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What is Sports Medicine?

Sports medicine is a multi-disciplinary specialty that deals with the prevention and treatment of sports-related injuries. Sports Medicine can be beneficial to health and a useful tool for preventing a wide range of pathologies. Sports medicine also watches on prohibited sporting practices such as doping and deals with health education aimed at students, parents, and technical operators with a view to familiarizing themselves with the benefits of the well-practiced physical activity.

What does the sports doctor do?

The sports physician is responsible for certifying fitness for agonistic and non-agonistic sports practices and can carry out tests and evaluations to identify any issues related to sport or that may be inappropriate for practice, such as heart problems. It can also provide nutrition advice that is best suited to athletes during sporting practice, sports trauma, and chronic disease management through the prescription of exercises as therapy. Finally, he can play the role of a doctor and deal with anti-doping.

The most commonly treated diseases treated by the sports physician are sports trauma, for example:

Damage to joints and ligaments

Distortions

Patellofemoral Pain (Runner Knee)

Tennis Elbow

Fractures

Musculoskeletal lesions

Cranial traumas

*The sports physician can also help you deal with problems such as Lumbago and Gonalgia.

What are the most commonly used procedures of the sports medicine?

The sports physician evaluates the psychophysical health status of a patient and uses sports medicine therapy to prevent and manage chronic illnesses associated with improper lifestyles. Among the most frequently used tests and treatments includes:

The Maximum Stress Test

The RICE Protocol: rest, ice, compression and lifting (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)

Corticosteroid Injections

The use of alternative sports to what causes any criticality (e.g. pain)

When to apply for an appointment with the sports physician?

An appointment with the sports physician may be necessary when you need a fitness certificate for sports practice if you have been trapped in a sports trauma and if you want to use sports therapy to prevent or deal with a chronic illness you may take benefit from sports medicine.

In today's world, with the enormous scientific development of all specialties, the interrelation of sports medicine as the science is becoming increasingly necessary. Sport medicine is a new medical specialty, but it has acquired a great importance, because of the relevant role played by it as an important tool in the control of sports training, the development of functional and morphological abilities of athletes, prevention and rehabilitation of sports injuries, and anti-doping which guarantees improved health indicators for athletes and increased sports results.

Sports medicine has renewed its important role, being increasingly necessary its action in the areas of health, conducting and advising the programs of physical activity for the different health groups. It plays a decisive role in the education, promotion, prevention, cure and rehabilitation of chronic degenerative diseases.

If you believe that sports medicine is only for professional athletes? Think again. Although it helps professional athletes improve their achievements without harming the body, knowledge in this area can also be used by amateur athletes, children, adults and even people suffering from chronic diseases, so that their physical activity is more effective and safe.

The Benefits of Sports Massage

When we talk about sports massage, we refer to the physical treatment that is performed, in most cases, with a manual technique. The goal of the sports massage is to improve the performance and fitness of anyone who does sport, although it can also be applied to non-athletes for the same purpose.

The sports massage differs from other types of massage for being deeper and more intense. As a general rule, it is based on the guidelines of a classic massage and incorporates a combination of stretching, compression, friction, toning and more advanced techniques of pressure points and “Shiatsu”.

Sports Masseurs

Sports masseurs use techniques that include but are not limited to, pressures, stretching, vigorous movements, joint mobilization, and light tissue vibration. The origin of this method comes from massage in the area of competitive sport, where the athlete performs a long and continuous activity (e.g. football, basketball) or a strenuous activity for several hours or several races or series (e.g. tennis and athletics).

The sports massage is intended for those who do sports or high-intensity exercises. Their goal is to keep the body in a state of high muscle alertness so that tissues and muscles receive a constant supply of blood, which brings oxygen, food and eliminates cellular secretions.

Sports Doctor/Physician

Sports Physician usually comes from different areas of general medicine, family medicine or internal medicine. The sports doctor handles all aspects of sports medicine. He examines the patient and recommends treatments appropriate to the case, and provides guidance for physical activity.

Some of the sports physicians come from the field of Orthopedics, and after training in sports injuries. They diagnose and treat such injuries caused by physical activity, or those injuries that make it difficult for the patient to develop normal physical activity.

The practice of physical activities and sports medicine is a very important component in the achievement of good health indicators for a good quality of life. Increasingly, the concepts of health and sport must be more united, in order to achieve the health indicators already mentioned.

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Top Five Benefits of Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic helps to restore the proper functioning of all components of the spine, dealing with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the entire system. Chiropractic is one of the most popular alternative therapies currently available. It is very suitable to combat cervical discomfort, scoliosis, and back pain and to produce improvements at the physical and mental level.  

Here are five major benefits of chiropractic therapy:  

Stress Relief  

Millions of Americans feel the negative effects of stress, every day. In fact, many of us suffer chronic stress. This excessive amount of stress can lead to serious health problems, such as Insomnia, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, muscle tension, and bowel problems.  

By balancing the nervous system, Chiropractic provides the body with an optimal resilience against stress, anxiety, and depression. In our society, whose pace of life is increasingly accelerated, the sources of stress multiply which includes professional and personal responsibilities, family and financial concerns, pollution, traffic, and noise, etc. Adding to that an inadequate diet and lack of exercise is easily understood why so many people develop symptoms of chronic stress or are depleted and depressed.  

Chiropractic therapy does not require injections or other procedures that involve the use of chemicals. The chiropractor treats each through chiropractic adjustments on the back, neck, legs, feet, face and arms. In addition, essential oils can be used to facilitate relaxation and to make treatment more pleasurable.  It relieves tiredness, muscle stiffness, and even headaches.  

Improved Posture

The posture reflects the condition of the spine. It can play a vital role because the spine is connected by the nervous system to the organs, joints, and muscles. Good posture offers many benefits in terms of well-being, coordination, and strength. Chiropractic care is dedicated to the detection, analysis, and correction of vertebral subluxations. It promotes optimal physical and mental development. The aim of the chiropractic treatment is to give the column as much posture as possible while improving the movement of each of the vertebrae and reducing the pain.

Chiropractic and Sport

Physical activity is paramount in order to maintain optimal health throughout life. However, the risk of injury also increases with the practice of sports activities. Repeated movements and impacts, falls or excessive stresses related to the practice of a sport can all cause or precipitate the occurrence of injuries. Whether you are a Sunday athlete or a top athlete, chiropractic care will help you maximize your potential and stay in it.  

A growing number of elite athletes use chiropractic care. We just have to think of Sydney Crosby, Tiger Woods or Canadian world champion, Mikaël Kingsbury. Athletic chiropractic not only treats athletes with an injury so they can return to play as quickly as possible but also seeks to identify the exact cause of the pain (Faulty biomechanics, muscle unbalance, training error or equipment problem).  

The chiropractor is your ally to assess the biomechanics of the body as a whole and to detect situations that cause you problems. This prevention component, with correction or prescription of exercises, greatly reduces your chances of injuries and serves to improve your performance. Like a race car requires adjustments by mechanics to maximize its performance, it is the same for the human body.  

Chiropractic Care for Elders  

Elders can benefit greatly from chiropractic care. Regular chiropractic therapies combined with proper physical exercise helps to maintain good joint mobility, slow the progression of osteoarthritis, and prevent the development of painful episodes. Chiropractic can help prevent and treat various conditions that are sometimes related to the aging process (lumbago, sciatica, neck pain, points between the shoulder blades, numbness, etc.).  

Did you know that only 10% of your body perceives pain? That's why chiropractic stands out from other health approaches because it allows you to get consulted the right away. In order to make the most of what life has to offer, chiropractic care helps you maintain an optimal state of well-being to live actively longer.  

Remember that pain is a symptom and not a condition. The role of the chiropractor is to determine and diagnose the cause of the pain and to apply the treatment necessary to optimize the nervous functions of your body or to refer to the appropriate field of competence.  

Chiropractic Care during Pregnancy

Pregnancy is an important period of postural changes in women. Indeed, the vertebral column is subjected to important physical stresses that modify the normal biomechanics of the body. One of the most significant changes in pregnancy concerns hormonal changes.  

Hormones are used to relax the ligaments and soft tissues to facilitate the birth process, but they can also decrease the stability of the spine and joints in the pelvis. That's why a healthy spine is paramount to the future mother. This increased elasticity of the pelvic ligaments imposes additional mechanical stress on the sacroiliac, Sacrococcygeal and pubic joint, which can become a source of discomfort and pain, particularly during the last trimester.

