Here’s an interesting study done this year that demonstrated the superiority of spinal manipulation and exercise as compared to medicine for the treatment of acute and subacute neck pain:

http://www.annals.org/content/156/1_Part_1/1.abstract

Spinal Manipulation, Medication, or Home Exercise With Advice for Acute and Subacute Neck Pain

A Randomized Trial

1. Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD;
2. Roni Evans, DC, MS;
3. Alfred V. Anderson, DC, MD;
4. Kenneth H. Svendsen, MS;
5. Yiscah Bracha, MS; and
6. Richard H. Grimm, MD, MPH, PhD

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Author Affiliations

1. 
   
   From Northwestern Health Sciences University, Pain Management and Rehabilitation Center, and Berman Center for Outcomes and Clinical Research at the Minneapolis Medical Research Foundation, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  I hope the new year finds you healthy and joyful.

Have you ever had neck or back pain and considered Chiropractic… but feared you’d be required to commit to long term Chiropractic Care?

You are not alone.

Even though there is plenty of research backing up Chiropractic, some patients just can’t afford the time or expense of  long-term, corrective care Chiropractic.

That’s why we now offer “pay-per-visit” Chiropractic for your neck pain or back pain.

This means you can call and come in on the same day and get exactly what you want… an affordable drugless solution for your aches and pains.

Our mainstream approach has gotten us featured along with many medical doctors and spine surgeons on Spine-Health.com… one of the most visited online back pain information websites in the country.

So, if you, your spouse, or a friend is complaining of aches and pains, rest assured that you can come in and get the care you want and can afford.

Give us a call at 215-938-8500. We’ll take good care of you.  Or just stop by, because…

We have a new walk-in policy for established and new patients.

Simply show up during our open hours and we will work you right in!

Our walk-in policy allows our patients to easily come in for treatment, even the same day symptoms arise. This is beneficial in reducing recovery times from an injury.  Why wait days or even weeks for an appointment elsewhere?

Also, you may have noticed… We changed our name to “Huntingdon Valley Pain Relief Center”.

Our new name accurately describes our practice focus.  We may have a new name, but you can expect to receive the same great service and top-notch chiropractic care!

Also, we’re excited to tell you that…We have completely remodeled our office!

Come in and experience the difference… more spacious, completely private treatment rooms, bright new lighting, fresh paint, and a refreshment/snack area for patients.

Lastly, I want to remind you that you are always welcome back no matter how long it’s been since we last saw you.  We are here to help you in any way we can and will be happy to see you!

Hope everything is going well and we’ll see you soon!

Sincerely,

Dr. Ken Goldman, D.C.

P.S. If you are not in pain and would like to still get a check-up… or… you are in pain and would like a treatment or two… just give us a call (or simply drop in) and we promise we’ll get you in immediately.  We always welcome walk-in visits, and are here for your convenience and promise prompt service!

Hello! I hope this holiday season finds you healthy and content with your many blessings.

I just wanted to spend a moment to detail some of our new and exciting changes in our practice…

1) Our practice name has changed to “Huntingdon Valley Pain Relief Center”. This name more accurately describes our focus and will help eliminate any confusion among newer clients.

2) We are in the process of remodeling our whole office. Some of the changes include: new walls, fresh paint, a snack & beverage area for patients, new ceiling & lighting, and more. Stop in… have a snack and drink on us. You’ll see and feel the difference.

3) We have a new “Walk-In” policy. This means that if you are a new or established patient, you can simply come in during our open hours and you will be taken care of very quickly. If you still want to make appointments, that’s fine with us. Just remember that appointments are optional.

If you are in pain, give us a call or simply stop in. You know we’re here to help. And remember that you can stop in any time, whether you are in pain or not. I’d be happy to see you.

So I would like to extend warm wishes for a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year… from myself and my staff. We hope to see you soon.

Dr. Goldman attended a continuing education seminar and became certified in instrument adjusting.  He was instructed by three top chiropractic doctors in the country and deepened his skill and education in the utilization of the Impulse IQ adjusting instrument.

This is the next generation in adjusting instruments, which allows Dr. Goldman to provide patients with an outstanding adjustment experience.  Dr. Goldman is one of the few doctors in the area using the Impulse IQ instrument and the only Certified Impulse IQ Chiropractor in Huntingdon Valley.

In the hands of a skilled certified doctor, the Impulse IQ instrument delivers multiple, safe and precise impulses every second in order to correct joint dysfunction and relieve pain.

COMPUTERIZED ADJUSTMENT

High-tech computerized adjustments with Impulse iQ® actually precisely measure how the spine is moving during the treatment so that just the right amount of care can be provided.

YEARS OF RESEARCH

Over five years of research have gone into the development of the Impulse iQ Adjusting Instrument® to create gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments that are safe and effective for patients of all ages.  High-tech computerized adjustments with Impulse iQ® actually precisely measure how the spine is moving during the treatment so that just the right amount of care can be provided.

