Functional Rehabilitation

functional rehabilitation

Topeka Sports & Family Chiropractic focuses primarily on functional rehabilitation. Rather than just training the muscles where the pain is located, we look at the body as the kinetic chain that it is. The human body is known as the great adapter. As one muscle becomes hypertonic, weak, or has an increase fibrous scar tissue, muscles both above and below adapt and change their structure and therefore proper function. 

Motor activity in everyday life consists not of simple movements like flexing or extending your arm, but of learned activities like driving a car, writing, craftsmanship, playing an instrument, or sport. When these ingrained systems fail, injury is soon to follow. A common example is lifting objects from the ground. When you were younger, you were more flexible and it allowed you to properly hip hinge and use your legs to lift. 

Now we see more and more low back injuries from improper lifting techniques. While the low back is the source of pain, the injury was caused from lack of movement in the patients hips and lack of core stability causing the over-exertion and over-use of his or her low back. Once patients are trained properly, it prevents future pain episodes and allows them to continue with their daily activities.

CSCS Training

Dr. Stephens is the only Chiropractor in the area that is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This is one of the most prestigious and recognized professional certifications one can get for training patients. His knowledge and expertise has helped patients develop the proper techniques for not just strength training, but for every day lives. He has trained patients throughout his life and understands what is needed to help patients function optimally.