Category — Massage Therapy

I just returned from a 12-hour seminar on chiropractic research.  Wow!  A day filled with tons of exciting information.

The instructor, a veteran chiropractor and lecturer, detailed many different research studies covering varying topics such as:

• Chiropractic and back pain
• Chiropractic and neck pain
• Chiropractic for visceral (internal organ) problems
• Kinesio taping
• Manipulation for carpal tunnel syndrome
• Adjustments for chronic, arthritic hip pain
• Chiropractic care reducing athletic injuries and improving athletic performance
• Topical pain remedies
• Chiropractic care and shoulder pain
• Myofascial release techniques for treating trigger points
• Chiropractic care helping women during pregnancy
• Adjustments helps golfers improve their distance off the tee by nearly 10%

Look for some of these studies detailed on my web site and in a 3-ring binder conveniently placed in our waiting room.  If you enjoy proof and data, then this is for you!  Maybe there’s a sceptic you’ve been trying to convince to pay us a visit, this may just do the trick.  Ask me what topic you would like to know more about and I’ll do my best to forward you the research ASAP.

In the mean time, check out our web site’s ever-growing research page at NaturalTherapyDr.com

Wow, are we excited about the recent changes in our wellness center!

1. We have finished our expansion and improved our chiropractic and massage services! Our office now extends all the way from the front of our building to the back.   We are very happy with the addition of two spacious, private, quiet, and newly decorated rooms. You are going to love receiving a relaxing therapeutic massage in either our “green room” or our “yellow room”.  We also converted the old massage room to another chiropractic treatment room.  These changes will allow us to provide better care for all of our patients!
2. We acquired an additional therapeutic exercise device that is just going to amaze you! The machine is called the PowerVibe by a company called Zen Pro.  It is a “whole body vibration” therapeutic exercise device.  You are going to be shocked at how fast (just 10 minutes) you can get the physiological effects of 45-60 minutes of exercise. The PowerVibe helps minimize pain, promote healing, improve balance, promotes weight loss, enhance muscle and bone growth, and prevent osteoporosis.   Also, it’s just plain fun to use!

1. We just launched our new web site – NaturalTherapyDr.com – and updated this blog! You may have noticed the new look already.  I welcome you to visit our new site.  Poke around.  It’s loaded with exercise videos, educational videos, and lots of great information about our practice.  Remember to share it as well!
2. Help me welcome Audrey Krieger! Audrey is a certified massage therapist, and the newest member of the Spectrum Wellness team.  She is highly skilled and puts her heart into every massage!

I’m excited about this new year!  Give me a call if you have any questions or concerns about these changes… I’d love to hear from you.  We’re looking forward to helping you meet your health goals in 2011!

The Patient’s Complaints

• Right sided shoulder pain and weakness with mild neck pain of unknown cause that began 3 weeks ago and has gradually worsened
• Limited movement and increased pain with reaching overhead and behind back to fasten her bra

Snapshot of My Examination Findings

• Restricted ranges of motion of the right shoulder as compared to the left, especially bad on lifting the arm up, to the side, and reaching behind her back
• Tight and painful muscles surrounding the shoulder joint, especially the supraspinatus and teres minor muscles (both are muscles of the rotator cuff)
• Weakness of the shoulder muscles (especially the supraspinatus)
• Multiple areas of spinal subluxations (jammed spinal bones that irritate the nervous system)
• X-ray evaluation of the right shoulder and cervical spine (neck) showed no problems with the bones

My Diagnosis

• Rotator Cuff Sprain/Strain – moderate
• Spinal subluxations

My Recommendations

• A course of 12 visits of integrative care to include the following:
• Chirporactic adjustments of the spine and extremities
• Myofascial release performed by massage therapist
• Progressive therapeutic exercises targeting the rotator cuff and surrounding musculature
• Ice at home as needed for 15 minutes per hour.

The Prognosis

• Fair

Discussion

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that is often associated with neck pain and upper back pain.  The only complaint we see more frequently in our office is low back pain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13.7 million people in the United States sought medical care in 2003 for shoulder problems.

When you think of shoulder injuries, you probably think of sports-related injuries seen in baseball or tennis.  However, shoulder injuries can be easily caused by many normal everyday activities (even those of a 67-year old). The shoulder is so  susceptible to injury because it has the greatest range of motion of all the joints of the body.

The shoulder consists of three major bones and over twenty different muscles.  Two major tendons of the shoulder are the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps stabilize the joint, and the supraspinatus tendon, which helps form the rotator cuff.  Four short muscles originate on the scapula and pass around the shoulder where their tendons fuse together to form the rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff strain/sprain is an injury to the muscle and tendon that covers, rotates, and raises the shoulder.  Symptoms usually include shoulder pain and difficulty raising the shoulder.

Our Approach To Shoulder Problems

If you were a new patient visiting our office, we always start with a thorough case history, consultation, and examination.  I may recommend diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI) if I need more information. At this point, if I determine that care is appropriate and you decide to begin care, I will design a treatment plan for you.  If at any time I discover something beyond the scope of my practice, I won’t hesitate to contact your primary care provider to discuss a possible referral to another healthcare provider.

We follow a very effective  treatment strategy based on the letters ASR.  They stand for:

• A – Adjust (whole-body adjustment techniques)
• S – Support (spinal pelvic stabilizers and other joint supports)
• R – Rehabilitate (targeted exercise therapy/physical rehab)

My approach that works so well with the spine can be applied to other joints of the body. Virtually every articulation of your skeletal system is susceptible to fixations that can impair function and range of motion.  We have a variety of other treatment options to help you recover quickly and completely.  Some of our other treatment options could include:

• Massage therapy
• Laser therapy
• Electrostimulation treatment
• Home TENS unit
• Therapeutic taping
• Targeted rehabilitative exercises for the shoulder
• Exercise modification
• Home exercise program
• Nutritional supplementation and dietary modification

We don’t want you to have to resort to dangerous medicines, injections, or surgery.  Our approach is to use chiropractic care and other natural therapies (such as massage or rehab exercises) to correct your shoulder problem quickly and  naturally.

