THE THORACIC SPINE:
Overlooked and Undertreated
By
Dr. Nicholas Studholme, DC, CCSP, CCEP, FAFS
To say one area of the spine is more important than another would be unfair to the rest of the spine; however, it is clear that when we closely inspect the thoracic spine, it is profoundly different than the cervical or lumbar spine. It typically has twelve segments, many more than the other spinal regions, and it has a ribcage attached to it, providing significant stability and support. It also is located between the cervical and lumbar regions so any bottom‐up or top‐down movements will be forced to go through the thoracic spine.
One of the most important principles of Applied Functional Science (AFS) is gravity, and in our daily lives, the thoracic spine is constantly fighting this tremendous force. Generally, all daily movements require that we have our hands pronated, thereby constantly shortening our pecs and lats, and also create a stretch and inhibition of our scapular stabilizers (traps, rhomboids, serrratus anterior, etc.). As a result, we tend to hunch forward and yet because we have to see the horizon, we look up, thus creating anterior head carriage. This can result in significant sub‐occipital and cerico‐thoracic pain as these areas are now taking on excessive load to compensate for the rounded thoracic spine.
If we understand the mechanics of the thoracic spine, then we can use the principles of AFS to assist our patients in creating meaningful, sustainable changes. First, we must understand coupled motion, which requires nothing more than the knowledge that any movement of the spine in one plane is normally accompanied by a compatible spinal movement in another plane. A common example used is that spinal lateral flexion is always accompanied by spinal rotation. In other words, two types of motions are "coupled" together. Type 2 Motion is defined by the joints rotating and laterally flexing the same direction; Type 1 Motion is defined by the joints rotating and laterally flexing in opposite directions). The thoracic spine tends to exhibit Type 2 Motion from T1‐T5 and Type 1 from T6‐T‐12. It is theorized that when a spinal section (or an individual vertebral segment) moves in two directions that are not the expected coupled movements, then this is considered to be uncoupled mechanics. Uncoupled mechanics in spinal sections or in a vertebral segment can lead to abnormal ranges of motion, recurrent joint dysfunction, joint degeneration, inflammation, and pain.
However, when we look at many athletic endeavors, we realize that both coupled and uncoupled motions occur all the time. Therefore, we need to assess, mobilize, and train our patients and clients to be successful in all motions to avoid injury and enhance performance. When treating the thoracic spine, I always use the AFS principle of starting with success and building on success. For a majority of thoracic spine conditions, success is typically that our patients have great movement into flexion and dysfunctional extension. If we understand that all movements are three‐dimensional and understand the concept of relative joint motion, then we can create a strategy that drives motion that encourages flexion with side bending and rotation, and as we return from flexion to our starting position, we remarkably are creating thoracic joint extension. Again, keeping the patient in a successful movement pattern allows for chasing the endgame of better extension.
A great case example is the nursing mother patient who presents significant neck and upper thoracic and rib pain, who has to constantly hold her newborn, and who additionally has an increase in breast tissue due to nursing. This patient is permanently in an anterior head carriage neck position, has rounded shoulders, and has a more anterior center of mass. What this patient does not know is that her pain is rarely due to the neck and more often due to the thoracic spine. A typical progression in my office is to manually work tissue, then mobilize through adjustment(s) and Functional Manual Reaction (FMR), and to stabilize with matrices (three‐dimensional, logical movement patterns). For this example, I would use manual adjustments, combined with FMR in Type 1 Motion and Type 2 Motion of the thoracic spine with the pelvis in and out of synch with relationship to the shoulders (in the TrueStretch™). This would then be followed by the patient performing anterior lunges (beginning with both arms extended in front of his/her body at shoulder height) and reaching both hands in front of the lunging knee (or even in front of the lunging foot at ground height). This drives flexion of the thoracic spine as the patient lunges and creates extension of the thoracic spine as the patient returns from the lunge. If this is successful, we then go to three‐dimensional waist to shoulder dumbbell press, and then to a three‐dimensional shoulder to overhead press. Finally, if we are having success, we will ultimately finish with a Thoracic Spine Matrix.