CONTROLLED FORCE

Impulse iQ® has three different force settings for different parts of the body and to treat patients of all ages. The controlled low force thrust of Impulse® make treatments comfortable.

EXTREME SPEED

Impulse iQ® is twice as fast as other adjusting instruments and 100x faster than manual chiropractic adjustments. The gentle thrust is faster than the body’s tendency to tighten up and resist the adjustment.

Statistics have indicated that back pain will affect around 80% of all people at some time in their life.  Back pain can range from the lower back area to the upper back and shoulder blade area.  Back pains are especially bad when they impact every day functions such as walking, bending, sleeping, or sitting.  Americans spend billions of dollars every year fighting their back pains.  Is there any way to prevent it?  Here are five simple ways to help prevent back pain.

1. Eat Right.  Excess weight puts more stress on your lower spine and contributes to injuries.  Animal-based foods (all meats, poultry, fish, and dairy) contribute to a pro-inflammatory diet and also lead to the production of chemicals that fuel the pain process.  Eating a healthy, whole food, and plant-based diet will reduce pain and inflammation, and can help reduce your back pain.
2. Minimize Stress.  Life is stressful!  Everyone experiences stress of some degree or another.  Excess stress causes muscles to tighten and interferes with the normal healing process.  Prolonged stress leads to homone imbalances of the stress glands of the body – the adrenal glands.  These glands secrete hormones that regulate many body functions including: sleep, digestion, weight gain, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, immune system, arthritis, allergies, heart function, fatigue… to name a few.  These glands can be checked easily in our office and can usually be balanced/repaired through diet and supplements.
3. Maintain Good Posture and Ergonomics.  Maintaining good posture means keeping the body in a balanced and neutral position as much as possible.  Avoid stressful and damaging prolonged postures where ever you are.  Moat people use computer work stations both at home or at work.  These can be a problem if the ergonomics aren’t set up correctly.  Screens should be centralized and keyboards should be positioned where the height allows your arms to be bent at 90 degrees.  Some lower back pillow is recommended if you are sitting for long periods.  Frequent breaks to move and stretch can also help maintain body posture and balance.
4. Perform Healthy Exercises Regularly.  Regular cardiovascular exercise is important to help maintain good cardiovascular health, manage weight, and reduce stress.  But nothing replaces targeted spine-specific exercises to focus on your core.  Some of the bast exercises for your core also involve balance and muscle endurance.  Some examples are:
• Quadruped – on hands and knees.  While holding abdominals in tight (hollowing), alternate straightening opposing arm and leg and holding for 5 seconds.  Repeat 20 times.
• Bridge – on back.  Lift pelvis, torso, and shoulder blades off floor and hold for 30 seconds.  Repeat.
• Plank – pushup position supported on the forearms rather than hands.  While keeping abdominals in tight (hollowing), hold your body straight for 30 seconds.  Repeat.
• One Leg Balance – standing.  Keep abdominals in and balance on one foot (stork stand) for 30 seconds.  Switch legs and repeat.
5. Get Adjusted By Your Chiropractor.  Everyday activities, stress, and toxins take their toll on our bodies.  Our joints and muscles tighten, become restricted, and become imbalanced.  Adjustments help to retore normal joint motion and can rebalance your spine and body.

The Patient

• 52 year old female with a history of lower back pain, mid back pain, sleep difficulties, and digestive troubles
• Patient is overweight by 30 pounds
• The patient had a traumatic spinal injury from a slip and fall 3 years ago, that was corrected by spinal surgery

The Patient’s Complaints

• Moderate to severe lower back pain, hip pain bilaterally, and pain down the back of the thighs
• The patient has difficulty walking normally and must use a cane due to her disturbed gait and balance

Snapshot of My Examination Findings

• Past surgical reports, X-ray evaluations, and MRIs were reviewed and revealed moderate to severe degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine and showed the site of the surgery at L5S1.
• Patient demonstrates a loss of balance while standing and walking
• Guarding (protective movement and positioning) of the lower back and lower extremity
• Multiple areas of spinal subluxations (jammed spinal bones that irritate the nervous system) with focal tenderness to the lumbar vertebrae when pressed
• Painful range of motion of the lumbar spine in flexion and extension (worse in extension)
• Painful muscular fibers and trigger point activity around the lumbosacral spine and the hip areas bilaterally
• Positive orthopedic test for sciatic nerve irritation

My Diagnosis

• Lumbar Spine and Disc Degeneration
• Pain and Instability of the Lumbosacral Spine
• Subluxations of the Spine and Hip area, dysfunction and pain
• Sciatica

My Recommendations

• A course of 12 visits of integrative care to include the following:
• Chirporactic adjustments of the spine, and hip areas
• Myofascial release to the lower back, hips, and lower extremity areas performed by massage therapist
• Progressive therapeutic exercises targeting the lower back and core, with a focus on restoring normal balance
• Ice the lower lumbar spine at home as needed for 15 minutes per hour

The Prognosis

• Fair

Discussion

Lower back pain can be caused by many different things.  Causes range from simple joint dysfunction or sprain/strains, to joint degeneration or even internal organ disease.  My exam was critical in determining that this patient’s pain had a biomechanical cause.  It was the joints, muscles, and nerves that were involved.

