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  • Chiropractic
  • General Info
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Chiropractic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that are caused by mechanical dysfunction of the joints, and their effects on the nervous system. Chiropractors use their hands to adjust joints, the spine and other parts of the body where restricted movement is experienced. These adjustments improve mobility and relieve pain by restoring normal function to the patient’s body. Chiropractors treat patients for:

  • Neck and back pain
  • Pinched Nerves
  • Herniated or bulging discs
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Hip, leg, knee and foot problems
  • Shoulder, arm, and wrist problems

More specifically, Chiropractic is a branch of the healing arts which is based upon the understanding that good health depends, in part, upon a normally functioning nervous system (especially the spine, and the nerves extending from the spine to all parts of the body). “Chiropractic” comes from the Greek word Chiropraktikos, meaning “effective treatment by hand.” Chiropractic stresses the idea that the cause of many disease processes begins with the body’s inability to adapt to its environment. It looks to address these diseases not by the use of drugs and chemicals, but by locating and adjusting a musculoskeletal area of the body which is functioning improperly.

The conditions which doctors of chiropractic address are as varied and as vast as the nervous system itself. All chiropractors use a standard procedure of examination to diagnose a patient’s condition and arrive at a course of treatment. Doctors of chiropractic use the same time-honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, laboratory analysis and x-ray examination as any other doctor. In addition, they provide a careful chiropractic structural examination, paying particular attention to the spine.

The examination of the spine to evaluate structure and function is what makes chiropractic different from other health care procedures. Your spinal column is a series of movable bones which begin at the base of your skull and end in the center of your hips. Thirty-one pairs of spinal nerves extend down the spine from the brain and exit through a series of openings. The nerves leave the spine and form a complicated network which influences every living tissue in your body.

A Chiropractic Manipulation is the controlled movement of a joint, by a licensed Chiropractic Physician, that allows a restricted joint to move with greater ease. This specialized technique is used by experienced Chiropractic Physicians at Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center to mobilize the restricted joint and reduce pain by relieving irritation on the nerve. Blood flow to the surrounding area is improved allowing a greater rate of healing. The cavitation or popping sound you might hear during a manipulation is the exchange of gas from the fluid joint, similar to opening a bottle of soda.

A method to allow the jelly center of the disc to be pulled back into place. This therapy removes the source of nerve irritation allowing for the area to begin the healing process and assists with providing pain relief.

Often referred to as "muscle stim," the therapy involves low levels of electrical impulses delivered to the injured, painful tissues to reduce pain and speed healing. Often described by patients as a "tingling" sensation, or "electrical massage," these impulses stimulate the body to release natural pain relievers, called endorphins.

These endorphins reduce pain and inflammation, thereby promoting faster healing of the injured tissues. This therapy is often used to treat acute or chronic pain, as well as strains or sprains of the muscles, joints, and soft tissues of the spine and extremities.

Cold Therapy

Applying ice after an injury is a common method for reducing pain and swelling. It is especially effective for athletes, who often experience sudden, painful injuries. This type of cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy, is used by chiropractors for the same purposes.

Types of Cold Therapy

Many types of cold therapy are available to reduce pain and swelling after an injury, including the use of:

  • Ice pack in a towel
  • Ice massage
  • Slush bucket (half water and ½ crushed ice)
  • Plunge pool therapy with ice water
  • Cold wet towels

Benefits of Cold Therapy

Cold temperatures cause blood vessels to narrow, which reduces the flow of blood into an area. As a result, cold therapy:

  • Reduces swelling and pain after injury
  • Slows movement of fluid into tissues
  • Reduces the amount of inflammation in injured tissue and pain signals from nerves to the brain
  • Decreases muscle spasms by reducing the contraction of muscles

Cold therapy may also keep cells in the injured area from dying due to the lack of oxygen. This is because an injury can reduce blood flow — and oxygen — to the area. However, cold therapy slows the activity of cells, which reduces how much oxygen they need to stay alive.

Tips for Best Cold Therapy

For the best benefits, cold packs should be applied as soon as possible. Pain and inflammation are common within 72 hours after an injury.

To avoid frostbite, cold packs wrapped in a towel should be applied for only 10 minutes at a time, with breaks of at least an hour in between. The ice can be applied several times a day, for three or four days after an acute injury — always consult your doctor first to avoid any contraindications.

Cold therapy may not be appropriate for everyone. Some people respond to cold temperatures by breaking out in hives or developing pain in the joints.

If you have questions about cold therapy or think you might benefit from this type of treatment, please contact our office to schedule an appointment to receive more information.

We are excited to inform you that we are using an exciting new technology called the Anodyne® Infrared Therapy System with our patients. This infrared therapy assists in reduction or elimination of pain and faster healing of all types of wounds, injuries and surgeries. In addition, excellent clinical outcomes have been demonstrated with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) including restoration of sensation.

