For some people, winter means outdoor fun. Snowboarding, skiing, tobogganing, snowmobiling, hockey, ice-skating, or other cold-weather activity dominates their leisure time.

Still, various injuries can occur from outdoor sports, and the recovery can be lengthy. Here are some of the more common problems that tend to take place.

• Rotator cuff injury. The rotator cuff is made up of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. A tear or impingement can result in significant pain, limited range of motion, swelling, and sleeping difficulties. A chiropractor often addresses this type of injury with ice, massage, short-term immobilization, stretching, exercise, and/or adjustments. Naturally, the stage of the recovery will determine the appropriate treatment.
• Knee injury. Knees take a lot of grief because they are crucial weight bearing joints. In fact, they rely heavily on surrounding tendons and muscles for strength and steadiness. Following a thorough analysis to determine the nature of the injury, a chiropractor will typically approach pain and inflammation by leg bracing, icing, cold laser treatment, massage, exercise, and/or adjustments. A common result? Stronger knees!
• Whiplash. Some people think whiplash occurs only in a car, but any fast-paced situation can whip the head back and forth. Naturally, the neck can sustain harm from this type of motion. The effects of whiplash may be felt immediately, but sometimes it takes days for the problem to surface. Whiplash severity varies from one individual to another; consequently, treatment is personalized to individual findings. Nonetheless, therapy often includes spinal manipulation, massage, and/or adjustments.
• Head injury. Head injuries are always considered serious and should be addressed immediately by emergency personnel. It is imperative to carry out the proper tests to rule out life-threatening conditions like fractures, swelling of the brain, and concussion. Once it has been determined the situation is treatable outside a hospital setting, a chiropractor can evaluate the injury and propose a course of therapy.

Yes, winter spells p-l-e-a-s-u-r-e for certain individuals. Even so, it is important to keep in mind that cold-weather sports can result in injury, especially when muscles are insufficiently prepared to engage in the activity.

Dr. Cao successfully treats many sports injuries, but she also teaches important strengthening techniques to help prevent future problems. So, call 508-752-5150 today and start feeling stronger!

Most of us hope to begin a New Year with resolutions that reap rewards.  So, in honor of 2012, here are some suggestions to consider:

• Sit/stand properly.  Some people assume a hunched position when standing, walking, or sitting.  Yet, poor posture can lead to painful consequences.  Therefore, try to keep your shoulders back, neck erect, and head high.  When muscles in this area develop imbalances, spinal problems can occur.

• Hydrate with water.  Certain individuals consume sugary drinks and believe they are adequately fulfilling their fluid requirements.  However, liquids such as these are unhealthy for a number of reasons.  Consequently, substitute a glass of purified water for one of the beverages.  As you grow comfortable with this routine, gradually increase your water intake until all sweetened drinks (e.g., soda) are no longer desirable.  It may take a little while to accomplish this resolution, but once you do, soda will be a distant memory.

• Commit to exercise. This to-do has been mentioned before, but it deserves repeating.  Cardio workouts such as treadmill walking and gentle aerobics are beneficial because they support the heart and encourage weight control.  Weight lifting builds muscle and helps the body maintain strength.  Stretching increases motion range and works to enhance flexibility.  Yoga and Pilates improve balance, boost mental clarity, and help prevent injuries.  In sum, properly performed exercise is great for the body and mind!  NOTE: Do not begin a workout routine without doctor approval.

• Schedule regular adjustments. Chiropractic adjustments counteract misalignment’s.  This encourages an enhanced nervous system, improves space in the joint and spinal areas, and results in fewer painful episodes.  Naturally, adjustment frequency is based on an individual’s needs.  Dr. Cao can determine the schedule that is best for you.

• Take good-quality supplements.  A fair number of people eat only what they like; subsequently, they do not get the required amount of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.  Because of this, high-quality supplements, particularly ones rich in whole foods, can be quite beneficial. When searching for a product, make certain to read the list of ingredients and choose one that is plentiful in antioxidants.

We’ve all heard it said, “New Year’s resolutions are meant to be broken.”  Okay, sometimes they are broken.   Nonetheless, if we try our best and fail, it makes no sense to stress about the situation.

Why?  We can always try again, and the next time we may meet with greater success.   It is only when we don’t try that we cannot accomplish our goals.

So, with that thought in mind, good luck and Happy New Year

Many thoughts rush through our minds as the holidays approach.  And, during this hectic period, we sometimes confront stress and fatigue instead of comfort and joy.  Since this festive season is meant to be happy, here are a few tips to reduce anxiety.

