Posts Tagged ‘chiropractic’
Acupuncture for the Relief of Arthritis Symptoms
Essentially a family of conditions involving chronic inflammation and stiffness in the joints, arthritis prevalence is on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC, by the year 2040, some 78 million adults 18 years and older will be affected by some form of doctor-diagnosed arthritis. As there is no clear cure, there are naturally myriad remedies on offer, ranging from medication to lifestyle adjustment to specific dieting and exercise. At Community Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we offer another dimension to the arsenal against arthritis: acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a particularly potent natural pain-killer. By stimulating the body’s release of endorphins, our brain’s natural pain threshold is heightened. This pain-masking effect is further enhanced because it inhibits the body’s ability to send pain signals to the brain through the nervous system. The fundamental benefit of acupuncture is that it provides these bonuses with minimal feasible downside, as compared with pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medication. Furthermore, we can combine acupuncture with chiropractic adjustment to effect great improvements in joint mobility.
While there is no distinct cure for arthritis, the addition of acupuncture can be used to great effect within the framework of your already-established pain management plan. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you to create a plan for living beyond your arthritis pain.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Acupuncture for Anxiety
Acupuncture is a natural remedy for anxiety. Typical treatments for anxiety include interfacing with a therapist and anxiety medication which comes with unascertainable side effects to the individual. Each of these is effective in their own right, but a natural alternative to consider is acupuncture. While it may not be for everyone, we have found great success in easing the severity of anxiety symptoms with acupuncture.
Acupuncture works by dealing with the roots of anxiety. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, anxiety would arise as the body’s response to an interference in the flow of energy, or Qi. It also makes sense from a traditional perspective: factors, both within our control and without, can affect our emotional health: injury and stress, poor dieting, and environmental changes are the most common. Chronically high stress levels often lead to serious health issues, especially down the road. At Community Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we want to help you in the fight against stress, to help you preserve a more quality lifestyle.
An acupuncture treatment for anxiety involves the insertion of thin needles with the desired end result to stimulate the body’s production of painkilling chemicals and to stimulate the region of the brain that controls emotion. With the needles, we attempt to restore balance of Qi in the body, freeing you of pain and allowing you to feel less stress. It is not as far-fetched as it sounds: many people are finding great relief with acupuncture for anxiety. Give our office in Park Slope a call at (7180 398-3100.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Acupuncture to Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is problematic: while it is a crucial element of the body’s healing response, it can evolve to a point whereby it serves no purpose other than to create illness and irritation. At Community Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we are familiar with the kind of stress that is added to life when chronic inflammation is present. It can leave us stiff and sore, and is linked to diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. It is important to get a proper diagnosis which differentiates the back pain between inflammatory and mechanical. From here, we have a number of modalities which can reduce pain and improve the suffering from chronic inflammation.
Acupuncture is one of them: in Traditional Chinese Medicine, there are points that correspond to the elements: water, fire, earth, metal and wood. When a patient comes in with inflammation, we select water points along meridians that correspond to the location of pain. These have been shown to be especially effective in fighting back against inflammation. Furthermore, acupuncture stimulates the body’s production of cortisol, a hormone that is known to reduce inflammation.
Don’t let chronic inflammation define your daily existence! Begin fighting back today by calling our office in Park Slope at (718) 398-3100 and scheduling an appointment. We offer you acupuncture and chiropractic treatment modalities that can truly reduce your pain and help you live a life of less pain.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
Are you struggling to lose excess weight and feel your best? If so, acupuncture could be the game changer. Traditional Chinese Medicine states that weight gain is caused by an imbalance in the body which can be sourced to the liver and spleen systems. Studies show that acupuncture, when combined with more traditional methods of weight loss, can actually help people shed pounds faster. What’s more, it is a safe and natural alternative to many weight-loss supplements and questionable diets.
An acupuncture treatment generally involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points of the body that correspond to a particular condition. The insertion of needles stimulates an endorphin release in the body that reduces stress, which can also be helpful for those serious about losing weight.
Acupuncture treatment has been shown to impact hormones that relate to weight including ghrelin and leptim. Furthermore, it can be used to influence metabolism, water retention, fat regulation and the digestive system. At Community Chiropractic & Acupunture, we want to show you how maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to your well-being. We offer you chiropractic care and acupuncture, as well as nutritional advice on losing ponds and keeping them off.
