::||www.Robek.com::|| Dr. Shawn Robek, Chiropractor in San Diego, CA.

What is a misaligned/restricted vertebra and how do you get one?

A misaligned vertebra is the shifting of a bone in the spine from forceful trauma or repetitive movement. A misalignment changes the normal mechanics of the spine causing pain and altering the function. Depending on the cause or severity, the pain can occur immediately or in the future. These misalignments also create a negative effect on the nerves exiting the spine. This happens when the misalignment causes a small local muscle spasm in that area, as well as inflammation and irritation to the disc. The combined effects along with the misalignment itself closes the hole in which the nerve travels causing a "pinched nerve". Pinched nerves can cause a variation of symptoms, including those away from the area of irritation. For example, a pinched nerve in the neck can cause arm and/or hand pain and weakness. A misalignment will cause a decreased range of motion in the joint and will restrict movement. The specific region will be tense and stiff. A common example of this would be someone who has difficulty turning their head to look over their shoulder while they are driving.

What is an adjustment?

An adjustment is a specific, controlled force into the body using my hands to correct a misaligned vertebra. This force is applied in the direction of the misalignment with the intention of restoring its normal position. A lot of people ask me if the bone will stay where it is positioned. The answer is most often no. Unfortunately, the body is used to being in this misaligned position and has grown accustomed to it. This is why I suggested that my patients include corrective exercises in their daily routine to strengthen the correction being made in the office and also to stabilize the region.

How can I learn corrective exercises?

Basic corrective exercises can be learned at my Wednesday night Chiro Class. Some conditions may need more specific rehabilitation exercises. Depending on the condition, I can teach them in the office or refer the patient out to a physical therapist or a biomechanic specialist.

Robek Chiropractic & Sports Rehabilitation Center
doctor@robek.com

1010 University Avenue, Suite C-201
San Diego, CA 92103
tele: 619.295.9791 | fax: 619.295.9792
Hours: MON: 12-7 | TUE: 7:30-1 | WED: 12-7
THR: 2-7 | FRI: 7:30-12

What is Active Release Technique (ART)?

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

How do overuse conditions occur?

Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:

acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc.)
accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia)

Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.

What is an ART treatment like?

Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.

These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.

What is the history of Active Release Techniques?

ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. Dr. Leahy noticed that his patients’ symptoms seemed to be related to changes in their soft tissue that could be felt by hand. By observing how muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves responded to different types of work, Dr. Leahy was able to consistently resolve over 90% of his patients’ problems. He now teaches and certifies health care providers all over the world to use ART.

My Accreditations & Affiliates: ART | PGA Tour 2008