The Anodyne® Therapy System has been cleared by the FDA and has been used safely on thousands of patients for over 9 years for reduction of pain and increasing local circulation. If caught in time and with the proper care and treatment, peripheral nerves affected by diabetic neuropathy can heal and regenerate. If you are or think you may be suffering from diabetic neuropathy, please don't delay seeking treatment.

The Anodyne® Therapy System was the first infrared light therapy product cleared by the FDA in 1994, and it remains one of the few evidence based infrared light therapy modalities on the market today.

Many manufacturers reference clinical data completed using other light therapy products – and have little to no proprietary clinical data on their specific devices.

There are 19 published peer reviewed studies demonstrating the exceptional outcomes with Anodyne® Therapy Systems. Throughout these studies, the term MIRE™ is also referenced. This term represents the words Monochromatic Infrared Energy and is a trademark of Anodyne® Therapy technology specifically. These clinical studies have been published in such journals as Diabetes Care, Practical Pain Management, Age and Ageing and Endocrine Practice.

For additional information for Anodyne Therapy, please click here.

Whether applied manually or mechanically, the benefits of traction are similar. It is an excellent therapy choice to reduce pressure on cervical (neck) or lumbar (lower back) discs. Traction effectively reduces joint and nerve pain, pressure, and inflammation, caused by bulging or herniated discs. This procedure is quite comfortable.

The traction therapy used at Spinal Rehab is called Flexion and Distraction technique (F&D) which is very specific to the area of bulging or herniated disc. The doctor is specialized in this special traction technique which effectively reduces joint and nerve pain, pressure, and inflammation, caused by bulging or herniated discs. This procedure is quite comfortable, and its therapeutic benefits will help reduce bulging discs and take pressure off of nerves.

A therapeutic procedure that utilizes sound waves to treat injured muscles, joints, and soft tissues. The sound waves vibrate the tissues back and forth, creating a deep, micro-massage effect. In the case of a recent injury, this helps to decrease scar tissue and adhesion formation, which would otherwise interfere with the body’s healing process. The sound waves also decrease inflammation by destroying unwanted inflammatory cells.

This treatment should not be confused with diagnostic ultrasound, often used in prenatal screening.

The sound waves also accelerate healing by stimulating the activity of the cells responsible for cellular and tissue repair. In chronic cases, special settings are used to create a deep-heating effect, heating the tissues far below the skin’s surface. This heat, along with the vibrations that are caused by the ultrasound, help to “melt away” the muscle spasms and “knots” felt in our muscles.

Pregnancy and childbirth is one of the most amazing things that can happen in a woman's lifetime. When your child begins the growing process and your body begins to change to accommodate that growth, low back pain may occur. That can take away from the joy and excitement that you should experience. As a doctor of chiropractic and a mother, I would like to share some ways to eliminate or manage low back pain during this milestone event.

Posture

Keeping your spine and pelvis aligned using chiropractic adjustments are, in my opinion, the best way to manage low back pain. During pregnancy it is especially important to keep the bones of the pelvis aligned correctly, not only to manage low back pain but also to help prevent intrauterine constraint.

Massage

Massage therapy is a great way to release muscle tension and stress. Gentle massage techniques will also help promote increased circulation and combat fatigue.

Exercise

Exercise is important in promoting a healthy pregnancy. Movement keeps the blood flowing and keeps the joints lubricated. Yoga, swimming, walking and pre/post natal exercise classes will help to control low back pain during pregnancy. Exercise and a well balanced diet will also help to prevent excessive weight gain in pregnancy.

Here are a few additional things to consider about posture and daily activities:

  • Avoid wearing high heels. Wearing heels greatly changes the center of gravity and puts more strain on your low back.
  • Sleep on your left side with pillows between your legs and just below the belly. The fetus needs some support so the weight of your belly doesn't pull your spine out of alignment while side sleeping.
  • Squat down to pick something up verses bending over. If something is awkward or too heavy to pick up, ask for assistance.
  • Get plenty of rest. Elevating your feet will help to release some strain on your back and will to alleviate swollen feet and ankles.

It's often the little things that you do throughout the day that can contribute to pain and discomfort–or health and relaxation. Paying attention to how you sit, stand, work, sleep and function in your daily activities will help keep low back pain under control. Keeping your spine aligned with regular visits to the chiropractor and using gentle massage therapy and exercise will greatly reduce your low back pain so that you can enjoy your pregnancy. Please remember to always talk with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise program.

You are the single most important thing that stands between your baby and the outside forces of this world. Do all that you can to nurture and protect that beautiful life growing inside you!

Gua sha is a technique used to ease joint and muscle pain, tension, and adhesion. A special tool is used to gently scrape along the problem area. It is similar to the Graston Technique, but focuses on stimulating Qi and blood circulation along the affected meridians. It also may cause redness, but to a lesser extent than cupping.