Please review FMR of the Thoracic Spine (Functional Video Digest Series v3.10) and Thoracic Spine (Functional Video Digest Series v1.8) for more specifics pertaining to Dr. Studholme’s explanation of treatment.
Showing posts with label sports injuries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports injuries. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Functional Flexibility
FUNCTIONAL FLEXIBILITY: Complex Made Simple
by
Lenny Parracino PT, FAFS
Whether training for golf, football, baseball, or any sport, most athletes realize the benefits from a strength training program, yet rarely recognize the importance of a flexibility program. Flexibility is the foundation of what we do! In fact, without flexibility the body will not exhibit optimal levels of power, strength, cardiovascular fitness, or muscle endurance. Flexibility is the cornerstone of rehab, performance, and preventing injuries. However, flexibility programs seem to be less popular, most likely for a variety of reasons – one being research shows mixed reviews which often leads to confusion.1 When reviewing the principles (or lack thereof) behind most research it is easy to understand why the mixed reviews exist. As professionals, it is important that our decisions on what technique to choose be determined by a principle-based approach that is specific to each person’s intended need, not an arbitrarily designed guideline. To assist in determining what technique to choose, we will first explore three primary principles that should be considered, followed by a strategy to assess and address your patient’s / client’s functional flexibility.
Three Primary Principles of Functional Flexibility:
1. Individual and Task Dependent
2. Three-Dimensional
3. Mobility / Stability System
Functional flexibility is flexibility that allows us to function better. It allows one to perform tasks optimally and efficiently.2 The exact function is individual and taskdependent. 3 Therefore, general stretching techniques designed for muscle origininsertion will not provide us with an optimal functional outcome. Instead, the practitioner must appreciate the function of the muscles during the task. In other words, what a muscle does is task driven not textbook driven. This doesn’t make the textbook authors wrong, their right relative to the position, motion in which they concluded function at that time. When the body changes angles, positions, etc., its function changes; this is why for flexibility to be functional the techniques must look like the intended function. Therefore, we need to understand how the muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joint capsules, and joints are moving three-dimensionally during the exact task; not only how much motion but also how well. This is the principle of mobility-stability, the right amount of motion with the right amount of stability in all three planes specific to the individual (not textbook) and intended task (all tasks require different levels of motion-stability).
To help simplify this complexity, we would like to share a practical strategy applying our three principles. This strategy can be used practically during your next assessment / evaluation…
First and foremost, understand each unique individual and task. Once you understand the individual’s current condition, limitations, concerns, and what they want to do, assess the intended task with as much authentic function as possible. The key is in understanding what they want / need to do and what they currently can do successfully. From here build a strategy to lead them in the right direction as quickly and safely as possible. For example, start with level one and only move to level two and three as needed per individual, per task.
Level One: Task specific. Assess the ability to perform the exact task. For example, walking, lunging, squatting, pivoting, stepping, reaching, running, balancing, picking up a specific object, sitting while reaching with right hand, etc. If this produces pain, discomfort, and/or lack of confidence, create authentic support to assist in the task. For example, one may reach forward at knee height from a split standing stance and feel low back stress. What if you changed the height of the reach to waist height? Same discomfort or less? If less, is it the back or the hips inability to allow the back to be successful from the range first assessed? Become a detective by changing body angles, positions, heights, drivers, ranges, etc. before leaving the intended task. Figure out a way to gain success in what they want/need to do. If this fails, progress to level two (although level two will look like level one).
