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Dynamic Chiropractic Canada
VOLUME 27, NUMBER 25
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In This Issue
Is a Group Practice Right for You?
We are often asked about the advantages and disadvantages of group practice versus solo practice. Both practice set-ups have their advantages and disadvantages. The first question we always ask is: "Do you play well with others?"
Health Care Is Being Dissected Under a National Microscope - But Where Is Chiropractic?
There is perhaps one thing we can all agree on: The chiropractic profession is not so much as a tiny voice in the back row. A panel of medical experts is advising the Obama administration on everything from single-payer systems to obesity management and end-of-life care.
Putting Evidence Into Practice
Recently the Council on Chiropractic Guidelines and Practice Parameters (CCGPP) released another best-practices chapter for review and comment: a literature synthesis of chiropractic management of thoracic spine conditions. After reviewing this chapter, I've concluded...
Increase Your Influence and Grow Your Practice With Effective Storytelling
I talked about the importance of listening to patients' stories as a way to negotiate a shared reality and improve clinical outcomes. Let's take our discussion of the value of compelling narrative a step further, with the attention now on how you can use stories...
Finding the Right Ingredients for Leadership
I have been expressing concern to my close friends and colleagues in chiropractic, many of whom have also been practicing for several decades, about where our profession will find its next group of leaders. It seems as if the old saying, "When the problem occurred...

In Remembrance: Nutri-West Founder Passes Away
Dr. Paul Anthony White, founder of Wyoming-based nutritional manufacturer Nutri-West and one of 12 founding members of the International College of Applied Kinesiology, passed away on Oct. 17, 2009, at the age of 70. 
Breaking Ground: New Building in the Works for NBCE
The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE), headquartered in Greeley, Colo., since 1978 and at its current facility in West Greeley for the past 19 years, recently broke ground on a new 15,000 square-foot, $2.5 million meeting facility scheduled to be completed in May 2010.
Who Has the Answers? Chiropractic Does
As the health care debate rages, the spotlight is beginning to shine on some of the real culprits behind our soaring health care costs: poor lifestyle habits. An alarmingly large percentage of this country's health care expenditures is directly attributable to the way we...
Freedom, Creativity -- and Systems?
If you've ever gone to a seminars on practice growth, taken any courses on the topic, or even talked to people who have, then you know the concept of "systemization" is a big one. At first glance, it seems like something dreamed up in the furthest corner of...
Looking Back at the Crystal Ball: Practice Technology Four Years Later
What was controversial four years ago, but not anymore? How about the following three statements: (1) More chiropractors will adopt electronic documentation in the near future. (2) Medicare will increase audits of chiropractors. (3) Electronic health records...
Advocacy in Action on Capitol Hill
"I assume you are here to discuss chiropractic issues." I replied: "No, I am here to discuss patient issues." I was meeting with the legislative director of my congressman during a recent trip to Washington, D.C. I was there primarily in my role as chair of the Chiropractic Health Care (CHC) section of the American Public Health Association, and my first venture at advocacy on Capitol Hill resulted in a very enjoyable and interesting discussion.
State-by-State Support of Chiropractic
The Foundation for Chiropractic Progress (FCP) is launching a new national campaign to continue its goal of generating positive press about our profession. The FCP is asking all chiropractic state associations to join this State-by-State Across America campaign.

The Iliopsoas: A Possible Cause of Acetabular Labrum Tear
An anatomic study that appeared recently in the American Journal of Sports Medicine1 identified – for the first time – the cross-sectional anatomy of the iliopsoas tendon at the level of the labrum. Several authors have implicated iliopsoas impingement on the anterior...
Research Abstracts From the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Objective: Investigation into the alleviation of long-term effects of infant colic on the toddler is a neglected area of research. The aim of this study was to document any behavioral or sleep disturbances experienced by post-colicky toddlers who were previously treated...
News in Brief
The American Chiropractic Association and other members of the Patients' Access to Responsible Care Alliance (PARCA) are hailing new legislation that would permanently repeal the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula used by Medicare to determine annual health...
We Get Letters & E-Mail
Professionals are frequently offered courses, seminars, programs and even new organizations in nutrition that claim to "certify" the doctor in nutrition. It can be a confusing dilemma to decide what course of action to take. Should I be "certified" by this group or that group?
Glutathione: The Body’s Master Detoxifier and Antioxidant
Glutathione is a tripeptide comprised of the amino acids L-cysteine, L-glutamic and glycine. At the cellular level, glutathione functions as a water-soluble antioxidant and is directly involved in specific detoxification reactions that protect the body against various dangerous substances.1
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NCCAM Featured Content
Research Symposium Will Explore the Science of CAM
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) will celebrate a decade of rigorous research with NCCAM's 10th Anniversary Research Symposium: Exploring the Science of Complementary ...
 
Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Focus on Research and Care November 2009
Urinary Tract Conditions: Examining the Evidence on Cranberry and Saw PalmettoPatients with urinary tract infections often ask health care providers about using complementary and alternative medicine to ...
 
