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I pulled my Hamstring. Now what?

4/30/2024

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PicturePhase II Exercise: Single Leg RDL with foam roller assist
What are the “hamstrings”? The hamstrings are a bundle of three separate muscles: semimembranosus, semitendinosus, and biceps femoris.  All three of them are located on the back of the thigh.  The main action of these muscles is to bend, or flex, the knee as well as internally rotate and adduct the leg.  Injuries to this muscle group are extremely common unfortunately, and can happen to individuals of all activity levels; however 29% of sports injuries can be classified as hamstring strain injuries. Usually people will feel the onset of pain while running or sprinting and can hear or feel an audible pop.  Bruising is also not uncommon depending on the severity of the strain.  

These injuries are very susceptible to a risk of reinjury, so it’s essential to determine the true cause of the injury. Whether it be due to a muscle imbalance with the quadriceps, or a lack of flexibility and strength.  Little evidence exists to show that over the counter anti-inflammatory medications are beneficial as well. Low level laser therapy, and working on the appropriate rehabilitation plan can provide long-term effects. With rehabilitation the goal is to address the biomechanical dysfunction that led to the initial injury.  Eccentric strengthening has been shown to be the most effective at reducing re-injury.  Eccentric contractions occur when the muscle is being activated while also lengthened at the same time. In addition to eccentric strengthening of the hamstrings, working on core and lumbo-pelvic stability and balance should be a focal point.  

The initial phase of rehabilitation begins immediately after the injury and can last for four weeks. In this phase regular activity should be modified to reduce extraneous stress on the tissue, however movement and mild exercise can prevent full atrophy and decreased neural drive.  In this phase exercises will be geared towards range of motion and include mainly open-kinetic chain movements.  The second phase of rehabilitation aims to restore maximal strength contractions with pain-free repetitions. This second phase can last for several weeks.  The third, and final, phase includes dynamic and advanced exercises to re-establish athletic movements in full capacity.  The overall prognosis of hamstring strain injuries is very good as long as the appropriate rehabilitation is performed.  


Phase I Exercises
  • Grapevines (side stepping over each leg)
  • Single leg stances with the eyes open and closed
  • Stationary biking

Phase II Exercises
  • Grapevines or lateral walks with resistance
  • Single-leg RDLs (standing on one leg and leaning forward like a lever to touch the ground)
  • Glute bridges and walking the legs out
  • Push-up holds with rotation
  • Side-planks
  • Wood-Chops with a band
  • Eccentric hamstring curls

Phase III Exercises
  • Side shuffling
  • Backwards running
  • Single leg bridges
    • On the ground
    • With a chair (foot on chair and bridge-up)
    • With yoga or exercise ball
  • Single Leg RDLs with weights
  • Eccentric hamstring curls with a yoga or exercise ball

​
-Danirose Billings

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CAN YOU REVERSE A "DOWAGER'S HUMP"?

4/22/2024

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A Dowager's hump, also known as kyphosis or hyperkyphosis, refers to an excessive outward curvature of the upper spine, resulting in a rounded hump-like appearance in the upper back and neck. While reversing a Dowager's hump entirely is not always possible, there are measures individuals can take to improve posture, strengthen muscles, and potentially reduce the prominence of the hump. The best medicine of course would be the avoidance of developing such a hump in the first place. A hyperkyphosis can lead to other significant problems such as headaches, neck pain, numbness/tingling, spinal stenosis, disc herniations/bulges, spinal degeneration and arthritis.

