Frequency Specific Microcurrent

Image courtesy of dream designs at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I am always researching for different alternatives to treat musculoskeletal pain and have been around long enough to know that one type of treatment for a specific problem may not produce the same positive response across the board for everyone. Even within the realm of electrotherapy, different frequencies have to be utilized to address individual issues. Are you looking for pain management, muscle inhibition (not working) modulation or stimulation of acupuncture points to achieve some regulatory effect to an area? Each of these responds best to specific parameters due, in part, to the goals and the type of nerves being targeted.Frequency Specific Microcurrent is an exciting, relatively new way of treating nerve and muscle pain and many other conditions using specific frequencies and micro amperage current.

There are hundreds of practitioners in the US, Australia, Ireland, and Canada using FSM to create miraculous changes in patients to reduce pain and improve health. Most of the time FSM produces immediate and dramatic changes in tissue that makes it an indispensable tool in treating pain and many other health concerns.

Because of its anatomical pervasiveness, (covering not only muscle tissue, but even every muscle fiber), the fascia is involved in every aspect of physiology. Hence, the fascia constitutes a medium by which superficial injuries or contractions or constrictions might influence internal organs, and by which organ pathologies might be expressed in the periphery. Recent research has indicated that fibrosis (adhesions) created by a superficial injury can extend into the viscera to create so-called “fibrocontractive” diseases. These concepts provide a possible fascial basis for the so-called somatovisceral and visceralsomatic reflexes (think gut-muscle relationship). Consider the Chinese acupuncture meridians. A headache may be addressed by applying stimulus to areas in the hand or wrist. This is possible via the “channels” that are formed by the fascial boundaries around the soft tissues in the body. Of course, the human body does not always pay attention to “norms” and tweaking of procedures is necessary at times. So, the following is designed to answer some of the question you might have about FSM.

What is Microcurrent? Microcurrent is a physical therapy modality that has been in use for over 16 years. Microcurrent is measured in millionths of an amp. By comparison, a TENS unit and most other electrotherapies produce milliamps, 1000 times greater. Your own cells make current in micro amps. 

How does it work? Your body seems to use the Microcurrent energy to increase its own energy production. Microcurrent increases the production of ATP, your own chemical energy, by up to 500%. It also increases protein synthesis and waste product removal.

Why can't I feel it? The current is so low it doesn't stimulate sensory nerves.

Why does the doctor change frequencies on the machine? It has been observed that specific frequencies seem to target specific conditions in the tissues. In many cases the tissues will suddenly soften and become less painful when the correct combination of frequencies is chosen. This softening and the pain relief that comes with it seems to be long lasting and in some cases permanent.

How do the frequencies work? The frequencies appear to work on the principle of biologic resonance. For example, a singer can shatter a glass when the note resonates with the crystal structure of the glass. Microcurrent frequencies seem to be able to resonate with biologic tissue and change the structure of the tissue when the frequency is correct. Once the tissue is changed and stable it seems to be able to stay in the new configuration.

What are the benefits of FSM therapy? Microcurrent treatment is painless, increases speed of recovery, often promotes healing in conditions that have not responded to other treatment, and is cost effective. The effects are long lasting and the healing of tissue is more complete.

What are the side effects? Microcurrent changes muscle tissue, softens scar tissue, and increases circulation with the effect of removing long stored waste products and increasing cellular metabolism so quickly that there is often a detoxification reaction after treatment. Some people have a similar reaction after a massage but the reaction after Microcurrent is stronger because so much is accomplished in such a short period of time. The side effects can include nausea, fatigue, drowsiness, a temporary increase in pain, and a flu-like feeling. The side effects usually start during or about 90 minutes after treatment, and may last from 4 to 24 hours. There have been no lasting adverse reactions reported. FSM has a history of being very safe.

What can I do about the side effects? You should drink at least two quarts of water in the two hours following treatment. If you feel the side effects return, drink more water and it should pass in about 20 minutes. Note that with all soft tissue treatment, even massage therapy should be augmented with copious amounts of water!

Do the benefits last? Every patient responds individually but the changes to the tissues seem to be long lasting. About 60 to 80% of the changes created in one treatment last until the next treatment, about four to seven days. Your muscles are used to responding the way they are and may return to the old configuration if not treated again, although some patients have had permanent changes in one treatment. Repetitive strains, including poor posture, can hamper favorable results.

