Dr. Washington will treat each person as an individual and determine what works best for you.
Learn about all of our natural, alternative methods we use in our practice.
If you're new to chiropractic or just our practice, please start here to download forms and learn about your first visit.
In this section of our web-site you will get a brief description of the natural, alternative methods I use in my practice. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me directly and I will answer your questions over the phone or we can set up a time to meet for a consultation.
In my office I have a wall hanging, from the early days of chiropractic, that says, Chiropractic First...Drugs Second...Surgery Last. Chiropractic started as a natural, alternative healing method to drugs and surgery in 1895. Since then much advancement in the science and art of chiropractic has taken place, and the old motto Chiropractic First... Drugs Second... Surgery Last still holds true. When possible it is usually better to use a natural, non-invasive modality such as chiropractic before resorting to strong medications or surgery. Most over the counter or pharmaceutical medicines have a long list of possible side effects ranging from mild stomach upset to more serious complications that can be life threatening. Chiropractic has a very long track record of being extremely safe with very low risk or side effects. Surgery can be unpredictable in regards to the short term or long term benefits, and many times it is not considered a low risk procedure. So whenever possible I recommend trying a natural, non-invasive approach such as chiropractic FIRST, before becoming dependant on strong medications with a long list of side effects or even more invasive surgery.
It is not uncommon, but extremely common that my patients tell me "I wish I had come to see you many years ago". A frequent benefit of chiropractic care is, pain and discomfort caused by years of tight muscles, inflammed joints and nerves is quickly relieved with a single chiropractic adjustment or a very short course of chiropractic treatments. Being in practice since 1982, there have been hundreds of patients that have told me this after one or two chiropractic treatments. Hearing, "That feels so much better doc", after someone's very first chiropractic adjustment, is music to my ears and is why I love chiropractic so much.
Chiropractic is a science and art that utilizes the inherent recuperative powers of the body and the relationship between the musculoskeletal structures and the function of the body, particularly of the spinal column and the nervous system. Chiropractors identify structural and functional changes within the musculoskeletal system, affecting neurological, vascular and lymphatic function.
The goal of Chiropractic is to normalize function of the spine, joints, muscles and nerves and help prevent future problems through education, exercise and lifestyle modification.
Chiropractic can be used to treat conditions of the musculoskeletal system (e.g. spine and extremities). In addition, because of its effect on the nervous and circulatory systems, it can also be used to enhance and maintain general health.
The definition of chiropractic, below was obtained from a prominent medical dictionary.
DORLAND'S ILLUSTRATED Medical Dictionary
28th Edition
W.B. Saunders Company
Chiropractic (ki"ro-prak'tik) [chiro – Gr. prassein to do ]
a Science of applied neurophysiologic diagnosis based on the theory that health and disease are life processes related to the function of the nervous system: irritation of the nervous system by mechanical, chemical, or psychic factors is the cause of disease; restoration and maintenance of health depend on normal function of the nervous system. Diagnosis is the identification of these noxious irritants and treatment is their removal by the most conservative method.
The muscle diagrams on this page show how a weak muscle or a tight muscle will create an imbalance in the spine, extremities or posture resulting in abnormal function or mechanics of the musculoskeletal system. This imbalance of muscles along the spine or extremities can cause the vertebra or skeletal system to shift out of position, frequently resulting in inflammation, pain and degeneration of joints, disc and cartilage. Chiropractic finds these imbalances and applies joint manipulation, massage techniques and stretch and strength exercises to bring balance back into the spine and joints, so normal mechanics is restored and inflammation and pain go away.
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a form of diagnosis using muscle testing as a primary feedback mechanism to examine how a person's body is functioning. Dr. Washington has been studying AK since 1983, soon after he opened his practice in Durham, and has accumulated several hundred hours of post-graduate studies in AK.
In general, the doctor finds a muscle that tests weak (inhibited) or too strong (over-facilitated) and then attempts to determine why that muscle is not functioning properly. The AK practitioner will then evaluate and apply the therapy that will best eliminate the muscle imbalance and help the patient.
Training and Therapy
Unlike traditional chiropractic which primarily focuses on manipulating the spine, chiropractors certified in AK ( a minimum of 100 post graduate hours followed by an examination) utilize a variety of therapies which can include specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian therapy, clinical nutrition, dietary management and various reflex procedures.
In some cases the doctor may test for environmental or food sensitivities by using a strong muscle to find out what makes a strong muscle go weak. These would be things you would want to avoid or minimize such as artificial sweeteners, trans fats, excess sugar, caffeine, or cortisol (stress hormone produced by the adrenals), etc….
The Triad of Health
Chiropractors using applied kinesiology use The Triad of Health - structural , chemical, and mental factors – to describe the proper balance of the major health categories. The triad is represented by an equilateral triangle with structural health as it base, and the upright sides representing chemical and mental health. When a person experiences poor health, it is due to an imbalance of one or more of these three factors. The triad of health is interactive and all sides must be evaluated for the underlying cause of a problem. A health problem on one side of the triad can effect the other sides. For example, a chemical imbalance may cause mental or emotional symptoms. Using applied kinesiology, the doctor of chiropractic can evaluate the triad's balance and direct therapy toward the imbalanced side or sides. Also, when health is back to its maximum level, AK procedures can be used to maintain health by finding poor functioning (e.g. "sub-clinical conditions") and correcting problems before symptoms develop.
Below is a layman's definition of AK used by Dr. Walter Schmitt. Dr. Schmitt is a chiropractic physician, researcher, and international instructor, who teaches advanced Applied Kinesiology seminars and courses to doctors. One of his advanced courses is titled, Quintessential Applications and a newsletter for the AK professional is titled, The Uplink- Merging Contemporary Chiropractic Neurology and Nutritional Biochemistry in the Tradition of Applied Kinesiology.
Applied Kinesiology is a system which evaluates our structural, chemical and mental aspects. It employs muscle testing with other standard methods of diagnosis. Nutrition, manipulation, diet, acupressure, exercise and education are used therapeutically to help restore balance and maintain well being throughout life.
Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into the body at specific points along a meridian. These points have been "mapped" by the Chinese practitioners for over 2,500 years. There are 365 regular points and several hundred "extra points". Needle stimulation can positively affect the nervous, circulatory and lymphatic systems, which in turn regulate every organ, gland , tissue and cell of the body.
Acupuncture has flourished in China for more than 2,500 years and is used widely throughout Asia and in Europe. Acupuncture is relatively new to America but is growing quickly and is being used by oriental health care, medical and chiropractic providers.
My acupuncture instructor is Dr. Bonnie Walker of Boone, North Carolina. She is a chiropractor, licensed acupuncturist and instructor, dedicated to teaching the art and science of acupuncture. She describes how acupuncture works below.
"Acupuncture is a therapy which uses natural laws and energetics with the application of needles and pressure to specific "points" on the body. These points are grouped along specific pathways or channels that cross the body. As long as energy flows freely through these pathways, health is maintained. When the flow of energy is either absent, deficient, interrupted, excessive or blocked in an area, health is disrupted, resulting in illness or pain. By stimulating appropriate acupuncture points along these channels, the energy is released and regulated, and health is restored."
"Studies indicate that acupuncture influence the central and peripheral nervous system. Evidence shows it releases endorphins from the brain which make acupuncture particularly effective in pain control . Acupuncture works with the body, harmonizing and balancing energy. It improves circulation and allow the body to heal itself more quickly and more completely."