Mid back pain is a fairly common complaint.  Causes of mid back pain can range from joint fixations to fractures or even from indigestion to internal organ disease.  However, the most common cause of mid back pain involves an alteration of the normal biomechanics of the spine and surrounding joints.  Sources of biomechanical problems include:

• Vertebral subluxation
• Rib subluxation
• Disc bulge or herniation
• Myofascial pain and trigger points
• Postural distortions
• Abnormal muscular tension

The spinal area of the mid back is called the thoracic spine.  It comprises 24 interlocked and movable bones called vertebrae.  The attachment of the 12 ribs is a unique feature of the thoracic spine.

In my experience, rib pain is frequently caused by a subluxation(s) of the costovertebral joint (the place at your back where the rib connects to the vertebrae).  To get an accurate diagnosis, I would first take a detailed history of your condition.  Sometimes patients with rib subluxations complain of painful breathing.  Others only have pain when they move their torso or neck to extremes.  Some have an obvious physical cause,while others have a mysterious onset.

Then I would need to fully evaluate your mid back and rib areas by performing various tests including but not limited to:

• Examining your posture.
• Checking your range of motion.
• Using my hands to feel for asymmetries in position, movement, and muscle tone (this is called Palpation).
• Orthopedic and neurologic testing.

Rib subluxations are easily treated by using a special adjusting technique.  All rib adjustments just take a few seconds to complete, and are generally painless.  In many cases, patient describe the adjustment as a “relief”, like when a large stone is moved off of your foot.

Muscle work typically ranges from around 10-60 minute sessions.  In many cases, our patients experience an  immediate reduction of pain and symptoms after their treatment.

If you are suffering from mid back pain and you’re looking for a natural way of treating the problem, give us a call.  We would be happy to provide you a thorough examination to allow for a clear diagnosis as to the cause of your pain.

The next time you’re visiting, please welcome the newest member of our team, Brittany Borie, a certified massage therapist.  Brittany will help manage the front desk and reception area, as well as provide relaxing massage sessions and trigger point therapy.  She says that she enjoys performing a deeper tissue massage as she feels she attains better results.

Brittany is a positive and energetic individual, and we are really excited about her joining our team.  She will be working on Monday mornings and afternoons, Tuesday afternoons, and Thursday afternoons.

Also providing top notch massage and trigger point therapy are Christine, Misha, and Ariel.  If you would like to get know our therapists better, please click here.

On your initial visit to our office, you will meet our team and receive a detailed examination.  After the exam, I will let you know what’s wrong and if I think I can help you.  If your problem is beyond the scope of our practice I will let you know and discuss the possible referral to another healthcare professional.

If you decide to become a patient, I will design a personalized care plan for you to help you experience freedom from pain and superior health naturally.  Your care plan will detail all of the services we recommend and an estimate of your time and financial investment.  Your care plan will be detailed, but will be flexible enough to give you the  freedom to choose one of several options that best fits your lifestyle.

At this point you’ll have to decide what you want out of care.  What’s your goal?  You’ll have to decide if you want a PATCH or a FIX.

“PATCH-up-care” is pain relief focused only.  The goal is fast pain relief.  Once we have achieved an acceptable level of relief, your care plan will end and then you have the option to switch to a maintenance plan or to go on an as-needed basis.  In my experience, if you don’t get to the root of the problem and fix it internally, the problem returns and can be worse than at the start.

“FIX-up-care” is focused on the big picture.  Not only do we want fast pain relief, but we strive for improved function and whole body wellness.  After an acceptable level of relief has been attained, you will begin a program of personalized therapeutic exercises.  The purpose is to regain any loss of function such as range of motion, strength, muscle endurance, core stability, balance or coordination.  By the end of FIX-up-care, you will have a reduced risk of your problem returning.  When your function has been restored to an acceptable level, your care plan will end and you then have the option to switch to a maintenance plan or to go on an as-needed basis.

I see our job as to provide you the finest chiropractic wellness care possible.  I see your job as to decide on how much care you want and how fast you want to proceed.

PATCH or FIX… it’s your choice.

In the USA and in the UK, calling someone a senior citizen is the common polite way of saying that the person is older and possibly at the age of retirement.  Right now, the baby boomer generation has reached that age where many are seniors and reaching retirement.  Seniors are everywhere!

If You’re Not A  Senior Citizen, You May Have A Parent Or Grandparent Who Is!

Either way, it is good to appreciate and to understand some of the unique health situations that seniors face, and to focus on natural solutions.  By doing so, you can help serve, honor, and respect the ones who have invested much of their own lives supporting the younger generation.

Do You Have A Mature Spine?

As you age, many physical changes have taken place in your nerves, muscles, and joints (the neuromusculoskeletal system).  That is, unless you’ve discovered the fountain of youth!  Some changes are normal.   But many of so-called “normal” changes, are really just common and abnormal.  You may have been living with some of these abnormal changes for so long that you’ve grown accustomed to them.  The worst part is that they may be preventing you from experiencing superior health.  We’re talking about:

• Arthritis
• Restricted range of motion
• Loss of strength
• Loss of balance
• Cardiovascular weakness
• Postural imbalances
• Abnormal muscle tension and pains

Some changes come from the build up of “macro trauma” such as slips and falls, work injuries or auto accidents.  Some of your physical problems could be due to the build up of past “micro traumas” such as poor posture, bad work ergonomics, or repeatedly doing harmful exercises.

Some of the negative changes involving your neuromusculoskeletal system can be long-lasting.  These changes include arthritic changes, muscular tension, loss of normal ranges of motion, bent over rounded shoulders posture or “widow’s hump”.  Other lasting problems could include muscular weakness, incoordination, core instability, or loss of balance.

Loss Of Core Stability And Balance Is Very Serious And Can Result In Unexpected Falls!

