Conditions That We Treat
Neck Pain
Neck Pain Relief in Santa Barbara
Pain in the neck area may be caused by various factors, including mechanical issues, muscle strains, disc problems, and even arthritis. At Bissell Clinic, we provide natural care for neck pain, helping our patients find relief and restore their overall wellness.
A Guide to Types of Neck Pain
Like spinal conditions in the back, neck pain can be categorized into different types based on the underlying causes. Understanding your specific need is essential in developing an effective method of care.
We see people with various types of neck pain, including
Mechanical Neck Pain—occurs when the vertebrae in the neck shift out of position due to factors like improper sleeping postures or lifting heavy objects. Muscle strains, tendon strains, ligament sprains, and disc irritation may also contribute to mechanical neck pain.
Arthritic Flare-ups—as we age, the neck joints can experience arthritis, leading to inflammation and pain in the neck area. Our focus is on reducing inflammation and managing arthritic symptoms.
Soft Tissue Injuries—traumatic incidents, such as car accidents or sports injuries, may result in soft tissue injuries in the neck, causing pain, muscle spasms, and restricted movement. Our tailored care plans address these specific injuries.
Personalized Care for Your Neck Pain
At Bissell Clinic we believe in a unique approach to treating neck pain. We aim to provide methods of care that work best for each patient. Our thorough evaluations to identify the specific pain generator for each individual help us stand out from others. This allows us to create a customized care plan that directly addresses the underlying cause of your neck pain.
Our methods may include:
- Chiropractic Adjustments—gentle adjustments help realign the vertebrae, reducing pain and improving overall mobility.
- Modalities for Inflammation Reduction—with techniques such as electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, heat, and ice, we calm the muscles and reduce inflammation.
- Soft Tissue Massage and Stretching—these therapies help relax tense muscles and improve flexibility, promoting faster healing.
- Decompression Table—for patients with disc-related pain, our state-of-the-art decompression table offers targeted relief by gently stretching the spine and relieving pressure on the affected discs.
Managing Pain at Home
Our patients are educated on how to manage their pain at home. Here are some excellent tips to follow:
- Optimal Posture—maintain good posture throughout the day, especially when sitting or using electronic devices.
- Ergonomic Adjustments—make necessary adjustments to your workspace, such as positioning your monitor at eye level and using an ergonomic chair.
- Gentle Stretching and Exercise—engage in gentle neck stretches and exercises based on recommendations from our team to improve strength and flexibility.
- Heat and Ice Therapy—apply heat or ice packs to the affected area for temporary pain relief and reduced inflammation.
Benefits of Choosing Bissell Clinic
When you choose us for your neck pain care, you will get a compassionate and experienced team of practitioners to provide you with comprehensive care. We also realize that every patient is unique, so your plan is tailored to your specific condition and goals.
Our blend of traditional and natural care options ensures your care aligns with your preferences and promotes overall wellness.
Back Pain
Back Pain Treatment in Santa Barbara
If you’re tired of living with back pain, you’re not alone. In fact, back pain is a common problem that affects many people. At Bissell Clinic, we know its impact on your daily life and are here to help you get the relief you deserve.
A Guide to Relief and Recovery
Back pain may occur in different areas of the back—the lower back (lumbar), middle back (thoracic), or even the shoulder blade area. Understanding the specific cause of your back pain is essential to develop a plan tailored to your needs.
The most common types we see in our practice include:
- Muscle Strains and Sprains—these occur when the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in your back become strained or sprained due to improper lifting or sudden movements.
- Mechanical Back Pain—a misalignment of the vertebrae may lead to mechanical back pain. Our chiropractic adjustments are specifically designed to address this type of discomfort.
- Disc Issues—a bulging or herniated disc may cause intense back pain. Our advanced methods, including electric muscle stimulation and decompression therapy, help support the healing and restoration of affected discs.
- Arthritic Flare-ups—arthritis may cause inflammation and pain in the back. Our care plans incorporate therapies designed to manage and alleviate your arthritic symptoms.
