Oxnard Acupuncture

There’s no denying the fact that as we age our body feels and acts differently than it used to when we were younger. It hardly seems right that as our mind appears to improve and become more “inventive,”  our body seems to become less “cooperative.” We’re stiff in the morning; certain activities during the day make us sore at night; and, if we’re not cautious, even something as simple as turning too hastily or bending over to pick up a dropped pencil, can send our back or some other muscle group into spasm. The good news is that there is help accessible that is not only beneficial in slowing down the aging process of the body, but can aid us in avoiding some of those problems completely.

Take arthritis for example. Most of us would agree that, barring pharmaceuticals, conventional medicine doesn’t address this age-related condition. What is the reason? It is because most medical doctors treat the symptoms of arthritis. The chiropractic approach is to uncover the origin of the condition and get rid of the pain at its source.  Chiropractors, like your Santa Clara Chiropractor, have been treating men and women suffering from pain caused by arthritis, and other age-related problems, for over a hundred years.

Repetitive stresses, years of poor gait and incorrect posture, and inadequate movement cause wear of various joints over time and cause the arthritic changes the body experiences as you get older. Chiropractic adjustments bring back motion into your joints and ease any vertebral misalignments that may be creating irritation and restriction. In addition to causing arthritic changes in the spine and increasing pain, did you know that misaligned vertebra can also weaker your resistance and immunity? It’s an authoritative fact, and this could be one of the reasons why it may seem that as you age you develop more health issues and that it often takes longer for you to feel better again. According to research done on older individuals, those who received regular chiropractic care stayed healthier. In fact, you could say that, as you get older, chiropractic care is good for what ails you!

Chiropractors are experts when it comes to the health of the musculoskeletal system, from the small, growing frame of an infant to the full-grown body of a mature adult.  Your chiropractor understands the aging process and has special observational and diagnostic skills that assist in locating spinal misalignments and joint problems. In fact, a chiropractic examination can frequently reveal certain age-related changes before they’ve begun to create noticeable pain. Moreover, your Santa Clara Chiropractor can assess your posture and analyze your gait to identify inappropriate patterns that could cause more arthritic changes in the future.

So, if you have been feeling your age lately, but you’d like to feel a whole lot better, make an appointment with your Santa Clara Chiropractor today!

Dr. David Hoewisch is a chiropractor in Santa Clara, CA with over 25 years of experience helping thousands of patients get out of pain and get their lives back. His office is located at 1221 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, CA, 95050. Dr. Hoewisch has traveled around the world and is an avid outdoor enthusiast. He is a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults) and learned sign language at an early age. He treats many deaf patients in his clinic. For more information go to his website at http://www.santaclarachiropractor.net

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An acupuncture chiropractor service is actually two services combined into one. That means half the traveling and half the expense. You can also get the best of both worlds. Acupuncture deals with problems all over in the body. These areas are connected by meridians. Once the problem is under control, the chiropractor side can maintain the balanced flow of energy. Together, this is a benefit worth partaking in.

Your practitioner must be skilled in the acupuncture chiropractor service to be able to offer this for you. Both forms of services are natural medicine alternatives. They combine a holistic approach. Acupuncture not only fixes the problem that is on top, it also fixes the problems that caused the problem. This keeps the problem from returning. This is not only done through the hands and the fingers. It is also done through the use of herbs, diet and exercise.

If you have tried modern medical techniques and nothing seems to work, the next best alternative could be an acupuncture chiropractor service. This type of service has become more popular. Even insurances are covering it. This has been proven in medical science to have good effects. Many people requiring pain killers no longer needed them after having a session with an acupuncture chiropractor service.

Yes, you could run from one doctor to another, but why not make it easier on yourself by going to an acupuncture chiropractor service. If you can kill two birds with one stone to get optimized benefit at a cheaper price that is a route you should take. These skilled professionals know how to give you the most out of your acupuncture chiropractor service. Both of these areas deal with spinal injuries, so the back is the strongest area of help with these services.