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The Role of Physiotherapist

Physiotherapists are a vital part of the health care team, working in hospitals and clinics. Physiotherapists provide a variety of rehabilitation and treatment services to people suffering from physical illness or injury. A physical therapist designs a plan of care for each patient depending on their needs and goals. For a patient, it could be exercised to reduce lower back pain, while a young child might need the assistance and appropriate therapy to achieve developmental milestones.  

Pain management, the range of motion, rehabilitation, and injury can all be factored into this health care plan. Finally, the physiotherapist works with attendees and patients to make the rehabilitation strategies. They can teach patients the activities and exercises to do on their own and supervise physical therapy in clinics. The physical therapist will work with patients and their families to help the patient achieve the best possible outcome for their situation. The work of physical therapists to their jobs has allowed many people to walk again, learn to move again, or live without pain.  

Who is the physiotherapist?  

The Physiotherapist is a health professional with university education. His competencies are included in the Health Professions Ordinance. The degree offered is the Diploma in Physiotherapy (3 years). The physiotherapist can offer you multiple solutions to your health problems, always ensuring your safety, reliability, and effectiveness.  

Physiotherapists and Rehabilitation  

Physical therapy is a critical part of the rehabilitation process after a serious injury. Physical therapists can work in a variety of situations however rehabilitation care is one of the most common occupations occupied by physical therapists. While the details of rehabilitation will depend on individual goals, physiotherapists play a vital role in this process.  

A physical therapist can help the patient formulate goals appropriate to their lifestyle. While an older person may simply want to live independently, an athlete will wait to return to his sport. A comprehensive rehabilitation plan will include not only the work of physical therapists but also therapists and other care providers, including a therapist and medical occupation. Physical strength and mobility, life skills, and pain management are all critical parts of this process for each patient and his team to give attention.  

Rehabilitation care serves to help patients return to their previous state or to improve their condition as much as possible after an illness or injury which has caused physical difficulties of one kind or another. People may find themselves looking for a physical rehabilitation therapy after a car accident, stroke, or mobility major changes due to illness. Physical therapy used in this way can reduce pain, increase mobility, and prevent further disability.  

Physical therapists have an important role to play for people who recover from an illness or injury. It can also help people with a range of motion and circulation. All people who need additional assistance with regard to mobility or disability issues can benefit from his services. Some children work with physical therapists from a very early age to get help with muscle tone or work to correct physical problems that may be present.  

A physical therapist can help elderly people to stay independent and able to self-care. As an adult, a physical therapist can help you when you are recovering from an injury, dealing with muscle tension or sports injuries, or even work related physical difficulties such as repetitive stress problems. People seeking treatment and care options that do not involve pain medications may find physical therapy a useful way to reduce or eliminate their dependence on painkillers.  

Physiotherapists usually receive patients referred by family doctors and medical specialists. They work with patients as part of a larger treatment plan programmed by a health team, or on the recommendation of the patient's personal physician. The first visit of a patient consists of a consultation to evaluate their condition and determine the best way to treat it.  

The physiotherapist draws up a plan that includes appointments and exercises that the patient must perform. Treatment sessions Physiotherapists treat patients in their private consultations, hospitals and retreat centers, and use various types of exercise equipment to restore physical health. After the first consultation, each patient's visit consists of routines to advance treatment that includes stretching and exercises. A physical therapist also monitors the progress of strength and flexibility to determine where to make changes in the physiotherapy routine.  

Rehabilitation Physiotherapy has two goals:Physical rehabilitation and pain relief. Someone with a shoulder injury or patients who have suffered a traumatic injury often needs physical therapy to regain normal mobility as the lesions heal. In such cases, a physiotherapist designs a plan to increase the range of mobility and minimize pain. The professional guides the patient through the plan to achieve those goals. The physiotherapist assists people who have chronic physical illnesses that probably will not be completely resolved.  

The typical goal in these cases is to improve the patient's quality of life. By stretching, exercising and working on legs, arms, back, shoulders, neck or wherever the pain comes from, the physiotherapist spread awareness of the patient’s problem and alleviates its impact on his or her life. Teaching patients to apply heat and cold to their ankles and swollen knees is a simple and common way to which the physiotherapist can help with relief. In some cases, such as exercising the stiffness of a joint with arthritis, physiotherapy is a preventive measure to avoid the physical repercussions of diseases and disabilities.

Physical therapists can give you mobility, freedom, and independence, and thereby make an important difference especially in the lives of people of all ages. The services of a good physical therapist can reduce the long-term impact of illness or accident and assistance in the speed and the full recovery. Physiotherapists treat people who are recovering from physical damage and those seeking relief from pain caused by chronic physical problems.

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The 8 Best Physical Therapy Methods Explained

Physiotherapy is a set of methods and techniques for curing and preventing illness. Also, Physical Therapy helps the adaptation of people with some type of disability or sequel after an injury or illness. This type of specialty is not only focused on the healing of sick people but also acts on healthy patients to prevent possible damages and injuries. There are numerous techniques in the field of physiotherapy that can be combined to accelerate patient recovery or prevent pathologies. Some of the best are:

Ultrasound Physiotherapy

One of the equipment used during the treatment of physiotherapy is the ultrasound. High-frequency ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to relieve muscle spasms and relax and warm up muscles before exercise, to help relieve pain and inflammation, and to promote healing. Although the use of ultrasound is common, some studies show a benefit of this treatment and others do not. Some physical therapists do not recommend deep warming techniques. Discuss benefits and risks with your physiotherapist or physician before starting this therapy. This type of treatment is not usually used for children.

Electrotherapy

The electrotherapy is a technique that is within physiotherapy, which aims to generate heat in certain soft tissues of the body to thereby achieve avoid increasing cramping sensation and even pain. In electrotherapy, electrical current is applied to the muscles or tissue of the body in order to stimulate the damaged areas. The current applied may be alternating current or direct current. In most cases, AC is applied because it is much more effective.

Hydrotherapy

The Hydrotherapy is another technique of this treatment, which consists in immersing a person or body parts that are to treat a person in the water with salts, thermal waters or mud to achieve moisturize and stimulate certain parts of the body. The hydrotherapy is known since ancient times, just remember the Roman and Arab baths. It is a therapeutic technique that has a long tradition in different societies and has demonstrated its benefits in the treatment of various diseases.

Orthopedic Physiotherapy

This type of physical therapy is widely used in the outpatient clinic of hospitals where the patient can go to a doctor on a daily basis or at least once a week. It relies on orthopedic devices and techniques. It is practiced a lot with athletes and other patients who have recently met with some type of accident. It focuses more on the so-called musculoskeletal system, being closely related to joints, tendons, ligaments, knees, and ankles, as well as the back and neck.

Magnetotherapy

Another effective method used in physiotherapy is known as Magnetotherapy, which consists of the application of a series of magnetic elements that help the body to stimulate certain regions without the need for external medication, which has proven to be very effective. Magnetotherapy is an alternative therapy to traditional medicine consisting of the use of magnets in the body to improve or heal injuries, wounds, inflammations.

Radiation

Non-ionizing radiations are also widely used by physiotherapists since it is a very effective method which contemplates lasers that help to project heat in certain specific places. In particular, this technique tends to be one of the most effective at the moment because of the degree of accuracy, although it is also usually one of the most expensive methods that is why it is necessary to take into account the other techniques at the time of resorting to physiotherapy to get rid of certain health problems.

Pulmonary Physical Therapy

This defensive therapy modality focuses on those diseases related to heart and lung problems. Patients who have recently undergone surgery or who are experiencing difficulty breathing are usually treated through this type of physical therapy so that their physical and vital strength is increased.

Neurological Physical Therapy

As it is intuited by its name, it refers to the therapy of support to the neurological restoration, that is to say, to a patient with neurological dysfunctions like the stroke, the Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s, the infantile cerebral palsy, the different types of brain injury, spinal cord injuries and accidents. Neurological therapy requires much longer periods of time since it is designed specifically for those who need progressive recovery options or with very serious conditions.

Are these physical therapies safe?

Physical therapies are very safe if they are applied by expert hands and at the right times. The main complication of these types of therapies, except for non-thermal hydrotherapy, is the appearance of burns, but this is really exceptional if the means used are adequate and there are no errors in the calculation of the intensity, as well as the distance, time and surface of exposure.