If you are experiencing a body pain or a loss of body function (i.e. loss of balance, restricted motion, or weakness), getting help as soon as possible is very important.  Certain conditions can degenerate quickly, and the sooner you receive the proper care, the sooner you can begin healing properly.

We Have Had Great Success Treating Difficult “Long-Lasting” Problems

On your first visit to our office we will first perform a detailed case history and exam to identify your problems.   We may need to coordinate care with your primary physician and to review past diagnostic tests (i.e. x-rays or MRIs).  After the exam, I will clearly explain the best course of action to achieve your health goals.  If you decide to become a patient and I feel it’s safe, we can start treatment.

First, we will do our best to promote pain relief as fast as possible, while using natural therapies.  In my experience,  we can usually provide substantial relief within 5-10 visits.  On the short term, our focus is on reducing your pain, inflammation, and muscle spasm, and improving your joint motion, balance and stability.

In The First Few Visits We Will Provide Gentle Chiropractic Adjustments, Massage, And Other Natural Therapies To Promote Fast Pain Relief!

In addition to the care we provide, often you may be able to benefit from support to your “problem” areas.  We may recommend the following additional support to help ensure the best outcome from our treatment:

• A lumbar support pillow
• A cervical pillow
• Spinal pelvic stabilizers (Foot Levelers orthotic inserts)
• A joint support wrap
• Nutritional superfood supplements
• A TENS unit (electrical stimulation for home-based pain relief treatment)

As your body heals and you begin to experience freedom from your pain, you’ll probably begin wondering… “How long will this last?”.   For long-lasting improvement, you have to consider the “big picture”.  When considering the big picture of your ongoing wellness, you may need to incorporate ergonomic changes, targeted exercises, stress relief strategies, and dietary changes. Many of our seniors have found that even when they “feel good”, they benefit from some schedule of maintenance “chiropractic checkups” and/or massage therapy sessions.

We All Want To Stay Young!

Life may have been very rough on your body over the years, but we can help!  We see many patients who have reached the golden years.  Many of our seniors visit us on a regular basis because they have experienced the health benefits of regular care. They feel the results of having their joint mobility restored, their body balanced, their core stabilized, and their nervous system “relaxed”.

You can also experience freedom from pain and superior health naturally.  Why not give it a try?  It really works!

50% OFF WELLNESS PLANS

Join any ongoing wellness plan (BRONZE, SILVER, or GOLD) at 50% off your first month! Receive a chiropractic checkup and a 30-minute-massage for as low as only $19.50 when you join the GOLD PLAN! NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 19th!

30% OFF MASSAGE GIFT CERTIFICATES

Purchase one for that special person or indulge yourself.  Give the gift of a relaxing one-hour massage for only $45.50!

Hot Stone Massage “Spa” Package – Only $57.50!

INCLUDES: One-Hour Hot Stone Massage, Paraffin Treatment for Your Hands or Feet, and a Facial Cream Massage.

Has it been a while since your last visit or since you received your custom-made Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers?  If so, you need to come in for an evaluation.  New Stabilizers may not be necessary, but I’d still recommend you come in for a visit so I can make sure you have the best support available.

Proper Support For Your Feet And Body Is Crucial For Helping Your Chiropractic Adjustiments “Hold” Longer And May Affect Your Whole Body Wellness!

Did you know that changes in your weight, activity level, and choice of shoe styles can affect how your Stabilizers fit?  For example, dress shoes tend to be narrower and more confining than athletic shoes, so the same Stabilizer can’t be worn in both styles.

This is why your Stabilizers are designed for the type of shoe that you wear… as well as your age, activity level, weight, as well as many other factors.

If you’ve had a change in any of the factors I’ve mentioned, stop by for a visit and let me provide you with Stabilizers to fit all your needs!  If you’ve never been tested to see if you need Spinal Pelvic Stabilizers, call our office and schedule a FREE consultation and digital foot examination.

Never forget…

It’s Easier To Stay Well Than To Get Well!

So take good care of yourself now. It is an investment that will pay good dividends.

I value you and want to help you experience freedom from your pain and superior health naturally.  I look forward to seeing you soon!

Sciatica can be a terrible and disabling pain that begins in the lower back and travels down into one or both legs.  The pain can be felt in the lower back, buttocks, hamstrings, thighs, behind the knees, calves, and even feet.  Chiropractic care and massage therapy (our integrative concept) has proven to be quite helpful.  We have had great success handing many cases of patients with sciatica.

Before you submit yourself to dangerous and irreversible surgery, more and more patients are seeking a natural approach offered by the chiropractic care!

The typical person who suffers from sciatica is over 40 years old and overweight.  It typically begins as acute lower back pain and then travels down the back of either lower extremity.  When really “fired up”, you may feel a burning pain extending from the back, through your buttocks and down your leg.  The pain is generally aggravated by bending, sitting, or standing.

Like a tree’s branches extending from the trunk, five pairs of nerves exit the spine in the lower back to form two sciatic nerves.  These nerves are the largest peripheral nerves in your body – about as thick as your thumb!  The discs of your spine are regular culprits when it comes to sciatica.  You have a soft, pulpy disc lying between each of your spinal bones.  While a disc can’t “slip”, it can bulge, herniate and rupture.  The causes can be acute trauma, repetitive micro-trauma (i.e. bending, twisting and lifting), or spinal degeneration/decay.  The injured disc can put direct pressure on nearby nerves.  The result?

Swelling. Inflammation. Pain.

You may suspect a disc injury involvement if you have more pain when you cough, sneeze, have bowel movements, or extend your back.  To be sure, I can perform a thorough examination in our office and detect sciatica caused by disc injury or other causes.  Sometimes I may prescribe an MRI if more information is needed.

Sciatica tends to worsen when you ignore it.  Extended bed rest makes it worse too.  Dangerous pain pills and muscle relaxers don’t correct the cause.  They just act to cover up the symptoms, and give you a false sense of healing.  Chemical fixes don’t get to the root physical cause.

