Our Chiropractic Services in New York City

Chiropractic medicine is the most popular alternative health profession in the world. It is a form of healthcare which optimizes the function of our central nervous systems by removing interferences within the vital communication between our bodies and minds. Chiropractic adjustments maximize your body’s self-healing capabilities by restoring this crucial brain-body communication. Chiropractic allows our body to express its highest level of wellness and health without the need for drugs or surgery.

We assess each person on an individualized basis and devise a Custom Chiropractic Treatment Plan specific to each patient’s distinct health needs. To arrive at a well-informed diagnosis, our Director of Care at Synergy Wellness Chiropractic & Physical Therapy spans over 20 years of clinical experience as a Chiropractor and has always been located in new york city in the east village on 14th street.

The Synergy Wellness Health Staff utilizes the most advanced diagnostic technology, conduct an in-depth personal interview, physical examination, and explore individual health history. These tests are specifically designed to pinpoint the source of the symptoms that the patient is complaining of.

We Treat the Cause ~ Not Just the Symptoms

The Professional Healthcare Team at Synergy Wellness New York City location will never perform surgery or prescribe medication to treat a patient complaining of any health problem or pain. Medication and surgery treatment methods “mask” the symptoms without resolving the cause of those health problems. Synergy Wellness Chiropractic & Physical Therapy focus’ on treating the cause of our patients’ injury or condition, rather than simply alleviating their symptoms.

Chiropractic Treatment truly resolves the malfunctions creating the symptoms patients complain of. We practice a ‘hands-on’ philosophy throughout every aspect of our patients’ treatment. By providing a battery of cost-effective, pain-free and completely safe Chiropractic Treatment Procedures, we have successfully and consistently restored good health to thousands of satisfied patients of all ages for a wide variety of conditions, ailments, injuries, and disease.

Chiropractor or Physical Therapist, what’s the Right Fit for You?

Maintaining a commitment to follow the Custom Treatment Plan laid out by Synergy Wellness allows us to “turn on the power” needed to expedite recovery, prevent future exacerbations, enable self-reliance and allow for optimal health & well-being.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the science of medicine that seeks to return patients to the highest possible degree of personal independence. Our physical therapists work with patients with specific neurological, muscular, and skeletal conditions.

The Healthcare Professionals at Synergy Wellness & Physical Therapy in New York City are trained in helping patients transition from injury care to prevention programs that are designed to assist patients of all ages to perform at their best without any thought of past injury.

How does Physical Therapy Work?

Synergy Wellness in New York City creates a Custom Program of physical therapy treatment that best suits your condition. After determining physical limits that prevent you from performing at work and limiting your routine daily activities. Physical Therapists review each patient’s needs on an individual basis by going through a series of tests during the exam. The results help Synergy Wellness’ Physical Therapy team plan and administer individualized treatment programs designed to restore functional movement, relieve pain, promote healing and recovery, as well as, improve athletic performance.

Is Physical therapy best for me and my condition?

We treat patients through various forms of exercise techniques to improve flexibility and motion, promote strength, and train endurance. Our Physical Therapy team is trained in stretching exercises, strength & stability movements, balance & coordination techniques, motion and flexibility training and we will supply you with take home exercises and stretches, including videos. Some of our exercise plans are on our website here: Exercise Programs

Chiropractor vs Physiotherapist, what’s the Best for for You?

Physical Therapy Can Help You

Our physical therapy department takes pride in overseeing patients achieving optimal health and strength that they never dreamed could be possible. Physical Therapy can help patients with injuries that are from accidents, work related, sports and even everyday activity. Synergy Wellness will get you back into shape and able to achieve your top performance & fitness potential.

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Unlike high power lasers that use heat and destroy tissue, low energy lasers affect the cellular energy of the underlying tissue.

Hot lasers have a thermal effect. Cold (or) Low-Level Lasers stimulate function down to the cellular level. Low-level laser light is compressed light of a wavelength from the cold, red part of the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation.