- Shoulder Blade Pain—a misalignment of the ribs may cause pain in this area. We address this issue to provide comprehensive relief.
Tailored Care for Lasting Relief
At Bissell Clinic, our approach to relieving back pain addresses your individual needs and systematically brings you long-lasting relief.
Here’s how we do it:
- Customized Care Plans—each patient is unique, and their goals for recovery differ. That’s why we tailor plans combining various therapies, such as chiropractic adjustments, electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound, shockwave, and decompression therapy.
- Holistic Approach—we believe in aligning with your philosophy of care. That’s why, in addition to natural options for pain management, we may refer you to your primary care for traditional services when necessary. Together, we’ll find the best course of action that suits your preferences and promotes healing.
At-Home Care
Empowering our patients with knowledge and self-care techniques is crucial for long-term pain management. Here are some tips to help you manage your back pain at home:
- Natural Anti-inflammatories—incorporating anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric into your diet may provide natural relief.
- Heat and Ice Therapy—applying heat or ice to the affected area may reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
- Proper Stretching—gentle stretching exercises tailored to your condition help alleviate pain and improve flexibility.
- Lifestyle Adjustments—our team will guide you on modifying certain activities to minimize pain, ensuring you can continue to enjoy your daily routines with ease.
A Pain-Free Life Starts Here!
Don’t let back pain stop you from living your best life. At Bissell Clinic, we’re committed to providing exceptional care, personalized attention, and a clear path to recovery. Take the first step toward a pain-free life by booking an appointment today.
Headaches
Headache Relief in Santa Barbara
Headaches can vary in intensity and cause, impacting individuals differently. At Bissell Clinic, we specialize in providing natural, personalized care for headaches, helping our patients find relief and regain control of their lives.
Identifying the Cause and Finding Relief
Headaches can be categorized into various types based on their underlying causes. Understanding your specific type of headache is crucial in developing a plan to combat its effects. In addition to pain, other symptoms may include mental fogginess, vision problems, and tech neck.
Here are the most common types we see in our practice:
- Tension Headaches—these pains often result from muscle spasms and tightness in the back of the neck. The constriction of blood flow leads to pain and discomfort. Chiropractic care works exceptionally well for this type of headache. Our approach involves identifying the affected muscles, using heat and ice therapy, gentle soft tissue massage, stretching, traction, and specific spinal adjustments to alleviate tension and provide immediate relief.
- Migraines—these intense headaches may be debilitating for some individuals. They often involve referred pain originating from the back of the neck and radiating up behind the eye or into the front part of the forehead. Additional symptoms may include light sensitivity, nausea, and visual and auditory distortions. Some patients may need to lie down in dark rooms until the symptoms recede, and others may require medication. Our comprehensive approach often helps reduce the occurrence and severity of these events.
Methods and Modalities
We use specific spinal adjustments to help align the cervical spine, reducing tension and restoring proper function. We may also use other modalities to promote muscle relaxation depending on the patient’s needs. Techniques such as heat therapy, ice therapy, soft tissue massage, and ultrasound help relax tense muscles, promote blood flow, and alleviate pain.
Here’s how we do it:
By incorporating spinal hygiene practices and targeted stretches into your daily routine, improvement in muscle flexibility, reduced tension, and minimizing the frequency and intensity of headaches may be seen.
How We Help You
When you choose Bissell Clinic for headache care, you may expect benefits from our compassionate and experienced team. Our practitioners provide comprehensive care for headaches, ensuring you receive the utmost care and attention.
We believe in a holistic approach to wellness. Along with chiropractic care, we guide you on lifestyle modifications, ergonomic adjustments, and exercises to promote long-term headache prevention. Every patient is unique; that’s why we tailor your plan to address your specific type of headache and meet your individual goals.
Stop Headache Pain
Don’t let headaches control your life any longer. Our personalized care, comprehensive evaluations, and holistic approach help you find relief and regain your quality of life. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free future.
Cervical Disc Degeneration
Cervical Disc Degeneration Disease Treatment in Santa Barbara
Cervical disc degeneration is a common condition that can cause significant discomfort and limit your daily activities. At Bissell Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating this condition, helping our patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life.