Pai You Guo, Marketed as Dietary Supplement, Recalled
GMP Herbal Products and FDA notified consumers and healthcare professionals of a recall of Pai You Guo, a weight loss dietary supplement, due to the presence of undeclared drug ingredients. FDA lab analyses ...
 
IDS Sports Voluntary Nationwide Recall of Products
IDS Sports announced today that it is conducting a voluntary nationwide recall of five of the companys dietary supplement products sold under the following names: Bromodrol, Dual Action Grow Tabs, Grow ...
 
Chinese Herbal Medicine May Benefit People With Pre-Diabetes, But Evidence Is Inconclusive
People with pre-diabetes have higher than normal levels of blood glucose, a form of sugar the body uses for energy. Pre-diabetes, also called impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance, can ...
 
Bodybuilding.com Alert
Bodybuilding.com and FDA notified healthcare professionals and patients of a nationwide and international recall of all lots and expiration dates of 65 dietary supplement products that were sold through ...
 
Study Suggests That Both Traditional and Simulated Acupuncture Relieve Pain but by Different Mechanisms
Although acupuncture has long been used to treat pain, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. The process appears to involve the brain's ability to produce opioids (pain-reducing ...
 
Alternative Health News
Working as if Energy Matters
I started by asking what my audience valued most about their work. Like corn popping, answers came from the audience of 35 professionals who had signed up for my seminar.
Refunding for Incorrect Coding
Blue Cross Blue Shield is beginning to audit acupuncture claims for accuracy. When it is found that there is invalid coding, Blue Cross Blue Shield is seeking reimbursement for the incorrectly coded services.
Welcome the Pain
One reason I admire Mr. Zion Yu is that he is able to treat extremely complicated cases very simply and directly. His life-long study of acupuncture has led him to many discoveries and inventive ways to share this healing system.
The Initial Consultation: Getting to the Heart of the Matter, Part 8
In previous installments of this series, I emphasized the importance of questioning deeper than the superficial information or data to reach the unique individual patient and understand how, and in what way, they are in need of help and support.
News in Brief
PCOM, Chicago is launching its newly accredited program, the Massage Therapy/Asian Bodywork Certificate. The Clean Needle Technique Manual for Acupuncturists: Guidelines and Standards for the Clean and Safe Practice of Acupuncture, 6th Edition, has undergone an extensive update and reorganization of information.
Tips From the Field: Creating a Supply Kit
"What supplies should I take with me?" I've been asked this question a lot over the years by massage therapists anticipating work in eldercare or hospice settings. This situation is far different from having an office space with all your supplies conveniently available.
Examining the Flow of Qi Through the Organ Systems
The flow of qi is one of the basic constituents of the human body and its functions; our body's ability to make quality qi is essential to good health.
The Connection Between Qi Gong and Massage
The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon (Neijing) was compiled in 200 BC and is still considered the bible of Chinese medicine today. The Neijing discusses four major healing modalities: acupuncture, pharmacology (herbs), massage and qi gong.
The Silent Progression of Kidney Infections and Stone Formation
There is a strong possibility that the chronic or semi-acute somatic complaints of your clients may have a deeper origin than biomechanical strain. In fact, their somatic difficulties may be associated with the progressing development of kidney stones or infections.
'Tis the Season of Giving
Our public health column has a history of encouraging both practitioners and students to consider mixing business with pleasure. We'd like to share with you some programs that just might add the boost you need to your CEUs, your practice and your soul.
Fixing Achy Hips
Structurally oriented therapists are keenly aware of the crucial role proper iliosacral alignment plays in preventing compensatory low back and SI joint pain.
We Get Letters
Massage Today encourages letters to the editor to discuss matters relating to the publication’s content. Letters may be edited for space and clarity, and published in a future issue or online.
The Tao of Wii
Over the past few years, the Nintendo Wii has become very popular in homes, as well as in physiotherapy for rehabilitation. The Wii Fit exercise program was introduced in May 2008 and has sold more than 6.5 million copies in the United States.
Holistic Nutrition Your Patients Are Craving
Most of your patients are taking a multivitamin. If they aren't, they know they probably should. They might be taking vitamin C for immunity, or vitamin E because they heard it has antioxidant actions. But is what they're taking making a difference?
AAAOM a Hit at National Foundation for Women Legislators' Convention
Giant strides were taken to ensure health care options for the American public when more than 30 acupuncturists attended the National Federation for Women Legislators' (NFWL) 72nd annual convention this Labor Day weekend in Albuquerque.
Essential Oils for Pain Relief, Part 2
Essential oils that treat the nervous system and bring down swelling may be only part of the picture when dealing with pain relief. Joint pain and muscle injury or chronic stiffness may also require bringing more circulation into the area and removing toxins.
We Get Letters
In an Acupuncture Today article by Jake Paul Fratkin, "In Praise of the Lowly Clinician," he states "In no case will I take cases that I feel I have little chance for improvement, and for me, this includes neurological conditions such as Parkinson's, stroke, Alzheimer's or problems due to genetic defects.
A Few Shameless Self-Promoting Tips to Build Your Practice
Promoting your business does not need to be a huge task weighed down with labor and expense. Often, all you need is a groundswell of ideas, and then follow with a little effort.