Level Two: Task with outside support. Subtly add outside support or points of stability to the intended function. Using our example, simply add outside support such as in a True Stretch or a doorway. The outside support will allow you to position your patient / client in a specific range or zone to then apply authentic drivers. As their driving motion, use your palpation skills to assess the entire chain reaction searching for the “weak-link.” This is the application of the motion-stability principle. Then the body perceives stability it will exhibit mobility, providing it’s there. If one suspects the mobility is not there and desires to assess structural tissue texture, tension level three can provide information regarding the suspected structure (not exact function).
Level Three: Structure specific. Provides an environment for a structural assessment such as a plinth or table. This deviation from the exact functional task must be understood as a deviation and the results then correlated and integrated back into function, if function is the desired outcome.
Traditionally many techniques have been taught to start from the symptom or structural tightness to level three eventually getting to level one. In this paradigm shift, we allow the exact function to dictate how far away from function and into isolated structure we go. This strategy saves time but most importantly gives hope to your patient / client – function feeds function. Although function is complex due to its always changing nature, we can simplify function by simply following function. Use what your patient / client is saying, what they have experienced, and how they are moving as your guide to improving their wellbeing. When we apply the principles of Applied Functional Science (convergence of physical, biological, and behavioral science), flexibility takes on a new meaning. Functional flexibility recognizes the individual as a whole. Once you understand the dynamics of the whole, you derive, at least in principle, the properties and patterns of interactions of the parts.
1 Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2003) 7(1),1
2 Gray G: Functional Video Digest. Functional Flexibility Enhancing Life. V2.11
3 Gray G: Fast Function. Flexibility, Mobility. 2006
by
Lenny Parracino PT, FAFS
Whether training for golf, football, baseball, or any sport, most athletes realize the benefits from a strength training program, yet rarely recognize the importance of a flexibility program. Flexibility is the foundation of what we do! In fact, without flexibility the body will not exhibit optimal levels of power, strength, cardiovascular fitness, or muscle endurance. Flexibility is the cornerstone of rehab, performance, and preventing injuries. However, flexibility programs seem to be less popular, most likely for a variety of reasons – one being research shows mixed reviews which often leads to confusion.1 When reviewing the principles (or lack thereof) behind most research it is easy to understand why the mixed reviews exist. As professionals, it is important that our decisions on what technique to choose be determined by a principle-based approach that is specific to each person’s intended need, not an arbitrarily designed guideline. To assist in determining what technique to choose, we will first explore three primary principles that should be considered, followed by a strategy to assess and address your patient’s / client’s functional flexibility.
Three Primary Principles of Functional Flexibility:
1. Individual and Task Dependent
2. Three-Dimensional
3. Mobility / Stability System
Functional flexibility is flexibility that allows us to function better. It allows one to perform tasks optimally and efficiently.2 The exact function is individual and taskdependent. 3 Therefore, general stretching techniques designed for muscle origininsertion will not provide us with an optimal functional outcome. Instead, the practitioner must appreciate the function of the muscles during the task. In other words, what a muscle does is task driven not textbook driven. This doesn’t make the textbook authors wrong, their right relative to the position, motion in which they concluded function at that time. When the body changes angles, positions, etc., its function changes; this is why for flexibility to be functional the techniques must look like the intended function. Therefore, we need to understand how the muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joint capsules, and joints are moving three-dimensionally during the exact task; not only how much motion but also how well. This is the principle of mobility-stability, the right amount of motion with the right amount of stability in all three planes specific to the individual (not textbook) and intended task (all tasks require different levels of motion-stability).
To help simplify this complexity, we would like to share a practical strategy applying our three principles. This strategy can be used practically during your next assessment / evaluation…
First and foremost, understand each unique individual and task. Once you understand the individual’s current condition, limitations, concerns, and what they want to do, assess the intended task with as much authentic function as possible. The key is in understanding what they want / need to do and what they currently can do successfully. From here build a strategy to lead them in the right direction as quickly and safely as possible. For example, start with level one and only move to level two and three as needed per individual, per task.
