What is Naprapathy?

Naprapathy is a branch of medicine, (manual medicine) that focuses on the evaluation and treatment of neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Doctors of Naprapathy are connective tissue specialists.

What is Connective Tissue?

Connective tissue is found throughout the human body. A few structural examples include: ligaments, tendons, fascia, cartilage, and discs. Your body is a complex network of connective tissue which can become imbalanced: too tight in some areas (contracted), too loose in other areas (lax). These imbalances often result in pain. You may be totally unaware that you have a comprehensive musculo-skeletal imbalance until a build up of signs and symptoms reaches an unbearable level of pain and loss of function.

These imbalances can occur slowly and over time – causing your body’s connective tissue to become ‘tight’ and distorted (similar to a ‘wet dish rag’ that has been ‘wrung and squeezed’ to excess). Some causes are:

  • Poor sleeping position
  • Faulty posture
  • Improper biomechanics

Imbalances can also occur suddenly due to sudden trauma, such as:

  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Falls
  • Sports injuries

EVALUATION:

The conditions and disorders of connective tissue and the musculoskeletal system are evaluated in various ways:

  • Detailed medical history
  • Performance of standard orthopedic and neurologic examination
  • Anatomical and topographical evaluations
  • Muscle and range of motion testing

Most importantly, Naprapaths are connective tissue specialists who detect tissue imbalances and structural imbalances in the body using the most sensitive instrument in the world: their hands!

TREATMENT:

Naprapathic treatment consists of Naprapathic manipulative techniques, adjunctive treatments, and nutritional counseling.

NAPRAPATHIC TECHNIQUES:

  • Gentle manipulation of the vertebrae to stretch the attached, contracted connective tissue which may be irritating the nerves as they exit the spinal column.
  • Manipulation/mobilization of the muscles and related soft tissue structures help restore balance.
  • Joint mobilization of restricted joints and articulations to restore full range of motion.

ADJUNCTIVE THERAPIES

Physiological therapeutics and adjunctive therapies may be recommended and administered. These can include:

  • electro-therapy
  • ultrasound
  • hot/cold packs
  • traction
  • therapeutic/rehabilitative exercises
  • orthopedic appliances and supports

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Examining your diet and ability to assimilate nutrients also plays a role in maximizing your health. Your Naprapath assesses your diet and supplement intake to correct nutritional imbalances.

COMMON CONDITIONS TREATED BY YOUR DOCTOR OF NAPRAPATHY:

  • low back pain
  • neck pain
  • sciatica
  • joint pain
  • headaches
  • migraines
  • TMJ
  • spasms
  • sprain/strains
  • tennis elbow
  • whiplash
  • shoulder pain

Contact Us At: (815) 455-4500 or via email at Dr.GlenMatejka@GMail.Com

Doctors of Naprapathy are licensed under the Naprapathic Practice Act by the State of Illinois.
For more information, visit the American Naprapathic Association Content courtesy of the American Naprapathic Association