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.
Compression tights are the latest in athletic performance wear, and some runners swear they improve their performance by helping them to run longer, faster and even recover more quickly with less soreness. But does science back up those beliefs?
In a study presented at the American College of Sports Medicine�s annual meeting, researchers put the latest compression-wear to the test. In a study funded by Nike, Ajit Chaudhari, from the physical therapy department at Ohio State University, and his colleagues tested two prototype compression tights provided by the company. Nearly 20 experienced male distance runners agreed to run at nearly their maximum ability wearing three different outfits: running shorts, low-compression tights and high-compression tights. The high-compression gear was the most compression allowed before being classified as a medical device (which is how some compression socks designed to treat circulation conditions are categorized.)
Because compression tights are supposed to keep muscles from vibrating too much�the oscillation is what experts believe causes muscle fatigue and damage to fibers�Chaudhari also measured how much vibration the runners� leg muscles experienced by using special reflectors that could record even the smallest movements. To see how the different outfits affected the runners� performance, the researchers also measured the strength of leg muscles and asked the runners to jump as high as they could before and after the 30-minute run.
It turns out that there were no changes in the runners� jump height or strength whether they wore the running shorts, the low-compression or the high-compression tights. �What we found, when we tested them after a 30-minute high intensity run, was that we don�t see any real effects of the compression tights,� says Chaudhari. �I would say that it�s one strike against expecting improvement in performance from compression tights. We don�t see any evidence that they result in improvement in performance, so for someone who is wearing the tights specifically to try to improve performance, I�d say there isn�t any evidence that they are worth the time or money.�
In a statement, Nike said: �Our goal is to better understand all aspects of human performance. The effect of compression products on performance is one of many areas we study and an area that is often studied by other researchers. The Ohio State University study, which focused on 17 athletes for up to 30 minutes per athlete, produced an interesting data point that delivered an additional perspective on the study of compression tights. Our role is to take athlete feedback and data from studies like this to develop world-class products for athletes at every level.�
Muscle fatigue is one of the major drivers of injury. As their muscles get tired, runners tend to lose their form, and that�s when joints and muscles get misaligned and injuries can occur. Compression tights were thought to stave off that fatigue by keeping vibrations to a minimum, but that theory hadn�t really been tested.
These latest results suggest that compression tights may not be the answer to reducing fatigue. Chaudhari did document that the compression reduced vibration of the muscles; it�s just not clear that the reduction in vibration had any effect on fatigue. It�s possible, he says, that the 30 minutes of intense running wasn�t enough to bring the muscles in these experienced runners to the tiring point. But that�s unlikely, since the runners did start to breathe more heavily and experience faster heart rates, which indicated they were working harder. (Some of the runners couldn�t run for the entire 30 minutes at the heightened intensity.)
There may also be other reasons why people prefer compression tights. For some runners, the extra support helps them run longer or feel more comfortable, and that�s important to performance. They may also keep the legs warm, which some runners prefer.
�If they make you comfortable, they could help you run further,� Chaudhari says. �But if somebody is thinking, �gosh, I need to set personal records and I�ll use the tights because I believe they will help my performance,� you have to go in knowing that it�s kind of a shot in the dark.�
The Schroth Method is a non-surgical principle utilized as a scoliosis treatment which consists of scoliosis-specific exercises depending to curve-pattern.
The scoliosis exercises used in this form of treatment do not resemble conventional exercises and also, the Schroth method focuses on a proprietary corrective breathing technique called rotational breathing, or rotational angular breathing (RAB). Each patient with scoliosis has a curve pattern that is unique. The aim of the Schroth method is to correct the torso, allowing it to restore its original physiological structure.
The term scoliosis exercise leads people to think it�s simple to handle scoliosis via exercise. However, it is important that an experienced and qualified healthcare professional whom specialized in Schroth methodology conducts the training. With proper education on the Schroth method of exercises for scoliosis, it’s possible for patients to integrate them into daily life and understand the abilities required for lifetime management. For individuals who choose to understand the Schroth method, the benefits are endless.
