A March 2010 systematic review conducted in Germany underscores the value of neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of proprioceptive/neuromuscular training in preventing sports injuries by using the best available evidence.
7 methodologically well-conducted studies were considered for this review. Pooled analysis revealed that multi-intervention training was effective in reducing the risk of lower limb injuries, acute knee injuries, and ankle sprain injuries. Balance training alone resulted in a significant risk reduction of ankle sprain injuries and a nonsignificant risk reduction for injuries overall. Exercise interventions were more effective in athletes with a history of sports injury than in those without.
They concluded that “On the basis of the results of seven high-quality studies, this review showed evidence for the effectiveness of proprioceptive/ neuromuscular training in reducing the incidence of certain types of sports injuries among adolescent and young adult athletes during pivoting sports.”
Source: Hubscher M, Zech A, Pfeifer K, Hansel F, Vogt L, Banzer W. Neuromuscular training for sports injury prevention: a systematic review. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2010 (Mar);42(3):413–421.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Golf Injury Prevention
There are three phases to the golf swing, each of which can cause injury if executed incorrectly. Additionally, there are specific exercises you can perform to help reduce your risk of hurting yourself during that particular swing phase.
Phase 1: Take-Away. The take-away consists of the set-up movement to the top of the back swing. During this phase, the most common potential injuries involve the thumb and wrist, particularly on the lead hand. Here is an effective workout for the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand. Keeping your arm to your side and using only your wrist, raise the dumbbell as high as you can and lower it as far as you can. Do two sets of 12 reps. Next, do another two sets of 12 reps, but while moving your wrist from side to side as far as you can. Repeat this entire workout with the dumbbell in your left hand.
An advanced workout for your wrists would be to take a barbell/dumbbells with a weight you can handle, anywhere from 10-45 pounds, and do three exercises back to back to back without rest. Start with your feet shoulder width apart and grab the weight with your hands facing down, shoulder-width apart, held which each thumb. Reverse-curl the weight up toward your body, flexing the forearm as you finish the movement at the top. Do 10 reps.
Phase 2: Impact. The next phase of the swing is the impact, which consists of the downswing and impact with the ball. The most common injuries during this phase are attributable to stress on the back knee and compression forces acting on both wrists. Additionally, the lead elbow and hand/wrist are often hurt during impact.
In terms of exercises that can help prevent these injuries, leg extensions/leg curls and abduction/adduction exercises (almost all fitness clubs have equipment for these types of exercises), along with regular stretching and massage, are extremely effective for the legs. Triceps pushdowns using a reverse grip with the hands facing up is an excellent exercise for the triceps and will help to prevent injury to the elbows. High-intensity training (one set to muscle exhaustion for each exercise, using slow, deliberate movements) works well and is a safe method of training for all the exercises above. For the legs, do 12-15 reps; for the triceps/elbows, do 8-12reps.
Phase 3: Follow-Through. Finally, there is the follow-through after impact. During this phase there is abdominal torque and risk of spinal injury. I recommend training the oblique muscles (essentially the sides of the abdomen) using a trunk rotation machine, twisting slowly in a circular fashion for 12-15 reps, and a lower back extension machine for 12-15 reps. Do not use heavy weights for these exercises and make sure to do them slowly and eliminate momentum. These exercises will help strengthen the core muscles and help prevent back injuries.
Source: To Your Health, February 16, 2010 [Volume 4, Issue 5]
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Phase 1: Take-Away. The take-away consists of the set-up movement to the top of the back swing. During this phase, the most common potential injuries involve the thumb and wrist, particularly on the lead hand. Here is an effective workout for the muscles of the wrist, hand and forearm. To begin, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart holding a 5-pound dumbbell in your right hand. Keeping your arm to your side and using only your wrist, raise the dumbbell as high as you can and lower it as far as you can. Do two sets of 12 reps. Next, do another two sets of 12 reps, but while moving your wrist from side to side as far as you can. Repeat this entire workout with the dumbbell in your left hand.
An advanced workout for your wrists would be to take a barbell/dumbbells with a weight you can handle, anywhere from 10-45 pounds, and do three exercises back to back to back without rest. Start with your feet shoulder width apart and grab the weight with your hands facing down, shoulder-width apart, held which each thumb. Reverse-curl the weight up toward your body, flexing the forearm as you finish the movement at the top. Do 10 reps.
Phase 2: Impact. The next phase of the swing is the impact, which consists of the downswing and impact with the ball. The most common injuries during this phase are attributable to stress on the back knee and compression forces acting on both wrists. Additionally, the lead elbow and hand/wrist are often hurt during impact.