Surgery often involves cutting away disc tissue or removing bone to make room for the inflamed nerve. Sadly, outcomes of spinal surgery are not very good statistically.

Fortunately, Sciatica Often Responds To Natural Therapy… Chiropractic Care, Massage Therapy, Laser Therapy, And Core Rehabilitation!

Our approach focuses on improving your body function.  Our techniques help improve joint motion, relax tight muscles, stabilize the body, and stimulate healing.  Millions of people worldwide have experienced good results from the type of care we provide.  Many of our patients have reported a freedom from their sciatic pain and an ability to resume their lives without resorting to drugs and surgery.

There is hope!  For a free introductory evaluation to determine if I can help your sciatica, please contact our office today.

JUNE SIGN-UP SPECIAL

Join any massage plan in June at 50% off your first month!  

(Receive 1-hour massages for as low as only $19.50 with the GOLD PLAN!!!)

click here to see our regular fees

FATHER’S DAY GIFT PACKAGES – Only $60.00 each

#1  A One-Hour Massage & A $25 Gift Card to Lowe’s!

#2  One-Hour Massage & A $25 Movie Theater Gift Card!

Mostly all of us have been taught to view symptoms as bad.  And when you have spinal pain, headaches, or just feel rotten, you’re told to get rid of the symptoms as fast as possible. But usually this is done without regard for your own health and without understanding the role of symptoms in your health.

When we are suffering we are told to take aspirin, or Tylenol, or to TAKE MORE AND MORE CHEMICALS!  Listen.  First of all, health can’t be found in any bottle!  Second, symptoms and pain are NOT always bad!  Your body was designed with a special warning system to let you know if something is harming you.  Pain is a way that your body talks to you.  Back pain may be your body’s way of telling you that you’re injured and need rest.  In many ways, pain helps you prevent injury and harm to your body. 

Covering up the pain can be DANGEROUS and can even invite the possibility of further injury.  It’s like having a really expensive fire alarm system in your home…and then disconnecting it before you go to bed so that it doesn’t wake you up in the middle of the night!  BUT THAT IS ITS JOB!

If you injured your back, can imagine the damage you could do if you used a simple pain-killing drug that allowed you to forget the pain.  You might begin lifting again, which could very easily cause severe muscle and joint damage worse than the first injury!

There’s another aspect of symptoms that we need to look at.  Sometimes your symptoms are an indication that your body is doing its job perfectly.  Vomiting and diarrhea are natural body functions that could save your life!   If you’ve eaten bad food, you want your body to do its best to flush out the toxins you just ate!  These types of symptoms are your body’s own defenses working to keep you as healthy as possible!  Trying to remove these types of symptoms would be just plain harmful to your health!

Now let’s look at this from a different angle.  Most of us believe that if you feel good then you are healthy.  Let me explain why this is a very dangerous way to measure your health.  First, we already saw that symptoms aren’t always bad.  Sometimes they’re present when your body is working fine… as warning signs of damage, or as natural defense mechanisms.  Secondly, many times symptoms are the LAST stage of a disease. 

Did you know that the FIRST symptom of high blood pressure is often a DEADLY STROKE?  The first symptom of heart disease could be a FATAL HEART ATTACK!

You see, heart disease is a process – it takes time before your heart gives way.  By the time you feel it, it may be too late.  To put it simply, symptoms are a terribly inaccurate measurement of your state of health.

This is why I take a different approach to health care.  I won’t put my focus on your symptoms… I’ll put 110% of my focus on your health!  I understand that if your health is good then you are less likely to get sick. And my techniques are guaranteed to help you be healthier!  Let’s face it, what you really need to do is this:

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH NOW BECAUSE BY THE TIME YOUR SYMPTOMS WARN YOU OF A PROBLEM, IT MAY BE TOO LATE! 

You’ll be much less likely to be sick and suffer from symptoms if your body is really healthy!  

Since TRUE HEALTH IS NOT DETERMINED BY HOW YOU FEEL, then how do you really know if you’re healthy?  You’re probably thinking, “What determines health, if it isn’t determined by the absence of things like symptoms and pain?”  The answer is…

SUPERIOR HEALTH IS DETERMINED BY THE PRESENCE OF THINGS – NOT BY THE ABSENCE OF THINGS SUCH AS SYMPTOMS OR PAIN!

Health is determined by the presence of all of your body parts functioning at their optimum levels.  In other words, when all of your body parts are working at 100% – you are 100% healthy.  It’s that simple!  If there were one thing I would want you to remember from this article, it’s this:

HEALTH IS THE NORMAL STATE OF YOUR BODY!

You need to view your health as something that can be created, enhanced, destroyed, and lost. You can picture your health like the contents of a bucket.  Doing the right things adds to the contents of the bucket and increases your health.  Doing bad things lessens the contents and may bring about disease.  Unfortunately, there’s an inherent problem with the bucket… it has holes at the bottom through which the contents continually leak.  Some of the holes are due to things you can’t change such as: aging, unavoidable stress and previous injuries.  But remember, there are many things that are in your control that cause holes.  So what are you to do when the contents leaks out all over the floor?   Should you spend time mopping up the floor?  NO!  This is just taking away the symptoms of a possible deeper health problem.  And we already discussed that this is taking a dangerous risk with your own health.  To really make a positive change in your health, you need to continually add to the contents of the bucket and to avoid things that cause more holes in your bucket.  You can’t do much about the past.  But remember:

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO BEGIN TO DO WHAT’S RIGHT AND BEGIN DOING WHAT IT TAKES TO EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR HEALTH!

And remember that I’m here to help!  I’ll work with you one-on-one and help you with your individual needs.  I promise to do my best to guide and encourage you to get on and stay on the road to good health!

Your focus then moves from treating symptoms, to actively doing the things necessary to EXPERIENCE SUPERIOR HEALTH!  If you make the effort to stop chasing your symptoms and start moving towards optimum health then you’ll be truly practicing preventative health care.

Why be content to be merely free from symptoms when you can ensure better health & vitality for yourself and your whole family for your entire lives?

