Chiropractic Joint Manipulation

Drs. Olson use motion palpation to assess for proper joint motion in every joint in the body. Various factors can contribute to abnormal or restricted joint motion. Acute trauma such as whiplash or prolonged or repetitive abnormal stress such as from poor posture or habits stress the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joint.

Joint motion restrictions cause friction and increased stress on the normal joint function. This increased friction may cause inflammation, pain or just wear and tear of the joints.

This wear and tear is no small matter. Wear and tear can cause osteoarthritis, a progressive breakdown of cartilage. This cartilage is a very thin layer inside the joint. Thus it becomes very important to remove stress from the joint in order to prevent complete degeneration of the cartilage.

Once a restricted joint has been located, a very specific force is exerted into the joint axis in order to restore the proper joint motion. This force or thrust is called a joint manipulation or adjustment. The thrust stimulates mechanoreceptors in the joint and produces a reflexive relief of pain and reduction in muscle spasm. Research has shown that stimulation of these mechanoreceptors sends signals to the brain which decreases pain signals and results in muscle relaxation. Once proper motion has been established through a combination of joint manipulation and Active Release Techniques, Drs. Olson will educate you on proper strengthening exercises for you to do at home to stabilize and strengthen the joint.

It is very important to restore joint function if you are experiencing pain and/or disability as a result of these joint restrictions, particularly if you have been experiencing repeated episodes of pain or disability. Repeated episodes often lead to chronic problems which effect the surrounding structures: joint capsules, ligaments, muscles, nerves, etc.

"The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well. Our food should be our medicine. Our medicine should be our food." - Hippocrates

Questions?

Do you have a question about your current situation that you'd like to ask? Send an email with your question to: questions@optimalhealthfcc.com

Contact info

Ph: (515) 964-9966
802 SE Oralabor Road
Suite 121
Ankeny, IA 50021

Location

South of Super Wal-Mart next to Subway and Greenberg's Jewelers

See the Contact Us page for a map to our office

Office Hours

M / Tu / Th: 8:00am-12:00pm, 2:00pm-6:00pm
W: 7:00am-11:00am
Call ahead for availability.

Our patients are saying...

" Thanks Dr. O, you're the best! "

- Carol T. - Ankeny