In terms of exercises that can help prevent these injuries, leg extensions/leg curls and abduction/adduction exercises (almost all fitness clubs have equipment for these types of exercises), along with regular stretching and massage, are extremely effective for the legs. Triceps pushdowns using a reverse grip with the hands facing up is an excellent exercise for the triceps and will help to prevent injury to the elbows. High-intensity training (one set to muscle exhaustion for each exercise, using slow, deliberate movements) works well and is a safe method of training for all the exercises above. For the legs, do 12-15 reps; for the triceps/elbows, do 8-12reps.
Phase 3: Follow-Through. Finally, there is the follow-through after impact. During this phase there is abdominal torque and risk of spinal injury. I recommend training the oblique muscles (essentially the sides of the abdomen) using a trunk rotation machine, twisting slowly in a circular fashion for 12-15 reps, and a lower back extension machine for 12-15 reps. Do not use heavy weights for these exercises and make sure to do them slowly and eliminate momentum. These exercises will help strengthen the core muscles and help prevent back injuries.
Source: To Your Health, February 16, 2010 [Volume 4, Issue 5]
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, March 19, 2010
Tips for Runners
As spring is approaching and running season is here, runners from all walks of life have started training for events over the next 6 months. Whether you are training for a 5k run/walk or the big marathon, there are a few simple things you can do to help prevent injury this running season. You can protect you knees, ankles and feet by keeping the muscles around the joints in shape and flexible. Here are some tips to help:
1. Warm-up: Always warm up prior to running, especially before explosive training like hills or speed work. Cold muscles are more prone to strains. A proper warm up will increase blood flow to the major muscle groups and improve muscle recruitment and performance. Start your work out with a light jog for 5 minutes before increasing your running intensity.
2. Get your muscles in balance: Many people have muscle imbalances that predispose them, especially runners, to lower extremity injuries. Traditional exercise programs do not address these imbalances and can in fact contribute to chronic injury patterns. The goal is to find an exercise program that addresses the instability and weakness of the hip and core stabilizers. Not only will you prevent injury with these types of exercises, but you will also improve your performance by running more efficiently. A qualified physical or exercise therapist can give you an effective exercise program.
3. Stretch: Make sure you stretch after every run. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about stretching, but the truth is that flexible muscles are stronger and more efficient. Remember to always stretch after muscles are warm (so after your warm up and after you are finished with your run). Hold each stretch 30 seconds and don’t bounce. You can actually increase your flexibility by being consistent with your stretching routine and stretching every day.
4. Hydrate: Your body is composed of about 60% water. When those levels are compromised your muscles do not perform or recover properly and are prone to injury. Athletes should consume ½ of their body weight in ounces every day. When you run, hydrate extra both before and after your run.
5. Get in alignment: Along with balancing your muscles, spinal alignment is very important in preventing sports injuries. Each and every muscle is controlled by nerves that pass through the spine. If one of those nerves is constricted one bit, the muscle it controls will not work correctly. Also, if your spinal posture is off, your running will do more harm than good and ultimately lead to a breakdown and problem with the spine, hip, knee or ankles. Being in alignment with good chiropractic care not only gets athletes out of pain but it prevents the body from breaking down. That is why Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and more than 80% of the distance runners in the last Olympics see chiropractors.
So, to stay on course and stay off the sidelines by following these 5 guidelines. If you are interested in getting your muscle balance tested and seeing if you are in alignment please feel free to contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
1. Warm-up: Always warm up prior to running, especially before explosive training like hills or speed work. Cold muscles are more prone to strains. A proper warm up will increase blood flow to the major muscle groups and improve muscle recruitment and performance. Start your work out with a light jog for 5 minutes before increasing your running intensity.
2. Get your muscles in balance: Many people have muscle imbalances that predispose them, especially runners, to lower extremity injuries. Traditional exercise programs do not address these imbalances and can in fact contribute to chronic injury patterns. The goal is to find an exercise program that addresses the instability and weakness of the hip and core stabilizers. Not only will you prevent injury with these types of exercises, but you will also improve your performance by running more efficiently. A qualified physical or exercise therapist can give you an effective exercise program.
3. Stretch: Make sure you stretch after every run. There is a lot of conflicting information out there about stretching, but the truth is that flexible muscles are stronger and more efficient. Remember to always stretch after muscles are warm (so after your warm up and after you are finished with your run). Hold each stretch 30 seconds and don’t bounce. You can actually increase your flexibility by being consistent with your stretching routine and stretching every day.
