What is CST and how can it help?

What is CST and how can it help?

CranioSacral Technique is now available at Aberdeen Chiropractic!

Dr. Natalie Carriere has come on board offering CST, Karen Specific Technique (KST), Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Dry Needling and rehabilitation at Aberdeen Chiropractic.

What is CranioSacral Technique? What does it treat?

CranioSacral Technique (CST) is a light touch treatment method of relieving pain and dysfunction.

CST releases tension to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using gentle, light touch you are evaluated and treated to reduce pain and physical stress.

Because it is such a gentle technique, it is considered an excellent treatment option for patients of all ages, especially newborn and elderly patients who are concerned with what is seen as traditional Chiropractic treatment.

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Carriere please call us at 204-586-8424 or email at info@aberdeenchiropractic.com

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CranioSacral Technique Is Here!

CranioSacral Technique is especially good at treating headaches.

CranioSacral Technique is here and now available at Aberdeen Chiropractic!

Dr. Natalie Carriere has come on board offering CST, Karen Specific Technique (KST), Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Dry Needling and rehabilitation at Aberdeen Chiropractic.

What is CranioSacral Technique? What does it treat?

CranioSacral Technique (CST) is a light touch treatment method of relieving pain and dysfunction.

CST releases tension to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using gentle, light touch you are evaluated and treated to reduce pain and physical stress.

Because it is such a gentle technique, not is considered an excellent treatment option for patients of all ages, especially newborn and elderly patients who are concerned with what is seen as traditional Chiropractic treatment.

For more information or to book an appointment with Dr. Carriere please call us at 204-586-8424 or email at info@aberdeenchiropractic.com

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain (ACL Sprain)

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Sprain
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain is a partial or complete stretch or tear of the ligament. This injury is relatively common among athletes and physical activity enthusiasts.It occurs mainly during a sudden pivot, a hyperextension movement of the knee, a jump or after a contact behind the leg. Movements that cause rapid twisting or hyperextension of the knee joint can lead to ACL injury.An audible creak may be heard at the time of injury and the knee may sometimes appear unstable.

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Structures involved

The anterior cruciate ligament is the main structure involved. The function of the ​anterior cruciate ligament is to stabilize the knee and prevent hyperextension. ACL sprains often occur in conjunction with other knee injuries such as torn m​ eniscus​, ​articular cartilage​ lesion​ o​ r ​collateral ligament​ injury.

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Signs & Symptoms that you may experience

Each person will react differently after an injury and recovery will depend on the severity of the injury. Sprained ACL can produce, but is not limited to,​ pain and swelling, often immediate, around the knee. The range of motion of the knee is often limited and the knee may be sensitive to touch.

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Recovery

Your rehabilitation plan, health profile, fitness level and nutritional status affect the recovery time. In most cases, you can expect full recovery from an ACL sprain. Typically, this injury can take a few months to fully recover.

Stress and Weight 

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Bottom Line:

A recent research study found over 75% of people experience at least a moderate amount of stress every day! 

Chronic stress is not fun to deal with, but did you know it can also affect your weight? 

When you are stressed your body goes into survival (or “fight or flight”) mode which changes your hormonal balance. You don’t need to be running from a saber tooth tiger to enter fight or flight mode. Even everyday events like traffic and stress at work can cause you to have that physiological response. 

Why it Matters:

Recent research suggests that chronic stress can result in:

  • high blood pressure,
  • changes in your brain,
  • and weight gain.

When you are stressed out, it is more likely that you will over-eat and less likely that you will get enough sleep and exercise. Stress causes your body to release cortisol, a hormone that can produce a build-up of fatty tissue and cause weight gain. Cortisol increases both your appetite and the amount of fat the body stores. By recognizing your stressors, and engaging in a few simple relaxation techniques, you can learn to reduce your body’s natural stress response. 

  • The hormone Cortisol is released in response to stress and increases your blood sugar.
  • Chronic stress can lead to elevated cortisol levels. 
  • An association has been found between increased cortisol levels and obesity.

Next Steps: 

Relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or even simple breathing exercises can help your body counter the stress response. Also, exercise has been shown to decrease stress levels substantially. 

The next time you are feeling stressed out, take a moment to breathe a few deep breaths and try to get some exercise into your schedule that day. Not only will you feel better mentally, but your body will be able to reduce the amount of Cortisol produced which will limit your body’s fat storage and help curb any thoughts of over-eating. Staying fit and trim does start in your head! 

Science Source(s): 

Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 Years. Obesity 2017

Don’t Have Enough Time to Exercise? 

