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Using Acupuncture for Pain Management

Using Acupuncture for Pain Management

For individuals dealing with injuries and pain conditions, can incorporating acupuncture into a treatment plan help alleviate and manage pain?

Using Acupuncture for Pain Management

Acupuncture Pain Management

Pain management techniques include physical therapy, medications, cold therapies, chiropractic, and massages. One method that is growing is acupuncture. (World Health Organization. 2021) According to a report by the World Health Organization, acupuncture is the most commonly used form of traditional medicine practiced globally. (World Health Organization. 2021) More than 10 million acupuncture treatments are administered annually in the U.S. (Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman. 2014)

What Is It?

Acupuncture is a medical practice that involves placing solid but super thin needles at specific points in the body to treat certain health issues. They can be used on their own or stimulated with electric currents, called electroacupuncture. Acupuncture originated in China about 3,000 years ago and is known as traditional Chinese medicine or TCM. In more recent years, the practice has gained acceptance and demand worldwide. (Jason Jishun Hao, Michele Mittelman. 2014)

How Does It Work?

Acupuncture pain management works by balancing the flow of qi/chi/energy, which moves through meridians, or channels in the body. By inserting needles into specific points along these channels, balance is reestablished for overall health and well-being. When the energy is imbalanced due to internal and external stressors that can include injuries, underlying conditions, unhealthy diet, and stress, individuals can present with symptoms and illness. Using diagnostic techniques and comprehensive interviews, practitioners can determine which organ systems and meridian channels need addressing to restore function. There are more than 2,000 acupoints in the body. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2024) Each point has its own purpose and function: some increase energy, others decrease it, helping balance the body to support healing and recovery. Acupuncture pain management goes beyond energy healing and can help alleviate pain by stimulating nerves, muscles, and fascia/connective tissue, regulating immune response, nervous system response, lymphatic flow, and increasing muscle relaxation.

Types

Different types of acupuncture have been modified in training and styles, but all involve needling into certain points and include:

Orthopedic/Dry Needling

  • This technique combines Traditional Chinese Medicine and structure manipulation to treat pain, tissue injuries, imbalances in the body, and other general systemic disorders.

Five Element Style

  • This is a spiritual and emotional technique that uses the five elements of nature, including wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, to transfer energy, creating balance in the body.

Japanese Style

  • uses similar techniques to TCM but uses a more subtle approach, such as using fewer needles or inserting them at lower depths in the body.

Korean

  • This technique uses both techniques from Chinese and Japanese acupuncture.
  • Practitioners may use more needles and different kinds of needles, like a copper variety, instead of the standard stainless steel type.
  • This type of acupuncture uses only acupoints on the hand to treat different areas of the body.

Auricular

  • This is similar to Korean acupuncture but relies on certain points in the ear to treat other areas of the body.
  • The goal is to overcome imbalances and disharmonies.

Distal

  • This technique treats pain indirectly.
  • Practitioners place needles in spots other than the area of discomfort.
  • For example, practitioners may place needles around the elbows for knee pain or the lower legs for shoulder pain.

Acupressure

  • This form of therapy stimulates different acupoints without using needles.
  • Practitioners use precise finger placements, hands, or other tools and essential oils to apply pressure over specific points to enhance energy flow.

Providers can combine and use various forms based on an individual’s needs.

Conditions

One analysis of more than 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies found it to be effective for post-stroke aphasia, neck, shoulder, lower back pain, muscle pain, fibromyalgia pain, lactation issues after delivery, vascular dementia symptoms, and allergy symptoms. (Liming Lu et al., 2022) A study on mice by neuroscientists found that electroacupuncture can decrease inflammation. (Shenbin Liu et al., 2020) The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health found that acupuncture can be helpful for: (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. 2022)

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Back and neck pain
  • Sciatica
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Chronic pelvic pain syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Improves sleep
  • Stress
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Menopausal hot flashes
  • Post-surgery pain
  • Cancer pain
  • Nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing treatment
  • Chronic prostatitis
  • Digestion
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Infertility
  • Asthma
  • Quitting smoking
  • Depression

Safety

When the treatment is performed by a highly trained, licensed, and certified acupuncturist, it is very safe. The most common serious adverse events were pneumothorax/collapsed lung, cardiovascular problems, and fainting, which in some cases caused trauma, like fractures. (Petra Bäumler et al., 2021) There are some short-term risks associated with acupuncture, including:

  • Pain
  • Bleeding
  • Bruising
  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness for individuals that have not eaten or fear of needles.

Serious side effects associated with acupuncture, like a punctured lung or infection, are very rare. For individuals that have a metal allergy, infection, or open wound in the area where the needles will be inserted, it is recommended to avoid acupuncture. Individuals who have a bleeding disorder, are taking any medicines like an anticoagulant, or are pregnant, should talk to the acupuncturist before beginning a treatment plan.

What to Expect

Everyone’s visit will be tailored to their specific needs, and the first visit will likely last an hour or two. The initial evaluation will include a full medical/health history. The individual will spend a few minutes discussing concerns and health goals with the acupuncturist. Individuals will be asked to lie on the treatment table so the practitioner can access their limbs, back, and abdomen. After inserting needles, they will stay in place for about 20 to 30 minutes. At this time, individuals can relax, meditate, sleep, listen to music, etc. The practitioner may monitor if and how the pulse has changed and add or remove needles. After the needles are removed, the practitioner will determine the course of treatment. Depending on how chronic or severe the condition is, they may recommend several acupuncture pain management treatments over the course of several weeks.


