Chiropractic (Back to Top)

Chiropractic is a healing art which utilizes a natural and holistic approach to restore normal biomechanics to the spine and extremities. The primary treatment is done by a Doctor of Chiropractic and is a spinal manipulation. A spinal manipulation is technically defined as a short level, high velocity, and low amplitude maneuver applied in a specific vector to the spine. In lay terms, it is a manual therapy designed to maximize range of motion to the joints of the spine which in turn, improves overall function of the area and decreases pain.

A good example of what happens when there is reduced motion in a joint is if you were to bend your thumb at 90 degrees all day. How would your thumb feel by the end of day? It would hurt. This is exactly what happens to any joint in your body that is not able to function properly.   Not only does the joint have a reduction of range of motion causing dysfunction, but the surrounding soft tissue (muscles, ligaments and tendons) also do not function properly. That is why the soft tissue therapy part of your treatment is so important to your overall recovery.

Sports Chiropractors focus on the complex relationship between the nerves, muscles and joints of the body and how this relates to the overall functioning/performance of the body. How the spine works (i.e., its biomechanics) can influence the nervous system and in so doing can alter the overall function of the body. Abnormal peripheral joint function (knees, shoulders, elbows, etc.) can alter nervous system function and reduce performance.

Specifics of examination and correction of body mechanics, including the spine and peripheral joints, is the domain of the sports chiropractor. By ensuring proper mechanics of the spine and peripheral joints, a sports chiropractor can influence a number of body functions: from reducing the coefficient of friction at the joint surface level; to balancing and restoring normal muscle tone through soft tissue techniques; to proprioceptive retraining. The sports chiropractor can enhance an athlete’s recovery from injury, prevent future injury (such as overuse/overtraining syndromes) and improve athletic performance.

Here at Carolina Sports Chiropractic we are specialists in athletic injuries with an emphasis on correcting and preventing musculo-skeletal injuries and biomechanical imbalances. Our clinical experience and ongoing active participation in sport gives us a unique approach to treating athletes. We treat athletes of all ages and abilities from local beginners and first time participants to international world-class athletes. Our expertise covers all athletic injuries and also common aches and pains experienced with everyday life.

Our approach and goals remain consistent for each of our patients:

·   identify and correct the current problem
·   teach the individual to manage their injury while it heals
·   determine a specific plan to prevent future occurrence

All treatments are personalized for the individual and their specific needs. Because many problems are complex in nature, with additional help needed from other sources, we work with a network of the best sports medicine healthcare professionals in the area. We look forward to helping you in any way we can.

Soft Tissue Mobilization (Back to Top)

Carolina Sports Chiropractic offers the latest techniques in Soft Tissue Mobilization. Active Release Technique (ART) as well as Graston Technique are both utilized to treat soft tissue injuries. Soft tissue is everything other than bone. When dealing with musculoskeletal injuries, we are referring to muscle, tendon, ligaments, connective tissue known as fascia, and bursa.

Soft tissue reacts to injury in a very unique manner. When an injury occurs, inflammation follows. This inflammation is the reason that patients frequently have anti-inflammatory medication prescribed by their physician.   The normal healing response is the formation of fibrous, or scar, tissue in and around the injured area. The fibrosis prevents the muscle from lengthening and contracting like it once did. This causes a loss of range of motion which may be subtle or significant.

Pain also occurs as well as a predisposition to re-injury at the site of trauma. This can alter the normal biomechanics of the injured area or joint, and an overall decrease in function can follow. If the muscles surrounding the injury tighten to protect the area and remain tight or are not moved adequately, then another process takes place. This process is known as adaptive shortening. Again, the muscles lose their normal length and this leads to loss or range of motion and discomfort.

The treatment of these structures is known as soft tissue mobilization. The basis for this method of treatment is several fold. Soft tissue mobilization addresses the previously described complication of soft tissue injuries. There are really two components to soft tissue mobilization. By definition, manipulation implies high velocity, high amplitude thrust or motion. Mobilization implies low velocity, low amplitude thrust or motion. The soft tissue is mobilized by the doctor's hands as his/her hands/fingers move through the muscle.

The patient has the involved joint moving as well. This motion is joint mobilization which occurs simultaneously during the soft tissue mobilization. This motion may occur with the patient performing all the motion (active), or with help from the doctor (active-assisted), or entirely by the doctor (passive). The treatment can be modified to be sport specific or task specific if needed or required.