4. Hydrate: Your body is composed of about 60% water. When those levels are compromised your muscles do not perform or recover properly and are prone to injury. Athletes should consume ½ of their body weight in ounces every day. When you run, hydrate extra both before and after your run.
5. Get in alignment: Along with balancing your muscles, spinal alignment is very important in preventing sports injuries. Each and every muscle is controlled by nerves that pass through the spine. If one of those nerves is constricted one bit, the muscle it controls will not work correctly. Also, if your spinal posture is off, your running will do more harm than good and ultimately lead to a breakdown and problem with the spine, hip, knee or ankles. Being in alignment with good chiropractic care not only gets athletes out of pain but it prevents the body from breaking down. That is why Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong and more than 80% of the distance runners in the last Olympics see chiropractors.
So, to stay on course and stay off the sidelines by following these 5 guidelines. If you are interested in getting your muscle balance tested and seeing if you are in alignment please feel free to contact us at Laurel Regional Chiropractic.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, MD
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Poor posture can lead to poor health
Prevention and awareness is the best care for health-related problems. One of the easiest and most logical ways to prevent bad posture habits is to think about the consequences.
1. Tension Headaches: Sitting hunched over at your job, most commonly caused by your hands reaching for the keyboard when typing on your computer leads to your shoulders and head slumping forward. This posture tightens the muscles in your neck, upper back and shoulders. After awhile, the tightness causes nerve irritations and muscle spasms which restrict proper flow of blood to the back of your head. This leads to tension headaches.
2. Diminished Breathing: Poor posture can lead to severe kyphosis (hunched back) causing the torso collapse leading to breathing difficulties. Rounded shoulders and overly bent or imbalanced spine restrict the expansion of the rib cage, which restricts the rise and fall of the breathing diaphragm. Reduced rib and spinal mobility will affect the normal breathing movement. If the diaphragm can't rise, it won't be able to draw in as much oxygen during inhalation.
3. Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common causes of bad posture. Tired and tight muscles cannot support the skeleton as they are designed to do. Your muscles have to work extra hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture, leaving you without energy. Lack of adequate muscle flexibility and strength, abnormal joint motion in the spine and other body regions will lead to overall muscle fatigue.
4. Make you look older: Never underestimate the beauty and health benefits of good posture. Often poor posture is just a bad habit that is easily corrected. Poor posture not only makes you look older, but could be the first step toward dowager’s hump, double chin, potbelly, and swayback as well as some internal problems too. When a person is hunched over or not standing straight that person may be perceived as older than they actually are. Good posture is not only beneficial to your body; it also makes you look taller and slimmer. What's more, good posture can convey self-confidence, which may just be the best accessory you can have.
5. Back pain: Most common consequence of poor posture, due to muscle strain, especially lower back pain. The back muscles, ligaments, and discs are under extra stress when the spine is not in proper alignment. Strong muscles help keep the spine in proper alignment and prevent back pain. Strong muscles also prevent the spine from extending beyond its normal range of motion, which is essential to protecting the ligaments and disks from injury.
Source: T. Moses Public Relations and Consulting, http://tmosespublicrelations.com
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
1. Tension Headaches: Sitting hunched over at your job, most commonly caused by your hands reaching for the keyboard when typing on your computer leads to your shoulders and head slumping forward. This posture tightens the muscles in your neck, upper back and shoulders. After awhile, the tightness causes nerve irritations and muscle spasms which restrict proper flow of blood to the back of your head. This leads to tension headaches.
2. Diminished Breathing: Poor posture can lead to severe kyphosis (hunched back) causing the torso collapse leading to breathing difficulties. Rounded shoulders and overly bent or imbalanced spine restrict the expansion of the rib cage, which restricts the rise and fall of the breathing diaphragm. Reduced rib and spinal mobility will affect the normal breathing movement. If the diaphragm can't rise, it won't be able to draw in as much oxygen during inhalation.
3. Fatigue: Fatigue is one of the most common causes of bad posture. Tired and tight muscles cannot support the skeleton as they are designed to do. Your muscles have to work extra hard just to hold you up if you have poor posture, leaving you without energy. Lack of adequate muscle flexibility and strength, abnormal joint motion in the spine and other body regions will lead to overall muscle fatigue.
