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Athletes

Sports Spine Specialist Chiropractic Team: Athletes strive to achieve their body’s maximum performance by participating in numerous training regimens consisting of strenuous exercises and physical activity and ensuring they meet all of their body’s nutritional requirements. Through proper fitness and nutrition, many individuals can condition themselves to excel in their specific sport. Our training programs are designed for athletes that look to gain a competitive edge in their sport.

We provide sport-specific services to help increase an athlete’s performance through mobility, strength, and endurance. Occasionally, however, the excess workouts can lead many to suffer injuries or develop underlying conditions. Dr. Alex Jimenez’s chronicle of articles for athletes displays in detail the many forms of complications affecting these professionals while focusing on the possible solutions and treatments to follow to achieve overall well-being.


Knee Pain & Acute Trauma Diagnosis Imaging Part II | El Paso, TX

Knee Pain & Acute Trauma Diagnosis Imaging Part II | El Paso, TX

Meniscal Tears

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Acute or chronic. Imaged with MRI (95% sensitivity & 81% specificity)
  • Menisci are formed by a composition of radial and circumferential collagen fibers (97% type 1) mixed with cartilage, proteoglycans, etc. 65-75% H2O
  • Aging can lead to meniscal attrition
  • Acute tears are d/t rotational and compressive forces, ACL deficient knees show greater chances of meniscal tears
  • Posterior horn of medial meniscus is m/c torn except in acute ACL tears when the lateral meniscus is m/c torn
  • The meniscus is well vascularized in children. In adults, 3-zones exist: inner, middle and outer (above bottom image)
  • Injury of the inner zone has no chance of healing
  • Injury of the outer zone (25% in total) has some healing/repair

Clinical Presentation

  • Pain, locking, swelling
  • Most sensitive physical sign: pain on palpation at the joint line
  • Tests: McMurry, Thessaly, Apply compression in prone
  • Management: conservative vs. operative depends on location, stability, patient’s age, and DJD and the type of tear
  • Partial meniscectomy is performed. 80% proper functions on follow up. Less favorable if >40-y.o and DJD
  • Total meniscectomy is not performed and only viewed historically. 70% OA 3-years after surgery 100% OA after 20 years post surgery.

Axial MR

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Appearance the medial (blue) and the lateral meniscus (red)

Menisci Play Significant Role

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

Types Location & Stability

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Types, location, and stability of tears are v. important during MRI Dx
  • Vertical/longitudinal tears especially occur in acute ACL tears. Some longitudinal tears found at the periphery or “red zone” may heal
  • Bucket handle tear: longitudinal tear in the inner edge that is deep and vertical extending through the long axis and may displace into a notch
  • Oblique/flap/parrot-beak are complex tears
  • Radial tear at 90-degree to plateau

Axial T2

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Axial T2 WI fat-sat and coronal STIR slices of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus.
  • Note a radial tear of the posterior horn of the medial meniscus near the meniscal root. This is potentially an unstable lesion requiring operative care
  • The meniscus, in this case, is unable to provide a “hoop-stress mechanism.”

MRI Slices Coronal & Sagittal

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Fat-sat coronal and sagittal proton density MRI slices revealing horizontal (cleavage) tear that is more typical in the aged meniscus
  • In some cases, when this tear does not contain a radial component, it may partially heal obviating the need for operative care

T2 w GRE Sagittal MRI Slice

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Complex tear with a horizontal oblique and radial component.
  • This type of tear is very unstable and in most cases may need operative care

Bucket Handle Tear

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Bucket handle tear are m/c in the medial meniscus esp. with acute ACL and MCL tear
  • MRI signs; double PCL sign on sagittal slices
  • Absent “bow-tie” sign and others
  • Most cases require operative care

DDx From Meniscal Degeneration

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Occasionally meniscal tears need to be DDx from meniscal degeneration which may also appear bright (high signal) on fluid-sensitive MRI
  • The simplest rule is that if there is a true meniscal tear aka Grade 3 lesion, it always reaches/extends to the tibial plateau surface

The Role of MSK Ultrasound (US) in Knee Examination

  • MSK US of the knee permits high resolution and dynamic imaging of primarily superficial anatomy (tendons, bursae, capsular ligaments)
  • MSK US cannot adequately evaluate cruciate ligaments and the menisci in their entirety
  • Thus MR imaging remains modality of choice

