Archive for June, 2012
Arthrostim-the Modern Alternative in Chiropractic Adjustments
The Arthrostim is a natural solution and revolutionary procedure that is helping hundreds of neck and back pain sufferers get out of pain safely and gently without any side effects. It is a contemporary chiropractic adjustment instrument that is an alternative to traditional manual adjustments. It was designed to gently and safely decrease the muscle and joint tension in the neck and back, thereby reducing any muscle spasm present, increasing joint movement, and eliminating any nerve pressure or irritation
How does it work?
The Arthrostim instrument works with the natural feedback cycle of the nervous system. It delivers a rapid series of controlled thrusts. These thrusts create a barrage of nervous system stimulation to the brain which can help reset dysfunctional muscular and skeletal patterns. The precise movements produced by the adjustment stimulate ‘neural receptors’ in the area which, in turn, produce nerve impulses that relay crucial information back to the brain.
It is this ‘neurological feedback system’ that the brain relies upon in order to update its awareness about the areas of the body. Upon evaluation of changes produced by the adjustment, the brain issues self-correcting commands to the muscular system and other tissues to bring about healing changes.
There have been recent developments in new ways to produce this important neurological feedback system. The Arthrostim device is one new way of creating this valuable input. It offers the modern doctor many benefits for health-conscious people, using advanced technology to make chiropractic adjustments an enjoyable as well as a rewarding experience.
The Arthrostim instrument can deliver 1 or up to 14 rapid series recoiling thrusts per second, which works with the natural feedback cycle of the nervous system. Because the Arthrostim oscillations are so rapid, they do not fire pain receptors so the treatment is comfortable yet highly effective. The effectiveness comes from the instruments controlled repetitive input, producing a cumulative ‘snowballing’ effect on the neural receptors. Therefore the Arthrostim, using greatly reduced forces, can create extensive neurological feedback to the brain which can help reset dysfunctional muscular and skeletal patterns.
This instrument can be used to mobilize joints of the spine and extremities and for acute muscular spasms as a way to increase muscular metabolism to release muscular contraction.
Who can use it?
Individuals that may especially benefit from the use of the Arthrostim include:
- Infants and young children
- Individuals in acute or chronic pain
- Particularly sensitive individuals
- Individuals who dislike being ‘twisted’
- Individuals with disc or related spinal conditions
- Individuals with arthritic conditions
- Individuals with osteoporosis
- Elderly individuals
Even individuals who are large and stronger (and may be difficult to adjust with a single thrust) can benefit from use of the arthrostim.
By utilizing the Arthrostim, effectiveness of the adjustment can be maintained while reducing the amount of force that is applied. This dynamic combination allows for a wide range of conditions that can be managed more comfortably by the practitioner.
What is it used for?
There are virtually no limitations to the Arthrostim; the following is a short list of potential uses:
- Ribs blocked in a holding pattern
- Adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder
- Deep fascial adhesions
- Lower cervical laxity coupled with upper thoracic rigidity
- Muscle spasms
- Adjusting vertebrae
- Adhesions in joints and muscles
- Trigger points
- Realigning of joints
The Mystery of Weight
By Dr. Gregory Steiner~
As another hot summer descends upon us, the calls for weight loss become even louder; many frustrated women and men continue to seek the Holy Grail of losing unwanted weight and keeping it off. If only it were that easy….
Probably the most frustrated of all are the sincerely dedicated people who exercise, watch their diet, and sigh every time they look at the unmoving, heartless scale!
Over my 21 years of clinical practice I have noted there are actually three common weights people speak of and desire, not just one.
First, is what could be called a best ‘athletic’ weight, in which a person is at his or her strongest (e.g. a weight lifter), or has the best endurance (e.g. a runner). This weight is achieved by a combination of consistent exercise and diet specific to the sport they are engaging in.