4. Make you look older: Never underestimate the beauty and health benefits of good posture. Often poor posture is just a bad habit that is easily corrected. Poor posture not only makes you look older, but could be the first step toward dowager’s hump, double chin, potbelly, and swayback as well as some internal problems too. When a person is hunched over or not standing straight that person may be perceived as older than they actually are. Good posture is not only beneficial to your body; it also makes you look taller and slimmer. What's more, good posture can convey self-confidence, which may just be the best accessory you can have.
5. Back pain: Most common consequence of poor posture, due to muscle strain, especially lower back pain. The back muscles, ligaments, and discs are under extra stress when the spine is not in proper alignment. Strong muscles help keep the spine in proper alignment and prevent back pain. Strong muscles also prevent the spine from extending beyond its normal range of motion, which is essential to protecting the ligaments and disks from injury.
Source: T. Moses Public Relations and Consulting, http://tmosespublicrelations.com
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Too much exercise can lead to overuse injuries
People tend to do the same exercise routine over and over again, without varying it, without taking adequate rest, and they end up with an overuse injury.
Most overuse injuries can be blamed on four factors: 1. Inadequate recovery (when your body doesn’t fully recover from one run to the next). 2. Biomechanical irregularities (such as overpronation and leg-length discrepancy). 3. Muscular imbalances caused by running itself (tight hamstrings and weak quadriceps, for example). 4. Improper or worn-out footwear. Cross-training can’t help you with your footwear choices, but it can address the other three factors. If you’re a beginning runner who hasn’t yet developed strength and flexibility imbalances, you can get big benefits from endurance cross-training. Your ankles, knees, and lower back aren’t used to the repetitive impact of running, so you can use walking, elliptical machines, and other low-impact conditioning tools to improve endurance without beating up your most vulnerable joints, muscles, and connective tissues. You can gradually mix in some running once you’ve established a base of fitness.
So the bottom line is that, if you’re feeling pain while doing an exercise, the form might be wrong or you might be injured. Some runners just run, without doing any cross-training, and they may do the same thing every week. Strength training or weight lifting routine will help those runners to focus on their weaknesses. Also, by varying routines and taking time to recover can help with injury prevention.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Most overuse injuries can be blamed on four factors: 1. Inadequate recovery (when your body doesn’t fully recover from one run to the next). 2. Biomechanical irregularities (such as overpronation and leg-length discrepancy). 3. Muscular imbalances caused by running itself (tight hamstrings and weak quadriceps, for example). 4. Improper or worn-out footwear. Cross-training can’t help you with your footwear choices, but it can address the other three factors. If you’re a beginning runner who hasn’t yet developed strength and flexibility imbalances, you can get big benefits from endurance cross-training. Your ankles, knees, and lower back aren’t used to the repetitive impact of running, so you can use walking, elliptical machines, and other low-impact conditioning tools to improve endurance without beating up your most vulnerable joints, muscles, and connective tissues. You can gradually mix in some running once you’ve established a base of fitness.
So the bottom line is that, if you’re feeling pain while doing an exercise, the form might be wrong or you might be injured. Some runners just run, without doing any cross-training, and they may do the same thing every week. Strength training or weight lifting routine will help those runners to focus on their weaknesses. Also, by varying routines and taking time to recover can help with injury prevention.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Monday, March 8, 2010
The Importance of a Well Aligned Body to Your Golf Game
Golf and chiropractic are a perfect combination. A chiropractor, along with a good golf instructor, can help you evaluate, treat, condition and train golfers. A chiropractor will look at the body in balance from head to toe, which is the essence of the golf swing. Anything interfering with the stance or the grip restrictions in the swing will have a profound effect on your golf swing. There are three fundamental causes of golf injuries: poor posture, lack of flexibility, and lack of balanced functioning of muscles. And, of course, poor swing mechanics is the fourth cause.
The golf swing is all about efficient energy transfer from the lower body into the hips, through each of the joints of the spine, into the shoulder girdle, down the arm, through the golf club, and finally into the golf ball. Posture at the address of the ball is important to position yourself to effectively transfer energy and hit that long straight shot you are visualizing. If back pain and dysfunction are impairing your posture, your swing will suffer. That means compensating during your swing that can lead to more biomechanical problems and pain in other areas of the body. Without good posture, pain can be a self-perpetuating cycle that inhibits your game.