If you have any other question or concerns be sure to ask me. Otherwise, relax, drink your water and enjoy the relief you can receive from Frequency Specific Microcurrent!

Disclaimer 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Knee Pain and the Kinetic Chain

“The knee tries to do what the ankle wants it to do, but does what the hip allows it to”. I am not sure of the origin of this phrase, but it remains a powerful truth in my mind! While there can be many sources for knee pain, altered biomechanics can certainly be a primary culprit in a cascading effect on any part of the musculoskeletal system, including the knee. The following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the manifestations of the dreaded knee pain.

• ACL injury
• Torn meniscus
• Knee bursitis
• Patellar tendinitis

• Loose body within knee
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Dislocated kneecap

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Gout
• Pseudogout
• Septic arthritis.
• Chondromalacia patellae (patellofemoral pain syndrome)

Some of the above are the result of trauma, some from infection or poor diet considerations and others are from repetitive strain/stress/overuse. So, a “one size fits all” approach with say, an anti-inflammatory medication, exercises or “working through” the pain may not prove to be palliative.

A look at one’s history of the complaint, their activities (or lack of!), diet and family background are critical in finding the cause; examination and additional tests such as blood work, x-rays and MRI can provide further information that will enable the doctor to properly and expediently manage the case.
As a practitioner of manual medicine, via chiropractic care, the spine is not the only joint or tissue area that I address. According to a 2006 National Health Interview Survey, approximately 30 percent of adults reported experiencing some form of joint pain during the previous 30 days, and knee pain was a leading complaint.

When infection or other presentation (that needs a more critical care approach) is ruled out, my job is to sort out which structure(s) are the pain generators. It is important to consider the body’s kinetic chains that can fall victim to a sequence of events involving tissues along a line of tension that are necessary to complete a task (such as throwing a ball, completing a golf or tennis stroke, or simply walking). Think of the muscles and other tissues at the back of your foot and ankle. They don’t just stop there; they continue northward up the calf to the thigh and buttock and back. This is why just treating the area of pain may prove frustrating and, in a number of situations, futile. For example, if one is suffering with pain on the medial, or inside of the knee, it may be as a result of a direct trauma, or, possibly due to a deep buttock muscle group known as the external hip rotators being overly tightened and not allowing the femur (thigh bone) rotate properly, causing stress on the knee area. Also, hyper-pronation of the foot can lead to internal rotation or twisting of the lower leg bone named the tibia, and lead to significant stress on the medial meniscus of the knee joint. The iliotibial band on the lateral side of the knee may also be affected. The point is that there are connected “chains” that are only as strong as there weakest link. The problem sometimes is that our bodies are excellent at compensating for movement deficiencies (to a point) and convince us to ignore it until it becomes unbearable or activity preventing.
So, what do you do for your knee? As I have often stated in previous articles, there first is a need to take responsibility for the things you have control over and:

1. Assess the pain and recount what the possible mechanism of injury is to rule out need for meds or other crisis care (think gout, infection or torn ligaments).
2. Have a chiropractic examination to determine restrictions around the knee as well as along the kinetic chains involved, including up to the pelvis and spine. The surrounding fascia should be examined as well. Also, determine if there are any weak or inhibited muscles involved.
3. Fix the restrictions to diminish or resolve the pain, increase the range of motion and then engage (via electric stimulation or exercise if possible) any weak muscles to strengthen.

Now, as you get back to your regular activities, go slowly and “test the waters” so that you can perform the movements that you desire dialed back several notches (think slow moving Tai Chi versus all out Tai Kwan Do). As we reach that “onset of maturity” phase of our lives, it makes good sense to warm up with very slow golf or tennis swings or even sweeping and vacuuming motions to prepare your body for the impending increased demands even before any injury.  So, slow down before going all out, stretch and hydrate well and remember your kinetic chain…..it’s only as strong as your weakest link!

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Icing Injuries

Ice… Great for Pain – But it Stops The Healing!

So, who doesn’t love icing? We ice our cakes. We ice our cream. We even ice our wives with trinkets from her favorite jewelry store. But, within the medical community, icing and cold therapy is a topic that has historically elicited a variety of contradictory opinions.  Fortunately, the topic has also been the subject of a lot of new research. After reading this new research, I have changed my opinion on the subject and have come to the conclusion that injuries should be iced for one purpose — to reduce pain– and only when absolutely necessary.