Diagnosing and Caring For Cervical Disc Degeneration
As we age, the discs in our spine naturally lose moisture and elasticity, leading to a condition known as degenerative disc disease. This process can result in decreased joint space and range of motion, spinal or foraminal stenosis, joint inflammation and nerve impingement, and bone spur formation. These changes may cause persistent neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Our clinic offers a personalized, multi-phase approach to treating cervical disc degeneration. Our care plans typically progress through three stages:
- Phase 1: Pain Control—we focus on reducing pain and inflammation while gently improving your range of motion. A care plan may include rest, modalities like ice or heat therapy, cervical decompression, and gentle stretching exercises.
- Phase 2: Stretching and Strengthening—as your pain decreases, we introduce more active therapies to increase flexibility and strength. This phase includes progressive stretching, isometric exercises, and hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility.
- Phase 3: Functional Restoration—This final phase aims to return you to your normal activities. We incorporate work—or sport-specific exercises and continue to build strength and endurance in the cervical region.
Long-Term Management and Prevention Goals
Our goal is not just to alleviate your current symptoms but to equip you with the tools for long-term management. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized home exercise program and provide education on proper posture and body mechanics.
Just Say No to Neck Pain
Cervical disc degeneration doesn’t have to sideline you from enjoying life. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule an assessment. We want to help you overcome your discomfort and stiffness and regain your neck mobility and comfort.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) in Santa Barbara
Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS) is a common overuse injury that can sideline runners, cyclists, and other active individuals. At Bissell Clinic, we are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating ITBS, helping our patients return to their favorite activities pain-free.
How Does Iliotibial Band Syndrome Affect Me?
ITBS occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue running from the hip to the knee, becomes irritated and inflamed. This often results from repetitive friction as the band moves across the lateral femoral condyle during leg movement.
Symptoms include sharp or burning pain on the outer side of the knee, discomfort that worsens with activity, especially running or cycling, pain that radiates up the thigh or down to the tibia, and a snapping or popping sensation when bending the knee.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors may contribute to the development of ITBS, including overtraining, improper form, anatomical variations, and inadequate stretching. Our experienced team will assess your unique situation to identify the underlying causes and develop a personalized care plan.
Offering an In-depth Approach to ITBS Care
Our practice uses a multi-faceted approach to treat ITBS and prevent its recurrence. The methods may include the following:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises
- Manual therapy techniques, including transverse friction massage
- Ultrasound and other modalities to promote healing
- Gait analysis and biomechanical corrections
- Custom orthotics, if necessary
We also provide education on proper training techniques, footwear selection, and preventive measures to help you avoid future episodes.
Achieving Your Maintenance and Prevention Goals
Our goal is not only to alleviate your current symptoms but also to equip you with the knowledge and tools to prevent future flare-ups. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized maintenance program that includes stretching, strengthening, and self-care techniques.
Are You Ready for Pain-Free Movement?
Don’t let ITBS hold you back from the activities you love. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and start your journey to recovery. Our experienced team is ready to help you overcome ITBS and achieve your performance goals.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Santa Barbara
Plantar fasciitis can be a debilitating condition that affects your ability to walk, run, and enjoy daily activities. At Bissell Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating plantar fasciitis, helping our patients find relief and regain their mobility.
More Than Just Foot Pain
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue (plantar fascia) that connects your heel bone to your toes. This condition often causes stabbing pain near the heel, particularly with the first steps in the morning or after prolonged rest periods. Common causes include repetitive stress on the plantar fascia, age-related changes in foot structure, occupations requiring long standing periods, sudden weight gain, and flat feet or high arches.
Our practice offers a multi-faceted approach to treating plantar fasciitis. Our methods may include the following:
- Ultrasound therapy to promote healing
- Soft tissue mobilization and transverse friction massage
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Customized stretching and strengthening exercises
- Patient education on stress-reduction techniques for the plantar fascia
We may also recommend orthotic devices or night splints to provide additional support and facilitate healing.
