Chiropractic

Massage Therapy

Studies show that massage therapy is beneficial in the treatment of fibromyalgia, a chronic syndrome characterized by generalized pain, joint rigidity, intense fatigue, sleep alterations, headache, spastic colon, craniomandibular dysfunction, anxiety and depression. This study shows that massage-myofascial release techniques improved pain and quality of life in these patients. The study massage group received 90-minute massage for 20 weeks.

  •  The study found a reduction in sensitivity to pain at tender points.
  • Immediately after treatment and one month following the massage program, anxiety levels, quality of sleep, pain and quality of life were still improved.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression Therapy (DTS) is the most comprehensive program available, allowing the safe delivery of this (previously hospital based) procedure in our office. DTS treatments are one of the most gentle and comfortable therapies available. Patients often report that they fall asleep during treatment sessions. The worlds’ largest manufacturer of hospital based rehabilitation equipment, with over 58 years of experience, produces the Spinal Decompression Therapy system.

A DTS treatment is a non-invasive disc therapy with more than 50,000 patients being treated annually. DTS is a comprehensive program of the newest traction techniques with targeted “core” stabilization. This therapy affects the disc as directly as possible without surgery. In the majority of cases, patients experience long-term relief of their pain when they complete the entire program of treatments, which consists of 20 office visits in close succession. In fact, clinical results of this type of therapy have been effective in over 75% of patients treated.

A gradual breakdown to the foundational support of your back is what puts undue stress on the discs and leads to pain and loss of function. The DTS system creates a controlled unloading of the vertebrae to decrease disc pressure, thus increasing blood and nutrient exchange. This exchange of fluids is something that the damaged disc desperately needs to help it heal, from the inside out.

The three phases of Spinal Decompression Therapy are; Treatment, Stabilization and Support. We typically treat three times a week for one month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as you respond. Most patients are released from treatment after eight weeks. The best advantage is that you are able to continue working during the entire treatment program, so there is no loss of income.

Frequently Asked Questions

[Spinal Decompression]

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical traction based treatment for pain and/or herniated or bulging discs in the neck and lower back. Anyone who has back, neck, arm or leg pain may be helped by spinal decompression therapy.

The doctor will determine the number of sessions needed and your specific treatment plan after your examination. In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session. Individual treatments take about 30-45 minutes. Typical therapy includes daily visits for the first two weeks, 3 times a week for the third week, and 2 times a week for the next couple of weeks, or as recommended by the Doctor.

The doctors at Kessinger Health and Wellness Center carefully investigated several decompression table options. After a significant amount of research, they selected the DOC decompression system. This system is FDA registered and approved. The unique design of the new DOC table utilizes a state-of-the-art digital command center for specific vertebral targeting, separate lumbar and cervical decompression programming and continuous readout and graphing of treatment protocols

Doctor skill combined with the table and computerized traction head are the keys. Proper assessment, correct positioning and the use of preprogrammed patterns of distraction and relaxation may reduce disc pressure allowing necessary nutrients to enliven and accelerate disc healing.

Anyone who has back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica or even failed surgery.

Most patients report a reduction in pain after the first few sessions. Typically significant improvement is obtained by the second week of treatment.

Yes! One study documented by MRI up to 90% reduction of disc herniations in 10 of 14 cases and other studies reported that the majority of herniated disc patients achieved “good” to “excellent” results after spinal decompression therapy.

Spinal decompression therapy is not recommended for pregnant women, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws, metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. However, spinal decompression therapy after bone fusion or non-fusion surgery can be performed.

To reduce inflammation and assist the healing process, supporting structures are treated with passive therapies (ice/heat/muscle stimulation), chiropractic adjustments (as indicated) and/or active rehabilitation in order to strengthen the spinal musculature.

Prolotherapy [injection therapy]

Prolotherapy is also known as “proliferative therapy” or “regenerative injection therapy.” It is a simple and natural technique that stimulates the body to repair the painful area when the natural healing process needs assistance. In many cases, commonly prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and more drastic measures such as surgery and joint replacement might not help and often hinder or even prevent the healing process.

Dr. Robart received his prolotherapy training in Denver, Co. from the American Academy of Musculoskeletal Medicine under the instruction of Thomas Ravin, M.D., John Cantieri, D.O., and John Pasquarello D.O.

Initial patient consultation will include full exam of the affected region and will include orthopedic tests, a neural exam, palpation and assessment of body healing capability.

* Insurance does not cover Protherapy

Ligament laxity, tender points at tendon or ligamentous attachments at the bone, recurrent swelling or fullness involving joint or a muscular region, popping/clicking/grinding/catching sensation in a joint, temporary benefit from chronic manipulation that fails to permanently resolve or won’t “stay in,” aching or burning pain that is specific to an upper or lower extremity, recurrent headache, chest wall pain with tenderness along rib attachments on the spine or sternum, spine pain that does not respond to surgery or has and unidentified origin are all symptoms that indicate a possible need for prolotherapy. Prolotherapy is also useful for arthritis, back pain, neck pain, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, unresolved whiplash, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic tendonitis, partially torn tendon/ligament and sciatica.

The mechanism of prolotherapy is simple. It works by the exact same process that the human body naturally uses to stimulate the body’s healing system — inflammation. A substance (dextrose/sugar water) is injected into the affected ligaments or tendons, which leads to local inflammation. The localized inflammation triggers a wound-healing cascade resulting in the deposition of new collagen, which is the material that makes up ligaments and tendons. The new collagen shrinks as it matures and tightens the ligament or tendon that was injected, making it stronger. Because ligaments and tendons generally have poor blood supply, incomplete healing is very common. Incomplete healing leads to chronic pain and weakness/injury. Prolotherapy has the potential of being 100% effective at eliminating chronic pain due to ligament and tendon weakness. This does, however, depend on technique and the patient’s ability to heal.

The response to treatment varies from person to person and depends upon one’s healing ability. An average treatment consists of six injections is spaced two weeks apart. The patient should be evaluated to determine the appropriate course and length of treatment. The main effects are reconstruction and increased strength. It is not uncommon for swelling to occur after injection, which can lengthen the treatment period. If the doctor sees no increase in strength and endurance, metabolic management will need to occur to help restore the body’s ability to heal itself.

Prolotherapy is an extremely safe procedure. The risks are far less than taking aspirin or Motrin for a lifetime only to temporarily alleviate a chronic pain. As with any treatment there are possibilities of slight risks or side effects. These will vary depending on the area being treated so the doctor will discuss the possibilities fully with you during your pre-treatment consultation and exam.

Insurance

Insurance coverage for prolotherapy varies depending on your carrier. Medicare, as well as a number of insurance carriers, does not cover prolotherapy.

Some carriers will provide partial coverage. Robart Rehabilitation and Wellness is considered an out-of-network provider.

When evaluating whether to pursue prolotherapy, please realize that it is often less expensive to pay out-of-pocket for the procedure compared to the co-pays of expensive surgeries, hospitalizations and resultant rehabilitation.