Whether you are a hockey player, volleyball player, basketball player, crossfit athlete, or a speed walker the foundation to every single movement in all sports starts with our spines. The spine is the central connecting point for the arms and legs and also the attachment point to most of the biggest muscle groups that are used in physical activities. Our brain sends messages to our muscles to move the joint in a given direction at a particular speed with specific accuracy.

We use spinal manipulation to align the spine because a subluxation (misalignment of a spinal bone on a nerve) can cause a radiating pain or referred pain. We also assess, diagnose and manage sports-related injuries as part of their core competencies. By determining the cause of the pain and the dysfunction I can recommend an appropriate plan that can help treat the injury. I also believe in educating you on how to properly move your body to help avoid injury. As a chiropractor I have a strong belief in holistic care.

Some sport injuries that can benefit from chiropractic care are:

• Rotator cuff.
• Bicep tendonitis
• Golfers elbow
• Tennis elbow
• Carpal tunnel
• Knee sprain
• Plantar fasciitis

Anyone who plays sports regularly can benefit from chiropractic care. As a chiropractor I can help with aches and pains that come along with exercise regimens, as well as help you to stay fit and healthy. If exercise pains are slowing your workout down, you can call my office to schedule an appointment. If you enjoyed this blog post make sure to click the “Like” button above and to share it with your family and friends.

A trigger point is best described as a spot or point in a muscle that refers a sensation, pain or weakness, to another area of our bodies.

For example, a trigger point in your upper trap muscle may cause a referral pattern into the side of the head, behind the ear (pictured to the right).

Trigger points are very common and can occur within any muscle of the body. Patients that have trigger points often report persistent pain that results in decreased range of motion of that muscle.

The most common muscles affected are in the head and neck area, which can development into other symptoms like headaches, jaw pain, ringing in the ear, and eye pain.

Some causes of trigger points

• Recent or long-term injury
• Lack of exercise
• Poor posture over long periods of time
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Sleep disturbances
• Work-related/recreational activities that cause repetitive stress

Some ways to manage trigger points:

• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy
• Non-invasive modalities such as ultrasound, laser, or electrical stimulation (for example, a TENS machine, which sends small electrical pulses through the skin to change the way pain signals are sent to our brain)

 

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me or ask me next time you are in the office. If you enjoyed this blog post make sure click the Facebook “Like” button above and share it with family and friends!

 

On Saturday, February 3rd, 2018 I was on AM800’s – Experts on Call; were I discuss how to help prevent shoveling related injuries. I also explain the benefits chiropractic care has on our bodies. Click play to listen to the segments below. If you enjoyed this post make sure click the Facebook “like” button above and share it with family and friends!

Segment 1

Segment 2

Segment 3

Segment 4