For additional information related to Gua Sha, please click here.

When it comes to common health issues, there is perhaps no more frustrating ailment than migraines. Migraines seem to always happen when you are most stressed and come not only with severe and debilitating head pain, but sensitivity to sound and light, dizziness and often nausea as well. No matter how hard you try it seems as though the only thing you can do to endure the pain of a migraine is to wait it out until it is over and try to manage the symptoms to the best of your ability. However, there is good news for those who suffer from migraines. Chiropractic care can help reduce the frequency and the severity of your migraines, meaning less time cooped up in bed and more time living your life.

Chiropractic adjustments are not only great for helping reduce the severity of migraines, but regular chiropractic care can also help reduce the frequency of these migraines as well. What many people don't realize is that their poor posture can actually contribute to their migraines. When you spend the whole day hunched over a phone, tablet or computer screen, you start putting some serious strain on your neck and back muscles, which can increase chances of getting subluxations and a migraine.

If you haven't heard about Text Neck yet, this has become a new buzzword in the health industry to describe a very common issue that impacts people today. Text neck is a condition that formed when you overuse your neck, back and shoulder muscles by keeping yourself in a hunched over position, typically the position that occurs when you spend a lot of time looking down and forward, such as you would when looking on a mobile device. When you keep yourself in this position, it can cause serious strain on the spine.

Text Neck is more than just a cautionary tale that parents can use to keep their kids off their phones, it is a real issue and something that can cause daily pain and discomfort as well as life-long damage to your spine. While Text Neck is a real and serious issue, the good news is it is also one that can be improved with chiropractic care, if you take the time to visit your chiropractor and get the assistance that you need.

Text Neck is a serious issue and one of the first things that you can do to start combating the signs of Text Neck is to start improving your posture. Work on keeping your back straight, your shoulders back and try to maintain a neutral spine when using technology. This not only applies to mobile devices, but e-readers, tablets, laptops and computers as well.

Remember, when you visit your chiropractor and they tell you that you have damage from your posture, or Text Neck, it won't necessarily be a quick fix to restore the curve in your neck and get you to be pain free. The damage you have done has been from hundreds of hours of keeping your head in this position. A problem that has been building this long, won't be fixed in a matter of minutes. However, if you are willing to put the time into visiting your chiropractor on your recommended healthcare plan, you can get the assistance you need to restore your neck and start living the pain-free life you deserve.

Acupuncture is a holistic form of Chinese medicine that has been in practice for centuries. It is based on the theory that vital energy, called Qi (pronounced "chee") flows through the body along energetic pathways called meridians. It is believed that pain and illness results from a blockage or an imbalance of Qi. The purpose of acupuncture and its modalities is to restore Qi back to a balanced flow.

During an acupuncture treatment, the practitioner will tap fine, sterile, single-use, needles into the skin at specific points indicated to treat the patient's health concerns. Several needles may be used in one treatment, typically being retained in the body for 30 minutes. It is a safe, relatively painless, and effective way to treat a wide variety of medical problems on a physical, emotional, and neurological level, as well as improve overall well-being.

Alternates to acupuncture are Cupping and Gua sha. These are needle-free therapies that can be combined with acupuncture or used independently.

Cupping is the method of adhering glass cups to the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and blood in the superficial muscle layers, alleviating joint and muscle pain, especially on the neck and back. Cupping normally causes redness, which fade within a week.

Gua sha is a technique used to ease joint and muscle pain, tension, and adhesion. A special tool is used to gently scrape along the problem area. It is similar to the Graston Technique, but focuses on stimulating Qi and blood circulation along the affected meridians. It also may cause redness, but to a lesser extent than cupping.

Ergonomics is the art form of making sure your work environment fits to your individual body type. Ergonomics are designed to make sure you do not cause injury (micro-trauma, or overuse injury) to yourself at the office or outside the office.

The doctors at Spinal Rehab have worked with many patients and evaluated their work ergonomics to help prevent injury at work. Proper ergonomics helps each individual work to their maximum potential. Ergonomic evaluations are routine at Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center. Our team of specialists can help identify if your office is ergonomically sound for you.

Father Winter brings the beauty of sparkling snow and crystal icicles – but the flip side is shoveling snow and the risk of falling on the ice.

While you may not get out of clearing the driveway, you CAN take proactive steps to protect your back.

Keep this in mind while shoveling snow – it's easy to throw your back out when shoving heavy snow, even if you are Superman and train in the gym like Arnold Schwarzenegger. That's because the unique movements required to move snow place stress on your lower back like no other exercise.

Take these precautions:

  • Warm Up – take a few minutes before you put your coat on to do some basic stretches: (a) bend at your hips and touch your toes, holding the position for 16 counts; (b) keep your hips locked and twist from side to side for 24 repetitions per side; (c) plant your feet in place and make big circles with your chest in one direction 12 times, then change directions and repeat in reverse 12 times
  • DON'T Twist! – Instead, PUSH the snow away. If you have to scoop the snow, keep the filled shovel close to your body so you can more easily balance the load.
  • Take Your Time – Shovel small amounts at a time. You're not in a race and you might even find some solace in the stillness of winter.