Prevention and Management Strategies
1. Posture Correction:
  • Practicing good posture is crucial for preventing further progression of the Dowager's hump. Individuals should focus on sitting and standing with the shoulders back, chin tucked, and spine aligned.
2. Strengthening Exercises:
  • Specific exercises targeting the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, and core can help improve posture and support the spine. Examples include rows, shoulder blade squeezes, and chest-opening stretches.
3. Stretching and Flexibility:
  • Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and range of motion in the spine and surrounding muscles. Focus on stretches that target the chest, shoulders, and upper back.
4. Ergonomic Adjustments:
  • Making ergonomic adjustments to workstations, chairs, and sleeping positions can help alleviate strain on the spine and promote better posture.
5. Chiropractic Care:
  • Chiropractic adjustments may help improve spinal alignment and mobility, which can contribute to reducing the prominence of a Dowager's hump.
6. Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding excessive sitting, and staying physically active can all support spinal health and potentially reduce the progression of kyphosis.
While reversing a Dowager's hump entirely may not always be achievable, individuals can take proactive steps to manage symptoms, improve posture, and potentially reduce the prominence of the hump. Through a combination of posture correction, strengthening exercises, flexibility training, and professional interventions such as chiropractic care and rehabilitative exercises, individuals can work towards maintaining spinal health and overall well-being. As always, it's essential to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized guidance and treatment options based on individual needs and severity of the condition.

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IMPORTANCE OF CHIROPRACTIC MAINTENANCE CARE

4/15/2024

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In our quest for optimal health and wellness, we often focus on nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness practices. However, there's one crucial aspect of wellness that is sometimes overlooked: chiropractic maintenance care. Chiropractic care isn't just for alleviating pain; it's a cornerstone of preventive healthcare that can unlock a host of benefits for both body and mind. Chiropractic care is founded on the principle that proper alignment of the spine is essential for the body to function optimally. Through adjustments and other manual techniques, chiropractors aim to restore alignment, relieve pressure on nerves, and facilitate the body's natural ability to heal itself.
While many people seek chiropractic care to address specific issues like back pain, neck pain, or headaches, maintenance care takes a proactive approach. Rather than waiting for symptoms to arise, individuals engage in regular chiropractic visits to maintain spinal health and prevent future problems.

Just as we service our cars regularly to prevent breakdowns, our bodies also benefit from routine maintenance. Here's why regular chiropractic care is so vital:
  1. Preventative Maintenance: Regular chiropractic adjustments can correct minor misalignments before they escalate into more significant issues. By addressing spinal misalignments early, individuals can prevent pain and dysfunction from developing.
  2. Improved Function: When the spine is properly aligned, the nervous system functions optimally. This can lead to improvements in mobility, posture, and overall bodily function. From athletes seeking peak performance to office workers striving for better productivity, proper spinal alignment is key.
  3. Enhanced Well-being: Chiropractic care isn't just about physical health; it also impacts mental and emotional well-being. Many patients report feeling more relaxed, energized, and focused following chiropractic adjustments. By reducing tension and improving nervous system function, chiropractic care can contribute to a greater sense of overall wellness.
  4. Long-term Savings: Investing in preventative healthcare through chiropractic maintenance care can save individuals both time and money in the long run. By avoiding costly surgeries, medications, and missed days of work due to pain, individuals who prioritize spinal health enjoy a better quality of life and financial stability.

If you're new to chiropractic care or considering incorporating maintenance visits into your wellness routine, here are a few tips to get started:
  • Find a Qualified Practitioner: Look for a chiropractor who is licensed, experienced, and reputable. Personal recommendations and online reviews can help you find the right fit.
  • Communicate Your Goals: Whether you're seeking pain relief, improved performance, or overall wellness, communicate your goals to your chiropractor. They can tailor a treatment plan to meet your specific needs.
  • Commit to Consistency: Consistency is key when it comes to chiropractic maintenance care. Work with your chiropractor to establish a schedule of regular visits that align with your lifestyle and wellness goals.
Chiropractic maintenance care is not just a luxury reserved for those experiencing pain; it's an essential component of a holistic approach to health and wellness.  By prioritizing spinal health through regular chiropractic adjustments, individuals can unlock a host of benefits, including improved function, enhanced well-being, and long-term savings. Whether you're a seasoned chiropractic patient or considering it for the first time, incorporating maintenance care into your wellness routine can be a transformative step towards unlocking your full potential for health and vitality.

TEXT or call 203-842-88502 to schedule your chiropractic "tune-up" today!




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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the Team
    • Office Tour
  • Services
    • Services & Techniques
    • What we Treat
    • Chiropractic in the Media
  • Contact
    • Location & Hours
  • Stretches & Exercises
    • Stretching & Exercise Videos
  • Q & A with Dr. Q
  • Testimonials & Reviews
  • Forms