Chiropractic is...
a specific system of moving the segments of your spine (vertebra) so that they can function properly. This allows your nervous system to function better and, therefore, leads to a higher level of health. Chiropractic is similar to orthodontic correction except for the fact that we cannot put braces on your spinal bones. Individual spinal segments are gently moved on each visit to effect the position of your whole spine. Changes will take place until we reach the end result; a properly functioning spine and nervous system and better health for you as a whole.
Upper Cervical Specific Technique (Exclusive to our area since 1992)
Through an additional one year post graduate certification program, Dr. La Barbera is able to offer his patients a highly specialized method of care called Upper Cervical Specific. This method was researched extensively from 1935 to 1951. Sick people were referred from all over the world to Davenport, Iowa to the Dr. B. J. Palmer Clinic for this precise procedure. The results are published and are quite impressive. Hopeless cases regained their health from a wide variety of conditions after traditional medicine and other chiropractic methods had failed. One noted patient was the wife of one of the Charles Mayo who was one of the founding brothers of the world famous Mayo clinic. Her success at the Palmer clinic lead to a long term relationship between Dr. Palmer and Dr. Mayo.
This methods involves restoring proper alignment to the top two bones of the spine (C1 or Atlas and C2 or Axis). These two vertebrae protect the brain stem which is the connection between the brain and spinal cord. It controls many of the involuntary functions in the body (I.E., breathing, heartbeat, temperature, hormone balance, immune system, organ function). Pressure on the brain stem from a subluxation of C1 and / or C2 can cause neurological interference to this area and result in a malfunction somewhere in the body. It also affects the position of the dura (meninges) which can twist and affect the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid. This is the most important area of the spine neurologically. Please understand that Chiropractic is not a treatment for any condition, but by improving the function of the nervous system (the master control system), the body is better able to regulate itself and heal more efficiently. This is the basis behind the results we get. Very few chiropractors are trained or certified in this specific method of care. We are pleased and proud to be able to offer our patients upper cervical specific technique.
Cranial Techniques (Exclusive to our area since 1999)
Dr. La Barbera attended two separate advanced programs in Cranial Methods as part of his post graduate studies. This method of correcting the alignment and movement / function of the cranial (skull) bones helps attain a higher level of nervous system function. It also helps to normalize the circulation of the spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. 80% of your nervous system (the brain) is in the skull or cranium. Proper alignment and function of the cranial bones and dura or meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord) is vital for good health since it affects the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. This fluid flow is vital to bring in nutrients and remove toxins. This method of care is extremely helpful with lesions of the brain and central nervous system. Developmental delays, seizures, strokes, TMJ issues, pediatric skull malformations (plagiocephaly), facial neuralgias and other related conditions have responded well to this type of specialized care. He uses both SOT (Sacro-Occipital Technique) Cranial methods and CATS (Cranial Adjusting Turner Style) techniques.
Pierce RESULTS System (Exclusive to our area since 1986)
Dr. Walter Pierce developed this method in the early 1960's and continued to improve and add to it through the 90's. The Pierce Technique is recognized by researchers as one of the most reliable methods of restoring normal alignment to the spine as well as having the quickest response time for symptomatic relief. One of its primary goals is restoration of the normal cervical curve. Dr. La Barbera is one of only a handful of doctors in New York State who are trained in this method. Click HERE for an article on the importance of having a normal Cervical Curve.
Palmer Methods
Palmer College is synonymous with chiropractic. Davenport, Iowa is the birthplace of the worlds largest holistic health care system and home of Palmer College of Chiropractic (PCC). The methods taught at this institution are recognized world wide as the gold standard in adjusting techniques. Many people ask for the Palmer method by name when looking for a doctor of chiropractic. Dr. La Barbera is a summa cum laude (highest honors) graduate of PCC and proud of his alma mater's heritage.
