Articles

HOW CHIROPRACTIC CARE CAN HELP AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT?

Being in a car accident can be one of the most terrifying and overwhelming experiences a person lives through. One moment everything may seem fine, the next moment you are involved in a serious collision. Many people who survive automobile accidents must deal with both physical and emotional damages following their accident, and treating these injuries can be a difficult process.

While no one ever wants to be in an automobile accident, it is important to know how to proceed with treating your injuries should you ever be involved in one. Visiting a chiropractor for professional chiropractic care is always one of the first things you should do, as these healthcare professionals specialize in treating many of the most common automobile accident-related injuries there are.

Chiropractors are able to treat neck and back injuries, whiplash injuries and help with soft tissue pain and injuries. Many times, individuals who have been injured in a car accident have so much muscle pain and stiffness that they simply cannot function normally. This discomfort, on top of other injuries, can be a serious issue.

The first step on the road to recovering from these injuries is to make an appointment with your chiropractor. First, your chiropractor may want to take x-rays to determine if there are serious injuries in the neck or spine. You may not notice the signs or symptoms of this type of injury, so it is important that you consider x-rays.

Some individuals experience indicators of whiplash injuries right away, such as blurred vision, headaches, shoulder pain, dizziness, reduced range-of-motion and arm pain. Whiplash can also result in minor back injuries, muscle injuries, ligament problems and disc damage. Other individuals may not experience any serious injuries right away and may think they are just “stiff” or “sore” after the accident, when serious injuries could be forming.

At ABSOLUTE HEALTH CLINIC with our Chiropractic, we take great pride in providing the finest chiropractic care to each and every patient. Advanced Back and Neck Care is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness objectives — combining skill and expertise that spans the entire wellness spectrum. You will find the main entrance to our state of the art Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Medical Massage, and Strength training facility.

Chiropractic care under a trained professional can even be used to prevent injuries and help you achieve total health or wellness. We teach patients how to perform corrective exercises to strengthen their body and correct the irregularities which may be causing pain. We recognize the needs our patients and use our expertise to help then reach total health and wellness. We provide special recommendations on nutritional supplements and health food choices. We can provide each patient with a structured nutritional program that is based on their individual needs.

Massage therapy does more than make you feel good, it can actually help your body achieve balance and health. Massage therapy offers a natural treatment approach which actually relieves musculoskeletal pain for many patients. Our chiropractic office provides specific massage and muscular therapy that is complimentary to their chiropractic care. Some investigative studies have even indicated that a single session of massage may help boost your immune system!

We aim to educate our patients about Chiropractic and other natural solutions to common health problems in order to motivate you to take a more active and responsible role in restoring and maintaining your own health as well as the people around you.

Fibromyalgia and How can Chiropractic help?

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by musculoskeletal pain in multiple areas of the body without a clear cause. It is usually accompanied by fatigue, disturbed sleep, memory and mood issues. Triggers could be physical and/or psychological where even the slightest stimuli could elicit a painful response. Fibromyalgia is 10 times more common in women than men. Some theories on possible causes include a traumatic event, neurotransmitter imbalance, or under production of hormones.

The first step in treating fibromyalgia is being accurately diagnosed by your Chiropractor or other physician. After the diagnosis of fibromyalgia is determined, patients are managed with a combination of chiro, physical therapy, nutrition and medication, if needed. Treatments for fibromyalgia usually include gentle chiropractic adjustments, stretching, massage and light exercises with our physical therapist. It is not uncommon to feel soreness following the first few treatments for fibromyalgia.

Absolute Health Clinic also offers Pain Management, Acupuncture, and Nutrition to help manage the symptoms of Fibromyalgia. All our doctors, physical therapists, and massage therapists are licensed and experienced in this area. Please contact our office for any additional questions you may have.

Pain Care Specialist, Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Dr. Tamara Gurevich

Pain’s Worst Enemy

As a member of the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. T. Gurevich has helped 10,000+ patients relieve their pain since 2001. A leading pain care practitioner, she works at 2 hospitals and is a leading voice in pain relief.

Dr. T. Gurevich currently practices out of 3 locations in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. If you are currently suffering from pain, schedule an appointment now!

Suffering From Pain? Can’t Pick a Physician?

