General health, diet, exercise, and lifestyle are important, but the importance of the spinal structure is often forgotten. The spine, or backbone, is the body’s central support structure that holds the body together, supports its weight, and protects the nervous system. It connects different parts of the musculoskeletal system to help sit, stand, walk, twist, and bend. When the spine is misaligned, injured, and/or damaged, it can lead to various health issues, from chronic conditions to organ dysfunction. Chiropractic spinal structure restoration benefits overall health and can help relieve symptoms and restore mobility, flexibility, and function.
Spinal Structure Restoration
Chiropractic care goes beyond relieving muscle or joint pain and discomfort. Although injury rehabilitation is a primary reason for going to a chiropractor, it is in its ability to reset and rebalance the body. Just like a vehicle or piece of equipment that needs regular maintenance, tune-ups, rotation, and realignment, chiropractic provides these benefits.
Improved Range of Motion
As the body ages or suffers from injuries or illnesses, the body’s mobility and flexibility decrease, which causes stiffness and a limited range of motion.
When the spine is not aligned correctly, it can cause restrictions in the range of motion.
Chiropractic techniques improve joint function, correct misalignments, and strengthen and stabilize the spine, improving mobility and flexibility.
Spinal structure restoration improves joint mobility and flexibility.
The improved range of motion helps relieve muscle tension, stiffness, and pain.
Improved Posture
Spinal misalignment typically leads to posture problems, neck and back pain, headaches, and other health issues.
Correcting the spinal structure will:
Correct posture.
Reduce the risk of health issues.
Provide more energy.
Enhance mental clarity.
Improve sleep.
Restore mobility.
Increase athletic and physical performance.
Pain and Discomfort Relief
Misalignments can cause nerve irritation, inflammation, and muscle tension, leading to chronic pain in various areas, like the neck, back, shoulders, and hips.
Chiropractic is a natural and non-invasive treatment that can help manage pain and discomfort without medication.
Specifically addresses the underlying cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms, resulting in long-lasting relief.
Chiropractic combines traditional techniques, such as adjustments, decompression, and traction, with advanced elements and a personalized approach.
Adjustments and customized spinal traction setups alleviate pain and restore proper function to the spine.
When the spine is properly aligned, the central nervous system’s electrical signals can travel more effectively.
Increased Nerve Function
Spinal misalignment can interfere with nerve function, leading to other musculoskeletal issues.
Chiropractic releases compressed, tangled, or trapped nerves and restores nerve circulation, improving nerve function.
Enhanced Musculoskeletal Performance
Individuals can benefit from chiropractic care, especially those involved in physically demanding occupations that place repeated stress on the body.
Chiropractic can help prevent injuries, improve alignment and balance, reduce inflammation, and speed recovery.
Spinal correction includes traction that targets and releases specific muscle groups and ligaments and stimulates detoxification that can enhance musculoskeletal performance.
Immune System Function
Spinal misalignments can disrupt immune system function.
The system relies on proper communication between the brain and immune organs.
Chiropractic improves nerve function and reduces spine and back stress, allowing the system to function optimally.
By taking a holistic and personalized approach to spinal structure restoration, individuals can prevent the development of chronic health conditions and improve their quality of life.
Quick Patient Initiation Process
References
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Spine Basics. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/spine-basics/) Accessed 12/08/2020.
American Chiropractic Association. Back Pain Facts and Statistics. (https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/What-is-Chiropractic/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics) Accessed 12/08/2020.
Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, César, and María L Cuadrado. “Physical therapy for headaches.” Cephalalgia: an international journal of Headache vol. 36,12 (2016): 1134-1142. doi:10.1177/0333102415596445
InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); 2006-. What are the organs of the immune system? [Updated 2020 Jul 30]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279395/
Izzo, Roberto, et al. “Biomechanics of the spine. Part I: spinal stability.” European Journal of Radiology vol. 82,1 (2013): 118-26. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2012.07.024
Jenkins, Hazel J et al. “Current evidence for spinal X-ray use in the chiropractic profession: a narrative review.” Chiropractic & manual therapies vol. 26 48. Nov 21 2018, doi:10.1186/s12998-018-0217-8
McHardy, Andrew, et al. “Chiropractic treatment of upper extremity conditions: a systematic review.” Journal of Manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 31,2 (2008): 146-59. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2007.12.004
Sharrak, Samir. and Yasir Al Khalili. “Cervical Disc Herniation.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, Aug 29, 2022.