More About the Schroth Method
Special Schroth method exercises for scoliosis target the trunk and the core, but they truly start in the feet or pelvis. The exercises are accustomed to correct the backbone in three-dimensions and contain special instructions, based on curve pattern, prior to starting the exercise which will incorporate the rotational respiration. Creator Katharina Schroth developed the technique in Germany more than ninety years back.
Simply stated, the aim of the Schroth method is to correct the spine in the frontal, sagittal and transverse planes. That is achieved through de-flexion, de- rotation and elongation of the spine and rib cage. The patient learns to reinforce the musculature surrounding the spine, focusing primarily on creating overall stability and spinal balance to provide overall health and wellness.
Working to correct the backbone in this mode is a key to successful scoliosis direction. Possible advantages for many who learn and practice the Schroth method approach for scoliosis are:
Stopped or potentially reduced progression in teenagers
Spinal de-rotation
Improved lung function
Chest expansion that is improved
Enhanced postural appearance
A more balanced posture
Decrease or removal of pain, if present
A component of empowerment over scoliosis (the value of this cannot be underestimated) and the chance for control over what’s frequently presumed to be a condition that’s uncontrollable from the patient
The Schroth method exercises should be unique to every individual. Because of this, it’s essential for healthcare professionals to work on a one-on-one basis with their patients, rather than in groups. There are lots of Schroth scoliosis exercises. A chiropractor, physical therapist, or other specialist can determine which exercises are best for every single patient and on the basis of the curve pattern effectiveness of every exercise for the individual. On a side note, not every exercise may function the same for each person.
Patients must focus physically and mentally as well as work at internalizing the concepts of re-establishing their body’s balance. Patients are additionally instructed awareness and optimal postural control during everyday activities to prevent the progression of scoliosis.
Individuals with scoliosis experience imbalances along the muscles in their back on opposing sides. Schroth method exercises lengthen the muscles on the concave side of the spine while the patient learns to shorten the muscles on the convex side of the back. Schroth method rotatory respiration teaches patients to breathe to the concave side of the torso. This inhalation period is followed by the exhalation phase, generally known as stabilization. Stabilization helps re-establish a more stable three-dimensional spinal alignment, helping the patient be able to understand how the spine is corrected.
Patience is the key to effective results from the Schroth method exercises.
The Schroth Method – Exercises for Scoliosis
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can often cause whiplash, a common type of neck injury resulting from the sudden, back-and-forth motion of the head against the body due to a car wreck, or other incident. Because of this, many of the complex structures found within the neck, including the spine, ligaments and muscles, can be stretched beyond their normal range, causing injury and painful symptoms.
Taking vitamin D supplements while pregnant may protect a mom’s baby from developing asthma, says a study published in the journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. The study found that the supplements could positively modify the immune system of the fetus and could protect it against asthma and respiratory infections.
Researchers from the U.K.’s King’s College London looked at the effect that taking a supplement of 4,400 IU vitamin D3 per day during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy versus the recommended daily intake (RDI) of 400 IU/day, had on the immune system of the newborn.
Volunteers were randomized at 10 to 18 weeks of pregnancy and given either a high or low dose of Vitamin D. At birth, blood was taken from the newborns’ umbilical cords and tested to gauge their innate immune system, which is the baby’s first line of defense to infection, and their T lymphocyte responses, which provide longer-lasting protection.
They discovered that blood samples from babies born to mothers supplemented with higher doses of vitamin D3 had stronger immune responses that protect newborns from infection. Since strong immune responses are associated with a decrease in the risk of developing asthma, researchers believe the babies will have better respiratory health during childhood.
“The majority of all asthma cases are diagnosed in early childhood implying that the origin of the disease stems in fetal and early life,” said lead researcher, Professor Catherine Hawrylowicz of King’s College London.
“Studies to date that have investigated links between vitamin D and immunity in the baby have been observational,” she said. “For the first time, we have shown that higher Vitamin D levels in pregnancy can effectively alter the immune response of the newborn baby, which could help to protect the child from developing asthma.”