Make sure that the acupuncture chiropractor service has a good reputation. Make sure they are accredited with the proper credentials to be able to do these services. You should not trust your body’s well-being to just any person practician. You want them to be a moralistic person. You want to make sure that they meet all the standards and guidelines in order that you find success with your problem instead of further injury. Most places out there are good, but not every one of them are. That is a part of life. We must search for the right acupuncture chiropractor service.

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Seattle Chiropractic has treated many foot pain sufferers, and knows all too well how prevalent painful foot problems are nowadays. Here’s why: We all know that movement is good for the whole body, right? In fact, our overall good health is highly influenced by our getting regular physical exercise. If that’s true, why do so many individuals suffer from aches and pains in their feet? After all, our feet are made for walking, aren’t they? The answer, of course, is “yes,” but they aren’t designed for exploitation.

The normal, healthy individual takes 3,000-5,000 steps per day, not including activities like running and aerobic exercise. But, frequently those steps are made by people walking incorrectly, with poor gait patterns and bad posture.

Furthermore, a large number of individuals wear badly-designed, poorly-fitting shoes. Moving the body through space inappropriately on feet that are impeded from performing as they were meant to cannot help but to cause painful problems not only in a variety of places in the feet, but in other parts of the body, as well.  For example, if an individual over-pronates (walks like a duck) in shoes that are poorly-made or unevenly-worn, or in any pair of high heels, that individual is not only likely to develop foot and ankle problems, but will more than likely experience challenges in the back, knees and legs.

One of the most familiar foot problems is Plantar Fascitis (heel pain), which is generally caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a wonderfully-formed, multi-tasking band of connective tissue that encircles the muscles on the bottom of the foot, adheres the heel bone to the ball of the foot, sustains the arch, safeguards the foot, and absorbs shock. As you can see, the healthy function of the plantar fascia is crucial for pain-free walking and exercise.

There are many factors that can be considered reasons for the development of Plantar Fascitis. One factor is short and tight calf muscles. Undue stress on the smaller and weaker plantar muscles and fascia occurs when calf muscles get short and tight, exerting a strong pull on the back of the heel bone. What causes calf muscles to get short and tight? In addition to running and jumping activities such as aerobics, volleyball, running, basketball, and tennis, the wearing of high heels can produce the condition.

Other determinants that contribute to Plantar Fascitis include sudden strenuous activity after a period of prolonged inactivity, aberrant walking patterns (such as over-pronation), inappropriate footwear, walking on hard or uneven surfaces (especially barefooted), and obesity.

Once an individual develops Plantar Fascitis, the condition is often difficult to manage and can become intensely painful and constant. Plantar Fascitis won’t go away without appropriate treatment.

If you are suffering from heel pain, your chiropractor will be able to determine the reason for your problem and what chiropractic management would be most appropriate. Such care might include ultrasound therapy, laser, joint manipulation, Graston technique, muscle stretching and strengthening exercises, kinesio taping and, in some cases, orthotics.

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Dr. Jamie Phillips

Just the other day I read an article on sciencedaily.com how caffeine reversed memory loss in aged mice bred to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The article lead with the angle that “Coffee drinkers may have another reason to pour that extra cup.”  It went on to report on coterminous studies published online July 6 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease that demonstrated that caffeine significantly decreased abnormal levels of the protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease, both in the brains and in the blood of mice that had developed symptoms of the disease.

But, before you opt to add an extra cup of coffee to your morning routine, let me, Dr. Jamie Phillips add that under “Related Stories” on the website were at least two articles reporting on studies that professed to prove the not-so-healthy effects of caffeine, “Morning Jolt of Caffeine May Mask Serious Sleep Problems,” and “Coffee Consumption Linked To Increased Risk Of Heart Attack For Persons With Certain Gene Variation.”

