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February 10, 2017 8:16 pm Leave a Comment

 

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Massage May Improve Blood Flow While Easing Muscle Soreness

January 24, 2017 6:09 pm Leave a Comment

Massage therapy can help ease sore muscles and improve blood flow for people who are active as well as for those who do not exercise, a small study finds.

Those effects can last for more than 72 hours, researchers found. People with poor circulation or limited ability to move are among those who could benefit most from massage therapy, they noted.

“Our study validates the value of massage in exercise and injury, which has been previously recognized but based on minimal data,” Nina Cherie Franklin, study first author and a postdoctoral fellow in physical therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago, said in a university news release. “It also suggests the value of massage outside of the context of exercise.”

In the study, the researchers asked 36 healthy but inactive young adults to use a leg press machine until their legs became sore. Half of the participants were given a Swedish leg massage after they exercised. All of the participants rated their muscle soreness on a scale from one to 10. A third comparison group did not exercise, but got a massage.

Although both exercise groups were sore right after their workout, the people who got the massage said they had no soreness 90 minutes later. In contrast, those in the group that didn’t receive a massage said they were sore 24 hours after they exercised.

Because muscle injury from exercise has been shown to reduce blood flow, researchers say, they also measured the participants’ “brachial artery flow mediated dilation” in their arms. This standard measure of general vascular health was taken 90 minutes as well as one, two and three days after exercise.

The people who got a massage after they exercised had improved blood flow at every testing interval and the benefits of the massage didn’t dissipate until after 72 hours had passed, researchers found. People who did not receive a massage after exercise had reduced blood flow after 90 minutes and returned to normal levels at 72 hours.

“We believe that massage is really changing physiology in a positive way,” Franklin said. “This is not just blood flow speeds — this is actually a vascular response.”

And massage doesn’t just help people who exercise, the researchers also found.

“The big surprise was the massage-only control group, who showed virtually identical levels of improvement in circulation as the exercise and massage group,” study principal investigator Shane Phillips, an associate professor of physical therapy at UIC, said in the news release. “The circulatory response was sustained for a number of days, which suggests that massage may be protective.”

The study found that participants’ blood flow was changed far away from the sore muscles. Researchers concluded that massage benefits are systemic and not confined to one specific area of the body.

While the study found an association between massage and improved circulation, it did not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

The study was recently published online ahead of publication in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

— Mary Elizabeth Dallas

Original Article

One Size Fits None – Massage Therapy

January 10, 2017 3:42 pm Leave a Comment

Where massage therapy fits in patient-centered, integrated health care model

Dr. Wayne Jonas is the president and CEO of the Samueli Institute, the organization that recently conducted a collaborative meta-analysis of research on massage therapy for pain, commissioned by the Massage Therapy Foundation with support from the American Massage Therapy Foundation.

Meta-analysis, considered an evidence-based resource, is a consolidated and quantitative review of a large body of research. And a meta-analysis in the world of massage therapy is ground breaking. This is the first study to rigorously assess the quality of massage therapy research and evidence for its efficacy and effectiveness in treating pain and function-related and health-related quality of life outcomes for people with various types of pain.

According to the evidence, massage therapy can provide significant improvement for pain, anxiety and health-related quality of life for those looking to manage their pain. Jonas urged health-care providers and agencies to prepare for the first of the baby boomers hitting the age of 65 and the impending tsunami of chronic illness coming in its wake. It is well established that pain is often partnered with chronic illness.

In the U.S alone, opioid use escalated by over 60 per cent between the years 2000 and 2010 (likely due to boomers and returning veterans). In 2013, drug overdose was the leading cause of injury death in the U.S., the majority of which related to prescription opiod medications often in combination opioid medications often in combination with benzodiazepines – reinforcing the importance of utilizing other approaches to pain management.

Jonas, a champion of patient-centered, integrated, multidisciplinary, non-pharmacological and patient self management approaches, suggested the massage therapy profession step up (armed with solid evidence that massage therapy works) and identify for stakeholders and policy makers how we can be part of the solution to this considerable problem.

Five Reasons Your Child Needs a Chiropractic Checkup

January 4, 2017 10:08 pm Leave a Comment

1. Subluxation Stopper

Spinal problems can start earlier than you might think – much earlier. In fact, the birthing process itself has been shown to wreak havoc on a baby’s spine. And if you’ve ever watched a toddler struggling to master the art of walking, you know that learning to walk is marked by constant stumbles. Older children are also at risk of spinal trauma. Sports activities, poor posture and working at an improperly sized desk all exact a toll.

