SOL Chiropractic

The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action) and literally means “done by hand”. Instead of prescribing drugs or performing surgeries, chiropractors use manual treatments of the spine and joints, exercise therapy, soft tissue therapies, and nutrition and lifestyle changes to allow the body’s natural state of health to fully express itself. Chiropractic treatment includes specific chiropractic manipulative techniques (manual and instrument adjustments), as well as adjunctive therapies such as Active Release Techniques®, Graston Technique® and Cold Laser therapy.

Like other healthcare providers, chiropractors follow a standard routine to gain information about the patient. The patient’s case history is reviewed, a thorough neurologic and orthopedic physical examination is done and laboratory analyses and/or x-rays are requested if deemed necessary. Using this information, a diagnosis is made. Included in the diagnosis is the probable reason for your pain and discomfort.

The chiropractic approach to health care is holistic, meaning that it addresses overall health. Chiropractic philosophy recognizes that many lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and environment impact your health. For this reason, chiropractors may run diagnostic laboratory tests, recommend nutrition, exercise or other lifestyle changes in addition to chiropractic care.

Services and Techniques

SOL Chiropractic services include:

Comprehensive chiropractic care
Sports injury treatment
Active Release Techniques® (ART)
Graston Technique®
SpiderTech™ kinesiology taping
Cold laser therapy

Active Release Techniques®

Active Release Techniques® is a unique form of manual therapy administered by trained professionals to damaged soft tissue, restoring movement and eliminating pain.

So, how does it work? Muscles are composed of tiny filaments of tissue that run parallel to one another, allowing each muscle to move freely. When a muscle is injured, these filaments tear. Some muscle tissue injuries are sudden like tears and sprain/strains. Others are the result of “cumulative trauma” like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Regardless of the cause, the body reacts to the injury in a similar way, by filling the damaged area with inferior tissue known as fibrous adhesions. Adhesions can develop between muscles or within muscles. Still, the result is the same—the once parallel filaments of muscle tissue get bound together so they no longer slide and glide freely, impairing movement and causing pain.

ART is the first and only treatment designed specifically to treat these soft tissue problems. Combining an understanding of biomechanics and movement with hands-on manual mobilization and manipulation techniques, ART allows the practitioner to go right to the heart of the problem and resolve it quickly and effectively.

ART was developed by Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Active Release Techniques® has a federally protected patent. Members of the College of Providers are the only ones permitted to use the term Active Release Techniques® (ART) and the associated treatment protocols. For more information on ART® please visit the Active Release Techniques® website.

Graston Technique

The Graston Method® is a patented, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique and management system. The Graston methodology is used to break up fibrotic scar tissue and to promote healing of painful or restricted tissues within the body. As part of the Graston Method®, your clinician uses patented tools to detect, aide and assist in the mobilization process necessary to restore normal motion of your muscular and connective tissues.

The Graston Technique® instruments, while enhancing the clinician’s ability to detect fascial adhesions and restrictions, have been successfully proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
Plantar Fascitis (foot pain)
Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Medial Epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (shoulder pain)
Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)
Achilles Tendonitis (ankle pain)
Post-Surgery Scarring/Fibrosis
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Scar Tissue Formation/Adhesions
Chronically Tight of Shortened Muscles
Shin Splints

To learn more about Graston Technique®, please visit the Graston website.
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SpiderTech™ Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping is an intervention applied to skin in order to reduce muscular pain and inflammation, allow for the relaxation of overused musculature, and to provide support to underlying joints and muscles during moderate to heavy activity. Kinesiology taping differs from traditional athletic taping in that kinesiology taping enhances the body's natural neurological and circulatory systems while providing support whereas traditional taping obstructs this natural flow.

SOL SANTA CRUZ provides SpiderTech™ kinesiology taping to athletes and active individuals alike. A market leader in the area of kinesiology taping, SpiderTech™ is the preferred provider of taping supplies for this important performance enhancement and pain relief modality.

To learn more about SpiderTech™ kinesiology taping, please visit the SpiderTech™ website.
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Erchonia® Cold Laser

Cold Laser therapy is low level light therapy which helps reduce healing times. A laser is a focused beam of light that emits photon energy. When the light is focused properly, all the photons are traveling the same direction and at the same wavelength; this is known as coherent light. Within the injured musculoskeletal tissue, low-level laser light initiates microcirculation, and enhanced tissue regeneration. The overall effects are decreased pain and inflammation, and increased range of motion. When the body has an injury the cells are damaged and fail to function within normal parameters. Low level lasers penetrate deeply into the skin and work by restoring this abnormal cellular function. Physiologic effects include improved metabolism, circulation and tissue healing.

To learn more about Erchonia Cold Laser therapy, please visit the Erchonia® website.
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