Services & Techniques

At Grayhawk Family Chiropractic, we take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic care to our patients.  Belowe is a sampling of the different chiropractic services and techniques that we offer in our Scottsdale office.

• Chiropractic
• Acupuncture
• Massage Therapy
• Active Release Technique
• Graston Technique
• Rehabilitation & Exercise
• Physiotherapy modalities
• Nutritional supplements
• Custom Shoe Orthotic Analysis
• Manipulation Under Anesthesia (*out of office service)
• Pre-natal & Pediatric Chiropractic

Detailed descriptions of each of these services are provided below:

Chiropractic Care

We provide advance spinal correction utilizing "state of the art" chiropractic techniques.  Never in the history of chiropractic have we been able to provide the level of help and expertise that now exists.  These newer correction methods are even safer, more comfortable and more effective than ever before.  We offer various techniques including: diversified, drop-table adjusting, Cox flexion-distraction and gentle non-force techniques to suit the needs of our pediatric and pre-natal patients.

 Acupuncture

Acupuncture, simply stated, is a health science which is used to treat both pain and dysfunction in the body.  Authories agree that this science dates back to China almost 5,000 to 7,000 years ago!  Early Chinese physicians discovered that there is an energy network traversing just below the surface of the skin which communicates from the exterior to the inernal organs and structures at over 1000 "acupoints" on the body.  This energy courses over 12 meridians or channels that are normally well balanced.  If a disruption in energy flow exists, it can alter the system, producing pain or symptoms in the body.  Acupuncture treatment is an excellent complement to chiropractic care.  4 acupuncture needles can fit down the shaft of one hypodermic needle, so most people do not experience significant pain with treatment, and compare the sensation to "less than a mosquito bite".

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is available with Karen on Wednesday, Thursday & Fridays.  Please contact our office for further details.

Rehabilitation & Exercise

Exercise is a key component of the healing process by strengthening and stabilizing specific key muscle groups.  We teach our patients special "blueprint" exercises designed just for them to help strengthen and correct their own unique problem.  We offer in-office exercise instruction as well as an at-home online program.  In addition to skeletal misalignment, muscles and connective tissues can be out of place or strained by improper alignment or use.  Specific exercises and stretches can help you body stay in balance and in health.

For more information on our online exercise program visit: www.housecallpatient.com

Active Release Technique (ART)

ART is a patented state of the art soft tissue system/movement based mobilization technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.  Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fascitis, knee problems and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be treated with ART.  These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.

An ART treatment is a combination of examination and treatment.  The doctor will use his/her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves.  Abnormal tissues are treated by combining a specific tension with patient movement.  These treatment protocols, over 500 specific ones, are unique to ART.  They allow the doctor to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting the individual patient, and complement the chiropractic adjustment very nicely.

For more information on this technique visit: www.activerelease.com

 Graston Technique

Graston is a soft tissue diagnostic and therapeutic method that has been in outpatient clinics since 1993.  This technique uses stainless steel instruments specifically designed and developed as an alternative to transverse friction massage.  The instruments are uniquely shaped to treat different areas of the body.  The weight and design of the instruments allow doctors to treat deep tissue conditions very effectively.

This technique functions to break down and release adhesions in your muscles and tissues.  By breaking down these adhesions, normal movement and function is restored and the pain associated with it is eliminated.  The benefit of this technique is not only in the detection of these adhesions, but in the amount of improvment that takes place in a short amount of time.  When this technique is coupled with strengthening and stretching exercises, it provides a great aid to chiropractic adjustments and allows patients to get better muck quicker and more completely.

Studies have shown this technique to be effective in treatment of: neck pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, fibromyalgia, IT band syndrome, low back pain, mucle strains, painful scars, plantar fascitis, post-fracture pain and tendonitis.

For further reading on this technique visit: www.grastontechnique.com

Physiotherapy

To complement and enhance the healing effects of chiropractic treatment, we also provide the following physiotherapy modalities:

• Ultrasound
• Interferential electrical muscle stimulation
• Mechanical traction
• Cryotherapy & moist heat therapy
• Kinesiotaping stabilization

Pre-natal & Pediatric Care

Chiropractic is an essential choice in your prenatal care.  Pre-existing unnoticed imbalances in your spine may become stressed during pregnancy.  A large number of pregnant women experience back discomfort and pain during pregnancy due to the rapid growth of the baby and its interference in the body's normal structure.  Chiropractors work specifically with your pelvis during pregnancy to restore its normal balance, creating an environment for an easier, quicker and safer delivery.  We offer specific analysis and adjustments for your special needs in pregnancy.  You and your baby's continued safety and comfort is our main concern in your care.  Dr. Sarah is a member of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and is a certified provider of the Webster technique.

For more information and additional natural health resources for you and your family visit: www.icpa4kids.org

Custom Shoe Orthotics

We offer Spinal Pelvis Stabilizers made by Footlevelers in our office.  These stabilizers are a style of flexible, custom made foot orthotics which are worn in your shoes.  These stabilizers help your feet maintain their structural and functional balance.  Your feet are the foundation of your body, so any weakness or unstable positioning in your feet can, over time, contribute to postural issues in the rest of your body.  Stabilizers help to keep your feet in a stable position throughout the day.

We create these stabilizers by having you step onto an electronic scanning device that will capture an exact impression of your feet in their position of function (standing).  You will be able to choose from a variety of styles depending on your activity level as well as the type of shoes that you will be wearing them in.  No one else's feet are exactly like yours.  Off the rack shoe inserts are mass-produced and cannot provide the specific level of support you may need to keep your feet in their proper structural position.  If you are interested in having your feet evaluated for orthotics, please ask your doctor.  Some insurance plans will cover the cost of orthotics, depending on the nature of your condition.

Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA)

MUA is a non-invasive alternative procedure for those who suffer with chronic pain.  This procedure originated in the osteopathic profession in the 1930's, primarily for the treatment of pain.  Documentation regarding the success of MUA has been recorded as early as 1948.  At that time, a success rate of 80-90% was established and has been maintained to this day.  Being under anesthesia allows interruption of the cycle of muscle spasm to allow for increased movement and allows complete relaxation so that the doctor can stretch shortened muscle groups and reduce adhesions caused by scar tissue.

Licensed physicians who have specialized training specifically for this procedure perform treatment in a surgical center.  Dr. Frank is certified in this procedure, and works in an outpatient surgical center with a team consisting of an anesthesiologist, a primary care physician and nursing staff who are specially trained in pre- and post-procedure protocols.

This procedure is not for everyone, but can be a valuable treatment for those who suffer pain caused by:

• Sciatica
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic low back or neck pain, unresponsive to traditional conservative therapies
• Cervical and lumbar disc conditions
• Frozen shoulder
• Migraine headaches
• Joint calcification
• Capsulitis of the hip
• Torticollis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Piriformis syndrome
• Pelvic instability

For more information please contact our office or visit http://www.MUAeducation.com for further reading.

Nutritional Supplements

We can provide specific recommendations on nutritional supplements to enhance your return to optimal health and help to support your treatment plan.  Do you know which supplements and vitamins are appropriate for you?  We can provide a structured nutritional program based on your individual needs.  We carry only high quality nutritional supplements from Metagenics.  Metagenics supplements are recognized around the world for their hig quality and purity, and are only available through your health care provider.