It is different from natural light in that it is one precise color; it is coherent (it travels in a straight line), monochromatic (a single wavelength) and polarized (it concentrates its beam in a defined location or spot). These properties allow laser light to penetrate the surface of the skin with no heating effect, no damage to the skin and no known side effects.

What is Low-Level Laser Therapy?

Low-Level Laser Therapy refers to “low” energy or “low level” laser to tissue that stimulates cellular processes and thereby enhancing biochemical reactions.  Studies show that LLLT increases ATP production in the mitochondria of the cell. Since more energy is now available, the cells may utilize this fuel to function or operate more efficiently.

Instead, laser light energy to the body’s cells which the cells then convert into chemical energy to promote natural healing and pain relief.

What conditions can be treated?

Low-Level Laser Therapy has been successfully used to treat many conditions such as acute and chronic pain reduction, repetitive use disorders like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, soft tissue strains and sprains, inflammation reduction, enhanced tissue wound healing, and cell regeneration.

Are there any side effects?

There are over thousands of published studies, and not one of them mentions any adverse side effects of diode lasers. Low-Level Lasers are safe, non-toxic and non-invasive; there has not been a recorded side effect in over 1700 publications. Some necessary common sense precautions need to be considered, such as avoiding pointing the laser in the eyes directly or pointing it over the thyroid directly.

What makes one laser different from another?

A laser can differ in its wavelength, power source or whether it is a continuous or pulsed waveform. Pulsed is technically safer and easier for the health care professional to administer. “Cold,” “Low Energy” or “Low Level” lasers are used to increase metabolic activity down to the cellular level through non-thermal reactions.

What is wavelength? And do the different wavelengths matter?

Light is measured in wavelengths and is expressed in units of nanometers(nm). Different wavelengths have different energy levels and can have various effects on tissue.

What is the difference between Lasers and LED’s (light emitting diodes)?

Lasers are monochromatic (single color wavelength), collimated (non-divergent) and coherent (wavelengths in- phase) in contrast, LED’s are neither coherent nor collimated and generate a broader band of wavelengths (multiple). The peak power output of lasers is measured in watts, while  LED’s are measured in milliwatts.

There are many light emitting products on the market today, claiming to be lasers that do not meet scientifically defined attributes for being an actual laser. For example, products that use Light Emitting Diodes or LED’s as they are more commonly known, do in fact produce light. However, the light is not intense, providing very little energy and is non-coherent, similar to light produced by ordinary household light bulbs.  LED’s are cheap and easy to reproduce (Pontinen 1992). These devices are NOT lasers. This misconception is in large part a by-product of marketing.

Dr. Kulla and Synergy Wellness use only the best FDA approved Laser equipment. Our current Laser Line up 

How long are the treatments?

Treatments can vary in time from 10-20 minutes depending on the condition. Research studies show that there may be a dose-dependent response, so it may be more useful to treat at lower doses at multiple intervals than to address a single time with a high dose.

How long does the therapy last?

A treatment plan may vary, depending on the condition. For instance, an acute soft tissue injury or open wound may require multiple short treatments initially then the interval between treatments will lengthen as the condition improves. Somewhere between 5-15 treatments over the course of a few weeks is typical, but each case is different.

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy Work?

Low-level lasers supply energy to the cells in the form of non-thermal photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers and under the fat tissue at all wavelengths in the visible range. Light waves in the near infrared ranges penetrate the deepest of all light waves in the visible spectrum.

When low-level laser light waves penetrate deeply into the skin, they optimize the immune responses of our blood. This has both anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. It is a scientific fact that light transmitted to the blood has positive effects throughout the body, supplying vital oxygen and energy to every cell.

The Physiological Effects of Low-Level Laser Therapy

1. Bio-stimulation
2. Improved metabolism
3. An increase of cell metabolism
4. Improved blood circulation and vasodilation
5. Analgesic effect
6. Anti-inflammatory and anti-edematous effects
7. Stimulation of wound healing

How Does Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Benefit Users?