Potential Pathologies Successfully Evaluated by MSK US

  • Patellar tendionosis/patellar tendon rupture
  • Quadriceps tendon tear
  • Prepatellar bursitis
  • Infrapatellar bursitis
  • Pes Anserine bursitis
  • Popliteal cyst (Baker cyst)
  • Inflammation/joint effusion with synovial thickening and hyperemia can be imaged with US (e.g., RA) especially with the addition of color power Doppler

Patient Presented With Atraumatic Knee Pain & Swelling

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Radiography revealed sizeable soft tissue density within the superficial pre-patella region along with mild-to-moderate OA
  • MSK US demonstrated large septated heterogeneous fluid collection with mild positive Doppler activity on the periphery indicating inflammation d/t Dx of Superficial pre-patella bursitis

Long Axis US Images

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Note normal lateral meniscus and fibers of LCL (above bottom image) compared to
  • Horizontal degenerative cleavage tear along with protrusion of lateral meniscus and LCL bulging (above top image)
  • Major limitation: unable to visualize the entire meniscus and the ACL/PCL
  • MRI referral is suggested

Rupture of Distal Tendon of Quadriceps

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Note rupture of distal tendon of the Quadriceps muscle presented as fiber separation and fluid (hypo to anechoic) fluid collection within the substance of the tendon
  • Advantages of MSK US over MRI to evaluate superficial structures:
  • Dynamic imaging
  • Availability
  • Cost-effective
  • Patient’s preparation
  • Disadvantages: limited depth of structures, inability to evaluated bone and cartilage, etc.

Osteochondral Knee Injuries (OI)

  • osteochondral knee injuries can occur in children 10-15 y.o presented as Osteochondritis Dissecance (OCD) and in mature skeleton m/c following hyperextension and rotation trauma, particularly in ACL tear.
  • OCD-typically develops from repeated forces in immature bone and affects m/c postero-lateral portion of the medial femoral condyle.
  • OI in mature bone occurs m/c during ACL tears mainly affecting so-called terminal sulcus of the lateral femoral condyle at the junction of the weight-bearing portion opposed to tibial plateau and the part articulating with the patella
  • Osteochondral injuries may potentially damage the articular cartilage causing secondary OA. Thus need to be evaluated surgically
  • Imaging plays an important role and should begin with radiography often followed by MR imaging and orthopedic referral.

OCD Knee

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • 95% associated with some trauma. Other etiology: ischemic bone necrosis especially in adults
  • Other common location for osteochondral injuries: elbow (capitellum), talus
  • 1st step: radiography may detect osteochondral fragment potentially attached or detached
  • Location: a posterior-lateral aspect of the medial femoral condyle. Tunnel (intercondylar notch) view is crucial
  • MRI: modality of choice >90% specificity and sensitivity. Crucial for further management. T1-low signal demarcating line with T2 high signal demarcating line that signifies detachment and unlikely healing. Refer to orthopedic surgeon
  • Management: stable lesion esp. in younger children>off weight-bearing-heals in 50-75%
  • Unstable lesion and older child or impending physeal closure>operative fixation.
knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

Knee Trauma

 

Knee Pain & Acute Trauma Diagnosis Imaging Part I | El Paso, TX

Knee Pain & Acute Trauma Diagnosis Imaging Part I | El Paso, TX

Tibial Plateau Fractures

  • Impaction type fractures predominate
  • Result from valgus or varus stress with or w/o axial loading
  • Associated with periarticular soft tissues injury
  • High-stress injury m/c due to jumps falls and axial loading, often with the splitting of the tibial plateau. Men>women. Patients are in their 30s
  • Low impact or no trauma in patients with osteoporosis d/t insufficiency fractures
  • Impaction injury is more common with depression of tibial plateau. Women>men. Patients are in their 70s

Lateral Tibial Plateau Fractures More Common

  • Functional anatomy plays a significant role
  • 60% of weight bearing is by the medial plateau
  • The medial plateau is more concave
  • Lateral plateau is slightly higher and more convex. Valgus stress impacts lateral plateau.
  • Tibial plateau fractures considered intra-articular and prone to delayed healing, non-union, meniscal injury (m/c lateral) ACL tear, secondary OA. Other complications: compartment syndrome, vascular injury.
  • Management: operative in many cases especially if >3-mm step-off at the plateau
  • If medial plateau or bicondylar Fxs present, ORIF will be required.