It’s no wonder that many youngsters develop a spinal condition called vertebral subluxation. This condition occurs when spinal movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment. Vertebral subluxation is linked with a myriad of childhood ailments, such as colic, asthma, ear infection and attention disorders. As children age, untreated vertebral subluxations may also spark headache, back pain and carpal tunnel syndrome.

2. Ergonomic Answers

Ergonomics is the study of work activities, equipment and posture to minimize the risk of occupational injuries and illness. Discussions about ergonomics are typically reserved for adult work environments – a practice that doctors of chiropractors are striving to change.

Chiropractors encourage youths and their parents to re-evaluate their ergonomic circumstances. Slouching over a too-big or too-small desk, using a computer without consideration for postural integrity and schlepping a crammed backpack for hours each day are ergonomic nightmares that incite long-term damage in many children – predisposing them to vertebral subluxation, headache, back pain and neck pain for years to come. In fact, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that nearly 5,000 emergency room visits each year result from injuries related to book bags and back carriers.

3. Sports Injury Solution

Is your little one an aspiring ballerina, a little-league star or a soccer buff? If you child`s an athlete, chiropractic care can help avert potential sports-related strains and sprains. Doctors of chiropractic offer sounds advice aimed at preventing common sports ailments. When injuries do occur, chiropractic care may hasten healing.

4. Posture & Scoliosis Screening

Scoliosis – a lateral curvature of the spine – is clinically significant in 5% of youngsters. Early detection is key to keeping scoliosis under control and preventing the conditions associated with it, such as back pain, headache and, in severe cases, heart and lung disorders. Most parents count on in-school screenings to catch scoliosis in their little ones. However, recent scientific studies reveal that school-based screenings are not adequate. (JAMA 1999; 282:1427-32). Experts caution that school-based screenings are often performed by nonspecialists, are cursory, and rely on tests that don’t effectively identify the disorder. What’s more, in-school evaluations only look for scoliosis and do not detect other types of postural maladies.

On the other hand, doctors of chiropractic are spinal specialists. Posture screenings conducted by chiropractors are extensive, including various orthopedic tests and assessments. The result is a comprehensive evaluation that provides a thorough assessment of a youngsters current spinal health and risk of future postural disorders.

5. Promote a Wellness-Oriented Lifestyle

What kind of wellness role model are you? Teaching your child to turn to medication only when absolutely necessary will help him or her avoid potentially hazardous side effects and discover the body’s innate healing power.

By emphasizing prevention, rather than the indiscriminate use of over-the-counter medication, you an significantly impact your child’s concept of wellness – and his or her future health-related choices.

Chiropractic is an ideal introduction to the prevention-oriented approach to wellness. Schedule a chiropractic checkup for your youngsters today!

Do’s & Don’t of a Healthy Nervous System

December 20, 2016 2:15 pm Leave a Comment

We have created this bulletin so that you can educate yourself about the do`s and don`ts of a healthy nervous system and its connection to illness and flu prevention.

1. Frequent hand washing (although this may not make much difference because this strain is airborne).
2. “Hands-off-the-face” approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of the face.
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don’t trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don’t underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population. Neti pots and sinus rinse kits are available at drug stores and are relatively inexpensive at under $15.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods and supplementation.
6. Drink as much warm liquid (tea, coffee, etc) as you can. Drinking warm liquid has the same effect to gargling, but in the reverse direction. They wash off proliferating viruses from the throat into the stomach where they cannot survive, proliferate or do any harm.
7. Get adequate rest and sleep daily.
8. Your “natural immunity” is most important to maintain. Research has shown us a direct link to effective immunity and a healthy spine and nervous system. Your chiropractor has put you on a specific schedule of adjustments. Please be diligent in keeping your visits regular and on time.

And remember,

a healthy spine and nervous system equals optimal health! 

Clinic Holiday Schedule

December 14, 2016 3:49 pm Leave a Comment

Please click the link below to see the holiday schedule for Dr. Noble, Dr. Fera, Jessica and Rolf.

Holiday Schedule

 

It’s that time of the year again…

November 30, 2016 3:18 pm Leave a Comment

As the holiday season is fast approaching, we would like to take the opportunity to thank you for your faith in our commitment to your health and well being.

This year we are again sponsoring a family in our community to help give them a very Merry Christmas. We have put all the items needed for each family member on a gift tag on our Christmas tree in the office. Please help us by choosing a tag off the tree and dropping off the item to our office by December 17th. Please attach the gift tag to the unwrapped gift so we know who it should go to. You can also help us reach our goal by donating any appropriate non-perishable food items or grocery store gift certificates.

Thank you in advance and wishing you and yours good health and happiness!