How Common Are Shoulder Problems?

Shoulder pain is a common complaint that is often associated with neck pain and upper back pain.  The only complaint we see more frequently in our office is low back pain.

“According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 13.7 million people in the United States sought medical care in 2003 for shoulder problems.”

When you think of shoulder injuries, you probably think of sports-related injuries seen in baseball or tennis.   However, shoulder injuries can be easily caused by many normal everyday activities. The shoulder is so  susceptible to injury because it has the greatest range of motion of all the joints of the body.  And with increased motion, you have less stability.

To appreciate the incredible design of the shoulder itself and to understand the complexities in caring for shoulder problems we have to first take a look at the basic anatomy of the shoulder.  The shoulder consists of three major bones and over twenty different muscles.

Basic Shoulder Anatomy

The two main bones of the shoulder are the humerus and the scapula (shoulder blade).  The joint cavity us cushioned by articular cartilage covering the head of the humerus and face of the glenoid.  The scapula extends up around the shoulder joint at the rear to form the roof called the acromion, and around the shoulder joint at the front to form the coracoid process.  The end of the scapula, called the glenoid, meets the head of the humerus to form a glenohumeral cavity that acts as a flexible ball-and-socket joint.  A ring of fibrous cartilage surrounding the glenoid is called the labrum, which stabilizes the joint.  Ligaments connect bones of the shoulder and tendons join the bones to the surrounding muscles.

Two major tendons of the shoulder are the biceps tendon, which attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder and helps stabilize the joint, and the supraspinatus tendon, which helps form the rotator cuff.  Four short muscles originate on the scapula and pass around the shoulder where their tendons fuse together to form the rotator cuff.

Other major muscles that make up the shoulder girdle are the deltoids, the biceps, the triceps, the pectoralis, the rhomboid, the trapezius, the latisimus dorsi, the teres major, the levator scapula, and others.

All of these anatomical components, along with the muscles of your upper body, work together to manage the stress your shoulder receives as you lift, extend, flex, and throw.

Common Shoulder Problems

• Tendonitis:  Inflammation of a tendon.  Commonly affecting the biceps tendon at the front of the shoulder.  Symptoms include painful shoulder motion and increased pain at night.
• Rotator Cuff Strain or Rupture:  Injury to the muscle and tendon that covers, rotates, and raises the shoulder.  Symptoms include shoulder pain and difficulty raising the shoulder.
• Impingement Syndrome: Rubbing and clicking of the shoulder on overhead motions.  The ball of the shoulder joint rubs against the ledge (the Acromium) over the shoulder.  It is frequently associated with tendonitis and rotator cuff problems.  Symptoms include pain during movement of shoulder and increased pain when raising shoulder approaching 90 degrees.
• Subluxations: Bones shifting from their normal place and becoming “stuck”.  Symptoms include joint stiffness and weakness. Pain may or may not be present.
• Bursitis: Inflamed bursa sack.  Symptoms include painful to the front or side of the shoulder and pain at night.
• Myofascial Pain: Muscle inflammation involving any of the shoulder muscles.  Symptoms include local and/or referred pain in the shoulder, the upper back, the neck, the head, the shoulder blade area, or in the arm.
• Nerve Irritation: Inflamed or irritated nerves originating from cervical spine or the brachial plexus.  Symptoms include shoulder pain, neck pain, arm pain, shooting or burning pain traveling from neck to shoulder, to arm, and to the hand.

Our Approach To Shoulder Problems

First we would start with a thorough case history, consultation, and examination.  I may recommend diagnostic studies (x-ray or MRI) if I need more information. At this point, if I determine that care is appropriate and you decide to begin care, I will design a treatment plan for you.  If at any time I discover something beyond the scope of my practice, I won’t hesitate to contact your primary care provider to discuss a possible referral to another healthcare provider.

We follow a very effective  treatment strategy based on the letters ASR.  They stand for:

• A – Adjust (whole-body adjustment techniques)
• S – Support (spinal pelvic stabilizers and other joint supports)
• R – Rehabilitate (targeted exercise therapy/physical rehab)

My approach that works so well with the spine can be applied to other joints of the body. Virtually every articulation of your skeletal system is susceptible to fixations that can impair function and range of motion.  We have a variety of other treatment options to help you recover quickly and completely.  Some of our other treatment options could include:

• Massage therapy
• Laser therapy
• Electrostimulation treatment
• Home TENS unit
• Therapeutic taping
• Targeted rehabilitative exercises for the shoulder
• Exercise modification
• Home exercise program
• Nutritional supplementation and dietary modification

We don’t want you to have to resort to dangerous medicines, injections, or surgery.  Our approach is to use chiropractic care and other natural therapies (such as massage or rehab exercises) to correct your shoulder problem quickly and  naturally.

We are now offering massage gift certificates at an incredible discount of 50% off! For only $32.50 you can give the gift of a one-hour stress-relieving massage.  This 50% off special will only be available through May 10th (Mother’s Day).  So don’t delay, and treat your mom to a one-hour pampering massage session.

Your mom can choose a relaxing Swedish massage, an invigorating sports massage, the power of a deep tissue massage, or a heavenly hot stone massage. Whatever she chooses, we promise to treat her with the highest level of skill, respect and care.

What a great gift idea for Mom!

I Want To Learn More About Massage

If you wonder how much your lifestyle affects your health, you have to read this article.  According to this latest research, diet appears to be the most influential factor in regards to cancer.

LONDON (Reuters) – Healthier living could prevent about a third of the most common cancers in rich countries and about a quarter in poorer ones, international researchers said on Thursday.

Better diets, more exercise and controlling weight could also prevent more than 40 percent of colon and breast cancer cases in some countries, according to the study which urged governments and individuals to do more to cut the number of global cancer deaths each year.

“At the time of publication, roughly 11 million people worldwide are diagnosed with cancer and nearly eight million people die from cancer each year,” said Michael Marmot, who led the study from the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research.

“However, cancer is mostly preventable.”