In my experience, I’ve noticed that there are more than likely studies that will confirm, or at least bolster, any angle of thought, in particular when it is about health and longevity. The “good/bad” studies related to caffeine certainly aren’t, by any means, the only ones. Nonetheless, it did get me to thinking about the likelihood that there will not ever be simply “one thing” that will absolutely assist we, humans, in living longer, healthier lives. We are dynamic, biological creatures. We aren’t raised in unnatural confinement We are free to engage in life. And, moreover, though Alzheimer’s disease apparently is on the rise, obviously none of us has been “singled out to develop symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease,” therefore caffeine isn’t going to be the “one thing” that is going to reverse or prevent it.

Our body is an elegant, complex system that is based on homeostasis (balance). Consequently good health is cultivated by a healthy, balanced way of living, as opposed to our being briefly convinced by the latest health study and “doing” or “overdoing” one specific thing fooling ourselves into believing that it will reverse all of the other immoderate and unwholesome things we do to our bodies.

I believe, as a doctor of chiropractic in Santa Barbara, that every single day we have an opportunity to make healthy choices for our body, to decide what will help us to live longer, healthier lives. When it comes to what is good for our body, we know what truly “feels” right and what doesn’t. So, the if you reach for that extra cup of coffee or that second glass of red wine, I hope that you’ll keep this in mind. Neither one of those things is the “one thing” that will do “everything” for your age-related health issues.

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Tennis Elbow, the common name for elbow pain beginning on the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow arises when one or more tendons of the forearm muscles become irritated or inflamed. These tendons join to the bony protuberance close to the elbow joint, called the lateral epicondyle, ergo the medical name, “lateral epicondylitis,” in essence inflammation of the epicondyle. When the inflammation takes place on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow, the condition is usually referred to as “Golfer’s Elbow” or medical epicondylitis. Golfer’s Elbow, though, is not as prevalent as Tennis Elbow.

There are quite a few reasons for epicondylitis – not just tennis and golf – as any activity or sport that requires repetitive gripping of objects can result in this condition. Improper wrist and arm posture while carrying heavy bags, knitting, chopping food, and/or using a computer can also cause “tennis” or “golfer’s” elbow. Using awkward techniques when initiating any sport, experimenting with new rackets or clubs, or increasing the intensity or duration of an activity or exercise can also generate the affliction.

Epicondylitis can occasionally begin farther up the arm or even in the neck. If an individual has a disc condition or spinal subluxation, the nerves that give function to the forearm muscles may become irritated making the muscles tense and inserting heightened strain on the tendon attachment(s).  This produces a predisposition to elbow pain no matter the exacerbating cause. If ignored, joints of the elbow can become subluxated further, and even arthritis can be a complication of the condition. Evaluation and adjustments by a qualified chiropractor, such as your Mount Laurel Chiropractor can correct the problem and eliminate future complications.

Epicondylitis is a condition that rarely resolves of its own accord and so requires proper health management. A qualified professional such as a chiropractor can determine the exact cause of the problem and initiate the proper care and treatment. This might include modalities such as ultrasound, electro-therapy, massage, hot and cold therapies, bracing, and home stretching and exercises. Mount Laurel Chiropractic management has proved, in the majority of instances, to be extremely effective in the overall management of epicondylities.

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Scoliosis: An Introduction

A normal spine appears straight, without much change from laterally, when the body is viewed from behind. But, if the spine is observed to have a lateral, or side-to-side, curvature, the individual might have a condition called scoliosis.The affliction shouldn’t be confused with unsatisfactory posture, although it oftentimes gives the appearance that the individual is leaning to one side. Scoliosis is a complicated deformity that is defined by both lateral curvature and rotation of the vertebra oftentimes causing a characteristic “rib hump” in the mid or thoracic spine. This is created by the vertebrae in the zone of the major curve rotating toward the concavity and pushing their fastened ribs posterior hence producing the distinctive rib hump seen in thoracic scoliosis. If the thoracic curve and rib rotation are severe, greater than 70 degrees, pulmonary and cardiac function can be interfered with. Often later in life in untreated severe idiopathic infantile and juvenile scoliosis patients, this intensity of curve and subsequent cardiac and pulmonary changes can be life threatening.

