History and examination
It is often stated that the history is 80% of the diagnosis.  This is actually a true statement.  Some physicians feel the history is 90% of the diagnosis.   The gathering of the history is quite extensive.   The history and examination will result in a diagnosis and will determine if the doctors at the Soft Tissue Center at DISC can help the patient, or if we are not able to help the patient and will then refer the patient to another specialty or sub-specialty.  

Soft tissue mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is a manual method of treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular injuries.  Manual pressure is applied via thumbs, fingers and sometimes elbows of the doctor to the muscles around the involved joint.  This treatment is sometimes provided with the patient moving the involved joint, or with the muscles stretched to their fullest ability.  Soft tissue mobilization at the Soft Tissue Center is performed to all of the muscles surrounding the involved, or injured, joint.  This approach consistently provides better outcomes and faster results than more simple forms of soft tissue mobilization.

Joint manipulation
Joint manipulation is a procedure that the chiropractic care is often associated.  Joint manipulation is commonly known as “adjusting”.  This procedure identifies hypomobile joints that may be causing pain or biomechanical stress on surrounding tissue.  An identified restriction in a joint is resolved by a quick “thrust” or “adjustment” to restore normal mobility and reduce pain. 

Joint mobilization
Joint mobilization is a procedure that also addresses hypomobile joints.  The difference between manipulation and mobilization is the speed of the procedure.  Joint mobilization is a slower procedure that has more a “glide” component than the traditional “thrust” of an “adjustment”.  Joint mobilization is sometimes combined with the patient moving the involved joint at the same time. 

Rehabilitation
Once a patient’s pain and pathology has improved sufficiently, a rehabilitation program can begin.  This process begins very gently and progresses over several weeks.  Some injuries require only a few key exercises and stretches and these patients can be taught these exercises to perform at home.  Other cases are more complex and require a rehabilitation process.  This includes strengthening, balance, conditioning so the patient can perform a given level of work again and again.  Some patients require a specific movement in their job and we try to simulate these movements if possible. 

Strength and Conditioning
Strength and conditioning is a phrase that usually applies to sports.  Athletes usually need to maximize their strength, speed, explosiveness, anaerobic endurance (ability to perform a quick or strenuous activity repeatedly), and in some sports, an aerobic conditioning.  All of the doctors at the Soft Tissue Center at DISC are Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists.  Dr. Horrigan also served as the Head Speed-Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Kings fro 1999-2002.   We have designed and implemented strength and conditioning programs for hockey, football, track and field, volleyball and baseball. 

Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice of placing fine, acupuncture needles in the body at certain points along energy channels known as meridians.  This procedure is often used for pain management and for health management. 

Oriental Medicine
Oriental medicine is a broad term that includes various methods of treatment to improve the patient’s health.  The methods can include the use of herbs, moxa (heating), cupping and healthy living advice.  

Nutritional Consultation
Nutrition counseling is much more than completing a dietary intake form followed by a diet printout.  People often underreport, or underestimate, their calorie intake.  Gathering this information requires skill and experience.  If a patient wishes to lose weight, the nutritionist can help determine if the patient needs a flexible reduction diet to help with compliance or if the patient requires a very strict program.  Athletes benefit greatly from learning from current research and making sure they have sufficient protein, carbohydrates in their diet for training and the critical timing of the intake of their supplements before and after training.  Hydration is one of the most important and overlooked issues in sports.  Dehydration can be disastrous in a game or meet.