Arteries carry blood from the heart to the rest of the body. The veins transport blood back to the heart, and the valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward. When the veins have difficulties sending blood from the limbs back to the heart, this is known as venous insufficiency. With this condition, the blood does not flow back properly to the heart, causing blood to accumulate in the veins of the legs. Chiropractic care, therapeutic massage, and functional medicine can increase and improve circulation and help manage symptoms.
Venous Insufficiency
The circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the cells in the body. This system consists of the heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. When blood circulation is restricted, it can lead to a buildup of toxins and waste products, which can cause various health problems, including fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness. Unhealthy circulation can also contribute to other health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. The most common causes of venous insufficiency include:
Blood clots
Varicose veins
A family history of venous insufficiency.
Deep vein thrombosis.
When forward flow through the veins is obstructed, such as in the case of a blood clot, blood builds up below the clot, which can lead to venous insufficiency.
In varicose veins, the valves can be missing or damaged, and blood leaks back through the defective valves.
In some cases, weakness in the leg muscles that push blood forward can also contribute to venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency is more common in women than men and is more likely in adults over 50.
Circulation Symptoms
There are different symptoms associated with unhealthy circulation, and can include:
A doctor will perform a physical examination and take a complete medical history. They may order imaging tests to locate the source of the problem. These tests may include a venogram or a duplex ultrasound.
Venogram
A doctor will insert an intravenous contrast dye into the veins.
Contrast dye causes the blood vessels to appear opaque on the X-ray image, which helps the doctor see them on the image.
This dye will give the doctor a clear image of the blood vessels.
Duplex Ultrasound
A duplex ultrasound tests the speed and direction of blood circulation in the veins.
A technician will place gel on the skin and press a small hand-held instrument on and around the area.
The instrument uses sound waves that bounce back to a computer and produce images of blood circulation.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on various factors, including the reason for the condition and individual health status and history. Other factors a doctor will consider include:
These special stockings apply pressure on the ankle and lower leg.
They help improve blood circulation and reduce leg swelling.
Compression stockings come in a range of prescription strengths and lengths.
Strategies
Treatments can include several methods.
Improving Circulation
Chiropractic adjustments and vascular massage therapy on the legs can help improve blood circulation. Massage therapies such as vascular and lymphatic drainage massages aim to increase circulation, improve tissue nutrition, and can benefit patients with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency.
The technique for lymphatic drainage involves light strokes to move lymph fluid into lymph vessels.
The technique used to improve circulation involves short strokes to move blood from the valves to the veins.
However, massage therapy is not for all patients with vein diseases and conditions.
Massage therapy is not recommended for patients with advanced-stage vein disease, in which large and bulging veins, ulcerations, and discoloration are present.
Massaging the area could cause the weakened veins to burst, worsening the condition.
Massage therapy is also unsafe for patients with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), as it could dislodge a clot and cause it to travel.
Medications
Medications may be prescribed. These include:
Diuretics – medications that draw extra fluid from the body and are excreted through the kidneys.
Anticoagulants – medicines that thin the blood.
Pentoxifylline – medicine that helps improve blood circulation.
Surgery
More serious cases may require surgery. A doctor may suggest one of the following surgical procedures:
Surgical repair of the veins or valves.
Removing the damaged vein.
Minimally invasive endoscopic surgery – The surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera to see and tie off damaged veins.
Laser surgery – A treatment that uses laser light to fade or close off damaged veins.
Vein bypass – A healthy vein is transplanted from a different body area. Generally used only in the upper thigh and as a last option for severe cases.
Venous Insufficiency: What You Need To Know
References
Annamaraju P, Baradhi KM. Pentoxifylline. [Updated 2022 Sep 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559096/
Evrard-Bras, M et al. “Drainage lymphatique manuel” [Manual lymphatic drainage]. La Revue du praticien vol. 50,11 (2000): 1199-203.
