Sports & Structural Management - A Perfect Fit

It is now widely accepted in the field of sports biomechanics that postural health affects athletic performance. Even imbalances in your feet can affect it. For example, a runner with a 25 degree foot flare would be outdistanced 31 yards per mile by a runner of equal size and abilities who had no foot flare.¹

Postural health affects sports injuries as well. Just as amateur and professional athletes are at an increased risk for sudden traumatic injuries and overuse injuries, your risk of injury increases if you have structural imbalances in your feet and lower body.² No matter what sport you play, you can benefit by regularly consulting with a structural expert about your postural health.

The first step toward managing your postural health and preventing injuries is a complete biomechanical evaluation called the "Structural Fingerprint Exam". Physical tests are performed and x-rays are analyzed to determine the exact location of existing imbalances.

The second step is custom-made orthotics. These individualized shoe inserts are designed to (1) support the arches of the feet and (2) provide greater shock absorption than most store-bought shoes provide. Research performed on athletes has proven that orthotics improve vertical leap, reduce fatigue, and enhance dynamic function.³ One study even showed that golfers hit the ball 9 to 15 yards farther with orthotics in their shoes!³

The third step toward managing your postural health is to take part in a progressive therapeutic program which includes chiropractic, neuromuscular, and rehabilitative treatments. Although these therapies are beneficial seperately, when combined together the results are profoundly more significant. Your challenge is to follow the advice of your structural expert and stick with the program, even when you feel great. Remember, postural health requires regular consultation and management.

Please contact our office today if you are ready to schedule a Structural Fingerprint Exam and receive your own pair of custom-made orthotics.

References:
1. Jesse J. Hidden Causes of Injury, Prevention and Correction for Running Athletes and Joggers. Pasadena: The Athletic Press, 1977.
2. Jacobs SJ, Berson BL. Injuries to runners: a study of entrants to a 10,000 meter race. Am J Sports Med 1986; 14:151-155.
3. Stude DE, Gullickson J. Effects of orthotic intervention and nine holes of simulated golf on club-head velocity in experienced golfers. J Manip Physiol Ther 2000; 23(3):168-174.

Headaches: What You Need to Know by Dr. Dan Boudreaux 

Of the many maladies humans suffer with, none get the level of sympathy that chronic headaches command. Many people suffer with both constant and intermittent headaches, and unfortunately, many doctors seem to miss the boat with regard to accurate or beneficial diagnoses. Any doctor who just writes a prescription in the absence of proper testing should be ashamed of themselves.

If treatment is recommended for your headache without a full description of the "cause" of the headache, feel free to exit quickly and go to another doctor. Headaches can be caused by a host of problems, and to treat only to relieve pain borders on lunacy. You must know why you have your headache before you can work to correct the cause. Some doctors forget that "cause" matters. And many Americans have never thought in terms of "cause". If symptomatic relief is all you expect and desire, you stand the distinct possibility of getting worse with time and finding that the level of medication you take today won´t even begin to touch your pain tomorrow.

There are several common causes of headaches. Most people who suffer with headaches suffer with one or more of these conditions. For accurate diagnosis and treatment, you must see a doctor who is skilled in the following areas: blood sugar, hormonal imbalances, stress and dysfunction of the joints of the neck. Although there are more severe disease processes which can cause headaches, such as brain tumors and aneurysms, it is most common to have the more correctable causes listed above as the underlying cause.

With blood sugar and hormonal imbalances as the cause, diet plays a significant role in improving the condition. As you know, it´s difficult to eat a great diet these days (one consisting of whole grains, seasonal vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts). It is may be necessary to supplement your diet with nutritional supports specific for your needs. In this situation, there are dietary tests which can be given to determine what hormonal imbalances exist or what specific blood sugar problem is present. For example, blood sugar involves the liver, adrenal glands, pancreas and digestive organs. Many people suffer with imbalances in the blood sugar system and will never find resolution until they balance their diets nutritionally. The answer is to do as well as you can with your diet and then be willing to supplement for specific weaknesses.

If blood sugar or hormonal imbalances aren´t the cause, then think in terms of your neck and the base of the skull. This area of the body has a tremendous influence over all of the body, and any misalignment or fixation of the joints at the top of the spine can pinch nerves that will cause headaches. In fact, many migraines are a result of the atlas (the top bone of the spine) being in an abnormal position. If the headache occurs over one or both eyes, think in terms of the 2nd bone, the axis, as being out of position, as there is a nerve that exits near the axis and affects this area. Any misalignment of that bone will produce an irritation of that nerve.

For the majority of headaches, I would recommend two providers, a nutrition-oriented health care provider and a chiropractor. Make sure whoever you go to gives you a specific cause and treatment schedule. If it´s nutritional, get an idea of what you can expect. If it´s structural, make sure you can see the misalignment on the x-ray. Be careful with anyone who recommends symptomatic treatment without verification of your condition.

And last but not least, never stop searching for the answer. It is out there.

Boost Your Immune System to Avoid Colds & Flu

Every year there seems to be a new strain of flu that threatens to take the world by storm.  So, the powers that be decide what strain that might be, name it, and develop a vaccine, with some of the inactive flu virus in it.  Then a whole lot of people are vaccinated, particularly those who are vulnerable to the rampages of the flu, such as the elderly and the young, so  that maybe they won´t get the flu, despite the fact that even the CDC admits the vaccine is only effective some of the time!

So, what are the best ways to avoid catching a cold or getting the flu?

• Wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid eating too much sugar which compromises your immune system.
• Get enough rest.
• Reduce stress.
• Exercise regularly.

In addition, we have an excellent herbal formula that can stop a cold or flu (or at least reduce its duration) when taken at the first sign or symptom.  Please contact our office for more information.

Don´t forget to visit the November Calendar of Events page!