At our Chiropractor led clinic here in Lerwick, Shetland, we as far as possible embrace the concept of evidence based practice. There is a slowly increasing scientific evidence base for the effectiveness of manual therapies such as manipulation, mobilisation and soft tissue techniques. At present there is moderate to high quality evidence for conditions such as:
- Acute and chronic low back pain
- Acute whiplash-associated disorders
- Shoulder girdle pain/dysfunction & Adhesive capsulitis (‘frozen shoulder’)
- Hip osteoarthritis & Knee osteoarthritis,
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Migraine, Cervicogenic headache & Cervicogenic dizziness,
- Extremity joint conditions
- Acute/subacute neck pain, Chronic neck pain, etc.
At Venture Chiropractic we employ a wide range of manual techniques for each individual case. Below you’ll find a brief explanation of each.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Traditional Chiropractic “Diversified” techniques are the style of spinal manipulation most commonly associated with the profession. Chiropractors generally refer to manipulation as “adjustments”. Manipulative therapy as a therapeutic intervention has been used for thousands of years dating back to Egypt and Ancient Greece (Hippocrates, commonly referred to as the father of Western medicine used spinal manipulation and prescribed exercise).
ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE (ART)
ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. This can range from an aching jaw to the sole of the foot! These problems commonly occur from overuse or ‘repetitive strain’. Geoffrey is a Full body Certified Active Release provider. For more information, check out the ART website.
Graston Technique
The Graston technique is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation (IASTM) that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique uses specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis and/or chronic inflammation. Geoffrey is a M2 certified Graston provider. For more information, check out the Graston website.
Dry Needling Acupuncture
Dry needling is the use of acupuncture needles to help treat muscle pain by stimulating ‘trigger points’, which are tight bands within the muscle. It is not to be confused with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), however there is approximately a 70% correlation between trigger point locations and classical acupuncture points.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology taping is a relatively new technique to assist in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. It’s use was particularly apparent at the recent London Olympics. As a new technology there is not as yet a wealth of strong evidence to ‘prove’ that it works, however the feedback from patients and athletes of all levels is on the whole very positive. It is thought to have three major benefits, firstly lifting the skin to help relieve pressure associated with swelling, secondly to accelerate bloodflow to the injured area to speed up healing, and thirdly to stabilise the area without restricting the movement associated with traditional athletic tape, so that the user can remain active. Geoffrey is certified Level 2 for both Rocktape and Kinesiotape.