Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
At MMI the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) enables our providers to offer non-traditional care to those patients looking for new and unique treatments for their musculoskeletal complaints.
These treatments can be used to “complement” traditional medicine, such as using dry needling in addition to prescribing medications or therapy to help lessen pain and encourage healing. They can also be used as an “alternative” in place of conventional medical treatment. According to the latest figures 38% of Americans now use CAM in the pursuit of their health and well-being, with most using it in a “complementary” manner.
At MMI we currently offer two forms of Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Chiropractic care and Trigger Point Dry Needling.
Non-traditional Chiropractic Care
Michael Gibson, D.C. employs state-of-the-art technology utilizing FDA approved equipment that provides pain relief and restores range of motion without the need for “twisting” of the spine or bending of the patient, which is most commonly associated with manual adjustments. The system is designed to simulate a chiropractic adjustment and/or joint mobilization through the use of an instrument that delivers a percussive force. Not only can the computer achieve desired results, but there is no inherent risk to the therapy.
Dr. Gibson also utilizes Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM). These instruments are used to effectively break down fascial restrictions, commonly referred to as a “muscle knot or spasm” and scar tissue within the muscle. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions in the muscle. Muscle adhesions within the soft tissue (which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms) are broken down allowing full functional restoration.
Trigger Point Therapy (dry needling)
Donna Pendleton, PT, CHT — Trigger Point Therapy has been adopted by American practitioners and is often confused with traditional acupuncture. It discards the concepts of energy flow and ideology, and instead focuses on treatment of disease, anatomy and musculoskeletal functions.
The therapist inserts dry needles into “knots of tissue” to release tension and to relax and lengthen the muscle, which can stimulate a healing response in that tissue and reduce the biomechanical stress of the muscle treated. Trigger Point Therapy is used for pain associated with scar tissue, muscular spasms, sprains and pulls, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and tension headaches.