Level One: Task specific. Assess the ability to perform the exact task. For example, walking, lunging, squatting, pivoting, stepping, reaching, running, balancing, picking up a specific object, sitting while reaching with right hand, etc. If this produces pain, discomfort, and/or lack of confidence, create authentic support to assist in the task. For example, one may reach forward at knee height from a split standing stance and feel low back stress. What if you changed the height of the reach to waist height? Same discomfort or less? If less, is it the back or the hips inability to allow the back to be successful from the range first assessed? Become a detective by changing body angles, positions, heights, drivers, ranges, etc. before leaving the intended task. Figure out a way to gain success in what they want/need to do. If this fails, progress to level two (although level two will look like level one).
Level Two: Task with outside support. Subtly add outside support or points of stability to the intended function. Using our example, simply add outside support such as in a True Stretch or a doorway. The outside support will allow you to position your patient / client in a specific range or zone to then apply authentic drivers. As their driving motion, use your palpation skills to assess the entire chain reaction searching for the “weak-link.” This is the application of the motion-stability principle. Then the body perceives stability it will exhibit mobility, providing it’s there. If one suspects the mobility is not there and desires to assess structural tissue texture, tension level three can provide information regarding the suspected structure (not exact function).
Level Three: Structure specific. Provides an environment for a structural assessment such as a plinth or table. This deviation from the exact functional task must be understood as a deviation and the results then correlated and integrated back into function, if function is the desired outcome.
Traditionally many techniques have been taught to start from the symptom or structural tightness to level three eventually getting to level one. In this paradigm shift, we allow the exact function to dictate how far away from function and into isolated structure we go. This strategy saves time but most importantly gives hope to your patient / client – function feeds function. Although function is complex due to its always changing nature, we can simplify function by simply following function. Use what your patient / client is saying, what they have experienced, and how they are moving as your guide to improving their wellbeing. When we apply the principles of Applied Functional Science (convergence of physical, biological, and behavioral science), flexibility takes on a new meaning. Functional flexibility recognizes the individual as a whole. Once you understand the dynamics of the whole, you derive, at least in principle, the properties and patterns of interactions of the parts.
1 Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies (2003) 7(1),1
2 Gray G: Functional Video Digest. Functional Flexibility Enhancing Life. V2.11
3 Gray G: Fast Function. Flexibility, Mobility. 2006
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Knee pain
When I think about injuries that happen to the knee it reminds me of a quote that most of us used in our childhood. “It’s not my fault, they made me do it” Although injuries to the ACL, MCL, collateral ligaments and patellar tendon are well known, it is not as well known why they occur. Yes, it’s easy to deduce that when a 280lbs linebacker lands on the back of your knee and you hear a pop that that is what tore your ACL, but most ACL injuries and other knee injuries are not the result of one specific trauma. The knee is stuck between the foot and the hip and it can only react to what happens above it and below it. The motion of the foot dictates the motion of the tibia and fibula (the lower bones of the knee) and the hip joint motion dictates the motion at the femur (the upper bone of the knee).
Most knee injuries are the result of repetitive micro-trauma’s usually involving foot and hip joint dysfunction. As I described in the last newsletter, the heel must properly dorsiflex, and move down and in (pronate) to allow the tibia to rotate medially. If this motion does not happen properly then the muscles up the kinetic chain are not stimulated to contract and without muscular support, the ligaments of the knee must take on more of the load. Over time this can lead to a tear. Similarly, the hip joint motion must be within normal limits to have proper knee function. When the foot strikes the ground the hip should flex, internally rotate and adduct. This motion lengthens the powerful muscles of the buttock stimulating them to contract in order to stabilize the knee and then bring the tibia out of internal rotation and into external rotation. Like problems with the foot, problems with hip can cause the ligaments and tendons of the knee to take on extra loads which can cause tears.