The goal of physical therapy is to improve mobility, restore function, relieve pain, and prevent further injury using a variety of methods, including exercise, stretching, traction, electrical stimulation, and massage. Contrary to this, special tools such as cold and heat packs, crutches, clamps, walking belts, prostheses, compression belts, computer stimulation, laser, and ultrasound are used for this purpose.

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Physical Therapy can be the Cure after an Injury

Whether it is a simple sprain or a serious accident with multiple injuries, it is very likely that your doctor advises you to visit a physiotherapist. Physical therapy can help you find the function of the injured area as quickly as possible, and to allow painless mobility. To do this, a physiotherapist applies a wide range of solid training programs that will give you every chance. A personalized exercise program also allows you to actively participate in your rehabilitation.  

Physical therapy to treat injuries  

Treatment of muscle injuries, such as back pain or knee pain, is one of the main areas of physical therapy. Classical physiotherapy is based on providing solutions, through non-pharmacological treatments to the problems related to mobility and dysfunctions. In this sense, it offers a series of techniques and scientific treatments that the patient will follow in a passive way (always depending on the intervention of the doctor).  

The role of physical therapy in the treatment of injuries is crucial in the rehabilitation phase of the injury, for a correct restoration of the anatomy and physiology of the body, a safe reincorporation into the normal activity of the athlete and to decrease the chances of relapse after the return to the sport.  

Physiotherapy for treating hand and wrist injuries  

The hand, and by continuity the wrist, are what differentiate man from other animals. Its functions as a tool make it an area easily affected by injuries. Physical therapy can be very helpful in these cases.  

Muscle injuries  

Sports injuries or injuries resulting from surgery or surgical treatments are the most common causes that require you to seek a physical therapist to ask for help. This health professional is properly trained and authorized to use non-pharmacological techniques to effect the physical rehabilitation of his patients.

Prevention of possible injuries  

After recovering an injury, it is necessary to pay special attention so that it does not reappear or lead to tendinopathy. Recovering a tendinitis is not an easy task it can be a long and a little painful process.  

Physiotherapy and sports injuries  

The physiotherapist can help you to deal with the pain and injuries that have arisen as a result of physical activity and those that interfere with the practice of your favorite sports. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced in the practice of your sport, the physiotherapist will make a diagnosis in physiotherapy, treat the cause (s) of your pain and help you gradually return to your practice and prevent recurrence of the injury.  

Traffic Accidents and Physical Therapy  

Nine out of ten traffic accident victims go through a physical therapy treatment. When a person suffers a traffic accident, this causes him some type of injury that entails the necessity of some type of rehabilitation exercises.  

Traffic accidents are often associated with the frequent occurrence of sprains, cervical whiplashes, lumbar injuries, headaches or tears and muscular contractures so that the need to undergo several physical therapy sessions becomes almost inescapable.  

On the contrary, the same thing is advised to motorists who after suffering an accident usually have knee injuries and wrists. Each treatment is custom-made based on the injury and symptoms of each patient through the combination of manual therapies that, in addition to achieving the functionality of the treated area, prevents possible squeal after the accident.  

The physiotherapy professional will treat you as an athlete and adapt his treatment, and advice according to your personal goals. Whether it is a traumatic injury or an overuse injury, physiotherapists will guide you in your healing and help you prevent future injuries. Whether it is a sports injury, chronic pain, a stupid accident at home, during leisure or sport, the physical therapist has the solution for you.

How are many physical therapy sessions needed to recover from an injury?  

It is a bit tricky question because there is not a single clear answer. Depending on the type of injury and the person's characteristics, the total number of physiotherapy sessions can vary greatly.  

Healing Time  

No matter how good the physiotherapist is, there are certain injuries that need a minimum time of treatment and recovery. For example, a fracture of a bone requires waiting for bone repair and consolidation, something that takes more time (even several months in some cases).  

You need a minimum time (months) to resume the effort, although all the time you can work with a physiotherapist to minimize the pain and speed up the recovery time as much as possible. In these cases, a good physiotherapeutic evaluation is very important to set the objectives of each stage of recovery and work to optimize times without risking more than necessary.  

A good physiotherapist will spend enough time in some sessions to evaluate and reevaluate. But this is not wasted time of treatment, but it is what directs and gives meaning to the treatment. With a good evaluation, the physiotherapist will be able to work more specifically on the problem.

Most of the patients who come to MaxWell Medical Physical Therapy Clinic NYC are in some degree of pain when they arrive, so initially, physical therapy treatments are geared towards reducing inflammation and discomfort.

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How Physical Therapy Can Keep You Youthful

Believe it or not, the aging is reversible. We do not say that you can escape all the effects of the passage of time, but you can slow the aging process by keeping your body youthful. Physical therapy helps people stay fit throughout their lives.  

Stress Relief  

A prolonged situation of stress causes our body's reserves to gradually deplete, causing us to become more and more vulnerable to certain diseases. We can really define stress as a series of uncontrolled responses of our organism to any requirement, which occurs in both positive and negative situations. In these situations, the body acts by activating a series of emergency mechanisms fundamental to the survival, especially in hostile environments.  

Really stress is nothing more than a state of alarm, of constant tension that forces our body to give maximum and that eventually ends up exploding somewhere, usually in the form of some kind of illness or health problem. Physical therapy is one of the best treatments that we can follow in times of stress. Physiotherapists exclusively help their patients to relax, always trying to maintain a balance between mind and body.  

When a person suffers a period of psychological stress, physical problems such as muscular contractures, migraines, digestive problems, ulcers, etc. will appear in parallel. On the other hand, because of the important link between the two areas, when one of them is altered, it can also be helped from the other. That is, when a person has a mental disorder, it can be favored by a physical therapy.  

Better Sleep

All studies and research have shown that sleeping an average of eight hours a day is highly recommended for staying youthful, but what happens when we spend much more time sleeping? If you do not have an adequate sleep routine, you may be at risk of aging prematurely.  

Physical therapy can help prevent sleep disorders, through hydrotherapy, thermotherapy, electrotherapy or lymphatic drainage, thus constituting an "ideal" method of relaxation, especially when applied to the face, head, and neck.  

Improved Blood Circulation  

Physical therapy promotes proper blood circulation. Most of us do not use many muscles correctly. In addition, improper postures and tight clothing prevent optimal circulation of the blood. Physical therapy improves blood circulation in your body which brings many positive results including a glowing skin and better hair.  

When you suffer from poor circulation of blood, the first affects you notice in the legs. Thus, you begin to suffer from swelling and tired legs. Poor circulation occurs when the limbs are not able to properly pump the blood back to the heart, as they must make a great effort by acting against gravity. There are several treatments that your physiotherapist can perform to help you improve your blood circulation.

Combat Depression

Anxiety and depression are something that is becoming more common. However, there are multiple treatments and therapies to treat them. Physical therapy can be very helpful if you want to reduce the symptoms of these disorders. Physical therapy and massage help to curb depression. According to several studies, a professional massage, such as those offered at conveys a sense of comfort, help people to reduce depression and improve their ability to adapt to positive life changes.

With seasonal changes, especially with the arrival of winter, it is common for some people to feel depressed or sad. Occasionally, these emotions can be aggravated by depression, especially in those people who have previously suffered a mental trauma or physical illness. How can we know if a person is depressed? The most characteristic symptoms are usually sadness, the desire to cry frequently, not to sleep or rest well, negative and repetitive thoughts, apathy, lack of enthusiasm and motivation, etc. Physical therapy can help you fight depression.  

Cardiovascular Health  

Physiotherapy exercises help you to stretch muscles and improve cardiovascular fitness along with relaxation techniques to relieve muscle tension and anxiety. Contrary to this it helps you to fight heart-related diseases.

Better Fitness

To stay young, you need to be in good shape and for that, you need to follow a fitness program. But routine workout and sports practices require a good physical conditioning. Injuries are undesirable and unpleasant affect in our lives. The injury can be accompanied by pain, discomfort and even the inability to continue training. Physiotherapy can be a great help to fight injuries and improving the mobility and fitness.  

Hormonal Balance

Hormones work together in a complex system of delicately interconnected relationships like a symphony in an orchestra, if a single instrument is out of tune it does not work, or imposes on others and can endanger the whole presentation. Hormones that are not finely balanced result in our body’s suboptimal health and therefore an impact on our quality of life, as well as showing a wide variety of symptoms and conditions.