• Relieves acute and chronic pain
• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
• Increases blood supply
• Stimulates the immune system
• Stimulates nerve function
• Develops collagen and muscle tissue
• Helps generate new and healthy cells and tissue
• Promotes faster wound healing and clot formation
• Reduces inflammation

Low-level laser therapy does not require constant, ongoing treatments, as is often required with traditional chiropractic or physiotherapeutic remedies.

Is Low-Level Laser Therapy for You?

1. Do you suffer pain from an old or new sports injury or accident?
2. Do you suffer from repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome?
3. Do you suffer from lower back pain?
4. Do you suffer from migraine headaches?
5. Do you take pain medications more than three times a week?
6. Do you ever wake up in the night with pain?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, low-level laser therapy might be for you.

Cold Laser Therapy: Many acute and chronic conditions can be improved or eliminated with laser use, including:

• Pain Relief
• Wound Healing
• Arthritis
• Migraine headaches
• Lower back pain
• Repetitive Stress Injuries (RSI)
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
• Tendonitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Sprains and strains
• Tennis Elbow
• Golfer’s Elbow
• TMJ
• Soft tissue injuries
• Disc Bulges and Herniations

Non-Invasive Low-Level Laser / Cold Laser Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most fascinating and used healing advances in the treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. On Feb. 11, 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave Low-Level Laser (Cold Laser) clearance to be used in the non-surgical treatment and management of carpal tunnel syndrome, or “CTS.”

What is Spinal Decompression?

Spinal Decompression is a technique which Synergy Wellness Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of New York City uses for chronic spinal disc herniations and bulges. It involves the use of traction or separating the spinal segments to relieve lower back or neck pain. Both decompression and Cox flexion distraction are great options for people suffering from disc herniations, bulges and stenosis pain and who may have a problematic history with painkillers.

These Chiropractic techniques are the gold standard for people with chronic spinal mis-alignment, bulged or herniated discs, stenosis and other spinal issues. Flexion-distraction and Spinal Decompression can both ease pain and improve mobility without the use of expensive drugs that have side effects. Decompression is different from cox flexion distraction. Synergy Wellness’ Dr. David Kulla is a certified Cox flexion distraction technic doctor that can look at your case and decide whats best for you.

Some problems are caused by pressure on the spinal cord and or nerves. Compression of the cord, sometimes congenital and most times due to a bulged or herniated disc can cause pain and numbness into the legs and feet or the arms and hands, not to mention other more severe conditions like muscle weakness, organ dysfunction, and even migraine headaches, to name a few.

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Spinal decompression therapy involves mechanically stretching the spinal segments out, using traction. This relieves pressure on the vertebrae, discs, and nerves. The lower pressure also gives the body a chance to flood the damaged regions with healing chemicals, hormones, and nutrients, enabling the spine to heal itself faster.

Does It Hurt?

Spinal decompression and flexion distraction should not be painful interventions. Indeed, many patients find them pleasant experiences – akin to getting a therapeutic massage. The release of pressure from compressed joints is usually a great relief, and Synergy Wellness Chiropractic and Physical Therapy of new york city will ensure that you are completely safe, comfortable, and supported during the process. Depending on the nature of your spinal problem, you may experience some discomfort during some portions of the procedure, but this is unlikely to be significant. Your chiropractor will be able to assess your situation and tell you whether or not these techniques are suitable for you, or if you will find them painful.

Ultimately, the aim of spinal decompression and Cox flexion distraction is relief from pain. Patients who have long been suffering from chronic pain related to spinal issues frequently find themselves able to live a far more pain-free and mobile life following these techniques. This can drastically reduce the need for invasive spinal surgery and side-effect ridden painkillers.

Scoliosis Curve Correction in NYC

Scoliosis is near and dear to Dr. David Kulla’s heart, as it paved his way to eventually becoming a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in the detection and correction of scoliosis without drugs or surgery. Now over 30 years later, as Clinical Director of Synergy Wellness Chiropractic and Physical therapy he is taking his experience as a young teen suffering with a scoliosis curve of over 24 degrees and helping others realize that there are alternatives to drugs and surgery for the treatment and correction of scoliosis in New York City.

