Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. It is based on the belief that proper alignment of the spine can help the body heal itself without the need for drugs or surgery. Chiropractic care has become increasingly popular in recent years, with millions of people seeking treatment from chiropractors worldwide.
History of Chiropractic Care
The origins of chiropractic care can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first chiropractic adjustment was performed by D.D. Palmer, a magnetic healer from Iowa, in 1895. Palmer believed that many illnesses and diseases could be cured by manipulating the spine to correct subluxations, or misalignments of the vertebrae. He named this new practice “chiropractic,” which means “done by hand” in Greek.
Palmer’s son, B.J. Palmer, later took over the chiropractic profession and helped to establish it as a legitimate form of healthcare. He founded the first chiropractic college in 1897, which later became the Palmer College of Chiropractic.
Philosophy of Chiropractic Care
The philosophy of chiropractic care is based on the principle that the body has an innate ability to heal itself, and that this healing process can be enhanced through proper alignment of the spine. Chiropractors believe that the nervous system is the key to good health, and that any interference with the nervous system can lead to a variety of health problems.
Chiropractors use a holistic approach to healthcare, which means that they focus on the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition. They believe that by treating the underlying cause of a health problem, rather than just the symptoms, they can help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Techniques Used in Chiropractic Care
Chiropractors use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal disorders. The most common technique is spinal manipulation, also known as an adjustment. During an adjustment, the chiropractor uses their hands to apply a controlled force to the spine, with the goal of restoring proper alignment and mobility to the affected vertebrae.
Other techniques used in chiropractic care include massage therapy, trigger point therapy, and therapeutic exercise. Chiropractors may also recommend dietary changes, stress reduction techniques, and other lifestyle modifications to help their patients achieve optimal health.
Chiropractic care has been used for over a century to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders. It is based on the belief that proper alignment of the spine can help the body heal itself, without the need for drugs or surgery. Chiropractors use a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a particular condition. By using a variety of techniques, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and therapeutic exercise, chiropractors help their patients achieve optimal health and wellness.
Here are a few fun and engaging winter activities to get outside and stay active in Alaska:
Snowshoeing – A great activity that is easy to pick up and provides a full-body workout. Physically, it provides a low-impact workout that can burn up to 500 calories an hour and improve cardiovascular health. Mentally, snowshoeing can be a relaxing escape from the stress of daily life and an opportunity to connect with nature. Additionally, snowshoeing allows for the exploration of winter landscapes and the chance to see wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Cross-country skiing – A full-body workout that requires balance and coordination.
Physically, it provides a workout that improves cardiovascular health, endurance, and muscle strength. Mentally, cross-country skiing can reduce stress and anxiety, and improve focus and concentration. In addition, cross-country skiing allows for outdoor exploration and enjoyment of winter landscapes. Furthermore, cross-country skiing is a low-impact activity that can be easily adapted to different skill levels and is a great way to stay active in the winter months.
3. Ice fishing – A relaxing and peaceful activity that provides a great opportunity to get outside and enjoy the winter weather.
Physically, it provides an opportunity for light exercise and fresh air, especially when combined with activities such as walking on the ice, cutting holes, and setting up equipment. Mentally, ice fishing can be a relaxing escape from the daily. Additionally, ice fishing can provide a sense of accomplishment and can foster patience and focus, as the waiting for a catch can take time. Moreover, ice fishing can be a social activity, providing an opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
4. Snowmobiling – A high-energy activity that is perfect for those who enjoy fast-paced outdoor adventures.
Physically, snowmobiling provides a full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength. Mentally, snowmobiling can reduce stress and provide a sense of freedom. Additionally, snowmobiling offers an opportunity to explore winter landscapes and see breathtaking views. Overall, snowmobiling is a fun and exciting winter activity that provides physical and mental benefits while allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the winter landscape.
5. Dog sledding – A unique and exciting activity that offers a great workout while also providing an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful Alaskan winter scenery.
Physically, dog sledding provides a full-body workout, improves cardiovascular health, and can burn a significant number of calories. Mentally, dog sledding can reduce stress and provide a sense of adventure. In addition, dog sledding provides an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking winter landscapes.
6. Winter hiking – A challenging and invigorating activity that allows you to explore the Alaskan wilderness while getting a great workout.
Physically, winter hiking provides a full-body workout that can improve cardiovascular health and muscle strength, and can also burn a significant number of calories. Mentally, winter hiking can reduce stress, improve focus, and provide a sense of peace and relaxation. Furthermore, winter hiking can be a social activity, providing an opportunity to spend time with friends and family and create memories. Overall, winter hiking is a healthy and enjoyable outdoor activity that offers both physical and mental benefits, and allows for a unique appreciation of the winter landscape.
Incorporating these activities into your daily routine can help you stay active and healthy during the winter months. Remember to stay warm and safe, and always check the weather conditions before heading outside.