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Chiropractic Therapy to Treat and Prevent Sports Injuries

We often hear about the traumatic injuries suffered by professional athletes, which sometimes end their careers. On the contrary, debates about their possible return to the game can last for weeks. However, professionals are not the only ones who get injured while practicing a sport.

Extreme sports enthusiasts, amateur athletes and those who live an active life are also at risk of injury. Most of the time, proper warm-up, fitness, and equipment allow athletes to practice their sport safely. Nevertheless, no one is immune to an accident or even an underlying problem that requires pain-relieving treatment.

How do sports injuries occur?

Sports and exercise are great for health, but they often involve risks. Most injuries are caused by overtraining, inadequate training techniques or unsafe equipment. Injuries such as ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder or column may also be caused by structural anomalies and muscle imbalance or weakness.

Generally, sports injuries are caused by trauma to the moving joint, resulting in hyperextension or hyperflexion, and so on. The breakdown of the “anterior cruciate ligament”, for example, results from deceleration, hyperextension or rapid rotation of the knee joint. This kind of injury, like many others besides, causes intense pain and a disability that prevent you from practicing your sports. However, chiropractors can help, prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

Chiropractic treatment of sports injuries

In Canada, United States, and many countries in Europe, chiropractic care has long been a hallmark in the treatment of amateur athletes and professional athletes. To improve their skills in the treatment of sports injuries and to help optimize athletic performance, chiropractic doctors may undergo a two-year residency program or a master's degree which, upon completion of an examination, gives them the title of a specialist.

As part of their core competencies, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and treat sports injuries. With a thorough history and physical examination, chiropractors can identify the cause of pain and dysfunction and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment by chiropractors includes a variety of techniques to accelerate the healing of injured tissues and alleviate pain. They focus on joint manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapies, rehabilitation, personalized exercises and lifestyle tips to restore function. Chiropractors can also, in partnership with you to determine the best strategy to return to the game.

Preventing sports injuries

Professional sports figures are constantly reaching new heights in their professional career. With each passing year, the human body is taken to the limit. Athletes work every day and train to the maximum and taking in their diets a new level. Despite the meticulous attention and training that athletes take, they experience musculoskeletal injuries.

Prevention remains the key. Before starting a new sport or exercise program, consult your chiropractor. It will identify actions to prevent injury or optimize your performance.

Chiropractors are for athletes, just as cardiologists are indispensable for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Chiropractors have a specific training in the evaluation and treatment of injuries and diseases of athletes. They can treat an injured athlete more effectively than a doctor, who is not well versed in sports injuries. In addition to treating sports injuries, the chiropractor is adept at helping the athlete in injury prevention.

Athletes who receive treatment from a physician are often sent to the bench and on the sidelines. Others play and spend many hours after the game with ice packs and tend to have to take medication for the pain. Doctors do not treat the body as an integrated system but treat each individual injury.

It has been said that chiropractic care is more closely related to the needs of the athlete because special attention is paid to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons and nerves. Chiropractor makes sure that all parts of the musculoskeletal system are working in harmony in its most natural state.

Professional athletes see great value in chiropractic treatment they regularly receive and visits to prevent injuries. Whether you are an athlete or a weekend warrior, chiropractic care will allow you to achieve maximum performance, without consequences to yourself. Make an appointment with a chiropractor today.

Your chiro, more than a technician

Chiropractors are much more than mere technicians. Indeed, they can improve joint and muscular functions while advising on the means to be used to extend mobility safely. In addition, they are able to provide effective specialized treatments that contribute to health, relieve pain and improve the quality of life. These experts are able to direct any athlete towards proper preparation in addition to counseling in nutrition and prevention to avoid injury.

Harnessing the Benefits of Chiropractic

There is no doubt that chiropractic care is a fantastic pain relieving method and has repeatedly proved beneficial to the body of athletes. Are you an athlete that incorporates chiropractic care into your health and wellness plan? Leave a comment and share the difference that chiropractic has made for you!

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Benefits of Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic therapy is a way to diagnose and treat health problems that affect the nerves, muscles, bones and joints of the body. The basic assumption is simple: to understand the structural problems of our body, especially those involved in the spinal column and are able to generate dysfunction in the central and peripheral nervous system.

A doctor who offers this type of care is called a Chiropractor. Manual adjustments of the spine, called spinal manipulation, are the basis of chiropractic care. Most chiropractors also use various types of treatments.

The Benefits:

The benefits of chiropractic therapy are many because it manages to act against scoliosis, disk hernia, cervical and many other disorders. There are many benefits of chiropractic therapy, which can be made between alternative medicines. The goal of this technique is to study the mechanical dynamics of nerves, muscles, and bones.

It is based on the use of hands to treat and solve problems affecting the musculoskeletal system. The discipline is intended to work on the causes and not on the symptoms of the disorder. It is believed that, once the body’s normal functioning is restored the latter is capable of automatically achieving healing. Chiropractic therapy is a valuable aid to many diseases, including a headache, cervical, herniated disk and dysmenorrhea.

Chiropractic treatments depend on the subject’s health and of course the severity of the problem. It is usually required for six to seven sessions for symptom resolution, but the first benefits can be obtained after the third treatment. At each meeting, the expert performs manual corrections of joints, followed by general relaxation.

Headache

Chiropractic therapy can be effective against a migraine which is caused by problems with the cervical vertebrae. The chiropractor makes manipulations directed to the spine to eliminate those interferences that are the cause of a headache.

Cervical Arthrosis (Neck Arthritis)

Cervical Arthrosis happens due to a trauma or an incorrect position over time, tend to block abnormally, creating muscle spasm and preventing free movements. The chiropractic manipulations and pressures on the affected part of the pain, neck, back and back, re-activate the vertebrae and restore the correct position of the spinal disks.

Slipped Disc

The vertebrae of the column are separated by disks, whose function is to cushion the movements of the body. Sometimes it may happen that the outer part of the disc is damaged, causing the release of a “gelatinous material” which determines a hernia. Chiropractic therapy acts against the problem while reducing inflammation and pain and restoring the spinal function.

Dysmenorrhea

Menstrual pain is associated with dysmenorrhea and related to a basin unbalance. Due to this problem in the backbone, many women suffer during the menstrual cycle. Through the manipulation, the chiropractor manages to restore the correct alignment of the column and bones of the pelvis, improving the function of the nerves and relieving the painful feeling.

Flick

Whiplash is often caused by car accidents. The head is pushed backward and then forward. The weakening of ligaments and muscles, which are supposed to support the neck, may be the causes of postural changes that make the pain persistent in time. Chiropractic treatment is able to intervene on the spine, restoring its normal function.

Scoliosis

Chiropractic therapy can also serve as a corrective approach to scoliosis. All this is through the application of kinesiology, which is aimed at studying posture, imbalances and muscular dysfunction. Scoliosis is distinguished by a lack of balance in the musculature level. Through chiropractic treatment, it is possible to give an adequate muscle tone, favoring the realignment of the skeletal structure.

Chiropractic therapy gets a series of chemical reactions inside our organism that favor the cellular feeding, as well as an increase and an improvement of the blood circulation. Here are some other benefits:

It makes the heart muscle work properly by increasing its volume, especially of diastolic filling, but not the heart rate.

It promotes the action of insulin by improving blood sugar levels.

It increases the correct secretion of pancreatic enzymes, such as insulin, or liver, such as transaminases.

It helps the circulation of gastric substances to stomach digestion, as well as to the evacuation of feces at the level of the large intestine.

It also improves the intestinal musculature.

It favors the absorption of alimentary substances in the small intestine, as well as the absorption of vitamins type B at intestinal level.

It improves the circulation and transit of substances in the portal system, allowing the body to better eliminate toxic substances accumulated in soft tissues such as muscles, tendons or joints.

Due to its numerous benefits, Chiropractic therapy can have diverse applications both in the world of sports and in the world of aesthetics:

For Athletes

Chiropractic therapy is indicated for many people, perhaps one of its biggest applications is in the world of sports medicine. This is because it helps to treat sports injuries of different nature.

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Acupuncture: What it is and what are its Benefits

What is acupuncture?  

Acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of alternative medicine in Chinese history. The philosophy of acupuncture is based on the "Taoist Tradition" where these people meditate and observe the flow of positive energy inside and outside the body. Acupuncture has evolved over the years, but the concept and philosophy remain the same. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of anatomical locations on the skin through a variety of techniques and thin metal needles.  