Thai Massage (Back to Top)

Thai Massage combines passive yoga-like stretching with gentle pressure along your body’s natural energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle tension, and enhance your overall well-being. The session is performed on a special mat on the floor, leaving you with a deeply nourished, relaxed and energized feeling. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing that will allow for a full range of motion during the stretches.

Sports Acupuncture (Back to Top)

Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most commonly used forms of medicine in the world. Originating in China more than 4,000 years ago, acupuncture is currently one of the most widely researched, practiced, and respected forms of complementary medicine in the U.S.

According to Chinese Medicine, your overall health is determined by the quality of the Qi (energy) flow through the natural pathways of your body. Acupuncture uses a variety of techniques, including placing very thin sterile needles into specific points on the body, to stimulate and improve your Qi flow. The many benefits of this type of therapy include:

Pain reduction

Relaxation of body and mind

Stress and tension relief

Increased blood circulation

Increased energy levels

Aids with digestion and toxin removal

Improved internal organ function

Relief from bad habits and addictions

Greater sense of overall well-being

Sports Acupuncture is used in the treatment of injuries and musculoskeletal and constitutional imbalances, and is often effective for relieving muscle pain and spasm and improving circulation to tense or injured tissues. Within our clinic we commonly find acupuncture especially effective for tendon and ligament sprain/strains and chronic injuries which have been poorly responsive to other types of treatment.

According to basic Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, health is viewed as a balance between opposing forces (e.g. yin and yang) in the body. Forces that disrupt this balance are seen to move the body away from health and toward disease and poor function. Herbal medicines, diet, acupuncture, and exercise are all seen as ways to balance these forces to promote health and in the case of athletes, to improve performance.

Cold Laser Therapy (Back to Top)

Carolina Sports Chiropratic is now currently utilizing cutting edge technology to accelerate healing time and breakthrough performance barriers. This technology is known as the cold laser.
Dr. Jeff Spencer, who is the Sports Chiropractor for the US Postal cycling team and Lance Armstrong, uses the same laser. Lance has said that he credits most of his success to Dr. Spencer and the Laser. The Laser is used to enhance tissue recovery and advance/speed up injury healing time. 3LT™ or Low Level Laser Therapy promotes healing in many conditions, including chronic/acute pain, wound healing and other joint and neurological conditions.Erchonia's lasers made history by becoming the first to receive FDA market clearance for the treatment of chronic pain, proven through two double blind IRB studies. The Erchonia Lasers are the most advanced lasers on the market, with their sleek revolutionary design, patented line generated beam, and the ability to program independent frequencies in all of their family of lasers.

Along with the Laser, Dr. Kollmann has added a Vibracussor and Arhtrostim, as well as biomechanical evaluations to his line of advanced sports medicine modalities in his quest to be the most advanced sports medicine practitioner in the Greater Charlotte Area.

Kinesiotaping (Back to Top)

Kinesiotaping is a therapeutic and sports taping breakthrough that stands ahead of all other therapeutic and sports taping methods. Kinesiotaping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. Kinesiotaping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesiotaping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesiotaping was for a patient with articular disorders.

For the first 10 years, orthopedists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, Kinesiotaping was used by the United States Postal Team during the Tour De France to facilitate recovery and stimulate athletic performance. Today, Kinesiotaping is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries.The Kinesiotaping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.

Kinesiotape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain, knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.

Custom Orthotics (Back to Top)

Your feet are the foundation of your body. They support you when you stand, walk, or run. And they help protect your spine, bones, and soft tissues from damaging stress as you move around. Your feet perform better when all their muscles, arches, and bones are in their ideal stable positions.

The foot is constructed with three arches which, when properly maintained, give exceptional supportive strength. These three arches form a supporting vault that distributes the weight of the entire body.

If there is compromise of one arch in the foot, the other arches must compensate and are subject to additional stresses, which usually leads to further compromise.

It’s a chain reaction.

Healthcare professionals know alleviating pain in one part of your body often requires treating a different part. The pain you feel in your neck could be caused by a misalignment in your spine that is caused by unbalanced positioning in your feet. See? It’s a chain reaction.

By stabilizing and balancing your feet, Foot Levelers orthotics enhance your body’s performance and efficiency, reduce pain, and contribute to your total body wellness. Our orthotics complement your healthcare professional’s treatment when you stand, walk, and live your active life.