Stratford Therapy Services - Descriptions of our services

Paraffin therapy involves applying hot wax to areas of the body to heat them in preparation for massage. Paraffin also reduces pain and stiffness around joints by removing excess fluid from surrounding tissues. This therapy is especially beneficial for arthritis, bursitis, tendonitis, fatigued muscles, scar tissue and many types of sports injuries.

Cold packs are applied to areas to help constrict (close) blood vessels thereby reducing swelling, inflammation and pain. Hot packs are applied to areas to help dilate (open) blood vessels to increase circulation to those areas thereby reducing muscle tension and spasms and promoting tissue relaxation.

Soft tissue massage increases blood and lymph flow through the tissues. This increases the delivery of nutrients to the area and quickens the removal of waste products and excess fluids. *Make sure and drink plenty of water after massage to flush out waste products that are released.

Traction, or pulling, of the pelvis can help reduce pain by ending muscle spasms and taking pressure off bones by relaxing muscle. This is a technique that requires training and experience and should only be performed by qualified therapists.

Traction, or pulling, of the cervical spine is a treatment used to help stabilize or change the position of tight aspects of the spine. Cervical traction can be used to treat pinched nerves and herniated discs.

A Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator, or TENS unit, is an electronic device that produces electrical signals used to stimulate nerves through electrodes placed on the skin. It can help relieve stiffness, improve mobility and reduce pain. It is a small, battery-operated device that can be worn around the waist, so it can be used at home.

Fascia is a seamless web of connective tissue that covers all internal structures of the body. Myofascial stretching allows restricted, or tight areas of fascia to slowly and gently "unwind" itself. *See our Specialties for more information*

Range of motion refers to the flexibility of a joint or muscle group. Therapeutic exercises are designed to increase this flexibility.

Maintaining good posture and learning proper body mechanics can prevent many types of injuries. There are many exercises that can help accomplish this.

Dynamic Spinal Stabilization involves strengthening of the abdominal, back and gluteal muscles to increase core stability.

Aerobic exercise and stretching help improve overall physical fitness which can help prevent pain and injuries.

The ability of maintaining your center of gravity, or balance can be improved through core strengthening exercises.

Coordination addresses motor skills, such as walking, running, lifting, sitting up, etc. Many exercises can help improve these skills.

Relaxation is a technique that progressively relaxes muscles in the body, thereby reducing pain. Breathing, visualization, and self dialogue are a part of the relaxation training we provide.

Electrical stimulation uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. Contracting the muscle not only helps strengthen it, but also increases blood supply which promotes healing.