The summer is a time of increased energy, mental clarity and emotional well-being. There is no better time than now to make the changes that will lead to a smaller wasteline and a happier life!
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Summer Time Nutrition
Summer is the season of freshness, positivity and reinvigoration. With bright summer days offering an abundance of (free) Vitamin D, you already have a head start on your winter body of health just by being outside. Vitamin D is essential for bone density and immune system functioning, two areas of health that we are primarily concerned with at your Park Slope chiropractor and acupuncturist. There are so many little things you can do to your diet during the summer that are not available at other times of the year. Start at the farmer’s market, of which there are many in our area, and follow some simple guidelines to make this your healthiest summer yet.
Less juice, more wholesome fruit: juice usually contains trace amounts of the vitamins found in raw fruit while containing much more sugar. Find the most vividly colorful fruit you can and sink your teeth into it: let the health flow.
Focus on fresh: local produce is a multi-win situation. Rather than being shipped across the country, you are ingesting vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants fiber and healthy sugars which have been plucked within a reasonable radius from you. The kinds of produce that are in season during the summer (think tomatoes, corn, berries, avocado) are chalk full of nutrients. We can help you determine which nutrients you need more of and help you select them for maximum taste as well as health.
Portion control: Humans will eat, on average, 92% of what is on the plate they are served. For those trying to watch their weight, this makes portion control a priority. Simply cooking smaller amounts, or serving a smaller amount will make you consume fewer calories and help you lose weight. This is a boon for back health, particularly in the lower back.
Summer is also a time of elevated activity: ensure your body is aligned, muscles are relaxed and your nervous system is working optimally by calling our office in Brooklyn today.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
The Core of the Issue
Many people subscribe to the idea that the core is just an ambiguous muscle in the middle of the body, when in reality it is so much more. The core is a system of muscles that work together to influence almost every move your body makes, excluding those of the limbs. This makes the core important, but it also means that working out the core properly is important to. For people concerned with using their core to improve the condition of their back, we need to look at the core differently than someone who is looking to get “ripped abs.”
The core can be used as a force producer but this is, in all reality, secondary to its nature. Exercises like crunches strengthen the abs and make the stomach powerful at iniating movement. So…try twisting crunches instead! For people who want to use the core to add support to the vertebrae and muscles of the lower back, we want the core to be a prime stabilizer: using exercises such as planks, side planks, bridges and deadlifts strengthens the core holistically creating a powerful, injury resistant center of the body. This helps to bear some of the burden that is placed on the lower back.
The core as a stabilizer is an excellent idea for people looking to rehabilitate injury or prevent one from ever happening again. At Community Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we urge you not to start an indiscriminate plan for “strengthening the core,” without consulting an expert first. While internet blogs and fitness magazines are good (albeit inconsistent) places to get information, our office offers you a personalized evaluation and health plan.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Pelvic Tilting and Hip Bridges
A more aerobic lifestyle may be the way to a life free of back pain. Swimming, walking and running are great ways to add movement into your life that stops muscles from atrophying and promotes a stronger set of muscles that will protect the longevity of your spine.
But reducing the amount of time spent in a chair is only the tip of the iceberg. Here are some simple stretches you can do that won’t cost you a thing, but will increase your well-being greatly.
Pelvic tilting: strengthening the transverse abdominus, a key core muscle that will help improve core stability.
- Lay down on your back
- Knees bent, hip-width apart
- Right hand underneath curve in your back
- Press curve of your lower back into the floor (onto your hand)
- Hold 5 seconds then release, repeat 10 times.
Hip bridges: strengthening abdominals and transverse abdominus
- Start in same position: on back, with knees bent at hip-width
- Lift hips until you achieve a straight line between knees and shoulders
- Hold for 5 seconds
- Slowly reverse motion.
- Repeat 5-10 times.
A key way to make your back less vulnerable to injury is to strengthen the core muscles. At your Park Slope Chiropractor, we emphasize core stability to improve spinal longevity. Using simple stretches for short amounts of time every day is a great way to achieve this.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C.
Get Wet!