Your spine is made up of 24 vertebral bones that stack on top of the other with a soft gel-like disc in between to form a straight line when viewed from front to back. When the spine curves laterally or twists excessively it’s considered abnormal, and called scoliosis (Greek for “crooked”).

What Causes Scoliosis?

In most cases of scoliosis, the cause is unknown; the vertebrae and spinal structure-discs, ligaments, tendons, and muscles-all appear normal. In a smaller percentage of cases, the scoliosis is caused by conditions such as a tumor, infection, neurological, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, a birth deformity like disc problems or a short leg.

Most people with scoliosis can lead healthy lives, never even knowing that they have the condition. No one dies from scoliosis, but in severe cases, people living with scoliosis can have early onset arthritis, chronic pain, heart or breathing problems if the curve is severe enough. Milder curves also create early onset degenerative changes to the spine and discs.

Bracing And Other Treatment

Does bracing help? 

Initial studies showed that curves straighten an average of 50% of the time with the correct brace. Not all braces are created equal. The more common braces like Milwaukee, Boston or Charleston braces do not work well. Dr.  Kulla wore a Milwaukee brace only to develop neck pain without any curve correction. Wearing a brace can often be emotionally scarring. There is a new brace called spine-cor, recommended for scoliosis cases with 25-45 degrees curve.

Overtreatment

Scoliosis can lead to more serious health concerns over time especially if the curvature of the spine is severe. It is often overtreated almost as often as overdiagnosed, if your child is diagnosed with scoliosis, don’t accept surgical procedures or even bracing without first exploring all of the less radical treatment alternatives like chiropractic and Schroth exercises.

Neurological Disturbance

New research on scoliosis shows the links between a disturbance or defect in the nervous system that control posture, body balance, and positioning.

The Chiropractic Approach

Watch This Video: To See How I Corrected My Scoliosis

The purpose of chiropractic is to correct subluxations- a condition that interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system and the body as a whole. Recent research is suggesting that a neurological defect may cause scoliosis reinforces the validity of the chiropractic approach.

Fred barge, Dc, in Idiopathic Scoliosis: Identifiable Causes, Detention and Correction, gives 22 examples of cases of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with significant improvement with chiropractic. One report of 100 chiropractic patients revealed 84% improved. In 6.8% the correction was total; in 35.6% there was a considerable correction; in 41.2% there was a small correction. While 16.4% showed no change or worsening of curves.

Read our Blog article about Scoliosis

Case Studies

Individual cases vary. For example, a ten-year-old girl with severe scoliosis of 48 degrees began chiropractic care. After ten adjustments her mother reported a happier child, with higher resistance to disease and her scoliosis reduced to 12 degrees.

Another case is of a nine-year-old boy with juvenile idiopathic scoliosis and back pain who received chiropractic care. His posture began to balance immediately following the first adjustment. He had an 88% overall reduction in scoliosis after only five months of chiropractic care.  Chiropractic care has helped individuals of all ages with scoliosis.

Only Chiropractic Doctors are specially trained to detect and correct subluxations – spinal abnormal that can affect not only the spine but the entire but Every person living with scoliosis should be under chiropractic care. A body without subluxations is in a better position to resist abnormalities and diseases of all kinds, including scoliosis.

References:

1. Byrd JA. Current theories on the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1988; 229:114-119.

2. Betz RR et al. Scoliosis and pregnancy. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1987,69-A:90-96.

3. Morrissy R. School screening for scoliosis. Spine. 1988; 13(10): 1195—1197.

4. Clayson D et al. Long-term psychological sequelae of surgical versus nonsurgically treated scoliosis. Spine. 1987; 12.983-986.

5. Reinshaw
   

   T. Screening school children for scoliosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1988;26-33.

6. DiRaimondo CV, Green NE. Brace ware compliance in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics. 1988; 8: 143-146.

