In the healing process our body attempts to repair . . . → Read More: A New Treatment Technique: A New Way to Decrease Pain and Improve Function]]> We have recently added a new technique called the Graston Technique® to the health care services we offer our patients. This remarkable procedure allows us to detect and treat areas of “scar tissue” or adhesions in muscles, tendons and ligaments that can lead to pain and dysfunction.

In the healing process our body attempts to repair muscles, tendons and ligaments with “scar tissue”, much like the scar that forms on the skin when you have scraped or banged your knee. As you can imagine, that scar tissue is not as strong and flexible as normal, healthy, undamaged tissue. Over time we can have a build up of this fibrous scar tissue, particularly in the muscles, tendons and ligaments that get a lot of use. This can lead to pain and dysfunction because this replacement tissue lacks the strength and flexibility of healthy tissue (in some areas it may even mat down and entrap a nerve).

The Graston Technique® allows us to better detect and treat these areas because it uses a stainless steel instrument that glides along a patient’s muscle, tendons or ligaments and acts like a “scar tissue” stethoscope. When knots or bands of scar tissue are encountered, both the doctor and the patient sense a restriction or a granular feeling. The instrument can then be used to “break up” this restriction or adhesion. Stretching exercises are then used to promote re-alignment of the fibers so that they behave more like normal, healthy tissue.

The benefit of the Graston Technique® is not only in detection of restrictions or adhesions, but also in the amount of improvement that takes place in a short amount of time. Unfortunately, the unaided hand is hard pressed to detect and break up as much scar tissue as the stainless steel instruments can.

When the Graston Technique® is coupled with the necessary strengthening and stretching exercises, it provides a great aid to the chiropractic adjustment and the patient gets better much quicker and more completely.

The Graston Technique® is not appropriate for every patient condition. It is, however, very helpful for people with the most common conditions we treat in this office. If you have not experienced the Graston Technique® and you still have lingering discomfort or stiffness, please ask us whether you may be helped by this effective new treatment.

Too many Chiropractors put their financial wealth before their patients health.  Although regular chiropractic care is a great way to prevent future problems and improve performance it is not mandatory to do so.  Just like going to the dentist regularly is a good idea to prevent cavities it is not mandatory to . . . → Read More: Things To Concider When Choosing A Chiropractor]]> 1. Wellness or maintenance care.

Too many Chiropractors put their financial wealth before their patients health.  Although regular chiropractic care is a great way to prevent future problems and improve performance it is not mandatory to do so.  Just like going to the dentist regularly is a good idea to prevent cavities it is not mandatory to do so.  Wellness or maintenance care is a good way for a Chiropractor to make extra money, and a common reason many medical doctors don’t refer to chiropractors. If you feel good and your chiropractor insists that you still need to come in, get a second opinion before continuing care.

2. Questionable diagnostics.

If your chiropractor tests your muscles and because they are weak diagnoses an internal problem, he or she should refer you to an internist.  On the other hand, if you have weak muscles because you are out of shape, a good Chiropractor will refer you to a therapist, a gym, or design a strengthening program for you. If your muscles are weak due to a serious disease, nerve problem, or serious structural problem your DC should refer you for a second opinion with a neurologist or orthopedist.  Muscle testing alone should not be the reason your chiropractor wants to continue to treat you if there is no pain.

3. Silly marketing gimmicks.

Health fairs, swap meets, and shopping malls often have chiropractors giving free spinal examinations. There are a variety of gimmicks designed to procure you as a patient. The most common one is a postural analysis. If you have poor posture and no pain, a chiropractor should not just want to manipulate you, but instead should design a workout or exercise program for you, or refer you to a therapist or trainer as well.

4. Treating areas that don’t hurt.

When you receive treatment, three things happen. You get better, you get worse, or you stay the same. If you feel good, only two things can occur.  You either stay the same or you get worse. If you go to a chiropractor with lower back pain, he or she should not manipulate your neck unless you also have a neck problem.  There is no evidence that performing manipulation on a neck can help your lower back or vice versa. If your chiropractor insists on manipulating areas that don’t hurt without explaining the significance of doing so, get a second opinion before continuing care.

5. Excessive supplementation.

Chiropractors take many nutrition classes in school. Beware of any chiropractor who says his or her vitamins are the only ones that work. Beware of any chiropractor who wants to sell you large amounts of supplements without referring you to a retailer or health-food store for comparable products at a considerably lower cost.

6. Excessive x-rays.

Beware of any chiropractor who uses x-rays for any reason other than to rule out a fracture, dislocation or bone disease. X-rays should only be taken if (1) you have sustained a recent traumatic injury and are in considerable pain and discomfort, or (2) a history and examination indicate a possible bone disease such as arthritis. (3)You have had long standing pain in an area that has not responded or resolved with care. No person is perfectly symmetrical. No one’s spine is perfectly straight and balanced. If you have no pain and your chiropractor wants to continue treatment because of what an x-ray shows, get a second opinion before you continue care.