The good thing about knee injuries is that if you can identify the area of greatest restriction or greatest mobility you can address the true cause of the pain. Dr. Colling has a series of functional diagnostic tests and treatments which are specifically designed to identify the body’s true area of weakness. He can provide effective treatment and exercise protocol’s to help prevent knee pain and to help recover from major knee injuries. It is interesting to note that, often knee pain issues can be treated successfully without treating the knee itself. So in many cases of knee pain, “it is not the knee’s fault, something else did make it hurt.”
Most knee injuries are the result of repetitive micro-trauma’s usually involving foot and hip joint dysfunction. As I described in the last newsletter, the heel must properly dorsiflex, and move down and in (pronate) to allow the tibia to rotate medially. If this motion does not happen properly then the muscles up the kinetic chain are not stimulated to contract and without muscular support, the ligaments of the knee must take on more of the load. Over time this can lead to a tear. Similarly, the hip joint motion must be within normal limits to have proper knee function. When the foot strikes the ground the hip should flex, internally rotate and adduct. This motion lengthens the powerful muscles of the buttock stimulating them to contract in order to stabilize the knee and then bring the tibia out of internal rotation and into external rotation. Like problems with the foot, problems with hip can cause the ligaments and tendons of the knee to take on extra loads which can cause tears.
The good thing about knee injuries is that if you can identify the area of greatest restriction or greatest mobility you can address the true cause of the pain. Dr. Colling has a series of functional diagnostic tests and treatments which are specifically designed to identify the body’s true area of weakness. He can provide effective treatment and exercise protocol’s to help prevent knee pain and to help recover from major knee injuries. It is interesting to note that, often knee pain issues can be treated successfully without treating the knee itself. So in many cases of knee pain, “it is not the knee’s fault, something else did make it hurt.”
Monday, April 27, 2009
Preventing injuries by improving foot function
As spring is becoming more evident, many of us are starting to venture outside more often. If you plan to start a new workout program or simply move your current workout from the treadmill to the trails you should be aware of proper foot mechanics.Outdoor surfaces can be uneven, too hard, too soft, too bumpy and unpredictable.Your foot needs to be able to adapt to all of these changes.
As your heel strikes the ground it needs to move down and in (pronate) to unlock the foot joints and make the foot a flexible adaptor so it can react to uneven surfaces.When the heel is about to come off the ground the joints of the foot should lock so your foot has something rigid to propel off of. If these things don’t happen you could be setting yourself up for an injury.When the foot pronates too much or for too long it puts more stress on the fascia of the bottom of the foot which can lead to plantar fascitis, tendonitis, bunions, and other foot pain and tingling symptoms.If the foot does not pronate enough it won’t absorb shock like it should which could lead to metatarsalgia and stress fractures of the foot and leg.
In addition, the motion of the heel bone allows the lower leg to internally rotate which allows the upper leg to internally rotate and allows for several other reactions up the chain. This internal rotation of the leg "turns on" or stimulates the powerful butt muscles to contract which in turn slows down the internal rotation and eventually moves the leg into external rotation for proper lift "off".
This is a very important concept that must be addressed with all foot/leg/ and spine injuries. If it is not addressed many injuries will heal improperly or you will be set up for the same injuries over and over again.
So as you are outside enjoying a spring workout and enjoying the spring foliage pay special attention to your feet and thank them for working properly.If you feel that your feet need some help, remember that I am here for you.
Kevin Colling, DC
As your heel strikes the ground it needs to move down and in (pronate) to unlock the foot joints and make the foot a flexible adaptor so it can react to uneven surfaces.When the heel is about to come off the ground the joints of the foot should lock so your foot has something rigid to propel off of. If these things don’t happen you could be setting yourself up for an injury.When the foot pronates too much or for too long it puts more stress on the fascia of the bottom of the foot which can lead to plantar fascitis, tendonitis, bunions, and other foot pain and tingling symptoms.If the foot does not pronate enough it won’t absorb shock like it should which could lead to metatarsalgia and stress fractures of the foot and leg.
