Treatments Offered
At ASJC we believe each patient case is as unique as your own fingerprint. Dr. Hulme creates a customized treatment plan for each patient, leading to optimum results.
After a thorough history, consultation, and examination Dr. Hulme creates a tailored treatment plan specifically for his patients using a mixture of the following tools:
Gait Analysis
Motion Palpation
Chiropractic Adjustments
Active Release Technique
Rehabilitative Exercise Protocols
Reflex Neuromuscular Stimulation
TMJ (jaw) Treatment Protocols
Neuromobilization
Ergonomic Consultation
Gait Analysis
Much information can be gained from watching someone walk, also referred to as gait. This analysis helps Dr. Hulme identify muscle imbalances and altered movement patterns quickly and effectively, helping lead to the treatment program.
Motion Palpation
Using Motion Palpation as an assessment tool enables Dr. Hulme to find areas of restricted joint movement and address only the areas that are causing or contributing to a problem.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Dr. Hulme utilizes the biomechanically superior adjustments from the Motion Palpation Institute. These adjustments are the latest, most evidence based techniques to address joint restrictions.
Adjustments are the most effective tool in addressing restricted joints. Improper joint movement will interfere with the overall movement quality of the body and can lead to pain and/or tissue damage. Chiropractic adjustments safely and effectively restore motion to restricted joints and normalize the movement of the body as a whole.
Adjusting involves placing the body into a safe position to encourage the desired movement and applying a quick, specific push or pull. Chiropractic adjustments are very effective at alleviating pain and improving athletic performance.
Active Release Techniques (ART) Soft Tissue Therapy
ART is a soft tissue protocol designed to rid injured areas of scar tissue. We usually think of scar tissue as only being seen after an injury to the skin, however our body uses scar tissue extensively in the same way that tar patch repairs are added to fix small cracks in the road. When muscles, or other tissues, are overstressed or injured, our bodies use scar tissue as a patch repair. This is a natural part of the healing process however if the cause of the injury is not alleviated properly the muscle will accumulate too much scar tissue and then becomes a problem. This is similar to when a road has been overly patched and becomes unsmooth.
ART is not a massage, which is useful for decreasing muscle tension. Instead, the intent is to “resurface the road.” This technique works out the scar tissue and helps the muscle heal normally with long-lasting results. It is important to state that pain, numbness, or other symptoms may not resolve if the scar tissue is not broken up properly. Both of these can be accomplished by a careful exam at Active Spine and Joint Center.
Rehabilitative Exercise Protocols
Research has shown that patients with chronic pain improve faster with increased activity. When applicable Dr. Hulme will develop an individualized exercise protocol specifically designed for each patient according to their type of injury and the activity/sport they wish to return to. Scientific studies also show that exercise is most effective when combined with manual therapy (adjustments, soft tissue treatments, etc).
Reflex Neuromuscular Stimulation
Developed in the Czech Republic and Germany, this technique is effective at decreasing tension in overworked muscles and increasing tone in underworked muscles; thus, making soft tissue treatments and exercise more effective. This technique was created to help individuals with cerebral palsy, but has since proven beneficial for many conditions. In 2009 these techniques have been adopted by several NFL and MLB teams to improve athletic performance and return patients back to peak performance after an injury.
TMJ (Jaw Joint) Treatment Protocols
The TMJ is the joint between your jawbone and your skull. Problems in this area often manifest as headaches, jaw pain or clicking of the jaw. Also, 1/3 of neck pain has the TMJ as a root cause and will not be resolved without effective treatment of the jaw. Addressing key muscle imbalances in the jaw and neck, as well as patient education are keys in treating this condition.
Dr. Hulme is highly trained in the evaluation and treatment of the TMJ. Some cases may require comanagement with Dr. Hulme by being fit in a dentist office for splint or bite guard. ASJC prides itself on working with other physicians when indicated to achieve the best care for our patients.
Neuromobilizations
Neuromobilization techniques involve the treatment of the nerves in and down the arms and legs. Patients performing certain prescribed motions will encourage proper nerve function and thereby decrease symptoms. At ASJC, we use these techniques for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, and other nerve entrapment problems. Symptoms of nerve entrapments range from numbness/tingling in the hands or feet to shooting pain.
Ergonomic Consultation
Many workplace injuries are a result of cumulative trauma disorders (CTD). CTDs are injuries that occur not from one specific incident, but rather from performing a set of movements repetitively (such as typing or controlling a mouse).
Dr. Hulme will evaluate the workplace and suggest changes that may assist in minimizing this type of injury. Using a combination of the therapies available to him, Dr. Hulme is also able to effectively treat workers suffering from these types of disorders.