Anatomy

If one were to look at the trunk from a side view, the spine would reveal four normal curves: the cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral. In the lower spine there is a normal “C-shaped” curve called swayback or lordosis, while the thoracic curve in the chest vicinity has a “reverse C” called a kyphosis. Hyperlordosis is the term used to describe heightened swayback, while increased kyphosis in the thoracic spine is called hyperkyphosis. Scoliosis changes generally accompany alterations from normal on a side view. Some round back deformities are simply due to bad posture and can often be eliminated with postural exercises. A small percentage of individuals with kyphosis have more rigid deformities than the postural type, which are seen in conjunction with vertebral deformity. This type of deformity, called Scheuermann’s kyphosis, is much harder to treat than postural kyphosis, and it’s cause is unknown.

Even a nonprofessional can help to identify a child or fully-grown individual with scoliosis just by viewing the person in a standing position, preferably bare-chested and in shorts, and observing the following:

• One shoulder may be more elevated than the other.

• One scapula (shoulder blade) may be higher or more conspicuous than the other.

• With the arms hanging freely at the sides, there may be more area between the arm and the body on one side.

• One hip may seem to be higher or more conspicuous than the other.

• The head is not aligned with the pelvis.

• One side of the back appears more raised than the other when the individual is observed from the rear and asked to flex forward until the the spine is horizontal.

The child or adult should be sent to a healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor, for further evaluation once scoliosis is identified. your chiropractor would be happy to help.

There are various origins and many kinds of scoliosis, however the most prevalent, by far, is Idiopathic Scoliosis, which accounts for approximately 85 % of all cases. “Idiopathic” means “no known cause” and is seen with equal occurrence in boys and girls in the mild or low curve magnitudes. This affliction can be sub-classified into infantile, juvenile and adolescent categories, based upon the age of onset. Idiopathic Scoliosis may be linked to genetic or hereditary influences as it frequently runs in families. However girls, for unknown reasons are five to eight times more likely than boys to have their curves develop in size and require treatment. As the term “Idiopathic Scoliosis” suggests, this class of scoliosis commonly happens when children are finishing their last major growth spurt. Unfortunately, at this age young people are hesitant to allow their body to be seen by parents and other adults, so it is wise to have this age group viewed on a regular basis.

If a scoliotic curve is found in the growing adolescent, it is vital that the curves be monitored for advancement by periodic examination and sometimes standing X-rays. In ninety percent of instances, the scoliosis is mild and does not require active treatment, though| increases in spinal deformity necessitate evaluation to determine if a brace or other treatment is required. In a small number of people, surgical treatment may be required.~Surgery may be necessary for a small number of individuals.

Brace support (orthosis) is recommended for newly-identified conditions of moderate scoliosis or abnormal kyphosis, as well as when an increase in scoliosis or kyphosis is identified in both juvenile and adolescent children. There are many kinds of braces, all created to prevent curves from increasing through the process of acting as a buttress for the spine during active skeletal growth. Braces normally will not make the spine completely straight, and cannot always keep a curve from increasing. However, bracing is effective in preventing curve progression in an impressive number of skeletally-immature adolescents.

Scoliosis has no simple resolution. The majority of cases, even though frequently monitored, are not actively treated. The usual medical treatment for moderate cases is a brace, whereas severe cases in some cases are treated surgically. You may want to see your local chiropractor first.

Along with bracing, many other modalities have been used successfully like specialized exercise, electric stimulation of spinal muscles, nutritional programs, and chiropractic treatments. It appears that the most effective results have been sustained with a multi-faceted approach to the care of this condition.

There are chiropractors, that have expertise treating scoliosis cases.

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Santa Barbara Chiropractor: 10 Most Frequent Questions

Managing and keeping body position while remaining still ormobile is the essential function of good balance. Good balance helps a person to walk without wobbling, arise from a sitting position without falling, and to climb stairs without tripping.

About 9 percent of adults, age 65 and older, report having challenges with balance. Good balance is vital in aiding an older person to stay independent, and to carry out daily chores and activities. Quite a few older individuals, however, suffer from dizziness, “wooziness,” and difficulties with balance.

