Blog Page – Page 5 – Precision Health Spine and Sports Clinic

01JulJuly 1, 2018

Is your hair standing on End?

Sympathetic Rush - Part 1

Some people, when they visit the chiropractor – or dentist or doctor for that matter – experience a strong physical response. Increased hear rate, sweating, heavy breathing. Sometimes, there is even an emotional response – feelings of panic, stress, even tearfulness. Don’t be alarmed. This feeling is a normal natural response, is not generally dangerous, and can be managed simply and quickly.

But what is this feeling? And why does it happen to some and not others? Well, it is known a Sympathetic Rush, or Adrenalin Rush. And some people are more prone to experience it because of their body chemistry. So let’s have a look at the origins and causes, and what you can do if you experience Sympathetic Rush.

The Autonomic Nervous System

The Autonomic Nervous System is the system in our bodies that manages all the functions of our body that are not consciously controlled. Things like breathing, heartbeat and digestion.

This system has two main strands, which work together to balance each other out.

Sympathetic Nervous System

This system controls what is commonly called the ‘fight or flight’ reaction. Release of a neurotransmitter called Norepinephrine activates the brain, muscles, thyroid and adrenal glands. When the Sympathetic nervous system is triggered you will experience an increase in heart rate and blood sugar levels, sweatiness, dilation of pupils and that feeling we all know - hair ‘standing on end’. In short, your body becomes ‘stimulated’ – in order to defend the body against attack.

Stimulation of the Sympathetic Nervous system can be episodic – a response to acute stress in any given moment. Like a visit to the chiropractor or the dentist. It can also be a long term problem, caused by ongoing stress and lifestyle issues such as poor sleep, anxiety disorders or poor diet. This long term type of response can cause adrenal fatigue, and increase the likelihood of episodic Sympathetic Rush.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

In contrast, the Parasympathetic System manages the healing and regeneration of the body. The neurotransmitter Acetylcholine activates the liver, kidneys, spleen, stomach and intestines. Your heart rate will slow, blood pressure decrease, and digestion is stimulated. The Parasympathetic system is the one responsible for healing and regeneration. By activating digestion, it helps eliminate toxins from the body and increases the immune system. So we can see how important this aspect of the Autonomic Nervous System is. However, if the Parasympathetic System is dominant, we can become depressed and lethargic, along with experiencing weight gain and low blood pressure.

A Delicate Balance

These two systems need to remain in a delicate balance in order for us to function normally on a day to day basis. But sometimes, one or the other is triggered and becomes dominant.

Next time, we will talk about what causes Sympathetic Rush, whether there is such a thing as Parasympathetic Rush, and what you can do to reduce the likelihood and severity of these inconvenient, sometimes scary episodes. If you would like advice on the Autonomic Nervous System call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337.

By adminwellbeing0 Comments

28JunJune 28, 2018

Is your hair standing on end?

Part 2

In our last post we talked about the delicate balance between the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nervous Systems and their effect on the body. Now, let’s have a look at what it is that causes Sympathetic Rush, and what you can do about it. And is there such a thing as Parasympathetic Rush?

Causes of Sympathetic Rush

When you are in a stressful situation – such as a dentist visit, or visiting the chiropractor, where you know you may feel discomfort – the body releases Norepinephrine, which triggers Sympathetic Rush. It is automatic and completely outside of our control. So even though our brain knows we are completely safe, our body takes over the wheel.

If you are over tired, not eating properly, under a great deal of stress or have an underlying condition like diabetes, peripheral nerve disorder or neuromuscular junction disorders, you are more likely to experience Sympathetic Rush.

Other things that can trigger a Sympathetic Rush Response are sugar, caffeine, cigarettes, drugs & alcohol and too much exercise.

Once the Rush symptoms have been triggered we very quickly feel unwell. But there is a way to resolve the problem.