Enjoy Long-Term Relief and Practice Preventive Care
Our goal is to alleviate your current symptoms and prevent future flare-ups. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized maintenance program that includes proper stretching techniques, strengthening exercises, and footwear recommendations to support long-term foot health.
As part of your program, we’ll teach you effective home care strategies, such as rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot for pain relief, performing targeted stretches for your calf muscles and plantar fascia, using a golf ball for self-massage, and more.
Step Onto the Healing Path Today
You deserve to put your best foot forward and get back to all the activities you love. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule an appointment.
Shoulder Tendinitis and Bursitis
Shoulder Tendinitis and Bursitis Relief in Santa Barbara
Shoulder pain can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life. At Bissell Clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and treating shoulder conditions like tendinitis and bursitis, helping our patients regain mobility and return to their everyday routines without discomfort.
What Causes Shoulder Tendinitis and Bursitis?
Shoulder tendinitis occurs when tendons in the rotator cuff become inflamed, often due to repetitive motions or overuse. Bursitis is the inflammation of small, fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Both conditions can cause similar symptoms, including
- Pain at the tip of the shoulder and upper outer arm
- Discomfort when reaching, pushing, pulling, or lifting
- Pain when raising the arm above shoulder level
- Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
These conditions may develop gradually over time or result from occupational or recreational activities that strain the shoulder.
Diagnosing and Correcting the Root Cause of the Problem
Our practice takes a thorough approach to diagnosing and treating shoulder tendinitis and bursitis. The process we use typically includes a detailed medical history and physical examination, advanced imaging techniques when necessary (e.g., MRI), and customized care plans tailored to your specific condition and needs.
As part of your program, we’ll teach you effective home care strategies, such as rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot for pain relief, performing targeted stretches for your calf muscles and plantar fascia, using a golf ball for self-massage, and more.
Achieving Long-Term Relief and Prevention
Our goal is not only to alleviate your current symptoms but also to prevent future flare-ups. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized maintenance program that includes proper stretching techniques, strengthening exercises, and ergonomic adjustments to support long-term shoulder health.
Experience Relief & Reclaim Your Mobility
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to hold you back. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule a thorough assessment. We’re ready to help address your issues so you can return to the activities you love.
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy in Santa Barbara
At Bissell Clinic, we provide customized physical therapy care, and you don’t have to be a chiropractic patient to benefit from physical therapy care. It’s our goal to return you to your independence. Physical therapy is appropriate for those with neurological, muscular and skeletal conditions, whether chronic or acute. Often, it’s used post-operatively, though it can also be used to avoid surgery.
Physical therapy isn’t just for recovering from an injury. The modalities we offer can help you perform better during athletics, improve strength, flexibility and endurance, prevent injury, and overall foster a healthy body.
Developing Your Program
Your physical therapist plans a care program after an extensive evaluation of each patient and his or her medical record. Tests, observations, and a thorough health history provide vital information about a patient’s strengths, weaknesses, reflexes, sensory perception, posture, and gait.
Individualized care programs are designed to restore functional movement, relieve pain, promote healing and recovery, and prevent additional injury. After your evaluation, our physical therapist leads you through various exercises and stretches and may also perform hands-on therapies such as tissue work and joint mobilizations or use modalities such as heat/ice, ultrasound, and electrical muscle stimulation.
Specialty Physical Therapy Programs
When you want to maintain your independence, it is important to know your current functional fitness level and develop your activity plan accordingly. Our therapists are here to help you do just that.
Private Exercise Sessions
Our private workout room is equipped with a Pilates reformer, stair climber, stationary bike, free weights, fitness balls and free motion weight machines. Sessions are led by one of our physical therapists who will emphasize injury prevention and program effectiveness. Whether you’re looking to learn a few stretches, lose weight, or want to make sure that you are correctly and safely performing the exercises in your existing program, you have come to the right place.
Senior Fitness Programs
Based on your goals and abilities, our programs can be customized to your specific needs. All fitness programs will enhance your longevity, health, energy, and vitality.