When it comes to exercise, doing it in the water is downright fun. Suspending the downward force of gravity on your body is the most immediate and calming benefit of getting into the water. There are many ways to treat your spine in the pool or at the spa:
Swimming is a holistic activity: a low risk, high reward proposition for strengthening joints and muscles. The buoyant effect of the water provides a gentle resistance but also supports your body as you move purposefully. Swimming exercises muscles that go neglected during running and cycling and because there is no impact or gravitational pull acting on your body, the upside is tremendous.
Water therapy programs are the least physically exhaustive, and provide a variety of healthful benefits. Certain programs can be targeted to specifically treat back pain and improve restricted motion. The actual water therapy course you choose should be specific to your individual condition, which makes it important to have a professional evaluation of your spine beforehand.
Simply soak. Warm water is great for healing joints, relaxing muscles and promoting good blood circulation.
Being buoyant awakens your senses and breaks the monotony of the gravitational pull on your spine. As with the introduction of any new exercise or program for healing the back, it is always worthwhile to have a professional opinion. At Community Chiropractic & Acupuncture, we can provide you with both the knowledge and motivation to get moving for the sake of your spine. Water might be just the ticket for your particular spinal dysfunction, but you can never know until you try it. Call our office in Brooklyn at (718) 398-3100 and schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C., L.Ac.
Aerobic or Anaerobic Running?
Running: foot in front of foot, in such a manner that, for the slightest instant, both feet are off the ground. A simple enough activity, until you consider what is happening within the body. Often, running is considered a purely aerobic activity, good for the soul, heart lungs and body. But there is a boundary that partitions running as an aerobic and anaerobic activity: at what level does your body stop having enough oxygen to feed all the muscles, allowing them to perform without burning carbohydrates to make up the energy deficit.
Aerobic: Can you talk while you run? At this level, your muscles have enough oxygen to be energy dependent.
Anaerobic: Are you gasping for air? You are running at an unsustainable rate, trying to set a personal record. Your muscles do not have enough energy and are making up for it by burning sugar, and overproducing lactic acid.
Lactic acid: As the body burns sugar, lactic acid accumulates in the body. While lactic acid is not necessarily harmful, a byproduct of the body’s production is hydrogen, which begins to interfere with muscle contraction, causing fatigue. Your body cannot dispel the lactic acid as fast as you are producing it and eventually you will have to reduce your pace or stop altogether.
Many people are unaware that this line exists.. Chiropractic and acucpunture are about optimizing and balancing the body, to ensure you get the most out of every workout. Not only do we provide you with the knowledge of how the body and brain work, but we also help you customize a personal fitness plan that will help you achieve everything you desire.
Chiropractic helps the runner by:
Increasing balance and circulation
Ensuring alignment of the spine
Helping your body drain waste efficiently
Helping you breathe more effectively
Helps muscles grow more efficiently
Call our office in Park Slope at (718) 398-3100 to schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C., L.Ac.
Prevent Injury from Running
The running bug bites many people who greatly enrich their lives by chasing the “runner’s high” that keeps them running further and further. But for those whose main activity is running, the impact on the legs can be brutal. Running on pavement and other surfaces is hard on the cartilage of the knees, but also the spine. Other factors such as weak orthopedic support, running on slopes, and poor running posture conspire to leave your body weakened, despite the measurable aerobic gain. At your Park Slope Chiropractor, we believe that a wariness of the dangers of running can help you find a balance between running the right amount and overdoing it.
Your spine is constructed in anticipation of living a lifestyle that includes lots of running and heavy exertion. As we age, however, the load our discs and joints can reasonably bear reduces, meaning that prevention becomes more and more important with age.
When hip flexors and hamstring muscles are tight, they tilt your pelvis forward, a position which can create pain in the lumbar and sacral regions of the spine. Running often contributes to herniated discs and degenerative disc disease, which makes it all the more important to get screened for these conditions to ensure that you are not exacerbating an underlying, preexisting condition.
Here are other ways chiropractic helps the runner stay on track:
- Stronger muscles
- Better range of motion,
- Improved coordination, nervous system regulation
Running is the ultimate repetitive stressor. Keep the balance of health in your favor by calling our office in Brooklyn at (718) 398-3100 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Karen Thomas, D.C., L.Ac.