The Good News

If you experience Sympathetic Rush it is important to recognize it and respond as quickly as possible. Whilst the Sympathetic Nervous System responds very quickly, the Parasympathetic System is, by nature, slower. However, there are a number of things you can do for immediate relief:

Try and stay calm – not always easy to do, but it is important to try and slow everything down. If you happen to be driving pull over somewhere safe and wait it out.
Control your breathing – slow deep breaths
Close your eyes and if possible lie down
Try and reduce the level of light
Drink some water to stimulate your digestion, but don’t have anything sugary!
Meditate – if you frequently suffer from this response, find an easy, quick meditation you can do anywhere. It will come in very handy.

If you often suffer from this type of reaction, some lifestyle things you might consider are:

Make sure you get enough rest and sleep. These are not necessarily the same thing. You need both.
Reduce your intake of sugar, caffeine, alcohol cigarettes and drugs.
Regular yoga and meditation
Improve your diet – you know the drill, plenty of fresh vegetables and lean meats
Look at the stressors in your life and see if there is some way you can reduce them. This is not always possible, but sometimes a small change is all it takes.

Parasympathetic Not-Rush

Since the Parasympathetic Nervous System is activated by rest, it follows that there is no equivalent ‘rush’. It’s more like a ‘flow’. But dominance of the parasympathetic system can be just as destructive as the Sympathetic System. In some ways it can be more insidious, because it can creep up on you with little or no warning. If you are feeling fatigued, depressed, gaining weight for no apparent reason, you could be suffering from an unhealthy dominance of your Parasympathetic System.

The key to rebalancing this system is to start some more dynamic exercise to increase your heart rate. Acupuncture, with its focus on balance can also help. It is also wise to have your thyroid function tested.

If you suffer from Sympathetic Rush, make sure you let your health professional know so that they can monitor you throughout treatment and make sure you are OK before you leave their premises. If you would like to know more about this condition, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337.

By adminwellbeing0 Comments

21JunJune 21, 2018

Have you been putting your back into it?

The ins and outs of Bulging Discs

Bulging Disc. Slipped Disc. Protruding Disc. Herniated Disc. All these are terms for essentially the same thing, and they can cause a great deal of pain.

Bulging discs are a very common occurrence, and can happen at any point on the spine from neck to tail. Fortunately, Chiropractors are experts in spinal care, and able to treat the problem effectively.

What is a bulging disc?

Spinal discs are the cartiligous pads that sit between the vertebrae, absorbing shock and providing flexibility. They are also the point where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal and travel out to the rest of the body.

Each disk has at its center a gelatinous nucleus, held together by a fibrous outer layer called the annulus. When a disc is ‘bulging’, the inner gelatinous core is putting pressure on the annulus, causing it to ‘bulge’ out of its normal shape. This puts pressure on the nerves exiting the spinal canal, causing pain. A disc is considered to have herniate when the annulus tears and the inner nucleus protrudes fully through the outer covering.

Causes

There are a number of potential causes of damage to the spinal discs:

Sudden Load or Trauma – discs can sustain damage suddenly in the case of accident, such as a car accident of bad fall, or through poor lifting technique of a heavy load, which places strain on the spine.
Accumulated Trauma – much like RSI, repeated poor lifting technique or poor posture over a long period of time can cause accumulated damage to a disc, resulting in bulging
Environmental – excess abdominal fat, poor core stability and lower limb strength. Whilst these are unlikely to cause bulging discs in themselves, when combined with sudden or accumulated trauma they will certainly contribute to the likelihood of damage
Genetics and Pre-Existing Weakness – some people have a weakness in the annulus, or it may have a higher than normal elastin component, making it less sturdy. While this is generally not a problem, it can leave them at increased risk of bulging discs.

Symptoms

Pain is generally the first symptom that people notice, although it is the last to develop. The pain is caused by the bulging annulus putting pressure on the nerves as they exit the spinal canal.

Bulging Disc pain is generally exacerbated by lifting, sitting, bending and even coughing or sneezing.