Fall Prevention and Balance Training
The exercises in this program are based on extensive research and provide results. The program improves strength, enhances static and dynamic balance, improves stability and flexibility, and enhances joint range of motion. Participants reduce their risk of falling and injury and experience improved independence.
Sport-Specific Training for Ageless Athletes
Whether your favorite activity is tennis, golf, or bicycling, our programs will identify the imbalances of the specific muscles used in your favorite activity. Through therapies and exercises, the tight muscles will be stretched and the weak muscles will be strengthened, thereby enhancing one’s game, minimizing pain, and reducing injury.
Senior Fitness Testing
Your current fitness level is like a vital sign, just like your heart rate and blood pressure. This test is safe and meets scientific standards for reliability and validity. It has performance norms for people ages 60 to 94.
Common Conditions We Can Address
- Post-operative Knee, Shoulder, Ankle: one of the most important times to seek physical therapy is after an operation. Our physical therapists work with orthopedic surgeons to restore range of motion and proper function of the structure after it has been surgically repaired or replaced.
- Balance/Walking Issues: Balance and gait issues can be the results of vestibular system dysfunction or a neurologic condition. This can present as dizziness, weakness in the legs, decreased walking speed, or repeated issues with falling.
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: Injuries to the rotator cuff include tendonitis, bursitis, and tears of the muscles or tendons. If left untreated, these conditions can progress and lead to greater pain and dysfunction. Our physical therapists can assess and treat all shoulder conditions through manual therapy and guided stretches and exercises.
- Rotator Cuff Impingement Assessment and Management: Assessing rotator cuff impingement involves imaging, subjective inquiries, shoulder and scapular range of motion assessments, strength evaluations, and posture analysis. The treatment plan includes manual therapy (soft tissue massage, shoulder joint mobilization, PNF patterns) and therapeutic exercises focusing on stretching, strengthening, stability training, and postural correction. Patient education emphasizes effective modalities for addressing underlying causes, impairments, and symptoms.
- Knee Osteoarthritis Evaluation and Intervention: For knee osteoarthritis, assessments encompass imaging, subjective inquiries, and evaluations of knee and surrounding joint range of motion, strength, balance, and posture. The treatment plan involves manual therapy (soft tissue massage, pain-free manual stretching) and therapeutic exercises targeting core, hip/pelvis, and lower extremity strength, as well as standing balance training. Patient education guides individuals on optimal modalities for managing underlying causes and symptoms.
- Low Back Pain Assessment and Treatment: Pinpointing the cause of low back pain involves evaluating soft tissue dysfunction and mechanical issues through imaging and subjective inquiries. Assessments include lumbar and surrounding joint range of motion, manual muscle testing, and posture analysis. A personalized treatment plan comprises manual therapy (soft tissue and deep tissue massage, cross-friction massage, and stretching) and therapeutic exercises for improvement, alongside patient education on effective modalities.
Schedule Your Consultation
We’re available to see you for a same-day appointment. Contact our team today for physical therapy in Santa Barbara!
Arthritis
Arthritis Care in Santa Barbara
A common yet often debilitating condition, arthritis affects millions of individuals worldwide and brings with it a host of bothersome symptoms, including joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Its systematic impacts, such as fatigue and inflammation, can significantly impair one’s quality of life. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to managing these symptoms, aiming not only to alleviate pain but also to improve overall well-being.
Prevention and Early Intervention
The best strategy for managing arthritis is prevention. Much like dental care, chiropractic care should start at a younger age. Regular chiropractic adjustments, combined with proper stretching, exercise, and diet, can help prevent the onset or reduce the severity of arthritis. Maintaining an anti-inflammatory diet and avoiding injury are crucial steps in this preventive approach.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
When arthritis does develop, chiropractic care can play a crucial role in managing the condition. Treatment focuses on joint mobilization, which enhances synovial fluid circulation and reduces stiffness. Dr. Bissell also educates patients on beneficial stretches and exercises tailored to avoid exacerbating the condition. Regular chiropractic adjustments can significantly improve flexibility and stability, reducing symptoms.
