know that not all patients are created equal, and people prefer different approaches.  Careful attention is paid to your health status and history before deciding what technique will be the safest and most effective for you.  With many years combined experience we bring enough knowledge to the table to get you out of pain and restore function. 

Chiropractic and massage therapy go hand in hand.  Both are holistic in nature and are based on the belief in the healing power of the body.  Together they support the natural healing process by keeping the body in proper alignment and ensuring a free flow of nerve impulses and circulation.  Massage does more than create a pleasant sensation on the skin, it works on the soft tissues underneath to improve muscle tone and relieve areas of tension.

Massage is not the only option for relieving muscle tension, some locations offer dry needling trigger point therapy as an adjunct to your adjustment.

Getting patients better is only half the battle, although manual hands-on adjustments are our offices primary type of treatment, we also include active and passive modalities when appropriate.  We utilize a complete line of passive modalities including Electronic Muscle Stimulation, Ultrasound, Hot and Cold treatment, Intersegmental traction, TENS units and supplies and Massage and Trigger Point Therapies– including dry needling.  We perform rehabilitative exercises in office, and assign continuation of these exercises at home between visits.  These exercises may focus on stretching, strengthening, muscular coordination, or a mix of all three.

Spinal Decompression Traction is available when needed for Lumbar and Cervical conditions. This type of therapy involves lying on a specially designed table that using a series of belts and a pulley type system decompresses the disc spaces between the vertebra and mimics the natural process of healing within the disc called imbibition.  This is done with a precise amount of weight, and exact angle unique to each patient.

Not all complaints warrant an X-ray, however in the presence of red-flags, or to evaluate for complicating factors such as scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, trauma (past or present) or advanced degenerative changes we are equipped with quick and convenient X-ray options to evaluate patients as thoroughly as possible.