As the condition worsens you may feel pins and needles, tingling, numbness and sciatic pain. If you experience bladder or bowel disruption you should seek immediate medical attention, as this could mean the disc has herniated. A fully herniated disc may require surgery so it is essential to see a professional as soon as possible.

A medical professional will likely order an MRI or CT scan in order to confirm the cause of your pain.

Treatment

The first stage of treatment will aim to encourage the nucleus to return to the center of the disc in order to reduce pressure on the annulus. This will reduce the pain and allow the annulus to build up some scar tissue, making it stronger. Your Chiropractor will recommend anti-inflammatory medication, taping or bracing of the affected area, and use dry needling and soft tissue massage. Based on which area of the spine is affected, there will be certain positions and movements you should avoid and your Chiropractor will talk you through these.

Once the initial pain and inflammation has subsided, your Chiropractor will begin to recommend exercises aimed at improving your core strength, stabilizing the spine and improving your range of motion.

Once your core strength has improved exercised aimed at lengthening the muscles, and remedial massage will be used to ensure all the core muscles are at optimum strength to support the spine.

An Ounce of Prevention

Once you have had a Bulging Disc, you won’t ever want to experience it again. Sadly, depending on the cause of the initial episode, many people suffer a recurrence. Luckily, there are things you can do to reduce that risk:

Make sure you continue with your rehab until your Chiropractor is happy with the result. Just because you feel better, it does not mean the problem is completely resolved, so listen to the experts and keep going until they say you can stop!
Your Chiropractor should be like your dentist. You should go for regular ‘checkups’ just to make sure problems aren’t developing. Your practitioner will tell you how often you should check in once you are back to full health.
Have your Chiropractor check out your lower limbs to make sure you have no underlying postural problems that are contributing to your disc problems. Sometimes orthotics, or chair pads to help with posture can make all the difference.

If you are suffering from back pain, and think it might be a bulging or herniated disc, call our clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experience Chiropractor.

By adminchiro0 Comments

19JunJune 19, 2018

Ingrown Toenails

For such a tiny part of your body, an ingrown toenail can certainly pack a punch in terms of pain. Anyone who has had one will tell you how excruciating they can be. So lets have a look at what they are, what causes them, and how they can be treated.

What is an Ingrown Toenail?

An Ingrown Toenail occurs when the corners or edges of the nail grow into the adjacent skin, causing the skin to break. The usually occur in the big toe, and can happen on either side of the nail.

Symptoms

Initially, you may feel pain on pressure – when you press on the nail, or when you wear a shoe that presses on the toe or nail. As the condition progresses, the pain intensifies, and you may feel pain even when your toe is not under pressure. The skin around the area may swell and become red. If an infection develops, which is not unusual, you may notice heat in the area, bleeding and pus.

People with Diabetes or Peripheral Vascular Disease are at particular risk of infection with ingrown toenails and must take great care to have them treated promptly by a professional.

Causes

There are a number of causes that contribute to ingrown toenails:

Shoes: if your shoes are too tight, short, narrow or shallow in in toe box, the pressure on your toes can cause the nails to grow in. Even socks or tights that are too tight can create a problem.
Cutting Nails – if you trim your nails too short, or curve the corners this can increase the likelihood of ingrown toenails and infections
Injury – damage to the nail bed can cause the nail to grow incorrectly
Structure – some people are born with large or curved nails, or have a genetic predisposition to this painful condition.

Treatment

If you suspect you have an Ingrown Toenail, you should make an appointment to see a Podiatrist as soon as possible, as the condition can escalate quickly. This is particularly important if you have diabetes or circulatory problems due to the risk of complications.

If the ingrown toenail is very mild your Podiatrist may recommend changing to footwear with more room, and bathing your toe in warm salty water several times a day. This may be sufficient to allow the nail to grow out. However, if the problem is more severe, you may require surgery.

