What is Chiropractic?
According to The Association of Chiropractic Colleges, “Chiropractic is a health care discipline which emphasizes the inherent recuperative power of the body to heal itself without the use of drugs and surgery.† The practice of chiropractic focuses on the relationship between structure (primarily the spine) and function (as coordinated by the nervous system) and how that relationship affects the preservation and restoration of health.”

Chiropractic focuses on disorders of the†musculoskeletal system†and the nervous system; this includes dysfunction of all joints, muscles, nerves, ligaments, tendons and fascia of the body. Mobility of your joints, muscle balance and optimal function of your nervous system are of paramount importance to Dr. Gilas.

What conditions do Chiropractors commonly treat?
Dr. Gilas’ approach to chiropractic is holistic. She looks at posture and biomechanics as well as assesses how stress, diet and exercise are contributing to your overall health. Here are some examples of specific injuries that respond particularly well to chiropractic:

neck & low back pain sciatica headaches carpal tunnel syndrome repetitive strain disorders sports-related injuries disc herniations TMJ disorders postural syndromes scoliosis sacroiliac pain

piriformis syndrome shoulder impingement rotator cuff problems frozen shoulder tennis elbow tendonosis muscular strain iliotibial band syndrome knee & foot pain plantar fascitis

What can I expect from a Chiropractic treatment?
Dr. Gilas treats everyone individually, combining a variety of techniques to get results quickly. One these techniques involves manual mobilization/manipulation of the various joints of the human body.

The goals of mobilization/manipulation are to increase motion in the affected area, decrease pain, and to restore optimal function. When a joint is adjusted the joint capsule stretches resulting in a release of the pressure inside the joint. The pressure released results in a gas, which is normally dissolved in the liquid lubricating the joint, to be released. This may or may not produce a “cracking/popping” sound.

Dr. Gilas also uses Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique© (AMCT) to achieve these same goals. AMCT is a widely-used low-force chiropractic technique and is safe and effective. It does not require the patient to twist or bend, and does not produce the cracking sound that a traditional chiropractic adjustments produces.† For more information, visit www.activator.com.

Dr. Gilas also commonly uses acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, The Graston Technique© (www.grastontechnique.com), exercise and lifestyle modifications to achieve the best possible results.