New technology has opened up a wide range of options to deliver safe, gentle, and effective care. At Carolina Spine and Complementary Medicine, we utilize traditional manual adjustments as well as the latest and most effective instrument-assisted chiropractic care. Dr. Clare and Dr. Stewart employ hand-held adjusting instruments to restore normal function into joints and muscles. Instrument-assisted chiropractic is a low force and high speed technique and is generally very light and painless.

We use a variety of techniques to achieve optimum wellness for our patients, including:

The ArthroStim™
The ArthroStim™ is an FDA approved instrument developed by IMPAC technology in Oregon. It has been continuously refined and perfected over its 22-year history. The ArthroStim Instrument delivers 12-14 incremental thrusts per second.  By dividing the energy of a single thrust into rapid successive inputs, the ArthroStim Instrument modulates the (peak) force.  This allows the doctor to administer an extremely comfortable, and highly effective, adjustment.  The secret to the instrument's effectiveness comes from its controlled repetitive input. This input produces a cumulative 'snowballing' effect on neural receptors.  This permits the ArthroStim instrument to create extensive neurological feedback to the brain, using greatly reduced forces. 

The ArthroStim™ gives patients a very specific adjustment, meaning that only the segment that is out of position is adjusted; there is no twisting, turning, or "cracking" of joints. This technique permits adjusting in different postures.

This is very important because sometimes a problem can only be reproduced in a certain position. For example, a driver in a car accident (sitting) may not reveal their spinal damage or subluxations when standing; therefore they must be analyzed and corrected in the seated position. This is especially noticeable with people who suffer pain, neurological problems, TMJ and other conditions. Adjusting people in the standing position has the added benefit of working with gravity. We don’t have to say, "OK, please stand up and see how you feel" because the patient is already standing. Their body can process the adjustment or correction immediately.

Most people report a feeling of ease, relaxation and well-being as their structural nerve stress (subluxations) releases/diminishes. Some people feel very relaxed and they should listen to their body and go home and sleep if at all possible. The next day some people feel as if they’ve had a good workout, often in places they never knew they had. This is usually felt only after the first adjustment, is temporary and usually disappears within a short time. Individuals that may especially benefit from the use of the ArthroStim Instrument include:

●    infants and young children
●    individuals in acute pain
●    particularly sensitive individuals
●    individuals who dislike being 'cracked'
●    elderly individuals

The VibraCussor
VibraCussor® percussion therapy is an exciting new treatment approach for muscle and ligament problems and related myofascial conditions.  The VibraCussor® Instrument is used by many professional sports teams to enhance rehabilitation and help reduce pain and discomfort among their top players.  Now that same technology is available in our office.

The Vibracussor® delivers waves of percussive impulses deep into the tissues of the body.  These percussion waves promote an increase in circulation and lymphatic flow and a decrease in muscle spasm.  The repetitive pumping action of the VibraCussor® is ideal for releasing joints.  The power of multiple percussive waves accumulates to loosen up 'stuck' areas without heavy thrusting forces. The VibraCussor® therapy is very effective for relaxing muscles.  The VibraCussor® Instrument can also be used to gently change the flexibility of shortened ligament.  This can help increase limited ranges of motion and improve postural distortions.

The VibraCussor® is also highly effective in treating 'fascial restrictions'.  Restrictions at the shoulder, hip, and knee joints can be treated successfully with minimal discomfort.  This therapy often helps 'frozen' shoulders to become mobile in just a few visits.  The VibraCussor® is also very helpful with scars and adhesions associated with surgery.

Evolved from nearly 40 years of empirical study and 15 years of clinical research, the Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique (AMCT) uses the latest advances in orthopedic, neurological and chiropractic examinations to seek joint dysfunction in the spinal column and extremities for improved patient care. AMCT uses the Activator Adjusting Instrument to give consistent low-force, high-speed chiropractic adjustments. Over 35,000 doctors have been trained in AMCT and 2,100 doctors are Proficiency Rated, making AMCT the most widely used technique worldwide; a testament to low force patient satisfaction.

These techniques are only a small sampling of the care options available at Carolina Spine and Complementary Medicine..