Step 1: Percussion/Dynamic Massage

First, we will use percussion therapy as a means to warm up the muscles around your spine. We usually use either a Hypervolt or a Theragun. An image of a Hypervolt is located below. If you don’t know what percussion therapy is, don’t worry. It’s basically a series of vibrations that helps relieve muscle soreness/stiffness, improves range of motion, and promotes circulation. In short, it’s a vibrating massage tool that feels really good.

Step 2: Soft Tissue Mobilization

Next, we find areas in the muscles that are tight, or adhesions, and we use manual therapy techniques (our thumbs, hands, and, if you’re lucky, our elbows) to loosen them up. We also look for little trigger points in certain muscles, and use a technique called ischemic release to help get rid of them. We may also use treatments such as cupping, myofascial release, and arthostimulation. This is usually the “hurts so good” portion of the treatment.

Step 3: Full Spine Adjustment

Next, as mentioned here, we need to make sure there are no rotational tension in your spine. To do this, we will deliver a full spine adjustment to ensure proper motion in the spine before we move onto the Y Strap treatment. This will consist of specific, focused adjustments. It will not be a “rack and crack” ordeal. We find the specific segments that need to be corrected, and effectively fix it.

Step 4: Y Strap Adjustment

After all of this, it is finally time for the Y Strap. Similar to the videos on YouTube, we will have you on an adjusting table while we do it. After the Y Strap is completed, we recommend that you take a few minutes in the room to close your eyes and let everything sink in. It is definitely an experience, as many of our patients can’t explain what they feel after it’s complete. The general consensus, however, is that it is “amazing”.

Following the Y Strap Treatment

After the Y Strap Adjustment, we MIGHT recommend that our patients use our Turbosonic vibration platform to help let everything sink in. The following is taken from their website: “TurboSonic® consists of a sonic (sound) vibrating platform that the user stands or performs exercises on which stimulates bones, muscles, blood vessels and cells in a manner that promotes their rapid development and circulation.” The vibration therapy lasts for 10 minutes and it helps to re-enforce the treatment prior. An image of the platform is shown below. The full treatment will take approximately 30 minutes.

HOW DOES THE Y STRAP WORK?

Furthermore, Look at the above images. The image on the left shows two bones in your spine compressing and irritating the disc in between them. As illustrated, this can cause a disc herniation or slippage. On the right, the bones are pulled apart, which releases the pressure on the disc and allows nutrients to nourish the area. In other words, traction helps to decompress the spine. According to Pettibon, the makers of the Y Strap, the Y Strap “corrects “kinks” in the epi-pia collagen network.” If you are suffering from symptoms due to spinal compression, a “normal” Chiropractic adjustment most likely won’t fix the issue. The Chiropractor MUST address the compression.