Remember the danger of slipping on the ice – With the roller coaster of higher temps followed by plunging temps, ice can accumulate quickly. Then, it hides under the fresh snowfall. This poses a real danger for people with balance issue and the elderly. Even if you're young and don't have balance issues, you can still be at risk without knowing it. Here's what you can do:

  • Wear Smart Shoes – Even if you're going just a short distance – like from your door to your car – wear shoes with treaded soles. Carry your work or dress shoes with you and change into them when you've safely arrived at your destination. Not only will it protect you when you're walking, you'll be prepared in the event you have to get out of the car unexpectedly
  • Watch Where You're Going – Sounds like common sense, but how many of us try to take one trip from the car to the house and carry too many boxes or groceries? Be sure that you can SEE where you're going – not just on the side of your load, but over the load, too. Many falls happen when people don't look and step on a slippery surface.

Tissue used to move the body by applying a pulling force across a joint. Muscle tissue is stretchable and does not attach to the bone (see tendon). It has lots of blood flow to it, because of the high blood flow muscle tissue can heal in 2 to 6 weeks.

This is the tough tissue which surrounds each muscle and ultimately attaches to bone. Muscle fibers pull on the tendon envelop surrounding the muscle which then pulls on the bones across the joint. Blood flow is close to tendon tissue because of the attachment of muscle tissue to it but is not as high as in muscle tissue. It takes 1 to 3 months to heal.

This is the hard, barely flexible covering around joints. It attaches bone to bone and works to prevent the bones from moving excessively or separating at the joint. It has almost no blood flow and takes from 2 to 9 months to heal.

A strain is an injury or tearing of MUSCLE fibers. This is usually due to direct force to the muscle or overuse or overstretching while the muscle is tight. It heals quickly but does heal with scar fiber knots where the injury occurred. These can cause later problems because of the lack of flexibility of the site of injury.

A sprain is an injury or tearing of the TENDON OR LIGAMENT at the joint. This is usually due to an overstretching of the joint when the muscle has not tightened up fast enough to protect the joint or if there is more force than the muscle can handle.

If you bend over to pick up a piece of paper and your back muscles are just a split second late in tightening up to correct for the forward motion a sprain can occur even without having lifted something heavy. If you pick up something heavy and drop it or move a body part faster than you can control you can still experience an injury because the damage was done in the split second before your reflexes caught up to the action.

The spinal disc is a largely misunderstood piece of anatomy. Here is a quick lesson in disc terminology. The term “slipped disc” is a commonly used term. Many people claim to have them. However spinal discs do not slip. They are firmly locked in place. There are many ills that can befall a spinal disc. It can degenerate, it can bulge, it can herniate, but they do not slip. So when someone tells you that they have a slipped disc you can safely assume that this is not the person to advise you on treatment.

Discs are usually injured through trauma such as whiplash, or repetitive overuse trauma, or chronic poor posture.

A degenerated disc is a spinal disc that has lost its height usually due to trauma, advanced arthritis, or repetitive stress over time from poor posture. The degeneration of spinal discs is the reason a person might lose height over the years.

The two other disc terms that are often confused are bulge, and herniation. A spinal disc has two parts, a center nucleus, and cylindrical fibers surrounding the nucleus, called the annulus fibrosis. Think of the disc as a jelly doughnut where the jelly is the nucleus of the disc and the doughy part represents the annulus of the disc.

In the case a herniation, the jelly has not only shifted to one side of the doughnut, it is also escaping or leaking through a hole in the dough. The problem here is that in the case of the spine the nucleus is leaking though the annulus and often into the space of the spinal cord and spinal nerves, this can be very painful and dangerous.

Disc bulges and herniations usually have an event of onset. This event can be a major trauma such as a car accident or slip and fall, or a minor incident such and twisting and bending. People have even injured discs while sneezing. Disc problems create low back pain that radiates down the back of the leg often to the level of the knee or foot. Most disc problems can be treated very effectively with conservative measure such as chiropractic care. In cases of extreme disc herniation or cases that do not respond to a trial of conservative therapy such as chiropractic, an orthopedic consult is recommended.

Once discs herniate they undergo deterioration in most cases especially when they are under continued stress due to abnormal posture or mechanics of the spine. These deterioration changes can produce a worsening of pain with increased head, chest, leg or arm symptoms over time. Persistent nerve pressure from the disc can alter blood flow to the arm or leg and can affect the function of areas normally supplied by the nerves; internal organs, penis, heart, lungs, stomach, diaphragm, intestines, etc. This can alter organ function and health.