Generally, alternative treatments receive little attention because some doctors are not aware that science proves that they really are effective alternatives to "drugs" and "medications". Keep reading and know more about acupuncture.    

How does it work?    

Acupuncture works through physiological and energetic mechanisms. The energy mechanism is the balance of the channels or meridians through which the energy is transferred from one part to another of the body.  Although the benefits of acupuncture have long been proven it is essential that the technique is performed by a qualified professional.  

Benefits of Acupuncture  

The benefits of acupuncture therapy are mainly to counteract the pain. That's why the technique is used against a headache, toothache, osteoarthritis, rheumatism and to relieve menstrual pain. Acupuncturists use special needles of different sizes. These needles are sterile and inserted into one of the specific acupuncture points as well as the position of the energy flow. Normally, patients feel poking the needles into their skin, but they cannot feel any pain. These needles are strong and larger than normal hair size.  

People who seek the unconventional treatment of acupuncture are those people who have suffered from a long period of chronic pain brought on by their conditions of standing up like chronic back pain that seems to never go away, painful head and migraine, cancer, depression, sleep disorders and other affective disorders.  

Acupuncture for a headache    

Several studies have scientifically confirmed the effectiveness of acupuncture in preventing and treating migraine attacks and headaches. In cases of a headache, traditional Chinese medicine techniques are analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and act as a muscle relaxant.    

Acupuncture for anxiety and depression    

Acupuncture may also be an option for the treatment of emotional disorders, depression, and anxiety. Acupuncture provides relaxation by balancing the body's energies. Several studies in China have confirmed that acupuncture, combined with a very low dose of drugs to avoid stress, depression, and anxiety, is just as effective as treating a patient with a full dose of medication against depression.  

Repair the nerves efficiently  

Acupuncture, unlike other medicines, acts directly on the nervous system. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the most effective therapy to stimulate nerve repair. Thus, it is the therapy of choice for strokes, paralysis, and health problems.    

Relieve pain  

As mentioned above, acupuncture is the queen to act on the nerves which also helps to relieve pain or to proceed to anesthesia without resorting to anesthetics. In this way, an experienced acupuncturist can help you to relieve back pain. Acupuncture needles also leave positive effects on the brain, disabling some brain areas associated with painful sensations. From this point of view, it is understood that the technique is also thought to be adequate for treating anxiety and stress and related gastrointestinal disorders.  

Calm the hyperactivity of the organs  

Acupuncture helps to quickly calm the hyperactivity of the organs. The number of patients with these symptoms is numerous. In Western medicine, they receive neuroleptics which make them sluggish. Acupuncture therapy manages to regularize these patients without breaking them, which allows them to remain in society and helps them to avoid the psychiatric hospital that awaits them at the slightest aggravation.  

A reliable diagnostic system  

The diagnosis of an acupuncturist is based on the basic theory of Chinese medicine. This fundamental theory occupies half the time (acupuncturist) spent learning acupuncture. It is particularly explicit when it comes to the symptoms that one (acupuncturist) encounters in practice and it allows to very well understand the situation of the patient. This is a clear and indisputable advantage for acupuncture compared with other alternative medicines because none of these other medicines have such clear and effective theories to make a diagnosis.  

Influence the quality of sleep  

Acupuncture can have a positive effect on sleep. Sleep disorders can have several causes. A frequent awakening at 3 or 4 o'clock in the morning is an energetic disorder related to the gallbladder. While difficulty falling asleep, are due to a vacuum of "yin" or an excess of "yang". To treat effectively, you must find the origin of the symptom and work on the relevant meridian.  

Acupuncture for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome    

Polycystic ovary syndrome can be alleviated by using acupuncture and physical exercises. During a research, a group of women with this problem received electro acupuncture regularly for four months. As a result, they had their normal menstrual cycle and hormonal levels regulated. Women with polycystic ovaries do not normally ovulate, which can lead to infertility, increase the risk of obesity, and develop type 2 diabetes and the development of cardiovascular disease.  

Increases fertility  

Acupuncture is used to increase the chances of pregnancy since it increases the amount of blood that reaches the uterus, making the uterine walls thicker and, therefore, making fecundity easier. It also manages to reduce "stress hormones" that reduces acidity in the stomach, as well as digestion, in pregnant women.    

Reduces side effects of radiation    

Many of the patients, who receive radiation therapy for cancer, make use of acupuncture to reduce some of the side effects that radiation has on their body. For example, it reduces nausea and dryness of the mouth, thus improving their quality of life.

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Acupuncture for Relieving Chronic Pain

Acupuncture for Relieving Chronic Pain

Many people learn to live with chronic pain and do not consult a specialist to help relieve the daily ailments. In some cases, ignorance of the pathology or the widespread belief that aging means to live with pain, many do not receive the appropriate treatment capable of subtracting pain, slow the evolution of the pathology and, therefore, improve their quality of life.

Currently, we are living in a new era in medicine, since the alternative medicine is added to the traditional medicine, which combined to achieve better results in the inhibition of chronic pain. One of those techniques, which is gaining adherents every day, is acupuncture.

Acupuncture is effective in 49 diseases and disorders

This traditional Chinese technique arises from the conception of the body as a network of interconnected points through which energy flows. When there is a blockage or stagnation of that energy in the canal, it is when the pain occurs.

The acupuncture is to stimulate anatomical locations on the skin through the insertion of thin metal needles. Their placement in specific areas of the body called acupuncture points, allow better electrical conduction which is capable of provoking biological responses in the patient. In this way, they (acupuncturists) provoke stimuli in the nervous, hormonal and immune system that manage to restore the body to a state of equilibrium.

Such is its effectiveness, that the World Health Organization has described this technique as an effective option against pain. In addition, it is effective in at least 49 diseases and disorders. Especially, it has demonstrated great benefits in the treatment of low back pain, postoperative pain, and fibromyalgia, neuropathic, joint and musculoskeletal pain. It also acts on hormonal and nervous system levels.

Although it is a simple and painless technique, it is not completely innocuous, special care should be taken in pregnant patients, in infected areas, patients with blood clotting problems or serious neurological or psychiatric disorders. Even so, it is necessary to go to the pain specialist beforehand, who will determine the suitability of alternative medicine in the case of each patient.

Benefits of Acupuncture

Acupuncture therapy has been shown to have benefits in the treatment of chronic pain, but also in many other aspects, such as improvement in physical recovery, digestion or reduction of stress, anxiety, and depression. It has also been seen as improving the circulation of blood since it regulates the blood flow favoring the contribution of nutrients and oxygen in the body.

This method of traditional Chinese medicine has been used for several years in different hospitals throughout Europe and U.S and has already begun to be implemented in some centers in the Middle East for treating chronic pain and improve the quality of life of patients.

Medications are often not enough to treat chronic pain, but there are alternative therapies that are showing success in dealing with this condition. Although the pain is supposed to be good because it warns us of injuries, infections or illnesses, it is not so useful when it never goes away.

A better way to relieve pain

Chronic pain can come from many causes, from migraines to cancer, and persist from a few months to live after injury or illness. It can disrupt sleep, because of depression and anxiety, lower libido, affect social relationships and affect memory and cognitive functioning.

Usually, the first defense against this threat is medication, but not enough and carries risks like upset stomach or addiction. That is why more and more people are turning to acupuncture to relieve chronic pain.

Science is slowly incorporating this ancient practice of Chinese medicine, although experts have not yet discovered why inserting needles into the skin helps relieve back pain, injury, and diseases such as fibromyalgia. According to some specialists, acupuncture blocks pain signals or stimulates the body to release painkillers.

Several studies showed that patients who received acupuncture had less migraine or injury pain than those receiving standard drug treatments. Even when progress was modest, the great advantage of this practice was the lack of side effects. In addition, even if the needles are not placed exactly along the meridians (energy channels, according to Chinese tradition), patients receive equal benefits and if done correctly, this procedure causes little or no discomfort.

Among its many benefits, Acupuncture helps to improve blood circulation and lower blood pressure, encourage the elimination of toxic products through the lymphatic system, improve muscle tone, prevent muscle atrophy, and reduce emotional stress.

Scientists know that physical contact helps in reducing pain, although they do not know how this mechanism works. In addition, specialists argue that soft touch and acupuncture massage decreases the production of cortisol, a stress-releasing hormone (in turn, associated with increased pain). However, despite all positive studies, experts are still not sure how many messages need to be applied or what type they should be before a particular pathology.

