Dr. Michael Buna and the Niel-Asher Technique for Frozen Shoulder

What is a Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder is a condition characterized by pain and stiffness in, or near, the shoulder joint. It can be caused when the joint sustains an acute injury, such as in a motor vehicle accident, or by overuse. The condition is exasperated as the patient uses the joint less and less and as the pain and stiffness increases. It is most common in those over 40, and occurs more commonly in women than in men. Post-operative occurrences have also been reported, especially when the procedure specifically limits movement of the shoulder joint.

The Niel-Asher Technique NAT 

The Niel-Asher Technique, or NAT, is a technique that was developed to assist in the treatment of frozen shoulder. Since 1997, it has been approved for use in multiple medical disciplines, and has shown results better than other traditional forms of treatment. Instead of having a patient push through the pain, as with traditional physiotherapy, NAT involves proper application of a series of pressure points on, and around, the affected joint. This is not a pain-free option, and requires a series of treatments, however it has been shown to alleviate both the pain and the stiffness associated with frozen shoulder, limiting the need for pain-relieving medications or more difficult physical therapies.

Dr. Michael Buna 

A graduate of Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, and in practice since 1984, Dr. Buna has focused a portion of his practice on the treatment of shoulder injuries such as frozen shoulder. A Victoria Chiropractor, he has experience using NAT for the treatment of shoulder injuries, with special attention to those occurring as a result of motor vehicle collisions. Treatment at his facility, Health 4 Life Chiropractic, will include a basic evaluation of the condition, including any required imaging, and a thorough patient history. This information will be used together to help create a treatment plan. This requires a series of visits, scheduled at instructed intervals, to ensure that optimal results are achieved quickly and efficiently, whilst ensuring everything is handled in the safest manner possible.