Tailoring Care to Individual Needs
Each patient’s arthritis condition is unique, necessitating a personalized treatment plan. Imaging, such as X-rays, helps determine the location and severity of arthritis. Based on these insights, our chiropractor tailors his approach to the specific needs of the patient, considering factors like the patient’s motivation and overall health goals.
Integrating Chiropractic With Traditional Treatments
Chiropractic care can complement traditional arthritis medications, potentially reducing reliance on pharmaceuticals. Educating patients about arthritis and its causes empowers them to make healthier lifestyle choices. When patients feel more confident, they can participate in activities they might have previously avoided due to their condition.
Recognizing Symptoms & Seeking Early Care
Early recognition of arthritis symptoms, such as morning stiffness, decreased range of motion, and pain, is crucial. Chiropractic care can slow the progression of arthritis, especially when the condition is caught early. Adopting a routine of proper diet, exercise, and regular chiropractic adjustments can significantly slow down the degenerative process.
Get Out of Pain & Back to What You Love
Arthritis doesn’t have to dictate your life. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward better joint health and overall well-being.
Vertigo & Dizziness
Vertigo & Dizziness Care in Santa Barbara
Experiencing vertigo and dizziness can be disorienting, debilitating, and frightening, with symptoms ranging from mild unsteadiness to intense spinning sensations that disrupt daily life. These common yet often elusive disorders can leave sufferers searching for answers. While various medical professionals attempt to address these conditions, the underlying causes can be mysterious and varied.
Experiencing vertigo and dizziness can be disorienting, debilitating, and frightening, with symptoms ranging from mild unsteadiness to intense spinning sensations that disrupt daily life. These common yet often elusive disorders can leave sufferers searching for answers. While various medical professionals attempt to address these conditions, the underlying causes can be mysterious and varied.
How Chiropractic Care Helps
Chiropractic care at Bissell Clinic can be highly effective for treating vertigo and dizziness. As a chiropractor, Dr. Bissell is skilled in performing the Epley maneuver, which helps restore the inner ear’s balance.
Additionally, gentle joint mobilization and manipulation of the upper cervical vertebrae can help realign the body and restore balance. Educating patients on proper movements and behaviors also contributes significantly to the treatment process.
Holistic Approach to Treatment
Chiropractic care addresses the entire body rather than focusing solely on the neck. Many conditions, including vertigo, can stem from a body out of balance. Factors like diet, exercise, and overall well-being play a role. A comprehensive chiropractic approach involves:
- Identifying dietary issues and providing proper nutritional guidance.
- Evaluating exercise routines, sleeping postures, pillow types, and workstation ergonomics to ensure they support balance rather than hinder it.
- Offering lifestyle recommendations to help maintain overall well-being.
What to Expect from Chiropractic Care
Patients typically experience relief from vertigo and dizziness within two to three chiropractic sessions. This quick response makes chiropractic care a favorable option for many. Long-term management involves periodic maintenance care to prevent recurrence, emphasizing the importance of ongoing chiropractic visits.
Stop the Spinning & Restore the Balance
If you’re struggling with vertigo or dizziness, we are here for you. Dr. Bissell wants to help you find relief and maintain your balance through personalized care. Contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment.
Work & Sports-Related Injuries
Work & Sports-Related Injury Care in Santa Barbara
Back pain from hunching over your workstation for hours a day. Plantar fasciitis that causes pain while running. Work and sports injuries may seem different, but both require tailored preventive measures to ensure optimal health and performance.
Work-related injuries can vary greatly depending on the person’s age, previous injuries, and work environment. For example, someone working from home might have improper ergonomics, such as sitting on a couch with a laptop on a coffee table, leading to neck, shoulder, and wrist strain.
Proper workplace setup, including adjustable workstations and ergonomic furniture, is crucial to prevent repetitive strain injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Incorporating appropriate stretches during breaks can further reduce the risk of these injuries.
Preventing Sports Injuries
Sports injuries also require specific preventive measures tailored to the type of sport and the athlete’s unique needs. Whether it’s football, badminton, or soccer, proper biomechanics, warm-up routines, and cooldown exercises are essential.