These methods will strengthen weak muscles allowing for proper posture and the removal of possible propagation of injury. Equally, these can restore normal length to tight muscles which could alter normal joint mechanics. The end goal is to allow for muscular re-education and the maintenance of normal, pain free posture.

Everyone’s spine has a natural front-to-back curve — that’s what produces the normal rounding of the shoulders and the sway of the lower back. However, some people suffer from “Scoliosis” — an abnormal curvature of the spine, especially one characterized by a rotational side-to-side deformity. In simple terms, what this means is that the spine is twisted side-to-side, often taking on an “S” shaped appearance and even resembling a corkscrew in some cases. Almost three out of every 100 people have some degree of abnormal spinal curvature, and for some it never becomes a serious problem. But for many others, the curve gets worse over time and can cause considerable pain, frustration, and limitations on normal activities. Severe scoliosis can even complicate breathing and circulation.

The most common form of scoliosis is called idiopathic scoliosis, which basically means that the cause is unknown. Anyone can suffer from scoliosis; the condition usually begins in childhood, although too often it is not identified until the teenage years or later. Scoliosis tends to run in families, and it affects many more girls than boys. In fact, research indicates that girls are nearly eight times more likely than boys to have scoliosis and five times more likely to require some form of treatment for their condition than boys, and the curvature of their spine is more likely to worsen over time, especially if left unattended.

Sometimes curvature of the spine is visible (the body tilts to the left or the right, or one shoulder blade is raised higher than the other. Some of the actual physical symptoms of scoliosis can include back pain, fatigue (especially postural fatigue — feeling tired when standing, sitting, etc.), and in more severe cases, problems with circulation and breathing.

Doctors of chiropractic are trained to identify and manage problems relating to the spine and the back. An initial visit to the chiropractor will include a thorough physical and diagnostic examination (including range-of-motion tests and spinal x-rays) to identify any problems you may be having, including whether you or your children may be suffering from abnormal or dangerous curvature of the spine. If you do show signs of scoliosis, the physicians at Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center can provide a variety of techniques to help your condition, including spinal adjustments to increase movement and bio-mechanical function, and advice on posture and exercise to help prevent further increase in the problem.

Spinal stenosis is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal where the spinal cord and spinal nerves exit the spine. Stenosis may be acquired due to arthritic and degenerative changes the bony structures of the spine. Stenosis may occur throughout the spine but it is most commonly present in the cervical and lumbar spine. Symptoms of stenosis may include radiating pain, weakness, and/or numbness secondary to the compression of the nerves or spinal cord. The presentation of spinal stenosis is often similar to other forms of nerve compression; thus, it is important to consult with a specialist, such as a chiropractor, to determine the root cause of dysfunction.

Whiplash refers to injury to the neck resulting from an unrestrained, rapid forward and backward movement of the head. The sudden force can cause damage to the bone structure of the neck, and stretch and tear the muscles and tendons in your neck, causing soft tissue damage. The most common cause of whiplash is due to car accidents, often when the occupants of one vehicle are struck from behind by another vehicle. Athletes involved in contact sports, such as football, can also suffer from whiplash.

Whiplash injures can be quite complex, and even debilitating. Sometimes symptoms are immediate, and other times it may take hours or days for symptoms to present themselves. Common symptoms of whiplash can include: Neck pain and stiffness, Increased pain with neck movement, Headaches starting from the base of the skull, Decreased range of motion in the neck, Pain or tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, or arms or Fatigue Dizziness.

Whiplash injures can be quite complex, and even debilitating. Sometimes symptoms are immediate, and other times it may take hours or days for symptoms to present themselves. Common symptoms of whiplash can include: Neck pain and stiffness, Increased pain with neck movement, Headaches starting from the base of the skull, Decreased range of motion in the neck, Pain or tenderness in the shoulders, upper back, or arms or Fatigue Dizziness.

Treatment for whiplash ranges from traditional medicine and chiropractic care to massage and physical therapy. Depending on the severity of your whiplash, treatment options may include rest, ice and heat, medication, stretching and specific exercises, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), ultrasound, and foam collars. Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment method for those who suffer from whiplash. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment option, or in conjunction with other treatments. At Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center our Naperville and Aurora chiropractic clinic specializes in treating symptoms of whiplash. Chiropractic adjustments for whiplash involving joint dysfunction may involve the chiropractor gently moving the affected joint in the direction it is restricted. This and other spinal manipulation techniques can help relieve neck pain and restore alignment of vertebrae in the neck that may be contributing to whiplash symptoms.

Your initial visit is a friendly encounter with the doctors at Spinal Rehab and Wellness Center. You'll start by filling out paper work about your current condition and past health history. The doctors will discuss details about your current condition as well as any related issues that could provide insight into your complaint. Your Chiropractor will perform necessary assessment of the concern as well a range of motion assessment, postural analysis, joint and muscle testing, the administration of relevant orthopedic tests, and a complete neurological evaluation. The doctors will inform you if further testing is needed such as x-rays, blood work, or other forms of advanced imaging. You will then be advised if your condition can be helped by chiropractic, or it would be more appropriately managed by another health care provider. Your initial visit will end with passive physiotherapy and education about what will help decrease the symptoms you are experiencing.