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Bottom Line:

You’re busy and you’re stressed out. Well, you’re not alone. 

These are two of the most common reasons people give for not exercising consistently. Ironically, these are the two exact reasons you should be exercising and moving your body! 

Moving your body releases endorphins which help you feel good, relaxes your mind which reduces stress, and burns calories to keep you looking great. 

Why it Matters:

Your body is meant to move. Long hours commuting in your car or sitting at a desk can place a lot of stress on your musculoskeletal system. 

If your spine and core muscles are weak and unstable, then you are more likely to suffer an injury which can cause a downward spiral that impacts your relationships with food, sleep, and exercise. So taking a pro-active approach to your exercise routine is crucial to live your best life. Chiropractic adjustments are an essential part of the picture because they can help you feel good mentally and keep you moving physically. 

  • Maintaining a healthy weight can decrease the risk factors for cardiovascular and heart disease.
  • Even 15 minutes of light exercise can make a difference in your overall health.
  • Exercise can help you feel good both physically and mentally.

Next Steps: 

Schedule time every day to exercise. But, don’t get discouraged if you feel like you aren’t doing enough. Rome wasn’t built in a day! 

Even 15 minutes of walking during your afternoon break can provide you with the health benefits you are looking for. Burning an extra hundred calories per day (which could be accomplished with 10 minutes of walking) adds up to thousands of calories each month. Continue that trend, and you will notice inches falling off your waistline before you know it! 

Science Source(s): 

The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

Can Chiropractic Help You Lose Weight? (Spoiler: No but sort of….)

Bottom Line:

If you are looking to lose a few extra pounds this month, you are not alone. Many of our patients are working towards a similar goal. 

How you move, eat, and think every day will determine your success. All three are part of maintaining an active lifestyle. So where does Chiropractic fit in? 

Why it Matters:

Unfortunately, no Chiropractic technique takes off 10 pounds with each adjustment; but people just like you have been able to maintain a healthy weight by adding Chiropractic care into their active lifestyle. 

Research has suggested that periodic Chiropractic care can help evaluate, detect and treat emerging problems. So, by reducing injuries, you will be able to stay active and keep your exercise routine on track. 

Also, many people report reduced stress after getting adjusted. This makes sense because research studies have shown reduced muscle tension in the shoulders after an adjustment. 

And finally, we firmly believe that healthy food choices make a significant impact on your body’s ability to be well and stay well. Eating healthy whole foods and sometimes even using select supplements can give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day.  

  • Chiropractic has been shown to reduce the stress and tension in the muscles that support your head and neck. 
  • Staying active with daily exercise will help keep your muscles toned and reduce your risk of injury.
  • Lowering your sugar intake helps to avoid those devastating blood sugar crashes in the afternoon. 

Next Steps: 

Thank you for making our office a part of your healthy lifestyle. Our team is here to support your ability to move, think, and eat in a way that results in achieving your healthcare goals. 

We know that by moving your body, making smart dietary choices, and managing your stress, you will put yourself in the best place possible to live your best life. We are proud to be your partner in health!

Science Source(s): 

The Role of Exercise and Physical Activity in Weight Loss and Maintenance. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2015

Hair Cortisol and Adiposity in a Population‐Based Sample of 2,527 Men and Women Aged 54 to 87 years. Obesity 2017

Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep 

Bottom Line:

Staying up late one night usually only results in feeling a little tired the next day, but when this happens day after day, it can really start to negatively affect your life. Research has shown that a lack of proper sleep can result in irritability, increased stress, a weakened immune system, and even joint pains. However, by developing a few healthy habits, you’ll be able to ensure that your brain and body get the rest the deserve, so you are ready to have a productive next day. 

Why it Matters:

Practicing a relaxing nighttime ritual, such as powering down your electronics and reading a book, can help prepare your body for a good night’s sleep – and don’t forget the TV. While some people like to sleep with the television on, researchers have found that minimizing background noise can actually help your brain get more rest. In our own office, we’ve also heard from countless patients that they get a better night’s sleep after getting adjusted, which makes sense considering the numerous benefits of Chiropractic care.  

– Wind down for approximately 30 minutes before bed by turning off your electronics. 

– Minimize background noise to help your brain get much-deserved rest.

– Many patients report a more restful sleep after getting adjusted. 

Next Steps: 

Looking for more tips on how you can get a better night’s sleep? Come to our upcoming workshop where we’ll teach you about the best sleep position for your spine, how sleep helps your immune system stay strong, and how Chiropractic care can decrease the stress you hold in those muscles supporting your neck and shoulders. If you want to Sleep Better Tonight, then this workshop is for you! 