Read How my Accurate Diagnoses and Effective Treatments Can Speed Up Your Recovery!

If you’ve been suffering from pain for a long time (i.e. arthritis, migraine headaches, etc.) or if you’ve recently gotten hurt in a car accident, work injury or sports injury and now need treatment, I’m sure you have a lot of things going through your mind.

Will the treatment work?
How long will it take me to recover?
Can my family afford this?
Who is a good doctor?
How do I choose?

But most importantly, you are probably thinking one thing – I WANT THE PAIN TO STOP.

My name is Dr. Tamara Gurevich and I have been helping patients like you eliminate their pain since 2001. By using state of the art imaging technology, I am able to provide treatment that is extremely accurate, drastically minimizing recovery times, complications and need for pain medication.

Best of all, these treatments are covered by most insurance plans (PPO and Medicare).

How Am I Able to Deliver Such Incredible Pain Relief?

Musculoskeletal ultrasound allows a physician to see into the body, similar to the 100% safe, noninvasive ultrasound performed on a pregnant woman. By doing so, the physician is able to administer a treatment to the exact source of the pain with pin-point accuracy. This eliminates any possible treatment mistakes and allows the doctor to deliver ultra-precise pain care that does not harm other parts of the body.For years now, doctors in Europe and throughout the world have used musculoskeletal ultrasound to deliver unprecedented pain relief to their patients. Unfortunately, this technology is still very expensive in the US and very few doctors use it.

In 2007, after years of experience and research in rehabilitation and pain management, I became convinced that I would have to invest in musculoskeletal ultrasound technology and training to deliver superior pain relief to my patients.

When I started using musculoskeletal ultrasound to treat my patients, even I was surprised at the difference in results! Recovery times plummeted, post-treatment complications disappeared, and I was seeing patients using less pain medication.

We Specialize in Treating These Conditions:

Arthritis
Fibromyalgia / Joint Pain
Back Pain / Neck Pain
Migraine Headaches
Read our full list of conditions treated

Stop Suffering from Pain Today.
Schedule an Appointment Now!

Here’s Why Olympians Are Leaving Bright Red Spots On Their Bodies

Why are all these Olympic athletes covered in red spots?

Pain in the Foot – Plantar Fasciitis, Visit Chiropractor in Arlington Heights

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is an injury to the plantar fascia, which generally involves micro tears, but in extreme cases, the strong fibrous band may rupture. This painful injury severely restricts your activity. It is generally felt when you first put weight on your foot in the morning, at the beginning, and he end of exercise, and when you stand after a period of sitting. You may feel pain in your heel or more towards your arch. It oftentimes feels like a bruise or rock in your shoe.

Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

According to Dr. Eric Chehab at Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, 40- and 50-year-olds who participate in repetitive impact activities are at risk for this injury. Other contributing factors include: insufficient warm up before exercise or exertion, sudden increases in training, tight muscles of the lower leg, wearing improper shoes, standing for long periods of time and excess body weight.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Mild Plantar fasciitis is treated by cutting back or taking time off impact activities, stretching lower leg muscles, and icing. Wearing a night splint to keep the foot in a flexed position and gently massaging the area with a golf ball or frozen water bottle will encourage healing. Once the pain begins to subside, strengthen the tissue by using your toes to gather a dish towel on the floor. According to Chehab, severe cases my require cortisone injections, partial or full surgical release of the plantar fascia and shock wave therapy.

Plantar Fasciitis Prevention

Warm the short, tight muscles of your feet and lower legs before getting out of bed. Flex your toes towards your head and massage your calves. Slip into supportive shoes for the day. Allow for adequate warm up before exercise and focus on stretching after your warm up. Consider wearing non-weight bearing activities to you fitness routine like swimming and yoga. Maintain a healthy body weight to prevent excess pressure on foo muscles. If you have had plantar fasciitis, you will know when to take a few days off, wear your night splint, stretch and ice to keep the foot pan away. It is estimated that 10 percent of the population will get plantar fasciitis, but if you take steps to prevent or treat it promptly, you’ll be able to maintain your active lifestyle.

