Extraspinal injuries
Most chiropractors are well trained in treating spinal injuries, however many know very little about extraspinal conditions. Our chiropractors have extensive training in dealing with a wide range of extraspinal injuries such as:
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Rotator cuff sprains and strains
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Golfer's elbow
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Tennis elbow
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Cubital tunnel syndrome
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Post-surgical rehab
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Hip impingement/pain
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Degenerative joint disease
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Knee arthritis
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Plantar fasciitis
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What is the rotator cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround the shoulder joint to provide stability during all of its movements. The shoulder is very mobile joint, but unfortunately we have to compromise stability for mobility. This is the reason why so many people suffer from shoulder injuries
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Rotator cuff injuries can happen either through an acute trauma, or can be a chronic degenerative injury. Depending on the severity of this injury, different treatment options are available. We have conservative treatments such as chiropractic care and physical therapy but also offer PRP injections to help heal the area quicker.
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Shoulder injuries can takes weeks to months to heal.
What is tennis/golfer's elbow?
Another name for these conditions is epicondylitis. Tennis elbow is tendinitis of the inside of your elbow, and golfer's elbow is tendinitis of the outside of our elbow. This normally occurs when the muscles of the forearm are weak and because of this, the tendons take on more stress. They soon become inflamed and then pain sets in.
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This is very responsive to conservative care in our office through muscle techniques, intramuscular stimulation with acupuncture as well as PRP (platelet rich plasma) therapy.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
The carpal tunnel is an area in the wrist where the median nerve passes through. When the carpal tunnel becomes inflamed, it narrows and irritates the median nerve. That nerve goes to large muscle in your hand, called the thenar as well as the thumb, index and middle fingers. When the carpal tunnel is inflamed, the person will start noticing weakness and/or atrophy of the the thenar muscle, as well as numbness of the thumb, index and middle fingers. If the ring finger and pinky are being affects, it's NOT carpal tunnel but it's either coming from your neck, or from a similar condition called "cubital tunnel syndrome"
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
The cubital tunnel is an area in the elbow where the ulnar nerve passes through. This nerve travels to the ring and pinky fingers. This condition responds very well to manipulation of the elbow and muscle techniques.
What is plantar fasciitis?
Planta fascia is a large strip of tissue under the foot that helps to support the arches. We call it fasciitis when that plantar fascia becomes inflamed. The main reason why someone's fascia starts to hurt is because of weakening of the person's arches. Now there are two things that support the arches; muscles and ligaments. We all tend to think that we need a lot of support in our shoes, however research is now showing that too much support may actually be hurting us.
You've probably hear of the "use it or lose it" principle. The more support we have in our footwear, the less our muscles have to work to support our arches. Consequently, the ligaments are now forced to work harder to maintain the arches and when they start to fail, the fascia gets stretched. The stretching of the fascia is what causes inflammation and pain.
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But isn't stretching the best way to get rid or plantar fasciitis? Answer is no. Although it might help it feel better temporarily, the best thing is strengthening the arches of the feet. We use various techniques to help correct this painful condition, without the use of drugs and surgery.
What is arthritis?
The word arthritis literally means "inflamed joint". Short term inflammation is actually good thins and is part of the healing process, however chronic inflammation leads to breakdown of joints and tissues. Arthritis is the result of chronic inflammation, which leads to remodeling of the joint, bone spurs and calcification of surrounding soft tissues.
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Most people have arthritis and just don't know it. Having arthritis doesn't mean you have to live in pain. The main thing arthritis responds to is movement. Joints are alive and they need to move, so get up and get going!