Good day and greetings to all who have ventured to this site to keep your self informed and intrigued about what CSI has to offer. Here is the latest answer to a common question that I have had in the office.
Many patients are looking for an easy way to help ease some of the pain and tightness that accompanies a very busy lifestyle. Some get massages, many get Chiropractic care, others choose to work out and or sit on there butts and watch TV. These are all ways to get some relaxation in, however they do not help ease the mechanical muscle tension. This is where a tennis ball or tennis balls come into play.
I tell many of my patients to first buy a can of three balls. Take two of them and put them into an old sock and or panty hose. I prefer the panty hose since this material can breath and prevent mildew build up. You now want to tie off the end so that two tennis balls can move apart about an inch.
Those of you who are familiar with foam rolling and the wonderful benefits that it can provide will also see great relief from the use of a tennis ball since they can get into the smaller muscle groups compared to a foam roller.
Ok enough talk this is what to do. For those who have upper back and neck tension you can take the two tennis balls that are in the sock and lay on them so the tennis balls are between the shoulder blades and around the spine. Here you can roll up and down on the balls and hit all those smaller tension spots that a foam roller cannot get at. Then after that you can use the single ball to get the rest.
Once you master that you can then use the tennis balls on any tense muscle area. Try and stay away from rolling over a bony area since that will possibly create a bruise. You may have to start out on the floor or on the most cushioned area of the house if it is too painful.
The purpose of the tennis balls is to help break up the muscle adhesions that we all get during the day. Using the tennis balls at home will help with the current treatment that many of you are utilizing here at CSI. I tell many of my patients on the first visit about the tennis balls to help them with there current issues. Many use massage however this is a home care method that you can utilize daily.
I recommend that you use the tennis balls over the areas that you feel are the most tense and allow the tennis balls to push in the area for 3-4 minutes then move them. You can do this on all large and small muscle groups to pain tolerance.
Tennis balls I have found are the easiest way to allow some home massage and tension relief. If any of you have questions on how to use the tennis balls and or questions about the previous blogs, please contact me at bfg59@aol.com. Thank you all for your time and may this holiday season bring you all happiness.
Thank you,
Dr. Ed
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
BREATHE
Quote: "I complained I had no shoes, until I met a man who had no feet."
I read this quote and I liked it for several reasons. The main one is that it puts things in perspective. The other quote I heard today was, “You may have lost your wealth, just don’t loose your health”. These two quotes bring us back to reality. With the media showing us all the doom and gloom it gets harder and harder to find that silver lining every day, but its there. Stress can bring us down and we have two choices when we wake up each morning (that in itself is a plus), to have a great day or a bad day. Yes, it’s a choice. It may take you all day to find a reason why it was great but never stop looking for that reason. IT maybe as simple and hearing “I love you” from a loved one, or waking up and seeing that you have a roof over your head, or that you were able to eat, or my favorite, you woke up with less pain than the day before.
Most people put their LIVES ahead of their LIFE. They rush around, worrying about their job, their kids, their material objects. They worry about the health of their loved ones or their friends and never taking the time to tend to their own needs and health. If you are reading this you need to take a reflection to truly look at your self. Are you taking care of yourself by eating right, getting sleep, taking your supplements, getting exercise and getting your regular Chiropractic Adjustments. During times of stress your body goes into hyper speed. If you don't take care of the engine, the body will break down. Stay on the highway of life and care for yourself so you don't end up on the side of the road broken.
With the nation in panic mode, the media lighting the fires and wallstreet not knowing what to do, I felt compelled to write this note and say "BREATH". If you let your health go, then the stress will be more than you can imagine. You always hear, "Until I had cancer I never stopped to appreciate life". Don't wait for the stress to beat you down, combat with proper health so you can deal with everything else.
If you or your company would like one of the CSI Doctors to come to your company and show you and your employees little tricks to lower the stress level so you can focus on the job at hand. Let me know and we can be available for a "lunch and learn" or an evening talk. We will come to you, all you have to do is ask:-)Contact us at www.gotcsi.com
I read this quote and I liked it for several reasons. The main one is that it puts things in perspective. The other quote I heard today was, “You may have lost your wealth, just don’t loose your health”. These two quotes bring us back to reality. With the media showing us all the doom and gloom it gets harder and harder to find that silver lining every day, but its there. Stress can bring us down and we have two choices when we wake up each morning (that in itself is a plus), to have a great day or a bad day. Yes, it’s a choice. It may take you all day to find a reason why it was great but never stop looking for that reason. IT maybe as simple and hearing “I love you” from a loved one, or waking up and seeing that you have a roof over your head, or that you were able to eat, or my favorite, you woke up with less pain than the day before.