Surgery can be conducted under local anaesthetic at the Podiatry clinic. This is called a Partial Nail Avulsion. The podiatrist will remove a section of the nail and its root from the nail bed. Phenol may be used to sterilise the nail bed to ensure the nail does not regenerate. If there are any signs or risk of infection, antibiotics may be prescribed before and after the surgery. Some pain and discomfort may occur after surgery, however this is usually manageable with paracetamol after the anaesthetic has worn off.

Generally, you will need to wear soft shoes or sandals for about a week after surgery and will have to keep the toe clean and dry at all times - Rubber gloves are great for covering the toe when showering. Your Podiatrist will keep a close eye on the healing progress and advise you of the aftercare required at home. Return to activity is dependent on how quickly the toe heals. Your Podiatrist will let you know when you are able to go back to return to activity, particularly those that are water based, such as swimming.

In some rare cases, or if there is nail thickening and distortion, the entire nail may need to be removed. Quite often, this can be done in the podiatry clinic, however difficult cases may need to be done under general anaesthetic in hospital.

Once you have had your Ingrown Toenail removed, there are a number of things you can do to ensure you do not get another:

Make sure your shoes fit correctly and give your toes plenty of room
Correct nail cutting technique
Good foot hygiene will reduce the risks, as fungal infections increase the likelihood of problems

If you think you may have an ingrown toenail, make an appointment today to visit or experienced Podiatrist for an assessment at our conveniently located Baulkham Hills clinic on 9639 7337.

By adminpodiatry0 Comments

14JunJune 14, 2018

Kids at the Chiropractor

Why Chiropractic Care of Children doesn’t need to be Controversial

Earlier this week we talked about pregnancy and massage. That got us to thinking about babies. There has been a lot of controversy about chiropractic treatment of babies and young children, and sadly some claims that chiropractic treatment can solve all sorts of illnesses that in reality it cannot. However, there is a place for careful chiropractic treatment of babies and young children.

If we accept that the healthy growth and development of the spine and nervous system in children is essential, we can see that there is a place for chiropractic care in certain circumstances. But first, let’s have a look at the development of the spine.

Spinal Development

When a baby is born, their spine is in a clear C shape, the classic ‘foetal position’. It is made up of very small bones surrounded by cartilage. In fact, the spine does not fully ossify (turn to bone) until around the age of 20.

As your baby grows, the spine starts to take on the S shape of an adult spine. Around 3 months, when your baby starts lifting their head, the cervical (upper) spine takes on a backwards C shape. As your baby begins to crawl and then walk, the lumber (lower) spine also develops a backward C shape. Allowing your baby’s spine to make these changes in shape is vitally important to their healthy development.

Spending too much time in car-seats or baby carriers can restrict development of the muscles in the neck, impacting on the development of the cervical spine changes. This is why ‘tummy time’ is so important. It allows your baby to learn to lift their head, strengthening the muscles and creating the right shape for the spine. Similarly, too much time on their back in a pram or upright with unsupported spine and legs can be problematic.

The ideal position for young babies is in a sling, providing support for the C shape of the spine, but allowing strength to develop in the cervical spine.

Healthy development of the curves in our spines is important because they provide us with both flexibility and shock absorption. So if anything disturbs these natural developments, long term health issues can be the result.

Chiropractic Care in Childhood

Chiropractors are specialists in the development of the musculoskeletal system. This means they are uniquely qualified to determine if there are problems in the structural development of our bodies.

Bearing in mind that children’s bodies are not just mini versions of adult bodies, an experienced Chiropractor will approach treatment of babies and children very differently to that of an adult.

The ubiquitous ‘cracking’ which chiropractors have in the past been famous for is not appropriate in children and should never be attempted. Treatment is much gentler, and will typically focus on gentle muscular manipulations. No strong force should be used, and if you have seen a chiropractor doing so, you should not allow them to treat your young child.

