Manipulation

Spinal Manual Therapy Video
Chiropractic Adjustment.
Spine Manipulation and Mobilization.
Flexion Distraction.
Motion Palpation Exam.

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This video demonstrates spinal manual therapeutic procedures commonly provided to patients under the care of Stuart Firsten, DC. This video is NOT intended to be instructive. Manual therapy requires proper training and certification to perform. Such procedures are generally safe, effective, well tolerated and appreciated by most patients when performed by qualified practitioners. Injury could potentially result if such procedures are performed by untrained, unqualified and / or unlicensed individuals.

Stuart A. Firsten, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic
West Bloomfield, MI 

Spinal Manipulation or Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractic adjustment may also be referred to as spinal manipulation. These forms of manual therapy are performed by hand to the area of the spine to be treated. Sometimes these techniques are associated with a popping or cracking sounds similar to that heard when cracking your knuckles. Adjustments are considered very safe and generally appreciated and well tolerated by most patients. Chiropractic spinal manipulation may be provided to:

• Relieve pain
• Reduce muscle spasm
• Restore joint function, mobility and range of motion

Flexion Distraction / Cox Therapy©
Flexion Distraction manipulation is an effective technique used to decompress the spinal joints and discs. We use a state-of-the-art specialized treatment table, the Hill AirFlex© which combines hands on treatment with direct stretching decompression traction to the spine in the area of dysfunction. Slow repetitive mobilizing and decompressive movements are used without thrusting, generally for conditions such as disc problems, facet joint syndrome, lumbar stenosis, scoliosis and spondylolisthesis. Most patients find these procedures comfortable and they are tolerated quite well.

Joint Mobilization
Mobilization is another form of manual therapy performed by hand to stretch and improve flexibility in stiff joints. Mobilization serves to provide relief by restoring range of motion and relaxing tight muscles. These procedures include deep stretching movements to the spinal joints, ligaments and discs. Mobilizations are generally very effective and tolerated quite well by most patients.

Soft Tissue Massage / Trigger Point Therapy / Myofascial Release Technique
Trigger point therapy (TPT) generally consists of deep pressure applied by hand to sensitive pressure points within muscles. Also called ischemic compression massage, TPT usually reproduces discomfort in the area of complaint and at the point where pressure is directed. TPT may be applied in combination with stretching procedures and application of vapo-coolant spray when indicated. TPT is used to relieve painful trigger points and associated referred pain. These procedures also can be used along with myofascial release techniques and transverse friction massage to stretch and mobilize soft tissues to help break up scar tissue and soft tissue adhesions.