Chiropractic Care For Healing After Trauma


References

World Health Organization. (2021). WHO benchmarks for the practice of acupuncture.

Hao, J. J., & Mittelman, M. (2014). Acupuncture: past, present, and future. Global advances in health and medicine, 3(4), 6–8. doi.org/10.7453/gahmj.2014.042

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Acupuncture.

Lu, L., Zhang, Y., Tang, X., Ge, S., Wen, H., Zeng, J., Wang, L., Zeng, Z., Rada, G., Ávila, C., Vergara, C., Tang, Y., Zhang, P., Chen, R., Dong, Y., Wei, X., Luo, W., Wang, L., Guyatt, G., Tang, C., … Xu, N. (2022). Evidence on acupuncture therapies is underused in clinical practice and health policy. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 376, e067475. doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-067475

Liu, S., Wang, Z. F., Su, Y. S., Ray, R. S., Jing, X. H., Wang, Y. Q., & Ma, Q. (2020). Somatotopic Organization and Intensity Dependence in Driving Distinct NPY-Expressing Sympathetic Pathways by Electroacupuncture. Neuron, 108(3), 436–450.e7. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2020.07.015

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (2022). Acupuncture: what you need to know.

Bäumler, P., Zhang, W., Stübinger, T., & Irnich, D. (2021). Acupuncture-related adverse events: systematic review and meta-analyses of prospective clinical studies. BMJ open, 11(9), e045961. doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-045961

Understanding Acupuncture Treatment: A Beginner’s Guide

Understanding Acupuncture Treatment: A Beginner’s Guide

For individuals dealing with pain, inflammatory conditions, and stress issues, could adding acupuncture to a treatment plan help bring relief and healing?

Understanding Acupuncture Treatment: A Beginner's Guide

Acupuncture Treatment

Acupuncture treatment is a traditional Chinese medicine based on circulating the body’s life energy, or qi, with the idea that a blockage or disturbance in the energy flow can cause health issues. Acupuncturists insert thin needles into specific points throughout the body to rebalance the body’s energy, stimulate healing, and promote relaxation. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2023) Researchers are not exactly sure how the treatment works; however, theories suggest that it can help release endorphins, as well as influence the autonomic nervous system.

How Does It Work?

Researchers have not been able to understand how acupuncture works fully, but some theories include:

  • The needles stimulate the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals.
  • They can influence the autonomic nervous system, and specific needle placement impacts breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate. (Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee. 2013)

Conditions

Acupuncture has been useful for a variety of conditions, including (Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee. 2013)

  • Chronic pain
  • Migraines and associated symptoms
  • Sinus congestion or nasal stuffiness
  • Insomnia and sleep-related difficulties
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Arthritis joint inflammation
  • Nausea
  • Infertility – difficulty getting pregnant
  • Depression
  • Skin appearance (Younghee Yun et al., 2013)

Benefits

The health benefits can vary depending on the individual. It may take several sessions before benefits are noticed. (Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee. 2013) Research is still limited; however, there are some studies that found acupuncture to be helpful for certain conditions.

Low Back Pain

  • A study on non-pharmacological options for lower back pain showed that acupuncture treatment relieved intense pain and promoted better back functioning.
  • However, in terms of long-term benefits, it was not clear how helpful the treatment was. (Roger Chou, et al., 2017)

Migraines

Research done over a six-month period showed that:

  • Acupuncture was able to reduce the frequency of migraine symptoms by half in 41% of individuals compared to those not receiving acupuncture.
  • Treatment was noted as being helpful as preventative migraine medications. (Klaus Linde, et al., 2016)

Tension Headaches

  • According to research, having at least six acupuncture sessions may be helpful for individuals with frequent head pain or pressure/tension headaches.
  • This study also noted that acupuncture, combined with pain medication, significantly reduced headache frequency compared to those only given medication. (Klaus Linde, et al., 2016)

Knee Pain

  • Multiple studies found that acupuncture treatment may be able to improve knee function short and long-term in individuals who have knee osteoarthritis.
  • This condition causes the connective tissue in the knee to break down.
  • The study also found that treatment was able to help with osteoarthritis and decrease knee pain but was only helpful for the short term. (Xianfeng Lin, et al., 2016)
  • Another review looked at multiple studies that found that treatment delayed and reduced the use of pain medication in individuals who had knee replacement surgery. (Dario Tedesco, et al., 2017)

Facial Elasticity

  • Cosmetic or facial acupuncture is used to improve the appearance of the skin on the head, face, and neck.
  • In a study, individuals had five acupuncture sessions in three weeks, and a little over half of the participants showed skin elasticity improvement. (Younghee Yun et al., 2013)

The Process

Before getting acupuncture treatment, the acupuncturist will ask the individual about their medical history and may perform a physical examination.