Chiropractors can, however, provide safe, gentle treatment that ensures your child’s musculoskeletal development is healthy, and correct problems that may result from birth trauma or intervention, car-seats, and - as they get older - school bag weight, computer and phone use and sporting injuries.

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor.

By adminchiro, kids0 Comments

12JunJune 12, 2018

Pregnancy Massage

Last year, we talked about the benefits of Chiropractic treatment during pregnancy. Not everybody needs chiropractic during this amazing time, but just about every pregnant woman can benefit from a Pregnancy Massage.

We would all love to think that pregnancy is a time when we feel amazing – glowing as people say. But for some women, the physical and emotional demands of pregnancy can be trying. Morning sickness, tiredness, muscular and joint pain, water retention, the constant need to pee. These can all leave you feeling less than ‘glowing’. Many women also suffer anxiety – will my baby be healthy, will I be able to cope with labour, will I be a good mum? And then there is the guilty feeling that you are not enjoying what ‘should’ be a happy time.

Whilst we can’t claim that massage will fix all the unpleasant side effects of pregnancy, it can help alleviate a wide range of them, and make you feel generally less anxious and stressed.

Benefits of Pregnancy Massage

There are a huge number of benefits to pregnancy massage:

Relief of joint and muscle pain caused by increased weight
Relief of sciatic nerve pain caused by the change in your centre of balance
Improved posture – which can become a problem with the change in your shape and the loosening of ligaments
Increased energy
Improved sleep
Reduction of stress hormones and reduced anxiety by release of endorphins
Improved blood flow throughout the body, and in the placenta
Improved pliability of skin – which may help reduce the severity of stretch marks
Relief from nausea and indigestion

When NOT to have a Pregnancy Massage

Massage is generally not recommended during the first trimester. Similarly, if you have a high risk pregnancy or a history of early labour, massage may not be ideal. Pre-eclampsia and hypertension may also be contra-indications. Always check with your doctor before having a massage. They will be able to tell you if it is not a good idea for any reason.

How is Pregnancy Massage Different?

Pregnancy Massage usually employs the Swedish Massage technique, as this is gentler than Remedial massage and helps with lymphatic drainage as well as improving blood flow. Don’t be afraid to ask your Therapist to be more gentle with you. Because of the increased blood volume in your body – up to 60% - some women are particularly sensitive to touch during pregnancy.

Since it is not recommended that you lie on your back after the first trimester, you will usually have most of your massage lying on your side. A pregnancy massage pillow will be used to allow you to lie on your belly when required, but this will only be for a short time. Again, don’t be afraid to ask your Therapist for support pillows – this should be a comfortable and relaxing experience.

Some areas of the body will be avoided, as they can stimulate the uterus. This includes the wrists and the ankles. A qualified Massage Therapist will know what to avoid and what is safe, so make sure you ensure you choose a reputable therapist.

One final suggestion – if your partner is willing, ask your therapist if they can demonstrate some simple techniques to use during labour to help relieve discomfort – and make them feel useful!

If you would like to book a pregnancy massage, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic today on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with one of our experienced and highly qualified Massage Therapists.

Note: Always discuss treatments with your Obstetrician, GP or Midwife before making an appointment for any treatment while pregnant.

By adminmassage, wellbeing0 Comments

07JunJune 7, 2018

Chiropractic Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

Many people, when they think of Chiropractors, think all they can help with is adjustment of the back. But there are many different conditions that a chiropractor can help you with that you might not expect. One of these is Trigeminal Neuralgia. Yes, it’s a mouthful. And co-incidentally, it causes a great deal of pain in certain areas of the face – including the mouth.

The Trigeminal Nerve

The Trigeminal Nerve is the main nerve supplying sensation to the face, jaw, gums, forehead and around they eyes. It originates from the brainstem, and passes through the upper neck at the base of the skull. Once the main nerve has exited the base of the skull it splits into three branches – Opthalmic (eyes and forehead) Maxillary (nose and upper lip and jaw) and Mandibular (lower lip and jaw).