Acupuncture Pain Killing Mystery Revealed

Researchers have discovered that acupuncture causes a special biochemical reaction that reduces inflammation and muscle pain. The study, published in Molecular Neurobiology, investigated the effects of needling one acupuncture point on the leg. The research team measured a remarkable effect. Manual acupuncture stimulation downregulated M1 macrophages (pro-inflammatory cells) and upregulated M2 macrophages (anti-inflammatory cells). As a result, acupuncture reduced pain and swelling.

This neurobiological acupuncture continuing education study solves a great mystery, how does acupuncture work? The secret is in the biochemistry. M2 macrophages are an important source of IL-10 (interleukin-10), an anti-inflammatory cytokine that plays an important role in immune responses. Cytokines are proteins released by cells that regulate reactions between cells. Manual acupuncture successfully downregulates M1 macrophages and upregulates M2 macrophages thereby promoting the release of greater IL-10 concentrations. As a result of IL-10 release, pain and inflammation significantly reduce.

This study measured responses in muscle tissues and confirmed that M1 to M2 macrophage phenotype switching is triggered by acupuncture stimulation. Acupuncture literally flips a switch wherein initial inflammatory responses are reduced and the secondary healing responses are promoted. M1 macrophage downregulation and M2 macrophage upregulation triggered by acupuncture was positively associated with reductions in muscle pain and inflammation.

The researchers tested the biochemical process by adding an IL-10 blocking agent in the laboratory experiment. When IL-10 was chemically blocked, acupuncture did not reduce pain and swelling. However, when no blocking agent was applied, acupuncture successfully reduced both pain and swelling. The M2 macrophage upregulation by manual acupuncture successfully created a greater source of IL-10. The researchers note, “These findings provide new evidence that MA (manual acupuncture) produces a phenotypic switch in macrophages and increases IL-10 concentrations in muscle to reduce pain and inflammation.”

Macrophages are required by the body to resolve muscle injury. During injury, M1 macrophages are produced and release inflammatory biochemicals including pro-inflammatory cytokines. M2 macrophages have anti-inflammatory properties and promote the release of interleukin-10. An injury process features an initial inflammatory stage wherein M1 pro-inflammatory macrophages are upregulated. A secondary recovery phase wherein M2 anti-inflammatory macrophages are upregulated helps to promote healing and repair. Manual acupuncture successfully triggered the phenotype switch wherein the M1 macrophages were downregulated and M1 macrophages were upregulated thereby allowing increased IL-10, reductions in pain and decreased swelling.

Acupuncture continuing education in the form of basic research and clinical medicine has helped to measure positive patient outcomes and the biochemical mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its beneficial medical effects. This latest study helps to unlock one of the greatest secrets of acupuncture, how does it stop pain? Now, scientists can quantifiably measure specific biochemical processes triggered by acupuncture and the resultant positive health outcomes.

Getting To The Point
The acupuncture point tested in this investigation was SP6 (Sanyinjiao, Three Yin Intersection). SP6 is located 3 cun directly above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the medial aspect of the tibia. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, SP6 strengthens the spleen, transforms dampness, spreads liver qi and benefits the kidneys. SP6 indicated for the treatment of abdominal pain & distention, diarrhea, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, sterility, difficult or delayed labor, nocturnal emissions, enuresis, dysuria, lower limb atrophy or motor impairment, lower limb hemiplegia, vertigo due to blood deficiency and insomnia. SP6 is the meeting point of the three lower yin meridians: spleen, liver and kidney.

Read the full article here:
http://www.healthcmi.com/…/1336-acupuncture-pain-killing-my…

What is Health Benefits of Massage? Massage Types.

Deep Tissue Massage

Deep-tissue massage is a particular sort of massage therapy that focuses on the muscles and fascia in the body. By utilizing firmer pressure and deliberate, deep strokes, this massage modality treats a range of physical disorders. Deep tissue massage is often used to help patients who have suffered from accidents, or sports injuries. The therapist uses thumbs, hands, forearms and even at time massage tools to increase circulation in muscles that are under or overused. Not only for injury, Deep Tissue also treats chronic muscle tension all over the body, and is often used to break up scar tissue deep in the muscle belly. Deep Tissue Laser Therapy effectively treats pain and inflammation associated with:

Sprains & Strains
Upper and Lower Back Pain
Shoulder & Knee disorders
Sports Injuries
Neck Pain
Disc Issues
Sciatica
Tendonitis & Tendonosis
Foot & Ankle Conditions

Circulatory (“Swedish”) Massage

This type of massage is the most common and best-known type of massage in America and Europe. At times it can be slow and gentle, or vigorous and stimulating. The therapist lubricates the skin with oil or special massage lotion and performs various long vertical, circular and kneading strokes as well other techniques. These movements warm up the muscles, and reduce tension. Swedish/Circulatory massage assists circulation by increasing oxygen in the bloodstream and body tissues. It is often used to reduce stress and general fatigue as well as promote an overall feeling of well being.

