tag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1250480 %ISSUE_DATE%T09:25:32-07:00 Injury treatments, and dealing with issues related to athletic activities. TypePad tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56557 2013-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

What makes an individual an expert in concussions? Obtaining education about concussions and treating concussed patients are two factors that lead to expertise. Personal experience of suffering from multiple concussions is another factor that adds great depth to understanding concussion signs and symptoms, and the challenges of recovering from them.

By Todd Turnbull, DC, CCSP What makes an individual an expert in concussions? Obtaining education about concussions and treating concussed patients are two factors that lead to expertise. Personal experience of suffering from multiple concussions is another factor that adds great depth to understanding concussion signs and symptoms, and the challenges of recovering from them. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56554 2013-07-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-07-01T12:00:07-07:00

While resting between exercises at the gym recently, a young lifter asked me for a spot on a set of barbell bench presses. The bar was loaded with a moderately heavy amount of weight that at first glance appeared to be too heavy for his frame. He began his set and immediately began bouncing the bar off his chest. As he progressed in reps and began struggling with the weight, he arched his back, thrusting his pelvis up and pushing his head into the bench. I just had to shake my head as he got up looking immensely satisfied with his set.

By Linsay Way, DC While resting between exercises at the gym recently, a young lifter asked me for a spot on a set of barbell bench presses. The bar was loaded with a moderately heavy amount of weight that at first glance appeared to be too heavy for his frame. He began his set and immediately began bouncing the bar off his chest. As he progressed in reps and began struggling with the weight, he arched his back, thrusting his pelvis up and pushing his head into the bench. I just had to shake my head as he got up looking immensely satisfied with his set. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56548 2013-06-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-15T12:00:07-07:00

Prescribing patients home exercises can be critical for their recovery, but getting patients to exercise - not so easy. The good news is that new online systems can save time, improve feedback, measure outcome, and motivate compliance while building patient satisfaction.

By Brian Graham, DC and Michael Richards Prescribing patients home exercises can be critical for their recovery, but getting patients to exercise - not so easy. The good news is that new online systems can save time, improve feedback, measure outcome, and motivate compliance while building patient satisfaction. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56528 2013-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

Many people become injured because of instability, weakness and poor neural-sequencing patterns in the core. Lack of bracing and support from the inner core cylinder during coronal and transverse movements makes the body vulnerable to compensation injuries. What's the one vector of movement people function in most of the time? The sagittal plane.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Many people become injured because of instability, weakness and poor neural-sequencing patterns in the core. Lack of bracing and support from the inner core cylinder during coronal and transverse movements makes the body vulnerable to compensation injuries. What's the one vector of movement people function in most of the time? The sagittal plane. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56526 2013-06-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-06-01T12:00:07-07:00

This program is intended for two groups of people: 1) those who want to engage in resistance exercises for the major regions of their body without developing back pain in the process; and 2) those who already have back pain and want to do resistance exercises, but consistently re-irritate their back when trying to do so. There is a point at which traditional methods of exercise fail to do what is hoped for: a more pain-free and fit body with increased endurance and muscle tone. This does not make traditional training methods bad or wrong. This simply means that for many, a new and safer path is needed at a certain point.

By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC This program is intended for two groups of people: 1) those who want to engage in resistance exercises for the major regions of their body without developing back pain in the process; and 2) those who already have back pain and want to do resistance exercises, but consistently re-irritate their back when trying to do so. There is a point at which traditional methods of exercise fail to do what is hoped for: a more pain-free and fit body with increased endurance and muscle tone. This does not make traditional training methods bad or wrong. This simply means that for many, a new and safer path is needed at a certain point. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56515 2013-05-09T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-09T12:00:07-07:00

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) held its annual meeting from April 29 to May 3, 2013, in San Francisco. At the annual meeting, which took place on Friday, May 3, two minor changes were made to bylaws that enable board members to hold meetings by electronic meeting systems and to enable the board to communicate with state boards electronically.

