Pittsfield, MA Chiropractor offers a unique treatment

Doctor of Chiropractic, Scott Garber, is a local provider of this very powerful technique. The Percussor instrument is an assisted form of soft tissue mobilization used by a handful of clinicians and health care providers worldwide. It is used to treat pain and symptoms due to both acute and chronic conditions.

The Percussor utilizes a unique and highly specialized hand-held tool that helps to unwind tight fascia and muscles. The hand held tool works on friction and vibrations which are stroked over various parts of the body to detect and treat areas of myofascial adhesions and scar tissue.

The muscles, tendons, ligaments, organs and other structures of the body are covered by a layer of connective tissue called fascia. This flexible covering binds together the inner structure of the body and gives it form. Due to injuries and trauma over time, this fascia can sometimes become adhered or 'stuck' to the underlying muscles and structures. After injury or surgery fascia may heal in a disorganized manner, leading to scar tissue formation. When these adhesion's and scar tissue begin to impair normal range of motion and cause pain and symptoms, they are referred to as 'fascial restrictions.'

Percussor instruments allow a clinician to specifically locate areas of adhesions. When stroked over areas of soft tissue restriction the tools will reverberate in the practitioner's hands. This sensation is perceptible to both the clinician and the patient. Once located, a provider can then treat the problem area with a light gentle force by working the instrument over the area in a specific treatment pattern. This treatment is believed to help break down and release scar tissue and adhesions and may reduce pain and symptoms over time.

The Percussor protocol expands on the well known and widely accepted concept of cross friction massage. The treatment technique is based on work done by Dr. Jeff Rockwell, a Chiropractor, teacher, author, and lecturer known for his dedication to nonsurgical treatment of soft tissue lesions.

Sports injuries are one area where the technique is especially beneficial. With many sports related injuries such as Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow, Achilles Tendinitis, Turf Toe, Pulled Hamstrings, or other conditions there are often accompanying complications such as adhesions, tight muscles, and soft tissue restrictions. This is true even after the injury has healed. The Percussor instrument can be of benefit to an athlete presently suffering with an injury or one who has suffered an injury in the past.

In addition to relieving symptoms, the treatment may also increase athletic performance. By releasing soft tissue restrictions an athlete may notice improved functional range of motion, increased flexibility, and improved stride length.

The benefits of the Percussor are not limited to athletes. The technique is useful for people from all walks of life and can be used to treat pain and symptoms due to a variety of conditions. The Percussor is often used to treat things such as neck pain, back pain, pain in the hip, knee or ankle pain, headaches, finger or toe pain, TMJ, Plantar Fasciitis, pain and tightness between the shoulder blades, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and a variety of other acute and chronic conditions. One of the greatest benefits of the technique is convenience. Patients can generally continue on with their normal daily activities while undergoing the treatment.

Dr. Garber explains why the Percussor is the perfect addition to his Chiropractic practice: 'There are many Chiropractors that focus mainly on joint mechanics and alignment. While this is important, I've found there is also a muscular and connective tissue component with most conditions and injuries. Sometimes you'll find very tight muscles while other muscles are very weak. These aspects need to be looked at and addressed along with joint mechanics otherwise the joint problems and accompanying pain and symptoms will just continue to return.'

Individuals interested in learning more about the Percussor or Dr. Garber and his practice are invited to visit his website.