Treatments

Conditions and Treatments

Commonly Treated Conditions

At IHS we understand each patient case is as unique as your own fingerprint. We work within the levels of your comfort and seek to understand the outcomes you desire. Dr. LaRosh creates a customized treatment plan for each patient, leading to optimum results. After a thorough history, consultation, and examination Dr. LaRosh creates a tailored treatment plan specifically for their patients using a mixture of the following tools:

Motion Palpation
Chiropractic Adjustments
Active Release Technique*/Myofascial Release
Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab
Rehabilitative Exercise Protocols
Reflex Neuromuscular Stimulation
TMJ (jaw) Treatment Protocols
Neuromobilization
Ergonomic Consultation

Motion Palpation

Using Motion Palpation as an assessment tool enables Dr. LaRosh to find areas of restricted joint movement and address only the areas that are causing or contributing to a problem.

Chiropractic Adjustments
Dr. LaRosh utilize the biomechanically superior adjustments from the Motion Palpation Institute. These adjustments are the latest, most evidence based techniques to address joint restrictions.

Adjustments are the most effective tool in addressing restricted joints. Improper joint movement will interfere with the overall movement quality of the body and can lead to pain and/or tissue damage. Chiropractic adjustments safely and effectively restore motion to restricted joints and normalize the movement of the body as a whole.

Adjusting involves placing the body into a safe position to encourage the desired movement and applying a quick, specific push or pull. Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at alleviating pain and improving athletic performance.

Active Release Technique* (ART) Soft Tissue Therapy

ART is a soft tissue protocol designed to rid injured areas of scar tissue. We usually think of scar tissue as only being seen after an injury to the skin, however our body uses scar tissue extensively in the same way that tar patch repairs are added to fix small cracks in the road. When muscles, or other tissues, are overstressed or injured, our bodies use scar tissue as a patch repair. This is a natural part of the healing process however if the cause of the injury is not alleviated properly the muscle will accumulate too much scar tissue and then becomes a problem. This is similar to when a road has been overly patched and becomes rough.

ART is not a massage, which is useful for decreasing muscle tension. Instead, the intent is to “resurface the road.” This technique works out the scar tissue and helps the muscle heal normally with long-lasting results. It is important to state that pain, numbness, or other symptoms may not resolve if the scar tissue is not broken up properly. Both of these can be accomplished by a careful exam at Integrative Health Specialists.

Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab

FAKTR (pronounced FACTOR) is a concept, not a technique. The acronym stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab. Approximately 9 years ago, Greg Doerr, DC and Tom Hyde, DC began to experiment with treating soft tissue/fascial disorders through the use of instruments. Both Greg and Tom trained in a variety of soft tissue techniques including instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and decided to incorporate their previous training into a concept that included function and treatment of the kinetic chain while utilizing various forms of rehabilitation at the same time. They also incorporated treatment in the position of provocation (pain, loss of range of motion, feeling of tightness within the fascia/soft tissues) and during motion. FAKTR incorporates all of the above variations to evaluate and treat soft tissue/fascial conditions. These concepts are quick to apply, easy to grasp and produce rapid results.

Rehabilitative Exercise Protocols

Research has shown that patients with chronic pain improve faster with increased activity. When applicable Dr. LaRosh will develop an individualized exercise protocol specifically designed for each patient according to their type of injury and the activity/sport they wish to return to. Scientific studies also show that exercise is most effective when combined with manual therapy (adjustments, soft tissue treatments, etc).

Reflex Neuromuscular Stimulation

Developed in the Czech Republic and Germany, this technique is effective at decreasing tension in overworked muscles and increasing tone in underworked muscles; thus, making soft tissue treatments and exercise more effective. This technique was created to help individuals with cerebral palsy, but has since proven beneficial for many conditions. In 2009 these techniques have been adopted by several NFL and MLB teams to improve athletic performance and return patients back to peak performance after an injury.

TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment Protocols

The TMJ is the joint between your jawbone and your skull. Problems in this area often manifest as headaches, jaw pain or clicking of the jaw. Also, close to 50% of neck pain has some form of TMJ involvement as a root cause and will not be resolved without effective treatment of the jaw. Addressing key muscle imbalances in the jaw and neck, as well as patient education are keys in treating this condition.

Dr. LaRosh is highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of the TMJ. Some cases may require co-management by being fit in a dentist office for splint or bite guard. IHS prides itself on working with other physicians when indicated to achieve the best care for our patients.

Neuromobilizations

Neuromobilization techniques involve the treatment of the nerves in and down the arms and legs. Patients performing certain prescribed motions will encourage proper nerve function and thereby decrease symptoms. At IHS, we use these techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and other nerve entrapment problems. Symptoms of nerve entrapments range from numbness/tingling in the hands or feet to shooting pain.

Ergonomic Consultation

Many workplace injuries are a result of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). CTDs are injuries that occur not from one specific incident, but rather from performing a set of movements repetitively (such as typing or controlling a mouse).

Dr. LaRosh will evaluate the workplace and suggest changes that may assist in minimizing this type of injury. Using a combination of the therapies available to him, Dr. LaRosh is also able to effectively treat workers suffering from these types of disorders.

*Dr. Matt LaRosh completed the A.R.T. S certification course and passed the examination in 2009. Certifications are for a 1 year period unless it is renewed.