FIELDS, A. “Leg cramps.” California medicine vol. 92,3 (1960): 204-6.
Felty, Cindy L, and Thom W Rooke. “Compression therapy for chronic venous insufficiency.” Seminars in vascular surgery vol. 18,1 (2005): 36-40. doi:10.1053/j.semvascsurg.2004.12.010
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Varicose veins.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649
Patel SK, Surowiec SM. Venous Insufficiency. [Updated 2022 Aug 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430975/
Youn, Young Jin, and Juyong Lee. “Chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins of the lower extremities.” The Korean journal of internal medicine vol. 34,2 (2019): 269-283. doi:10.3904/kjim.2018.230
The legs are important for standing and motion. Various problems can affect any part, including the bones, tendons, joints, blood vessels, and connective tissues of the entire leg, foot, ankle, knee, or hip. Common problems include unbalanced/unevenness, muscle sprains and strains, joint dislocations, nerve compression, and fractures. These issues can benefit from chiropractic leg adjustments to relieve the symptoms, realign the body, restore mobility, strengthen the muscles, and prevent further complications.
Leg Adjustments
The legs are composed of two major sections: upper and lower. The ball-and-socket hip joint connects the upper portion, with only one bone comprising the upper leg, the femur, the largest bone in the body. The lower leg goes from the knee to the ankle and is composed of two bones, the fibula, and the tibia.
The tibia makes up the knee together with the base of the femur.
The fibula starts from the knee joint and is connected to the tibia.
Muscles
The leg muscles support standing and sitting, carry the body’s weight, and provide movement. Several muscles in the upper and lower legs work together to enable walking, running, jumping, flexing, and pointing the toes.
Upper Leg
The upper leg muscles support the body’s weight and movement. Their jobs include:
Anterior muscles: These muscles stabilize the body and help with balance. They also allow:
Bending and extension of the knees.
Flexion of the thigh at the hip joints.
Rotation of the legs at the hips.
Medial muscles assist in hip adduction – moving the leg toward the body’s center. They also allow flexion, extension, and rotation of the thigh.
Posterior muscles help move the leg from front to back and rotate at the hip socket.
Lower Leg
Anterior muscles are in the front/anterior part of the lower leg and help lift and lower the foot and toe extension.
Lateral muscles run outside the lower leg and stabilize the foot when walking or running. They also allow side-to-side movement.
Posterior muscles: These muscles are in the back of the lower leg. Some are superficial (close to the skin surface), and some sit deeper inside the leg. They help:
Flex and point the toes.
Jump, run and push off.
Lock and unlock the knee.
Maintain a healthy posture by stabilizing the legs.
Stand up straight by supporting the arch of the feet.
Causes
There are different causes of leg discomfort symptoms. Age, work, physical activity, sports, and misalignments can all cause leg issues to develop.
Musculoskeletal
Musculoskeletal system injuries, conditions, and disorders are related to the bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This includes bruising, tendonitis, muscle strain, overuse, and fractures can all lead to musculoskeletal issues.
Neurological
Neurological symptoms are related to a problem with the nerves and the nervous system. Damaged and pinched nerves can contribute to leg issues.
Vascular
If there are blood vessel issues, it can also lead to leg symptoms. Depending on the cause, leg symptoms can vary from moderate to severe and may be non-stop or come and go.
Chiropractic care is a proven way of reducing swelling and discomfort throughout the body. Chiropractic leg adjustments help release restrictions and misalignments. This results in increased mobility of the joints, decreased inflammation, and improved function. A chiropractic adjustment on the leg is known as a long-axis distraction adjustment. This adjustment is designed to open the affected joint in the direction the chiropractor pulls. They can adjust their contact to open the femur from the acetabulum of the pelvis, the knee joint, the ankle joints, and the low back. This encourages proper joint space and motion in the affected areas, promoting healthy movement and space and allowing more nutrient flow and pressure removal from the surrounding nerves to help with symptom relief.