Post-surgical cases can be the most difficult, due to internal weakness at and around the prior site of the surgery.  In this case, the weakness centered in the patient’s lumbosacral spine and in her core.  Following surgery she had rehabilitation, but the exercises she had learned were not continued. In time, she became de-conditioned, overweight, and developed a weak and unstable core.  This resulted in chronic back pain that is marked by episodes of aggravations and recovery.

One of the best solutions for chronic lower back pain, is chiropractic care with core stabilization exercises.  This combination can help keep the spine healthy and prevent repeated relapses.

Upon following our advice and treatment schedule, this patient has had an approximate 50% improvement in 4 weeks of care, with less pain,  improved balance, and increased range of motion.  She has had moments where she was able to walk without limping, but she still has a way to go.

Our Approach To Post-Surgical Chronic Lower Back Pain

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)

Our Wellness Program Options

• Relief Care – We offer short-term plans for fast pain relief and recovery.  When many people seek care in our office they have one goal… relief.  So that’s where we start!  During this initial stage of intensive care, we have the following obligations: 1) To uncover the underlying cause of the health problem.  2) To suggest a care plan to produce the fastest results possible.  3) To offer ways patients can participate in their recovery.  4) To explain the value of exercise, nutrition and other aspects of wellness.

• Rehabilitative Care – We offer comprehensive plans for optimal recovery following injury.  Many of our clients want to continue corrective care into the next phase of care – the rehabilitative phase. Wisdom has taught us that long-lasting pain relief can be achieved only when complete healing occurs and your body returns to optimal function. This part of the healing process usually involves therapeutic exercises. We provide one-on-one coaching through this phase of care and focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and core-conditioning.

• Supportive/Wellness Care - We offer ongoing plans to help keep you active and feeling great.  Many of our clients enjoy regular chiropractic “checkups” and/or massage because they have found that they feel better, have more energy, and enjoy life more.

• Weight Loss & Detox Programs – our 30-day “Quick-Start” program can help you lose weight fast, detoxify, regain your energy, and enjoy life again!  Experience one-on-one counseling and personal attention from our holistic nutritionist, Stephanie Brabazon.  We may also use laser auriculotherapy to help you lose weight.  Laser therapy is non-invasive, requires no needles, and is painless. We see many overweight people that have tried diets but have failed because they have difficulty curbing their appetite and cravings. Our program helps to curb your appetite, depress hunger cravings, stimulate your metabolism to burn off extra calories, and correct internal body hormonal imbalances.

Our Passion

It’s our passion to help you feel great and be your best!

After meeting with Dr. Ken Goldman and discussing your heal goals, we will put together aspecific treatment plan just for you.  We have many natural therapies to consider – chiropractic, massage, exercise, nutritional counseling, and laser therapy techniques.  This strategy sets us apart from many other health practitioners, and gives our patients the best opportunity to achieve superior health.

We will do our best to find the cause of your problem and correct it.  If at any time we discover something beyond the scope of our practice, we won’t hesitate to refer you to another healthcare professional.

We accept most health insurance plans and provide a variety of affordable payment options (even for those without health insurance coverage).  We also accept car accident cases, work injuries, personal injuries, and sports injuries.

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, rehab exercises, or nutrition) to correct your back pain quickly and  naturally.

While talking with various patients this week, I realized that many, good, health awareness movies have come out in just the last few years. Although I haven’t seen them all, it seems that each one has a unique perspective and a lot of good things to say… and to think about.

Here is a list of the movies I recommend:

• Eating
• Food Inc.
• Food Matters
• Super Size Me
• King Corn
• A Diet For All Reasons
• A Diet For A New America
• Simply Raw
• Fresh
• Forks Over Knives

I recommend viewing these movies with your friends and family, especially if you’re interested in learning more about how to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy in this “toxic” world.  These movies reveal some of the modern forces that literally war against your health goals and threaten your very health and wellness.  Some of the varied topics include:

• the obesity epidemic in the USA
• organic vs. conventional food
• genetic modification of food
• the use of chemicals in modern farming (pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.)
• natural vs. factory farming
• the causes of modern diseases (heart disease, cancer, diabetes, etc.)
• the truth behind ranches, pig farms, chicken farms, and slaughter houses

If you have any thoughts, please leave a comment.  And if you can, please list any other similar movies that you would recommend.  Also, please let me know if you would be willing to watch a community screening (in our office) of the movie, Fresh.