Logan Technique
This is a soft tissue (muscle, tendon, ligament) procedure that is very gentle yet still effective. It is used on newborns, pregnant patients, the elderly or those with extreme muscle spasms that cannot be adjusted with a traditional technique. It not only affects the pelvic and spinal alignment, but also affects the position of the dura (the covering around the brain and spinal cord). When the dura becomes "twisted", the flow of the cerebral spinal fluid is affected and impedes the delivery of nutrients to the brain, spinal cord and nerves. It also can prevent the removal of toxins that normally would be removed from the fluid when there is normal flow.
Infant and Pediatric Spinal Care
Little people have spines and nervous systems just like adults. The difference is that their spinal problems have not been present for years .. only days, weeks or maybe months. Therefore, they are much easier to work with and respond amazingly fast. Most infants and toddlers will see changes within a few visits. It is extremely rewarding to see a young child or baby rebound so quickly from simple, safe care. Please understand that the approach to adjusting a young one (they are mostly cartilage and very pliable) is completely different than the types of adjustments a child, young adult or grown up would receive. It is very light pressure in the right place at the right time. Most of the cases in my RESULTS page are about kids. Please visit it to see for yourself the various cases I have seen through the years.
Extremity Adjusting
In order to fully care for patients, Dr. La Barbera employs extremity methods when called for. This gives us the ability to care for problems with wrists (carpal tunnel), elbows, shoulders, TMJ disorders, knees, ankles and feet. It helps round out the care given to your spinal problem and in many cases, leads to a quicker recovery by stabilizing other injured areas.
Please note that all methods used in this office are taught at accredited schools and are approved by the Council of Chiropractic Education (CCE). We maintain very specific standards and refrain from the use of unproven or unapproved techniques as well as any of the manipulative / therapeutic / twisting type maneuvers. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
Corrective Spinal Care
Our aim is to offer you and your family corrective spinal care as opposed to a therapeutic approach. What is the difference? A therapeutic view would involve having the same routine performed each time a patient is seen involving electrical stimulation, ultra sound, vibration, etc., and then a gross joint manipulation randomly snapping the spine. This only makes you feel good short term and does nothing to fix the underlying problem. Corrective chiropractic care takes each patient as an individual on each visit and determines the adjustment(s), if any, that should be used to enhance the process of making your system both mechanically (the alignment) and neurologically (the electrical nerve function) improved. Care is monitored by objective instrumentation. Each visit adds to the next one. Although we care about your symptoms and want a speedy recovery for you, it is best to make right the cause of your problem rather than just make you feel good for a short while with no long term benefits.
SoftWave Therapy
The SoftWave Orthogold 100 TRT Therapy unit is a revolutionary new device based on old technology. It will immediately decrease inflammation in the treated tissue which leads to pain relief and increased mobility. It causes the body to proliferate (grow) new blood vessels in the damaged tissue hence more blood flow = more nutrients to the area of trauma. Most importantly, it causes STEM CELLS to go to the area of treatment. Stem cells are the building blocks of all tissues in the body. Your body can now heal and rebuild damaged areas (even if the injury was decades ago) leading to permanent pain relief and improved function. No anesthesia is required, no cutting, no aspiration of blood and no down time. Stem Cell treatments in a medical office cost a minimum of $4000 for one treatment. This therapy costs a fraction of this with no side affects. Call our office to see if this is something that will benefit you. We start with an exam and Discovery Session that includes a treatment to map out the area that needs care and to see if this technology is a good fit for you.
This technology is a game changer in the healthcare industry. Imagine a machine that allows the body to regenerate damaged tissue, increases blood supply and decreases inflammation WITHOUT any anesthesia, surgery or hospitalization!! This therapy does all this and more for a fraction of the cost of just ONE medical stem cell treatment. Locally, orthopedists are charging a minimum of $4000 for 1 Stem Cell procedure. You can spend up to $50,000 or more for multiple treatments in places like Panama City, Panama. For a drastically less investment in your health, you can have several sessions without having to travel or risk the side effects of anesthesia and surgery. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes to get these amazing results. Visit www.SoftWavetrt.com for more technical information and be sure to click on the RESEARCH button to see what amazing results this machine is getting with a variety of health issues.
See my Technology page (click above link) to read more.