The study involved 23 experts who analyzed both the incidence of 12 common cancers across the world and data on diet, exercise and weight to see how these factors contributed to kidney, mouth, lung, gallbladder and the other cancers.

The researchers found that healthier living would prevent 43 percent of colon cancer cases and 42 percent of breast cancer cases in Britain, and 45 percent of bowel cancer and 38 percent of breast cancer cases in the United States.

The findings follow the same groups’ study in 2007 that showed how quickly people grow and what they eat are both significant causes of cancer.

They recommended — in line with what health experts, including governments and the U.N. World Health Organization, have long been advising — that people follow diets based on fruits, vegetables and whole grains and go easy on red meats, dairy products and fats.

The team also looked at China and Brazil as representatives of low- and middle-income countries, respectively.

Overall improving diet, exercise and weight would in the United States prevent more than a third of the 12 most common cancers — which also included stomach, womb (uterus), prostate, pancreas and esophagus tumors.

This amounted to 39 percent of the cancers in Britain, 30 percent in Brazil and 27 percent in China.

“This report shows that by making relatively straightforward changes, we could significantly reduce the number of cancer cases around the world,” Marmot said in a statement.

“On a global level every year, there are millions of cancer cases that could have been prevented and this is why we need to act now before the situation gets even worse.”

http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE51P2P920090226

The lesson here: if you want to have superior health, you must have a healthy lifestyle, which should include a whole-food plant-based diet.  A healthy lifestyle also should include regular moderate exercise, stress management, and getting sufficient rest among other things.

Many of our patients include regular chiropractic checkups and massage therapy as part of their healthy lifestyle because they know that it contributes to their health and well-being!

NEW PATIENT SPECIALS

If you are new to our wellness center, we welcome you to receive any of our one-hour massages at 40% off our normal price!

Enjoy a Relaxing Therapeutic 60-minute Massage at an AMAZING DISCOUNT OF 40% OFF! Our normal fee is $65… but you pay ONLY $39 (and save $26) after the discount!

Why not try a Hot-Stone 60-minute Massage at an UNBEATABLE DISCOUNT OF 40% OFF! Our normal fee is $75… but you pay ONLY $45 (and save $30) after the discount!

WELLNESS PLAN SPECIALS

We are also offering an incredible incentive to get you started on any of our Spectrum Wellness Plans.  All of our wellness plans give you the opportunity to receive chiropractic maintenance care and/or massage therapy and save money!

All plans are based on a certain number of units that you select.  One unit corresponds to (1) chiropractic wellness visit or (1) 30-minute massage.  And right now when you start up a plan, you will receive (1) free massage upgrade per unit of your new plan! Feel free to select from our menu of massage upgrades to use anytime you receive a massage.

So for example: if you join the SILVER PLAN (4 Units/month), you will receive 4 FREE massage upgrade that you can use at any time with a scheduled massage.  Don’t miss out on this great offer!

We offer a variety of plans that you can choose from to fit your lifestyle…

Click Here for Our Fees

The natural care we provide for auto injuries feels great and is very effective.  We get quick results that last.  Instead of just covering up your pain with mind-numbing medications, we focus on the injured areas and provide a variety of natural therapies to speed up your recovery.

We have been able to help people like you suffering from auto injuries such as:

• Whiplash (cervical acceleration deceleration trauma)
• Headaches
• Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Arm, Elbow, or Wrist Pains
• Hip, Knee, Leg, or Foot Pains
• Muscular Spasms
• Joint Stiffness and Inflammation

Regardless if your condition, I’d like to remind you that our practice mission is: To Promote Superior Health Through Natural Therapy. We accomplish this through a holistic approach and integrative care – combining chiropractic, massage, exercise, nutritional counseling, and laser therapy techniques.

If you are seeking help for auto related injuries, we promise to do our best to first clearly diagnose your problem and correct it. On your initial visit we will carefully discuss the details of the accident and the nature of your injuries. We will then perform a careful and detailed examination.

At this point, if we feel that we can help you, we will develop a reasonable treatment plan and begin a course of treatment. Your treatment plan will vary based on your condition prior to the injury, and on the severity of your injury.

We typically recommend the combination of chiropractic care, massage therapy, and other natural therapies because they work the best to reduce pain quickly and will allow your body to heal more perfectly.  Natural healing provides lasting healing.

However, if after the examination or at any time during the course of treatment, we discover something beyond the scope of our practice, we will not hesitate to contact your other health care providers to discuss your possible referral to another health care professional.

We believe that the human body is a masterpiece and that your health is among your most valuable possessions. It’s our passion to share the amazing power of natural therapies with people like you, to help you feel great and be your best!

At this point in time, all of the services we recommend will be fully covered by your auto insurance. Many people express concern that your auto insurance rates will increase if you use the medical benefits on your policy.  Don’t be concerned about that because I believe it’s illegal for any auto insurance company to raise your rates for using the medical benefits on your policy.

Hello Friends! Wishing you a healthy and love-filled holiday season. Do you want to give an amazing gift to someone this year?… For a limited time we are offering all massage gift certificates at an incredible discount of 50%. That’s only $30 for a relaxing one-hour massage!

You can also purchase add-ons to make the massage even more enjoyable. The add-ons we provide are:

• hot stone massage (only $10)
• paraffin wax treatments for the hands and feet (only $10)
• peppermint foot massage (only $5)
• facial cream massage (only $5)

What better gift could you give for the holidays but a healthy and relaxing treat of a massage?!?! All massages will be performed by Christine or Linda, in a private and relaxing room, in our office.

Call our office at 215-938-8500 to purchase a massage gift certificate at 50% OFF today!  You can also check us out on facebook.com (key word search “Kenneth Goldman”).

You can pick up your gift certificate at our office or just say the word, and we’ll drop it in the mail for you!

Whiplash has numerous possible causes including motor vehicle accidents, roller coaster rides, sports injuries, and slips and falls. Car accidents are the most common cause, as there are many thousands of motor vehicle accidents in the United States every year – resulting in injuries and death.