  • Thin needles are placed in specific areas to address your concern or condition.
  • The acupuncturist may gently twist the needles to emphasize stimulation.
  • The needles are left in for 20 to 30 minutes, with the total session lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. (Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee. 2013)

The acupuncturist may use additional techniques that can include: (Tony Y. Chon, Mark C. Lee. 2013)

Moxibustion

  • This is the burning of dried herbs near the acupuncture needles to warm and stimulate the points and enhance healing.

Electroacupuncture

  • An electrical device is connected to the needles, providing a gentle electrical current that stimulates the muscles.

Cupping

  • Glass or silicone cups are placed on the area, creating a vacuum/suction effect, which helps stimulate blood circulation and rebalance the energy. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2023)
  • After the treatment, some individuals may feel relaxed, while others may feel energized.

Is It Painful?

Individuals may feel a slight ache, sting, or pinch as the needle is inserted. Some acupuncturists adjust the needle after it has been inserted, which can cause additional pressure.

  • Once the needle is properly placed, individuals may feel a tingling or heavy feeling, referred to as de qi. (National Institutes of Health. (N.D.)
  • Let the acupuncturist know if there is discomfort or increased pain at any point during the session.
  • Intense pain may mean the needle has not been inserted or placed correctly. (Johns Hopkins Medicine. 2023)

Side Effects

As with any treatment, side effects can present in individuals that include:

  • Pain and bleeding from the needle insertion
  • Bruising around the area, the needles were placed
  • Nausea
  • Allergic reaction
  • Skin rash
  • Infections
  • Dizziness (Malcolm W. C. Chan et al., 2017)

In order to reduce the risks, the treatment should always be done by a licensed trained healthcare provider using clean, disposable needles. It is recommended to consult with a primary care physician before getting acupuncture, as the treatment may not be right for individuals with certain health conditions.


Heel Spurs


References

Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2023) Acupuncture.

Chon, T. Y., & Lee, M. C. (2013). Acupuncture. Mayo Clinic proceedings, 88(10), 1141–1146. doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2013.06.009

Yun, Y., Kim, S., Kim, M., Kim, K., Park, J. S., & Choi, I. (2013). Effect of facial cosmetic acupuncture on facial elasticity: an open-label, single-arm pilot study. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2013, 424313. doi.org/10.1155/2013/424313

Chou, R., Deyo, R., Friedly, J., Skelly, A., Hashimoto, R., Weimer, M., Fu, R., Dana, T., Kraegel, P., Griffin, J., Grusing, S., & Brodt, E. D. (2017). Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of internal medicine, 166(7), 493–505. doi.org/10.7326/M16-2459

Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Fei, Y., Mehring, M., Vertosick, E. A., Vickers, A., & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of episodic migraine. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2016(6), CD001218. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub3

Linde, K., Allais, G., Brinkhaus, B., Fei, Y., Mehring, M., Shin, B. C., Vickers, A., & White, A. R. (2016). Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 4(4), CD007587. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007587.pub2

Lin, X., Huang, K., Zhu, G., Huang, Z., Qin, A., & Fan, S. (2016). The Effects of Acupuncture on Chronic Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis: A Meta-Analysis. The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume, 98(18), 1578–1585. doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.15.00620

Tedesco, D., Gori, D., Desai, K. R., Asch, S., Carroll, I. R., Curtin, C., McDonald, K. M., Fantini, M. P., & Hernandez-Boussard, T. (2017). Drug-Free Interventions to Reduce Pain or Opioid Consumption After Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA surgery, 152(10), e172872. doi.org/10.1001/jamasurg.2017.2872

National Institutes of Health. (N.D.) De qi sensation.

Chan, M. W. C., Wu, X. Y., Wu, J. C. Y., Wong, S. Y. S., & Chung, V. C. H. (2017). Safety of Acupuncture: Overview of Systematic Reviews. Scientific reports, 7(1), 3369. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-03272-0

Using Natural Biologics for Faster Injury Recovery

Using Natural Biologics for Faster Injury Recovery

As the body grows older the ability to live life to the fullest can be difficult. Can using natural biologics help enhance the body’s natural ability to heal?

Natural Biologics

Though sometimes a necessary treatment option, surgical procedures can be the first line of treatment introduced to patients. Natural biologics is a less invasive alternative that can eliminate hospitalizations and expedite recovery. (Riham Mohamed Aly, 2020)

What Are They?

The body is born with components to initiate healing and recovery. These components include:

  • Cells
  • Cytokines
  • Proteins
  • Collagens
  • Elastin
  • Hyaluronic acid

At the time of birth, these components are in abundance but decrease as the body ages. This is why children recover from injuries quicker than adults.  Recovery for adults can be slower from a decrease in these natural healing components. The objective of natural biologics treatments is to increase the healing components by reintroducing the body’s own components – autologous – or by bringing in new components – allogeneic – from a donor. (National Institutes of Health 2016) Choosing between the two options depends on an individual’s age and health, as those who are older or in poor physical health may experience complications from inferior component amounts.

  • Healing components derived from donor sources can show more promise, as treatments are usually acquired from discarded birth tissues at delivery.
  • Birth tissues are rich in healing components, containing the most abundant collection of natural healing elements.
  • It’s important to note that there is no harm to the mother or the baby from the obtained tissue products.

