BIVRELL CHIROPRACTIC
OPTIMIZING HEALTH NATURALLY AND EFFECTIVELY
275 CENTURY CIRCLE SUITE 101
LOUISVILLE, COLORADO
Tel:  720-890-9800
Fax: 720-890-9801
Email: doc@bivrell.com
SERVICES OFFERED:
> Chiropractic
> Massage Therapy
> Rehabilitation
> Treadmill Gait Analysis
> Custom Orthotics
> Kinesio Taping
> Traction

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Chiropractic

Chiropractic is the art and science of finding and correcting dysfunctions in the joints of the body as well as in the muscles that move them.  A chiropractor does this with the most natural and non-invasive means possible.  The specific diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used to accomplish this goal vary widely from chiropractor to chiropractor.

Most patients come to chiropractors because they have back pain or headaches, but chiropractors can treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders.  Go to Conditions Treated to view a partial list of conditions treated by Dr. Bivrell.

Through addressing these dysfunctions in the body, the chiropractor can lessen or eliminate the patient’s symptoms.  Evan more importantly, the chiropractor will balance the patient’s musculoskeletal systems and perhaps diet so as to afford him or her long ranging benefits that extend well beyond the initial problem. A well-balanced body can increase a person’s ability to stave off degenerative arthritis, fight chronic illnesses, and, most importantly, help a person to live life to its fullest potential.

The most important process of your chiropractic treatment is the initial examination.  It is during this process that the underlying cause of your complaint is identified.  This is done by taking a thorough history, postural analysis, gait analysis, neurological exam, orthopedic exam, and movement pattern analysis.

Movement pattern analysis is a process of looking at a series of common movements that everyone performs throughout the day, such as walking or squatting, and then identifying any abnormalities in that movement.  In some people, a certain muscle may have become shortened and chronically tight.  Or perhaps a set of muscles have become chronically weak over time, causing symptoms elsewhere in the body.  This identification process is subtle and complex, but once the source of the problem is uncovered treatment has the potential to unravel a problem which has not responded to other types of care.

Treatment sessions typically consist of spinal manipulation of any joint restrictions found during the initial exam.  To accomplish the manipulation, there are several techniques available ranging from traditional adjustments where the chiropractor uses his hands to adjust the skeletal structure to gentler techniques that do not involve a "popping" sound.  As mentioned above, much time is devoted to correcting any muscular dysfunction with gentle stretches, specific exercises on floor mats or gym balls, and special exercises on rocker and wobble boards if needed.  Traditional treatment options such as ice, moist heat, electric muscle stimulation, manual traction, and ultrasound are also available.

In addition, we have a massage therapist on site for those patients who require more intense muscular work or for those needing relaxation time. Finally, nutritional counseling and ergonomic advice are offered as well. Please feel free to call or e-mail us with any additional questions you may have.


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Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is offered in-office by Joe Sweeney, CMT.  His style of massage tends towards the therapeutic end of the spectrum and he performs relaxation type of massage as well.  His work can be a perfect compliment to chiropractic care for some cases that warrant intense muscular therapy.  For more detailed information concerning his work, please visit his website at focusedtouch.com.

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Rehabilitation

Dr. Bivrell has attained advanced post-graduate training in spinal rehabilitation as part of his focus on active care for his patients.  The goal of rehabilitation is to strengthen muscle groups that have weakened because of imbalances that have been created over time or from injury.  The weakened areas are strengthened with a variety of techniques that include floor exercises, gym ball exercises, and wobble boards to activate or “wake up” the small muscles that stabilize and support the spinal column.  The principals of core stabilization are also employed to strengthen the trunk and postural muscles.  Our treadmill and heart rate monitors can be used in order to assess a patient’s aerobic capacity for safe and effective intensity levels.  Home versions of these exercises are demonstrated, reviewed for proper form, and progressed to more challenging versions over time.  Advice about cardiovascular exercise (what type, duration, and intensity) and the safe use of traditional exercise equipment in gyms are reviewed as well.