Other recent studies have also found that nutritional substances can affect asthma. Scientists at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy oils found in cold water fish and fish oil supplements, can help fight asthma. In addition, a New England Journal of Medicine study in late 2016 showed that pregnant women who ate fish or took fish oil supplements reduced the risk of asthma in their children.
Vitamin D during pregnancy has also been found to influence the risk of attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) as toddlers. Danish researchers studied the umbilical cords of infants, and asked moms to complete surveys noting their children’s behavior when they were two-and-a-half years old. Moms who had taken vitamin D when pregnant, and whose umbilical cords contained high levels, reported significantly fewer symptoms of ADHD in their children.
People who wear activity trackers to count the calories they’re burning are probably not getting accurate estimates, suggests a new study.
Researchers who tested seven popular activity trackers found that while heart rate measurements were generally accurate, none of the devices provided a reliable calorie count.
“At this point with this level of error, I would be wary of using that estimate to alter a calorie-controlled diet,” said senior author Dr. Euan Ashley, of Stanford University in California.
Patients “have been bringing data from these devices to us and some of us were using these devices ourselves,” Ashley told Reuters Health.
Because so little is known about the data’s accuracy, “We realized that we had to do our own study,” he said.
Ashley’s team recruited 60 healthy adults to test seven popular wrist-worn activity trackers: the Apple Watch, Basis Peak, Fitbit Surge, Microsoft Band, MIO Alpha 2, PulseOn and Samsung Gear S2.
Participants wore up to four devices at a time, and they also wore laboratory devices to measure heart rate and calories burned while sitting, walking, running and cycling.
All of the devices but one had an average heart rate error rate below 5 percent. The exception was the Samsung Gear S2, which had an error rate of 5.1 percent.
But for calculating energy expenditure – or calories burned – all of the devices had error rates above 25 percent. The Fitbit Surge had the lowest average error rate for calories burned at about 27 percent. The PulseOn had the highest at about 93 percent, according to a report in the Journal of Personalized Medicine.
Overall, the Apple Watch had the lowest error rates while the Samsung Gear S2 had the highest.
The researchers were surprised at the unreliability of the calorie counts.
The devices “were literally all over the map with error rates,” Ashley said.
Data tended to be less accurate for men, people with higher body weights and darker skin tones, and while walking.
Ashley’s team hopes the devices’ calorie counting technology will improve. “I think we’re all hopeful that as we move forward they will get better,” he said.
In a statement to Reuters Health, Fitbit said its trackers show an estimated total number of calories. “Fitbit uses a scientifically validated estimate of (basal metabolic rate) based on height, weight, age, and gender information that users provide when setting up their Fitbit account,” said the statement, which added that the measure also takes into account people’s heart rates.
“While the Mio ALPHA 2 was designed for the individuals focused on heart rate zone training, and not for all-day activity tracking, we agree that more accurate calorie estimation is important for the industry as a whole, since most individuals are monitoring calorie deficits for weight loss,” said Mark Gorelick, chief science officer at Mio Global, in a statement.
Markku Lankinen, who is head of operations for PulseOn Oy, said in an email that the researchers may not have adjusted the device specifically for each participant. “With PulseOn device, you would need to apply these user parameters in the application before exercising, and this seems not to have been done,” said Lankinen. “This causes the (energy expenditure) estimates to be badly off.”
Apple, Microsoft and Samsung did not provide comments for publication. All Basis Peak watches were recalled in 2016 due to overheating, according to its website.
Ashley’s team is currently conducting a study to test the accuracy of devices in the real world.
A very few number of research studies have been conducted to examine how effective the Schroth method is towards the management of scoliosis, particularly in countries such as the United States, where the duration of therapy programs are generally constrained to an average of 1 to 3 sessions.
Researchers conducted a study on a 26 year old female with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in order to examine the effects of Schroth therapy. The physical therapy regimen included a 1-hour Schroth method session of exercises, twice per week for four weeks, followed by one session of the Schroth therapy each week for 20 additional weeks. Furthermore, the research study also included a home exercise program which consisted of 30-minute sessions, five days per week. All evaluation measurements and results were recorded before and after the treatment.