Support for First Professional Doctorate Increasing
There seems to be no doubt that one of the major issues facing the acupuncture and Oriental medicine profession is that of FPD, which would be a doctorate degree that prepares a graduate for working in the AOM field, by emphasizing competency skills along with theory and analysis.
An Alternative Approach to Stretching
Clinicians, athletes and rehabilitation specialists advocate stretching as a means for injury prevention and treatment. The primary purpose of any stretching technique is to enhance pliability and flexibility in the soft tissues.
Active Isolated Stretching: Empowerment through Flexibility
Massage therapists are expected to alleviate stress, help with relaxation, and relieve pain caused by injuries, repetitive use and physical limitations. A therapist's success in doing so often leads clients to view their massage therapist as a "cure-all."
Treatment and Prevention of H1N1 Swine Flu
As the H1N1 swine flu sweeps across the world, it is important to keep several things in mind. First of all, while all flu is deadly, this one appears milder in symptoms and duration than the common flu.
The First Stop on the Road to Compliance
In March 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved new guidelines for acupuncturists dispensing herbs. According to the FDA, Chinese herbs are classified as dietary supplements.
Clients Who Are Reluctant to See a Physician
Whenever a client comes to me with an injury or pain condition, I make sure the person goes to see a physician if they have not already. I recommend this policy to all the practitioners I have trained around the country, and believe it is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our clients, our profession, and ourselves.
Practice Building: Taking Your Massage Practice to the Next Level
Many massage therapists are frustrated by how the current economic situation has affected their practice. They are having difficulty making ends meet while trying to find or maintain continuous employment.
Taking Medicated Diet Into the 21st Century
As a matter of course in traditional medicine, one is faced with the undeniable truth concerning herbal concoctions; they taste awful. In order to circumvent this, the resourceful herbalist prescribes food recipes that can replace the foul-tasting brews.
After the Baby is Born, Continued
I was lying in bed trying to get my two sons asleep thinking about what I was going to write this article about. The deadline for submission was two days past and I had not even started writing it yet. Worse than that, I had no idea about what I was going to write.
AMTA Convention: Largest Attendance Ever
The 2009 American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) national convention held September 23-26 in Orlando welcomed more than 1,800 attendees and nearly 100 vendors, making it the largest annual AMTA convention ever.
World Massage Conference, Nov. 12-17
Join thousands of massage therapists in the largest event in the history of massage for a live conference without ever leaving your home. The World Massage Conference is a live, web-based massage conference that will be held November 12-17, 2009.
Spinal Hua Tuo Points
Without question, some of the most dynamic acupuncture points on the human body are known as the Hua Tuo Jia Ji points. These points, philosophically and clinically, may effectively treat every condition of the human system. They are extremely easy to locate and use.
AMTA Board of Directors Disbands Council of Schools
After months of evaluation, the AMTA's Governance Committee recommended the association's board of directors (BOD) vote to remove sections of the bylaws that refer to the COS, effectively dissolving the COS as an AMTA organization.
Death and the Clinic
Today, I cried. I sat down to write this piece, attempting to purge, but it will not leave. The grief is older than this one lifetime. I have read that Taoist practitioners were able to read "past life" imbalances in a pulse and how they affected the present life.
Massage Today T-Shirt Photo Contest Extended
Due to the recent availability of the Massage Today T-shirt for purchase, we have extended the deadline of our Massage Today T-shirt photo contest.
Symposium on Journey to Success
Have you ever said to yourself, "Wow, I really got something out of that," at the end of a symposium? I just returned home from such an event. In early October 2009, the Institute of Classical Five Element Acupuncture hosted an international symposium, "Continuing the Journey."
Manageable Fitness Solutions
A lot has changed in the world of massage therapy since I first started practicing more than 25 years ago. While massage has been used for healing in East Asia for a long time, our attitude towards it in the U.S. has evolved from a practice that simply feels good, into a necessary part of professional sports, and a respected form of alternative healing.
Farewell: Keep Sharing the Love
After nearly nine years of contributing as a columnist for Massage Today, Dr. John Upledger tells his readers farewell and leaves us with inspiring insight to this special field of work.

Soft Tissue

By Warren Hammer, MS, DC, DABCO

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Warren Hammer, a graduate of Lincoln Chiropractic College, has been in practice in Norwalk, Conn. since 1959. For the past 25 years, Dr. Hammer blends a keen interest in soft-tissue methods of healing with his expertise in spinal adjusting. He has studied numerous soft-tissue methods and applies them to the practice of chiropractic.

Dr. Hammer's third edition of Functional Soft-Tissue Examination and Treatment by Manual Methods is available from Jones & Bartlett publishers. He writes a regular column for Dynamic Chiropractic and has written articles for prominent journals such as Chiropractic Sports Medicine, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Chiropractic Technique and the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.

Dr. Hammer has lectured for the Motion Palpation Institute since 1987, and has lectured nationally and internationally on the examination and treatment of soft-tissue lesions.
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