Biomechanics - The application of mechanical forces to the living organisms and the effects of the interaction of the forces and the body.  Including forces that arise from within and outside the body.  The physics of how our bodies move and interact with our enviornment.

Chiropractic Adjustment - A controlled, specific force delivered into a subluxated joint by a chiropractor.  The adjustment is delivered in order to restore proper motion into the joint.

Feedback Loop - A communication system in which an organism or individual is able to regulate itself.  The human brain forms a feedback loop with the rest of the body via the nervous system.  The nervous system informs the brain of what is going on in the body, and the brain responds accordingly.

Holistic - The comprehensive and total care of a patient.  In this system, the needs of the patient in all areas, such as physical, emotional, chemical, and nutritional are considered and cared for.

Kinetic Chain - The concept that each part of your body is interconnected.  The biomechanics of your foot affect those of your ankle.  The biomechanics of your ankle affect those of your knee.  The biomechanics of your knee affect those of your hip.  The biomechanics of your hip affect those of your spine, and so forth.  Every joint in your body is affected and effects the joints above and below.  This concept explains why an old ankle sprain that never healed properly can lead to low back pain years later.

Motion Palpation - A method used by the chiropractor to evaluate joints while they are in motion.  Used to feel range of motion of various joints in the spine and extremities.

Movement Screen - A method of physical examination in which the patient is instructed to perform a specific movement while the Doctor observes.  Movement screens can indicate areas of the body that are not moving correctly, whether or not they are currently painful.

Nervous System - The communication system for the body.  Consists of the Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord) and the Peripheral Nervous System (all nerves outside of the spinal cord).  Used by the body to communicate with the brain and vice versa to coordinate health and healing.

Orthopedic Tests - Physical tests performed on various body parts by the doctor, to determine the function of the joint.  Positive orthopedic tests can indicate specific problems within the joints, and help the doctor determine the best treatment plan for the patient.

Osteoarthritis - A type of arthritis marked by progressive cartilage deterioration in synovial joints and vertebrae.  Risk factors include aging, obesity, overuse or abuse of joints as in sports or strenuous occupations, and trauma.  Also known as Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD).

Physiotherapy - Physical medicine modalities such as heat, ice, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, myofasical release, muscle work, and corrective exercise.

Posture - The positioning of your body in space, or the relation of your body parts to another.  Such as head position in relation to the shoulders, or the position of the shoulders in relation to the position of the hips.  Postural evaluation can give insight to structural problems that may exist within a patient.

Static Palpation - A method used by chiropractors to evaluate a patient's body, used to detect areas of tenderness, swelling, heat, or increased muscle tone and spasm.

Subluxation - A joint within the spine or in the extremities that has lost it's normal positioning, and which results in abnormal motion.  This abnormal motion interferes with the information going into the nervous system, and can interfere with your body's ability to self regulate and heal. 

Wellness Care - A proactive approach to healthcare where the patient takes and active role in the prevention of disease and focuses on preventative measures to optimize health.  Seeing your chiropractor regularly is an important part of wellness care.