7. Focarile FA, Bonaldi A, Giarolo MA et al. Effectiveness of nonsurgical treatment for idiopathic scoliosis Spine. 1991; 6(4) : 395-401.

8. Mendelssohn R. How to Raise a Healthy Child … In Spite of Your Doctor. Chicago: Contemporary Book. 1984.

9. Cook SD et al. Upper extremity proprioception in idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1986; 213:118-123.

10. Wyatt MP et al. Vibratory response in idiopathic scoliosis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1986; 68 – B:714-718.

11. Dretakis E et al. Electroencephalographic study of school children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Spine. 1988; 229:114-119.

12. Byrd JA. Current theories on the etiology of idiopathic scoliosis. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1988;229:114-119.

13. Herman R et al. Idiopathic scoliosis and the central nervous system; a motor control problem. Spine. 1985; 10: 1 – 14.

14. Barge G. Scoliosis correction. European Journal of Chiropractic. 1985: 33: 77 -91.

15. Barge FH. Idiopathic scoliosis: Identifiable Causes, Detection, and Correction. Davenport, IA: Bawden Bros. Inc, 1986.

16. Simpson S. Palliative care of a post-polio syndrome patient. Clinical Chiropractic. 3006; 9(2): 81 – 87.

17. Correction of juvenile idiopathic scoliosis after primary upper cervical chiropractic care: a case study. Abstracts from the 13th annual upper cervical spine conference, Nov 16-17, 1996 Life College, Marietta, Georgia. Chiropractic Research Journal. 1997; IV(1): 29.

18. Webster L. First report on ADD study. ICPA Newsletter. Jan. 1994.

19. Ressel O, Rudy R. Biovertebral subluxation correlated with somatic, visceral and immune complaints: an analysis of 650 children under chiropractic care. JVSR. October 18, 2004; 1 – 23.

20. Morningstar M, Joy T. Scoliosis treatment using spinal manipulation and the Pettibon weighting system: a summary of 3 atypical presentations. Chiropractic & Osteopathy. 2006; 14: 1.

21. Morningstar M. Integrative treatment using chiropractic and conventional techniques for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: outcomes in four patients. JVSR. July 9, 2007; 1 -7.

Myofascial / Muscle Release Techniques in New York City

At Synergy Wellness in New York City, we understand the importance of the fascia, muscles, tendons, and ligaments and their integration with the rest of the body. Fascia contains mechanoreceptors that send signals to the nervous system. Making the fascia the largest sense organ in the human body.

With a wide range of myofascial release techniques, we focus on the most effective and evidence-based techniques. Synergy Wellness in the east village of New York City uses several techniques to break up muscle and tendon adhesions.

Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy focuses on the tender points along the muscle belly, origin and insertion by building up blood pressure around the inflamed or irritated point you increase blood flow and help to flush out lactic acid and substance P, causing the soreness. It’s very common to find trigger points along the top of the shoulders with desk workers, barbers, hairstylists, chefs, and drivers.

Active Release technique

This technique is similar to pin and stretch. ART or active release technique practitioners are taught over 500 different treatment protocols and individualistic movement patterns. Chances are Synergy Wellness Chiropractic and Physical Therapy has the right protocol for YOU. ART is performed by shortening the tissue and applying contact tension while the patient actively lengthens the tissue. If you’ve never tried ARET, what are you waiting for? Call us Today 212-533-4900

Graston Technique (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

This is a technique that was invented in China thousands of years ago using stones, spoons, and sticks. Thankfully, it has been improved using stainless steel allows the practitioner to feel the vibrations, muscle knots, tension, and adhesions through the instrument. Synergy Wellness offers Graston Technique as a soft tissue mobilization service.

PTLMS (Professional Tendon, Ligament, Muscle Stimulator)

Pettibon is the original maker of what we now call theragun, muscle blaster, and all the other product copycats out there. The PTLMS is more effective than the ones that can be bought on Facebook or the internet and you need a doctor’s license to purchase one.

