WORKING TO GET YOU OUT OF PAIN, BACK TO DOING THE THINGS YOU LOVE, AND AVOID INVASIVE PROCEDURES

MOTION PALPATION/DIVERSIFIED

At Vassar Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, we use an adjusting style commonly referred to as diversified. Palpation of the spine is performed to find any "restricted" joints.
Subsequent visits may include diversified or motion palpation, with Dr. Vassar feeling the spinal joints move as you turn and bend.
With the malposition of one or more spinal bones found, a manual thrust is applied. The direction, speed, depth and angle that are used is the result of training, practice and a thorough understanding of the musculoskeletal system.
During the thrust there may be a popping noise. This is attributed to gases being released as the joint opens. The effectiveness of the treatment does not hinge on whether the joint pops, however.
Improving motion in restricted segments can help reduce pain and dysfunction and most joints of the body can be adjusted to help restore proper range of motion and function.

ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE

Dr. Vassar is the only full body certified ART practitioner in Southwest Michigan.
Over-used muscles and other soft tissue change in three important ways: acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc), accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma), and not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).
Any of these issues can cause your body to produce dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue builds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.
Active Release Technique consists of applying pressure to the affected area (similar to massage) and helping the muscle go through its full range of motion. This helps break up the scar tissue and restore function and blood flow to the area.

REHABILITATIVE/CORRECTIVE EXERCISES

The main focus of this treatment is to simulate activities that patients do often. Because of this treatment plans are individualized to meet each patient’s needs.
Functional rehabilitation also includes a variety of exercises in different planes of motion to increase overall flexibility, core strength, balance, and strength and power. In many cases little equipment is used during these exercises. Depending on the situation, patients will also progress through an exercise regimen – steadily increasing the difficulty for better results.

The goal of these exercises is to decrease difficulty of everyday activities while increasing overall musculoskeletal function.

MCKENIZE THERAPY

At Vassar Chiropractic and Rehabilitation, scheduling Nutrition Consultations has become simpler than ever before. Our personalized Nutrition Consultations provide patients with the resources they need to get their health on track — you’ll leave our clinic well informed and confident that your health is in good hands. Get in touch and schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience.

THOMPSON

Dr. Vassar uses the treatment aspect of Thompson technique in which individual cushions or “drop pieces” located along our table surface support each area of your spine until the thrust is delivered. Then, each drop piece gives way, reducing the amount of energy needed to move a specific spinal segment.

ACTIVATOR

Dr. Vassar utilizes an activator for treatment. This is a handheld spring-loaded tool that delivers a high speed, low force adjustment.
This is especially helpful for patients who prefer this approach or who have trouble tightening up during other types of treatments.