Many people think that once they begin chiropractic care, they’ll have to go forever.  This is simply NOT true.

After a thorough interview and exam, we will work together to come up with a treatment plan that will work for you.  You are always in charge of how much care you want and the frequency of your visits.  Like many other healthy habits, you may want to receive regular chiropractic checkups, massage therapy, and other natural therapies because they can help you maintain superior health.

Following completing the initial set of forms, I will conduct an interview and introductory exam.  The purpose of this visit is to determine if you would be a good candidate for care at our center.  After the introductory exam, I’ll let you know if I think I can help you. At this time, specific diagnostic testing or outside referrals may be necessary for your appropriate care. If I don’t feel that I can help you, I’ll let you know and may refer you to another doctor.

If it looks promising, I’ll invite you back to receive a full examination to more accurately identify the cause of your problem.

The full examination is usually attended to on your second visit, which may be later the same day or the following day. This two-visit approach accomplishes several things:

• Reduces the length of your first visit
• Gives us time to correlate our findings
• Avoids overloading you with too much information

In certain situations, and based on my professional judgment, we sometimes make exceptions. It just depends on your unique situation.

Regardless of your health goals, please understand that we see ourselves as mere servants. You’re the boss! It’s your body, your health and your future. Our job is to offer you the finest wellness care possible, and it’s up to you to decide how much of it you want and how fast you want to proceed.  Our wellness program options may help you understand this better…

Relief Care – When many people seek care in our office they have one goal: relief. So that’s where we start! During this initial stage of intensive care, we have several obligations:

• Uncover the underlying cause of the health problem
• Suggest a care plan to produce the fastest results possible
• Offer ways patients can participate in their recovery
• Suggest advanced strategies for long-term benefits
• Explain the value of post-symptomatic wellness care

Typical relief care programs range in length from 6 to 24 visits.  The more severe and more chronic the condition, the longer it may take for you to progress through this phase of care.

Rehabilitative Care – Many of our clients want to continue relief care into the next phase of care – the corrective or rehabilitative phase. Wisdom has taught us that long-lasting pain relief can be achieved only when complete healing occurs and your body returns to optimal function. This part of the healing process usually involves therapeutic exercises. We provide one-on-one coaching through this phase of care and focus on flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, and core-conditioning.

Typical rehabilitative care programs range in length from 6 to 12 visits.  The more severe and more chronic the condition, the longer it may take for you to progress through this phase of care.

Weight Loss & Weight Management – We provide one-on-one nutritional counseling, exercise program design, and utilize a special laser therapy technique, called auriculotherapy, to assist our clients lose weight in a way that is safe and very effective.

Laser auriculotherapy is non-invasive, requires no needles, and is painless. We see many overweight people that have tried diets but have failed because they have difficulty curbing their appetite and cravings. Laser therapy helps to curb your appetite and depress hunger cravings. Our laser technique also stimulates your metabolism to burn off extra calories and correct internal body hormonal imbalances.

Typical weight loss care programs range in length from 12 to 24 visits.  If you are severely obese, it may take longer to progress through this phase of care.

Ongoing Maintenance/Supportive Care – Many of our clients want to continue beyond both the pain relief and rehab phases of care.  Routine chiropractic checkups are enjoyed by millions (both young and old) who want to keep their spine, nervous system, and body as healthy as possible.  Why is regular care needed?  Because subluxations (misalignments of the spine and extremities) continue to occur in life.  Life is stressful!  You may need weekly checkups, or you may do fine with monthly visits.  It just depends on your body and your lifestyle.

So how much chiropractic care do you need?  It really depends on your unique situation and your personal health care goals.

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

Do you want to get the benefits of 45-60 minutes of exercise in just 10 minutes? Sounds impossible, but it’s true.  And it’s backed by sound research.  Our new whole body vibration (WBV) exerciser is named the Power Vibe and is made by  a company called Zen Pro.

The concept dates back to the 1960′s and 70′s to the Russian space program.  The Russian cosmonauts were sent into space for prolonged periods of time and when they returned they discovered some shocking things.  The cosmonauts had significant muscle weakness (atrophy) and bone loss or demineralization (osteoporosis).  The Russian space program began to use whole body vibration as a way to simulate weight bearing loads.  The cosmonauts performed the rehabilitation exercises before, during, and after trips into space.

Afterward, German Universities continued their own research on the effects of WBV.  Many studies were done on a variety of effects on the body, such as WBV and Osteoporosis, developing muscle mass, improving balance and circulation, rehabilitation for injuries, weight loss, and the like.