What’s my second visit look like?

You'll receive an overall report of findings and discuss your individualized treatment plan. We'll cover these 4 main questions plus answer as many of your questions as possible.

  • What's wrong?
  • How can we treat it?
  • How long it will take to find relief?
  • How much will it cost?

From there, we'll partner with you to determine the best therapy for your condition. Of course, with every visit to SRWC, you'll experience the highest quality of care.

A final thought – many people wonder if they have to go to a chiropractor for the rest of their life once they start. Our clients have found that, similar to exercising regularly or brushing your teeth every day, chiropractic care can be used proactively to stay functioning at the highest possible levels. It can be incorporated into your lifestyle as a success strategy, rather than something you have to do.

A massage is the treatment of superficial parts of the body by rubbing, stroking or kneading. Massages are usually performed to relieve muscle stiffness, spasms, or cramps and to relieve anxiety and tension. Simply put, massages feels good and are beneficial to your health. When muscles are stressed, they block oxygen and nutrients, leading to inflammation that builds up toxins in the muscle tissue.

There are many different types of massages. The types of massages are generalized to their origin (eastern and western). Some of the most common Eastern types are: Shiatsu, Acupressure, and Polarity. Eastern types of massages involve an understanding of the body’s energy. Some of the common Western types are: Swedish, Neuromuscular Therapy, Trager, Myofascial Release, and Connective Tissue Therapy. Western types are based in an anatomical understanding of our body. Each person responds differently to massage and there isn’t just one style which is best for all.

Basic Massage techinques such as stroking, kneading, and rubbing stimulate physical and emotional healing. They stimulate physical and emotional healing by literally providing Physical therapy on the part of the body that is being massaged and through stimulation of the lymphatic system. (The lymphatic system carries waste products out of your body and defends your body against infection).

Another form of massage is known as Deep Tissue. It is a technique that focuses on the deeper layers of muscle tissue. It aims to release the chronic patterns of tension in the body through slow strokes and deep finger pressure on the contracted areas, either following or going across the fiber’s of the muscles, tendons and fascia. Deep tissue massage is used to release chronic muscle tension through slower strokes and more direct deep pressure or friction applied across the grain of the muscles not with the grain. Deep tissue massage helps to break up and eliminate scar tissue.

Two considerations for Deep Tissue massages:

  • They usually focuses on more specific areas and may cause some soreness during or right after the massage and will fade, leaving you feeling even better than ever within a day or two
  • A deep-tissue massage helps loosen muscle tissues, release toxins from muscles and get blood and oxygen circulating properly. Because many toxins are released, we recommend drinking plenty of water afterwards to help eliminate these toxins from the body

The doctor may recommend massage therapy as a valuable part of your treatment plan. Our doctors works closely with our experienced massage therapists to ensure that you receive quality care. The most common massage therapy techniques used are Swedish massage, Deep tissue/trigger point therapy massage, neuromuscular therapy and lymphatic drainage.

The benefits of massage therapy are:

  • Reduce muscle tension and pain
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Promote circulation and elimination of toxins
  • Speed recovery from injury

Our massage therapists are licensed by The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the largest and most respected organization representing the profession. Your therapist will do everything possible to insure that you have a positive and rewarding experience.

Relax and experience the art and science of massage therapy.

It’s estimated that eight out of 10 people suffer from back pain at some point in their lives. A recent study on the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the U.S. estimated that 40 million Americans aged 20-64 will experience “frequent” low back pain (LBP), with 15% suffering from LBP lasting up to two weeks at a time!

There’s no clear-cut way to resolve back pain, but chiropractic offers the most promise. Witness the results of a recent study comparing one-month outcomes for 93 chiropractic patients and 45 medical patients with chronic, recurrent LBP. Chiropractic care included spinal manipulation and various forms of physiotherapy, averaging four patient visits. Medical care averaged one visit and frequently included the prescription of anti-inflammatory drugs

Patients treated by chiropractors showed better overall improvement and satisfaction after one month than patients treated by family physicians. Chiropractic patients showed substantial decreases in pain severity, functional disability, and pain quality, while medical patients showed only minimal improvements with regard to the first two measures, and deterioration in the third.

If you’re suffering from low back pain, the road to recovery may not be an easy one, but it begins with chiropractic!

ALL INJURIES HEAL WITH SCAR TISSUE. Scar tissue is a mass of tiny fibers which are deposited in an area of injury by the body. They begin to form within 24 hours following any injury.