When you experience a injury due to a trauma, strain, sprain, infection or even from hard physical exercise, the immediate result is “acute inflammation.” This type of inflammation is usually short in duration, and acts to speed up the healing process. In other words, inflammation immediately after an injury is a GOOD thing; it is an indication that your body has moved into an accelerated healing mode.

The standard advice given after an acute injury is to ice and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. I certainly gave my patients this same advice for years, based on my training and all the educational material available at that time. After all, swelling causes pain by increasing the pressure on nerve endings, and as a practitioner I want to get my patients out of pain as soon as possible. So the patient ices, and the pain is diminished — this is a good thing right?  Well yes and no. YES it’s good because we have a reduction in pain and the patient can function, but NO because the body’s healing process has now stopped.

When talking about the normal soreness that results from working out, I would avoid ice and cold therapy altogether.  For the majority of time, it is simply not necessary. As I mentioned earlier, this also includes avoiding all NSAIDS (i.e. Ibuprophen, Advil and Aleve), since these medications can sabotage tissue regeneration. Whether we are talking about tissue repair due to injury, or trying to develop new muscle after exercise, both ice and anti-inflammatory medications can be counter-productive to injury recovery.

On the other hand, if you are dealing with an extremely acute and painful situation, then ice is a great way to reduce that pain.  Use a baggie of ice or even a package of frozen peas for up to 30 minutes. (If you are using a gel pack, make sure it’s colder than ice and must have a barrier like a paper towel to avoid possible further tissue injury). Ice for no more than the first 24 to 72 hours after the injury. Yes, you will beinhibiting the healing process, but only for a short period of time. If you need to take medication because of the pain, acetaminophen (Tylenol), will reduce pain but will not reduce the inflammation.

A quick word about heat therapy:  Do not heat the injured area right after an injury. Heat therapy does increase blood flow to an area, but this heat can cause an increase in inflammation, which in turn will cause an increase in pain. We need a certain amount of inflammation to heal, but too much inflammation will definitely be counter-productive. When you are ready to add heat, I recommend a microwaved rice sock or “Bed Buddy” for up to 30 minutes per hour, or even a hot bath with 2-3 cups of Epsom Salts for 20 minutes.

Ultimately, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So, try to avoid injury by exercising wisely, avoiding soft furniture, and being diligent with hydration and daily stretching.  All of these strategies are some of the best ways to avoid “the big chill.”

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Stretching...It's Non-negotiable!

The importance of stretching within a workout routine cannot be over-emphasized (take it from someone who has learned from experience!). Stretching brings our body back into balance, prevents injuries, enhances performance, changes our posture, (how we look) and even changes how we age, (how we feel) and even the way people perceive us. Yet, stretching is often neglected because the average person (and many athletes) do not understand why it is so important to not only be strong, but also flexible. Consider the basic biomechanics of how our body performs. Our bodies are designed to work in balance - every time a group of muscles contracts to perform an action, an opposing group of muscles (antagonist) must relax and lengthen. These muscles can only contract as forcefully as their antagonist can relax. For example, the quadriceps muscle in the front thigh can contract more quickly if the hamstring muscle at the rear of the thigh group is able to easily lengthen and relax.  Without the lengthening of the antagonist, we lose our power, balance, and endurance; we become susceptible to injury, and waste our energy. Flexibility training has been shown to reduce tension and resistance in muscle tissue, allowing these structures to lengthen comfortably, and properly support the contracting muscle groups. Why Stretch? Tense, tight muscles result in: decreased sensory awareness, increased blood pressure, decreased blood circulation, decreased coordination and increased injuries.Constantly tense muscles decrease their own blood circulation. Blood is the conduit of oxygen and food nutrients to the muscles, and is the remover of toxic wastes from your tissues. When blood supply is reduced, muscles suffer from a lack of nutrients and oxygen, and have a build-up of toxic waste. This combination results in fatigue, aches, decreased strength, and sometimes pain. Effective stretches and increased flexibility provides many benefits including: increased range of motions of your joints, increased blood supply to the soft tissues, enhanced performance and coordination, reduced injuries, reduced tension and resistance in muscle tissue, increased comfort and performance of your body, increased awareness of the body.