In the 1980′s, whole body vibration exercise has been used by Olympic athletes as a way to enhance training and rehab.  And now, whole body vibration has become affordable and accessible for most people.  It is effective, fast, and safe for people of all ages.

What is Whole Body Vibration Exercise Like?

You begin by standing on a rapidly vibrating plate.  The body undergoes the stimulating changes of rapid acceleration/deceleration, similar to running or being on a trampoline.  You can then move into different simple positions and hold them for some time while the plate continues to vibrate.  Examples of some positions are the squat, the one-legged stork stand, or the plank.

Standing for just 5-10 minutes a day, while doing a few movements to transfer the vibration of the machine into various body regions, increases the flow of freshly oxygenated blood into the tissues, enhances lymphatic drainage, and generally loosens things up.  You will feel great!

What are the Benefits of Whole Body Vibration Exercise?

On a WBV machine, the platform you stand on moves very rapidly. This controlled motion is transferred up through your body.  What happens in your body is that all of your tissues are forced to react to the stimulus of the vibrating platform.

• WBV works and tones your muscles. Here WBV works very similar to the knee jerk reflex. When muscles are activated via a “stretch reflex” your body has no choice but to react.  WBV technology exploits this fact by using an external stimulus – the vibrating platform. When you load a muscle or muscle group in line with the direction of the vibration by assuming various positions, the muscles respond to the vibration as compensation with a brief reflex contraction of virtually all muscle fibers of that particular muscle. Now remember, the platform moves anywhere from about 1000 to 3000 times a minute depending on the setting! You can imagine the type of stimulus this creates, thus causing your muscles to tone and strengthen faster than any other form of workout.
• WBV increases your blood flow. In order for a muscle to do any contraction, it needs to burn glucose and oxygen. Where does the muscle get these 2 essential components from? Your blood flow! As your muscle contractions increase, so does the need for oxygen and glucose for the muscle. Your body supplies it by increasing your heart rate to get the necessary nutrients to the muscle.  Thus, WBV naturally increases your circulation.
• WBV increases your lymphatic drainage. When standing straight up on the WBV platform, you can feel your sinuses draining, and the stiffness and tightness from standing all day going away. These are typical signs of lymphatic drainage which also helps to fight infection and bacteria. It’s almost like WBV supercharges every cell in your body with energy! Spending just 5 minutes on a PowerVibe (especially the vertical vibration units) and swelling is down, you are feeling lighter, looser, and best of all more relaxed!
• WBV increases the release of Endorphins. Researchers in Germany have also shown that the stimulation of subcutaneous tissues and ligaments around the spine in particular release significant amounts of endorphins, the same “Feel Good” hormones that are showing up in the bloodstream after a lengthy run!
• WBV lowers your Stress Hormone Cortisol. Also of particular interest to me was the fact that exercising with WBV helps your body to reduce the levels of Cortisol. This hormone starts to show up when you’re stressed out and your system is running on overload. Cortisol is terrible for the body – it causes your body’s inflammation levels to go up, it robs you of sleep, wipes out your adrenal glands and after a while leaves you constantly exhausted. WBV on a PowerVibe unit helps to break down this damaging hormone and replace it with better hormones. We all know how well exercise works in combating stress.
• WBV trains your equilibrium sense. The human brain is built to keep our bodies in a state of equilibrium, balance, and stability in the 3-dimensional world.  If someone pushes your shoulder, your brain responds by telling you to lean back against the push so you don’t fall over.  If you’re standing on a platform that is moving 20 – 50 times per second, your brain must respond quickly by triggering certain muscles to contract and others to relax so that you maintain your balance. The brain is forced to respond to the rapidly moving surface under you or you would fall over! This is great exercise for the balance sense.
• WBV can combat osteoporosis. Weight bearing load is placed on the patient’s entire skeletal structure, which maximizes lymph drainage, promotes the release of osteoblasts, and  fights osteoporosis.

The benefits of WBV training are considerable, as evidenced by its acceptance in major medical, rehabilitation and therapeutic centers across the country. The health benefits are multifold and results can be achieved easily. It can enhance your general well being and quality of life regardless of age, medical, neurological or physical condition.  WBV training is not difficult, but it can be challenging – the degree of difficulty is entirely up to you.

Feel free to call me if you have any questions regarding whole body vibration and if you want to find out if this natural therapeutic exercise would be right for you.  You can also check out some Power Vibe videos at: http://www.powervibeusa.com/community/video.