Using Natural Biologics for Faster Injury Recovery

Autologous Treatment

Derived from the individual receiving the cell therapy. (Yun Qian, et al., 2017)

Platelet-Rich Plasma – PRP

  • Platelet-rich plasma is cultivated by drawing an individual’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the plasma.
  • The resulting liquid is reinjected into the injured area to generate a healing environment.
  • This form of natural biologics is effective for individuals with minor injuries that can be repaired easily.
  • This process is not as effective for older individuals who already have a reduction in natural healing components.
  • Lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and alcohol/substance abuse can decrease the effectiveness of PRP treatments.

Bone Marrow Aspirate

  • This is an invasive, painful process that begins by putting a patient under anesthesia and drilling into the bone to extract the marrow. (American Cancer Society, 2023)
  • Like PRP, success depends on the individual’s age, health, and lifestyle.
  • Invasive procedures like this have a higher probability of infection and require a long-term recovery period.

Adipose-Derived Stem Cells

  • Adipose tissue/fat treatments are collected through a procedure that resembles the process of liposuction.
  • The procedure is done under general anesthesia and is an invasive process.
  • Once the tissue is collected, the cells are separated and reinjected. (Loubna Mazini, et al. 2020)
  • The treatment’s success depends on the individual’s health, age, and lifestyle.
  • There is more risk of infection when choosing this procedure and a long-term recovery period.

Allogeneic Treatment

Donor-based regenerative cells.

Amniotic Fluid Therapy

Amniotic fluid contains various growth factors, cytokines, and anti-inflammatory proteins that may promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate cellular regeneration. (Petra Klemmt. 2012)

  • Collected at the time of birth, this therapy is an ideal treatment for individuals who have sustained injuries that affect day-to-day functionality.
  • Physicians and clinicians are utilizing amniotic fluid therapy to treat many conditions, from orthopedic to wound care.
  • Amniotic fluid is collected at the time of birth and is abundant with increased healing components compared to autologous sources.
  • Amniotic fluid is immune-privileged (limits or suppresses immune response) and the risk of rejection is rare.
  • These therapies are usually done in a physician’s office with minimal downtime after treatment.

Wharton’s Jelly

  • Wharton’s jelly is derived from the umbilical cord at the time of birth and is primarily composed of a gel substance made up of hyaluronic acid and a network of collagen fibers.
  • Its unique properties make it ideal for protecting and supporting the umbilical cord. (Vikram Sabapathy, et al., 2014)
  • Believed to contain a population of mesenchymal stem cells that have the capacity to differentiate into various cell types, and other secreted growth factors and cytokines. (F. Gao, et al., 2016)
  • It is considered the most valuable source to enhance the healing of various tissues, including bone, cartilage, skin, and nerve tissue.
  • It is immune-privileged with little risk of rejection and minimal if any, recovery time after an in-office treatment.

Exosomes

  • Exosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles that play a role in intercellular communication within the body. (Carl Randall Harrell, et al., 2019)
  • They contain a variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids (like RNA), and signaling molecules.
  • They serve as vehicles for transferring the signaling molecules from one cell to another, allowing cells to influence the behavior and function of neighboring or distant cells.
  • They can be collected or isolated from various biological fluids and cell cultures through specialized techniques but are most robust when collected at birth.
  • The exosomes within the umbilical cord are utilized for tissue repair and regeneration, signaling the cells to promote:
  • Proliferation – increase in the number of cells through cell division.
  • Differentiation – the transformation of unspecialized cells into specialized cells.
  • Tissue healing in damaged or injured areas.
  • Exosomes from the umbilical cord are immune-privileged with minimal risk of rejection.
  • Treatments are ideal for increasing cell communication and initiating repair when paired with another source of allogeneic therapy like amniotic fluid or Wharton’s Jelly.

Choosing which natural biologics therapy is the best is different for everyone. When selecting a treatment, it is essential for individuals to consult their primary healthcare provider to determine which application will have optimal results.


Is Motion Key To Healing?


References

Aly R. M. (2020). Current state of stem cell-based therapies: an overview. Stem cell investigation, 7, 8. doi.org/10.21037/sci-2020-001

National Institutes of Health. (2016). Stem Cell Basics.

Qian, Y., Han, Q., Chen, W., Song, J., Zhao, X., Ouyang, Y., Yuan, W., & Fan, C. (2017). Platelet-Rich Plasma Derived Growth Factors Contribute to Stem Cell Differentiation in Musculoskeletal Regeneration. Frontiers in chemistry, 5, 89. doi.org/10.3389/fchem.2017.00089

American Cancer Society. (2023). Types of Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Transplants.