Modern life seems to place our tissues in a state of constant contractions (which keeps our muscles in a continually shortened state) without corresponding activities to lengthen and relax these same muscles. This places our body in a state of physical imbalance, eventually leading up to Repetitive Strain Syndrome. For example, look at our typical office workers, sitting in front of their computers for eight hours a day. Their shoulders are rolled forward, their back is hunched, their neck jutting forward; their posture is poor. This results in shortened and contracted chest muscles, tension in their upper back, weak posture, headaches, and often wrist and elbow pain. With the best of intentions, these same office workers go to the gym to make themselves stronger by lifting weights and by performing aerobic workouts in the hope that they can improve their ability to better perform at work, and reduce their chance of injury. (Done correctly, exercise is very effective, since the stronger you are, the less susceptible to injury you become).  Unfortunately, many of these people rely heavily on a weight program to increase their strength, resulting in yet more contractions. To their frustration, they experience slow or limited progress in their routines, and often suffer from overuse injuries. These motivated individuals often do not realize that the strength they hope to gain from these weight lifting exercises is only effective when the opposing soft-tissue structures are able to properly lengthen. They need to stretch! 

Types of Stretching:The art of stretching has undergone a revolution over the last 50 years. Today, the athlete can choose from many types of stretching routines, each specifically oriented toward addressing specific needs. You can choose to perform one or more of the following categories of stretches (there are other forms as well), each with their own unique benefits. 

Dynamic or ballistic stretching uses motion to gradually increase the reach and range of motion. These stretches are typically used for warming up and waking up the muscles before starting an exercise program, i.e. swinging your arms in a circle, kicking an imaginary football, or twisting from side to side.

Static Active stretching uses little or no motion to stretch the muscles of the opposing group. It is the opposite of dynamic stretching. Static active stretching requires the strength of the opposing muscle groups to hold the limb in position for the stretch, and requires no voluntary muscle involvement. An example would be holding one leg up high while balancing on the other. This type of stretching is normally done at the end of your workout to bring your body back toward a state of rest and recovery.

Static Passive stretching Is a stretch where you are relaxed and make no contribution to the range of motion. Instead, an external force is created by an outside agent (body weight, device to help you maintain the stretch. The muscle groups are stretched without actually moving the limb. These are ideal for the cool-down period of your workout. Static passive stretches should be held for about 10 seconds and 2-3 stretches per muscle group is sufficient.

PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) stretching is a combination of static passive stretching and isometric stretching. It usually requires the participation of a stretching partner. In this, your partner stretches the muscle group passively, causing an isometric contraction in the stretched position for up to 3 seconds, then relaxing the stretch, and then increasing the stretch passively with their partner and repeat.

All stretching should be kept within the realm of tissue tolerance! So, remember, stretching is not for sissies, but, it is a vital component of your overall health, along with cardio and strength training. 

Disclaimer 

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Resolving Frozen Shoulder

Frozen Shoulder, or adhesive capsulitis, is a very stubborn, debilitating, and restrictive condition that can affect all the activities of daily living. It may present its ugly head shortly following that first tennis practice of the season that exhausted you to the point of “becoming one” with your recliner for three hours before bed. Or, maybe you decided to save a few bucks and wash and wax your cars over the weekend and found it nearly impossible to get a fork of linguine up to your mouth on Monday evening.  The common symptoms of this condition include: severe pain, progressive stiffness and loss of motion in the shoulder joint. The shoulder’s range-of-motion is often so limited that many patients have difficulties in raising their arm above the head, moving the arm across the body, and especially behind the back. What is most disturbing about this condition is that the loss of movement that can last from months to years.

Fortunately, we can show our patients ways to control the pain and regain full range of motion and full function in a lot less time. Often, the actual cause of this condition is unknown. The medical community is still debating over possible causes. However, Frozen Shoulder usually occurs in three distinct phases: 

Freezing Stage 

This stage is characterized by pain in and around the shoulder and progressive loss of range of motion. 

Frozen Stage 

 Pain is actually reduced in this stage. The range of motion of your shoulder seems to be stuck, not decreasing or increasing. 

Thawing Stage 

This stage is characterized by a slow increase in range of-motion of the shoulder. It is also a stage of increased weakness due to the disuse atrophy of the shoulder. 