In general, most people want to try to reduce the stress in their lives.  But if you’re not like most people, you may want to shake things up a bit with a large dose of stress.  Trying do increase external stress factors may not be easy, because it can be difficult to control them.  You’ll most likely waste a lot of time and energy with no real net increase in stress. But on the other hand, if you purposely follow my 8-step Stress Enhancement Program, you’ll be on the fast track to a stress-packed life…

8-Step Stress Enhancement Program

1. Avoid Exercise - simply avoid burning extra calories at the gym, walking the dog, playing with the kids, or whatever.  Encourage your body to juice up with cortisol (a stress hormone) and hinder your body’s production of endorphins (pleasure hormones).  Even if you have a short time to exercise, avoid the temptation.  Stay focused on your stress.  Even a short amount of exercise can clear your mind, reduce your stress, and sabotage your goals.
2. Keep the Stress Bottled Up – as much as you’d love to vent and tell others about the stress in our life, simply don’t do it.  Keep your stress deep inside.  By doing this, you will avoid hearing other people’s perspectives which could sabotage your stress improvement goals.  Keep your mind on continual, negative, stressful thoughts.
3. Stay Immersed in Your Stressful Situation – avoid anything that may take you away from your stress.  Avoid visiting friends, trips to the park, walks on the beach, vacations, etc.  If you want to launch your stress to new heights, shun anything that could remove you from your stressful environment,
4. Eat Unhealthy Foods – avoid so-called healthy foods choices. Indulge in junk foods, fast foods, processed foods,  caffeine and sweets.  Nothing thwarts relaxation more that a quick burst of “artificial” energy.  Avoid foods that provide “healthy” energy, such as whole grains, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.  Filling your body with unhealthy foods is one of the keys to achieving a stress-filled life.
5. Stay in Work Mode as Long As Possible – stay in “work mode” right up to the last waking minute of each day.  Keep your mind intently focused on work as much as possible. Even if your body has left work, your mind doesn’t have to!  Ignore any temptations to refresh yourself and “enjoy life”.
6. Avoid a Good Night’s Sleep – get yourself “fired-up” at bed time.  Build off of your frustrations, anxieties, and worries.  Avoid any activities that may act to calm yourself, such as reading, prayer, deep breathing exercises, or any other relaxation techniques.  Eat just before lying down to sleep. Don’t give your body a chance to digest your food.  That bloated feeling will contribute to a terrible night’s sleep.
7. Don’t Forgive Others – hold in all your anger, resentment, and bitterness.
8. Ignore Your Pain – relish your pain, stiffness, and stress.  Avoid any temptation to call your chiropractor or massage therapist.  Chiropractic care and massage can relieve pain and relax your body and many patients report that they have less stress while under care.  No matter how tempted you are to call your chiropractor, just don’t do it!

On the other hand, if you are like most people, and you want to reduce your stress… give us a call any time.  Remember, we’re here to help!

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.

Our wellness team specializes in balancing the spine and body.  That’s our job.  That’s what we love to do.  Drop by our office… you relax, and we’ll do the work.

But what about your life?  Is it balanced?  Are you putting forth the effort to have a balanced life?  What are you doing to help establish or maintain a healthy and balanced life?

A healthy life involves a balance of many different areas in life:

• Physical health (are you giving your body what it needs to be vibrant?)
• Mental health (what is the quality of the things you focus your mind on?)
• Spiritual health (Are you connected with God?  Do you have inner peace?)
• Social health (How are your relationships?  Your friendships?  Your family?)
• Career health (Is your career meaningful?  Are you productive?)
• Financial health (Are you living within your means?  Are you content?)

It’s a good exercise to go through these areas and rank yourself on a scale of 1 to 10.  If you realize that you are out of balance in any of these areas, you may need to make some changes.  You may need to set new goals.

You may need to sacrifice some TV time to spend more time nourishing a relationship with a family member or friend.  You may need to cut back on late night activities so you can give your body some extra rejuvenating sleep.  You may need to prioritize your spending, and channel more of your resources into health-related activities.

Evaluate your own life and see if your activities are congruent with your life goals.  Remember your primary goal to have a healthy and balanced life.

The bottom line is that your health affects everything you do and everyone you know.  Achieving a more balanced life will not only benefit you, but also your family, friends and even co-workers.

On July 17th and 18th I had the privilege of attending an amazing seminar in Philadelphia, PA.  It was called “The Y-Files”… because the instructor wanted us to be able to ask “Why?” and then figure out the answers to many common ailments that plague humanity.  The course was led by Dr. John Donofrio, a chiropractor with extensive study in neurology.  The seminar was more of a workshop that allowed a good amount of interaction with the instructor.

Some of the topics we covered were:

• Brain Hemisphericity
• Vitamins/Supplementation/Natural Remedies
• The Causes of Leaky Gut Syndrome and Antibiotics
• Risk Factors For Disease
• The Cardiovascular System, Cholesterol, Blood Pressure
• Children’s Health, ADHD, Autism
• Vaccines
• Diabetes
• Alzheimer’s
• Pharmaceutical Deception
• Nanotechnology Chemicals
• Parkinson’s
• Infections
• Diet and Exercise
• Laser Techniques

The information covered by Dr. Donofrio really stretched me as a chiropractor.  He explained the “big picture” concept of the subluxation – expanding the concept to include imbalances in the brain.  I was able to learn quite a bit and continue to study more on the topics he covered.