Imaging Plays A Crucial Role

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Begins with x-radiography. X-radiography may not reveal the complexity and extent of this injury.
  • CT scanning w/o contrast will further delineate fracture complexity and pre-operative planning
  • MR imaging may be considered to evaluate for internal derangement: meniscal, ACL injuries.
  • Shatzke classification may help to evaluate the complexity of this injury

Key Diagnostic Sign

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • AP and lateral horizontal beam (cross table) left knee radiograph. Note subtle depression of the lateral plateau manifested by the lateral plateau appearing at the same level or lower as the medial. A critical diagnostic sign is the presence of fat-blood-interphase or FBI sign on cross-table lateral (above arrow) indicating intra-articular knee fracture

Lipohemarthorosis aka FBI Sign

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Can be detected by radiography, CT or MR imaging
  • FBI sign is a reliable secondary radiographic sign of intra-articular knee fractures, regardless of how small they are
  • Mechanism: fracture results with acute hemarthrosis
  • Hemarthrosis will also occur w/o Fx. However, Fx will result with a fatty marrow being released into the joint cavity. Fat is a less dense medium (lighter) and will appear on the top of the hemorrhage if the patient is held in the supine position for 5-10-minutes before the cross-table radiograph is taken
  • FBI sign confirms the intra-articular Fx.
  • ACL/PCL, meniscal tears will not result in FBI sign

Lateral Tibial Plateau Fx

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Lateral tibial plateau Fx that was managed operatively
  • Most common complication: premature secondary OA
  • More complex injuries may result in more extensive operative care

Knee Internal Derangement

  • Acute or chronic injuries of meniscal fibrocartilages and ligamentous restraints
  • Tears of the ACL and posterior horn of the medial meniscus are the most common
  • Acute ACL tears, however, often result with a lateral meniscus tear
  • Acute ACL tear may occur as a combined injury of the ACL, MCL, and medial meniscus
  • Functional anatomy: ACL prevents anterior displacement of the tibia and secondary varus stress
  • MCL functions together with ACL in resisting external rotation of the tibia especially when the foot is planted (closed chain position)
  • MCL is firmly attached to the medial meniscus, explaining the classic triad of ACL, MCL and medial meniscal tear (O’Donahue terrible triad)
  • Cruciate ligaments (ACL/PCL) are intra-articular but extra-synovial. Less likely to be torn in closed pack position (full extension). When all articular facets of tibia and femur are in full contact, the ACL/PCL are at least tension and stable
  • When the knee is flexed 20-30-degrees or more ACL is taut and remains unstable
  • ACL is a significant mechanoreceptor that feeds the info to CNS about the joint position. Thus the majority of previous ACL tears will lead to some degree of knee instability

Functional Anatomy of ACL

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

Diagnosis of ACL Tear

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Diagnosis of ACL tear requires MR imaging
  • Concerns exist of not only ligamentous injuries but injuries to the articular cartilage and menisci.
  • Most vendors will perform at least: one T1 WI in coronal or sagittal planes. Sagittal and coronal Proton-density slices to evaluate cartilaginous structures. Fast spin-echo sagittal, axial and coronal T2 fat-saturated or sagittal and coronal STIR images are crucial to demonstrate edema within the substance of knee ligaments
  • Note sagittal proton-density MRI slice showing intact ACL (above)
  • ACL is aligned along the Blumensaat line or oblique line corresponding the intercondylar roof of Femoral condyles. Lack of such alignment by the ACL is significant for ACL tear

Imaging Dx of Internal Derangement

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • MRI shows 78-100% sensitivity and 78-100% specificity
  • Primary signs of ACL tear: non-visualization of ACL (above green arrow), loss of its axis along the Blumensaat line (above triangle heads), wavy appearance and substance tear (above white arrow) or edema and cloud-like indistinctness (above yellow arrow)

Reliable Secondary Signs of ACL Tear

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • May be observed on the radiographs and MRI
  • Segond avulsion fracture (80% specificity for ACL tear) (next slide)
  • Deep femoral notch sign indicating osteochondral fracture (above bottom images) and
  • Pivot -shift bone marrow edema in the posterolateral tibial condyle d/t external rotation and often valgus impact by the lateral femoral condyles (above top image)

Segond Fracture (Avulsion by ITB)

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • Segond fracture at Gerdy’s tubercle. A vital sign of the ACL tear seen on both radiographs and MRI

Management of ACL Tears

knee pain acute trauma el paso tx.