Second is the best cosmetic weight which is the most common desire. Most patients will tell me they want a healthy weight – which they do – but on further examination what they really, truly want is to achieve their ideal ‘visual’ weight, which us usually – but not always – quite thin.
Then there is the third weight, which is where a person actually feels and functions the best in daily life; they feel very energetic, they have few aches and pains, and they rarely get sick. Often this weight is a bit heavier than their ideal weight, and occasionally it is less. Interestingly enough it is usually not the best athletic weight, because a sport-specific weight demands that a body be tip-top to the demands of that sport, not for daily living. For example, I have known more than one weight lifter who could lift 600 lbs., yet who could barely walk up stairs without losing breath or downstairs without pain.
It’s a lucky person (genetically that is) where all three are the same.
“Ideal’ weight then, is particular to what you want and is determined by bone structure and hormones, and then by your activity level and what you eat. Where people run into frustration is when they want a weight -either too big or small – for what their skeletal frame will support, or when they have hormonal issues that hinder fat loss and muscle gain. For example, I often see a larger framed female who wants to be model-thin, or a small framed lanky man who wants to have Mr. Universe muscles. Their desires are real, and they spend no small amount of time and emotional energy fretting about not getting their dream body; it’s no wonder cosmetic surgery is such big business in the Metroplex.
Hormonal imbalances are frequently talked about, as the prevalence of estrogen, progesterone and testosterone excess and deficiencies become more known to the general public. Debates rage over the causes of hormonal irregularities and the resulting obesity, diabetes, premature puberty and low testosterone, but the ‘natural health community’ usually points to the use of hormones in food, plastics that leach into the system, and the persistent stress of modern American culture as likely culprits that either cause or exacerbate the situation.
Living in such an environment makes it challenging to defend against such hormonal ‘imbalancers’, but the natural medicine approach includes herbs to defend against the toxicities, acupuncture to balance the body’s energetics, chiropractic to do the same to the nervous system, and following a solid nutritional program day after day, meal after meal. Correction and re-balancing is the first step, but real nutrition and defense against the ‘bad stuff’ is the key to long lasting results and keeping the weight you want.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Electrical Muscle Stimulation Therapy
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
What is Electrical Muscle Stimulation and what does it do?
Electrical muscle stimulation, also called EMS, is a type of therapy in which electrical impulses are generated by a machine and travel through electrodes on the patient’s skin and then into their muscles. EMS mimics the body’s central nervous system by sending safe, low-frequency electrical pulses to the affected area, causing the muscle to contract and increase temperature and blood circulation. The same natural process of the body to repair injuries works with EMS to relieve other common nervous system disorders, including constant headaches, numbness of limbs, and back pain. EMS is often used for therapeutic applications but some athletes use it for sports training purposes as well. It has been found to be an exceptional way to help the body in the healing process. It works well in relaxing the muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state quite rapidly. The pulses can help reduce swelling and release trigger points that may have the muscle locked up. It also helps the body to release natural endorphins for pain relief.
By utilizing and encouraging the body’s natural healing mechanisms, EMS and similar therapies can drastically reduce the dependence on medications and unnecessary surgeries and help resolve the symptoms of underlying causes much quicker.
What should be expected during the first treatment?
This therapy involves placing the EMS pads on the areas to be treated. It is designed to be a comfortable and relaxing experience. The patient will feel a gentle tingling that develops into a massage-like sensation as the frequency is increased. The therapy is usually introduced at the same time as an acupuncture treatment is given.
Generally only two EMS pads are necessary but doctors may want to treat two areas at once and it is not uncommon to have two sets of pads on different areas. The assistant should begin at a very low-frequency and gradually increase at intervals until the patient is comfortable. If the frequency is too high, patients will feel the muscle tense and tighten and can ask the assistant to turn the frequency down at any time.
Where is the EMS applied?
The physician and assistants can apply the pads to forearms, knees, elbows, calves, and hands – generally anywhere there is discomfort or a condition that can benefit from electric stimulation. The doctor will make the proper diagnosis and trained assistants will administer the therapy based on specific instructions.
