ChiroWorks Care Center: Chiropractic, Health, Pain Relief, Non-surgical & Non-prescription Alternatives
Dr Tony Tsai, Chiropractor in San Jose, CA for chiropractic, health and alternative medicineConnecticut: No Association Between Chiropractic Neck Adjustments & Strokes
Neck Pain Task Force presented before the Connecticut Board of Chiropractic Examiners that “patients suffering from headache and neck pain are no more likely to suffer from a stroke following a visit to a chiropractor than they are after a visit to a family medical physician.” The Neck Pain Task Force studied nine years worth of research. The Cennecticut board also concluded that the media “often sensationalized” and perpetuated the myth with chiropractic adjustments. Their conclusions are in agreement with my previous blog entry.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=3769
Chiropractic Stroke Risk & Connecticut Advocacy Groups
SIGNS OF STROKE
Diplopia — Double vision or other vision problems
Dizziness — Vertigo, light-headedness
Drop attacks — Sudden numbness/weakness of face/arm/leg
Dysarthria — Speech disorders
Dysphagia — Difficulty swallowing
Ataxia of gait — Difficulty walking
Nausea — Vomiting or queasiness
Numbness — Loss of sensation on one side
Nystagmus — Involuntary rapid eye movements
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/good_day_ny/100105-chiropractic-stroke-risk,-mammograms
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18204390
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19251066?itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_RVAbstract
http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/stroke.shtml
http://www.chiro.org/LINKS/ABSTRACTS/Risk_of_Vertebrobasilar_Stroke.shtml
https://www.ncmic.com/microsites/CVA/CVA_ExecSummary.pdf
Kerri Walsh endorses KT Tape; SpiderTech Another Pre-cut Tape Brand
Some patients mentioned a precut elastic tape but now I have found what they were talking about. I am still not sure what was the exact brand used in the Beijing summer olympics but it looks like a new brand of kinesiology tape, KT Tape, is being endorsed by Kerri Walsh. The earliest press release that I can find is in May and June 2009. Mary Sheddon of The Tamba Tribune reports that KT Tape helps with foot pains and shin splints. SpiderTech is another brand claimed to be the “original” starting in 1987. Kinesio Tex developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase around 1984 according to their website also claiming to be the “original.” My guess is that Nitto Denko is a company that had a elastic sports tape since the 80’s along with Kinesio Tex but Dr. Kenzo Kase developed an actual taping technique. Kinesio Tex has had several books and seminars for years. I have yet to find any SpiderTech taping manual or KT Tape manual on the medical supply websites. I have never received any seminar brochure from either of these companies. The earliest press release or product for SpiderTech that I can find is in 2009. My question is what brand was used in the Beijing summer olympics 2008. I was sometimes under the training of Dr. Michael Reed, DC, MS, CSCS, DACBSP during my chiropractic training who became the medical director of the US Olympic Committee for the 2008 olympic team and also the future 2012 olympic team. There was only one other chiropractor on the team so the kinesio tape used on Kerri Walsh in the summer olympics was either an early version of the KT Tape or Kinesio Tex tape. I also believe Kinesio Tex tape is used by more chiropractors and physical therapists. I can’t make any endorsement for Dr. Reed but only say what I have seen. If there is anyone who can give me evidence to correct me, I would be interested. I will also be trying KT Tape and SpiderTech tape so perhaps there will be a future post about my findings.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://twitter.com/KTTape
http://twitter.com/originalkinesio
http://www.kttape.com/
http://www.nucapmedical.com/index.html
http://www.ntmed.co.jp/english/taping/index.html
http://www.kinesiotaping.com/
http://www.optp.com/
http://www.sammonspreston.com/app.aspx?cmd=get_product&id=311710
http://www.theratape.com/spidertech/tape
http://thevitalitydepot.com/index.php?MenuLevel1=Products&MenuLevel2=Spider
http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS181792+18-Aug-2009+PRN20090818
http://www.gear.com/kt-tape-secret-weapon-of-elite-athletes/
http://www.prweb.com/releases/OPTP/SpiderTech/prweb2671454.htm
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/24/4u-whats-new/life/
DC Physician Status in Federal Health Plan Successfully Restored
Here is a brief except from the press release. Not health related but it is nice to see chiropractic moving a step more toward mainstream acceptance in healthcare. Here is the full press release.
ACA’s Efforts to Restore DC Physician Status in Federal Health Plan Successful
“After months of intensive negotiations between the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), doctors of chiropractic are once again designated as “physicians” in the BCBSA Federal Employee Plan (FEP), the world’s largest health plan and one that President Obama has identified as a template for future health care reform. The 2010 FEP benefits brochure confirms the change.”
