|
Our Monthly Themes supplement the education process at Greater Rochester Chiropractic.
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY Pain can tell you alot.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS Know when to seek help.
HEAL YOURSELF Take an active role in your recovery.
PROTECT YOUR HEALTH Make intelligent choices.
Past Themes:
ART: Active Release Therapy
This soft tissue/movement technique treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) can change into tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area, binding up and tying down tissues that need to move freely. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The clinician uses his/her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements. There are over 500 specific moves unique to ART.
Graston Technique This procedure allows us to detect and treat areas of fibrosis and soft-tissue adhesions in muscles, tendons, and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction. The doctor uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patient's muscle, tendons or ligaments and acts like a 'scar tissue stethoscope'. When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to break up this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are then used to promote re-alignment of the fibers so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue.
Low Back Pain
Low back pain will affect up to 80% of U.S. adults at some time during their lives. Most episodes of low back pain are caused by repetitive activities. Weak abdominal muscles, poor cardiovascular fitness and unsupported sitting are the most common precursors to low back pain episodes. Medications may temporarily relieve symptoms, but the cause must be corrected for long-term relief.
According to nearly all research studies, spinal manipulation is the most effective treatment for musculo-skeletal low back pain.
Pregnancy
Before becoming pregnant, chiropractors can detect any pre-existing imbalances in the pelvis and elsewhere in your body that could cause discomfort in pregnancy, or leave you with additional neuromusculoskeletal problems after childbirth. Many pregnant women have found that chiropractic adjustments provide relief from increased low back and leg pain brought on by pregnancy. Scientific studies have found that spinal manipulation carries no increased risk to the pregnant woman or her baby. Chiropractic's non-drug approach provides an attractive option for pregnant women. Chiropractic can also be helpful after childbirth.
As the ligaments begin to tighten again, problems that were brought on by pregnancy must be corrected before the ligaments return to their pre-pregnancy state.
Stress
Stress has no age limit.
2.3 million Americans suffer from 'anxiety disorders'. Eighty percent of all health care dollars are spent on stress-related disorders. Stress tends to attack the weakest area in your body and can manifest itself as an upset stomach, headache, neck or back pain. The medication we take for this only treats the symptoms by numbing, slowing down, or speeding up the malfunctioning body parts. Chiropractic gets to the source of the problem by stimulating a positive immune system. With the proper functioning nervous system, you will be on your way to good health.
Healthy Sleep
Insomnia is the most common sleep problem, affecting more than 84 million people. Healthy sleep has been the single most important determinant in predicting longevity. Human studies show that inadequate sleep changes white blood cell counts and immune response modifiers. Sleep is more than just rest for the body; it rejuvenates the brain and organ systems so they function properly.Your chiropractor is an expert in the nervous system and specializes in the elimination of the interferences that may be the cause of other, seemingly unrelated problems that can ultimately disrupt sleep.
Headaches
Numerous types of headaches including migraine, cluster, sinus and tension affect all age groups, often making everyday activities difficult. Treating headaches with medication offers only temporary relief. The key to relieving headaches is to find the underlying cause.
Many times, they are the result of subluxation (restriction) in the cervical spine (neck). Once the neck muscles tighten up, the vertebrae lose their normal motion and results in a headache.
Chiropractic treatments are very effective in relaxing the musculature and restoring normal motion. Duke University published a study in 2000 citing manipulation as an effective treatment for headaches.
Mid-Back Pain
Mid back pain is one of the most common complaints when patients first visit the chiropractor. The mid-back or thoracic region is highly reactive and compensates for the pelvis and lower back region to the upper neck. Sitting at a computer, driving for long periods of time, or any pattern of poor ergonomics are common origins for mid back pain. Referred pain or complication from one of the organ systems in the body can also cause mid back pain. Chiropractors care can improve and restore motion by repositioning and aligning the bones of the skeletal system, alleviating your symptoms and correcting the underlying problem.
Neck Pain
The neck is the most freely moving part of the spine and supports @ 10 - 13 lbs. Depending on your weight. Many patients with neck pain have lost the normal forward curve in the neck. This can affect the brain stem, spinal cord, and spinal nerves that travel into your shoulders and down your arms. Medications are a tempory fix, but you must correct the underlying cause of the problem for long-term relief. Chiropractors are experts in the care of the bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues that make up about 60% of your body and nearly all of your neck. One study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic care reported significant improvement in their neck function and a reduction in their neck pain whereas those taking painkillers did not.
Disc Injuries
Intervertebral disc problems are a common source of spinal problems. Damage to the discs may occur with a trauma, or injuries, causing the disc to herniate, bulge, or rupture. The protruding area may push on the nerve roots or even the spinal cord causing pain.
This does not mean surgery is necessary.About 200,000 people undergo back surgery each year. Of those, 20-40% will not gain the desired outcome and a full 10% will be worse off following the surgery.
st The chiropractic approach and treatment focuses on improving motion of the spinal joints thereby improving the health of the discs. Chiropractic treatment can decrease inflammation and reduce the bulging of the disc. Many medical doctors and neurologists prefer to refer their patients for conservative care before considering surgical procedures.
Sports Injuries
Each year, more than 3.5 million sports-related injuries occur in children under age 15. Many sports teams, trainers and competitive athletes have turned to chiropractic doctors because they understand that spinal injuries can restrict motion, reduce strength, slow reflexes, shorten endurance, and decrease performance. Chiropractic care can help to restore the function of the spinal joints, relieve pain, and decrease inflammation. Normalizing spinal function can help to speed up the healing of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Book an appointment: (585) 442-3220
Directions to our Brighton office
Home: Greater Rochester Chiropractic
 |
Chiropractors specialize in the care of bones, nerves, muscles and connective tissues.
The GRC Health & Wellness Learning Series is your source for continuing knowledge on health topics. Take a look at what we offer to our patients here >. |