What are the side effects and who should not use EMS?
According to experts at the Natural Standard and Harvard Medical School, side effects from EMS are generally very mild. Patients may experience tenderness for a day or so afterward where muscles are already sore from inflammation. Short-term redness and skin irritation may also occur. Those who use implanted medical devices and pregnant women should avoid this therapy.
Which Conditions can EMS therapy help with?
Reputable research shows EMS can help treat the following, but are not limited to:
- carpal tunnel
- connective and dermal tissue repair
- increase in the range of motion in joints caused by such problems as arthritis and injury
- muscle atrophymuscle spasms
- muscle tension associated with long periods of sitting, standing, or lifting heavy objects
- post-surgical muscle regeneration
- sciatica
- sports injuries
- tennis elbow
- ulcers and chronic wounds
How long should one use EMS?
For some doctors, EMS is a passive therapy used exclusively for acute pain and for a short period of time. For others, depending on the severity of pain, EMS is a necessary tool in extensive rehabilitation and may be used during every visit. In addition to EMS, long-term progressive therapies, such as massage therapy and specialized stretches to retrain muscle groups, have been introduced into chiropractic care routines.
Although EMS is not new in terms of muscular therapy treatments, it has been proven to effectively relieve pain over time and contribute to total body wellness. There are many patients who eventually reach a point where doing simple stretches at home and visiting a chiropractor once a month or once or twice a year is sufficient for pain-free living.
Read Full Post | Make a Comment ( None so far )Far-Infared Heat & Light Therapy Aids Healing
Light & Heat Therapy for Healing
The TDP mineral lamp is a type of far-infared therapy. Often called the “Miracle Lamp”, as it helps with pain relief and treats an assortment of ailments including back pain, arthritis, shoulder and joint pain among others. Infrared heat lamp therapy is something we all experience in the form of sunlight. While we can all see the visible light, the heat that you feel when you are out in the sun and your skin is warmed comes from the infrared light rays. This far infrared heat coming from the sun is not dangerous to your skin like the ultraviolet light rays are. Infrared light has been shown to be beneficial to health which is why many people are interested in infrared heat lamp therapy.
Infrared heat therapy emits infrared radiant heat which is absorbed directly into the body. The infrared heat activates and ionizes water molecules in the body and helps to increase blood circulation, stimulates the production of collagen, and rid the body of toxins as well as many other health and beauty benefits.
Because TDP lamp therapy penetrates deep into muscle tissue, it is often used for pain relief. Arthritis sufferers can greatly benefit from heat therapy as it decreases the stiffness in the joints. Athletes can also benefit by using it on sore muscles, inflammations, and to reduce muscle spasms. In addition to relieving pain, it also increases muscle and joint flexibility.
The TDP lamp or TDP mineral lamp is a medical device that has clinical evidence confirming that it can reduce inflammation, calm pain, and improve micro-circulation, and balance metabolism. Evidence was gathered substantiating TDP mineral lamp use promoted cell growth, reproduction, and repair, concurrently with promotion of specific enzyme activity levels and immune function.
Unlike other conventional far infrared lamps, a TDP lamp contains a curing plate. The curing plate, the key component for a TDP lamp, is coated with a proprietary mineral formation consisting of 33 elements essential to the human body. When the curing plate is heated to a certain temperature, it emits unique bio-spectrum electromagnetic waves in 1-25 microns allowing for a maximum absorption into the human body. The absorbed energy promotes microcirculation and metabolism, strengthens the immune system, and achieves short- and long-term pain relief.
In the past 16 years, TDP lamps have been used to treat millions of patients with various chronic ailments worldwide. In China, people refer to the TDP lamp as the “Miracle Lamp” due to its incredible success in treating chronic ailments.
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CA Clinic Acupuncture & Chiropractic Wellness 