What is Trigeminal Neuralgia?

This painful condition occurs when the protective myelin coating of the nerve is compromised, causing over-activity of the nerve, or when the nerve is compressed in some way. Compression of the upper cervical spine, misalignment of the jaw or the bones in the skull or whiplash can all cause TN, as can a tumor or multiple sclerosis.

More women suffer from this condition than men, and it is rarely seen in anyone under 50.

Symptoms

Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN) is characterized by mild to severe facial pain. The pain is usually sudden and feels something like an electric shock.. The pain usually lasts several seconds and will come and go for days, or sometimes weeks. A sufferer may experience this intermittent pain for days, weeks or months, only to have it disappear for months or even years, only to return again. As the condition progresses, episodes become longer, and pain more and more piercing.

Causes

More often than not, the pain is triggered by something seemingly small and every-day, and generally relates to movement, touching or temperature. Speaking, chewing, brushing teeth, putting on makeup can cause a flare up, as can a cool breeze or a hot cup of coffee.

Treatment

In the initial stages of the condition applying heat or cold packs to the painful area may reduce the pain of the symptoms. However, it is important to treat the cause as soon as possible, as prolonged pressure on the nerve can cause irreversible damage.

A chiropractor will gently release the upper cervical spine, jaw and bones of the skull to reduce pressure on the Trigeminal Nerve. Dry needling and ultrasound therapy may also be used or address some of the associated symptoms such as inflammation and pain.

Anticonvulsant medication may be prescribed. In extreme cases surgery may be required, however this may result in permanent numbness in parts of the face.

If you are suffering the painful and debilitating symptoms of Trigeminal Neuralgia, call our Baulkham Hills clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor.

By adminchiro0 Comments

05JunJune 5, 2018

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Anyone who has suffered from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will tell you it is not only painful, but can be really inconvenient. Let’s have a look at what it is, the symptoms, what causes it and what you can do about it.

What is the Carpal Tunnel?

The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passage in the wrist formed by the bones of the wrist on the bottom, and the traverse carpal ligament on the top. The flexor tendons, which allow hand movement, and the median nerve, which provides feeling in the thumb, forefinger, middle finger and half the ring finger, all pass through this tunnel. If there is swelling in the tendons, this compresses the median nerve, causing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Symptoms

As is often the case, symptoms can range from mild to severe. You may start out with numbness and tingling – pins and needles. You may also experience pain in the wrist and hand, particularly at night. As the condition becomes more severe you may experience weakness in the hand, difficulty moving the thumb and even referred pain in the arm and shoulder.

Causes

There are a number of potential causes for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

Wrist fractures – a fracture in the wrist causing movement of the bone and swelling of the tendons can put pressure on the median nerve

Repetitive hand movements – often factory line workers, or people who use the same hand movement for long periods of time develop carpal tunnel as a result of swelling of the tendons

Pregnancy – the increased blood volume and fluid retention experienced during pregnancy can cause swelling, which impacts the carpal tunnel

Arthritis – particularly rheumatoid arthritis

Illness – hypothyroidism and diabetes can also cause carpal tunnel

Congenital – some people are born with a particularly narrow carpal tunnel and are therefore predisposed to this syndrome

Treatment

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is not something you can ‘work through’. It requires treatment, and if left untreated permanent nerve damage can result.

If the problem is caused by repetitive hand movement, rest is essential. Splinting the wrist to hold it in a relaxed position will also help, particularly at night.

Stretching exercises will help keep the joint mobile and anti-inflammatories – such as Inflavanoid Sustained Release from Metagenics, or ibuprofen* can help reduce inflammation in the tendons, thereby reducing pressure on the nerve.