Identifying areas prone to tightness and focusing on sport-specific stretches and exercises helps athletes maintain stability and strength, reducing the risk of injuries. For example, soccer players benefit from core strength and stability exercises to protect their knee and ankle joints.
Role of Chiropractic Care in Recovery
Chiropractic care plays a crucial role in the recovery process for work—and sports-related injuries. A thorough assessment by a knowledgeable chiropractor like Dr. Bissell can determine whether imaging is needed to rule out severe injuries like tears or fractures.
Our chiropractor can help reduce inflammation quickly and providing tailored advice on stretches and exercises to promote healing. Dr. Bissell can also offer proper guidance to help significantly cut down healing time and prevent further injuries.
Long-Term Relief and Improved Quality of Life
Our chiropractic care offers more than just immediate relief; it can help patients maintain their health long-term. Just like regular dental care helps prevent cavities, our natural approach teaches patients how to avoid issues through proper biomechanics, regular stretching, and other preventive measures.
Experience Relief Today
If you or a loved one is experiencing work or sports-related injuries, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Contact Bissell Clinic today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward recovery and a healthier, pain-free life.
Sciatica
Sciatica Relief in Santa Barbara
Sciatica pain affects a wide range of people, from moms-to-be to those with physically demanding jobs. It can interfere with daily life, making even simple activities uncomfortable. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve that runs from your lower back through your hips and down each leg becomes compressed or irritated. This compression leads to pain that radiates along the nerve pathway, often affecting only one side of the body.
Symptoms other than pain may include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected leg. Many patients describe it as a sharp, burning sensation or shooting pain that makes sitting or standing uncomfortable. With 30 years of experience, Dr. Bissell excels at addressing the root cause of sciatica and providing relief. He and the Bissell Clinic team provide exceptional care to get you out of pain and back to what you love.
Finding the Root Cause for Lasting Relief
Several conditions can trigger sciatica, including herniated discs, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, and piriformis syndrome. We take a detective-like approach, asking the right questions to uncover the root cause of your pain. We’ll ask whether your pain stems from workplace ergonomics, physical labor demands, sleep positions, or even mattress quality.
Our comprehensive evaluation identifies the specific cause of your sciatica, allowing us to develop a targeted treatment plan. This precise diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and long-term relief.
Our Natural Approach to Sciatica Treatment
We offer multiple ways to address sciatica, including:
Chiropractic Care:
- Specific spinal adjustments to correct misalignments and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve
- Spinal decompression therapy to create space between vertebrae and relieve disc-related compression
- Soft tissue techniques to release tight muscles contributing to nerve irritation
Additional Therapies:
- Ice and e-stim (acute cases)
- Heat therapy (chronic cases)
- Therapeutic ultrasound to reduce inflammation
- Advanced options including shockwave therapy and physical therapy modalities
We know when to order appropriate imaging and when specialized referrals might benefit you. Each treatment plan is tailored to your unique condition, providing targeted relief based on your specific needs.
Recovery Timeline and Long-Term Prevention
When can you expect to feel better? Healing from sciatica varies based on individual factors. Some patients experience relief within days, while others require several weeks of care. Your age, overall health, severity of symptoms, and condition duration all influence recovery speed.
Preventing recurrence is key. We educate patients on proper ergonomics, lifting techniques, and posture correction. Our practitioners demonstrate specific strengthening exercises for your core and lower back to create stability and protection for your spine. These personalized stretches help unwind tightness caused by daily activities.
Reclaim Your Active Lifestyle
Sciatica pain doesn’t have to hold you back from doing what you love. Schedule an appointment today and get natural, lasting relief.
Fat Reduction
Fat Reduction in Santa Barbara
Sculpt a Leaner Look Without Surgery
When diet and exercise aren’t enough to shift stubborn fat, there’s another option—one that doesn’t involve needles or long recoveries. Emsculpt NEO® offers a modern approach to non-invasive fat reduction that also tones and strengthens your muscles. There are no crash diets or surgeries, just efficient results tailored for people who want a more sculpted appearance.
