It is easy to become frustrated if you are a long-time sufferer of muscle and joint pain - especially if it has been difficult to pinpoint a source of the underlying issue. Myofascial tissues make up a membrane surrounding your muscles that connect them to surrounding joints. This membrane can become stiff, making it uncomfortable to move or restricting movement entirely. 

Dr. Harrington works with patients to create a treatment plan that can include stretches and manually applied pressure to these pain points, loosening up the stiff tissue and alleviating pain. Your treatment plan will include suggestions for frequency to continue to manage your symptoms. 

Manual therapy, also known as manipulative therapy, is a hands-on approach to treat musculoskeletal pains. It involves using the hands to apply various types of pressure to muscle tissues and joints to help reduce discomfort brought on by tightness, spasms, or dysfunction. 

Manual therapy is often used to restore range of motion and movement, allowing the patient to regain pain-free function. Patients that undergo manual chiropractic therapies can experience: 

• Better range of motion
• Reduced inflammation
• Decreased or reversal of pain 
• Restored function to the affected area(s)
• Faster healing 

While many patients may associate massage therapy with the ultimate way to relax and unwind, combining massage therapies and chiropractic techniques can help speed recovery, manage or eliminate pain, and lead to an overall better quality of life. 

Yakima Valley Chiropractic Center offers massage therapy appointments with our on-staff massage therapists. Together, Dr. Harrington and our massage therapist can target both the hard tissues (joints and spine) and soft muscle tissues to provide a truly complete treatment for a wide variety of ailments and issues. Scheduling a massage appointment in conjunction with your chiropractic treatment can also provide a way to relax and relieve muscle tension, allowing for a better adjustment. 

The drop table technique, also known as the Thompson technique, uses a maneuverable table that has segments that can be lifted up and dropped during the course of your adjustment. This drop allows gravity to assist with the manual adjustment motion performed by Dr. Harrington and our team. The drop technique is typically a lighter adjustment than regular manual adjustments, and can be used in addition to twisting positions and other exercises.