After a 6-month treatment period, the patient had experienced a significant and measurable improvement of symptoms as well as the overall condition. Additionally, the patient was satisfied with their results, reporting improved bodily strength and she felt more comfortable with her appearance.
The findings of the research study suggest that scoliosis treatment utilizing the Schroth method and it’s specific exercises may be an effective treatment option for the spinal condition to the traditional methods of treatment and rehabilitation.
Researchers also conducted another study to compare the effectiveness of Schroth method exercises in other patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Designed as a randomized-controlled study in an outpatient exercise-unit and in a home setting, the research study consisted of fifty-one patients who were diagnosed with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis or AIS. Forty-five of the patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis whom met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups. The Schroth method exercises were applied to the first group in the clinic, which were also given to the second group as a home regimen and the third group was the control group.
The findings of the research study demonstrated an improvement of the condition and its symptoms in the clinic Schroth method exercise group compared to the other groups. According to the results, the waist asymmetry improved only in the clinic exercise group where the results of the other groups worsened. In conclusion, the Schroth exercise program was effective towards improving scoliosis and its symptoms.
How to Treat Scoliosis – About the Schroth Method
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
After being involved in an automobile accident, the sheer force of the impact can often cause whiplash, a common type of neck injury resulting from the sudden, back-and-forth motion of the head against the body due to a car wreck, or other incident. Because of this, many of the complex structures found within the neck, including the spine, ligaments and muscles, can be stretched beyond their normal range, causing injury and painful symptoms.
Training doesn�t make us fitter � recovery from training does. So, how do we recover? An easy jog or spin, or a lazy day on the sofa, asks Beate Stindt, chartered physiotherapist at Six Physio.
?Recovery can be either active or passive. Passive recovery is just that; total rest. A passive recovery day should not include any training. On these days you should rest and recover, which means no spring cleaning and no walking around the shops for the whole day.
An active recovery session usually involves your usual sport, be it running, swimming, cycling or yoga, but at an easy to moderate intensity. Active recovery has been likened to a short nap � the aim is to feel better at the end of your workout than you did at the beginning. Training for an event places a huge amount of stress on your body and hard sessions result in the hormone cortisol being released. Cortisol is a natural anti-inflammatory but, left to hang around in the blood for too long, can negatively interfere with muscle regeneration.
Active vs Passive Recovery
One aim of active recovery is to clear the metabolic waste resulting from exercise, as well as providing a higher level of blood flow to muscles in need of nutrients, allowing them to repair themselves.
While there is not yet conclusive evidence showing whether or not this really does result in quicker recovery, if you are going to try it, it�s important that it�s done correctly so as not to contribute to fatigue. Many athletes will use an active recovery session as a technical workout and focus on form and technique, something they might not be able to do during sessions with a higher intensity where technique work can be drowned out.
Some athletes will have a recovery workout in between two hard workouts while others may include a recovery week in their training programme. A general rule of thumb for a recovery week/session would be to reduce the volume of your training by approximately 30 per cent. If you train according to heart rate, make sure you complete your session at less than 60 per cent of your maximum heart rate. If you need a break from all technology, as a general rule you should make sure you can still continue a conversation. You should be able to speak in full sentences and not only the odd word or grunt.
Another way to make sure that you are not working too hard is to make sure you are comfortable breathing through your nose (make sure all nasal passages are clear!).
So which is best? The jury is still out. Like so many things in training, everyone has their own personal preference and it is important to find your own and do it correctly. If you�re going to include active recovery sessions as a part of your training, resign yourself to the fact that you might not get admiring looks from passers by or that you might be overtaken by your elderly neighbor on her bicycle with a fully laden basket. But remember: that�s okay!
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Chiropractic and Athletic Performance
Although warm-up stretches, exercise and plenty of training activities are practiced on a regular basis to prevent injuries, many athletes frequently experience sports injuries during their specific physical activity and/or sport. Fortunately, chiropractic care can help treat and rehabilitate athletes, in order for them to return to the field as soon as possible. Chiropractic has also been demonstrated to help increase athletic performance.
