Spinal Adjustment

Our goal is to reduce and remove interference from your nervous system.  Your body has an innate ability to be healthy, as long as the controlling mechanism, the nervous system, is free from interference.  Subluxations (misalignments of the spine) are a major cause of interference to the function of your nervous system.  With time and repetition, our goal is to correct subluxations and allow your body to return to good health naturally.

Dr. Gerard specializes in the correction of the spine for all ages using the following techniques:

Chiropractic Biophysics - This technique was developed by Donald Harrison, PhD, DC, MSE in 1980. The basic philosophy and goals are to restore the body and spine to their optimum alignment; to resist gravity and distribute load properly to body parts; and to restore the lateral spinal curves to their optimum normal curves for optimum motion. Chiropractic Biophysics works to change abnormal postures to normal. Abnormal postures are set up in MIRROR-IMAGE* postures, and full spine adjustments are performed either on Drop Tables or with hand-held instruments. Due to the nature of the technique, the adjustment can be performed using a 'sliding scale' from extremely low to maximum force depending on the individual postural correction responses and the patient's tolerance and preference. Adjustments are performed to place body parts in their optimum positions to resist gravity, decrease abnormal loads, increase ranges of motion and to prevent further degeneration.  X-rays are generally used with this technique for pathology, biomechanical analysis of spinal misalignment and for spinal curves. They are also used to monitor spinal changes to normal alignment.

Diversified Technique -  The classic chiropractic technique, developed by D.D. Palmer, DC. and taught in all chiropractic colleges. It addresses biomechanical failure in each section of the spine, as it relates to specific subluxation. The focus is on restoration to normal biomechanical function, and correction of subluxation. In addition, Diversified methods have been developed to adjust extremity joints, allowing for beneficial applications in treating sports injuries and other injuries. Diversified adjusting of the spine uses specific lines of drives for all manual thrusts, allowing for specificity in correcting mechanical distortions of the spine. X-rays and case histories are used in analysis and diagnosis. No instruments are used in the adjusting procedure. Motion palpatation and full spine, hands-on techniques are used to deliver a deeper thrust, which makes an osseous (popping) sound as the adjustment is given.

Cox Technique - Flexion-Distraction was developed by Dr. James Cox in the 1970's as a marriage of chiropractic principles with osteopathic principles; conducted clinical, as well as participated in experimental, research; lectured around the world; and written well-received articles, chapters for textbooks, and textbooks. Cox Flexion-Distraction is a gentle, non-force adjusting procedure that works with the body's natural design to aid it in healing. Dr. Cox has developed a special table for effective use of the technique. The Cox Table (www.coxtable.com), a Flexion -Distraction table, is used to apply the distraction spinal manipulation adjustment. What to expect from this technique: Tractioning the spine and then flexing it can resolve pain from joint and disc problems painlessly. It is a powerfully effective, conservative approach to low back and leg pain, and an alternative to explore before surgery. For patients with non-disc related conditions causing back pain (facet syndrome, spondylolisthesis, sprain/strain, scoliosis, transitional vertebra, sacroiliac subluxation, stenosis), Cox Flexion-Distraction provides all of the above benefits plus the ability to place spinal joints into normal movements to restore spinal motion without pain.  The Cox Flexion-Distraction technique has been shown to be more effective than other forms of spinal decompression and at a significantly lower cost.  Dr. Gerard is one of the few doctors personally trained by Dr. James Cox.

Webster Technique - Dr. Larry Webster, Founder of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association discovered this technique as a safe means to restore proper pelvic balance and function for pregnant mothers. In expectant mothers presenting breech, there has been a high reported success rate of the baby turning to the normal vertex position. This technique has been successfully used in women whose babies present transverse and posterior as well. It has also successfully been used with twins. Any position of the baby other than ROA may indicate the presence of sacral subluxation and therefore intrauterine constraint. At no time should this technique be interpreted as an obstetric, "breech turning" technique.

X-Ray

We utilitze state-of-the-art,  in-house x-ray facilities.  We take only necessary x-rays, using a high frequency x-ray machine which significantly reduces radiation exposure to the patient.

Cold Laser Therapy

We are very excited to share our new Terraquant Cold Laser with our practice members and community.  This amazing technology uses safe, penetrating light waves (called photons) to accelerate production of ATP  by stimulating the cell's mitochondria.  This increase in cell energy helps transform live cells from a state of illness to being stable and healthy.  It also softens and re-energizes scar tissue, helping resolve pain and discomfort of old chronic injuries.

Laser therapy is commonly used to increase the speed and quality of tissue repair, improve the tensile strength of ligamanets, resolve inflammation, and provide pain relief.  It promotes healing in many conditions because of the increase in ATP production and activation of enzymes in targeted cells.  This improves cell proliferation and strengthens the immune system response by increasing levels in lymphocyte activity.

We are seeing amazing results with the Cold Laser in chronic and difficult cases for all types of conditions.