7. Excessive visits.

When you get treated by a chiropractor, you should feel better. Depending on the nature and extent of your problem, after a few visits you should notice considerable improvement. A good way to measure is, after one to four weeks, your pain should be reduced by 40-50%, depending on how severe and how extensive your original problem was. Beware of any chiropractor who recommends a 3, 6 or 12 month treatment plan based on your first or second visit.

8. Unwillingness to work with other professionals.

If you are not getting relief, you should not have to ask for a referral, your chiropractor should have already recommended one for you.

A GOOD CHIROPRACTOR

A good chiropractor does everything he or she can to get you better as fast as possible with as few treatments as necessary. A good chiropractor will give you advice on how to avoid future problems without a costly maintenance treatment plan. A good chiropractor will only x-ray when necessary and will not use x-rays as a marketing tool to have you continue care. A good chiropractor will give you sensible nutritional advice concerning supplementation and a healthy diet without excessive pressure to purchase vitamins from the chiropractor. A good chiropractor will have a strong working relationship with allied professionals of all specialties, including family practice physicians, orthopedists, neurologists, physiatrists, physical therapists, athletic trainers and massage therapists.

This post was created from an article written by Dr. Doug Anderson, most of the article is unchanged.  Unfortunately all Chiropractors are not the same.  By following these steps you will be able to rule out the majority of the ones that do not have your best interests in mind.  If you happen to be in Gilbert Arizona or in the East Valley I would love to help you Feel, Live, & Perform Better through Chiropractic.

Chiropractors are specially trained to diagnose the specific problems that are responsible for your pain. By reviewing your health history, the history of your condition and a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination, chiropractors can diagnose the root cause of your pain. Special studies, x-rays and other testing are ordered when warranted and if not already completed . . . → Read More: WHAT IS INVOLVED IN CHIROPRACTIC CARE?]]> DIAGNOSIS:

Chiropractors are specially trained to diagnose the specific problems that are responsible for your pain. By reviewing your health history, the history of your condition and a thorough orthopedic and neurological examination, chiropractors can diagnose the root cause of your pain. Special studies, x-rays and other testing are ordered when warranted and if not already completed by your medical physician.

TREATMENT:

Chiropractors excel at treating dysfunction of joints, muscle pain, disc conditions and joint instability which often results from injuries putting you at risk for chronic pain and future injuries.

Once the cause of pain is identified, a treatment plan can be specifically tailored to your condition. Common treatments include one or a combination of the following:

• Joint Manipulation
• Massage
• Stabilization Exercises
• Self Care Advice
• Ergonomic Evaluations
• Physical Therapy Modalities
• Specialist Referral if Necessary

TREAT & RELEASE PHILOSOPHY:

Despite popular beliefs, many chiropractors practice a treat and release treatment strategy.

How does Manipulation Work?

Spinal Manipulation has both a local joint effect and physiological response on the body:

• Restrictions in joint motion are released often times resulting in a popping noise.
• Stretching of the muscles which lie next to the spine, allowing them to loosen.
• Decreases pressure between the discs of the spine which helps relieve pressure. This pressure by the discs can irritate or activate nerve endings which cause pain.
• Endorphins are released by your body which provides a natural analgesic effect.

Once the reason for your pain is diagnosed, your chiropractor will discuss if manipulation is right for you.

Normal weight gain, especially in the later phases of pregnancy puts pressure on your spinal curve, particularly the lower back which can pinch the joints of your spine together causing pain and inflammation.

Abdominal . . . → Read More: Causes of Back Pain During Pregnancy]]> Back pain is a common occurrence during pregnancy. Unlike many other common side effects of pregnancy you don’t have to grin and bear it.

Normal weight gain, especially in the later phases of pregnancy puts pressure on your spinal curve, particularly the lower back which can pinch the joints of your spine together causing pain and inflammation.

Abdominal muscles are key factors in maintaining spinal health. As these muscles stretch to accommodate your growing baby they lose their ability to help strengthen and support the spine.

Normal hormones associated with pregnancy cause the muscles and ligaments to loosen which is necessary for birth but affect the entire body.

Any of these changes alone or in combination alter how your body functions structurally and can result in back, hip, pelvic and groin pain.

The good news is that like all side effects of pregnancy these changes are temporary.

There are steps you can take to manage the pain on your own. For cases in which pain becomes distracting, chiropractors can offer a safe and effective alternative.

Chiropractors specialize in treating musculo-skeletal conditions and in particular spinal conditions including those related to pregnancy. With tables and therapeutic options that take a pregnancy into consideration you’ll find chiropractic care a safe option for managing pregnancy related back pain.