Medical Equipment
General Information
When we see patients, we focus on not only the short-term but also the longevity of the patient. To provide your longevity we seek is involving equipment in your treatment plan. Medical equipment ranges but all with the focus of assisting with posture and preventing injury long-term. With most of our equipment, we start with patients using them more often, and as they progress through the acute phase of treatment getting to a point of prevention.
Equipment Used
Dakota Traction Unit – This is for patients that have lost the curve within their neck. A curve is a stronger structure than a straight line. With the weight of our heads (about the weight of a bowling bowl) pushing down on our neck each day by not having the curve, a patient can suffer from neck pain, degeneration, and nerve pain going down the arms. The Dakota Unit is simple in design where it is a foam wedge you simply lay down on and hang your head over.
Cervical Collar – This is for when we see forward head positioning in a patient. There is a natural alignment for the body. But, one of the biggest problems in today’s society that we see in the head pulling the full body forward. Which in turn restricts the nervous system and cognitive abilities. Our Cervical Collar is used as more of an exercise machine rather than a supportive brace. This collar specifically engages the neck muscles to position the ears back over the shoulders.
LSO Brace – This brace is used both for acute management of the low back and also long-term prevention. Our LSO braces are fitted to the patient with both sides adjustable as well. When a patient first starts with us they will be using the brace fairly consistently in-between adjustments to train the body to hold that alignment. As they progress the brace will be used less and less to a point that it is only necessary when doing activities that could lead to low back injuries such as lifting or gardening.
Orthotics – For many low backs, knee, and hip pain patients the problem starts with the feet and the way their feet make them shift their weight. The orthotics are fitted to the patient to get specific fitting to take pressure off the body. They are inserted into any shoe, just remove the current insert and place the orthotic.
Scoliosis Brace – This brace is fitted to the patient dependent on where the scoliosis is. The brace uses compression and support to help shift the alignment and improve the center of gravity in the spine.
Hinged Knee Brace – This brace is to support our patients with joint pain and poor stabilization in the knee. When a patient starts with us we want to support the knee as we make changes, similar to the LSO Brace. But, as a patient progresses it is used as a supportive tool.
We use other tools as well from foam rolling and balance seats dependent on what the patient needs.