At Onion River Chiropractic, we take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic wellness care to our patients. Below is a sampling of the different chiropractic services we offer in our Winooski office.

Chiropractic Care

We provide advanced spinal correction utilizing Diversified, Drop Table (both manual manipulation), and gentle, non manual instrument adjusting using the Activator instrument.  With expertise in these correction methods we are able to accomodate for a diversity of different patient's spinal corection needs.  Dr. Rybicki's advanced degree as a Diplomate in Chiropractic Orthopedics makes her specialized in treating both spinal and extraspinal joints problems (such as ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, forearms, wrists).  Therefore even non spine related conditions/injuries can often be treated effectively and conservatively without drugs or surgery.

 Myofascial Release/Massage Therapy

We are experts in treating muscular and soft tissue conditions and injuries.  We specialize in utilizing specific  muscular/soft tissue techniques to help restore normal muscle tone, decrease muscle spasm/inflammation/chronic "knots" in muscles, pain, and increase the joint range of motion.  We are well versed in : Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Positional Release, PNF stretching, deep soft tissue and hot stone massage.  Many of our patients come to our office specifically because of our emphasis and reputation for addressing the soft tissue component of musculoskeletal conditions.

Physiotherapies

We use adjunct physiotherapies to augment the healing process of soft tissue tendinous and connective tissues.  We often use Interferential therapy (IF), LLLT (Cold Laser), Ultrasound, and a combination therapy (IF and Ultrasound together) as well as appropriate use of hot and cold packs (if needed).

Laser Therapy

L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is therapy using a high energy beam of light. Laser beams have unique physical properties that increase the speed in which tissues heal, give relief from pain and reduce inflammation. . It is a non-toxic and non-invasive treatment that is extremely easy to apply. There are no side effects and almost no contraindications to using this therapy, making it safe for most patients.

Double-blind, randomized studies have shown many conditions can be treated by Laser therapy, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic back and neck pain, muscle strains, acute pain, bone bruises and contusions, and plantar fasciitis. Because Laser is highly effective in reducing pain, it can be an alternative to pain relieving medications and other therapeutic modalities.

Individualized Stretching/Strengthening Programs

We initially prescribe stretching, and later strengthening exercises to help rehab your muscular imbalances and weaknesses.  When you have had a long term musculoskeletal problem you've most likely developed deconditioned, weakened surrounding musculature which in turn further worsens your problem and creates a vicious cycle of joint dysfunction, pain, muscular tightness, spasm, and possible decreased range of motion.  Our goal is to improve your muscular condition in order to help support and improve your chiropractic joint corrections.

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                         Custom Made Orthotics (Arch Supports)      

Dropped medial (inside) arches of the foot can cause a host of problems including: plantar fascitis (arch pain), Achilles (heel cord) tendonitis, big toe pain, knee pain, hip pain, lateral thigh and low back pain.  We screen for dropped arches and will recommend either custom orthotics or non custom arch supports if indicated.  The use of an extremely accurate digital foot scanner helps us determine the status of your arches and the need for arch supports.  Our custom made arch supports are provided by Foot Levelers.                         

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     Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a 3000+ year old system of healing in which very thin filament like needles are used to stimulate the body's energy systems (or channels) to provoke the body's own natural healing response.  The technique is essentially painless and people are very surprised how pleasant it is to have an acupuncture treatment (a feeling of a relaxed state and general well-being is common following a treatment). Acupuncture is often successful in treating a variety of conditions including:   arthritis pain, sciatica, back/neck pain, forearm/shoulder/wrist pain, knee/ankle/foot pain, Tendonitis/bursitis conditions, Allergies/Immune System Deficiencies, and headaches.

We sometime use Acupuncture in a combination with chiropractic and soft tissue massage therapies to help resolve conditions.  Or it may be more appropriate to treat the patient with acupuncture treatment alone.  Acupuncture may be an insurance covered treatment under your health insurance plan.  We also often will charge a reduced fee for acupuncture if it is used in concert with chiropractic manipulation treatment.

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Lifestyle Advice

We often find it helpful to "coach" our patients on certain activities they should avoid or do differently to avoid aggravating their particular health challenge. Our goal is to help every patient achieve a fulfilling, active lifestyle to the best of their ability.   We recognize that each our patient is a whole person, and helping them reach true health and wellness is a collaborative effort between health professionals and the patient.  Dr. Rybicki consults patients on everything from: work out routines and the best exercise forms, proper ergonomic seating (desk/computer set ups), plans to help rehabilitate their musculoskeletal condition at home with simple, low tech work out programs as well as proper nutrition to speed the healing process.

Nutritional Advice and Herbal Treatments

We provide specific recommendations on nutritional supplements and healthy food choices to enhance our patient´s return to optimal health. Do you know which supplements and vitamins are most absorbable and are of the highest quality?  Which are best taken with meals or in the evening?  We also suggest herbal remedies to help control or resolve specific medical conditions in order that you can reduce or eliminate your use of prescription drugs.  That would be something to celebrate!