Injuries caused by motor vehicle accidents range from mild to severe. The most common type of spinal injury is whiplash. This occurs when the head and cervical spine (the neck) is accelerated and then suddenly decelerated. Most whiplash injuries occur when you are sitting relaxed in your stationary car and you are unexpectedly rear-ended.

The time immediately after the accident is of critical importance. If severely injured, hopefully EMTs will arrive on the scene quickly and you will get the care you need. We have some of the best medical professionals in the world. What you do about your injuries in the next hours, days and weeks can forever affect your health.

If you’re involved in an accident, try not to be misled if the damage to your vehicle is minimal. Your body reacts very differently than metal, glass and plastic! Upon a rear-end impact, your body presses deeply into your seat. Your head moves with your body backwards until they reach the limits of your seat. Then, your body quickly changes directions and moves forward to the limit of your seat belt. Next, your head starts moving backward in the opposite direction. Because your head is unrestrained by your seat belt, your head is jerked backward and forward beyond its normal limits.

You can reduce the severity of a whiplash injury by wearing your seat belt properly, and making sure your headrest is adjusted to prevent your head from snapping over the seat.

Try not to minimize your injuries. Just as a car can have internal damage beyond the scraped pain on your bumper, your body can have deep injuries to your delicate spinal structures. Pain and stiffness of motion of varying severity will result from whiplash injuries. Often headaches appear, but can begin a week or more after the accident. These injuries can’t be healed by pain pills, muscle relaxers, or cervical collars. At this point, an immediate chiropractic examination is essential.

In my interview with a patient, I will conduct a thorough case history and detailed examination. I will review any imaging films or reports done at the emergency room or from other physicians. If I determine that it is safe to receive care at our office, I will make recommendations for your optimal recovery. In many cases, treatment can begin immediately.

In our office we have found that the integration of chiropractic care and massage therapy to be extremely effective in proper healing. Chiropractic adjustments of the spine and extremities helps restore proper position and motion of joints. Massage therapy targets the injured muscles and helps reduce pain, tension, and spasm, and promotes relaxation. You may also benefit from adjunctive therapies we can perform such as laser therapy, electrical stimulation, mechanical traction, therapeutic taping, or therapeutic stretching. We may prescribe a TENS unit (a small portable electrical stimulation device) or a series of home-based therapeutic exercises.

Since starting my practice in 1992, I’ve had the honor of helping hundreds of clients with a variety of neck injuries including whiplash. I’m very pleased with our integrated approach to patient care at Spectrum Wellness. Our care is top-notch and personal. Our goal is to help you to achieve superior health… and we will do everything in our power to help you get well and stay well after the trauma of a whiplash injury.

New this September, our massage therapy team is proud to be offering several new services for the ultimate in relaxation…

We are now offering 4 exciting massage “upgrades” that can be added on to your next massage. You are now able to “customize” your massage and make it even more enjoyable with the following options:

• Hot Stone Massage – our therapist will use special heated stones to make your massage even better. The stones are placed and rested in certain areas and are also used as effective massage tools.
• Paraffin Wax Treatments – therapeutic application of hot paraffin wax is a soothing treat for the hands or feet.
• Facial Massage – a relaxing and refreshing facial massage using special facial cream for healthy and vibrant skin.
• Peppermint Foot Massage – enjoy a fresh and relaxing foot massage that works on all the acupressure points on the feet.

Our team is also very excited to be offering infant massage classes for parents. Hands-on classes are scheduled for 30 minutes are are designed to teach parents the basic principles of infant massage.

• Infant Massage Classes – classes teaching a preventative natural therapy that can improve the quality of life for both you and your baby. Infant massage is an excellent way to promote well-being and is the perfect alternative to medicine and drugs by aiding your baby’s immune system.

If interested in one of our new services, simply ask during your next visit or when you call to schedule. If you need more information, please feel free to call and ask for me or ask to speak to one of our massage team members. We’re always available to help!

For more information on massage therapy, hot stone massage, or infant massage click here

If you’re new to massage at our center, just give us a call. We invite you to receive a free half-hour massage… on us! Really. No strings attached. Just relax and let one of our amazing therapist melt away your stress and tension.

I try to avail myself to at least one massage every week. Why? Because I know this life can “beat us up” quite a bit. Each day can be stressful. And this stress builds up. Imagine how much stress builds up in your body over the course of a week… let alone a month! So I really look forward to my weekly massages. I view each massage as a micro-vacation. Massage is an integral part of my own wellness lifestyle.

To receive a free massage at our office, you don’t have to be an existing client. If you’ve never had a massage at our center, just let us know. We just want you to give you the opportunity to experience the health benefits of massage. We know you’re going to love it.

Massage benefits your health by:

• relieving pain
• minimizing stress
• reducing muscle tension
• eliminating muscular trigger points
• easing headaches
• improving joint range of motion
• speeding up workout recovery time
• complimenting chiropractic adjustments
• improving your well-being
• balancing posture
• increasing circulation

After your free massage, we’ll explain our Spectrum Wellness programs. No pressure. If you decide to make massage a part of your wellness lifestyle like I do, simply pick a program that’s right for you.

If you want to secure your favorite time and minimize your waiting, it’s best to call ahead and make an appointment. Our therapists do prefer that you call ahead to schedule a massage, but they can accommodate same-day appointments and walk-in visits as well

When you’re ready to feel great, call us and schedule your free half-hour massage. You can begin experiencing the natural health benefits of massage today!

Click here to get to know our massage therapists.

Natural therapy has been a great help to families for years. Chiropractic, massage, exercise and good nutrition can help you and your family attain superior health.

Many patients see me as their family doctor. Making natural therapy a main part of your life is wise. The cost of health insurance and health care continues to rise. The cost of drugs, surgery and other medical procedures has become overwhelming for many. The adverse reactions to drugs is well known and has been making front-page news more and more lately.