Computerized Infrared Computerized Thermography
Computerized Infra-Red Thermography (CIT) is a noninvasive, highly accurate diagnostic test used to detect the presence of nerve interference in your central nervous system. Scans are performed on each visit to assess your response to care. This helps take the guess work out of your spinal correction and allows us to offer you the most scientific chiropractic care available. We are proud to be one of only several offices in New York State to offer this form of testing.
Chiropractic Health Care is concerned with the detection and correction of the vertebral subluxation complex (VSC). This is a lesion of the spine that we detect, and is corrected or reduced only by the use of the specific chiropractic adjustment. (This is not a manipulation as given by an osteopath or physical therapist.) The spinal subluxation produces nerve interference / malfunction which can cause anything from pain to complete organ shut down depending on what that particular nerve controls.
Everything in the body is controlled by the nerve system. This includes our thermal (temperature) system. Malfunction of our temperature regulation system is a good indicator of a problem in the nerve system. If your body is functioning 100%, the radiated surface temperature of your skin should be approximately equal at the same points on each side of your body. If a particular nerve in your spine is not working properly, it will (among other things) affect the temperature of the skin usually by closing off the blood vessels. This results in a lower temperature. By scanning your spine and measuring the radiated temperature, we can determine if there is a problem in your nerve system. Your body is not working to its' fullest potential if your nerve system is not working properly because your nerve system controls every part of your body!!
We are proud to offer our patients computerized infrared thermography (CIT). This state of the art system helps us to map out your progress and offers you the most scientific chiropractic care available today. This unit is a guide that gives the Doctor information about your nerve system's response to the care given. It does not tell me if you have pain, how you feel, where your problem is, if your doing "good" or "bad", or any other subjective complaints.
Also note that you can feel terrible and have a great reading or visa versa. Since the nerves all start from the spine, it is not necessary to scan your arms, legs, face, etc., to determine how these areas are functioning. The scan is performed either from the base of your neck to your head or from your low back to your head. This is just one of many tests performed to determine your response to our care.
Click on the "Technology" link and visit www.Titronics.com for more information.
Computerized Surface Electromyography (sEMG)
Computerized Spinal Examination through Surface Electromyography (sEMG) is used to evaluate the relative levels of electrical activity associated with Vertebral Subluxation. By interfering with the communication between the brain and the rest of the body, a Vertebral Subluxation leads to improper electrical impulses which can lead to poor health. The Computerized sEMG Scanning provides qualitative and quantitative data to assist the Chiropractor in determining which areas / levels of the nervous system are being adversely affected by Vertebral Subluxations. Click on the "Technology" link for more information. Also visit www.MyoVision.com.
Custom Molded Foot Orthotics / Computerized Digital Scanning
To help correct abnormalities in the feet and to stabilize and level your pelvis and spine, we evaluate and scan (in the office) custom molded foot orthotics. Our state of the art digital scanner provides the most accurate evaluation of your feet that is possible. These are high quality, shock absorbing molded foot and arch supports. Not only will your feet feel better, but because they help level your pelvis, your knees and low back will also feel less stress giving you more energy and less fatigue. Various models are available for a wide variety of shoe types and activities (skiing, golf, construction, running, dress shoes, Etc.). Check out all the models available at www.footlevelers.com. They are unconditionally guaranteed for at least one year (some models 2 years). Click on the "Orthotics" link for more information.
Nutritional Products
Our office carries an extensive line of professional grade nutritional products at wholesale prices (usually 25 to 40% off). The same products found at local health food stores, vitamin shops, pharmacies and even the big box stores cost considerably more. Promote your family's good health and save money by purchasing your vitamins, fish oil, joint support supplements and other products directly from our office with the confidence of buying high end products. The old saying "You get what you pay for" is so true when buying supplements. Purity, extraction method and content ratios are just a few of the things that affect cost.
You also have the professional experience and advice from a doctor interested in treating the whole person. Blood work can be ordered to further access your nutritional needs by Dr. LaBarbera. This takes the guess work out of what you need. Muscle testing can be used as well to access sensitivities.
Click HEREto go to our Supplement Page.