A chiropractor can help treat both the problem and the pain associated with this syndrome. A chiropractor will manipulate and mobilise the bones in the wrist to improve the space in the tunnel and ensure unrestricted nerve motion is available. Exercises to improve nerve and tendon mobilisation, fine motor skills and strength might be recommended. A range of therapies may be employed, including Ultrasound, massage and TENS (transcutaneous electrical muscle stimulation).

If non-invasive treatments don’t provide relief, surgical intervention may be necessary, as damage to the median nerve can severely impact on the use of your hand. Early treatment can help avoid this painful outcome.

If you think you have early symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or you have been suffering for a while, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our experienced Chiropractor today.

*Always make sure you seek medical advice before taking any medications, particularly if you are pregnant, or have an underlying health condition.

By adminchiro, Uncategorized0 Comments

31MayMay 31, 2018

Hamstring injuries

No laughing matter!

How often have you heard an athlete say they have ‘pulled a hami’. We tend to make a bit of a joke of it. But hamstring injuries are anything but. In fact, they can be extremely painful (in your butt as it turns out!) and take a very long time to heal.

What is a Hamstring?

The Hamstrings are a group of three – semitendinosus, semimembranosus and the biceps femoris - that run from the ischial tuberosity (base of the pelvis), crossing over each other at the kneed joint on their way to connect with the tibia and fibia. As with all muscles, they are attached to these bones via tendons.

The hamstrings are responsible for stretching our legs backwards, and bending at the knee. In fact, they are involved in most of the movements related to our hips and knees, and so are vital to activities like walking, running, jumping and dancing. These muscles, along with the quadriceps provide a good deal of our flexibility and grace of movement.

Who is at risk of Hamstring Injuries?

Hamstring injuries are common in athletes whose sports require sprinting – soccer, basketball, running. As it turns out, they are also common in elite ten pin bowlers. Teens and older athletes are most at risk. Teens because bones and muscles grow at different rates, and following a growth spurt, the muscle can be over-stretched while it catches up to the bone growth. In older athletes, whose training programme is not as rigorous, unexpected overload can occur.

Risk factors for a hamstring injury include muscle tightness or imbalance, poor conditioning and muscle fatigue.

Diagnosis

Generally, it is easy to identify if there is a hamstring injury. There will be pain, swelling, bruising and weakness in the leg. More complex is determining the severity of the injury. Muscle damage is graded:

Grade 1 – mild pull or slight tear causing minimal loss of strength and movement

Grade 2 – A more extensive tear, causing loss of strength and movement, but not involving the whole muscle

Grade 3 – Complete tear of the muscle causing extreme pain and inability to weight bear

Additionally, there can be what is called an Avulsion Fracture. This is where the tendon attaching the hamstring comes away from the bone completely, sometimes taking a small piece of bone with it.

In order to determine the severity of the injury, and develop a treatment plan, it is important to seek medical advice. If the pain, swelling and bruising is significant an MRI may be required.

Treatment

In the case of Grade 1 and 2 injuries, it may be sufficient to follow the RICE method:

Rest – it may be advisable to avoid weight bearing and make use of crutches
Ice – as soon as possible after the injury, apply an ice pack for 20 minutes at a time
Compression – to reduce swelling, apply a compression bandage
Elevate – try and rest with your leg higher than your heart – not an easy feat when the injury is in your thigh, but at least aim for horizontal!

In the case of a full tear, surgical repair may be necessary. Weight bearing will be difficult and crutches will be required.

Avulsion Injuries usually involve the tendon at the ischial tuberosity end of the hamstring, and definitely require surgery. These injuries will not heal by themselves even with physical therapy, and left untreated can cause ongoing problems. It is important to have treatment as soon as possible, as the untethered hamstring can damage the sciatic nerve, which will cause lower back and leg pain, and once damaged this vital nerve may not completely heal.

