Please scroll down to read descriptions of the top treatments I use in my practice. these include manipulation, trigger-point compression massage, trigger-point acupuncture, electrical therapy, traction therapy, myofascial release, vibration massage, rehabilitation exercises, clinical nutrition and the Epley maneuver.

 

 

Manipulation use the manipulation styles of Drs. Cyriax, Mennell and Maigne. They all wrote textbooks for the medical and osteopathic professions and taught specific manipulations to free up joint restriction moving the joint in the direction opposite of the pain barrier. These are pain-free adjustments to the body that rarely result in side effects. 

 

Trigger-Point Compression Massage I use a deep, sustained pressure to deactivate tender muscle knots and tight bands as taught by Drs. Travell and Nimmo. Most pain syndromes are fraught with these points and will not get better without trigger-point work.  

 

Trigger-Point Acupuncture This is a more exact and powerful treatment of trigger points. Ashi points (point of pain) and tender tendon and ligament attachments. I use techniques of Drs. Lewitt, Mann and others.  After 30 years of watching this techniques work in my practice, I consider it my most effective treatment. Small electrical charges are sometimes added to the needles to assist in treatment. These acupuncture treatments are usually reserved for chronic pain syndromes.  

 

This therapy uses high-volt galvanic stimulation prior to muscle and joint treatments. This enhances circulation, drainage and the overall healing effect. I also use electrical stimulation attached to acupuncture needs for certain problems.  

 

Traction Therapy I have always used intermittent traction as prescribed by Dr. Jackson in the 1960s and 1970s. This has always worked well for bulging or swollen discs. Contrary to the new computerized traction machines, it is not an expensive treatment but works just as well, if not better.  

 

Myofascial Release I learned this soft tissue technique from attending three workshops by physical therapist John Barnes. Myofascial release is very helpful in chronic pain syndromes with a strong emotional component. Some of the most amazing physical/spiritual healings I have observed have resulted from using this technique. Myofascial release is another way of doing craniosacral work.  

 

Vibration Massage I often use a percussion vibrator or the percussion hammer to relax soft tissues prior to manipulation. I learned this technique from Dr. Fulford in Tucson. Dr. Fulford was discussed in several of Andrew Weil’s books.  

 

Rehabilitation Exercises I taught yoga classes in the 1970’s at Winona State University, the University of Minnesota and at the Mayo Clinic Community Center in Rochester, Minnesota. I like to employ stretching and strength-building exercises derived from yoga and other seminars I have attended. These exercises are a cornerstone of successful rehabilitation. 

 

Epley Maneuver This technique can be extremely effective in curing acute dizziness or vertigo (also called benign paroxysmal positional vertigo or BPPV). I have been using this technique to help patients since Dr. Epley first wrote his paper about the technique in the early 1990’s. The success rate of for the Epley maneuver is about 90% after one to three treatments.  

 

Clinical Nutrition When I was in chiropractic school at Northwestern Chiropractic College in the 1970’s, I was in charge of providing up-to-date nutritional research for our clinical nutrition course. I also completed a clinical nutrition and trace-metal nutrition class at the University of Minnesota. I have used nutritional and herbal products ever since. I am happy to discuss with you what herbals or other compounds might assist you in recovery from your ailments.