If all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail… the ever popular Maslow’s saying fits well with why we think out of the box. Utilizing a vast array of proven approaches helps us tackle the myriad of challenging health issues present in our society.

Possibly 50 or 100 years ago straight forward Chiropractic had more of a long term profound effect but in the modern world the human body requires more understanding and more up to date tools to help it recover and become more resilient in these challenging times.

If you are truly interested in this content please understand, this is Dr. Russak's personal viewpoint on these therapies. This information is not cut and pasted out of wikpedia or stolen from some other website. Quite simply, if you would like the McDonald’s approach and archaic ideas, you may want to look elsewhere.

Chiropractic

This fundamental structural tool is designed to help regain the distortion the spine has suffered due to living. Yes, like a specific screwdriver or wrench to a mechanic

Chiropractic to me is a great tool when dealing with true bio-mechanical issues. Due to accidents, ergonomics and more the body loses it’s proper geometry. This imbalance loads the body asymmetrically and creates undue stress unilaterally. Much like having your front end on your automobile need aligning. This creates wear on one side of the tire. Can you still drive it? Yes, but it will not be comfortable and you’ll be purchasing new tires much sooner than normal. In the body, this same derangement creates the pain syndromes that 85% of America suffers from. No matter what the pain is, the body should be checked for appropriate bio-mechanical functioning. Chiropractic is a powerful instrument to help regain proper bio-mechanical and neurologic function. This in turn creates balance throughout the body.

Disc Decompression(IDD)

In essence this is traction but when done properly this modality will create decompression within the disc which will help restore the normal integrity of the disc. So, if you’ve been told you need surgery for a bulge or herniation this option if done properly is very effective. Dr. Russak is on the only certified Kennedy IDD therapist in the area. Also, we have found IDD to be extremely successful if certain parameters are met. Due to our years of experience with this approach we insist on certain things to be in place before this is done. If not, long term positive results will be unlikely. Also, our policy is if you do not experience changes within two weeks, this approach is not the answer. Many clinics will offer long term plans for this approach. We feel this is unjust and un-ethical. Please read the further paper under blogs on this.

Functional Blood Chemistry/ Functional Medicine

Welcome to ICS’s approach of Functional Blood Chemistry or now called a Functional Medicine Approach.  This approach is nothing new to us. This has been our focus since our inception and something we look at on every patient if possible. This objective, individualized approach requires an in depth knowledge of physiology and biochemistry to appropriately determine what your body needs to get well and stay healthy.  This approach differs drastically from what is currently available. These days with all the technology (internet, satellite tv, radio) there exists a multitude of mis-information on vitamins, supplements and anti-aging products. Unfortunately these “band aid” approaches do nothing more than waste time and money. Promises of restoring a younger, healthier you can be found on numerous info-mercials and internet sites. Miraculous Amazon drinks, weight loss components and a myriad of promises abound. People with no education or comprehensive understanding of the body are selling “natural” products that are designed for anyone with a particular ailment. Where does one begin in this jungle of promises?

ICS’s thorough approach involves using OBJECTIVE medical laboratories to yield valid information that paint a bio-chemical picture of what the root cause is or will be of a health concern. The imbalanced markers on these various tests indicate patterns which either by themselves or cumulatively create a state if dis-ease in our body. This may already be causing symptoms(like pain and inflammation) or have the potential to manifest into a health concern in the future.  I liken this to our car maintenance. Do you wait for your “check engine light” to come on or do you do regular maintenance to forgo that situation? We all know that if that light does come on and we are stuck on the side of the road it is usually too late and generally will end up costing quite a bit for the repair. Our bodies are our vehicles but the repair shop is generally where we don’t like to frequent.

Enter in the accepted standard of health care. Often times once we are there, we are “branded” with a diagnosis that simply provides an avenue for insurance re-imbursement rather than a reason as to why our body was not able to heal itself. Contrary to the socially accepted model, our bodies are designed to heal if we supply our system with the necessary components and practice a common sense approach to our lifestyle habits. With the current model we simply live by our symptoms and adhere to some mere standards of health like cholesterol and blood pressure. These values are important but they are simply too basic. There exists a myriad of indicators that help us to see what could be occurring at a deeper level. Our goal is to functionally evaluate and balance these markers with an individualized supplement approach or refer for conventional treatement if needed. Then by pro-actively making lifestyle changes, our bodies are capable of restoring and maintaining optimal health and wellness. This in turn, relieves our current health issues, allows us to cope with stress at a higher level and most importantly improves our quantity and quality of life.

Aquamed Hydrotherapy

This therapy provides another option other than standard massage. We find the consistency, power and heat provide a very relaxing and therapeutic treatment which accomplishes the same if not better treatment than hands on. The advantages are: No messy oils, no reason to shower after a treatment, cost effective and of course you get a consistent treatment, even at the end of the day as these machines don’t tire. Climb aboard this powerful table fully clothed, feel the power of 42lbs/sq inch coupled with 104 degree temps and have 83 gallons per minute of water jetting on to your back. Simply amazing!

Advanced EDS testing

The most accurate bio-energetic system available. Double blind studies accompany this machine providing the patient with the most reliable screening system out there. Everyone should be tested with this instrument in order to determine their particular bio-energetic “weak links”. This takes any bias out of the muscle testing spectrum and delivers results. Whether it’s allergies, hormone issues, pain syndromes and more this is always a productive tool to take advantage of here in our clinic.

Cold Laser Therapy

Another first for Chattanooga we have been using cold lasers before anyone in the Chattanooga area. This miraculous tool in my opinion  has surpassed the standard physiotherapies such as EMS and Ultrasound. Recent research has gleamed various studies illustrating pain relief, reduced inflammation and healing times improving 300%, yes, that much!