Winnipeg Chiropractor

Trigger points in the multifidus muscle.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

The multifidus muscle is a long muscle that travels the length of the spine. It has different actions on different parts of the spine. It extends and laterally flexes the cervical and lumbar spine, and rotates the thoracic spine. Trigger points in this muscle are common due to poor posture and bad movement mechanics. Trigger points in the lumbar area area are a common cause of low back pain. These lower points can also refer into the abdomen. Points that form in the cervical region will refer pain down the neck into the shoulder blade area.

Advertisements

How Does Laser Work? 

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Over 2000 published research studies demonstrate:

• Laser therapy improves blood flow and lymphatic drainage
• Laser therapy has a strengthening effect on tissue repair
• It is an effective means of relief for many pain syndromes
• It can improve immune response
• Enhanced nerve regeneration & function
• Increased microcirculation & vasodilation
• Increased lymphatic flow
• Increased collagen production
• Increases the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair
• Reduced inflammation
• Enhanced angiogenesis (creation of new blood vessels)

 

Call us today for more information about Class IV laser therapy and how it can help you!

 

knee-apollo-image-716

 

 

Tendonitis of the Knee (Jumpers Knee) and Chiropractic

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

xpatellar-tendonitis-pain.jpg.pagespeed.ic.laQqJxZris

The term tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons.

The tendons and the other structures in the knee joint are regularly exposed to various ranges of wear and tear. The patellar tendonitis is the commonest type of tendonitis of the knee and is also referred to as knee tendonitis in some cases. Another common name used to denote patellar tendonitis is jumper’s knee. Athletes involved in sports such as running, jumping and other movements of the legs that put high pressure on the knees or result in extensive usage of the knee joint are more prone to knee tendonitis. It is also commonly seen in middle to older aged adults, and those who perform repetitive tasks that involve the knees.

Tendonitis Knee Pain Symptoms

• Pain, tenderness, or soreness below the knee cap upon palpation
• The pain is aggravated with movement that involves muscles located on the front of the thigh such as running, kicking, stooping, squatting or climbing stairs.
• A dull ache or pain below the knee cap once activity has stopped. Eventually if the problem persists then there will be a constant ache and it will often make it difficult to sleep at night.
• Possible swelling below the knee cap

Tendonitis Knee Pain Causes

If the patellar tendon is chronically strained then tendonitis (tendinitis) in the knee may develop over time. There are number of reasons why an individual develops tendonitis in the knee.
• Being overweight
• Poor circulation
• Tight, inflexible, improperly stretched quadriceps muscles
• Muscle imbalances in the quadriceps muscles
• Being bowlegged or knock-kneed
• Intense, prolonged physical activity that puts strain on the knees

Tendonitis Knee Treatment

Instead of masking the symptoms of tendonitis knee pain with anti- inflammatory pills or cortisone shots Laser Knee Program treats the root of the problem without drugs, knee injections, or knee surgery. We utilize the latest FDA Cleared Class IV Lasers, and combines that with other therapies to help reduce the pain, strengthen the muscles around the knee joint, and increase range of motion. Most importantly these treatments help reduce inflammation/swelling, which helps improve overall function of the knee.

BAKER’S CYST

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

bakers-cyst

What is a Baker’s Cyst?

A Baker’s Cyst is also referred to as a Popliteal Cyst. A Baker’s can be observed as a swelling or a bulge behind the knee. The symptoms are often annoying, because the pain and stiffness can lead you to limit your activities especially when the leg is fully extended.

Baker’s Cyst Knee Pain Causes:

A Baker’s Cyst is most commonly diagnosed in individuals as a result of another condition in the knee that causes inflammation or swelling such as arthritis or a meniscus tear. These conditions produce a lot of synovial fluid. In a healthy knee this fluid normally circulates through the knee joint allowing it to be lubricated. However, in an arthritic knee, or a knee that has a tear there is an overproduction of fluid, and the excess fluid may get trapped in the sac or bursa in the back of the knee joint. As a result, the bursa expands in the back of the knee and becomes a Baker’s Cyst. The swelling can become so severe that the cyst in the back of the knee can burst or rupture.

Baker’s Cyst Signs and Symptoms:

· Swelling or bump at the back of the knee, and possibly in the leg and calf muscle
· Stiffness when extending or bending your leg
· Knee pain or a feeling of tightness

Class IV Laser Knee Program

The Class IV Laser is at the heart of our treatment program. It provides a safe, effective, non-invasive, painless solution for knee pain from a Baker’s Cyst. It addresses the root of the problem causing the Baker’s Cyst. Patients respond exceptionally well to treatments and usually notice significant pain relief after just a few treatments.

 

H/T: http://www.chiropractorintustin.com/index.php?p=281174

Preventing Injuries In Young Athletes 

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Identifying and reducing risk factors in sports in especially important in young athletes. A review published in “The Adolescent Athlete” journal found that up to 50% go injuries could be avoided with preventative measures for youth participating in sport. Some key items to consider when looking at preventing injuries include:

  • A pre-season screening program to identify muscle imbalances, weakness, previous injury locations and progress of healing at those sites. Waiting for an injury in-season is cuter productive for all athletes but especially young ones.
  • An off-season general strength and conditioning program. This should be aimed at maximizing an athletes general movement skills, sport specific injury prevention through balance and strength and general mobility.
  • Awareness of how growth affects athletes from not only a performance point of view but also how growth impacts muscles, strength and co-ordination, especially in the lower limbs.
  • Awareness of how specific skill sets impact the body through repetitive stress and how to prevent that stress through load management, practice balance and body awareness.
  • Early intervention is always the best course of action when dealign with a young athlete. At first sign of dysfunction, even without pain a professional should be consulted to ensure prevention of exacerbation on the condition. “Toughing it out” leads to more issues down the line.
  • Understanding that pain is not a “normal part of sport”. The old adage “No pain, no gain” needs to be scrubbed from the sporting world. Play and practice smarter and pain can be avoided in all sports.

If you are a coach, parent or athlete looking for more information on these or any sports injury related items, feel free to contact us at any time. IMG_0841.JPG

Trigger point referral patterns.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

Myofascial trigger points form in a muscle due to overload stress. A portion of muscle fibers lock up into a knot. Once formed these points will irritate sensory nerves that are in proximity to the knot. When this happens,

trigger points have the capacity to refer pain along specific distributions or patterns that are well mapped out. sometimes pain may be felt at a great distance away from the actual point itself.

Trigger points.

~ bryancobb ~ Leave a comment

Trigger points are knots of contracted muscle or connective tissue that form as a result of overload stress. Once formed these points will produce pain, refered pain, weakness, and stiffness. Trigger points can also mimic other conditions such as Carple tunnel syndrome and sciatica. Trigger points will on go away on their own, they must be manually released.