Mazini, L., Rochette, L., Admou, B., Amal, S., & Malka, G. (2020). Hopes and Limits of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells (ADSCs) and Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Wound Healing. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(4), 1306. doi.org/10.3390/ijms21041306

Klemmt P. (2012). Application of amniotic fluid stem cells in basic science and tissue regeneration. Organogenesis, 8(3), 76. doi.org/10.4161/org.23023

Sabapathy, V., Sundaram, B., V M, S., Mankuzhy, P., & Kumar, S. (2014). Human Wharton’s Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells plasticity augments scar-free skin wound healing with hair growth. PloS one, 9(4), e93726. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0093726

Gao, F., Chiu, S. M., Motan, D. A., Zhang, Z., Chen, L., Ji, H. L., Tse, H. F., Fu, Q. L., & Lian, Q. (2016). Mesenchymal stem cells and immunomodulation: current status and future prospects. Cell death & disease, 7(1), e2062. doi.org/10.1038/cddis.2015.327

Harrell, C. R., Jovicic, N., Djonov, V., Arsenijevic, N., & Volarevic, V. (2019). Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes and Other Extracellular Vesicles as New Remedies in the Therapy of Inflammatory Diseases. Cells, 8(12), 1605. doi.org/10.3390/cells8121605

Pulled Muscle Treatment: Tips to Get You Back in Motion

Pulled Muscle Treatment: Tips to Get You Back in Motion

When individuals experience a neuromusculoskeletal injury strain, can following basic pulled muscle treatment protocols help in healing and a full recovery?

Pulled Muscle Treatment

Pulled Muscle Treatment

A pulled muscle or muscle strain occurs when a muscle is stretched beyond its ability resulting in discomfort symptoms and mobility issues. Microscopic tears can occur within the muscle fibers potentially worsening the injury. This type of injury usually causes mild to severe pain, bruising, and immobility, and nerve injuries can develop as well. Common muscle strains include:

  • Pulled hamstrings
  • Groin strains
  • Pulled abdominal muscles
  • Calf strains

Pulled muscle treatment requires patience to promote proper healing and restoration of optimal function.

  • Individuals need to focus on the different stages of healing.
  • Gradually increase activity levels as the body allows to prevent stiffness and atrophy which can cause complications.

Symptoms

The usual symptoms of this type of injury include:

  • Pain
  • Limited mobility
  • Muscle spasms
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Often individuals will feel a sudden grabbing or tearing sensation and are then unable to continue the activity.

Grading

Muscle strain injuries are graded by severity: (Hospital for Special Surgery. 2019)

Grade I

  • Mild discomfort.
  • Often there is no disability.
  • Usually does not limit activity.

Grade II

  • Moderate discomfort
  • Can limit the ability to perform certain activities.
  • May have moderate swelling and bruising.

Grade III

  • Severe injury that can cause significant pain.
  • Muscle spasms.
  • Swelling.
  • Significant bruising.

Basic Treatment Protocols

Most pulled muscle strain injuries heal with simple treatment. Following the right steps can ensure an expedited recovery. In the early stages after the injury, there is a balance between doing too much or not enough. The amount of activity an individual will be able to do, and the time required for recovery depends on the severity of the injury. Here are some guidelines in the right direction.

Rest

  • Rest is recommended for the early recovery stage.
  • Depending on the severity of the injury this could last from one to five days.
  • Immobilization is usually not necessary, and not moving at all can lead to muscle and joint stiffness.
  • This can be harmful and interfere with mobility. (Joel M. Kary. 2010)
  • If immobilization is necessary, like using a splint or cast, careful supervision should be monitored by a healthcare provider.

Cold Therapy

  • Cold therapy should begin as soon as possible after sustaining a pulled muscle.
  • The therapy/ice helps reduce swelling, bleeding, and pain. (Gerard A Malanga, Ning Yan, Jill Stark. 2015)
  • Cold therapy applications can be done frequently, but should not exceed 15 minutes at a time.

Stretching

  • Stretching is important to relax the muscles and for pre-mobilization.
  • Muscles that maintain flexibility help prevent further injury.

Strengthening

  • The injury and the rest period can decrease the strength of the muscle.
  • It is important to rebuild strength before returning to physical activities.
  • Strengthened muscles help prevent re-injury.

Increased Activity to Prevent Muscle Fatigue

Properly Warming Up

  • Warming up before taking on physical activities will help loosen the muscles and prevent injuries.
  • Beginning work or exercise with stiff muscles can lead to an increased chance of strain.
  • Studies have shown that temperature can influence the stiffness of a muscle. (K. W. Ranatunga. 2018)
  • Maintaining body and muscle warmth helps prevent injury and re-injury.

Injuries and Chiropractic: The Road To Recovery


References

Hospital for Special Surgery, Muscle Strain: What You Need to Know About Pulled Muscles.

Kary J. M. (2010). Diagnosis and management of quadriceps strains and contusions. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 3(1-4), 26–31. doi.org/10.1007/s12178-010-9064-5

Malanga, G. A., Yan, N., & Stark, J. (2015). Mechanisms and efficacy of heat and cold therapies for musculoskeletal injury. Postgraduate medicine, 127(1), 57–65. doi.org/10.1080/00325481.2015.992719

Mair, S. D., Seaber, A. V., Glisson, R. R., & Garrett, W. E., Jr (1996). The role of fatigue in susceptibility to acute muscle strain injury. The American journal of sports medicine, 24(2), 137–143. doi.org/10.1177/036354659602400203

Ranatunga K. W. (2018). Temperature Effects on Force and Actin⁻Myosin Interaction in Muscle: A Look Back on Some Experimental Findings. International journal of molecular sciences, 19(5), 1538. doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051538

Massaging The Body Regularly For Overall Health

Massaging The Body Regularly For Overall Health

When looking at an anatomical poster/image of the human body, there are all kinds of muscles connected and overlapping, but when we go to feel around those areas, especially when pain symptoms are presenting, it can feel like one solid mass and not individual muscles. This is because of everyday wear and tear, strenuous activities, spasms, heat, dehydration, and stress that causes the muscles to stay in a slightly contracted state, continue to tighten, bunch up and stiffen becoming the new normal for that individual. People learn to go through life like this, never considering that there is something wrong until they experience a significant injury that can take much longer to recover and rehabilitate from. This is why massaging the body on a regular basis is important to maintain healthy relaxed and flexible muscles and prevent strains, pulls, and injuries.