Examination and Diagnosis

 The diagnosis of Frozen Shoulder is usually made after an examination. X-rays or an MRI are usually not prescribed, unless the doctor needs to rule out other conditions such as osteoarthritis or significant tear(s). Patients with Frozen Shoulder have a very limited range-of-motion in both active and passive ranges of motion. Active range-of-motion is when you move yourself; passive range of motion is when someone moves your arm for you. In addition to the decreased active range-of-motion in the shoulder joint itself, it is common to find significant trigger points in several of the rotator cuff muscles. This is especially true of a muscle called the subscapularis,as pointed out by Janet Travell, author of “Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction”. Trigger points in the subscapularis muscle refer pain to the back of the shoulder (deltoid muscle), shoulder blade (scapulae), and even the wrist. 

Treating Frozen Shoulder

 There is no doubt that Frozen Shoulder is one of the tougher conditions to treat. The good news is that 80 – 90% of patients suffering from Frozen Shoulder will eventually experience a complete recovery. The bad news, recovery that is based on conventional therapy (muscle relaxants, corticosteroid injections) can take a very long time (twelve to forty-two weeks). 

Exercise

Fortunately there are alternatives to these traditional therapies, which with the right therapy and exercises can reduce treatment time to between 4 to 10 weeks in most cases. I have consistently seen positive results in over 80% of Frozen Shoulder cases that we treated with a combination of specifically designed soft-tissue protocols along with rehabilitative exercise routines.At our office, we often use a treatment protocol that involves:

• Using Cold Laser (LLLT) to the involved shoulder prior to treatment in order to increase blood circulation, reducing swelling and to make the tissue more malleable.

• Administering appropriate hands-on soft-tissue and joint adjusting protocols directly to the shoulder and surrounding areas. (Active Release Technique, Graston, Fascial Distortion Model, and Chiropractic Manipulation to the shoulder and possibly other joint areas).

• Acupuncture (using pin-point laser and Piezo electric stimulation) for not only trigger points directly on the muscle, but also for sites away from the shoulder along meridians that affect shoulder function.

• A gentle shoulder exercise routine that mobilizes both the joint and the soft-tissues involved in this condition, following-up with more advanced exercise routines that address range-of-motion, strength, and flexibility as the patient improves.

 So, remember to stay active by incorporating toning as well as stretching exercises to compliment your cardio routine. Your body will thank you with fewer ailments!If you would like more information about treating this or other conditions, or would like to schedule an appointment, just give us a call at the clinic.

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

The Treatment of Chronic Pain

Many of my previous articles have primarily centered about the treatment of acute and repetitive strain injuries, primarily brought on by work or recreational activities. With a large segment of our population reaching “maturity”, quite a number of the individuals that I see also deal with chronic pain. The pain is usually initially described with the generic default term “arthritis”, but there are many other causes and contributing factors, which make it imperative to assess the patient, and not just the pain. The American public has been emotionally and physically traumatized due to announcements by the FDA concerning the devastating long term health effects discovered in a number of prescription pain medications, including of the COX-2 inhibitors (i.e. Aleve and Naprosyn) - some of the most popular pain drugs on the market. Many are now wondering what their future holds, where they can go, and what they can do to ease their chronic pain.

Chronic pain is in fact it is a distinct neurological condition, most often involving the brain and it is often poorly understood, poorly treated, and often stigmatized. It is like a broken alarm; it's permanently stuck in the “on” position. Chronic pain can make employment or recreational activities difficult or impossible. At the same time, one of the worst effects of chronic pain is isolation – which in turn can increase the pain itself. The complexity of chronic pain includes a multidimensional input.

First, the biological component. Within this area, unresolved acute strain-sprain injuries and, often, years of over-use and repetitive strains have caused a breakdown in one or more tissues in the body (bone, muscle, fascial, etc.), so physically, something is not working, or broken. Initially, the acute pains are mainly felt due to the signals by the nervous system’s nerve endings, making you respond accordingly to put a stop to the stimulus. The action typically involves taking a few days off from the painful activity(ies), using some ice or heat and downing some meds to numb the pain. However, the longer that the unwanted signals remain or persist, the more “sensitized” the nervous system becomes; the pain remains even after the stimulus is long gone. One’s pain threshold is lowered to where activities or stimuli, that normally would not have hurt, now do. This manifestation can then be aggravated by the aberrant or abnormal mechanical behavior of individual joints. For example, if an injury occurs to one’s ankle (a very flexible joint), the knee, (a hinge joint, that is limited in its motion), will then be called upon to ante up more than its designed mobility and thus be compromised for easier and, or, compounded injuries. This has chronic implications, as we are able to compensate for weaknesses, up to a point; eventually, something within the tissues is going to fail, and when tissues fail, injuries occur. There is the need to address the specific injured tissues.