Look at yourself in a mirror. Stand nice and tall with your hands to your side. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Now place you hands on your hips. Is one hip higher than the other? If you are serious about golf you should really be serious about your body. Most golfers will spend lots of money, time, and care on their golf equipment but spend little time with their most valuable equipment – that’s themselves. Take a few minutes every day to stretch before playing as it will make a tremendous difference.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
The golf swing is all about efficient energy transfer from the lower body into the hips, through each of the joints of the spine, into the shoulder girdle, down the arm, through the golf club, and finally into the golf ball. Posture at the address of the ball is important to position yourself to effectively transfer energy and hit that long straight shot you are visualizing. If back pain and dysfunction are impairing your posture, your swing will suffer. That means compensating during your swing that can lead to more biomechanical problems and pain in other areas of the body. Without good posture, pain can be a self-perpetuating cycle that inhibits your game.
Look at yourself in a mirror. Stand nice and tall with your hands to your side. Is one shoulder higher than the other? Now place you hands on your hips. Is one hip higher than the other? If you are serious about golf you should really be serious about your body. Most golfers will spend lots of money, time, and care on their golf equipment but spend little time with their most valuable equipment – that’s themselves. Take a few minutes every day to stretch before playing as it will make a tremendous difference.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Effect of spinal manipulative therapy with stretching compared with stretching alone on full-swing performance of golf players: a randomized trial
There has been a steady growth of chiropractic treatment using spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) that aims to increase the performance of athletes in various sports. This study evaluates the effect of SMT by chiropractors on the performance of golf players.
Golfers of 2 golf clubs in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. They were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: Group I received a stretch program, and group II received a stretch program in addition to SMT. Participants in both groups performed the same standardized stretching program. Spinal manipulative therapy to dysfunctional spinal segments was performed on group II only. All golfers performed 3full-swing maneuvers. Ball range was considered as the average distance for the 3 shots. Treatment was performed after the initial measurement, and the same maneuvers were performed afterward. Each participant repeated these procedures for a 4-week period.
Forty-three golfers completed the protocol. Twenty participants were allocated to group I and 23 to group II. Average age, handicap, and initial swing were comparable. No improvement of full-swing performance was observed during the 4 sessions on group I (stretch only). An improvement was observed at the fourth session of group II (P = .005); when comparing the posttreatment, group II had statistical significance at all phases (P = .003).
Chiropractic SMT in association with muscle stretching may be associated with an improvement of full-swing performance when compared with muscle stretching alone.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Golfers of 2 golf clubs in São Paulo, Brazil, participated in this study. They were randomized to 1 of 2 groups: Group I received a stretch program, and group II received a stretch program in addition to SMT. Participants in both groups performed the same standardized stretching program. Spinal manipulative therapy to dysfunctional spinal segments was performed on group II only. All golfers performed 3full-swing maneuvers. Ball range was considered as the average distance for the 3 shots. Treatment was performed after the initial measurement, and the same maneuvers were performed afterward. Each participant repeated these procedures for a 4-week period.
Forty-three golfers completed the protocol. Twenty participants were allocated to group I and 23 to group II. Average age, handicap, and initial swing were comparable. No improvement of full-swing performance was observed during the 4 sessions on group I (stretch only). An improvement was observed at the fourth session of group II (P = .005); when comparing the posttreatment, group II had statistical significance at all phases (P = .003).
Chiropractic SMT in association with muscle stretching may be associated with an improvement of full-swing performance when compared with muscle stretching alone.
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
Friday, March 5, 2010
The Benefits of Stretching
The muscles tighten as a person ages which can lead to a decrease in range of joint movements. That is why as the person grows older, bending or flexing becomes more limited. This is why stretching regularly, as part of a routine is very important. Simple stretches can be done everyday and can be easily incorporated in your daily activities. It does not require much of your time. So how can stretching help with your overall health?
Regular stretching exercises can lengthen the muscles and the tendons which can help in increasing the range of your movement. Stretching can prevent injury to joints, tendons, and muscles. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured. If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
A research article appeared in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggests that flexibility, as defined by how far you can reach while sitting down, may be linked to the stiffness of your arteries. It’s known that arterial stiffness often precedes life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Researchers don’t know why flexibility might be linked to arteries. One theory is that people who are more flexible do stretching exercises that help slow down stiffening of the arteries. So give your tight muscles a good stretch as it could help your heart!
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Regular stretching exercises can lengthen the muscles and the tendons which can help in increasing the range of your movement. Stretching can prevent injury to joints, tendons, and muscles. When the muscles and tendons are well-flexed, they are considered in good working order. The muscles of the body will be able to take more exhausting and rigorous movements with less probability of being injured. If the muscles are given their regular exercises and stretching, it is less likely that they will contract. This will definitely relieve you of any muscle pain or problems.