Families want safe and natural solutions. More and more people are choosing natural therapy first. It’s a wise choice.

Family care at our office can start at the very beginning. Pregnant mothers and their babies can greatly benefit from our care. During this period of weight gain and hormonal changes, many mother’s become very uncomfortable. We can help by greatly reducing the stress and body pains common at this time. We specialize in natural care for pregnant moms – using gentle chiropractic adjustments and massage. Many of our patients have even reported easier births.

I’ve been able to provide natural care for my wife, Laura, through four pregnancies. And we’ve been blessed with four natural and healthy births… and four healthy and energetic kids.

Newborns, infants, and children can also benefit from natural therapy. The birth process can be a source of physical stress on both mom and baby. This can be the cause of our first subluxation (a spinal bone misalignment that causes nervous system interference). As children grow they learn to walk, run, jump, climb stairs, and ride bikes. In my very own home, I’ve seen some of the craziest things our kids do. They can be extremely creative… sometimes dangerously creative! Jumping over towers of pillows, bouncing off the couch and slamming off a chair and bouncing onto the floor. What fun!

All of these activities can cause physical damage and pain… sometimes called growing pains. If ignored, these problems usually worsen and become more permanent. Correcting the problems while still relatively new is wise. I’ve been adjusting my kids spines since they were born, and they enjoy it.

After a patient’s initial exam and I explain everything that I’ve found, I’m often asked, “How could this have happened? What caused it?”

My usual answer… “Life.”

Life is tough. We are frequently getting “beat up” in life. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. Car accidents, work injuries, and the stress and strains of our busy lives can produce all sorts of physical problems. The neuromusculoskeletal (nerve, muscle and bone) system is our first line of defense and bears most of the stress. Periodic checkups at our office can be very helpful to maintain superior health. Many of our patients report more energy, less pain, more vitality and better overall health.

We also welcome seniors in our practice. Seniors want to enjoy their retirement and want superior health. Natural therapy just makes sense. As you age, your body can need a great deal of attention. We provide gentle and relaxing care that is safe for people of all ages.

Regardless of your age or current health condition, just remember… it’s never too late to begin to pursue superior health. The natural therapy we provide is good for your health.

As you personally benefit from natural therapy, you have some new responsibilities. Among them is to tell others about your experience. Why not start with the ones you love?

This is a deep question. And it needs to be addressed because many of our clients ask this question of us early on. We usually try to explain everything on the first to our center. To handle this question we need to begin by establishing a foundation…

True Healing

First, it may surprise you to learn that doctors and drugs don’t heal. They can’t form the new tissue to mend a broken bone or heal a cut. Only your body can do that. I believe that each of us is a masterpiece, that has the miraculous ability to heal. True healing comes naturally from within.

At Spectrum Wellness we respect the natural healing process of the body. And because healing is a process, it take time. In some, healing takes longer than in others.

Children often see results quickly. Adults and seniors with long-standing problems can take much longer. Each person is unique and responds somewhat differently. When involved in natural healing, patience is a must.

What are Your Goals?

To reasonably answer the question of “How long will my recovery take?” we’ll need to uncover our client’s health goals. What are your health goals? We will always work with you and honor your goals.

If your goal is only pain relief, then your program with us will be relatively shorter. Now, if your goal is to recover as well as to prevent a relapse then we’ll need to focus on restoring full function. We’ll likely focus on core strength, balance, and muscular endurance. And if your goal is comprehensive care & wellness, then you’ll soon realize that attaining superior health is not a destination… it’s a journey.

At Spectrum Wellness, we get great results because we take a multi-faceted approach to healing. We’re a fusion of chiropractic, massage and exercise therapy. We work one-on-one with our clients to design personalized programs to produce the greatest results in the shortest amount of time.

If your recovery doesn’t progress as expected, we’ll change what we’re doing. Or, we’ll refer you to another health and wellness practitioner. You and your health are our primary concern.

With all this talk about pursuing a lifestyle of wellness, I want to address the number one reason people consult our office. Pain.

We, at Spectrum Wellness, accept clients with big pains or little ones. We handle acute or chronic conditions. Sport or work-related injuries. Even motor vehicle accident injuries. We welcome clients ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other.

What is pain anyway? Does it have a purpose?

Pain is a warning sign. It’s your body’s way of telling you that a limit has been reached. Like a smoke alarm, it’s not the alarm that’s the problem. The alarm has a cause, just like nearly every ache or pain has a cause. Some people choose to just cover up the pain instead of correcting the true cause. They end up believing that they’re totally fine because they feel fine. Unfortunately, the problem that lies below the surface of the pain still exists.

What’s your approach to dealing with pain?

Drugs?

Choosing to numb or cover up the pain with a chemical. Drugs can offer temporary relief, but they can’t correct structural or functional problems – such as spinal joint dysfunction (subluxation) or muscular problems. Just covering up the symptoms of a problem can be dangerous. Imagine if you were driving your car and a red flashing light appeared on the dashboard. Would it be wise to take a black marker and scribble over the light so that it wouldn’t shine in your eyes? Also, many drugs have dangerous side-effects and also have a long-term toxic effect on the whole body… just check out the back page of a drug advertisement in a magazine.

Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is an option that many people choose. However, exercising spinal joints that are misaligned is like continuing to drive your car with misaligned wheels! Some physical therapy facilities do adjustments like us.more than guide patients in an exercise program, but none offer the combination of natural therapies that we have.

Surgery?

This is the most drastic of all measures. Cutting through layers of skin and muscle tissue to cut, scrape, fuse, remove or alter body parts. While there may be times when surgery makes sense, they are risky. When it comes to emergency care, nothing beats Western Medicine. If I had a serious knife wound, I wouldn’t drop in to a fellow chiropractor’s office to get an adjustment! I’d get to an ER stat. Go to a hospital for sickness care… come to us for health care.

Natural Therapy?

Even better, Natural therapy is safe. The combination of chiropractic, massage and exercise therapy is the wise choice. Our focus is to find and correct the underlying cause of your problem.