Massaging The Body Regularly For Overall Health

Massaging the Body

Massage therapy including myotherapy is the practice of kneading or manipulating the body’s muscles and other soft tissues to improve neuromusculoskeletal well-being and health.

  • It is a form of manual, percussive, and mechanical therapy that includes holding, moving, and applying pressure to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.
  • Massage therapy can be used to describe techniques that vary in touch, pressure, and intensity of the treatment applied.

Benefits

The immediate benefit of regularly massaging the body is feeling deep relaxation and calmness. This happens because massaging prompts the release of endorphins or the brain chemicals/neurotransmitters that produce the feeling of well-being. And the stress hormones like adrenalin, cortisol, and norepinephrine levels are reduced. Studies have shown that high levels of stress hormones can impair and damage the immune system. The physical benefits of massaging the body regularly include:

  • Alleviated muscle tension.
  • Improved and increased joint mobility and flexibility.
  • Increased blood and nerve circulation.
  • Lymphatic system toxin drainage.
  • Decreased release of stress hormones.
  • A relaxed state of mind.
  • Improved sleep.
  • Enhanced mental alertness.
  • Decreased anxiety.
  • Improved recovery and rehabilitation of soft tissue sprains and injuries.
  • Improved skin tone.

Massage Types

Depending on the severity of the pain, associated symptoms, and muscle tension a chiropractor and therapeutic massage team will use a variety of techniques and massage types to restore flexibility, mobility, and function. Types of massage include:

Swedish

  • One of the most popular forms of massage, this technique is designed to promote relaxation and increase and improve blood circulation.

Myofascial

  • Involves the assessment and treatment of soft tissue pain, injury, and dysfunction affecting movement and mobility.
  • Myofascial therapy releases tight soft tissue structures like the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia.

Rehabilitative

  • This type treats and rehabilitates biomechanical dysfunction or injury.
  • Using specific and targeted mobilization techniques to restore normal health and function.

Lymphatic Drainage

  • This is a gentle whole-body treatment that relaxes the nervous system, releases toxins, and improves the immune system.

Sports

  • Sports massage is an application of massage and a blend of techniques to enhance performance and help overworked muscles recover quickly.
  • The type of technique or treatment applied is dependent on the nature of the stage of training or competition, sports injury or condition, and the assessment of the therapist.

Infant Massage

  • A gentle massage can help treat constipation, colic, and sleeping problems.
  • Studies have found that regular massage helps premature babies gain weight faster.

Reflexology

  • Reflexology is based on the application of pressure to specific points on the body.
  • Reflex points, which relate to body areas, can be found in the feet, hands, face, and ears.
  • These points respond to pressure, stimulating the body’s own natural healing process in the same way chiropractic activates natural healing through adjustments and realignment.

Aromatherapy

  • Essential oils made from selected flowers and plants are added to massage oil for a particular therapeutic property.
  • For example, the scent of peppermint is used for constipation problems.

Shiatsu

  • This massage technique aims to improve energy flow by working targeted points on the body.
  • The underlying principles of shiatsu are similar to those of acupuncture.

Individuals are able to experience an improved quality of life with the combined elements of chiropractic and massage therapy.


Fighting Inflammation Naturally


References

Cheung, Karoline, et al. “Delayed onset muscle soreness: treatment strategies and performance factors.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 33,2 (2003): 145-64. doi:10.2165/00007256-200333020-00005

Koren, Yogev, and Leonid Kalichman. “Deep tissue massage: What are we talking about?.” Journal of Bodywork and movement therapies vol. 22,2 (2018): 247-251. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.05.006

National Research Council (US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Panel on Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace. Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Workplace: Low Back and Upper Extremities. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 6, Biomechanics. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK222434/

Pachtman Shetty, Sarah L, and Sarah Fogarty. “Massage During Pregnancy and Postpartum.” Clinical obstetrics and gynecology vol. 64,3 (2021): 648-660. doi:10.1097/GRF.0000000000000638

Stecco, Antonio, et al. “Fascial Disorders: Implications for Treatment.” PM & R: the Journal of Injury, Function, and Rehabilitation vol. 8,2 (2016): 161-8. doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2015.06.006

Weerapong, Pornratshanee, et al. “The mechanisms of massage and effects on performance, muscle recovery, and injury prevention.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 35,3 (2005): 235-56. doi:10.2165/00007256-200535030-00004

Supplements To Ease Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches: El Paso Back Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches: Individuals dealing with headaches or migraines should consider incorporating supplements to ease headaches’ severity and frequency. Nutrition and food habits affect all systems in the body. Although slower to take effect than medications, if a diet is used correctly to heal the body and maintain health, other treatments may not be necessary or require less. Many health providers understand that food is a medicine that can assist healing therapies like massage and chiropractic care, which makes the treatment more effective when used with dietary adjustments.