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10 Reasons You Should Consider Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic Therapy can alleviate symptoms and effects of some common diseases and improve the patient’s quality of life.

When problems overwhelm us, tension usually accumulates in some areas of the body, causing muscular contractures that in turn cause pain, stimulate irritability and affect our posture.Chiropractic therapy can alleviate these ailments and provide a better lifestyle. More than a science, it is a philosophy of health that is based on the study of the spine and its relationship with the nervous system and the problems that afflict human posture. A chiropractor can detect, correct and help you to prevent subluxations or misaligned bones of the spine.

Who Can Visit a Chiropractor?

Anyone can receive chiropractic treatment, newborns, infants, children, seniors and patients with spinal surgery can naturally benefit from chiropractic therapy. There are different ways and techniques to handle each particular case, the adjustments are adapted to the size of each person, their age and, in particular, their health.

Cervicogenic Headache and Chiropractic

Cervical pain associated with cervical whiplash disorders resulting from an auto accident. It is reported to be the most common cause of discomfort along the cervical spine. The sheer force of an impact from a rear-end car accident or another traffic incident can cause injury or aggravate a previously existing condition. While neck pain is commonly the result of damage to complex neck structures, Cervicogenic headaches can also result due to neck problems. Chiropractic care can help to carefully restore alignment of the cervical spine to relieve headaches and neck pain.

Improve the Nerve Function

Chiropractic therapy can help you to improve the function of the nerves in the body and contribute to better health. Patients look for this particular type of treatment when they have back and neck pain or migraines. Chiropractic therapy can also help people who suffer from colds or recurrent joint pain within the jaw, shoulders, and knees.

Headache Relief

Chiropractors are not doctors who only deal with the symptoms they are trying to get at the root of the problem and correct it for good. Headaches are no different. Chiropractors use vertebral adjustments by focusing on the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) to relieve headaches. Chiropractic treatments can also help improve the functioning of the nervous system, which in turn helps minimize the effects of stress. When someone suffers from nerve malfunction, the buildup of stress can be important enough for migraines, shooting headaches, joint pain, and extreme anxiety.

Stiffness and Muscle Spasms Relief

Chiropractors’ practice is known for spine realignment to relieve patients from stiffness and spasms that occur due to accidents, sleeping in an uncomfortable position or working with poor posture.

Decreased Tissue Inflammation

Chiropractors are able to reduce the stress of the spine with various hand manipulation techniques which help to decrease inflammation of the tissues in the body. In addition, chiropractors use dietary plans to help patients manage their health and avoid problems in the future.

Pain Relief

Chiropractors are known for their ability to take a holistic approach to help patients relieve pain. They can also provide services such as acupressure and shiatsu massages to correct structural alignment and help with muscle tension through hand manipulation.

Intellectual Performance

Chiropractic also helps us improve intellectual performance, and provides a sense of well-being, thus favoring moods as a result of the intimate relationship that is maintained with the spine, immune system and body organs, when structures of the column have been altered.

Improves Posture

Correct posture improves breathing patterns that help keep the energy flowing throughout the body. It also minimizes the risk of upper and lower back pain, joint problems and fatigue. Together, these effects can improve the quality of life.

Joint Flexibility and Mobility

Chiropractic treatments can improve range of motion and thus encourage physical activities. This action reduces the chances of maintaining a sedentary lifestyle and exercise or physical activity can improve the overall quality of life.

Promotes Natural Healing

One of the most significant results of chiropractic treatment is that the body can begin to recover naturally. An altered nervous system often leads to injury and damage to tissues and joints. Any type of spinal misalignment can contribute to the deterioration of the body, so chiropractic adjustments can reduce this risk and promote the natural healing process. This means that the patient does not have to use prescription or over-the-counter medications to feel better, thus improving their quality of life.

Reduces Blood Pressure

Improved functioning of the nervous system can improve blood flow and energy throughout the body, which in turn can reduce blood pressure. High blood pressure can contribute to a number of health problems and diseases, and can be difficult to control as you age. Chiropractic treatments can reduce blood pressure naturally, which means that the patient does not have to resort to medication in order to improve their health.

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6 Reasons to See a Physical Therapist

Physiotherapy helps people who have medical conditions, illnesses or injuries that limit their ability to move and function normally. A personalized physical therapy program can help individuals return to their previous level of activity and improve activities and lifestyle changes that can help prevent and improve health and well-being.

Moreover, in most cases, physiotherapy is a necessary requirement for recovery to be complete, efficient and the effects to be maintained over time. However, it is also interesting to highlight the preventive work of physiotherapy. That is why I propose these six reasons to attend physiotherapy sessions for optimum health.

Injury treatments:

It is assumed that with the use of preventive physiotherapy, injuries should not occur. However, when this preparation is not performed, is performed inefficiently, or other factors that escape the hands of the physiotherapist, they inevitably occur. Whether due to permanent pain, sprains or other major injuries, without proper treatment, they can force the athlete to abandon his practice, so the time comes for this science to re-enter.

Immediately after the medical diagnosis, the first thing that must be started is the treatment, for which a multidisciplinary team must be formed. Immediately after the medical diagnosis, the first thing that must be started is the treatment, for which a multidisciplinary team must be formed, where indisputably must be a doctor and a physiotherapist.

The therapeutic alternatives are quite varied, should be selected the most appropriate to the type of pathology, and that allows recovery can occur as quickly as possible. It is advisable to keep the athlete at rest to ensure their total improvement.

Specific training:

With the help of a physiotherapist (better if you are specialized in sports injuries), you will be able to carry out specific exercises to strengthen those areas more given to injuries, according to the activity that is practiced. For example, specific training of proprioceptive type of ankles and knees, for soccer players, skiers, jumpers and all those who practice intense exercise with the risk of injury in these areas.

Preventive measures:

Depending on the exercise or activity that is practiced, the physiotherapist may recommend, for example, ankle care bandages in football players or martial artists, finger bandages for climbers, guidelines for applying cold or heat when there is a slight injury and other types of measures that can help reduce the risk of injury and maintain a good level of performance.

Passive techniques:

The best of physiotherapies are the active techniques, that is, those in which the subject participates by performing an exercise to improve his health. However, passive techniques are also very useful. For example, mobility exercises, stretching, or massage to relax the tension of the twins or the lumbar region, or other regions, depending on the exercise performed. If these techniques are performed before the pain is a limiting problem (we are talking about a mainly muscular or articular pain) they can guarantee a decrease in the risk of suffering an injury that requires a longer treatment.

Referral to other professionals:

As health professionals, physiotherapists are able to address a number of problems or to prevent them. But it is also very useful his ability to refer to other professionals, according to the needs of the person. Whether to other health professionals or to personal trainers or sports centers, so that the advice of the person in terms of exercise and health is as complete as possible.

Health tips:

It is an interesting work that sometimes is not used because of the need of both the patient and the professional that the physiotherapist has to get their hands on or give message to perform the treatment. But health information is also a very important work of physiotherapists. Sometimes you may find it unreasonable to go to a physical therapist to ask if you are doing something wrong that increases the risk of injury, whether that physical activity is appropriate for your particular case, physiotherapy can do well to relieve your ailments.

This information is very valuable, and it is ideal that you can give in person healthy subjects, before suffering an injury that requires a long and complicated treatment.

In short, we want to emphasize that, as in other health professions, prevention is more advantageous than cure. We can see the comparison with dentists since it is more practical, easy and also economical to go to the dentist regularly before there is a pain that will not let us or eat. Preventive measures will help to make the damage much smaller. With physical therapy it is the same: it is no longer necessary to receive information, counseling, treatment, and training before suffering an injury that leaves us a time in the dry-dock, and that perhaps we could have avoided (or reduced its scope) by applying the measures.

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Chiropractic Therapy to Treat and Prevent Sports Injuries

We often hear about the traumatic injuries suffered by professional athletes, which sometimes end their careers. On the contrary, debates about their possible return to the game can last for weeks. However, professionals are not the only ones who get injured while practicing a sport.

Extreme sports enthusiasts, amateur athletes and those who live an active life are also at risk of injury. Most of the time, proper warm-up, fitness, and equipment allow athletes to practice their sport safely. Nevertheless, no one is immune to an accident or even an underlying problem that requires pain-relieving treatment.

How do sports injuries occur?

