Patients of Dr. Lynelle McSweeney are no strangers to her many different tools. She begins all appointments with massage therapy to better prepare the muscles and joints for treatment, and now, she’s offering percussive therapy as well. Here are the many benefits of percussive therapy in chiropractic care.
WHAT IS PERCUSSIVE THERAPY?
This gentle treatment approach is used for muscle and ligament problems, plus related myofascial conditions. Dr. McSweeney uses the percussor tool, a handheld instrument, to distribute waves of percussive impulses deep into the body’s tissues. This promotes an increase in lymphatic flow and circulation.
The percussor can be used for a variety of treatments, including:
- Decrease muscle spasms
- Release joints
- Loosen fixed areas, such as tight muscles or scar tissue, without heavy force
- Reduce chronic pain associated with migraines, persistent back pain, and chronic TMJ
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Percussors use trigger point therapy to release tightness by breaking up the scar tissue and adhesions in the body’s fascia that causes restricted motion and pain. Fascia is part of the body’s connective tissue system, and its job is to protect organs, bones, muscles, blood vessels, and nerves. It forms a protective barrier throughout the body. When a muscle is injured, the fascia around it contracts to protect from further injury. This causes surrounding muscles to work overtime, which can lead to muscle strain. The percussor can send an electrical current through the fascia and bones to break down the fascia that’s become constricted and knotted. These vibrations promote muscle relaxation, releasing latent lactic acid and allowing lymphatic drainage.
Even better? It’s a wonderfully relaxing experience! If you’re dealing with persistent pain in your back, hips, or head, chiropractic care – and percussive therapy in particular – may be able to help. Schedule a consultation with Dr. McSweeney in Reno today.