The sensation by individuals that they, themselves, or objects are spinning is known as “vertigo.” About 40 percent of people nationwide will experience dizziness that is consequential enough to go seek out a health professional. And, among older adults, falls are the leading cause of extreme injury and deaths.

Balance and Inner Ear Challenges

Three types of balance disorders that are most familiar are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, labyrinthitis, and Meniere’s disease, though there are quite a few other types of balance disorders. Of these three, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is the most widespread. Its symptoms encompass a brief, intense feeling of vertigo with a change in head position, when rolling over to the left or right in bed or when getting out of bed, or when looking up for an object on a high shelf. This affliction is more likely to occur in people 60 and older, but it can also happen in younger individuals.

There are diverse causes for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Inner ear infection, head injury, or simply aging can cause the affliction. While it can be connected with other disease processes, often a simple Epleys procedure can eliminate the affliction. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has many years of experience in this procedure.

Labyrinthitis is an infection or iirritation of the inner ear that cause dizziness and loss of balance. It affects people|individuals of any age and the cause is currently undiscovered.

Ménière’s disease is a balance disorder that produces vertigo, hearing loss inconsistent, tinnitus (ringing or roaring in the ears), and a “full feeling” in the ear.

Even though those over 65 years are more likely to experience balance disorders, age is not the only cause for why these problems take place. Depending on the cause of the balance disorder, therapy will vary. Sometimes, there’s a simple answer to balance problems, such as simple exercises for vestibular rehab. A chiropractor is well-educated in assessing and treating a number of balance dysfunctions. Make an appointment with a health care professional, such as your Santa Barbara Chiropractor, if you have encountered, or are currently experiencing, dizziness, vertigo, or other abnormalities with balance.

Although some balance disorders are produced by challenges in the inner ear, other disorders may involve another area of the body, like the brain or the heart. Other components, besides aging and ear infection, may include head injury, certain medicines, challenges with blood circulation, upper respiratory infections, viral infections, stress, fatigue, smoking, alcohol use, stroke, high or low blood pressure, and heart disease.

Balance disorders created by high blood pressure can normally be managed by less sodium intake,maintaining a healthy weight, and exercise. To assist in making the symptoms of dizziness less acute, generally eating low-salt or salt-free foods, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, will help.

Balance disorders are significant. It is the primary cause of falls and fall-related injuries in older people. It is essential to have a possible balance disorder accessed and treated as soon as possible.

If you can answer “yes” to any of these questions, you should discuss the symptom(s) with your chiropractor:

• Do you have the feeling of being “unsteady?”

• Does the room seem to spin around you?

• Is there ever a time when you feel as if you are moving when you know you are standing still?

• Do you lose your balance and/or fall?

• Do you feel as if you are falling?

• Does your vision ever become “blurred?”

• Do you ever feel disoriented, or lose a sense of time, place or identify?

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Call your chiropractor today.

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pediatric chiropractic

The most prevailing reason for visits to a pediatrician is earache. More than 70 percent of children will have had not less than one earache by the age of three, and almost one-third will have had three or more earache incidents. However, what might be unexpected is that earache is also the most common basis for children under the age of five years to be taken to the chiropractor’s office.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help Earache and Ear Infections

A pediatrician who determines that a child with an earache has a middle ear infection will usually prescribe antibiotics as a typical course of treatment. Current study, however, has ascertained that this is often misguided. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial pathogens, and because the child’s middle ear infection may be caused by a virus, antibiotics are ineffectual. This may be the explanation for a child’s chronic ear infections.

One of the many assessments that a Honolulu chiropractor can make is whether the earache or ear infection is caused by inflamation of the small nerves in the spine, called free nerve endings.

An abnormal tension in the small muscles of the neck is produced when these nerve endings are inflammed. This muscle tension can put pressure on the lymphatic drainage ducts resulting in inadequate drainage from inside the ear, thereby stopping the body from being able to naturally correct the problem. Additionally, balance can also be affected.