In addition, the motion of the heel bone allows the lower leg to internally rotate which allows the upper leg to internally rotate and allows for several other reactions up the chain. This internal rotation of the leg "turns on" or stimulates the powerful butt muscles to contract which in turn slows down the internal rotation and eventually moves the leg into external rotation for proper lift "off".
This is a very important concept that must be addressed with all foot/leg/ and spine injuries. If it is not addressed many injuries will heal improperly or you will be set up for the same injuries over and over again.
So as you are outside enjoying a spring workout and enjoying the spring foliage pay special attention to your feet and thank them for working properly.If you feel that your feet need some help, remember that I am here for you.
Kevin Colling, DC
Monday, March 16, 2009
How to prevent Bunions
There are many factors that can lead to the formation of a bunion. I believe the most significant is Wolf's law which says that bone will grow where ever the most force is applied. In this case an abnormal amount of force is applied to the big toe joint causing the body to react by laying down more bone.
The abnormal force is typically created when the gastroc/soleus (calf muscles) are so tight that the person can't properly bend their ankle (dorsiflex). To make up for the lack of dorsiflexion the body turns the toe out as the foot is planted, which moves the forces of walking over the inside of the big toe rather than spreading the forces out over the rest of the foot.
Proper stretching of the calves and hip in all three planes of motion can help prevent toeing out during walking and thus can help prevent the formation of bunions.
Another simple way to help prevent bunions is to avoid wearing heeled shoes. The higher the heel the worse it is for your feet. High heel shoes place your foot in an unnatural plantar flexed position and places abnormally high stresses on the inside of the big toe.
Dr. Colling can assess the factors described above in addition to many more factors that lead to bunions. Many times bunion pain and progression of bunions can be averted with proper evaluation and treatment.
Cheers!
Kevin Colling, DC
The abnormal force is typically created when the gastroc/soleus (calf muscles) are so tight that the person can't properly bend their ankle (dorsiflex). To make up for the lack of dorsiflexion the body turns the toe out as the foot is planted, which moves the forces of walking over the inside of the big toe rather than spreading the forces out over the rest of the foot.
Proper stretching of the calves and hip in all three planes of motion can help prevent toeing out during walking and thus can help prevent the formation of bunions.
Another simple way to help prevent bunions is to avoid wearing heeled shoes. The higher the heel the worse it is for your feet. High heel shoes place your foot in an unnatural plantar flexed position and places abnormally high stresses on the inside of the big toe.
Dr. Colling can assess the factors described above in addition to many more factors that lead to bunions. Many times bunion pain and progression of bunions can be averted with proper evaluation and treatment.
Cheers!
Kevin Colling, DC
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Foot Function
The heel is the key that turns on the machine. At heel strike the calcaneous (heel bone) must dorsiflex, evert and externally rotate in order to allow the rest of the leg and body to properly react. The motion of the heel bone allows the lower leg to internally rotate then the upper leg to internally rotate and allows for several other reactions up the chain. This internal rotation of the leg "turns on" or stimulates the powerful butt muscles to contract which in turn slows down the internal rotation and eventually moves the leg into external rotation for proper lift "off"
This is a very important concept that must be addressed with all foot/leg/ and spine injuries. If it is not addressed many injuries will heal improperly or the person will be set up for the same injuries over and over again.
It's know coincidence that the term "Achilles Heel" is so well known. Proper heel function is essential for proper walking and running biomechanics.
Kevin Colling, DC
This is a very important concept that must be addressed with all foot/leg/ and spine injuries. If it is not addressed many injuries will heal improperly or the person will be set up for the same injuries over and over again.
It's know coincidence that the term "Achilles Heel" is so well known. Proper heel function is essential for proper walking and running biomechanics.
