Chiropractic Care

Laura Pirkl, DC, and Shalymar Troumbly, DC offer competent adjustments of the back, neck, and extremity joints. Often joints become restricted as a result of injury or neglect and respond very well to manipulation that increases flexibility and function. The adjustment itself is modified for each individual patient and improves range of motion, decreases pain, decreases spasm and improves nervous system function. Chiropractors are trained in the location of nerves and are experts at finding and removing any joint or muscular interference. In this way it is often possible to reduce pain and improve function in any joint or region of the body. Chiropractic is safe for everyone.

Pain Relief

At our clinic, our first goal is always to correctly identify any condition that causes pain and affects our daily function. Pain is an indication that there is a malfunction in one or more areas that is causing dysfunction. There are many different types and causes of pain and many different ways to effectively treat that pain. We provide gentle and effective relief from the following acute or chronic conditions.

Neck Pain

Neck pain can have a variety of causes and proper evaluation is necessary to help choose the proper treatment. Arthritis is common in the cervical (neck) region and can create stiffness and achiness as well as a reduced range of motion. This pain is fairly constant but can change with actvity or even with weather. Often the lost flexibility directly results in muscular shortening/tightening and needs to be addressed. Poor posture and prolonged seated postures can also be a problem that causes neck pain. Proper posture and postural exercise training can help to alleviate this cause of neck pain. Often neck pain is also associated with sinus issues, allergies or headaches. Vision changes and eye strain are also common causes of postural changes that lead to neck pain. Usually a combination of lifestyle modification, stretching, fascial relase or massage therapy, joint manipulation and assessment of stress and postural imbalances can make a dramatic improvement in neck pain.

Headaches

There are many different types of headaches including stress and tension type, migraine, sinus etc. Poor hydration, high stress levels, and adequate rest are the top culprits for increased severity or frequency of headaches. Mobilization of the joints and muscles in the neck and across the upper and mid back, postural assessment, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, acupuncture, vision testing, strenth training, and physiotherapy/massage therapy are all very effective at reducing or eliminating even the most difficult headache pain.

Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain (LBP) is a very common reason to see patients in our office. It can be very effectively relieved with chiropractic care alone. Any LBP, hip or leg pain in young or old individuals alike, is a serious condition that needs to be evaluated. LBP can be caused by simple repetitive activities, prolonged sitting or standing, improper lifting, instability, disc injury or other more serious reasons. Sometimes we refer severe cases for advanced imaging, but in the majority of these cases, even with severe leg pain a trial of conservative care is shown to be effective.

Sciatica

Due to traumatic lower back injury and/or muscle spasm sciatic pain is also a commonly treated condition in our office. It consists of sharp posterior or lateral leg pain (in one or both legs) that can extend all the way into the foot and ankle. This is most commonly caused from a disc injury, stenosis, or previous LB injury, but can also be caused by piriformis syndrome. It can be difficult to walk or bend, and sitting is also very painful. Reducing inflammation, physical therapies, manipulation and spasm reduction are the most common ways to treat this condition.

Hip Pain

Hip pain can be severe and needs to be evaluated thoroughly and sometimes imaged. Arthritis of the hip is common, but hip pain can occur in younger individuals as well. Hip pain in children should ALWAYS be evaluated. Sharp hip pain in adults can be caused by excessive activity or injury, muscle pulls or imbalance, or bursitis. At times it can be painful to walk. We often treat dull achy hip pain as well which is simply from a pelvic or lumbar spine imbalance. It is common in runners and walkers and is usually treated with manipulation and fascial release or massage therapy. Occasionally for long term resolution stretching and strengthening exercises are give as home exercises and other physiotherapies may be needed in severe cases.

Sports and Overuse Injuries

Lots of sports injuries are overuse injuries. These can occur with repetition of any motion which exceeds the strength level of the joint. Strength training, stretching, manipulation and proper bracing/taping for weak or healing regions are often used. Attention to proper warm up and cool down are necessary to keep you active in the sports you enjoy.

Postural Imbalances

Out of all the conditions we treat, posture affects all of them. If scoliosis or structural imbalance is present, specific attention and therapy needs to be provided. Many times just our sedentary postures or prolonged sitting can create tension and pain. Our bodies are meant to move to stay healthy. Addressing postural imbalances is an easy way to avoid future injuries. Posture and repetetive motions often cause some muscles to be tight and others to be stretched and weak. Addressing this imbalance early and with simple exercises is the best way to treat it.