Hip Long Axis Distraction
References
Binstead JT, Munjal A, Varacallo M. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Calf. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459362/) [Updated 2020 Aug 22]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.
Eid K, Tafas E, Mylonas K, Angelopoulos P, Tsepis E, Fousekis K. Treatment of the trunk and lower extremities with Ergon® IASTM technique can increase hamstrings flexibility in amateur athletes: A randomized control study. Phys Ther Sport. 2017;28:e12. doi:10.1016/J.PTSP.2017.08.038
Jeno SH, Schindler GS. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Thigh Adductor Magnus Muscles. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534842/) [Updated 2020 Aug 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.
McGee S. Stance and gait. In: McGee S. Evidence-Based Physical Diagnosis. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 6.
Ransom AL, Sinkler MA, Nallamothu SV. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis, and Lower Limb, Femoral Muscles. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500008/) [Updated 2020 Oct 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Accessed 12/29/2021.
The iliopsoas muscle is a primary hip flexor that assists in the femur’s external rotation and maintains the hip joint’s strength and integrity. It also helps to stabilize the lumbar spine and pelvis. Athletes often overuse these muscles with all the sprinting, jumping, kicking, and changing directions when running, causing strains and/or tears. Repetitive hip flexion can result in chronic degenerative tendon changes. Chiropractic care and physical therapy can assist in the early phases of healing, safely transitioning to rehabilitation, and returning to physical activities.
Iliopsoas Muscle
The hip flexors are the group of muscles, including the iliac and psoas major muscles/iliopsoas and the rectus femoris/quadriceps. One of the largest and thickest muscles in the body, the psoas, extends from the lumbar vertebrae, crosses in front of each hip, and attaches to the inside top of the thigh bone. The muscle works by flexing the hip joint and lifting the upper leg towards the body. These fibers can tear if tension is more than the muscle can bear. An iliopsoas strain occurs when one or more of these hip flexor muscles become overly stretched or begin to tear.
Injury
The injury can occur from sports or everyday physical activities. This leads to inflammation, pain, and scar tissue formation. An iliopsoas injury is commonly caused by sudden movements, including sprinting, kicking, and changing direction fast while running. Individuals participating in any sports, especially cycling, running, dance, tennis, martial arts, and soccer, are more likely to experience this injury. Other contributing factors include:
Muscle tightness
Joint stiffness
Muscle weakness
Inadequate core stability
Not warming up correctly
Improper biomechanics
Decreased fitness and conditioning
Individuals will feel a sudden stinging pain or pulling sensation, usually on the front of the hip, groin, or abdominal area. Other symptoms include:
Healing and recovery depend on the severity of the injury. A minor iliopsoas muscle injury can take around three weeks to recover fully. More serious strains and tears take six to eight weeks before returning to activity, as the tissue needs time to repair before starting rehabilitation.
Chiropractic Rehabilitation and Recovery
The first steps when dealing with this injury should be P.R.I.C.E. protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It is important to rest and seek treatment immediately; if left untreated, the condition could worsen, lead to a chronic condition, and require surgery. A chiropractic treatment and rehabilitation plan will consist of the following:
Soft tissue massage
Joint mobilization
A chiropractor may recommend crutches to keep the weight off the hip.
A brace can help compress and stabilize the hip flexor to expedite healing.
A flexibility and strengthening program will be implemented to target the muscles around the hip.
Core strengthening exercises will improve the stability of the pelvis area to prevent any further overuse problems.
Wearing compression clothing could also be recommended, as the clothing helps maintain muscle temperature.