Supplements To Ease Headaches: EP Chiropractic Clinic

Supplements To Ease Headaches

An unhealthy lifestyle and diet are not the only contributing factor to headaches. Others include:

  • Stress.
  • Job occupation.
  • Sleeping problems.
  • Muscular tension.
  • Vision problems.
  • Certain medication usage.
  • Dental conditions.
  • Hormonal influences.
  • Infections.

Healthy Diet Foundation

The goal of functional medicine is to help individuals reach their health and wellness goals that, include:

  • Regularly active lifestyle.
  • Optimal breathing patterns.
  • Quality sleep patterns.
  • Thorough hydration.
  • Healthy nutrition.
  • Improved digestive health.
  • Improved mental health.
  • Improved musculoskeletal health.

Pain Receptors – Headache

Pain and discomfort symptoms present when various head structures become inflamed or irritated. These structures include:

  • Nerves of the head and neck.
  • Muscles of the neck and head.
  • The skin of the head.
  • Arteries that lead to the brain.
  • Membranes of the ear, nose, and throat.
  • Sinuses that form part of the respiratory system.

The pain can also be referred, meaning that pain in one area can spread to nearby areas. An example is headache pain developed from neck stiffness and tightness.

Causes

Foods

Determining whether food sensitivities cause or contribute to headaches or migraines can be challenging. Nutritionists and dieticians recommend keeping a food journal to keep track of foods, snacks, drinks, alcohol intake, how the body reacts, and how the individual feels.

  • This process can help recognize foods or eating patterns that may contribute to headaches.
  • An integrative health practitioner can support this process and help identify sensitivities.
  • By eliminating and avoiding processed foods, headaches may be alleviated. This includes limited exposure to artificial colors, sweeteners, flavors, and other unnatural additives.

Histamine

  • Histamines can also be triggers for headaches.
  • Histamine is a vasoactive amine that induces mucus production, blood vessel dilation, and bronchoconstriction.
  • Histamine is in most body tissues, like the nose, sinuses, skin, blood cells, and lungs. But pollen, dander, dust mites, etc., can release histamine.

Dehydration

  • Dehydration can affect all of the body and cognitive functions.
  • Hydrating regularly can prevent headaches and relieve pain.
  • An easy way to test the cause of headaches is to consider drinking plenty of water/hydrating before any other relief option.
  • Drinking pure water with no additives is the quickest and easiest way to hydrate your body.
  • Eat foods with high water content for enhanced hydration, including citrus fruits, cucumbers, melons, zucchini, celery, spinach, and kale.

Toxic Chemicals

  • Toxic chemicals are found in all kinds of products.
  • Cleaning products, make-up, shampoo, and other products have been found to contain chemicals that can worsen headaches and even cause migraines.
  • Consider using natural products and educating on toxic chemicals to know what to look for in everyday products.

Natural Options

Consider a few natural supplements to ease headaches.

Magnesium

  • Magnesium deficiency has been linked to headaches.
  • Foods naturally high in magnesium include legumes, almonds, broccoli, spinach, avocados, dried figs, and bananas.

Ginger Root

  • Ginger root is a natural remedy for nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, and indigestion.
  • Ginger root extract can be taken in supplement form or fresh ginger added to meals and teas.

Coriander Seeds

  • Coriander syrup is effective against migraine pain.
  • A method to relieve a headache is to pour hot water over fresh seeds and inhale the steam.
  • To increase the effectiveness, place a towel over your head.

Celery or Celery Seed Oil

  • Celery can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure.
  • However, pregnant women or individuals with kidney conditions, low blood pressure, taking thyroid medication, blood thinners, lithium, or diuretics should not use celery seed.

Peppermint and Lavender Essential Oils

  • Both have a natural numbing and cooling effect that helps relieve headache pain.
  • Peppermint oil has also been found to be a natural antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and pain reliever.
  • Lavender oil can eliminate nervous tension, enhance blood circulation, and relieve pain.
  • Both are effective pain relief tools for headache and migraine sufferers.

Butterbur

  • This shrub grows in Europe, some parts of Asia, and North America.
  • A study found that individuals who consumed 75 mg of the extract twice daily reduced migraine attacks’ frequency.

Feverfew

  • A herb plant whose dried leaves have been found to relieve symptoms associated with headaches, migraines, menstrual cramps, asthma, dizziness, and arthritis.
  • Feverfew can be found in supplements.
  • It can alter the effects of certain prescription and non-prescription medications.

There is plenty of evidence to support the benefits of healthy nutrition. Combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle, these supplements can help relieve headaches. As with any supplement, talk to a doctor before starting a supplement regimen.