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Dealing with an accident can be scary and stressful. At Pirkl Chiropractic we work with our patients not only to address the pain and inflammation but we also advocate for our patients so there is less stress dealing with adjustors, insurance and paperwork. We are happy to communicate with your insurance for you and keep them informed of your accident, your condition, and when we can anticipate your recovery. In all accidents it is important to file a report with police to detail how the accident occurred and the time and location. Insurance information is to be given at that time. After that it is important to call your insurance and get a "Claim Number". This is how any damage to you or your vehicle is classified and needs to be given each time you file a claim or discuss damage with your insurance. In severe cases or if there has been a loss of consciousness, we recommend getting imaging done to rule out any fracture or other injury.

Work Injuries

All work injuries do need to be reported right away to a supervisor and often paperwork is required. Worker's Compensation companies have a lot of rules and limitations and can be tricky to deal with. We are only able to treat following a work injury for 12 weeks according to MN WC statutes. Often in more serious cases, when it is clear that 12 weeks does not cover the care needed other arrangements for payment, settlement, and/or litigation need to be made. We are familiar with WC and though there are limitations, it is our goal to provide pain relief, patient support and information to help you make the best choices for health care during this time.

Acupuncture

Dr. Pirkl is a certified acupuncturist. In our office we utilize acupuncture as an adjunct to our chiropractic adjustment to help with many severe or chronic problems. It can alleviate pain and reduce anxiety. Acupuncture uses thin needles to guide energy through the body in certain paths or meridians.

Cranio-Sacral Therapy

Dr. Troumbly is certified in Cranio-Sacral Therapy. This is a gentle, hands on method of evaluating and enhancing the cranio-sacral system. It uses gentle touch (no greater than 5 grams of pressure) to release restrictions and reduce the pain and dysfunction associated with migraine and tension headaches, neck and back pain, TMJ Syndrome, fatigue, stress and more.

Pediatric Care

Pediatric care uses gentle techniques for infants and children. Pediatric chiropractic can begin as early as the late stages of pregnancy to help position baby correctly for the best chances for a natural delivery. It can also alleviate ear infections, reduce digestive discomfort and reduce fussiness in infants and children.

Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is considered soft tissue manipulation. Our certified therapists are experienced in techniques aimed at improving circulation, increasing flexibility, healing injured tissue, promoting relaxation, and regulating blood pressure and muscle tone. Experience the benefits of professional massage monthly to reduce stress, fatigue and achy muscles. Techniques provided include:

Swedish Massage

One of the most commonly taught and well-known massage techniques, Swedish massage is a vigorous system of treatment designed to energize the body by stimulating circulation.

Pregnancy Massage

Many methods of massage and somatic therapies are both effective and safe prenatally and during labor and postpartum periods of women's pregnancies. We have pregnancy pillows to help comfortably support even full term women and can also provide massage while side-lying. Pregnancy massage has been proven to reduce stress and alleviate discomfort and swelling.

Sports Massage

Sports massage is designed to enhance athletic performance and recovery. There are three contexts in which sports massage can be useful to an athlete: pre-event, post-event, and injury treatment. We recommend this type of massage during training to keep tight muscles from increased risk of injury and within one week prior to demanding sports events.

Sinus Massage

Sinus massage is provided during colds and congestion and well as for chronic sinus and headache pressure. It consists of massage work (usually head holds and trigger point therapy) throughout the head, face, neck and upper back. It improves lymph drainage, reduces congestion pressure and alleviates the tight muscles.

Acupressure Massage

Acupressure is an ancient healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin to stimulate the body's natural self-curative abilities.

Reflexology Massage

A method of massage that relieves nervous tension through the application of finger pressure, especially to the feet.

Relaxation Massage

This method of massage generally requires less pressure applied by the therapist and includes full body work with long, slow stretching strokes. This type of massage generally requires one hour or slightly more.

Deep Tissue Massage

Initially relaxing, but increasing gradually in pressure allows the therapist to reach deeper musculature. It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation. It is generally integrated with other massage techniques and when applied correctly should not cause discomfort.