Sports and exercise are great for health, but they often involve risks. Most injuries are caused by overtraining, inadequate training techniques or unsafe equipment. Injuries such as ankle, knee, elbow, shoulder or column may also be caused by structural anomalies and muscle imbalance or weakness.

Generally, sports injuries are caused by trauma to the moving joint, resulting in hyperextension or hyperflexion, and so on. The breakdown of the “anterior cruciate ligament”, for example, results from deceleration, hyperextension or rapid rotation of the knee joint. This kind of injury, like many others besides, causes intense pain and a disability that prevent you from practicing your sports. However, chiropractors can help, prevent and treat sports-related injuries.

Chiropractic treatment of sports injuries

In Canada, United States, and many countries in Europe, chiropractic care has long been a hallmark in the treatment of amateur athletes and professional athletes. To improve their skills in the treatment of sports injuries and to help optimize athletic performance, chiropractic doctors may undergo a two-year residency program or a master's degree which, upon completion of an examination, gives them the title of a specialist.

As part of their core competencies, chiropractors are trained to assess, diagnose and treat sports injuries. With a thorough history and physical examination, chiropractors can identify the cause of pain and dysfunction and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment by chiropractors includes a variety of techniques to accelerate the healing of injured tissues and alleviate pain. They focus on joint manipulation and mobilization, soft tissue therapies, rehabilitation, personalized exercises and lifestyle tips to restore function. Chiropractors can also, in partnership with you to determine the best strategy to return to the game.

Preventing sports injuries

Professional sports figures are constantly reaching new heights in their professional career. With each passing year, the human body is taken to the limit. Athletes work every day and train to the maximum and taking in their diets a new level. Despite the meticulous attention and training that athletes take, they experience musculoskeletal injuries.

Prevention remains the key. Before starting a new sport or exercise program, consult your chiropractor. It will identify actions to prevent injury or optimize your performance.

Chiropractors are for athletes, just as cardiologists are indispensable for those suffering from cardiovascular diseases. Chiropractors have a specific training in the evaluation and treatment of injuries and diseases of athletes. They can treat an injured athlete more effectively than a doctor, who is not well versed in sports injuries. In addition to treating sports injuries, the chiropractor is adept at helping the athlete in injury prevention.

Athletes who receive treatment from a physician are often sent to the bench and on the sidelines. Others play and spend many hours after the game with ice packs and tend to have to take medication for the pain. Doctors do not treat the body as an integrated system but treat each individual injury.

It has been said that chiropractic care is more closely related to the needs of the athlete because special attention is paid to the spine, joints, muscles, tendons and nerves. Chiropractor makes sure that all parts of the musculoskeletal system are working in harmony in its most natural state.

Professional athletes see great value in chiropractic treatment they regularly receive and visits to prevent injuries. Whether you are an athlete or a weekend warrior, chiropractic care will allow you to achieve maximum performance, without consequences to yourself. Make an appointment with a chiropractor today.

Your chiro, more than a technician

Chiropractors are much more than mere technicians. Indeed, they can improve joint and muscular functions while advising on the means to be used to extend mobility safely. In addition, they are able to provide effective specialized treatments that contribute to health, relieve pain and improve the quality of life. These experts are able to direct any athlete towards proper preparation in addition to counseling in nutrition and prevention to avoid injury.

Harnessing the Benefits of Chiropractic

There is no doubt that chiropractic care is a fantastic pain relieving method and has repeatedly proved beneficial to the body of athletes. Are you an athlete that incorporates chiropractic care into your health and wellness plan? Leave a comment and share the difference that chiropractic has made for you!

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In Home Physical Therapy for Seniors Pros and Cons

In home physical therapy services offer a good solution for elderly people who, either for convenience or by necessity, seek physical recovery in their own home. The reasons for receiving home physiotherapy treatment in some cases respond to the inability of elderly people to move to the physiotherapy clinic because of the illness or severe pain. However, at other times, lack of time or comfort is the causes that most influence the decision to hire a home physiotherapist.  

This brings a number of benefits, but also some drawbacks.  

Pros:  

Comfort  

Certainly, the main advantage is the comfort of your own home. It allows you to receive quality treatment in your own home. Otherwise, you would have to travel, needing help or a greater financial outlay to hire a companion, adapted vehicle, etc.    

The usual thing is that when you have a physical problem that requires the hand of a physiotherapist you ask for an appointment and move to your consultation place that can be more or less close to your home or place of work. However, in some cases depending on the mobility problems that the patient may have, this displacement is a real drag. In large cities like New York, with traffic and parking problems, it is much more practical to receive in home treatment. Thus, the patient avoids the stress of arriving at the appointment at the agreed time and waiting his turn.  

Flexibility  

The home service is adaptable and helps the person to recover their physical and functional capacities in the area in which it is going to develop habitually. It is not the same to walk the corridor of a corridor that to have to train to operate by the house, with the difficulties of corridors narrower than a center of recovery.  

Individual Treatment  

Without a doubt, the great advantage of in home treatment is the time that can be dedicated to the person. Being in their own environment, they feel cared for in a more personal way. A therapist can devote more time at home. It provides the patient with safety and naturalness, whose importance in certain treatments is such that it improves the physical recovery times.  

Adherence to Treatment  

All these factors positively influence the seniors to feel at ease with the treatment. It is easier for a professional to get the person to comply with the guidelines that he gives, which has a positive impact on the results of therapy.  

Faster Recovery  

More patients prefer to be treated in the comfort and practicality of their own homes, since opting for a in home physiotherapy treatment consists of a much more personalized and individualized choice and it is not just the patients who prefer the home modality. Physiotherapists are increasingly attesting to and approving the quality of physical therapy at home since many patients are showing a much faster improvement than clinical treatment.  

Idea for Long Rehabilitation  

As an example we can speak of a person who has suffered an accident with injuries that require a long rehabilitation, or an athlete who has suffered a break of fibers and this causes serious problems when walking, or a person with dizziness due to an injury to the lower back.  

Increases Personal Autonomy  

It also increases the personal autonomy of an elderly patient who can perform his exercises at home. If you had to go to the specialist's clinic you may need the support of a family member or friend, so a dependency is established when involving a third person. In addition, it can also sometimes be a limitation because the patient may not have a trusted person to count on so often.  

Reduction of Stress and Anxiety  

The patient also feels comfortable with this type of treatment because the home is a wellness environment. Thus, stress and anxiety are also reduced during the recovery process since the process is less cumbersome. The patient values as a synonym of health to be at home. And this emotional pleasure is the greatest stimulus of self-motivation during the performance of the exercises.  

Cons:  

Some disadvantages of in home physical therapy.  

Expensive Service  

Naturally, this service may also be somewhat more expensive than in the consultation but comfort is also paid and in the end, in many cases, it pays off.  

Unregulated Professionals  

These types of services are sometimes offered by people who are not qualified or who do not fulfill the deontological obligations of the profession. That is why it is imperative to take some precautions before hiring a physiotherapist who comes to your house. To receive specialized care, be sure to call a licensed physiotherapist who meets the criteria.  

Un-adapted Environment  

As it is not a professional environment, it may lack means, space, and be difficult to adapt to the needs of the person. To do this, it will be necessary to use the skill to solve the judgments.  

Passive Patient  

This is a risk of in home physical therapy because one can get accustomed and wait for the therapist to come to solve the problem, without being actively involved. Although this is not specific to home care, it sometimes occurs.

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Physical Therapy can be the Cure after an Injury

Whether it is a simple sprain or a serious accident with multiple injuries, it is very likely that your doctor advises you to visit a physiotherapist. Physical therapy can help you find the function of the injured area as quickly as possible, and to allow painless mobility. To do this, a physiotherapist applies a wide range of solid training programs that will give you every chance. A personalized exercise program also allows you to actively participate in your rehabilitation.  

Physical therapy to treat injuries  

Treatment of muscle injuries, such as back pain or knee pain, is one of the main areas of physical therapy. Classical physiotherapy is based on providing solutions, through non-pharmacological treatments to the problems related to mobility and dysfunctions. In this sense, it offers a series of techniques and scientific treatments that the patient will follow in a passive way (always depending on the intervention of the doctor).  

The role of physical therapy in the treatment of injuries is crucial in the rehabilitation phase of the injury, for a correct restoration of the anatomy and physiology of the body, a safe reincorporation into the normal activity of the athlete and to decrease the chances of relapse after the return to the sport.  