Chiropractic Care For Migraines


References

Ariyanfar, Shadi, et al. “Review on Headache Related to Dietary Supplements.” Current Pain and headache report vol. 26,3 (2022): 193-218. doi:10.1007/s11916-022-01019-9

Bryans, Roland, et al. “Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with headache.” Journal of Manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 34,5 (2011): 274-89. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008

Diener, H C et al. “The first placebo-controlled trial of a special butterbur root extract for the prevention of migraine: reanalysis of efficacy criteria.” European Neurology vol. 51,2 (2004): 89-97. doi:10.1159/000076535

Kajjari, Shweta, et al. “The Effects of Lavender Essential Oil and its Clinical Implications in Dentistry: A Review.” International Journal of clinical pediatric dentistry vol. 15,3 (2022): 385-388. doi:10.5005/jp-journals-10005-2378

Maier, Jeanette A et al. “Headaches and Magnesium: Mechanisms, Bioavailability, Therapeutic Efficacy and Potential Advantage of Magnesium Pidolate.” Nutrients vol. 12,9 2660. 31 Aug. 2020, doi:10.3390/nu12092660

Mansouri, Samaneh, et al. “Evaluating the effect of Coriandrum sativum syrup on being migraine-free using mixture models.” Medical Journal of the Islamic Republic of Iran vol. 34 44. 6 May. 2020, doi:10.34171/mjiri.34.44

Pareek, Anil, et al. “Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium L.): A systematic review.” Pharmacognosy Reviews vol. 5,9 (2011): 103-10. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.79105

Skypala, Isabel J et al. “Sensitivity to food additives, vaso-active amines and salicylates: a review of the evidence.” Clinical and translational allergy vol. 5 34. 13 Oct. 2015, doi:10.1186/s13601-015-0078-3

Resistance Bands Injury Therapy: El Paso Back Clinic

Resistance Bands Injury Therapy: El Paso Back Clinic

Resistance band exercises can be very useful for injury rehabilitation. As a part of a chiropractic neuromusculoskeletal treatment plan, personalized rehabilitation exercises using resistance bands can be prescribed to strengthen targeted areas of the body that require retraining due to an injury or condition. Resistance band training can effectively rehabilitate neck, shoulder, back, leg, knee, and ankle conditions and offer several advantages, from improving strength and posture to increasing mobility and improving joint health.

Resistance Bands Injury Therapy: EP Chiropractic Clinic

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are rehabilitation and exercise equipment that provide consistent resistance throughout a specific exercise. They are rubberized bands or elastic cables that can be color-coded (different brands may vary in color progressions) to signify the amount of resistance they provide. These bands are great for all types of injuries to the joints or muscles and have been found to be effective in the following types:

  • Weakened neck muscles from injury.
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Tennis elbow
  • Hip bursitis
  • Knee injuries
  • IT band syndrome
  • Ankle sprains
  • Improve flexibility for arthritis.

The body does need time to heal before engaging in exercise, especially after major muscle, ligament, or tendon tears. A chiropractor or physical therapist will inform the patient when they can begin. However, some areas can be worked out three days after an injury.

Benefits

Resistance bands can isolate strength training and stretching to specific muscles affected by surgery or a non-surgical injury/condition in chiropractic and physical therapy. They can help in the following:

  • Increased circulation.
  • Increased range of motion and flexibility.
  • Increased muscular strength.
  • Improved posture.
  • Increased joint stability.
  • Improved balance.

Added benefits:

  • They are small, lightweight, and portable making them perfect for those that travel frequently.
  • They are simple to use.
  • They are cost-effective.
  • They provide a whole-body workout.
  • They come in different resistance levels to progress gradually.
  • Safe for every fitness level.

Exercises

Exercises with bands can be used in standing, sitting, or lying down positions. Some may consist of movements with resistance coming from body weight. Other activities may require additional resistance. Lunges are an example of a simple exercise to help rehabilitate certain back conditions.

Injury Stages

Strength and resistance training is essential for healing from neuromusculoskeletal injuries and overall health.

Early/Acute Stage

  • This stage entails light, gentle exercising that will allow damaged tissues to begin healing with simple movements to get circulation moving through the areas.

Second Stage

  • Physical therapy exercises involving resistance bands.
  • This gradually increases the weight on the injured bone, ligament, or muscle so the tissue can develop the ability to withstand strains from daily activities.

Late/Functional Stage

  • This is the final step, in which the tissues are stressed through functional exercises to be fit enough to return to work, sports, and activities.

Exercises For Lower Back


References

Lee, Jae-Kwang, and Jae-Hong Lee. “Effect of the lumbar stabilization exercise on the height difference between shoulders and range of motion in older adults.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,1 (2023): 46-50. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.46

Mikesky, A E et al. “Efficacy of a home-based training program for older adults using elastic tubing.” European journal of applied physiology and occupational physiology vol. 69,4 (1994): 316-20. doi:10.1007/BF00392037

Seguin, Rachel C et al. “The Efficacy of Upper-Extremity Elastic Resistance Training on Shoulder Strength and Performance: A Systematic Review.” Sports (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 10,2 24. 14 Feb. 2022, doi:10.3390/sports10020024

Seo, Myong-Won et al. “Effects of 16 Weeks of Resistance Training on Muscle Quality and Muscle Growth Factors in Older Adult Women with Sarcopenia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” International journal of environmental research and public health vol. 18,13 6762. 23 Jun. 2021, doi:10.3390/ijerph18136762

Yamamoto, Yutaro, et al. “Effects of resistance training using elastic bands on muscle strength with or without a leucine supplement for 48 weeks in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.” Endocrine journal vol. 68,3 (2021): 291-298. doi:10.1507/endocrj.EJ20-0550