Secondly, there is the metabolic and endocrine component. This involves the correct or adequate processing of nutrients (and hydration!) as well as the functional behavior of hormonal activity and adequate sleep. Some individuals are very sensitive to acidity within their body and can become more inflamed; the body desires to be at a slightly alkaline pH. Foods that include dairy, refined carbohydrates (processed) and meats all tend to make one more acidic, or lowered pH, whereas, vegetables and most fruits lead the body to respond oppositely. Thankfully, most of us can balance that plate of manicotti with a nice mixed green salad! Also, thyroid imbalances can masquerade as pain and parathyroid imbalance can influence muscle activity via calcium shortages. When this physiological breaking down occurs, even one’s immune system may be affected. Fibromyalgia is a condition where “allodynia”, which is defined as a painful response to a non- painful stimulus (i.e. touch), or “hyperalgesia”, which is a heightened degree of pain to a normally painful stimulus, constantly plague the individual, sometimes even to a debilitating degree. Pain is their focus, at least to some degree on a daily basis, initially at trigger points and the referred pattern areas ( i.e. the quadratus lumborum, a deep muscle between the last rib and the pelvis has trigger points that can refer pain sensations down the buttock and posterior thigh); the chronic cascading of this is where stress now increases one’s misery and sleep is interrupted, headaches are frequent, mood swings and phobias are apparent and even irritable bowel syndrome or gastric reflux become unwanted physiological guests. Herein lies the term “psychosomatic” in which the brain (psyco) affects the body (somatic) as the chronic picture unfolds. While this term has often meant that “it’s all in your head” (meaning that the symptoms were not real), it is actually true, reflecting the Central Nervous System’s involvement , but, it could get you a verbal, if not worse, beating if you even inadvertently make the casual inference to someone!  

Lastly, there is the psyco-emotional component. This area dove-tails with the above, as it refers to the individual’s internal emotional response to certain experiences (work, child raising, parental care giving, personal, family crises, or being told that your pain is just in your head!), as well as a triggering by our thoughts (grandmothers of European and Asian descent seem most prone to these unsubstantiated and often unnecessary worries, in my non-scientific experience and observation). We can worry about things that do not have a snowball’s chance of materializing and become quite adept at it, only to bring us to our symptom expressive demise! Hopefully, you begin to see how integrated these components are and that the longer that they persist, the broader, or more multidimensional one’s issues become.

So many have been emotionally and physically traumatized due to the influences of these factors and this makes it unsurprising when we observe the habitual abuse of strong meds, alcohol and illegal drugs! So, what’s the solution? One will probably be able to get a litany of suggestions over the internet, but, I will offer my own based on my personal research and clinical experience.

1. Balance your diet to become more alkaline. You can Google “alkaline diet” and see the food selection. Also, you can purchase pH test strips at your local health store or pharmacy, or, even online to monitor your daily balancing (7-7.5 is optimal); also, limit total calories and HYDRATE well!
2. Beginner yoga to stretch, strengthen the core muscles and deep breathe, engaging your diaphragm (lie on your back, put your fingers over your tummy and breathe; you should see your fingers rise, and not your chest). Activity (walking, eliptical machine, water aerobics) will help to divert your brain away from your symptoms, as well as promote the release of endorphins, your “happy hormones”.
3. Get a good night’s sleep (avoiding sugar, caffeine and electronic devices that may not allow you to relax, i.e. the news, action movies, business calls). Behavior modification is paramount and exercising to tissue tolerance is always advised. Also, try to smile as much as possible. If nothing else, you will be a joy to those around you and they, in turn, to you.
4. Chiropractic adjustments for joint mobility and stiffness.
5. Acupuncture (including needleless laser and Piezo-electric), which generally reduces stress, benefits sleep, lifts and stabilizes moods, and improves energy. All of these effects might be helpful to someone who is pursuing a multi-pronged approach to managing chronic pain. Therefore, we encourage everyone who wants to try acupuncture for pain to do so. I generally recommend that patients get 8-10 treatments as close together as possible in order to initially decide if acupuncture would be helpful for them. After the initial 10 visits, it's a good idea to have a conversation about what a maintenance schedule might look like. By that time, most patients have a good idea of what acupuncture can do for them. Interestingly, the fascial tissue below the skin, which contains an abundant nerve supply, is unavoidably involved and the meridians involved are often within fascial separations. This is why addressing soft tissue restrictions works so well in combination with acupuncture. An important fact to remember is that the more chronic your pain, your pain threshold decreases, meaning that it will take less and less to trigger a flare-up. 

