Coming To a Company Near You!

So, here we are, January 2016, hopefully, "Stick a fork in me!" is not your remorseful cry! Thank goodness for the soups and salads planned for the next month!


With the new year individual plans and resolutions, there are inevitably small to medium company concerns for cost containment and increased productivity, while keeping their employees healthy. Considering that, I have sensed a need to address what is becoming more than just an eyebrow raising national interest, that is, on-site soft tissue chiropractic care. The short sessions, without travel time (consider the increasing traffic), missing no more than 15 minutes of work, lessened stress with not having to make those off-site visits, as well as a sense of being "cared for" by the company all make for a happier and more productive employee. Periodic safety meetings with promoting a better understanding of the body as well as preventing injuries augment quality, precise treatment.


Benefits to company (and employee) from on-site care:


· Reduction in health care/worker's compensation costs


· Reduction of recordable injury rates


· Reduction in short term disability


· Reduction in employee turnover


· Lower utilization of radiology services


· Lower utilization of outpatient and emergency services


· Safety education meetings


What is the nature of ailments addressed?


We see a number of conditions caused by repetitive strain, auto and work injuries as well as sports injuries. Headaches, jaw pain (TMJ), neck pain, shoulder pain (rotator cuff), elbow pain (golf and tennis), back pain, sciatic pain, knee pain, ankle and foot pain, including plantar fasciitis are all presented in any given arena. These conditions, while possibly work related through repeated strains, may in fact be initiated by digging up the garden, playing a sport, sitting at the computer over the majority of a long weekend or splitting two cords of firewood recently, but, actually triggered by an inadvertent move at work, even before lifting that bucket or bundle of whatever. The nice advantage of on-site care is that it doesn't matter what the cause was (the employee is highly unlikely to confess their off site happenings!) What will be treated is typically considered "first-aid" and care would be rendered with scheduling employees at 15 minute intervals, with only a one hour minimum commitment on a given day by the company. Companies appear to like this arrangement because it allows them the ability to give this a "trial run" without concern.


So, how is treatment rendered?


1. Each individual is asked to fill out a health questionnaire (prior or on-line).


2. The area is addressed by "OSHA considered" first aid soft tissue treatment [OSHA: 1904.7 (b) (5) (ii) (M)] via Active Release Technique (ART) or Graston Technique (GT) to reduce or resolve soft tissue distortions, increase range of motion, break up adhesions, release nerve entrapments and reduce pain.


3. These treatments are delivered one to six times on average before being dismissed to maintenance care, as needed. More involved care, if determined necessary, (cold laser, electro stimulation and spinal adjustments) may be directed to our office.


4. Activity over being sedentary is encouraged in most instances, so returning to work immediately is best ("motion is lotion" to joints, in particular).


5. Proper stretching and exercise recommendations given.


The prudent companies of the future will be proactive in preventative care, as well as treating an employee as if they are in fact, more than just a number.


The essential takeaway is that early and preventative therapy to the muscles, tendons and ligaments can keep tissues more pliable and thus, more forgiving to potential injurious activity.


If you have an interest in taking a step in this direction for your company, or if you think that your employer/ HR person might like more information, or a no-risk consultation, please contact my office. My Linked-In profile will provide a bit more on my background.


Please refer to Foundation for Chiropractic Progress report: http://www.f4cp.com/files/industry-news/f4cp-onsite-clinics.pdf