Typically we will be working with the functional aspects of the problem.  Significant structural changes may not be possible, but improving function to some extent almost always is.

Three pillars for function of any joint/muscle complex are movement, nutrition and control.  Breakdown in any of these areas will compromise function.

Motion:  We work on restoring as close to ideal movement to the tissue as possible.  Specific areas of immobility are difficult to improve on with self directed mobility and rehab alone.  This is where practitioner directed care is essential.  This is wear tools like Chiropractic Adjustments/Joint Manipulation, Graston, ART, Massage, and Acupuncture can play rolls.

Nutrition:  Without the building blocks to build new healthy tissues it is impossible to heal.  There are a few extremely common nutritional deficiencies that are relatively easy to address.  This is an area that can be complex as well, but starting with some simple improvements can make a huge difference.  These changes will be essentially the same for most treatment plans as the basic nutrient requirements are generally the same for all tissue healing.

Control:  There can be no sustained mobility improvement without control.  Joints do not move themselves and muscles don’t control themselves.  Rehabilitating proper movement patterns and strength is essential to maintaining any motion improvements as well as restoring optimal function and performance.

Some variation of these three pillars will be applied to most of musculoskeletal issues we deal with.