Circulatory massage is often used to:

Improve circulation
Regulate Blood Pressure
Circulate lymph fluid and reduce swelling
Treat insomnia
Relax the nervous system
Boost the immune system
Help with digestion and relief of gas, bloating or elimination

Sports Massage

Originally created to improve athletic performance, sports massage is growing in recognition as a important resource for any sport-related injuries or limited flexibility for patients of all ages and fitness levels. Sports massage main focus is on troubled spots, like shoulder soreness after a volleyball games or a tender hamstrings just before a marathon. Sports massage therapists understand sport-related injuries and can help to relieve pain, cut healing time in half and enable clients to perform their best with joints operating at full range of motion.

Sports massage involves the isolation of a muscle or groups of muscles. The Therapist will often perform stretching in any number of ways – with client participation, or passive/subtle movements. Sports Massage is often done pre and post- sporting events. Pre – event it helps to warm up muscles by increasing circulation. While post-event it is often used to aid in healing from intense physical exertion.

Thai Massage

Thai massage is a form of bodywork and movement originally developed in Thailand. It is rooted in the ancient medicine systems of China and Southeastern Indo-Asia, and has been influenced greatly by classical yoga. The recipient changes into loose, comfortable clothing and lies on a futon or massage table.

Thai Massage helps to increase plasticity of the muscles and joints. It also promotes a steady flow of energy thereby allowing for full relaxation, and a general feeling of peace. This effect is often achieved through the use of fluid movement, mindful technique on behalf of the therapist, and deep breathing exercise.

Thai yoga massage works in a similar way to regular yoga poses. As participants hold a pose, blood slows to targeted areas. When the yogi releases the pose, fresh circulation rushes back into the area. Twisting and inverted Thai yoga massage positions, such as plough, shoulder stand and spinal twist, are particularly effective in refreshing circulation. According to “Yoga Journal,” Thai massage poses can help with lymphatic drainage, the return of blood to the heart and digestion.

Trigger Point Therapy

Often referred to as a “knot”, a trigger point is a part of a muscle that is unnecessarily tight. This point often is the cause of discomfort in other areas of the body. They often arise from various causes: Nutritional deficiencies, dehydration, past untreated or undertreated strain/sprains, traumatic injuries, improper posture, spinal misalignment, overexertion, emotional causes and more.

Often an active trigger point in the upper back, for example, may cause referring pain up to the shoulder area. Which may radiate pain into the head and cause chronic migraines. Trigger point pain may be sharp and stabbing in nature, but may also feel dull and achy.

Trigger point massage therapy is particularly good at lessening the source of the pain by utilizing a sequence of pressure and release along with proper breathing. The outcomes and effects of trigger point therapy are a physical letting go of contracted parts of the muscles hence easing pain.

Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms of perennial allergic rhinitis

Acupuncture may help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life for people with perennial allergic rhinitis, and may help with seasonal allergies. too, according to several studies. Thus it could be an option for people looking for non-pharmaceutical treatments.

Call Absolute Health Clinic and start getting the relief you need from spring allergies. 847.305.3610

If you’ve got a stuffy, drippy or itchy nose from allergies, figuring out which remedies help best can be tough.

New guidelines from the Academy of Otolaryngology should make it easier for people and their doctors to choose the treatments that will help the most, from over-the-counter remedies like antihistamines to more serious interventions like allergy shots and even surgery.

And because allergic rhinitis affects 1 in 6 Americans, that’s a lot of stuffy drippy misery potentially avoided.

Full NPR story: http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2015/02/02/383281431/acupuncture-may-help-with-nasal-allergies-doctors-say