• Remember to exercise. When we deviate from our normal schedule, exercise is occasionally put on the back burner.  However, regular exercise has multiple benefits, and relief from stress is one of them.  Consequently, be sure to work out as regularly as possible.  Naturally, if you miss one session, it’s not going to upset your overall routine.  Yet, if you become accustomed to forgoing workouts, it will be more difficult to get back into the groove, and you could find yourself with increased angst.

• Party sensibly.  Mostly everyone indulges at some level during the holidays; actually, it’s part of the fun!  Nonetheless, try to keep food indulgences at acceptable levels.  For example, if the office is celebrating with a potluck lunch, perhaps try a little bit of everything you think you might like, but don’t go back for seconds.  Sometimes it’s the second and third helpings that add on the pounds.

• Limit certain drinks. Yes, wine, martinis, cosmos, coffee drinks, eggnog, beer, and other tasty liquids seem to go down considerably more smoothly during celebratory times.  Still, when we overdo it, our bodies pay the price.  Because of this, make a concerted effort to sip drinks instead of downing them too quickly.  What should we do if we’ve reached our limit and still desire something wet?  Purified water is a great choice!  Actually, this fluid should be consumed throughout the day.

• Plan ahead.  Occasionally it feels as though there are not enough hours in the day.  With parties, shopping, cooking, wrapping, and everything else we have to do, these feelings seem to magnify during the holidays.  Therefore, plan ahead.  Maybe start shopping and/or wrapping early, cook leisurely and freeze certain items, and then have fun when it comes time to enjoy.  When we properly plan, we are less apt to feel overwhelmed.

• Amend fatty ingredients. Perhaps you’re in charge of preparing multiple high-calorie dishes.  If this is the case, then consider cutting back on some of the fat.  For instance, use low fat ricotta instead of the whole milk variety in your lasagna or stuffed shells; the dish will still be wonderful.  Or, use unsweetened applesauce for half of the butter measure in homemade cakes and cookies; they’ll be yummy, anyway.  Or, use whole grain crackers, whole grain breads, whole grain pasta, and whole grain rice when making appetizers, stuffing, meals, and desserts.  Whole grains are considerably more wholesome, and they’re less likely to make you feel overstuffed.

The above are a few thoughts to limit stress during the holidays.  Even so, if tension still finds you, schedule an appointment with Healing Hands Chiropractic Care.  An adjustment or therapeutic massage could be just what you need to feel better!

Therapeutic Massage Therapy is a hands-on technique that leaves the body renewed and revitalized.  Undeniably, the treatments are relaxing, comforting, and soothing.  But is physical enjoyment the only advantage to this ancient practice?  Absolutely not!  Therapeutic massage has multiple benefits.  Let’s look at a few.

• Circulation Enhancer.  Therapeutic massage enhances blood circulation; an improved circulatory system assists the body in ridding harmful toxins.  At the same time, nutrient are better absorbed, oxygen in the blood increases, infection-fighting cells become better able to do their job, headaches ease, skin elasticity improves, muscles become stimulated, and even high blood pressure may decrease to more manageable levels.  In short, therapeutic massage supports a healthy immune system!

• Helps Depression.  Depression is a serious condition that warrants immediate medical attention.  A qualified doctor specializing in this area (i.e., a psychiatrist and/or psychotherapist) should be the first line of therapy.  Nonetheless, massage therapy is a wonderful complement to other treatments.  Why?  It aids nighttime sleep, heightens concentration, decreases anxiety, increases energy, reduces fatigue, improves alertness, promotes calm, and augments overall contentment.

• Stress Release.  Assorted studies have suggested that massage therapy is a wonderful stress releaser and anxiety reducer.  Individuals who suffer a loss of some type, experience problems at work, fret over academic classes, care for loved ones, seem overwhelmed by challenges, and suffer from illness often experience a reduction in stress/tension symptoms following massage therapy.  In fact, medical school researchers in top facilities have suggested that nearly 90% of doctors’ visits in the family practice environment are attributable in one way or another to stress.  If stress does encourage assorted ailments, then the regular use of therapeutic massage decreases the odds.

• Pain reliever.  Therapeutic massage has been shown to ease the strain and pressure associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions.  Lower back pain reduces, neck and shoulder stiffness ease, spasms decrease, and muscles relax.  In fact, the more frequent the treatments take place (e.g., monthly, weekly), the greater the benefits.  Even individuals suffering from chronic joint pain often realize a reduction in symptoms.  An added bonus?  Flexibility and range of motion improve.

