GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., May 19, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dr. Michael Kwast, the Grand Rapids chiropractor who runs Peak Performance Chiropractic says that combining chiropractic care and physical therapy helps accelerate his patients' rehabilitation from injuries. He adds that combining therapies like this can also improve pain management outcomes for patients with chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia. Dr. Kwast says he has successfully used this combined approach for patients suffering from sports injuries, car accident injuries, personal injuries and all kinds of pain. Patients with back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain and pain throughout the extremities report feeling faster relief and improved strength from combining treatments.
The Grand Rapids chiropractor explains why his approach is yielding such positive results: "The body is an intricate and complex system where an injury in one area can adversely affect other areas. Chiropractic spinal adjustments are critical for aligning the spine so the nervous system can direct healing, but spinal alignment is also affected by the condition of the muscles, tendons and ligaments that support the spine. Physical therapy is a critical component to reconditioning these soft tissues for pain management and total-body balance and rehabilitation."
Dr. Kwast says that physical therapy is designed to help injured patients move and function without pain. Strength training is one aspect, he explains. He goes on to say, "Muscles that have been under used or misused because of a past injury need to be reconditioned and strengthened." He says another aspect is stretching to improve flexibility and range of motion. Patients learn the exact form for the exercises and stretches in the office, sometimes using stretchy bands or yoga blocks. Dr. Kwast says proper form is important so that the patients get the most therapeutic benefit from the exercises. He says that the course of physical therapy used will vary depending on the patient's condition and goals.
Dr. Kwast adds that in addition to chiropractic adjustments and physical therapy, he frequently prescribes massage therapy, nutritional counseling and even detox treatment. He says massage therapy in particular can help break down scar tissue inside the muscles so that they heal faster and move better, which enhances the course of physical therapy.
According to Dr. Kwast, comprehensive treatment means comprehensive healing. "We want to treat the whole person, not just the isolated injury—because injuries are not isolated, they're part of the system. That's why, for pain management and rehabilitation, we use a combination of approaches."
Peak Performance Chiropractic in Grand Rapids combines chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, nutritional counseling, and detox services for patients with back pain, neck pain, headaches, fibromyalgia, arthritis, allergies and several other conditions. For more information, visit the website at http://www.peakperformancechiropractic.info.