What is a Chiropractic Technician?

Do you ever wonder what a chiropractic technician (C.T.) or assistant (C.A.) does?

In our office, the technicians are similar to the nurses in a medical doctors office.  They assist the chiropractors with procedures and therapies so your visit proceeds in a more efficient manor.  C.T.'s are typically trained in the following areas:

• Electrical Muscle Stimulation
• Ultrasound
• Thermotherapy (Heat)
• Cryotherapy (Cold)
• Laser Therapy
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Radiology - x-ray production, safety, processing, and positioning
• Office Procedures
• Patient Education
• Basic Examination - health history, vital signs, basic orthopedic and neurological tests
• Chiropractic Nutrition

The State of Wisconsin requires that Chiropractic Technicians be licensed and have certifications in many of the above areas, and they must also attend continuing education to maintain their licenses.

Osteoarthristis and Chiropractic Care

Osteoarthritis is a slow degeneration of the joints that connect your bones and allow your body to move.  Age, injury, poor posture, even excess weight can cause joints to wear down.  When this happens, joints may become stiff and painful.

In a healthy joint, the ends of the bones are covered with a tough tissue called cartilage.  The cartilage should be smooth and slick so bones move freely and without pain.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage becomes rough and pitted.  This may cause the joints to wear down, and calcium deposits or spurs may develop.  The result is restricted movement and pain.

Your chiropractor can help treat osteoparthritis by adjusting the affected joints, restoring range of motion, and relieving nerve irritation.  Other treatments such as ice, heat, massage, interferential, ultrasound, and exercise may also be used to improve range of motion.