In these cases the tendon is reattached to the pelvis using anchor hooks and stitches. Crutches will be required, and sitting will not be possible for as many as 8 weeks after the surgery, and be limited for some time after that. Extensive rehabilitation will be required.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Regardless of the severity of the injury, rehabilitation and recovery from a hamstring injury should be overseen by a health professional like a Sports Chiropractor or Sports Physio, who can determine the extent of the injury and develop a treatment plan that will provide you with the best outcome. The plan may incorporate exercises, soft tissue work, dry needling and massage therapy.

In the case of Grade 1 and 2 injuries, sports chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment may be required for a few weeks and will involve first stretching, then rebuilding strength in the muscles.

Grade 3 tears that require surgery may require around 3 months of sports chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment, starting with gentle flexibility exercises before building to strength exercises.

Avulsion Injuries will take at least 6 months of rehabilitation. Starting with gentle stretching, your sports chiropractor or physiotherapist will move on to strengthening. It is important not to rush this recovery, as the tendon takes time to firmly reattach to the pelvis.

Even the mildest hamstring injury can cause a great deal of pain, discomfort and inconvenience. It is important to seek the advice of a medical professional promptly after this sort of injury in order to determine the best treatment and achieve the optimum recovery.

If you have a hamstring injury, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 and make an appointment to see our specialist Sports Chiropractor who can develop an effective treatment plan and get you back on your feet as soon as possible.

By adminchiro0 Comments

29MayMay 29, 2018

Getting the better of coughs and colds

A Traditional Chinese Medicine approach

Well, Autumn seems to have passed us by this year. But winter is only a few days away, and all indications are it will be a cold one. With the onset of winter, comes the cold and flu season. Colds and flu are conditions that Western medicine has traditionally struggled to treat. Many cough and cold remedies - such as decongestants - treat only the symptoms, and by supressing the symptoms actually prolong the duration of the illness. Any doctor will say, plenty of fluids, paracetamol and rest. But we all lead busy lives, so how can we recover from a cold or flu and get back to business as quickly as possible? Luckily, Traditional Chinese Medicine has some ideas!

Traditional Chinese Medicine works on the principle that pathogens – like cold and flu viruses – are allowed into the body due to an underlying weakness in the constitution. This weakness can be brought on by many factors including stress and overwork, lack of sleep or poor diet. Since every patient’s constitution is different, viruses will affect each person differently. Some may experience headaches, sore throats and dry coughs, while other may have chills, runny nose and wet coughs. TCM will therefore look at the entirety of the individual’s constitution, and the symptoms present to determine a treatment strategy.

Prevention

Some herbs are known to be used to boost immunity, TCM Practitioners will work with the individual to develop a treatment strategy that works to improve the immune system by strengthening their entire constitution. This treatment may include a wide range of herbs in a synergistic combination that will suit the individual. The aim of this treatment is to prevent the likelihood of a cold or flu taking hold by ensuring a strong immune system and overall health.

Treatment

Unlike many Western cold and flu treatments, which supress symptoms and thereby can prolong the illness, TCM treatment is designed to reduce the length of the illness by pushing the pathogen out of the body. This process also helps avoid the recurrence that we so often experience when we think we have ‘kicked’ an illness.

Since the symptoms of every individual and every illness vary, TCM will use specifically selected herb in combination, to treat the actual symptoms – whether it be headaches and fever or coughing and chills.

Acupuncture and moxibustion along the meridians of the lungs and large intestine – which perhaps surprisingly are between the thumb and forefinger – is used provide immediate relief of symptoms and help expel the pathogen.

Early treatment is essential. Typically, if treatment is sought early, 1-2 acupuncture treatments and 7 days of herbal remedies are sufficient to restore the body to homeostasis.

If you spend the winter suffering from colds and flu and would like to improve your immunity, or you can feel a cold coming on, call our Baulkham Hills Clinic on 9639 7337 to make an appointment with our expert Traditional Chinese Medicine specialist. If you are already a patient of Precision Health Spine & Sports, during June you will receive a discount of $20 off your initial consultation.

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