Physiotherapy for treating hand and wrist injuries  

The hand, and by continuity the wrist, are what differentiate man from other animals. Its functions as a tool make it an area easily affected by injuries. Physical therapy can be very helpful in these cases.  

Muscle injuries  

Sports injuries or injuries resulting from surgery or surgical treatments are the most common causes that require you to seek a physical therapist to ask for help. This health professional is properly trained and authorized to use non-pharmacological techniques to effect the physical rehabilitation of his patients.

Prevention of possible injuries  

After recovering an injury, it is necessary to pay special attention so that it does not reappear or lead to tendinopathy. Recovering a tendinitis is not an easy task it can be a long and a little painful process.  

Physiotherapy and sports injuries  

The physiotherapist can help you to deal with the pain and injuries that have arisen as a result of physical activity and those that interfere with the practice of your favorite sports. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced in the practice of your sport, the physiotherapist will make a diagnosis in physiotherapy, treat the cause (s) of your pain and help you gradually return to your practice and prevent recurrence of the injury.  

Traffic Accidents and Physical Therapy  

Nine out of ten traffic accident victims go through a physical therapy treatment. When a person suffers a traffic accident, this causes him some type of injury that entails the necessity of some type of rehabilitation exercises.  

Traffic accidents are often associated with the frequent occurrence of sprains, cervical whiplashes, lumbar injuries, headaches or tears and muscular contractures so that the need to undergo several physical therapy sessions becomes almost inescapable.  

On the contrary, the same thing is advised to motorists who after suffering an accident usually have knee injuries and wrists. Each treatment is custom-made based on the injury and symptoms of each patient through the combination of manual therapies that, in addition to achieving the functionality of the treated area, prevents possible squeal after the accident.  

The physiotherapy professional will treat you as an athlete and adapt his treatment, and advice according to your personal goals. Whether it is a traumatic injury or an overuse injury, physiotherapists will guide you in your healing and help you prevent future injuries. Whether it is a sports injury, chronic pain, a stupid accident at home, during leisure or sport, the physical therapist has the solution for you.

How are many physical therapy sessions needed to recover from an injury?  

It is a bit tricky question because there is not a single clear answer. Depending on the type of injury and the person's characteristics, the total number of physiotherapy sessions can vary greatly.  

Healing Time  

No matter how good the physiotherapist is, there are certain injuries that need a minimum time of treatment and recovery. For example, a fracture of a bone requires waiting for bone repair and consolidation, something that takes more time (even several months in some cases).  

You need a minimum time (months) to resume the effort, although all the time you can work with a physiotherapist to minimize the pain and speed up the recovery time as much as possible. In these cases, a good physiotherapeutic evaluation is very important to set the objectives of each stage of recovery and work to optimize times without risking more than necessary.  

A good physiotherapist will spend enough time in some sessions to evaluate and reevaluate. But this is not wasted time of treatment, but it is what directs and gives meaning to the treatment. With a good evaluation, the physiotherapist will be able to work more specifically on the problem.

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The Benefits of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Arthritis

Arthritis pain occurs when the joints suffer inflammation, which causes pain in the joints as well as in tendons, muscles, and bones. In addition to pain, there is tingling and radiating pain throughout the area. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, you know very well what we are talking about. You have probably tried all kinds of therapies and remedies to put an end to this pain. But what about acupuncture? Did you know that there are many people with arthritis who have resorted to it and have noticed its results?

First of all, it should be pointed out that there is no unanimity in favor of this therapy among researchers and that there are no clinical trials that clearly affirm its efficacy. However, the defenders of this technique of traditional Chinese medicine, consider that it is really effective and many people who have dared to try it have been delighted with its benefits.

What do we know about it?

Well, the insertion of needles in any of the points of acupuncture distributed by our skin contributes to the nervous system generates endorphins (the natural version of morphine, an anesthetic) which are vital to combat pain and serotonin (a process associated with chronic pain and psychological origin such as anxiety, anxiety and depression).

What effects does it have on our body?

Our body is formed by channels through which energy flows through all vital organs. They are called “meridians” and each of them runs through our body under the skin or, sometimes, on deeper tissues. The meridians have their corresponding acupuncture points.

Oriental medicine holds that when the flow of this energy is blocked or unbalanced, disease occurs. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis, with the insertion of thin needles in certain points of the body (in acupuncture points) and the consequent stimulation of nerve points, our body produces endorphin and cancels the pain signals in the nerves. It also rebalances the immune system, which in turn reduces inflammation.

Acupuncture does not hurt, do not tell stories

Acupuncture therapy uses very fine metallic needles of various sizes depending on the area to be treated (from 0.6 cm for, for example, the ears, hands or feet, to 15 cm for the more muscular areas). These needles are sterile, disposable and in one session can be used between ten or twelve.

After the insertion, which does not hurt, rotations are made, until the tissues stop following. Your body feels a mild sensation. Once this sensation is obtained, a series of maneuvers with the needles are performed on these special points of the skin.

By impacting the 14 major meridians of the body, the acupuncture needles restore balance in the areas of imbalance and inflammation in the body. It also impacts areas of the nervous system that release endorphins, body chemicals responsible for reducing pain and increasing well-being. The stimulation of these neurotransmitters block the pain message at the nervous level to the brain and generate the reduction of the symptoms of arthritis.

The treatment on the meridians seeks to reduce inflammation of the entire painful area and also reverses the loss of muscle firmness. This treatment with acupuncture can be done regularly or whenever it is needed when there is arthritis pain. This prevents the use of pain medication and anti-inflammatory pills.

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Physical Therapy: the Best Alternatives to Treat a Severe Neck Pain

Regardless of the origin of your neck pain and its causes, physical therapy can be very beneficial to accelerate your recovery, recover your ability to move and return to your daily activities normally. Physiotherapy applied to discomfort and pain in the neck area includes both active treatments and passive treatments. Passive treatments help you relax your body while preparing you for therapeutic exercise, which is the active part of physiotherapy.

Some of the most common active treatments for treating neck pain physical therapy include:

Deep Tissue Massage

This massage technique acts on chronic muscle tension that builds up in your neck due to day-to-day stresses. The therapist applies pressure with his hands directly on the muscles of the neck and rubs them to try to release the tension in the soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and muscles).

Cold and Hot Therapies

Physio can use heat to get more blood flowing to the affected area. Increased blood flow brings a greater amount of oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. In addition, it facilitates the processing of residual products that generate muscle contractures, which also contributes to healing.

On the other hand, cold therapy slows blood circulation, thus reduces inflammation, muscle contractures, and pain. If it is convenient, the physiotherapist could alternate heat therapies with cold therapies.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

A TENS machine uses the variable low-intensity electric current to stimulate the muscles. It sounds frightening, but in reality, it's nothing painful. Electrodes are attached to the skin and these send a smooth flow of electrical current to key points of the nerve channels.

TENS helps to reduce muscle contractions and is thought to activate the secretion of endorphins, which are the pain relievers that the human body naturally produces. There are even small TENS appliances for home use that can be used at home, as long as the specialist considers it convenient.

Traction

Traction means that the physiotherapist will try to stretch and mobilize your spine so that the pain reduces and you recover mobility. The traction can be done manually or with the help of a mechanical traction device.

Ultrasound

By increasing blood circulation, Ultrasound helps reduce muscle spasms, cramps, inflammation, stiffness, and pain. This is possible because it sends sound waves that reach deep into the muscle tissue, generating a gentle heat that facilitates circulation and healing.

In the active part of physiotherapy, the physiotherapist will teach you different exercises to work your flexibility, strength, stability, and range of movements (the ease with which your joints move). You should bear in mind that physiotherapy programs are individualized and designed according to the health and medical history of the patient. Most likely, the exercises you perform are not appropriate for other people with neck pain.

The truth is that it is very easy to get habits that give rise to neck pain: bending over the work desk; bring your shoulders forward or write on the computer keyboard with your shoulders in tension. Your physiotherapist can help you to leave these bad postural habits and develop new ones to incorporate principles of ergonomics into your daily activities. Talk to him or her about your life routine and work environment so that he can give you recommendations on the best ways to prevent you from getting injured again.

Whether it's a more serious case in which your doctor refers you to a physiotherapist or a case in which you have suddenly found yourself with a terrible neck pain, physiotherapy is a good alternative that will help you relieve neck pain and recover movement.