The fibers are laid down in an unorganized cross-stitched pattern which is tough and not flexible. Only while being deposited in the early stages of healing can the fibers be stretched and caused to align in directions to make them more flexible. After 4 to 6 weeks of depositing scar fibers they become difficult to realign. After that they must be re-broken and stretched in order to return the muscle, tendon or ligament tissue to normal stretch ability to prevent ongoing problems due to irritating knots of scar tissue in the other tissues.

Generally it’s an element of a massage. This type of massage can accelerate the healing cycle by stopping the cycle of spasm and chronic inflammation as well, provide pain relief, and allows for relaxation.

Several specific types are Post Isometric Relaxation (PIR) and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

The use of heat is effective in treating conditions that are more chronic in nature. Heat should not be used within the first few days of a new injury, especially when any signs of swelling are present.

The best forms of heat are in the form of a warm bath/shower or a moist heating pad. Avoid “dry” heating pads, as they can promote additional swelling and inflammation.

Apply moist heat for a maximum of 20 minutes per hour. Never go to sleep with a heating pad, as this can result in increased pain and tissue damage.

Cupping is an ancient holistic-healing technique whose benefits are perhaps more immediate and apparent than most. During a session, therapists apply cups directly to the patient's skin to create a vacuum. Moving the cups lifts the muscles and creates light suction, causing a sensation similar to a massage. During a treatment, the practitioner adheres glass cups to the patient’s skin. By combining stationary and sliding techniques, cupping stimulates the flow of qi and blood by gently drawing layers of muscle and myofascia away from the body.

Used mainly on the back, buttocks, and thighs, cupping is very effective in relieving muscle pain and tension, trigger points, and lung-related symptoms. It is very popular among those who lead a physically active life.

A cupping session lasts around 15-20 minutes, and feels like a firm-pressure massage. Because cupping draws stagnant blood out of the superficial tissues, the treated area normally has painless red suction marks that fade in 4-7 days.

For additional information related to cupping, please click here.

Dr. Mira Dhutia has done extensive postgraduate training in rehabilitation and in the field of manual medicine. Numerous studies have demonstrated, patients who understand their condition and engage in an active exercise program get well faster and stay well longer. Whether you suffer from an acute injury or chronic pain, a rehabilitation program will be customized to meet your individual needs. A teamwork approach is adopted, with you as an equal participant in your health care. You will become well educated about your condition and encouraged to take an active role in regaining your health, performance, and wellness. Completion of your program will build strength, endurance and stability with your body to prevent re-injury.

Numerous studies have demonstrated, patients who understand their condition and engage in an active exercise program get well faster and stay well longer. Whether you suffer from an acute injury or chronic pain, a rehabilitation program will be customized to meet your individual needs.

A teamwork approach is adopted, with you as an equal participant in your health care. You will become well educated about your condition and encouraged to take an active role in regaining your health, performance, and wellness. Completion of your program will build strength, endurance, functional rehab and core stability exercises with your body to prevent re-injury.

What's the number one problem area for men and women alike? You guessed it! The perfect set of abs – and the back strength to support the sought-after 6-pack.

The biggest mistake people make is to believe sit-ups and endless crunches are the secret to the dream body. Nothing could be farther from the truth. The problem with sit-ups and crunches is that the exercises put a great deal of stress on the discs in the lower back – a recipe for ruptures and pain.

The real secret to getting (and keeping) flat abs and a strong back is to focus on the 'core.' The "core" refers to the complex intertwined deep muscles of the pelvic floor, diaphragm, abdominal wall, spine and torso.

Before you get started on this month's core exercise, you need to know how to engage the core.

Take a moment and cough. Pay attention to where you feel the contractions. It's the same place as when you sneeze. You should feel the belly button pulling into the spine and feel the pelvic floor lifting. This feeling is what you should feel when you activate your core.

Try this exercise –

  • Lay on your back, with your feet touching the ground. Cough one or two times to get the feel of how your muscles should contract when you perform the exercise
  • Bring your knees directly over hips (table top position)
  • Raise your arms so that your hands are in the air, directly above your shoulders
  • Inhale, keeping your abs contracted and engaged
  • As you exhale, bring your right hand and left knee together to touch over your abs. Keep your abs contracted and engaged
  • Inhale and return to the start position
  • Repeat with the left hand to the right knee

Quality matters over quantity when you train your core. Instead of reaching for hundreds of reps, do 8 to 10 slow, accurate and precise reps. You'll get more benefit and better results from your work!

Heart disease is a major problem in the US. Nearly 715,000 Americans have heart attacks each year and about 600,000 people die as a result of their heart attack. That's 1 out of every 4 deaths – and heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women.

Ok, so what exactly is heart disease? Heart disease refers to many kinds of heart conditions. Coronary heart disease, also called coronary artery disease, is the most common type in the U.S. It is caused by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Heart attacks, angina, heart failure and arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) are caused by coronary heart disease.

