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Pearl Natural Health
511 SW 10th Avenue, Suite 801
Portland, Oregon 97205

Please see the directions to our new office!

503-230-8973
503-230-8978 (fax)

email: pearl@pearlnaturalhealth.com

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PHYSICAL MEDICINE

The following modalities of physical medicine are utilized at the Pearl Natural Health clinic:

Visceral Manipulation

This is a unique and special form of gentle manual therapy that addresses the visceral (organ) systems in the body and works with the body's ability to heal itself and achieve balance.

Osteomanipulation

This refers to the use of hands-on techniques to evaluate, treat, and improve the status of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. We utilize manual adjustments as well as instruments for neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

Craniosacral Therapy, Cranio-osteopathy

Craniosacral therapy is a holistic healing practice that uses very light touching to balance the craniosacral system in the body, which includes the bones, nerves, fluids, and connective tissues of the cranium, the spine and the sacrum, and ultimately all tissues because "everything is connected to everything else."

Ultrasound

Ultraound is a physical therapy that generates high frequency sound waves that are used to help heal scar tissue and promote cell regeneration especially for patients who are recovering from a musculoskeletal injury or ailment.

Muscle stimulation/Interferential

This modality is similar to a TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator) which is used to treat pain. Interferential stimulation employs two sources of stimulation, each with different frequencies. Stimulation of the nerve carrying the pain signal is thought to lead to fatigue, resulting in a decreased ability to convey the pain signal. Dr. Ghormley also utilizes this modality with urinary incontinence and pelvic floor rehabilitation.

Muscle Energy Stretching

Misalignments of the body occur when the body becomes imbalanced from muscle spasm, overpowering of weak muscles by stronger ones, or restricted mobility. Muscle energy techniques are used to treat joint misalignments. These techniques involve a precise and controlled voluntary contraction of a muscle against a counterforce provided by Dr. Ghormley, followed by a passive stretch.

Neuromuscular re-education

Neuromuscular re-education involves manual contact to evaluate and treat soft-tissue restriction and pain, relieve symptoms, and improve motion and function. It is commonly used to treat the restricted fascia associated with skin, subcutaneous tissue, and other superficial structures that are limited in their mobility.

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a general term for a group of alternative treatments that use water for the relief of various diseases or injuries. The use of hydrotherapy has a long history as a form of medical treatment. Temperature-based treatments are based on the different effects of hot or cold water on the skin and underlying tissues. Hot water (around 100°F/37.8°C) relaxes muscles and causes sweating. It is used to treat arthritis, rheumatism, poor circulation, and sore muscles. Cold water (60°F/15.6°C) treatments are used to stimulate blood