So, if you are the victim of chronic pain, please call for an appointment, and, if someone even innocently says that it may be in your head, just smile and say “Thank you for noticing!”

Have a blessed month!

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified health care provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. Any attempt to diagnose and treat an illness using the information in this site should come under the direction of a trained medical practitioner.We accept no responsibility for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any of the suggestions or procedures in this site or related internet links. By using the information in this web site you are confirming that you understand this statement and that you accept all risk and responsibility.

All matters regarding your health should be supervised by your health care provider. All information provided in this site is for the purpose of education, not treatment.

Acupuncture Treatment On Exercise Performance and Post Exercise Recovery

Allow me to begin this newsletter with a story that I recently read.

“A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation. The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. ‘I’ve been thinking’, he said, ‘I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.”

“The Wise Woman’s Stone”-----Author Unknown

“That is just a nice story,” you might be thinking. Perhaps so, but the underlying message is truly one to reflect upon in our daily lives. And, so it is with my passion to see our patients get well and learn what tried and true, as well as new procedures or exercises they can do to be active, satisfied “stakeholders” in their well-being, which is my ultimate purpose in sending these newsletters each month, to share the knowledge that I have gained through my constant research. It is my hope that each of you will glean some benefit to your good health endeavors.

The following article offers light on the utilization of acupuncture for more than just pain control. In previous articles, I have shared that acupuncture (remember that this is a “system” that can be carried out via pin-point laser or piezo electric stimulation, and, not just through needling) is effective for: decreasing the nerve signals that cause pain, stimulating the release of your own endorphins (happy hormones) and other opioids, as well as to modulate (regulate) muscle and connective tissue (fascia) activity.

Effect of acute acupuncture treatment on exercise performance and post exercise recovery: a systematic review.
By Dr. Jennie Gillis
  
As previous studies have suggested that acupuncture may improve exercise performance and post-exercise recovery, Urroz et al. from the University of Western Sydney (Australia), reviewed data collected in four separate and published studies. They found that acute acupuncture applied during exercise exerted beneficial effects on power and blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen consumption, and blood lactate, as well as the body's ability to recover post-exercise.  The study authors submit that: "There is preliminary support for the use of acupuncture as a means to enhance exercise performance and post-exercise recovery."

While these results are promising and exciting, randomized control trials with thorough and standardized reporting of research methods (e.g., acupuncture and exercise interventions) and results should be the next step to determine more adequately the effect of acupuncture on exercise performance and post-exercise recovery.

Urroz P, Colagiuri B, Smith CA, Cheema BS. Effect of acute acupuncture treatment on exercise performance and post exercise recovery: a systematic review. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Jan;19(1):9-16.


While I have consistently witnessed positive results with post exercise or event recovery, the ability to positively influence performance prior to/during the activity is exciting! As data is gathered, it will be interesting to see the results of these studies. I find that the functional rehabilitation method that I utilize has provided excellent outcomes when patients follow instructions, in fewer visits, and are excited to refer their friends and family for care. So, another month, another calendar leaf in the basket; it is now officially Spring! So, thank you for the privilege of allowing me to be a part of your health care team and I look forward to continuing to assist you, your loved ones and friends  with the musculo-skeletal needs as you carry on with the outdoor  hobby and sports activities you enjoy. As one who is committed to the practice of Manual Medicine via Chiropractic and complimentary procedures, I adhere to the antithesis of the negative computer axiom, “garbage in-garbage out” with “quality in-quality out” with regard to my research and care in the encounters that I have with each of your prevailing needs. We look forward seeing you! Have a blessed month! Enjoy the snow tomorrow!
(April Fools!)

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