You may not realize it, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that cardiovascular disease (including heart disease and stroke) costs the U.S. about $31.2 billion each year in health care services, lost productivity and medicine. It is also a leading cause of disability which keeps American out of work and not able to enjoy life to the fullest.

There is good news, however. We know that heart disease can be prevented and controlled. Small steps each day create better heart health.

Here are the top things recommended by the CDC for a healthy heart:

  • Eat Healthy – Healthy meal and snack choices can help you avoid heart disease and its complications. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables – adults need 5 servings every day. Help prevent high cholesterol by eating foods low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol, and choosing foods high in fiber. We recommend the Mediterranean diet.
  • Exercise regularly – You don't have to spend hours at the gym, but you do need to engage in some sort of physical activity. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and can be fun. Shoot for moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week. Walking is a great choice!
  • Maintain a Healthy Weight – Carrying those extra pounds increases your risk for heart disease. If you are at a healthy weight, take steps to maintain it
  • If you need to lose pounds and inches, make a plan to do so – and you can get started a comprehensive Lipo-Light therapy program that includes healthy diet tips, a comprehensive evaluation, a tailored plan and Lipo-Light therapy to permanently get rid of inches fast
  • Know Your Numbers – High blood pressure often has no symptoms and high cholesterol is a killer. You can check your blood pressure at home, a doctor's office or even your local drug store. Talk with your doctor about the simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels – and get it checked at least once every five years
  • Limit Alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure (and cause other problems). Men, stick to no more than two drinks a day and ladies, no more than one
  • Don't Smoke- Did you know that smoking cigarettes significantly increases your risk for heart disease? If you don't smoke, don't start. If you do, quit as soon as possible. It's as simple as that
  • Manage Your Diabetes – If you have diabetes, talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you and closely monitor your blood sugar levels
  • Take Your Medicine – Be smart. If you're taking meds to treat high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes, carefully follow your doctor's instructions. If you don't understand something, ask questions until you get the answers you need. We're talking about your health

It's an approach to eating that incorporates the basics of healthy eating, plus allows for goodies like nuts, flavorful olive oil and red wine – hallmarks of traditional Mediterranean cooking. Research has shown that the traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. Studies also point to a reduced risk of cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's as well.

The Mediterranean approach emphasizes:

  • Plenty of fresh and whole plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
  • Using healthy fats, such as olive oil, in place of butter
  • Reducing the use of salt and using herbs and spices to flavor foods
  • Limiting red meat to a few times a month
  • Eating fish and poultry at least two times a week
  • Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)
  • Being physical active and enjoying meals with family, friends and loved ones

Get Rid of Fat and Inches FAST with Lipo-Light Therapy

If you want to slim, shape and tone your body permanently, there's no easier way than our brand new Lipo-Light therapy program. It's the latest body sculpting treatment available. Using the power of Light Therapy, Lipo-Light is the natural and healthy way to lose inches. The 20-minute treatment is non-invasive, relaxing and totally pain free.

If you’ve ever considered liposuction, a tummy tuck, or other forms of cosmetic surgery to eliminate your trouble spots, then you owe it to yourself to learn how we can help you achieve the same results without surgery! We now feature the Lipo laser-like Light body contouring system. We offer a 100% non-surgical, non-invasive, safe, pain-free, spot fat reduction and body contouring system. The Lipo Light Advanced Body Contouring system is the latest treatment in the non-invasive body contouring market. The use of heat and light from Lipo-Light combined with exercise and a healthy diet will naturally slim and tone your problem areas without painful surgery. At Spinal Rehab & Wellness Center, we believe in conservative, scientifically proven, safe, non-painful methods to improve your health and well-being.

We use a high quality LED RED LIGHT, which has been proven to increase collagen and elastin to tighten the skin. It has also been proven that certain wavelengths, such as 635 nanometers, can trigger the body’s own natural ability to breakdown fat; a process called lipolysis. During this process the body can release fatty acids which are then used by the body during exercise. Lipo Light is equipped with 8 LED paddles. Depending on the area of the body part, it is recommended to use 4-8 paddles at any one time over the treatment area. After each session, it is imperative that you exercise.

We place patients on a Whole Body Vibration machine for 10 minutes immediately following each session. This ensures the lymphatic system is stimulated and that the waste contents are not reabsorbed by the fat cells. The paddles are held in place against the area to be treated by an adjustable elastic strap. During the treatment, the paddles are held directly against the skin for maximum effect. Treatments last for a period of 10 minutes during which you will experience the warmth from the LED diodes in the paddles. It is recommended that treatments are spaced evenly, on average 2 treatments per week, for 4 weeks.

With regular use, you can expect to lose in the region of 3 to 7 inches. Lipo-Light triggers lipolysis in fat cells (adipocytes). This causes fatty acids to be broken down and released. It stimulates fibroblasts, strengthening the collagen and elastin fibers to tone and tighten your skin.

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