Multiple studies have indicated that therapeutic massage is extremely beneficial for many different conditions.  Premature infants perform better when massaged and even autistic children realize fewer unpredictable episodes.

Healing Hand Chiropractic Care integrates therapeutic massage as part of our wholistic wellness program.  Regular implementation of this invaluable ancient practice will not only enhance your pampering pleasure but improve your health picture, as well.

The snow is here, and skiing and snowboarding are in full swing.  In fact, many people rush off with the entire family every opportunity they get to revel in these exciting activities.  Still, there are some precautionary steps every sports enthusiast should take to help prevent injuries.  Let’s look at a couple.

• Conditioning: Preparing beforehand is extremely important when participating in almost any activity; however, some individuals negate this essential step.  What muscle groups should be worked?  Actually, all areas are significant.  Nonetheless, the legs hold up the body, so strength exercises that augment leg muscles are important when preparing for skiing or snowboarding.  Back and abdominal muscles lend to posture and balance, so workouts that incorporate stretching and strengthening in these areas foster a strong core.  Even buttock muscle should be targeted to contribute to stamina and endurance.  Being in fine physical shape makes you feel healthier and helps circumvent mishaps at the same time.  (And don't forget pre-slope warm-ups, they really make a difference!).

• Proper Equipment: Some people head out the door with ill-fitting equipment: and that can spell TROUBLE, particularly on various joints.  Boots that are too high, loose, or tight can sabotage the efforts of even the most seasoned of skiers and snowboarders.  Concurrently, bindings that do not allow for the right amount of flexibility/maneuvering might also be a problem.  And, naturally, skis need to be sized correctly to allow for optimal stability and performance.  Some individuals choose ski or snowboard equipment just because it feels okay, but this approach can result in diminished success and potential injury.  Therefore, it always makes sense to incorporate the expertise of a professional when choosing outdoor gear.

Special Notes:

1. Keep in mind that most equipment requires periodic tune-ups.
2. Ski and snowboard helmets help prevent head injuries.
3. It is unwise to embark on any activity level that you are inadequately prepared to confront (e.g., Black Diamond Slope).

Well, you've done everything you can and still have aches?  Healing Hands Chiropractic Care is here to help.  Our staff not only works to improve range of motion and reduce pain, but we can also provide valuable instruction on how to successfully ready your body for activity.

So, as you brave the cold this winter season, be sure to properly prepare, and Happy Skiing!

Golfer’s elbow is a painful condition that stresses the tendons on the inside of the elbow.  Tennis elbow is much like golfer’s elbow except the outer elbow area is affected.  Both types are characterized by discomfort that is often intensified by activity.

Why do these conditions occur?  Typically, they take place because of incorrect, habitual, or repetitive arm movement (like swinging a golf club or tennis racket).  Still, golf and tennis are not the only reasons for this type of degeneration; other activities like sawing, drilling, shoveling, hammering, and throwing a baseball can also lead to arm overuse and pain.

How can a chiropractor help?  Chiropractic treatments work to alleviate the nagging symptoms and correct the abnormality.  First, an evaluation takes place to determine the extent of the injury.  If necessary, tests such as an MRI, ultrasound, or x-rays are ordered.  Following the assessment, a treatment plan is devised.

What will the plan entail?  Typically it involves one or more of the following:

• Adjustments to the neck/spine.  Neck/back adjustments often help elbow pain because certain spinal pointscoincide with the elbow.

• Stretching and working the elbow joint.  Stretching and manipulating the elbow joint can improve flexibility, restore elbow alignment, and increase range of motion.

• Manual manipulation.  Deep muscle manipulation breaks down scar tissue.

• Electrical Stimulation.  Electrical stimulation can help repair injured tendons.

• Exercise.  Tailored exercises work to strengthen the arm and stretch the muscles.

Celebrated athletes like Lance Armstrong, Venus Williams, Fred Funk, Michael Jordan, Wade Boggs, Tiger Woods and countless other people utilize chiropractic services for their athletic well-being.  In fact, the PGA takes a chiropractor on tour.

Golf and tennis are an integral part of summer for many people, and pain should not be included in the experience.  So, if you or a loved one is suffering from a sore elbow, come in to the office.  Chiropractic treatments can help you enjoy a pain-free season.