Science Source: 

Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School 2018

EOS Sleep Centers. Dr. David Volpi 

Adjusting Your Sleep Schedule 

Bottom Line:

Neck and back pain are the most common reasons people experience sleep disturbances. Patients talk about sleeping on the floor, or sleeping in a lazy boy, or even sleeping bent over their bed attempting to get into a position that helps them get those few precious moments of rest and relief. Talk about a pain! All you want is the ability to get some rest, yet every position seems to make things feel worse. Well, don’t worry – you’re in the right place to get back on track!

Why it Matters:

Your body needs rest to heal.  If you are in pain, it can be challenging to find a comfortable position to rest. As Chiropractors, we understand this better than anyone. Chiropractic care has been shown to increase your spinal range of motion, decrease inflammation, and even reduce the pressure on the delicate nerves exiting your spinal column – all of which will make it much easier to find a comfortable sleep position. 

  • Finding a comfortable position to sleep when you’re in pain can be difficult.
  • Adjustments reduce the stress on your spine, helping you more easily find a comfortable position to sleep.
  • Sleep is essential to healing because your body is better able to accelerate the healing process when properly rested. 

Next Steps: 

If stress has kept you up at night, you’re not alone. However, you can rest easy knowing you’re in the right place! Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce the stress in the muscles supporting your head and neck, allowing you to experience a more comfortable – and more restful – night of sleep. 

Science Source: 

Neurophysiologic effects of spinal manipulation in patients with chronic low back pain. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2011

Sugar: The Beach Body Killer 

Bottom Line:

If you have a sweet tooth, you know it can be difficult to avoid sugary foods like pastries, candy, or even soda. Which sugary food is your weakness? 

Researchers have proven that sugar is a key contributor to weight gain. But how? 

Well, sugar is made up of two molecules: glucose and fructose. Glucose is what your body uses for energy. Fructose, on the other hand, is a molecule that your liver turns to fat and is a key contributor to weight gain and disease. 

Why it Matters:

When you eat a lot of sugar, it causes your blood glucose to rise, which can be toxic. So your body produces insulin to get the glucose out of your blood and into the cells to be used for energy. Over time, your body can actually build a resistance to insulin which means that your pancreas works harder to create the same balance. When the resistance to insulin reaches a critical point, it can result in type II diabetes. But first, your body begins storing an overabundance of fat in your fat cells. The worst part? Not only do you start “gaining weight” but your body has a tough time getting the energy out of the fat cells, which means your brain thinks you are hungry, and you eat even more. What a vicious cycle! 

– Excess sugar can lead to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and weight gain.

– Eating sugary foods can result in your body storing away more fat.

– Sugar can trick your brain into thinking it’s still hungry (even after you’ve eaten a full meal).

Next Steps: 

Staying fit and healthy can be challenging, but we’re here for you. How you choose to eat is one of the most important aspects of living a healthy life. When you make good choices about how you eat, how you move, and how you think – you are set up for a healthy life. 

Science Source(s): 

Sugar Consumption, Metabolic Disease and Obesity: The State of the Controversy. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci. 2016

Sleeping Well Can Keep You Healthy 

Bottom Line:

New research has shown that not only can a good night’s sleep keep you mentally sharp, but it can also help you stay healthy by strengthening your immune system. For years physicians have believed that sleep supports the healing process, and now new evidence has been discovered that indicates sleep also plays a role in regulating your immune function. Your immune system is the complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that protect your body from disease, so keeping that system functioning at its highest level is very important to your overall health and wellness. 

Why it Matters:

While you’re asleep, your central nervous system is in constant communication with your immune system. Many immune system functions operate on a 24 hour cycle, just like your sleep schedule. In fact, your T-cells, which are some of the most important immune cells, are very, very active while you’re asleep. Everyone may not require the same amount of sleep, but the research is clear: getting a good night’s sleep will help bolster your immune system. 

  • Your body uses sleep as its time to rest and recover.
  • Sleep patterns are tightly linked to your immune function.
  • Chronic sleep issues promote inflammation and pain. 

Next Steps: 

Sleeping well has been proven to be an essential part of staying healthy. Sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, can make it extremely difficult to get a good night’s sleep and leave you feeling tired and sleepy all day. If you have experienced difficulty sleeping, let us know. We have an upcoming workshop where we’ll be discussing not only the causes of many of these issues, but also the action steps you can take to FINALLY get a great night of sleep! 

Science Source: 

Sleep and immune function. European Journal of Physiology. 2012