Labral Tear
References
Dydyk AM, Sapra A. Psoas Syndrome. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (F.L.): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551701/
Lifshitz, Liran BPt, MSc, PT; Bar Sela, Shlomo BPt MPE; Gal, Noga BPt, MSc; Martin, RobRoy PhD, PT; Fleitman Klar, Michal BPt. Iliopsoas the Hidden Muscle: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Current Sports Medicine Reports 19(6):p 235-243, June 2020. | DOI: 10.1249/JSR.0000000000000723
Rauseo, Carla. “THE REHABILITATION OF A RUNNER WITH ILIOPSOAS TENDINOPATHY USING AN ECCENTRIC-BIASED EXERCISE-A CASE REPORT.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 12,7 (2017): 1150-1162. doi:10.26603/ijspt20171150
Rubio, Manolo, et al. “Spontaneous Iliopsoas Tendon Tear: A Rare Cause of Hip Pain in the Elderly.” Geriatric orthopedic surgery & rehabilitation vol. 7,1 (2016): 30-2. doi:10.1177/2151458515627309
Making healthy posture adjustments is a process, especially for individuals that have been practicing unhealthy postures for years. Not only does the body have to relearn how to position itself correctly, but the muscles, especially those that haven’t been working, also have to adjust. This takes time and is usually at the beginning of postural training that individuals want to give up. This is because of the discomfort and soreness that goes with reactivating the core muscles. This is why it is recommended to go through the process with chiropractic care. A chiropractic therapy team can relieve sore muscles, strengthen the body, and help individuals gradually develop and maintain a healthy posture.
Posture Adjustments
Unhealthy postures shift the body out of balance, straining and stressing the muscles, especially those that have to work overtime every day. This causes the muscles to stiffen and tighten up to the point that they begin to pull the skeletal system in different directions, causing various symptoms that can lead to chronic conditions. Muscles can stay tight for years, with individuals getting used to the feeling. Individuals stretch out, thinking the muscles are loose but don’t realize that they return to their tight position because of the unhealthy muscle memory that developed.
Muscle Imbalance
Muscle imbalances usually progress over time and are typically caused by daily habitual physical routines.
This causes premature and advanced wear and tear on the body.
Postural Dysfunction
Individuals all have positions they spend a lot of time in.
Postural dysfunction begins with unhealthy positioning that shifts the spine and other joints out of balance and alignment.
The muscles become compromised, which leads to various neuromusculoskeletal symptoms.
Muscle fatigue and weakness occur from being overworked.
Headaches can present throughout the day.
Chiropractic Realignment
The muscles have become like tough meat, and the underlying imbalances are straining the neuromusculoskeletal system. The muscle tissues need to be broken up/tenderized and loosened up. Then they can be thoroughly stretched and strengthened to optimal health. Chiropractic care will identify and correct the underlying imbalance, and massage therapy will break up and release the compacted muscle tissue. A personalized treatment plan will consist of the following:
Mobilizing the joints and stretching/releasing shortened tight muscles and soft tissues.
Strengthening the elongated, weaker muscles to correct the body’s alignment and movement control.
Health coaching to identify and recommend lifestyle and nutritional adjustments.
This will restore the bio-mechanical systems, ensuring that equal muscle length and strength on both sides of the system joint or motion segment are maintained.
Posture Adjustments and Foot Orthotics
References
Aino, Masaki, et al. “Comparison of spinal column alignment and autonomic nervous activity using the intersegmental tenderness test in the segment above.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 33,8 (2021): 570-575. doi:10.1589/jpts.33.570
Creze, Maud, et al. “Posture-related stiffness mapping of paraspinal muscles.” Journal of anatomy vol. 234,6 (2019): 787-799. doi:10.1111/joa.12978
Joshi, Reema, and Nishita Poojary. “The Effect of Muscle Energy Technique and Posture Correction Exercises on Pain and Function in Patients with Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain Having Forward Head Posture-a Randomized Controlled Trail.” International journal of therapeutic massage & bodywork vol. 15,2 14-21. 1 Jun. 2022, doi:10.3822/ijtmb.v15i2.673
Langford, M L. “Poor posture subjects a worker’s body to muscle imbalance, nerve compression.” Occupational health & safety (Waco, Tex.) vol. 63,9 (1994): 38-40, 42.