With these fun and engaging activities, you can stay active, healthy, and enjoy all that the Alaskan winter has to offer.
Learn how you can start your morning off right while ALSO helping Anchorage’s homeless population.
“The act of running in the early morning over a certain length of time helps to build good habits and discipline,” said the founder of Running for Hope, Brenda Noble. “Then, in turn, it helps people in homelessness become more stable.”
Running For Hope is a not for profit organization that works directly with women experiencing homelessness who seek shelter at the Downtown Hope Center. It has been up and going since 2019 and has been able to help countless women to set goals and achieve them through early morning runs. These runs push women to go father, faster, and be consistent; lessons that help them in every other area of their lives.
This month, Aline Alaska Chiropractic is collecting cold weather running gear for this amazing program. They are in need of gently used shoes, socks, thin gloves, hats, fleece lined cold-weather leggings or insulated jackets. We will have a bin available in our treatment room for you to drop off until December 30th. All donations will be gifted a sample pack of doTerra Deep Blue lotion to try out after your next workout.
Read more about Running For Hope HERE or check out their Facebook Page HERE
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue method that focuses on relieving tissue tension via the removal of fibrosis/adhesions which can develop in tissues as a result of overload due to repetitive use. These disorders may lead to muscular weakness, numbness, aching, tingling and burning sensations. This is done through the body’s own movement guided by a certified practitioner.
Purpose
ART is used to treat symptoms with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Its design is 3 fold:
to restore free and unimpeded motion of all soft tissues
to release entrapped nerves, vascular system and lymphatics
to re-establish optimal texture, resilience, and function of soft tissues.
Technique
Tissues are prone to negative changes from trauma, such as swelling, fibrosis and adhesions. During treatment, the clinician uses manual therapy through movement to apply compressive, tensile and shear forces to address repetitive strain injuries, cumulative trauma injuries and constant pressure tension lesions. The clinician applies deep tension at the area of tenderness whilst the patient is instructed to actively move the injury site from a shortened to a lengthened position. The placing of a contact point near the lesion and causing the patient to move in a manner that produces a longitudinal sliding motion of soft tissues, e.g, nerves, ligaments and muscles beneath the contact point.
Post ART treatment exercises
Once the restrictive adhesions between tissues has been released, post treatment exercises become an essential part of the rehabilitation process to ensure the symptoms do not return.
There are 4 fundamental areas that should be addressed in any exercise program:
Flexibility: Good flexibility enables muscles and joints to move through their full range of motion. Poor flexibility leads to a higher chance of injury to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Flexibility is joint specific; a person may have excellent range of motion at one joint, yet be restricted in another. Stretching exercises are only effective if they are executed after the adhesions within the soft tissue have been released. Stretching exercises that are applied prior to the adhesions being released will only stretch the tissues above and below the restrictions. The actual restricted and adhered tissues are seldom stretched, leading to further biomechanical imbalances.
Strength: Strengthening exercises are most effective after treatment. Attempts to strengthen shortened and contracted muscles may result in further contraction and restriction. This causes the formation of more adhesions and restrictions within the tissues, exacerbating the repetitive injury cycle. This is why the application of generic or non-specific strengthening exercises for RSI seldom works.
Balance and proprioception: Proprioception describes the body’s ability to react appropriately (through balance and touch) to external forces. Proprioception exercises should begin early in the rehabilitation process. Effective proprioception exercises are designed to restore the kinesthetic awareness of the patient. These exercises form the basis for the agility, strength, and endurance required for complete rehabilitation.
Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular or aerobic exercises are essential for restoring good circulation and for increasing oxygen delivery to soft tissues. Lack of oxygen and poor circulation is a primary accelerant of repetitive strain injuries.
ART and performance
ART is effective for active people of every level. It can provide patients with a means to enhance their sports performance by identifying and releasing restrictions that reduce their performance in their chosen activity. This typically occurs after the practitioner conducts a biomechanical analysis of the patient’s motion. During the biomechanical analysis and the subsequent treatment, the practitioner:
Evaluates gait, motion, and posture.
Identifies the biomechanical dysfunctions that are restricting the performance.
Locates the soft tissue structures that are the primary cause of the biomechanical dysfunction as well as affected structures throughout the kinetic chain.
Treats the soft tissue dysfunctions with ART to restore full function to the affected structures.
ART Performance Care is applied after trauma based injuries have resolved. ART Performance Care concentrates upon removing restrictions that inhibit full range of motion, and in restoring full function and performance to affected soft tissues. This process can result in significant increases in sports performance of power, strength, and flexibility.
The goal of Active Release Technique (ART) therapy is to restore normal soft tissue mobility by breaking down frictions and restrictions in the muscle that can result in painful and unnatural movement patterns. Tissue tension disorders can lead to altered muscle recruitment, nerve symptoms such as numbness or tingling, and overall muscle and joint pain.