 

  • In acute cases, usually operative using cadaveric or autograft (patella ligament or hamstring) ACL reconstruction
  • Complications: graft tear, instability and premature DJD, joint stiffness d/t lack of postoperative rehab or gaft shortening. More rare, infection, a formation of intraosseous synovial cysts, etc.

Knee Trauma

 

What is Kinesio Tape & How Do Chiropractors Use It? | El Paso, TX.

What is Kinesio Tape & How Do Chiropractors Use It? | El Paso, TX.

You may have seen professional athletes, dancers, gymnasts, and others who engage in extremely physical activities using a type of tape on various points of their bodies. It is sometimes colored and does not seem to inhibit range of motion. While it looks like tape or maybe a very fancy bandage, it is a highly technical, specialized tape that is used to treat patients of all ages and activity levels. It is called Kinesio tape, and it is often used by chiropractors to help address specific injuries.

What is Kinesio Tape?

Also called Kinesio Tex Tape, Kinesio Tape is a special adhesive tape that has elastic properties. It was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase, a chiropractor, and acupuncturist, in 1979. It is safe for all ages including pediatric and geriatric patients. The tape is comprised of a 100% cotton fiber strip with medical grade acrylic adhesive. It is soft and gentle, but it works.

The tape is hypoallergenic and latex free, so it is appropriate for a vast audience. It is also water resistant, making it wearable for many activities. When worn, the tape does not limit or inhibit range of motion, and the same tape can be worn for several days without losing its effectiveness.

How does Kinesio Tape Work?

The tape can stimulate or relax muscles, depending on the tension that it puts on the body when applied. When worn, it lifts the skin by microscopic increments which aids in lymphatic drainage.

It also helps to decrease inflammation and swelling which reduces pressure in the area. This allows the blood and lymphatic fluid to flow freer and more effectively in and out of the affected area.

When used correctly, Kinesio Tape can reduce inflammation, promote better circulation, prevent injury, facilitate healing, the re-educate the neuromuscular system. This helps the body return to homeostasis. It can be applied in many different configurations, but often the applications are a single �I,� �Y,� or �X.�

kinesio tape ways of usage el paso tx.

The Kinesio Taping Method

The Kinesio taping method is a systematic, therapeutic technique that offers a two-prong approach of supporting the patient and rehabilitating the condition or affected area. It can alleviate pain reduce swelling, providing relief to the patient. There are specific taping shapes that are specialized to address certain areas of the body as well as certain conditions. While it provides stability and support to the body�s joints and muscles, it does not restrict the range of motion. The technique is designed to address soft tissue injury by manipulating that area and facilitating healing.

What Conditions is Kinesio Taping used to Treat?

Many conditions throughout the body can benefit from Kinesio Taping. Chiropractors use it for:

  • Lower back strain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Back strain
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Ankle Sprains
  • Whiplash
  • Herniated disc
  • Post-surgery edema
  • Tennis elbow
  • Pre-surgery edema
  • Patella tracking

Athletes may also use it for additional support or to prevent injury. Because it relies on the body�s natural healing process, many people find it to be preferred treatment for many painful conditions. When combined with chiropractic care, Kinesio Tape is very effective.

When treating a condition with Kinesio Tape, the chiropractor may use a variety of techniques, depending on the illness or injury. They may use spinal manipulation, massage, and other treatments, combining them with recommendations for lifestyle changes and diet modifications.

The draw for this treatment is that it encourages the body to heal itself, eliminating the need for drugs with their undesired and unpleasant side effects, or more invasive procedures like surgery. Kinesio Taping is safe, natural, and a perfect complement to chiropractic care.