A research article appeared in the October 2009 issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Heart and Circulatory Physiology suggests that flexibility, as defined by how far you can reach while sitting down, may be linked to the stiffness of your arteries. It’s known that arterial stiffness often precedes life-threatening cardiovascular disease. Researchers don’t know why flexibility might be linked to arteries. One theory is that people who are more flexible do stretching exercises that help slow down stiffening of the arteries. So give your tight muscles a good stretch as it could help your heart!
Dr. David Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Effects of resistance training and chiropractic treatment in women with fibromyalgia
A recent study has found that resistance training is more helpful for women with fibromyalgia if it is combined with chiropractic treatment.
The randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate resistance training and resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment on the impact and functionality of fibromyalgia in women. 21 women with fibromyalgia, who had an average age of 48 years, took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to either resistance training or resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment, with 10 women in the first group and 11 in the second. Both groups completed 16 weeks of resistance training consisting of 10 exercises performed two times per week. The group assigned to receive both resistance training and chiropractic treatment also received chiropractic treatment two times per week.
The results showed that both groups increased upper and lower body strength and there were similar improvements in fibromyalgia impact in both groups as well as the strength domains of the functionality assessment. However, only the group receiving resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment significantly improved in the pre- to post-functional domains of flexibility, balance and coordination, and endurance.
One factor in the beneficial effects of the chiropractic treatment may have been that many chiropractors perform some myofascial release as part of their treatments. Myofascial pain is a common problem with fibromyalgia and it can cause exercise to be more painful and less effective.
Original article by: Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, John NS, Abood D, Mathis R, Vantassel J, McMillan V. Effects of Resistance Training and Chiropractic Treatment in Women with Fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
The randomized controlled study aimed to evaluate resistance training and resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment on the impact and functionality of fibromyalgia in women. 21 women with fibromyalgia, who had an average age of 48 years, took part in the study. They were randomly assigned to either resistance training or resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment, with 10 women in the first group and 11 in the second. Both groups completed 16 weeks of resistance training consisting of 10 exercises performed two times per week. The group assigned to receive both resistance training and chiropractic treatment also received chiropractic treatment two times per week.
The results showed that both groups increased upper and lower body strength and there were similar improvements in fibromyalgia impact in both groups as well as the strength domains of the functionality assessment. However, only the group receiving resistance training combined with chiropractic treatment significantly improved in the pre- to post-functional domains of flexibility, balance and coordination, and endurance.
One factor in the beneficial effects of the chiropractic treatment may have been that many chiropractors perform some myofascial release as part of their treatments. Myofascial pain is a common problem with fibromyalgia and it can cause exercise to be more painful and less effective.
Original article by: Panton LB, Figueroa A, Kingsley JD, Hornbuckle L, Wilson J, John NS, Abood D, Mathis R, Vantassel J, McMillan V. Effects of Resistance Training and Chiropractic Treatment in Women with Fibromyalgia. J Altern Complement Med. 2009 Mar;15(3):321-8.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Study shows that Cold Laser Therapy helps Chronic Neck Pain Sufferers
A new Australian study appeared in the journal Lancet shows that using cold laser therapy to treat chronic neck pain can be very effective.
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
Low-level laser therapy, also known as LLLT involves using a laser's light to stimulate tissue repair and ease pain. Lead researcher Roberta Chow of the Brain and Mind Research Institute at Australia's University of Sydney carried out an overview of 16 randomized trials that put this increasingly popular procedure to the test. 820patients were enrolled in the trials and divided into two groups: one that received either the therapy or other one that received a dummy treatment.
In five trials, the researchers found that patients given LLLT were around four times more likely to have reduced pain compared with a placebo. In the 11 other trials, for which there was a detailed analysis of pain symptoms, LLLT patients reported reductions of chronic pain by around 20 points on a scale of 100 points. The pain reduction continued for up to 22 weeks.
LLLT compares favorably with other drugs and remedies for effectiveness and its side-effects are mild, says the study. The researchers further suggested that low level laser therapy be used in combination with an exercise program for neck pain as well.
Original article: Chow RT, Johnson MI, Lopes-Martins RA, Bjordal JM. “Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo or active-treatment controlled trials.” Lancet. 2009 Dec 5;374(9705):1897-908.
Dr. David P. Chen
Chiropractor in Laurel, Maryland
Laurel Regional Chiropractic
http://www.laurelregionalchiropractic.com/
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