The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) held its annual meeting from April 29 to May 3, 2013, in San Francisco. At the annual meeting, which took place on Friday, May 3, two minor changes were made to bylaws that enable board members to hold meetings by electronic meeting systems and to enable the board to communicate with state boards electronically. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56491 2013-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

Transitioning a patient into dynamic movement stability is a critical component of ongoing maintenance care. Once people experience pain, they often develop a subconscious fear of movement. They are scared of getting hurt again with even the simplest activities of daily living; subsequently, poor movement patterns and compensations result. Stiffness and tightness take hold in an effort to obtain safety and security.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Transitioning a patient into dynamic movement stability is a critical component of ongoing maintenance care. Once people experience pain, they often develop a subconscious fear of movement. They are scared of getting hurt again with even the simplest activities of daily living; subsequently, poor movement patterns and compensations result. Stiffness and tightness take hold in an effort to obtain safety and security. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56486 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

With the subculture of barefoot runners and the products catering to them growing daily, just about every chiropractor has been asked at one point or another about their opinion regarding barefoot running. The feet are some of the body's most beautifully efficient mechanisms, so changing the way they're used every day shouldn't be done haphazardly.

By Linsay Way, DC With the subculture of barefoot runners and the products catering to them growing daily, just about every chiropractor has been asked at one point or another about their opinion regarding barefoot running. The feet are some of the body's most beautifully efficient mechanisms, so changing the way they're used every day shouldn't be done haphazardly. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56477 2013-05-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-15T12:00:07-07:00

With the death of Joe Weider, the world's most famous body-building visionary, crusader, fitness magazine publisher and icon, on March 23, 2013, chiropractic has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. Just like our chiropractic profession, Joe traveled a controversial road as a health advocate. He was the architect of body-building, which was frowned upon and picked on in the '40s, '50s and '60s by the AMA and FDA.

By LeRoy Perry Jr., DC With the death of Joe Weider, the world's most famous body-building visionary, crusader, fitness magazine publisher and icon, on March 23, 2013, chiropractic has lost one of its greatest friends and supporters. Just like our chiropractic profession, Joe traveled a controversial road as a health advocate. He was the architect of body-building, which was frowned upon and picked on in the '40s, '50s and '60s by the AMA and FDA. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56470 2013-05-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-05-01T12:00:07-07:00

I was coaching my high-school snowboarding team in a halfpipe competition when I saw a competitor from another team crash. He fell face down, hitting his head on the snow. He stood up and immediately fell backward, then stood up a second time, trying to finish his run, and fell forward with no control over his balance. I was standing 400 feet away from him at the top of the halfpipe, talking to him in my mind, telling him to just lie still and wait for ski patrol. Thankfully, he complied.

By Todd Turnbull, DC, CCSP I was coaching my high-school snowboarding team in a halfpipe competition when I saw a competitor from another team crash. He fell face down, hitting his head on the snow. He stood up and immediately fell backward, then stood up a second time, trying to finish his run, and fell forward with no control over his balance. I was standing 400 feet away from him at the top of the halfpipe, talking to him in my mind, telling him to just lie still and wait for ski patrol. Thankfully, he complied. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56422 2013-04-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-04-01T12:00:07-07:00

Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. The syndrome is made up of five conditions; hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity. Individually, these conditions are significant health problems; together, their effect can be devastating.

By K. Jeffrey Miller, DC, DABCO Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. The syndrome is made up of five conditions; hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia and obesity. Individually, these conditions are significant health problems; together, their effect can be devastating. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56417 2013-03-13T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-13T12:00:07-07:00

The University of Western States recently began a master's program in sports and exercise science. The program is providing students with experience in the specialization, assessment, and treatment of athlete populations. Throughout the program, several practical opportunities are available to work with the local high-school athletes as well as at various sporting events in a supervised setting.

