Techniques used to compliment the Chiropractic treatments include Active Release Technique (ART), Kinesio Taping, and Pilates.

ART, invented and developed by chiropractor Dr. P. Michael Leahy, is a manual treatment method aimed at freeing adhesions that form as a result of overuse in the fascia, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, that can then also have the effect of trapping nerves in specific places. Problems that can be treated include headaches, backache, plantar fascitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, pain around articulations like the shoulder or knee, and sciatica. It has become a very widely known and used technique in the United States and Canada and is the preferred choice amongst many high calibre athletes.

Kinesio Taping is a technique that uses adhesive elasticized tape to stimulate the circulatory and nervous systems. This method was discovered 25 years ago by the chiropractor Dr. Kenzo Kase. It’s four principal physiological effects are to correct muscular function, increase blood and lymphatic flow, reduce pain, and assist in realignment of joints.

Pilates, by now, is recognized in the dance world as the best exercise method that strengthens the body leaving muscles flexible and creating long and beautiful lines. With these same principles Pilates is also standing out for it’s positive effects on posture as well as for the rehabilitation of the spine and extremities.

In our studio we do individualized lessons with teachers certified in the Polestar method using Pilates specific equipment like the Reformer and the Wunda Chair. Other exercises are also integrated on the floor (matwork) with small pieces of equipment applied in a way unique to Pilates.

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS)

In the spring of 2007 Dr. Francis X. Murphy performed the first One To Zero (OTZ) Tension adjustment to a patient that had been since un-responsive to any and all previous therapies for her Frozen Shoulder Syndrome (FSS). In fact, Ms. Hatcher was scheduled for surgical intervention. After a detailed research into the multiple theories as to why FSS develops Dr. Murphy formulated his own hypothesis and with his patient’s trust set to put it to the test.

Immediately following the OTZ Tension manoeuvre, Ms. Hatcher experienced an 80% reduction in pain and was able to move her previously immobile shoulder, into 180° abduction. This seemingly miraculous occurrence lead Dr. Murphy to the discovery of the HMD or Hatcher-Murphy Disorder, so called for the two people principally involved in it’s first detection.

The HMD is theorized to be a subluxation of the atlanto-occipital joint causing tethering and resulting ischemia of the Cranial Nerve XI which in turn causes dysfunction of the trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscle is fundamental for the complete motion of the shoulder complex.

People potentially in need of this type of adjustment do not have to have the full-blown presentation of FSS but may have varying degrees of shoulder impingement as well as other vague neurological complaints related to compromising the function of this part of the nervous system.

A complete description of the OTZ Tension manipulation for the HMD can be found on the web sites http://www.frozenshoulderdoctor.com
http://www.otzhealthed.com