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Treadmill Gait Analysis

An aberrant gait can be the underlying cause of several pain syndromes such as arch pain, heel pain, plantar fascitis, heel spurs, knee pain, hip pain, and even low back pain.  Dr. Bivrell is trained to analyze both walking and running gaits using an in-office treadmill.  This powerful tool can identify such things as a fallen arch, pelvic asymmetries, muscular weaknesses, muscular tightness, and muscular overcompensation.  Once the problem is identified, proper treatment can be prescribed, and what once was a chronic aliment can become a thing of the past.


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Custom Orthotics

Orthotics are shoe inserts that are custom fitted, or cast, in our office.  They are used to fix problems related to poor foot biomechanics, the most common of which is a fallen arch.  Problems that can potentially be resolved with a custom orthotic include bunions, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, heel pain, and sometimes even knee, hip, and low back pain. 

Orthotics are made of a semi-flexible plastic that is covered by various types of materials and cushioning.  With the company used by our office, the orthotic is so completely customizable that it can be made to fit virtually any shoe.


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Kinesio Taping

Dr. Bivrell has completed Kinesio Taping training and has used his knowledge to successfully treat a number of patients with severe muscular pain.  Kinesio Taping is a treatment based on the body’s own natural healing process.  This method stems from the science of Kinesiology which recognizes the importance of body and muscle movement for rehabilitation in everyday life.

Muscles constantly extend and contract within a normal range.  However, when muscles over extend and over contract (such as when lifting an excessive amount of weight) these muscles often cannot recover and become inflamed.  When a muscle is inflamed, swollen or stiff due to fatigue, the space between the skin and muscle is compressed, resulting in constriction of the flow of lymphatic fluid.  The compression also applies pressure to pain receptors beneath the skin which, in turn, communicate discomfort signals to the brain causing you to experience pain.

Troublesome pain, such as low back pain, shoulder stiffness and nerve pain, can be treated by an application of Kinesio tape.  Kinesio Taping is based on a philosophy that promotes freer range of motion in order to allow the body’s muscular system to heal itself bio-mechanically.  Unlike conventional sports taping where the tape is designed to restrict or stabilize the muscles and joints, Kinesio taping ensures that the muscles have free range of motion.  Elastic tapes with an elasticity of 130-140% of its original length are used in Kinesio taping.  Although the tape is very elastic, it will not allow muscles to over stretch.

Kinesio taping functions in four major ways:
1. Supports Muscles—The taping helps to avoid injuries and cramps and provides an increased range of motion.
2. Removes Congestion—The taping helps improve blood and lymph circulation, removes excess heat and chemical substances from the tissue, and reduces inflammation.
3. Corrects Joint Problems—By supporting an increased range of motion, the taping results in reduced pain and reduced inflammation.
4. Activates Endogenous Analgesic System—This increases the range of motion, reduces pain and reduces inflammation.

Proper treatment of these functions contributes to the successful rehabilitation of muscles.  If you are experiencing muscle pain, please call for an appointment.  Kinesio Taping may be the therapeutic method that can help relieve your pain


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Traction

Dr. Bivrell has several different traction devices that can be used in two distinct ways.  The first type is used to decompress injured joints in the spine by very gently separating the joint surfaces.  This can have the effect of reducing any irritation on spinal nerves, reducing inflammation, or increasing joint motion.  This type of therapy can be very effective for conditions that do not respond to manipulation treatments or for those whose conditions are too severe to warrant manipulation.

The other type of traction involves restoring a more normal curve in the neck.  This technique is used for those patients who have both an abnormal shape to their cervical spines (necks) and symptoms in their necks or down their arms.  The therapy is performed in office, but is more importantly used at home on a daily basis for a defined period of time that varies from patient to patient.  This type of traction can be very effective for patients with chronic neck pain or symptoms down the arms and hands such as pain, numbness, or tingling sensations.