The University of Western States recently began a master's program in sports and exercise science. The program is providing students with experience in the specialization, assessment, and treatment of athlete populations. Throughout the program, several practical opportunities are available to work with the local high-school athletes as well as at various sporting events in a supervised setting. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56411 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

What is core stability, and how can we train it automatically without conscious thought? Core stability "describes the ability of the trunk to support force production, and withstand forces acting upon it." Core stability is often confused with core strength, whereby the central torso muscles are trained with high-threshold exercises in order to produce and withstand large force demands.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA What is core stability, and how can we train it automatically without conscious thought? Core stability "describes the ability of the trunk to support force production, and withstand forces acting upon it." Core stability is often confused with core strength, whereby the central torso muscles are trained with high-threshold exercises in order to produce and withstand large force demands. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56407 2013-03-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-15T12:00:07-07:00

I was hanging out with my wife and her friends, one of whom was accompanied by a date. We got to talking and a simple bar chat turned into a conversation about a groin injury he had sustained. At first, his description seemed like a routine groin strain. The more we talked, the less typical it seemed.

By Marco Lopez, DC, CCEP I was hanging out with my wife and her friends, one of whom was accompanied by a date. We got to talking and a simple bar chat turned into a conversation about a groin injury he had sustained. At first, his description seemed like a routine groin strain. The more we talked, the less typical it seemed. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56380 2013-02-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-15T12:00:07-07:00

Decreased thoracic spine rotation may play a pivotal role in many musculoskeletal injures. An optimally functioning thoracic spine should have more mobility than the lumbar spine for efficient movement. Today's largely sedentary population, with their dysfunctional postures, live with perpetual thoracic hyperkyphosis, rounded shoulders, forward neck translation and decreased hip extension. The anterior fascial chain is inherently tight and the posterior chain weak and underused.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Decreased thoracic spine rotation may play a pivotal role in many musculoskeletal injures. An optimally functioning thoracic spine should have more mobility than the lumbar spine for efficient movement. Today's largely sedentary population, with their dysfunctional postures, live with perpetual thoracic hyperkyphosis, rounded shoulders, forward neck translation and decreased hip extension. The anterior fascial chain is inherently tight and the posterior chain weak and underused. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56377 2013-03-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-03-01T12:00:07-07:00

Let's explore some basic ways to assess functional strength and stability relative to the lower back, including a couple of simple tests to determine key lower back muscular stability, and several exercises and activities to normalize function.

By Marc Heller, DC Let's explore some basic ways to assess functional strength and stability relative to the lower back, including a couple of simple tests to determine key lower back muscular stability, and several exercises and activities to normalize function. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56369 2013-02-15T12:00:32-07:00 2013-02-15T12:00:07-07:00

On Oct. 26, 2012, I had the pleasure of speaking with the developer of the Functional Movement Screen, Gray Cook, MPT, OCS, CSCS, at the annual Perform Better / FMS Seminar in Los Angeles, regarding the purpose of the FMS and its potential role in the healing arts - especially in chiropractic.

By Robert "Skip" George, DC, CCSP, CSCS On Oct. 26, 2012, I had the pleasure of speaking with the developer of the Functional Movement Screen, Gray Cook, MPT, OCS, CSCS, at the annual Perform Better / FMS Seminar in Los Angeles, regarding the purpose of the FMS and its potential role in the healing arts - especially in chiropractic. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56302 2013-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

The patient is a pleasant, but anxious 14-year-old female with a history of an opposing player kicking her left side, causing pain at the groin / hip region, during a water polo tournament 10 months ago. Her symptoms started almost immediately: sharp pain in her groin with some progression of radiation into her left backside. To date, her pain subsides only to worsen with increased activity (e.g., moderate interference in activities related to training for the sport: "eggbeater" kicks). The patient's pain level is rated as a 6/10 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being severe pain. The quality of the pain is aching.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP The patient is a pleasant, but anxious 14-year-old female with a history of an opposing player kicking her left side, causing pain at the groin / hip region, during a water polo tournament 10 months ago. Her symptoms started almost immediately: sharp pain in her groin with some progression of radiation into her left backside. To date, her pain subsides only to worsen with increased activity (e.g., moderate interference in activities related to training for the sport: "eggbeater" kicks). The patient's pain level is rated as a 6/10 on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being severe pain. The quality of the pain is aching. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56297 2013-01-01T12:00:32-07:00 2013-01-01T12:00:07-07:00