Chiropractor Ankle Sprain Treatment

How Building Core Strength Can Reduce Back Pain  | El Paso, TX.

How Building Core Strength Can Reduce Back Pain | El Paso, TX.

Core Training

Back pain can be debilitating, causing immobility, inflexibility, and have a significant impact on a person�s quality of life. It can make even the most mundane daily activities extremely difficult � and even excruciating. Building the muscles that make up your core (abdominals and back) can help support your spine and reduce back pain. In many cases, strengthening these muscles can assist a patient to avoid medication with its unpleasant side effects and even avoid surgery. With just a few smart moves you can significantly decrease your back pain, increase your mobility, and take back your life.

The Role of Abs and Back Muscles

The spine is the supporting structure for the back, but it also is a vital infrastructure for the entire body. It houses the central nervous system, and neural impulses are transferred along what is�a spinal superhighway.

The arms, legs, neck, and head are all connected and stabilized by the spine through an intricate network of ligaments and muscles. The back muscles and abs, or abdominal muscles, are at the center, or core, of this muscle network. They keep the body upright and facilitate movement. When these core muscles are not in good condition, it puts stress on the spine, impacting its ability to support the body. This often results in back pain and even injury in some cases.

core strength reduces back pain el paso tx.

Postural Alignment

Postural alignment is a frequent contributor to back pain. This is often due to weak core muscles.

As the muscles fail to do their job to stabilize the spine, the body adjusts structurally to accommodate the weakness. This can result in postures that cause joint pain as well as muscular pain and even headaches.

For instance, stooped or hunched shoulders can cause back pain, but it can also create tension in the shoulders and neck. This, in turn, can cause tension headaches and migraines in patients.

A sway back, where the lower back bows, causing the pelvis to tilt up, can cause severe lower back pain, especially after standing for long periods of time. Swayback can be the result of weakened core muscles or a combination of a weak core, combined with obesity or pregnancy.

The weight in the abdominal area pulls the spine forward so that it curves. A pregnancy sling can sometimes help with the pain, but it is just a band-aid. The real cure is to strengthen the core muscles so that they are better able to support the spine and body adequately.

Foundation Training

Eric Goodman, a chiropractor, developed Foundation Training as a way to help his patients who suffer from lower back pain but are not physically able to do Pilates or yoga. It is also designed to help those who sit for long periods of time to counteract the associated adverse health effects.

Foundation training incorporates powerful yet straightforward movements that work to integrate the body�s muscular chains, increasing strength and realigning the core and spine. It does not require any equipment so the actions can be performed anywhere. The muscles are trained how to move correctly and work together so that you the body learns to move how it is designed to move. The critical, essential exercise can be viewed in this video.

Creating a strong core can help relieve back pain but also have added benefits such as increasing energy, better mobility, and an improved mood. By allowing the body to support itself, it can naturally relieve pain and heal certain conditions without invasive surgery or medication which can have unpleasant or even harmful side effects. When you take good care of your body, it will take good care of you.

CrossFit Workouts & Chiropractic Care

How Chiropractic Treats Colic In Fussy Babies

How Chiropractic Treats Colic In Fussy Babies

Every new parent has experienced a fussy baby with colic � some more often than others. It is always the same, though, an inconsolable baby and frustrated, frazzled parents who only want to comfort their child but can�t. It hurts to know that your baby is uncomfortable, or worse, in pain, and there is nothing you can do about it.

Colic can leave parents feeling helpless. There is a treatment, though, that has given many parents hope and brought relief to their little ones. Chiropractic is an effective treatment for colic that is drug-free and gentle. Both infants and their parents reap the benefits because when a baby is happy, mom and dad are happy.

What is Colic?

Colic is a condition that occurs in healthy, well-fed infants, beginning when the baby is a few weeks old. By the time the baby is three months old, the condition usually improves, and by five months it is often no longer occurring. It is marked by inconsolable crying that meets three criteria regarding length:

  • More than three hours a day
  • Three days a week or more
  • For three weeks or longer

During these episodes, it seems as if there is nothing that can be done for the baby. The good news is, it is relatively short-lived, but while it is happening it can cause a great deal of distress to the baby and the parents.