Don’t be surprised if when I see you on your next visit, I may perform a new 1-minute test to check for brain imbalance, which will help me focus my care and help with your improvement.  I may also recommend a new nutritional protocol to support the care we are providing.  If you are interested in more, feel free to ask the next time you’re in for a visit!

This past weekend, I completed a thought-provoking 12-hour continuing education seminar.  The seminar was on Modern Diagnosis, Treatment & Documentation.  The course was taught by KSJ Murkowski, a prominent chiropractic doctor who is known for his expertise in his field.

Dr. Murkowski instructed our small class on the latest technology and protocols to be used during patient evaluation.  He also covered different modern documentation procedures.  I have already been able to apply several new chiropractic techniques and procedures that I gained from the seminar.

The seminar featured a lecture and hands-on demonstration of functional protocols, documentation information, and new research.  The practical nature of the seminar enabled me to immediately apply these new protocols to our wellness center.

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.

Have you ever wondered why some physical problems never seem to get better? Perhaps you have an injury that has become “chronic”.    Maybe it’s a “bad” back… or a stiff neck… or a sore shoulder.  Whatever it is, you know that something’s wrong.  You should be feeling better by now.  You would love to get out and enjoy the Spring weather.  Or start going to the gym.  Or begin that new exercise class.But you hurt too much.  So why isn’t your body healing normally?  Some days you feel like there’s an improvement, but then the pain is back again.  Why?

I put together the simple diagram at the top of this post to help you understand why. The diagram describes a concept called “The Vicious Cycle of Injury or Trauma”.  This diagram explains the process of an injury and the reasons why you may not be healing properly.

The top of the diagram is where things begin.  Your injury may be mild, severe, or somewhere in between.  But whatever your injury, cellular death occurs at the tissue level.  Muscle fibers tear, ligaments stretch, discs bulge, etc.

Going clockwise, the next circle shows that your injury results in pain, inflammation, and spasm:

• Pain is your body’s “alarm system” letting you know that your body has passed it’s limit.
• Inflammation is your body’s response to the damaged tissue.  Inflammation is the beginning of the healing process.
• Spasm (uncontrolled muscle tightening) is your body’s way of putting a “natural splint” on the area to prevent further injury.

Next you suffer a loss of range of motion.  Examples of how this could manifest include:

• Low back stiffness in the morning.
• A tight neck while in the car.
• An inability to reach behind yourself and scratch your back.

Any of your joints can suffer a loss of motion if there’s local swelling, pain, or muscle spasm. When you have a loss of normal motion for some time, two things happen:

• Your muscles will shrink and weaken (atrophy).
• Adhesions (tough patch-up tissue) will develop in and around the injured area.

Unfortunately, chronic pain results in fatty infiltration into the supporting muscles.  You can get a sense of this by inspecting a cheap cut of meat.  The marbling of fat is the “fatty infiltration” into the muscle.  The tough gristle areas are the adhesions that can develop in and around your muscles.

When you suffer a loss of motion, adhesions and spasm, your normal blood flow will be restricted.  Limited blood flow means that your injured site is receiving less oxygen and less nutrition than normal.  This leads to more tissue death, and the cycle starts all over again.

So how can you get out of this cycle if you feel you’re trapped?

It all starts with coming in to our center for a visit.  After a thorough exam, I will develop a reasonable wellness strategy to help you break the cycle.  Always remember that physical problems can be best fixed with physical solutions.  It can include:

• Chiropractic care
• Massage therapy techniques
• Trigger point therapy
• Laser therapy
• Weight loss techniqes
• Rehabilitative exercises

Please understand that we can’t make you heal, but we can ensure that as you heal, you’ll heal more perfectly.

In your care, we’ll use natural techniques to “attack” each area of the Vicious Cycle.  We have found that the combination of natural therapies works the best to break the vicious cycle because we target multiple points of the cycle at once.

With the help of natural therapies we can:

• Reduce your pain, inflammation and spasm
• Improve your range of motion
• Restore muscle strength and endurance
• Reduce adhesions and trigger points
• Improve blood flow to your tissues

If you’re in pain due to a big or little injury, don’t ignore the problem.  It is critical that healing start as soon as possible.  By getting treatment early, you can prevent abnormal chronic pain patterns from taking root.

With natural therapies you can finally be free of your pain and be the best you can be.

We are pleased to announce the introduction the Posture Pump – Back Model 2000.  This device is designed to be used at home to help relieve back pain and stiffness.  It is painless and easy to use and can physically decompress, shape, and lubricate your spine.   It is portable and can be used at home, in the office, or when traveling.