It’s fat loss that fits into your life and your schedule.
Why It Outperforms the Other Options
Compared to traditional treatments like CoolSculpting® or laser-based devices, Emsculpt NEO uses a dual-action method: radiofrequency (RF) heat destroys adipose tissue, while high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy triggers deep muscle contractions. It eliminates those cells and builds lean muscle, providing definition and reduction.
Think of it as burning fat and body sculpting in one 30-minute session!
Losing Fatty Tissue vs. Weight Loss—And Why It Matters
Here’s the difference: weight loss shrinks fat cells, while getting rid of fatty tissue removes them. Emsculpt NEO does the latter—permanently destroying treated fat cells while improving muscle tone. The result? A tighter, more contoured shape, without the scale needing to move dramatically.
Some people notice firmer abs, stronger glutes, or a smoother waistline—all from a few short sessions.
Results That Stick With a Healthy Lifestyle
The cells removed by Emsculpt NEO are gone for good, but maintaining results requires balance. Staying active, choosing whole foods, drinking water, and limiting sugar and alcohol can help keep your results going strong.
It’s common for clients to feel more motivated after their treatments—like a jump-start for their wellness routine.
Debunking Common Myths About Fat Reduction
You’ve probably heard a few of these before:
Myth: Non-invasive fat reduction = instant results
Truth: It takes time. Full results develop over 2-3 months.
Myth: These treatments replace diet and exercise
Truth: They enhance your efforts—not replace them.
Myth: It’s just for people trying to lose weight
Truth: It’s designed to sculpt, not shed pounds.
Ready to Try It? Here’s What to Expect
Each session feels like an intense workout paired with a warm sensation, kind of like a hot stone massage. There’s no downtime, and most people can return to work or hit the gym immediately. Many start seeing visible results about four weeks after completing their treatment series.
Your Reshaping Journey Starts Here
If you want to reshape your body without surgery or lengthy recovery, Bissell Clinic offers Emsculpt NEO, a powerful tool to help you feel more confident. Book your consultation today and get one step closer to your goals.
Body Contouring
Body Contouring in Santa Barbara
Tone Your Body, No Surgery Required
Stubborn fat and lack of muscle tone can be frustrating, especially when you’re already putting in the work. Emsculpt NEO® offers a smarter, faster way to define your shape. By combining two cutting-edge technologies in one machine, this noninvasive treatment helps tone your muscles and reduce fat at the same time—without needles, pain, or downtime.
Whether you’re looking to tighten your core, lift your glutes, or firm your arms, Emsculpt NEO gives your body a boost where it counts.
Dual-Action Technology for Great Results
Unlike traditional treatments that focus only on fat or skin, Emsculpt NEO uses radiofrequency (RF) and high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy. RF heats fat cells to promote reduction, while HIFEM energy causes powerful muscle contractions to stimulate growth. It’s like doing 20,000 crunches, minus the sweat.
On average, patients experience:
- Up to 30% fat reduction
- Up to 25% increase in muscle mass
Fast Results Without Missing a Beat
You won’t need to rearrange your schedule. Each session takes about 30 minutes, and there’s no recovery time—you can go right back to your day. While initial results can be visible within 4 weeks after the final session, full effects usually show within 2 to 3 months. Most people start with a series of four treatments spaced one week apart.
Ideal for Active Lifestyles
If you enjoy outdoor workouts, gym sessions, or just staying active in Santa Barbara, Emsculpt NEO can enhance your results. It helps strengthen your core and tone key areas, supporting better posture and performance, making your workouts work harder for you.
Target Trouble Zones with Confidence
Emsculpt NEO is FDA-cleared to treat multiple areas, including the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms, and calves. Whether you’re working toward a flatter stomach, stronger glutes, or toned arms, this treatment is designed to support your goals, no matter where you’re starting from.
Book Your Body Sculpting Consultation
Ready to feel stronger and more confident in your skin? Bissell Clinic offers Emsculpt NEO for those who want visible results without invasive procedures. Schedule your consultation today and find out if this non-surgical solution is right for you.