It’s time to bring out the outdoor grill, clean it up, and start preparing memorable meals this weekend. But experts warn that grilling can be dangerous to your health if you don’t take some basic precautions.
“I love how food tastes when it’s prepared on a grill,” says renowned chef Gerard Viverito, an associate professor in culinary arts at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
“It’s so much fun to create a meal outdoors with family and friends nearby. But while outdoor cooking is an American tradition, common mistakes, such as marinating with the wrong oil, and improper preparation and storing of food, can lead to disaster.”
Gerard, a well-known radio and television figure whose culinary emphasis is using nutritional ingredients to gain healthful results, tells Newsmax Health the key to a happy, and healthy holiday meal, involves careful planning. Here are his tips:
Before you grill:
Thaw meat in the refrigerator. Defrosting food on the counter encourages the growth of disease causing pathogens such as listeria and salmonella.
Thaw proteins completely before grilling. “That’s the best way to ensure your food cooks evenly,” says Gerard. “Use a meat thermometer in the thicket part to ensure doneness.” Healthy internal temperatures are: poultry, 180 degrees; burgers, 160 degrees; pork 160 degrees; and steaks, 145 for medium rare and 160 degrees for medium.
If you are marinating, avoid using olive oil which can break down at high temperatures into dangerous carcinogens. Gerard prefers using Malaysian sustainable palm oil that can stand up to high heat.
Wash your hands thoroughly before transferring food to the grill.
Cooking with charcoal or propane:
To avoid inhaling smoke and help prevent accidental fire, position the grill away from your house, and out from under eaves and tree branches. Each year, home grilling is responsible for thousands of home fires and burns that require hospital care.
Start with a clean grill. A buildup of extra grease and fat can cause a flash fire, in addition to contaminating your food with potential carcinogens.
Only use charcoal starter fluid with a charcoal grill. Stay safe by never adding flammable fluid once a fire has started. And if your grill does catch fire, the safest way to extinguish the flame is to close the top of the grill and turn off the gas.
Keep meat and vegetables separate on a grill. You want to keep meat drippings from falling on your vegetables. “That’s because vegetables don’t cook long enough to destroy any bacteria present in the drippings,” says Gerard.
Serving your food:
Always transfer cooked food onto a clean latter. Don’t use the same plate that you just used for the raw food.
Keep food hot until it’s served. Move it off the fire but keep it on the warm grill or use a hot plate. Hot Logic hotlogicmini.com/collections/buy-now, a Michigan-based company, produces a series of low-cost covered hot plates and mini ovens that can keep food warm until it’s ready to be eaten. “Very hot food and very cold food is the safest, but since most people like to eat foods somewhere in the middle, this can be a problem,” says Gerard. “We call it the temperature danger zone where bacteria multiply exponentially.”
Throw away any burned or charred portions before eating. The char and soot may contain dangerous chemicals or carcinogens.
Keep flies away from food. Use food covers to keep insects from sharing your meal and spreading germs.
Treat leftovers with care:
Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible to reduce the risk of food spoilage and poisoning.
Discard food that’s been sitting out for two hours or more. “I go crazy when I see people eating potato salad made with mayonnaise that’s been left outside for hours,” says Dr. Kevin Rodgers, president of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine. “Don’t take a chance if food safety is questionable. Food poisoning can cause serious dehydration through vomiting and diarrhea.”
Don’t eat unwashed fruits or veggies. “It’s also important to wash all produce, like those tasty tomatoes you are serving over the burgers or the salad greens,” warns Gerard. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that salad greens caused 8,838 cases of food borne illness between 1998 and 2008, so always be diligent in washing lettuce, escarole, spinach, cabbage, kale and arugula before serving.”
“Grilling is fun and delicious,” says Gerard. “With a few precautions, you can keep food-borne pathogens, fires, and exposure to carcinogens from spoiling one of best warm weather pastimes.”
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