Cupping

Dr. Kulla had such a great experience with cupping on an old injury, that he got trained in cupping therapy to help his patients overcome pain and tension like he did. Cupping is an ancient method or technique. Synergy Wellness uses new cupping technology like the cupper or theracup to achieve great soft tissue results. Check out our video below on the benefits of cupping therapy.

Massage Therapy- (Deep Tissue/ Rolfing) in New York City

How Does Massage Therapy Work?

There are many different massage techniques, all help to increase joint range of motion,  flexibility and blood flow to and from the muscles and soft tissue.

Our in house licensed massage therapist is a certified Rolfer. For those of you that don’t know rolfing is a very deep tissue technique also called Rolfing , to balance the bodies myofascial tension and pain.

Massage therapy and Rolfing can be extremely helpful for:

Joint restrictions

Herniated discs

Sciatica

Muscle tension and soreness

Scoliosis

Poor Posture

It band syndrome

Neck stiffness and headaches

and so much more……….. Call us today to schedule your Deep Tissue Massage or Rolfing Session.

CALL 212-533-4900

Why is Rolfing better?

Rolfing isn’t necessarily better, but many people with chronic soft tissue tension and pain find it much more effective and intense.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ROLFING: www.williamkayerolfing.com

Custom Foot Orthotics to Help Your Foot Pain

Your feet are the foundation of your body. They support you when you stand, walk, or run. Moreover, they help protect your spine, bones, and soft tissues from damaging stress as you move around. Your feet perform better when all their muscles, arches, and bones are in their ideal stable positions.

The foot consists of three arches which, when properly maintained, give exceptional supportive strength. These three arches form a supporting vault that distributes the weight of the entire body.

If there is collapsing of one or more arch, the other arches must compensate and are subject to additional stresses, which usually leads to compromise further.

Dr. Kulla and Synergy Wellness realize the importance of having your feet checked. Every person is entitled in our new york city Chiropractic location to receive a FREE 3D Laser Digital foot scan.

Understanding Human Biomechanics

The muscles and joints of the body function most efficiently when they are in physical balance. The body is a biomechanical kinetic chain where abnormal movements at one link, or joint, can interfere with proper movements at other joints. During standing and walking, our bodies are subject to mechanical stress and strain throughout the interrelated chain of muscles and bones.

When a person has a foot imbalance, there is a negative impact on the knees, hips, pelvis, and spine. Some patients must have these abnormal forces reduced before they can achieve improved spinal function and minimal wear and tear to the joints.

Improper Balance & Function of the Feet Leads to:

Excessive rotation of the tibia and femur, stressing the knee and twisting the pelvis and spine.

Tilting of the pelvis which places tension on muscles and connective tissues, eventually resulting in chronic back problems.

High levels of heel-strike shock from the breakdown of the body’s natural shock absorbers. The shock wave then transmits up the kinetic chain, resulting in painful symptoms up to the head, slowed recovery of leg and spine injuries, and aggravation of other conditions.

Benefits of Stabilizer/Orthotic Use:

Adequately fitted Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers support the foot to control excessive pronation and supination, preventing unwanted stress on the body.

Limiting functional hypermobility helps chiropractic adjustments hold longer and increases the effectiveness of care.

Improved shock absorption reduces repetitive stress on joints and muscles, permitting smoother function and decreasing arthritic symptoms.

Use of Stabilizers represents a long-term, yet cost-effective intervention for many types of functional and structural problems.

How Stabilizers Work

Wearing Stabilizers inside shoes is similar to placing a shim beneath the leg of a wobbly table. It adds support to eliminate unwanted motion in the entire structure. The foot consists of three distinct arches, which create the plantar vault also known as the transverse arch. When all three arches are functioning correctly postural integrity, and stability is optimal. Flexible Soft Custom Pelvic Stabilizers help guide the feet through a more normal pattern with each step taken and encourage optimal muscle, arch, and nerve function.