We get a lot of common questions we thought we would answer here. Injury and non-injury back, neck, or extremity pain can feel very much the same. We can help both, but they are two very different conditions.
Q: How is scar tissue different from other tissue?
A: When viewed under a microscope, normal tissue can take a couple of different fashions: dense, regular elongated fibers running in the same direction, such as tendons and ligaments; or dense, irregular and loose with fibers running in multiple directions. In either instance, when tissue is damaged it will heal in a haphazard pattern--or scarring--that results in a restricted range of motion and, very often, pain.
Q: Why is scar tissue a problem?
A: Scar tissue limits range of motion, and in many instances causes pain, which prevents the patient from functioning as he or she did before the injury.
Q: I am trying to exercise and get healthy. Why are my joints hurting that didn't hurt before?
A: Many times we have been so inactive that our body is not acustomed to the sudden increase and demand that is put on the joints of the body, especially the large joints such as the knees, hips, and spine. It is important to remember the 10% rule for increasing activity. Never increase your activity more than 10% per week. This is difficult to estimate if you are starting from nothing and it is very common to be sore when suddenly increasing your activity. For those that are already active and looking to increase their training the 10% rule works very well to keep the body at a point where it can adapt without increasing the chance for injury.
Q: What risks are there with my children who play sports and what can chiropractic do to help?
A: Children are at a very critical state in their development and function. Growing bones and muscles dramatically change how joints interact with one another. Children are very prone to sprains, strains, and other sports injuries with the increased demands of today's athletics. However it is also extremely important for these youth to stay active and develop good habits for their futures. Chiropractic can help in many ways with children from birth to adulthood. By placing the body in optimum biomechanical movements and teaching proper technique, chiropractic can help to prevent injuries. Chiropractic is also benificial to help speed recovery from current injury or re-occuring injuries because it treats the root of the problem and doesn't simply cover it up with medication and surgeries which can make the problem worse! By placing the body's joints in proper motion and relationship to one another and by implimenting proven rehabilitation techniques we can speed your young athlete's recovery and get them back in competition quickly.
Q: How does chiropractic improve my game?
A: Chiropractic has many advantages over any other kind of sports enhancement. It specifically targets and corrects the biomechanical function of the muscles and joints to optimize their function and motion. Along with restoring motion, specialized exercises specific to your sports will help you to achieve the best results possible. Many athletes have been extremely satisfied with how chiropractic care has improved their game and allowed them to continue competing at their peek level. So whether you are a professional athlete or just a weekend road warrior come in and see what chiropractic can do for your game! However your doctor must be trained for sports enhancements such as specialized certifications and eduction. One of the most recognized and distinguished credentials is the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. These individuals go through a rigorous training and education as well as a grueling examination in order to obtain this high honor.
Q: I was told that surgery was my only option. Is this true? What else is there?
A: Chiropractic has long been known for its ability to help individuals recover from injury and restore function without the use of surgery or medication. Only you, not your doctor can decide if surgery is right for you. That's right, YOU! Surgery is not as evil as it might sound. However if we can avoid it, it is always more benifitial to our bodies. Surgery causees scar tissue and may not always repair the damage like one hoped for. It may not restore function as anticipated and may even create more problems. Chiropractic is often a last resort for individuals looking to avoid surgery. The truth is that it should be your first option when looking to recover from any injury no matter how big or small. Chiropractic can place your body in optimal working condition and help reduce the stress on specific joints and allow them to recover on their own with minimal medication and without surgery. It attacks the problem at the root of the source and allows the body to recover on it's own more quickly. If you are facing surgery and would like to avoid it give me a call today for a free consultation. Not everyone can avoid surgery, though many can! We also specialize in post surgery recovery and help restore normal function after surgery too.