McLean, Linda. “The effect of postural correction on muscle activation amplitudes recorded from the cervicobrachial region.” Journal of electromyography and kinesiology: official journal of the International Society of Electrophysiological Kinesiology vol. 15,6 (2005): 527-35. doi:10.1016/j.jelekin.2005.06.003
Szczygieł, Elżbieta et al. “The Impact of Deep Muscle Training on the Quality of Posture and Breathing.” Journal of motor behavior vol. 50,2 (2018): 219-227. doi:10.1080/00222895.2017.1327413
Healthy Posture Guidelines: Posture is how an individual holds their body. Healthy posture is when minimal stress is applied to the joints. Maintaining and holding your body correctly can prevent pain, injuries, and other health problems. Faulty postures and musculoskeletal imbalances often precipitate painful conditions in the spine and extremities. However, unhealthy postures do not always present with discomfort and pain symptoms that can go unnoticed for years. This leads to chronic stress and advanced wear of the joints. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic can realign the spine, relieve symptoms, and restore flexibility, mobility, and function.
Healthy Posture Guidelines
There are two types of posture:
Dynamic Posture
This posture is when the body moves, like walking, running, or bending to pick up something.
Static Posture
This posture is when the body is not moving, like sitting, standing, or sleeping.
Both are important, and the key is the spine’s position. The spine has three natural curves: neck, mid, and low back. Correct posture maintains the curves with the head above the shoulders, and the top of the shoulder should be over the hips.
Unhealthy Positioning
Postural faults include:
Forward head positioning
Rounded shoulders
Loss of the normal lordosis curve in the lower back.
Early warning signs of postural problems may include:
The inability to sit or stand for a prolonged period.
Stiffness when getting up from a chair after sitting.
Feeling of physical exhaustion at the end of the day.
Muscle imbalances.
Loss of normal flexibility.
Symptoms of discomfort.
Affected Health
Unhealthy posture can affect overall health and includes:
Misaligned musculoskeletal system.
Decreased flexibility.
Neck, shoulder, and back pain.
The advanced wearing down of the spine making it more fragile and susceptible to injury.
Affected joint movement.
Affected balance.
Increased risk of falling.
Digestion problems.
Potential breathing problems.
Improvements
Be mindful of your posture during everyday activities, like walking, watching tv, washing dishes, etc.
Maintain Physical Activity
Certain exercises like yoga, tai chi, and other classes focusing on body awareness can help develop healthy posture habits.
Exercises that strengthen the core muscles around the back, abdomen, and pelvis.
Maintain Healthy Weight
Extra weight can weaken the abdominal muscles, cause problems for the pelvis and spine, and contribute to back pain.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
High heels, for example, can throw off the body’s balance and force unhealthy walking movements.
This puts added stress on the muscles and affects posture.
Proper Height
Make sure workstations are at a comfortable height, whether sitting in front of a computer, making dinner, or eating.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors and physical massage therapists specialize in evaluating and treating musculoskeletal dysfunction and identifying and screening for postural dysfunction. Healthy posture can have an immediate effect on health that include:
Proper alignment of bones and joints.
Reduced wear on the muscles and joints.
Reduced stress on ligaments.
Decreased risk of back injury.
Increased energy.
Improved digestion.
A chiropractic team will massage and relax the muscles reducing tension, adjust and realign the spine, increase joint movement, and ease the individual into a healthy posture. The team will also provide careful rehabilitation exercises and nutritional recommendations to maintain a healthy posture.
Custom Foot Orthotics
References
Carini, Francesco, et al. “posture and posturology, anatomical and physiological profiles: overview and current state of the art.”Acta bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis vol. 88,1 11-16. 28 Apr. 2017, doi:10.23750/abm.v88i1.5309
Creze, Maud, et al. “posture-related stiffness mapping of paraspinal muscles.”Journal of anatomy vol. 234,6 (2019): 787-799. doi:10.1111/joa.12978
Korakakis, Vasileios, et al. “physiotherapist perceptions of optimal sitting and standing posture.”Musculoskeletal science & practice vol. 39 (2019): 24-31. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2018.11.004
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint composed of the femur head and a socket, which is part of the pelvis. The labrum is a cartilage ring on the socket part of the hip joint that helps keep joint fluid inside to ensure frictionless hip motion and alignment during movement. A labral tear of the hip is an injury to the labrum. The extent of the damage can vary. Sometimes, the hip labrum can have mini tears or fray at the edges, usually caused by gradual wear and tear. In other cases, a section of the labrum can separate or get torn away from the socket bone. These types of injuries are usually due to trauma. There are conservative hip labral tear tests to determine the type of injury. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic team can help.