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://www.acatoday.org/press_css.cfm?CID=3583
http://www.bcbs.com/
http://www.fepblue.org/
Chiropractic and Children
Diana Williams of WABC-TV of New York, NY and Channel 9: wftv.com of Orlando, Florida reports about a chiropractor that uses the ProAdjuster system. Click here to view the video segment titled “Space Age Back Healing”. Chiropractors claims regarding the benefits for chiropractic and children range from ear infections, cholicky infants, ADHD and scoliosis. While I do not promote non-musculoskeletal conditions with chiropractic, I have heard from collegues with many success stories. In 2007, one study found that chiropractic can help reduce high blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to keep an open mind and watch for more research before jumping to conclusions. Children have the same pains and aches as any adults so I treat children for musculoskeletal disorders like a sprain or strain. It is always best to address a problem early so I would endorse chiropractic for children. It is important to educate children with good habits such as good posture or computer use ergonomics. Chiropractic has also been shown to be safe in a recent study by ICPA.
The chiropractor in the video uses the ProAdjuster system which is a technique using a gentler chiropractic. While I personally do not use any technique system believing that everyone is different, I use many of the same components found in the ProAdjuster system such as an Activator instrument.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://www.wftv.com/health/21159294/detail.html
http://abclocal.go.com/wabc/story?section=news/health&id=7036994
http://www.pro-adjuster.us/
http://www.webmd.com/hypertension-high-blood-pressure/news/20070316/chiropractic-cuts-blood-pressure
http://icpa4kids.com/index.php
http://nl.sitestat.com/elsevier/elsevier-com/s?sciencedirect&ns_type=clickout&ns_url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science?_ob=GatewayURL&_origin=IRSSCONTENT&_method=citationSearch&_piikey=S1550830709002079&_version=1&md5=2f722f68a66a7b000f55c5efef674451
Cell Phone Elbow Tips & Prevention
If you do not know what Cell Phone Elbow is, take the time to look at my blog entry about Cell Phone Elbow. This is condition is more correctly called cubital tunnel syndrome. Your first step should be to avoid activities or improper techniques which can cause this condition. Avoid bending the elbow beyond 90 degrees for any prolonged period of time. When you have to bend your elbow beyond 90 degrees, pay attention to your posture or the position of the neck, shoulder and hand position. Try to keep these in the mid range of their range of motion with the muscles as relaxed as possible. Pay attention to your work environment and proper ergonomics especially if you have to work at the computer. Look for future blogs about proper computer ergonomics. Buy hands-free devices and more ergonomic devices. Take frequent breaks trying to avoid any prolonged position for more than 20 minutes. A splint or brace may be used to remind you to avoid any incorrect position from habits. A simple brace can be a towel wrapped around your elbow. In my practice, I may use an elastic tape called Kinesio Tape to tape the bottom of the elbow which will prevent extreme elbow flexion. When treating nerve entrapments, I use a technique called nerve flossing which allows the nerve to glide easier preventing inflammation from too much friction and the nerve is allowed to stretch evenly along the nerve when elbow is flexed past 90 degrees. The closest that I could find to demonstrate this is a video I found on YouTube from Doug Alexander. While it is focusing on a different nerve, you may still get some benefit since the ulnar nerve branches from the brachial plexus like the median nerve in carpal tunnel syndrome. Just follow the precautions and ask your doctor before trying this. I would also highly recommend some type of massage/myofascial therapy to loosen any tight muscles and ligaments causing the nerve compression. I personally use Graston Technique instruments which I have found excellent results compare to using my hands alone and they also have their own research regarding results with carpal tunnel syndrome. I am also certified or trained in using the metal instruments for conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome. In my references section, there are more excellent resources and tips. I handpicked the best information that I also tell my patients.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
http://chiroworkscarecenter.blogspot.com/2009/06/cell-phone-elbow.html
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00069
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xi_yAWCqhI
http://www.nervemobilization.com/
http://www.handuniversity.com/topics.asp?Topic_ID=8
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00069
http://www.handhealthresources.com/problems%20pages/cubital%20tunnel.htm
http://www.eorthopod.com/public/patient_education/6469/cubital_tunnel_syndrome.html
http://www.grastontechnique.com/Findings_and_Presentations.html?%3E%3CFONT%20face=
Virtual Games Causing Real Injuries
As the popularity of highly-interactive video games like the Wii increase in popularity, the medical community is seeing an increased number of sports-related injuries. While the risk of repetitive-motion injuries has always been an issue, injuries caused by the Wii are very different. The injuries the Wii is causing are more related to actual “sports injuries” such as elbow, wrist, back and shoulder injuries. It is interesting to note these injuries are generally not incurred by those who did not play sports before the Wii came along.
Wii “athletes” are especially vulnerable to injury for two reasons:
1. They are often people who do not exercise on a regular basis.
2. Wii players tend to overextend and exaggerate their movements while playing because there is not the natural resistance of a ball being thrown, hit or caught as there is when actually playing the sports.
While the virtual world seems to be at fault, the injuries being caused are very real and it is important for both Wii fans and those asked to treat them understand this. So how can armchair quarterbacks (and bowlers and boxing champs) stay at their virtual and real-life best? Well, here are a few tips:
· Moderation. As with everything, playing with your Wii at an immoderate level will cause injuries. You are doing the same motions over and over. Injury is bound to result if you overdo it.