Identification by a chiropractor of such a situation is made by the detection of increased tension in the neck and paraspinal muscles. Normally more tension is felt on the side of earache. The chiropractor also checks for spinal vertebrae that are either moderately out of alignment or are not moving within their normal range. This problem may have been the result of any one of the many bangs, jolts and falls that the majority of children experience in the early years of their life. Many times, a short course of spinal adjustments and manipulation of the neck muscles will assist in restoring normal lymph drainage. If your child is experiencing the pain of an earache or an ear infection, see your Honolulu chiropractor as soon as possible.

Advanced Research and Guidelines

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ear infection, the most prevalent childhood sickness after the common cold, accounts for nearly 30 million doctor visits every year. What’s more, at least 6 million courses of antibiotics are unnecessarily prescribed for the affliction.Not too long ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released new guidelines for treating pediatric ear inflammation, and definitively recommended a period of “watchful waiting” since, in many cases, infections clear up on their own, without medication.

The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) commends the AAP on the guidelines and underlines that chiropractic management is a “good first option” for treating ear infection conservatively. “Doctors of chiropractic have been treating children for decades with great success – helping them to avoid painful ear infections, antibiotic overuse and resistance, and ear tube surgery,” said ACA President Donald Krippendorf, DC. “Particularly when dealing with young children, drugs and surgery should be an absolute last resort.”

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Is It Safe To Adjust Children? FAQ#7

The negative effects of many medications on children’s health has many moms and dads concerned. Parents are increasingly asking, when given a prescription for a child’s periodic problem, “Is this really all I can do for my child? Isn’t there a safer alternative?”

Many children’s medications often not only mask a child’s symptoms, but can produce serious side effects. Today, parents are looking for health care alternatives for their children that encourage and sustain their child’s inherent ability to be healthy.

Chiropractic care is that option because it assists a child’s nervous system in functioning optimally. The immune system is directed by the nervous system. When it is functioning optimally, children stay healthier.  As far as a child’s health is concerned, “the best offense is a good defense.” Everyday, children are exposed to a huge variety of airborn, food-born, and contact bacteria. So many bacteria, in fact, that it would be inconceivable to immunize them against them all. Your Camarillo Chiropractor well-informed and has years of expertise when it comes to colds, sore throats, ear infections, fevers, colic, asthma, tonsillitis, allergies, bed-wetting, infections, pains, falls, stomach-aches, and the hundred and one little (and big) things children go through as they grow up.

The majority of illnesses that affect children are avoidable. The function of chiropractic manipulation is to remove interferences to the innate healing power running through the body. When that power is released, the healing results that take place many times appear to be profound.

Furthermore, a child is less inclined to be injured at play or in sports when his or her spine is in alignment. In addition, children who are brought in regularly for chiropractic care more often than not don’t experience as many “growing pains” as other children.

Each day at your Camarillo Chiropractor we are happy to see that more and more parents are bringing their children to our clinic to help to take care of the questions and concerns they have about their children’s health. Every child is entitled to manifest their absolute potential. Chiropractic adjustments for children at your chiropractor is safe, gentle and effective.

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Does it Hurt to Get Adjusted

In the past sports injuries were usually limited to professional athletes, young people participating in school sports programs, and the occasional male “weekend warrior. Everyday, men and women of all ages are committed to regular sports and fitness activities. Many people of both sexes play golf, tennis, basketball, and/or participate in aerobic activities like running. Despite the activity, however, there is always the risk of injury.

The majority of injuries can be put into two categories: 1) traumatic injury, such as a slip, fall, or collision and, 2) repetitive stress or overuse injury.

Traumatic Injuries

As the name implies, this kind of injury causes the sort of incapacitation and debilitation most often associated with trauma. As a rule injuries to the ligaments (the tissue that connects bone to bone) and to muscles are the most frequent, although the trauma of fractures and dislocations often occurs in contact sports. An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, while an injury to a muscle or its tendon is a strain. Sprains and strains generally occur in the ankles, knees, and shoulders, and not as commonly in the low back and neck. Because the spinal cord and/or spinal nerves can be harmed, injury to the neck and low back can be quite serious.

