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Our Approach
Your treatment at the Bio-Mechanics of Las Vegas can be divided into three separate and distinct phases.
These stages typically describe the reaction to any musculoskeletal injury:
- Acute Stage
- Sub-Acute Stage
- Chronic Stage
Each stage has characteristics that represent the nature of the particular physiologic processes that
are involved at the time. The body’s reaction to injury proceeds in a predictable manner and the passage
from one stage to the next typically follows a similar time frame and sequence of events. In fact, the
length of time that has elapsed since the injury occurred is one of the most common methods of determining
which stage the patient is in.
Your program of treatment will be designed to your individual needs. Your treatment will utilize a patented
soft tissue management protocol called Active Release Techniques® that is very effective in the treatment
of overuse and sprain/strain conditions. ART® is an advanced system that targets scar tissue to correct
muscle function and free nerve entrapments. By breaking down scar tissue adhesions and correcting the
appropriate movement and function, ART® yields significant improvement and/or resolution without surgery.
Your treatment will also include an approach that will strengthen and rehabilitate the area and help prevent
re-occurrences. Attainable goals will be set and a protocol is drawn up to measure your improvements.
Phase 1 - Acute Stage (lasts anywhere from 48 to 72 Hours):
The acute stage is defined as that period immediately following the injury. Symptoms are usually most severe
in this stage. This period has a relatively short course that typically lasts from 48 to 72 hours, although
some patients may remain in this stage for a week of more. The primary characteristic during this stage is
inflammation. One of the clinical characteristics is the presence of pain in the early part of the range
of motion. In some patients, even the slightest movement may produce pain. Other symptoms include redness,
swelling, heat, and stiffness. Treatment efforts are largely directed at pain relief, controlling swelling
and supporting or protecting injured tissues. Patient recovery is usually quicker and more complete when
they seek chiropractic intervention during this stage.
Pain, inflammation, and spasm are reduced in the office and home care advice is given. Chiropractic
treatment usually involves a few visits to move you from pain relief to stage 2. Ice and/or Kinesio Taping
is used in this stage to reduce inflammation in the affected tissues.
Phase 2 - Sub-Acute Stage (lasts anywhere from 72 hours to several weeks):
After passing quickly through the acute stage the body changes directions from a physiologic point of view.
Attention is no longer directed at controlling the impact of the injury. Rather, the body attempts to turn
its attention and resources to the task of healing and repair. This sub-acute period has a variable time
frame that may last for several weeks. There is a gradual reduction in pain and inflammation. In addition,
there is a gradually increasing degree of pain-free motion, with pain present near the end of range of
motion. Because many patients are still in pain during this phase, the increase in function may be used
as a reasonable guideline to monitor progress.
The primary characteristic of the sub-acute stage is the presence of fragile, re-injured tissue. As the
pain and symptoms subside during the sub-acute period, it is not uncommon to see patients exceed their
functional limitations and exacerbate their condition. If this happens, the patient may re-enter the acute
phase. Some patients may vacillate several times between these stages. As a patient begins to feel better,
compliance tends to fall off. However, it’s important to continue and follow through with a treatment plan
to avoid falling back into the acute stage.
A variety of techniques (Active Release Techniques®, rehabilitative exercise, stretching, and ergonomic
advice) are employed to restore proper function so that you are not limited in any activities of daily
living.
Phase 3 - Chronic Stage (may last for several months or even years):
In some patients, recovery is delayed or incomplete and they enter the chronic stage. By their very nature,
these conditions are long-lasting and may last for several months or even years. Although clinicians may
not agree on when a particular problem enters the chronic stage, it is usually agreed that a condition that
is not showing continued signs of improvement at 6-7 weeks should be considered chronic. The primary
characteristic is shortened connective tissue in the form of fibrosis and adhesions. Pain is present at
the end of range of motion, although the total range may be reduced.
Remodeling Phase:
In addition to the three phases described above, recent attention has been directed at the fourth phase,
the remodeling stage. As described, following an injury the body goes quickly through the acute and
subacute phases. If the injury is not too severe and the treatment is appropriate, the problem heals and
the condition never reaches the chronic stage. Under less than ideal circumstances, however, tissue healing
may be inadequate and chronic problems may develop.
During the remodeling stage, the body attempts to return to normal structure and function. The body
responds to the demand placed on it, and if the demand is sufficient, the injury heals with no residual
defects or problems. If the demand is not appropriate, if the injury is too severe, or if the treatment
is inadequate there may be residual (chronic) deficits. There is some evidence that this stage may last
as long as 1-2 years post trauma in some patients.
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