Kevin Colling, DC
Monday, October 20, 2008
Functional Abdominal Training
One of the key roles for the abdominal muscles is stabilizing the spine. How many of us have heard of a myriad of ways to do crunches? All of which are lying on our backs? You can do a sit-up all the way to your bent knees, you can crunch part way up and to the side or you can lift your legs and knees up and so on...
While this does strengthen your core it is not very functional. This does not help teach your abdominal muscles to contract when they are needed the most. In fact, it trains the muscles in an artificial setting. Throughout the day we are standing, walking, reaching and bending. These are the most common positions where spine injuries occur so these are the positions where we need to train our abdominal muscles to work.
Functional abdominal training would involve training the muscles in standing positions that first fully lengthen the muscles then contract the muscles in all three planes of motion. This concept is key. The muscles should be taught to contract in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes.
Colling Chiropractic has functional assessment, treatment and training methods to help people of all levels of activity.
Once your training has been enhanced to include functional training you will be on your way to optimal functional health.
Kevin Colling, DC
While this does strengthen your core it is not very functional. This does not help teach your abdominal muscles to contract when they are needed the most. In fact, it trains the muscles in an artificial setting. Throughout the day we are standing, walking, reaching and bending. These are the most common positions where spine injuries occur so these are the positions where we need to train our abdominal muscles to work.
Functional abdominal training would involve training the muscles in standing positions that first fully lengthen the muscles then contract the muscles in all three planes of motion. This concept is key. The muscles should be taught to contract in the sagittal, frontal and transverse planes.
Colling Chiropractic has functional assessment, treatment and training methods to help people of all levels of activity.
Once your training has been enhanced to include functional training you will be on your way to optimal functional health.
Kevin Colling, DC
Friday, October 10, 2008
Little Benefit to Knee Surgery for osteoarthritis
A recent article in the Sept 11th, Los Angeles Times, from the associated press reported that, "Arthroscopic knee surgery for arthritis - performed hundreds of thousand of times a year - does not reduce joint pain or improve knee function, according to new research released Wednesday[Sept 10,2008]"
This is a case where a treatment is applied to a symptom instead of to the cause of the symptom. Although surgery may help by removing cartilage fragments, it does nothing to prevent the same damage from happening in the future.
For all types of knee pain it is imperative to find out what is causing the pain and to treat the cause as well as treat the symptom. Some people have restrictions of movement in their foot, some have restrictions in their hip, or thoracic spine. These restrictions whether they are caused by muscle, joints or ligaments can all lead to knee pain. In fact, something as seemingly trivial as a big toe that doesn't bend enough can easily cause knee pain and knee degeneration.
Proper evaluation and management of the knee should rule out internal derangement such as ligament tears and should find the limiting factors in motion from the ground up and the top down in order to come up with the best results.
Chiropractic manipulation, kinesiotaping, leukotaping, Graston Therapy and three plane stretching are all services provided by Colling Chiropracitc that can help knee pain. The key is where, when and how to apply them.
Kevin Colling, DC
Sports injury - knee pain
This is a case where a treatment is applied to a symptom instead of to the cause of the symptom. Although surgery may help by removing cartilage fragments, it does nothing to prevent the same damage from happening in the future.
For all types of knee pain it is imperative to find out what is causing the pain and to treat the cause as well as treat the symptom. Some people have restrictions of movement in their foot, some have restrictions in their hip, or thoracic spine. These restrictions whether they are caused by muscle, joints or ligaments can all lead to knee pain. In fact, something as seemingly trivial as a big toe that doesn't bend enough can easily cause knee pain and knee degeneration.
Proper evaluation and management of the knee should rule out internal derangement such as ligament tears and should find the limiting factors in motion from the ground up and the top down in order to come up with the best results.
Chiropractic manipulation, kinesiotaping, leukotaping, Graston Therapy and three plane stretching are all services provided by Colling Chiropracitc that can help knee pain. The key is where, when and how to apply them.
Kevin Colling, DC
Sports injury - knee pain
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