Anterior elbow pain is commonly associated with problems of the musculotendinous complex of the biceps muscle. However, anterior elbow pain can also be associated with a lesser known musculotendinous disorder involving the brachialis muscle: climber's elbow.

By K. Jeffrey Miller, DC, DABCO Anterior elbow pain is commonly associated with problems of the musculotendinous complex of the biceps muscle. However, anterior elbow pain can also be associated with a lesser known musculotendinous disorder involving the brachialis muscle: climber's elbow. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56245 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

Leonardo DaVinci is quoted as saying, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." So very true, and the baby get-up, which is one of the most powerful and simple movement assessments you can perform, proves it. Inspired from a regressed version of the Turkish get-up used in the world of kettlebell training, this pure maneuver divulges information about movement symmetry, durability factors and injury risk.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Leonardo DaVinci is quoted as saying, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." So very true, and the baby get-up, which is one of the most powerful and simple movement assessments you can perform, proves it. Inspired from a regressed version of the Turkish get-up used in the world of kettlebell training, this pure maneuver divulges information about movement symmetry, durability factors and injury risk. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56242 2012-12-02T12:00:32-07:00 2012-12-02T12:00:07-07:00

The evidence about stretching is a bit hazy, but certainly points in a particular direction. Stretching does not do what we used to think it does. I'll refer you to the Save Yourself blog by a skeptical PT, Paul Ingraham. He is sometimes a bit over the top and may throw out the baby with the bathwater, but I basically agree with what he is saying about stretching.

By Marc Heller, DC The evidence about stretching is a bit hazy, but certainly points in a particular direction. Stretching does not do what we used to think it does. I'll refer you to the Save Yourself blog by a skeptical PT, Paul Ingraham. He is sometimes a bit over the top and may throw out the baby with the bathwater, but I basically agree with what he is saying about stretching. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56219 2012-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

Iliotibial band syndrome is a common injury, occurring in up to 12 percent of all runners.1 The pain associated with this syndrome is often described as "burning" and is reproduced clinically with Noble's test, in which the examiner compresses the distal band against the lateral femoral condyle while the knee is flexed 30 degrees. Although early research suggested the iliotibial band produced injury by snapping back and forth over the lateral femoral condyle (traumatizing the bursa trapped beneath), more recent research confirms that this theory is invalid.

By Thomas Michaud, DC Iliotibial band syndrome is a common injury, occurring in up to 12 percent of all runners.1 The pain associated with this syndrome is often described as "burning" and is reproduced clinically with Noble's test, in which the examiner compresses the distal band against the lateral femoral condyle while the knee is flexed 30 degrees. Although early research suggested the iliotibial band produced injury by snapping back and forth over the lateral femoral condyle (traumatizing the bursa trapped beneath), more recent research confirms that this theory is invalid. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56215 2012-11-18T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-18T12:00:07-07:00

A study published in the Aug. 6, 2012 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that men who perform weight training for an average of 150 minutes per week reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by 34 percent. This finding is particularly interesting in that generally, we think of aerobic (endurance) exercise as an important intervention to prevent and treat diabetes. The study by A. Grontved and fellow researchers suggests that the addition of weight training to a healthy diet and aerobic exercise plan may offer additional protection against the development of type 2 diabetes.