Symptoms
Symptoms are similar regardless of the type of tear, but where they are felt depends on whether the tear is in the front or the back. Common symptoms include:
Hip stiffness
Limited range of motion
A clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint when moving.
Pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks, especially when walking or running.
Night discomfort and pain symptoms when sleeping.
Some tears can cause no symptoms and can go unnoticed for years.
Hip Labral Tear Tests
A hip labral tear can occur anywhere along the labrum. They can be described as anterior or posterior, depending on which part of the joint is affected:
Anterior hip labral tears: The most common type of hip labral tear. These tears occur on the front of the hip joint.
Posterior hip labral tears: This type appears on the back of the hip joint.
Tests
The most common hip labral tear tests include:
The Hip Impingement Test
The Straight Leg Raise Test
The FABER Test – stands for Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation.
The THIRD Test – stands for the Hip Internal Rotation with Distraction.
Hip Impingement Tests
There are two types of hip impingement tests.
Anterior Hip Impingement
This test involves the patient lying on their back with their knee bent at 90 degrees and then rotated inward towards the body.
If there is pain, the test is considered positive.
Posterior Hip Impingement
This test involves the patient lying on their back with their hip extended and their knee flexed and bent at 90 degrees.
The leg is then rotated outward away from the body.
If it results in pain or apprehension, it is considered positive.
Straight Leg Raise Test
This test is used on various medical conditions that involve back pain.
The test begins with the patient sitting or lying down.
On the unaffected side, the range of motion is examined.
Then the hip is flexed while the knee is straight on both legs.
The patient may be asked to flex the neck or extend the foot to stretch nerves.
The FABER Test
It stands for Flexion, Abduction, and External Rotation.
The test begins with the patient lying on their back with their legs straight.
The affected leg is placed in a figure four position.
The physician will then apply incremental downward pressure to the bent knee.
If there is hip or groin pain, the test is positive.
The THIRD Test
This stands for – the Hip Internal Rotation with Distraction
The test begins with the patient lying on their back.
The patient then flexes their knee to 90 degrees and turns it inward around 10 degrees.
The hip is then rotated inward with downward pressure on the hip joint.
The maneuver is repeated with the joint slightly distracted/pulled apart.
It is considered positive if the pain is present when the hip is rotated and diminished pain when distracted and rotated.
Chiropractic Treatment
Chiropractic treatment involves hip adjustments to realign the bones around the hip and up through the spine, soft tissue massage therapy to relax the muscles around the pelvis and thigh, targeted flexibility exercises to restore range of motion, motor control exercises, and strengthening exercises to correct muscular imbalances.
Treatment and Therapy
References
Chamberlain, Rachel. “Hip Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Differential Diagnosis.” American family physician vol. 103,2 (2021): 81-89.
Groh, M.M., Herrera, J. A comprehensive review of hip labral tears. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med 2, 105–117 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12178-009-9052-9
Karen M. Myrick, Carl W. Nissen, THIRD Test: Diagnosing Hip Labral Tears With a New Physical Examination Technique, The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, Volume 9, Issue 8, 2013, Pages 501-505, ISSN 1555-4155, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nurpra.2013.06.008. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155541551300367X)
Roanna M. Burgess, Alison Rushton, Chris Wright, Cathryn Daborn, The validity and accuracy of clinical diagnostic tests used to detect labral pathology of the hip: A systematic review, Manual Therapy, Volume 16, Issue 4, 2011, Pages 318-326, ISSN 1356-689X, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2011.01.002 (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1356689X11000038)
Su, Tiao, et al. “Diagnosis and treatment of labral tear.” Chinese medical journal vol. 132,2 (2019): 211-219. doi:10.1097/CM9.0000000000000020
Wilson, John J, and Masaru Furukawa. “Evaluation of the patient with hip pain.” American family physician vol. 89,1 (2014): 27-34.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
Leg Adjustments
Posture Adjustments
Healthy Posture Guidelines
