Y STRAP DECOMPRESSION TREATMENT
Dr. Tyler Bigenho is one of the only Chiropractors in California who performs the Y Strap Adjustment. It is not for everyone, so Dr. Bigenho must complete a thorough evaluation beforehand. If we decide it is necessary to use the Y Strap, we will. Prior to the adjustment, Dr. Bigenho will warm the spine up and correct any rotational abnormalities. If you have any questions regarding the Y Strap, Contact us. If you want to see more videos, check out our instagram page!
The Y Strap is a device that fits around the base of the skull/chin that allows for the spine to be stretched. This type of “stretch” is called spinal traction. In other words, the Y Strap allows us to “pull apart” the segments in your spine to release any tension within them. To do this, Dr. Bigenho performs a quick pull at the perfect time to achieve the desired results.
Performing the Y Strap adjustment is more complicated than it looks. We can’t simply “pull” your spine apart when it’s cold. Would you go run a marathon if you haven’t warmed up yet? We think not. The spine works the same way. Thus, we need to warm up essentially every part of your spine before we begin the Y Strap treatment! Below you will find how we will treat you during our Y Strap Decompression Treatment. Most treatments take approximately 30 minutes.
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.

Do I need to come back?
In short, it depends. If you suffered an injury to your body, which led you to seek out the Y Strap, you will most likely need additional treatment. Dr. Bigenho may or may not recommend a few maintenance adjustments before undergoing another Y Strap Treatment. Every situation is different. If you are coming in for general compression issues from every-day life, you can probably get away with a Y Strap Treatment on an as-needed basis.
What happens after the Adjustment?
Following the Adjustment, Dr. Bigenho will have you lie on the table for a few minutes with your eyes closed to let everything settle in. You might feel a little light-headed when you get up, but that should not last long. Who knows, you might even feel taller! Some patients report feeling sore in their spine up to a day or two after, which is normal. Dr. Bigenho recommends avoiding high degrees of rotation (turning your neck/back a lot) after the adjustment. He also recommends drinking plenty of water following conclusion of the adjustment. Do make sure to avoid “cracking” your back or neck for at least the first few days after the adjustment.