By James P. Meschino, DC, MS A study published in the Aug. 6, 2012 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine suggests that men who perform weight training for an average of 150 minutes per week reduce their risk of type 2 diabetes by 34 percent. This finding is particularly interesting in that generally, we think of aerobic (endurance) exercise as an important intervention to prevent and treat diabetes. The study by A. Grontved and fellow researchers suggests that the addition of weight training to a healthy diet and aerobic exercise plan may offer additional protection against the development of type 2 diabetes. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56213 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

The term Achilles heel is often used to describe weakness or vulnerability. It is derived from the Greek mythology legend of Achilles, who was dipped into the river Styx by his mother to make him invincible. His heel was not covered by the water and he was later killed by an arrow wound to his heel. What's the lesson? There is always a vulnerable area of the body.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA The term Achilles heel is often used to describe weakness or vulnerability. It is derived from the Greek mythology legend of Achilles, who was dipped into the river Styx by his mother to make him invincible. His heel was not covered by the water and he was later killed by an arrow wound to his heel. What's the lesson? There is always a vulnerable area of the body. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56204 2012-11-04T12:00:32-07:00 2012-11-04T12:00:07-07:00

Low-compression resistance exercises can be effective for patients with back and neck pain, particularly those with spinal injuries or degenerative conditions. These exercises are not designed to exercise every muscle of the body at different angles or make patients more athletic (although that may happen). They are designed to generally increase overall strength, tone and well-being.

By Joseph D. Kurnik, DC Low-compression resistance exercises can be effective for patients with back and neck pain, particularly those with spinal injuries or degenerative conditions. These exercises are not designed to exercise every muscle of the body at different angles or make patients more athletic (although that may happen). They are designed to generally increase overall strength, tone and well-being. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56160 2012-10-07T12:00:32-07:00 2012-10-07T12:00:07-07:00

Humans are genetically designed to move a lot. Our bodies are physiologically predisposed toward movement and are far more responsive to movement-based stimulation. Movement is a way of life; it is not something to be concentrated in a specialized location at a particular time of the day.

By Perry Nickelston, DC, FMS, SFMA Humans are genetically designed to move a lot. Our bodies are physiologically predisposed toward movement and are far more responsive to movement-based stimulation. Movement is a way of life; it is not something to be concentrated in a specialized location at a particular time of the day. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56130 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

Endurance and recreational athletes alike may experience glycogen depletion during exercise, known in athletic circles as "hitting the wall." When eaten, carbohydrates break down into small sugars (glucose, fructose and galactose) that get absorbed and used as energy. Any glucose not needed right away gets stored in the muscles and the liver in the form of glycogen, and is the substrate used for exercise. Simply stated, "hitting the wall" is when blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen stores are low or dangerously depleted.

By Nancy Martin-Molina, DC, QME, MBA, CCSP Endurance and recreational athletes alike may experience glycogen depletion during exercise, known in athletic circles as "hitting the wall." When eaten, carbohydrates break down into small sugars (glucose, fructose and galactose) that get absorbed and used as energy. Any glucose not needed right away gets stored in the muscles and the liver in the form of glycogen, and is the substrate used for exercise. Simply stated, "hitting the wall" is when blood glucose, liver and muscle glycogen stores are low or dangerously depleted. tag:mpamedia.com,2008:post-56129 2012-09-23T12:00:32-07:00 2012-09-23T12:00:07-07:00

The very first time a yoga teacher told to me to lean forward against a wall to do a modified down dog (wall dog), I was petrified. My lower back, my discs, do not like sustained flexion. The yoga teacher showed me that the goal was to lengthen the spine and keep it in neutral. Once I got over my fear, the modified down dog became a mainstay of my disc exercise routines.

By Marc Heller, DC The very first time a yoga teacher told to me to lean forward against a wall to do a modified down dog (wall dog), I was petrified. My lower back, my discs, do not like sustained flexion. The yoga teacher showed me that the goal was to lengthen the spine and keep it in neutral. Once I got over my fear, the modified down dog became a mainstay of my disc exercise routines.