Symptoms of Colic

All babies cry and even get fussy from time to time. That is just normal baby behavior; it does not necessarily point to colic as the culprit. When a baby that is well fed and otherwise healthy, symptoms of colic may include:

  • Episodes of crying that are often predictable. Colic usually occurs in the latter part of the day � late afternoon or evening � and at around the same time each day. So a baby with colic will usually get fussy at the same time and the period of distress can last a few minutes to several hours.
  • Baby is inconsolable with intense crying. The baby with colic will seem very distressed. The cry is very high pitched and no response to attempts to comfort. The baby�s face may become flushed, and near the end of the episode they may pass gas or have a bowel movement.
  • The crying does not seem to have a source or reason. Babies cry, all babies � but they are usually crying because they need something. They may cry because they are hungry, need a diaper change, or want to be held by mom or dad. A colicky baby will cry for no apparent reason.
  • There are Changes in posture. Several posture changes are relatively consistent with colic. The baby will often clench their fists, curl their legs, and tense the abdominal muscles.

Chiropractic for Colic

Childbirth is not easy, and it isn�t gentle. As the baby passes through the birth canal and emerges, it�s little body is stretched and compressed which can cause misalignment of the back and neck. If the labor was extensive, there was prolonged pushing, or if a device like forceps or vacuum extraction is used, the chances of misalignment are very likely. These misalignments can lead to difficulty nursing and even impede normal organ function. This can lead to digestive issues which may lead to colic.

Some parents may be uncomfortable at first when they consider getting chiropractic care for their infant, but it is safe and gentle. The popping and cracking that is associated with chiropractic is not a part of infant and child chiropractic. The doctor applies gentle pressure to areas on the neck and back, using his fingers. Many times the baby will completely relax during these adjustments.

Chiropractic for colic is very useful. Parents considering this type of treatment for their baby should look for a chiropractor who has experience providing treatment for babies. It can make a world of difference for a colicky, distressed baby.

colic baby chiropractic care el paso tx.

Pregnancy�Lower Back Pain Treatment

How Combining Chiropractic & Yoga Can Be Beneficial To Your Spine

How Combining Chiropractic & Yoga Can Be Beneficial To Your Spine

Yoga has long been touted as a healing activity that extends beyond its known fitness benefits. It can help alleviate depression, relieve stress, and decrease anxiety as well as tighten and tone the body.

A 2016 study by Yoga Alliance and Yoga Journal shows that the more than 20 million people who practice yoga spend more than $10 billion on related classes and products. Chiropractors have picked up on the benefits of yoga and are recommending it to their patients. Why, because it helps to improve flexibility as well as spinal health.

Chiropractic and the spine�s role in the body.

Chiropractic is primarily intended to align the spine and balance the body. The spine is the primary support for the body. It houses most of the central nervous system and provides pathways for neural impulses to move throughout the body.

When the spine is out of alignment, it can affect how the central nervous system functions. It can also affect flexibility and even overall mobility as well as cause pain and stiffness.

Chiropractic treatment brings the spine back into alignment. It helps to balance the body and treat injuries as well as help with the changes the aging body experiences.

One of the best-known uses for chiropractic is to treat pain. It is a medication free, non-invasive treatment for chronic pain, sports-related injuries, and even automobile accidents. Many patients had reported finding relief with chiropractic when nothing else worked.

Combining yoga with chiropractic increases the effectiveness of the treatment while strengthening the body and making it better able to respond to it. It is the perfect complement to chiropractic care, and many patients are discovering tremendous health benefits from this winning, healthy combination.

yoga and chiropractic el paso tx.

What is Yoga?

In its purest form, it is an ascetic and spiritual discipline that comes from Hindu culture. It involves simple meditation, conscious breathing or breath control, and performing certain body postures.

While an ancient practice long used for spiritual and emotional healing as well as physical wellness, yoga has been adopted in western culture and widely accepted as a form of fitness as well as a therapeutic practice used for relaxation and overall good health. It focuses on inward healing for outward results.

People who regularly practice find they are more centered, handle stress better, and aren�t as likely to experience depression and anxiety. They also are more flexible, have better mobility, and have stronger leaner bodies.

What happens when you combine yoga and chiropractic care?