John, Mark, Jessica, Rolf, Carolyn and Jessica-Lee

For the Health of Your Baby & Toddler

November 1, 2016 2:21 pm Leave a Comment

Start Smart

The potential for spinal problems starts at birth. Delivery, whether it’s vaginal or via caesarian section, can wreak havoc on a newborn’s spine. Birth trauma is associated with neurological disorders, sudden infant death syndrome and their conditions. Unfortunately, many birth injuries go undetected or misdiagnosed in traditional medical settings. That’s why wellness-oriented parents schedule a chiropractic appointment for their newborn within days following delivery –  practice supported by scientific research. For example, one study concluded that, “Birth trauma remains an under publicized and, therefore, an under treated problem. There is a need for further documentation and especially more studies directed toward prevention. In the meantime, manual treatment of birth trauma injuries to the neuromuskuloskeletal system could be beneficial to many patients not now receiving such treatment, and it is well within means of current practice in chiropractic and manual medicine.” (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 16:537-43)

Vertebral subluxations ar an especially dangerous potential consequence of delivery.. Vertebral subluxations are areas in the spine where movement is restricted or bones (vertebrae) are out of alignment. There dysfunctional spinal regions are linked with a myriad of childhood disorders, such as ear infections, asthma, colic, childhood migraines and backache. Chiropractors use specialized maneuvers called chiropractic adjustments to remove the vertebral subluxations associated with birth trauma, allowing patients to experience a healthy childhood.

Use It or Lose It!

October 24, 2016 2:42 pm Leave a Comment

Exhaust your Benefits – they do not carry over!

Most health insurance benefits operate on an annual basis, from January 1 to December 31. Whether you have $5 or $500 remaining at your year end, this amount will not carry into the new year and you will loose the benefit balance.

Let us help you maximize your insurance benefits so that you can take full advantage of the policy that has been put in place personally for you and your family. Through chiropractic care, massage therapy and customized orthotics, our health professionals will ensure you are on the right path to reaching your optimal health care goal.

Please remember that Chiropractic and Massage Therapy is included in the Extended Health Benefits portion of your plan. We recommend that you inquire with your insurance provider prior to visiting our office to ensure you are aware of the amounts available to you.

Healthy Fats to Help Your Joints

October 19, 2016 2:58 pm Leave a Comment

Fats in combination with a healthy lifestyle are essential to maintaining joint health and mediating inflammation. Oils naturally contain saturated and unsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats are divided into monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.

For healthy joints, increase Omega-3s and Omega-9s, and reduce Omega-6s, saturated fat and trans fat. What’s the difference between these types of fat?

Monounsaturated Fat: Omega-9s found in olive oil, avocados and nuts may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering bad LDL cholesterol in the blood and helping control blood glucose.

Polyunsaturated Fat:  

• Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid which cannot be naturally produced by the body and must be obtained through our diets. Research shows that increasing omega-3 fats can modulate the activity of inflammatory factors that cause cartilage destruction in arthritis.

Omega 3 fats are found in fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout. Aim for at least two fish-based meals each week.

• Omega-6 fatty acids can also be consumed through a balanced diet. In increased quantities omega 6 fats cause COX-2 enzymes to become more active leading to more joint inflammation. Omega 6 fats are found widely in vegetable oils, including liquid oils, margarine and salad dressings. Try to limit consumption to 1-2 tbsp/daily.

Saturated fat found in processed foods including snack foods, baked goods and proceeds meats, raises the bad (LDL) cholesterol in blood and has been linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease. Small amounts of saturated fats can be incorporated into a healthy diet, but should be limited to less than 10% of your total calorie intake. 

Trans-fat, which can be found in many processed foods, raises your bad (LDL) cholesterol and lowers your healthy (HDL) cholesterol. A high LDL cholesterol level in combination with a low HDL cholesterol level increases your risk of heart disease and inflammation. Try to limit pre-packaged baked goods and highly processed snacks foods, to limit trans fat intake.

Cooking and culinary oils are an easy way to incorporate fats into your diet. Below is a chart comparing the amounts of each type of fat in different oils.

Oils are not the only foods where you can get your healthy fats. Some types of fish, nuts and seeds play an important role in an anti-inflammatory diet. Try boosting your intake of Omega-3s with fatty fish (tuna, salmon), walnuts and flax. If you can’t get your Omega-3s through food, then supplement with 1-3g of EPA/DHA per day from fish oil. Read Nutrition Facts panels to choose foods right for you and talk to a registered dietitian prior to taking supplements, to ensure you choose the right supplement for your diet and health.

 

Written by Evita Basilio BSc, Nutrition

Reviewed by Andrea Miller MHSC, RD