FAQ

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 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.

Why have a Shiatsu massage while pregnant?

Here are top ten reasons to **have a Shiatsu massage while pregnant:**

Massage helps eliminate waste through the lymphatic and circulatory system, therefore reducing fatigue and increasing energy.
Aids circulation and reduces the work load on the heart which assists in keeping blood pressure in check.
Shiatsu stimulates glandular functions which stabilize hormones .
Shiatsu relieves the normal discomforts of pregnancy—backache, leg cramps, headaches and edema and swelling.
Shiatsu increases circulation which brings more oxygen and nutrients to cells (thereby reducing varicose veins) and to your baby’s cells providing your baby with better nourishment.
Shiatsu soothes and relaxes nervous tension which helps you to sleep better.
Doctors and midwives agree that a relaxed mother will have a healthier pregnancy.
Massage relaxes tense muscles and tones loose muscles.
Cramping, knots, tension, tightening, stiffness and muscular discomfort can be alleviated with massage.
Back labor can be relieved with proper massage techniques to the sacrum area.

How can acupuncture be used in pregnancy?

Acupuncture for the healthy mom.
Acupuncture for pre-existing medical issues.
Acupuncture for pregnancy related conditions.

Acupuncture can be use to treat:

Psychological issues
Physical problems
Fatigue
Morning Sickness
Heartburn
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Edema
Back pain and Sciatica
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Acupuncture can also help with:

Rhinitis of pregnancy
Nausea
Breech positioning
Headaches
Induction for past due date
Labor
During the third trimester acupuncture can encourage a head down position.

Acupuncture for post-partum disorders:

Fatigue
Postpartum vaginal discharge
Postpartum depression
Mastitis
Insufficient or Excessive Lactation
Post operative healing

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.

Is chiropractic treatment effective?

Typically, yes, chiropractic treatment is effective. Chiropractic care is adapted to the individual, and it’s generally gentle. Of course, as with any other type of medical treatment, chiropractic does carry some risks, such as increased pain and injury. Before seeing a doctor of chiropractic, be sure he or she is completely qualified to treat your spine condition. Your chiropractor should be board-qualified and licensed.

How many treatments will it take to fix me?

This is completely dependent upon the type of injury you have. Patients have been better in as few as one treatment and as many as 50. Typically, children respond very quickly; adults take longer because most problems are the result of years of neglect. As with any healing process, every person’s progress is slightly different; your personal lifestyle, diet, exercise and your adherence to the treatment plan all affect your progress. The best way to determine what it will take to get you better is a history and examination. Our Doctor strives to get you better in as few visits to the clinic as possible.

How many times a week do I need treatment?

This is dependent upon the injury, your past health history, and how well you follow home care instruction. Sometimes once a month is enough and sometimes, with more serious conditions, 3-4 times a week is needed.

FAQ