Because yoga helps to lower blood pressure, decrease stress, and strengthen the body�s core, it is perfect therapy for the chiropractic patient. While chiropractic care is working to align the spine and balance the body, yoga is helping to strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, providing better support. The numerous health benefits, particularly regarding blood flow and relaxation help to increase chiropractic�s effectiveness as a pain management tool.

Patients who combine yoga and chiropractic will also often find that they see the effects of both treatments much faster than they would if they were only doing one or the other. Both chiropractic and yoga help with balance, flexibility, and mobility, but they come at it from somewhat different approaches. The benefit of this is that it provides a more balanced, well-rounded treatment in these areas as one supports the other.

Yoga also tones and tightens the body, preparing it for much more profound levels of healing, cleansing and releasing the body of tensions that may have been held�in for years. It also works to stretch muscles that have been restricted for years, or even for the patient�s entire life. It prepares the body to accept the full benefits of chiropractic and respond faster and more thoroughly.

Chiropractic Care & Sports Injuries

What Chiropractic Patients Want To Know About Pilates

What Chiropractic Patients Want To Know About Pilates

Everyone knows that exercise is great for overall wellness, better health, and a healthy body. Many chiropractors will often recommend regular exercise to their patients who need to lose weight, want better mobility, or are seeking relief from depression. Some chiropractors are turning to Pilates to help their patients get stronger, more flexible, and more mobile.

pilates exercise el paso tx.

What is Pilates?

In the early 20th century Joseph Pilates developed the exercise program to help World War I soldiers improve their physical fitness. It was used to rehabilitate patients who had been injured. By incorporating resistance, stretching, and target strengthening exercise, Pilates uses resistance bands, individual machines, and floor work to reshape and rehabilitate the body. Dancers, gymnasts, athletes, and celebrities use Pilates to stay in shape. However, anyone can do it for a healthier, more supple spine.

Care of the spine is at the core of Pilates. By keeping it in a neutral, or natural, position, this exercise can prevent back pain as well as help ease it. When done correctly, Pilates can:

  • Improve muscle control and movement efficiency through mental focus.
  • Make you more mindful of your body�s position, specifically, remaining aware of the spine�s position and keeping it neutral
  • Improve centering and mental focus through special, breathing techniques
  • Support and improve posture by strengthening the abdominal and back muscles.

Benefits of Pilates for Chiropractic Patients

The benefits of Pilates tremendous, but for chiropractic patients, it is even more so. By regularly incorporating Pilates into your exercise routine, you can enjoy these incredible benefits.

You can adapt Pilates to your fitness level and needs. Whether you are just starting a fitness program or you�ve been working out for years, Pilates can be tailored to your fitness needs and level.

It helps you strengthen your core. The deep muscles of your abdomen, back, and pelvic floor make up the core muscles of your body. Many of the movements focus on these muscles, making a body that is strong and the frame is supported.

Allows you to strengthen your muscles without bulking up. With Pilates your muscles get strong, but it also stretches the muscles so that they are lean and long. You will look toned and tight but not bulky and muscular.

It focuses on whole body fitness. Many types of exercise only work certain parts of the body, but this focuses on entire body fitness. It works every part of the body so that the muscle development is balanced.

It helps to improve your posture. It strengthens your body and helps to keep your spine in proper alignment due to a strong core. As a result, your posture naturally improves. By incorporating it into your exercise routine, you will find yourself standing taller, stronger, and more graceful.

You can become more connected through your mind and body by increased awareness. Pilates engages your mind and increases body awareness. It unites the mind, body, and spirit for complete coordination. Each movement is done with full attention.

It improves your flexibility. Pilates is a gentle but powerful exercise that works to safely stretch the muscles, making them longer, and increasing the range of motion in the joints.

It can protect you from injuries. By strengthening your body, Pilates can help protect you against injury. It conditions your whole body so that your muscles and strength are balanced. This reduces your risk of injury.

You get a natural energy boost. Just like with any exercise, it will give you an energy boost. However, it is increased even more thanks to the focused breathing and increase in circulation stimulating the muscles and spine.

It can help you lose weight and attain a lean, long, healthy body. It tones and strengthens the body, and if you do it regularly, it will reshape you. The body is more muscular and more balanced. It also helps you move with more grace and ease.

Chiropractic Care & PUSH as Rx