Traumatic injuries can extend from a mild “muscle pull” or ankle twist to a serious problem requiring surgery. It all depends upon the degree of tearing of the tissues, the location, and the age of the person. Some amount of swelling occurs with almost all sprains and strains. In addition, with certain injuries, particularly those of the ankle and knee, there can be some internal bleeding as well. Strains and sprains need competent attention, especially during the initial stages of an injury, to insure correct healing and avoid future disability. Therapy from a competent health-care professional, such as your Santa Barbara chiropractor, is highly advisable.

Listed below is an acronym for the post-injury attention to sprains and strains particularly if no professional aid is available: PRICE
P    Protect injury from further damage
R    Rest the damaged body region
I     Ice injury to abate swelling, bleeding, muscle spasm, and pain
C    Compress injury with a specifically designed or elastic bandage to support injured tissues
E    Elevate the injury, especially when dealing with ankles and knees

As already mentioned, knowledgeable diagnosis and treatment are vital to a total recovery. A chiropractor can determine the magnitude of your injury and institute proper recovery treatment. When proper management is provided during the various stages of healing, nearly all those who have sustained sprain and strain injuries will recover. If not cared for attentively, some sprains and strains can result in long-lasting problems such as joint instability, painful or weak joints and muscles, and lack of mobility. A chiropractor that is experienced in the management of sports injuries can offer the proper advice and management you’ll require to insure that your injury will heall in the best possible way. If you have sustained a traumatic injury, call your Santa Barbara chiropractor.

Overuse or Repetitive Strain Injuries

These injuries are becoming more widespread, particularly among people involved in sports such as golf, tennis, bowling, and any other activity that necessitates the same movement over and over (repetitively). Even running, particularly on a treadmill, can cause such problems.

Fundamentally, overuse or repetitive stress injuries happen when an individual is occupied in a repetitious activity that creates a very slight strain to tissues, particularly tendons and muscles, that by itself would not generate a problem, but performed many times has an accumulative effect.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is one of the most widespread types of overuse injuries. The pain, stiffness, and disability coincidental with carpal tunnel problems occurs over a period of time as the muscles and other affected tissue develop changes that no longer let proper function. There are two kinds of factors that predispose a person to these types of problems:  1) Intrinsic, i.e., found within a person’s own body, and 2) Extrinsic, i.e., external factors that can frequently be changed or controlled by the person.

Some of the most common intrinsic factors for injury

Age is the mostgeneral intrinsic factor for injury. The older a person is, the easier it is for that individual to get injured. Congenital abnormalities are another factor. A number of people are born with joint or muscle problems. And, ultimately, previous injuries are a factor as they frequently prevent the joints or muscles from functioning correctly.

Extrinsic factors for injury

There are many extrinsic injury factors.  A wrong grip size of a tennis racket, worn-out running shoes, an uneven treadmill surface, or a too-hard surface for soccer are all instances of insufficient sports equipment that can produce problems. Improper technique, like an awkward golf grip or swing, can cause stress and strain injuries. Another factor is poor conditioning. Some people are injured because they are deconditioned. Added frequency or lengthly duration of an activity, without developing slowly, can create the circumstances for injury. Lack of flexibility can cause injury if an individual is too stiff to do an activity properly. Warming up is very important before sports activities and not warming up, that is, not stretching or preparing for an activity is a common cause of injury.  And, finally, but perhaps surprising to some, stress is a factor. Muscles that are tense and inflexible due to stress are too tight and, as such, unprepared for most sports activities.

There are a number of factors that are extrinsic and, hence, within a person’s control. However, most people require an examination by a qualified health care professional to establish their overall body health, the severity of injury, and the answer to the problem. If left untreated, an injury will not only prohibit someone from participating in a favorite activity, but can significantly affect someone’s life in general. Treatment such as joint manipulation, massage, bracing, and specific exercises is generally needed to stabilize the condition. A chiropractor is a good source of help. Call a chiropractor if you’re either thinking of beginning a new activity, you’re feeling pain related to a current sports activity, or you’ve sustained a sports injury. Your Santa Barbara Chiropractor has years of experience helping people just like you.

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