Services Offered
City Center Chiropractic and Rehabilitation is a full service clinic located in downtown Chicago that offers a variety of chiropractic and physical medicine techniques in addition to acupuncture to meet the needs of our diverse patient population. Following a consultation and examination, the chiropractors or acupuncturist will establish a treatment plan that will incorporate some, many or all of our services offered to ensure quick and effective care.
Chiropractic Manipulation
The most significant aspect of any chiropractic treatment is chiropractic manipulation of the spine or joints of the extremities. Commonly referred to as an "adjustment", chiropractic manipulation is performed to improve lost range of motion, increase segmental joint mobility, stimulate joint position sensors and promote normal function of the central nervous system. The adjustment is vital in restoring normal joint function and range of motion and improving overall joint health. Chiropractic manipulation is a safe, gentle and effective method for treating neck, mid back and lower back pain in addition to disorders of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle. By restoring normal function to the musculoskeletal system, especially the joints of the spine, manipulation allows the nervous system to operate without interference and regulate the various systems of the body and promote optimal health.
Our chiropractors use a wide variety of chiropractic techniques when adjusting patients and tailor treatments to the specific needs and tolerances of each individual patient.
Spine and Sports Rehabilitation
In conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, rehabilitation is an essential component of any treatment plan. Studies have shown that without rehabilitation, recovery from an acute injury or chronic condition takes longer and the potential for exacerbation or re-injury remains high. Physical therapy can help improve motion, increase muscle strength, and enhance balance and co-ordination. For each patient, a rehabilitation program will be custom-designed to expedite the recovery process, and prevent re-injury or exacerbation.
Physical therapy programs that we offer include pre- and post-natal conditioning, lumbo-pelvic stabilization programs, cervical stabilization programs, sports injury rehabilitation, balance and stability training, flexibility training and postural re-education and training. For many disc injuries, we utilize the McKenzie Method and evidenced based core strengthening protolcols with great success.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy aimed at naturally promoting health and alleviating sickness by restoring the energetic balance of the body. This is achieved through the stimulation of very specific anatomical points, known as acupuncture points. To stimulate these points, very thin, hair-like, sterile needles, are superficially inserted into the skin. Many studies have shown that acupuncture is effective at treating a wide range of conditions such as musculoskeletal issues, pain problems, digestive disorders, anxiety, addictions, hormonal imbalance, infertility and much more.
Massage Therapy and Soft Tissue Techniques
Soft tissue techniques include massage therapy, trigger point therapy, and myofascial stripping. These techniques are performed to decrease muscle spasm, reduce tension and increase blood flow to the area to remove toxins and supply nutrients. Additionally, soft tissue techniques serve to improve flexibility, decrease pain, increase range of motion and facilitate tissue healing.
Pre-Natal care
Chiropractic manipulation, acupuncture and massage are safe, natural and effective modalities to facilitate a healthy pregnancy.
Our massage therapists are certified in pre-natal massage and work with patients throughout the duration of their pregancy to relieve back and hip pain and encourage pelvic alignment and mobility. Acupuncture is a safe method for treating nausea, regulating hormones, and easing anxiety and muscluloskeletal pain associated with pregancy. Acupuncture may also be effective as a stimulus for labor induction.
Our chiropractors work with pregnant patients during all stages of the pregnancy to manage the stressful effects of strain on the muscles, tendons and ligaments that occur as the body changes. In addition, Dr. Riederer is a certified Webster Technique provider which may facilitate an easier, healthier birth.
The Webster Technique is a chiropractic analysis and gentle adjustment of the sacrum. In pregnant women, if the pelvis is not balanced, the uneven pulling on these muscles and ligaments may restrict the baby's ability to get into the best possible position for birth. When balance is restored to a mother's pelvis, her uterus and pelvis function better. This reduces stress to the mother's ligaments and muscles making pregnancy and birth more comfortable.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy modalities are offered as a complementary therapy to the manual therapies performed.
Interferential Current
Also referred to as "muscle stim" or "electric stim", this form of therapy is used to reduce both acute and chronic pain, and to speed tissue healing. There is some evidence that suggests that electrical stimulation may block the transmission of pain signals along nerves. Additionally, electrical stimulation has been shown to promote the release of endorphins, which are natural pain killers produced by the body. Interferential current is painless and patients commonly report a "tingling" or "pins and needles" type of sensation when it is applied.
Ultrasound
Not to be confused with diagnostic ultrasound, which is commonly used in prenatal screening, this is a therapeutic procedure that uses sound waves to treat:
tendon and ligament injuries
muscle and soft tissue injuries
scar tissue
arthritis and bursitis
Ultrasound is useful for resolving chronic inflammatory conditions, and has a micro-massage effect that enhances fluid exchange to promote tissue healing. Additionally, ultrasound has been shown to improve local blood supply and stimulate reconstructive cells, providing rapid, initial wound strength. Ultrasound also promotes the formation of scar tissue that is as similar as possible to the parent tissue. Ultrasound is a painless procedure and most often the patient cannot perceive any sensation except slight warmth when it is applied.
Ice Therapy
Ice therapy can provide significant pain relief for many types of pain. It is most effective if it is applied soon after the injury occurs. The cold makes the blood vessels in the tissue contract, reducing circulation and thereby reducing the inflammation and swelling that occurs after an injury. Ice also can act like a local anesthetic, numbing the sore tissues. Additionally, ice slows nerve impulses to the area where it is applied, which interrupts the pain/spasm reaction between the nerves and muscles.
Moist Heat
Moist heat can aid the healing process by increasing circulation to the affected area and decreasing muscle spasm. Heat is most effective in treating conditions that are chronic in nature - it is not recommended to use heat within the first 48 hours of an injury or if any signs of swelling or inflammation are present. The desired effect from heat is deep penetration to the muscles, providing relaxation and pain relief and promotion of tissue healing through increased blood circulation.
Traction
This procedure can be performed either manually (by the doctor's hands) or mechanically (with the use of a table). It is commonly utilized to reduce pressure on the discs of the neck or lower back. With traction, the discs are decompressed, thereby relieving nerve pain, tissue inflammation and pressure cause by herniated or bulging discs. This is a painless procedure that patients most often find very comfortable and pleasant.