· Form. Do not assume that because you are playing a game, that proper form does not matter. Those guidelines are put in place to help decrease the risk of injury. By being mindful of them while playing, you will be safer.
· Supervision. If you have children, be sure to keep an eye on how much they play and how they play. If you see your children engaging in unhealthy behavior, you will want to intervene.
If you find yourself with an injury from playing all those great Wii games, chiropractic is a wonderful, non-invasive way to get you pain free in a relatively short time frame. Don’t wait until your injuries become serious to seek the proper course of treatment.
By-line:
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of sports management colleges. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Chiropractic Helps Athletes of the Beijing and London Olympics
In August 2008, my blog even reported at that time Kinesio Tape was used on Kerri Walsh’s shoulder. I still do not know exactly who used Kinesio Tape on Kerri Walsh’s shoulder but I am more certain now that it was a chiropractor. Another tool used by chiropractors is Graston Technique for high performance athletes with muscle, ligaments, scar tissue or other soft tissue problems in general. Joseph Dimalanta, D.C. writes in his blog confirming that chiropractors, specifically Ted Forcum, D.C., DACBSP, were an important part of the Beijing Summer Olympics in 2008. Chiropractors have known for years that if Graston Technique is good enough for athletes, it is also good for chronic pain. Mike Reed, DC, DACBSP, a former instructor of mine at SCUHS (LACC), was in charge of the medical panel as a director of the USOC in Beijing and also the upcoming London 2012 Summer Olympics. With Dr. Reed, chiropractic was given as a service along with medical, athletic training and massage therapy to the Beijing Olympic athletes, US Olympic staff, sponsers, friends and family. Overall, there were 17 physicians, 2 chiropractors and 33 athletic trainers. It is exciting to see how chiropractic is slowly becoming more accepted and respected by the mainstream athletic community. Dr. Reed will also be a part of the London Olympics in 2012 so chiropractic will again be a part of the Olympic community.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
D.I.S.C. Spine & Sports Center
Guampdm.com & Joseph Dimalanta, D.C.
Southern California University of Health Sciences
Beijing Olympics 2008
Graston Technique
Kinesio Tape
Don’t Let Housework Be a Pain in Your Back
Household chores can be a pain in the sacroiliac. Unless you’re careful, routine activities around the home— washing dishes, vacuuming, even talking on the phone— can strain your back, including the sacroiliac area near the tailbone, and result in debilitating discomfort.
Back-Saving Tips
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
National Chiropractic Month
Discover Chiropractic: 100% Natural Healthcare
October is National Chiropractic Month. It is not natural to be in pain – but unfortunately for millions of Americans it’s a daily occurrence. Doctors of chiropractic, commonly called chiropractors, provide conservative and effective treatment for pain, without medication or surgery.
Here is an excerpt from ACAtoday.org regarding the safety of chiropractic:
Chiropractic is widely recognized as one of the safest drug-free, non-invasive
therapies available for the treatment of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.
Although chiropractic has an excellent safety record, no health treatment is
completely free of potential adverse effects.The risks associated
with chiropractic, however, are very small. Many patients feel immediate relief
following chiropractic treatment, but some may experience mild soreness or
aching, just as they do after some forms of exercise. Current literature shows
that minor discomfort or soreness following spinal manipulation typically fades
within 24 hours.Neck pain and some types of headaches are treated
through precise cervical manipulation. Cervical manipulation, often called a
neck adjustment, works to improve joint mobility in the neck, restoring range of
motion and reducing muscle spasm, which helps relieve pressure and tension.Neck manipulation is a remarkably safe procedure. While some
reports have associated upper high-velocity neck manipulation with a certain
kind of stroke, or vertebral artery dissection, there is not yet a clear
understanding of the connection. The occurrence appears to be very rare—1 in
5.85 million manipulations— based on the clinical reports and scientific studies
to date. If you are visiting your doctor of chiropractic with upper-neck
pain or headache, be very specific about your symptoms. This will help your
doctor of chiropractic offer the safest and most effective treatment, even if it
involves referral to another health care provider.It is important
for patients to understand the risks associated with some of the most common
treatments for musculoskeletal pain — prescription and over-the-counter
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) — as these treatments may carry
risks significantly greater than those of chiropractic manipulation. According
to a study from the American Journal of Gastroenterology, approximately
one-third of all hospitalizations and deaths related to gastrointestinal
bleeding can be attributed to the use of aspirin or NSAID painkillers like
ibuprofen.
ChiroWorks Care Center
Anthony Tsai, D.C.
ChiroWorksCareCenter.com
Chiropractor in San Jose, CA
Graston Technique Certified with emphasis in shoulder pain & nerve entrapment such as carpal tunnel syndrome
References:
ACA Chiropractic FAQ from American Chiropractic Association