In February we first introduced the Posture Pump – Neck Model 1000 for the neck.  (For more information on the Neck Model 1000 click here.)

Since then we have had great results with several clients.  So I started exploring the Back Model 2000 and was very impressed with the research behind the product.

This Posture Pump – Back Model 2000 device provides effective relief and lasting correction for:

• Acute back pain
• Chronic back pain
• Sciatica
• Disc bulges
• Disc herniations
• Slouching posture

You can learn more on the Posture Pump web site by clicking here.

You will also be happy to know that both models of the Posture Pump are covered 100% by most major medical insurance if prescribed by a licensed chiropractic doctor.

Please let us know if you are interested and we will schedule a time for a quick evaluation to see if you are a good candidate to for Posture Pump therapy.

From the American Chiropractic Association (ACA)…

Although many uncertainties remain – it remains entirely possible, perhaps likely, that Congress will soon enact into law a comprehensive legislative package of health care reforms.

Should this occur, it is critical for your welfare and that of your family, that Congress does the following:

1. Ensure that any new legislation includes provisions that place a heavy emphasis on “wellness” and “prevention” of disease – and thus substantially improves on the deficient “sick care” oriented system that now exists.

2. Ensure that you have fair, unimpeded and direct access to essential chiropractic health care services as an accessible “alternative” to routine forms of covered care provided by insurance companies.

3. Ensure that your freedom to choose the individual and type of doctor of your choice is guaranteed without discrimination, including your chiropractic physician.

4. Ensure that “patient friendly” provisions, including important non-discrimination provisions, are retained or inserted in any bill Congress enacts into law.

5. Ensure that the special privilege (anti-trust provisions) that allows health insurance companies to conspire together in order to fix prices and dominate markets to the detriment of patients and providers is repealed.

It is urgent you TAKE ACTION NOW to persuade Congress to protect your rights and interests when they finalize health reform legislation.  Accordingly, PLEASE GO HERE in order to SEND A STRONG AND IMMEDIATE MESSAGE TO CONGRESS regarding your concerns.

Please do not delay – time is of the essence – CLICK HERE NOW TO TAKE ACTION.

We now have available a special type of cervical (neck) traction, called The Posture Pump.  This device provides effective relief and lasting correction for:

• Acute neck pain
• Chronic neck pain
• Headaches
• Disc bulges
• Disc herniations
• Forward head posture

In many cases, the Posture Pump device adds a needed complement to your in-office care.  A thorough evaluation will provide the necessary information to determine if the Posture Pump is right for you.  If you are interested in this device or have any questions about it, just ask.  You can learn more on the Posture Pump web site by clicking here.

The Posture Pump is safe, easy to use, and is covered by most insurance carriers.  It may be the missing piece of the puzzle to your optimal recovery.

I just received this email from ChiroVoice.org.  Please invest a few minutes and help chiropractic to be included in our health care system.  Thanks!

Earlier this year, we asked you to join the chiropractic patient advocacy network, ChiroVoice.  Why?  Because who better to speak up for the need to protect chiropractic in health care reform than the patients who have actually benefited from chiropractic treatment.

As the health care debate continues in Washington, it is vital that we all continue to remind our legislators that they need to ensure that the freedom to choose chiropractic care as a treatment option is not denied under any national health care reform legislation Congress might enact.

Click here to send a message to Washington that chiropractic is an essential core benefit, and that we cannot achieve a wellness and prevention based-system without guaranteed access to the essential services delivered by a Doctor of Chiropractic.

Thank you!  And from the ChiroVoice team, we wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season.

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.

As of November 9, 2009 we will be accepting the following new insurance plans:

• United Healthcare
• Golden Rule
• GE Wellness Plan
• MAMSI
• Great-West Healthcare
• Principal Life Insurance Co.
• Health Allies
• Oxford Health Plans
• Medical Resource, LLC
• Premera Blue Cross
• Cypress Care
• Universal SmartComp
• Align Networks, Inc.

For a complete list of insurance companies that we accept please refer to our FAQ page.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

President Obama’s health care reform bill is being discussed now and chiropractic needs to be included! Your help is critical in helping get the message to Washington.

Chiropractic care has helped millions of people enjoy freedom from pain and live healthier and happier lives.  Chiropractic care can also help lower health care costs, because it’s far less expensive (and dangerous) than drugs, injections, and surgical procedures.

I encourage you to stand up for your rights and vote to include chiropractic care as a guaranteed benefit in any health care reform bill approved by Congress.

You can help by simply visiting the following site to let your voice be heard:

chirovoice.org

(click on the “Legislative Action Center”)

Please forward this post to anyone you  know who is pro-chiropractic care.

Currently, several prominent pro-chiropractic companies and organizations are working together in an all-out effort to ensure that chiropractic has a voice in this health care reform.

We have a short period of time and we have to act NOW!

Thanks for your support.