During an ART session, a specially trained practitioner uses their hands to apply pressure, manipulation, and movement to damaged or abnormal tissue in muscle, fascia, ligament, tendon, and nerves.
Practitioners have successfully used ART therapy for decades to treat symptoms caused by soft tissue conditions, increase blood flow, ease discomfort, and promote faster healing of injuries. The therapy effectively treats both acute and chronic conditions and is often used to treat sports injuries.
Only certified practitioners should perform ART therapy. Trained practitioners are usually physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, or doctors. Certification requires mastery of over 500 specific protocols used to treat affected areas of the body.
What is an Adhesion?
Adhesions are scar tissue inside your body. They are dense, fibrous bands of inflexible scar tissue that stick two surfaces or organs together which impede normal function. Adhesions can form anywhere in the body.
While scar tissue is a natural part of your body’s healing process, it is not normal tissue. It may cause muscles to shorten and weaken, entrapment of nerves, post-surgical complications, bowel obstructions, infertility, chronic pelvic pain, and other health issues.
Breaking up scar tissue and adhesions through ART relieves pain and brings function back to the affected part of the body.
What Causes Soft Tissue Damage?
Acute, chronic, or cumulative injuries can cause scar tissue to form inside or between muscles, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. Trauma, tears, sprains, or strains from overuse of certain muscles, inflammation of the connective tissue that protects and supports muscles and organs, injury to tendons and ligaments, and post-operative conditions all may cause the accumulation of adhesions and tissue damage.
These adhesions restrict and alter movement in the joints or muscles, causing pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.
Pressure caused by poor posture can also cause muscle and tissue adhesions.
What Conditions Does ART Treat?
ART effectively treats a wide range of conditions, including tears, sprains, repetitive strain injuries, and other cumulative or overuse injuries.
Conditions commonly treated with ART include:
Lower back pain
Sciatic nerve pain
Chronic neck pain
Tension headaches and migraines
Shoulder sprains, pain, or frozen shoulder
Repetitive use injuries like tendonitis, which often cause pain in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, legs, or heels
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Plantar fasciitis
Post-operative scarring and adhesions (especially common in those who have had abdominal surgery or gynecological procedures)
Signs of Scar Tissue
A buildup of scar tissue can cause pain, weakness, and restricted movement. One or more of the following may be a signal that scar tissue is causing dysfunction or pain in the body.
Muscle stiffness in the neck, back, or extremities
Sharp pain in the heel of the foot
Decreased range of motion
Increased weakness
Lack of flexibility
Joint inflammation
Tingling, numbness, or pain in the fingers or other body parts
What to Expect During an ART Session
The goal of ART therapy is to break up scar tissue to restore free movement, resilience, and function of soft tissue, to improve circulation, and to reduce or eliminate pain and stiffness.
MOTION physical therapists are certified ART practitioners and experts in treating soft tissue injuries. After a thorough assessment of your situation, your physical therapy team will design a treatment plan to fit your individual needs.
Your First ART Therapy Session
The more we know about your specific health condition, the better able we can provide you with the relief you need and deserve. You can help by preparing for your first visit. Jot down detailed notes about your symptoms and anything that worsens or relieves the pain and bring those notes to the session.
During your first visit, your physical therapist will conduct a thorough physical examination and functional assessment to determine your starting point. We will ask you to move certain body parts in order to assess their function, so please dress comfortably. Throughout this and every visit, we encourage you to ask questions and provide feedback.
By carefully examining the data we collect, including your medical history, results of the physical exam, findings from the functional assessment, and information provided by you and your physician, we will develop a treatment plan that addresses your specific goals.
Subsequent ART Sessions
During every ART session, your physical therapist will evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of your soft tissue to determine which areas need treatment. They will then conduct the treatment, answer your questions, and chart your progress.
How is ART Performed?
By applying their hands to your skin, your physical therapist locates the area to be worked on, then applies pressure as you actively move a certain body part, or your PT moves the body part for you. Your PT continues to apply a combination of tension and motion as you or they position your body part to shorten the muscle, then position it to lengthen the muscle. This continues until you feel a release.
Does ART Hurt?
Areas targeted by ART therapy are sensitive, to begin with, so there can be some discomfort during treatment. However, your PT will ask for your feedback throughout the session to ensure the therapy never becomes too painful. Patients often comment that the experience is like a therapeutic massage in that it “hurts so good.” You may experience soreness after the session, which usually resolves within a few days.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
Some patients experience an improvement of symptoms after the first session. However, it may take up to six visits, depending on the severity of your condition, to achieve full benefits. Sessions usually last about 15 minutes.
Individuals who actively take part in their treatment and recovery program by performing home exercises recommended by their PT often need fewer sessions and help reduce the chances of reoccurrence of symptoms.