Most people put their LIVES ahead of their LIFE. They rush around, worrying about their job, their kids, their material objects. They worry about the health of their loved ones or their friends and never taking the time to tend to their own needs and health. If you are reading this you need to take a reflection to truly look at your self. Are you taking care of yourself by eating right, getting sleep, taking your supplements, getting exercise and getting your regular Chiropractic Adjustments. During times of stress your body goes into hyper speed. If you don't take care of the engine, the body will break down. Stay on the highway of life and care for yourself so you don't end up on the side of the road broken.
With the nation in panic mode, the media lighting the fires and wallstreet not knowing what to do, I felt compelled to write this note and say "BREATH". If you let your health go, then the stress will be more than you can imagine. You always hear, "Until I had cancer I never stopped to appreciate life". Don't wait for the stress to beat you down, combat with proper health so you can deal with everything else.
If you or your company would like one of the CSI Doctors to come to your company and show you and your employees little tricks to lower the stress level so you can focus on the job at hand. Let me know and we can be available for a "lunch and learn" or an evening talk. We will come to you, all you have to do is ask:-)Contact us at www.gotcsi.com
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Ice or Heat- THAT is the Question
By Dr. Ed Green
Ever since becoming interested in Sports Chiropractic I have always been asked the question when to ICE and when to HEAT. I must get that question several times a week. So I am writing this article or as you would say it in the twentieth century, BLOG, to help ease all the thoughts and curious question seekers out there.
HEAT: Heat is good for bringing blood to the injured or sore area and loosening up the tissue to make that area less stiff and more pliable. Heat should be applied before participation in any athletic event. I recommend that patients use heat for no longer than 15-20 minutes. Now, there are two types of heat that are beneficial. The most effective would be that of moist heat. The reason being is that the moist heat can penetrate the skin and get deeper into the tissue with out dehydrating the surround cells. An example of that would be the difference between a burn that is caused by a flame compared to that of a steam burn. As we know the flame burn will char the skin however a steam burn basically melts it away. So if you are wanting to apply heat make sure it is moist heat and do it before an event to help loosen or relax the muscles and surrounding joints.
As for those who like to use the heat rubs or heat liniments, they are only good for a temporary superficial relief. They will desensitize the tissue and bring a small amount of blood to the area however one must be careful in using them so FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
ICE: Now here is my favorite thing to use. Yes I know ICE is COLD and that is why it is so beneficial. I have been using ice for many years however; it was my first year at California Lutheran University while on the football team that I got my first real exposure to ICE therapy. It was in the middle of summer, where we all know that the Conejo Valley get in the 100’s. Three days into hell week, I developed some moderate quadriceps tightness with a quad contusion. I went into the training room for some help and the trainer instructed me to hop in the ice bath. So here I am, a 310lb offensive lineman, trying to get my big butt into a small whirl pool bath that is full of ice. IT WAS QUITE A SIGHT. Needles to say, I was in the ice bath everyday after practice.
Ice will decrease the amount of fluid and blood in the injured area. The decreased amounts of fluid and blood will limit the body from forming adhesions and control the amount of lactic acid that is produced. By decreasing these things you will feel less stiffness, less tightness and less pain. I recommended that people ice after they are done with heavy exercise or after an acute injury. During the onset of an initial injury the body wants to surround the area with fluid and blood. By icing you can limit the amount of fl uid and blood and there fore decrease the amount of pain. Your pain level will also decrease with the ice since the sensitive nerve roots will become desensitized.
So now that I have rambled on and on here is my final word. ICE, ICE, ICE for all acute injuries and after rigorous activities that you are sore or stiff afterwards. Use HEAT when you are about to compete or need to be loosened up. You should only use heat for 15-20 minutes and then remove the heat. Never fall asleep with it on. As for ICE, onc should ice the injured area for 15-20 min on and then remove it for 40 min and then apply for another 15-20. Do this 3-4 times a day.
Ok there it is. That is my take on ICE vs. HEAT. I love them both but prefer ICE. Please feel free to comment on this and I will return the favor. AND PLEASE NO COMMENTS ON ME IN A TUB OF ICE.
See you in the office,
Dr. Ed Green
Clinic Director, Moorpark CSI
Ever since becoming interested in Sports Chiropractic I have always been asked the question when to ICE and when to HEAT. I must get that question several times a week. So I am writing this article or as you would say it in the twentieth century, BLOG, to help ease all the thoughts and curious question seekers out there.
HEAT: Heat is good for bringing blood to the injured or sore area and loosening up the tissue to make that area less stiff and more pliable. Heat should be applied before participation in any athletic event. I recommend that patients use heat for no longer than 15-20 minutes. Now, there are two types of heat that are beneficial. The most effective would be that of moist heat. The reason being is that the moist heat can penetrate the skin and get deeper into the tissue with out dehydrating the surround cells. An example of that would be the difference between a burn that is caused by a flame compared to that of a steam burn. As we know the flame burn will char the skin however a steam burn basically melts it away. So if you are wanting to apply heat make sure it is moist heat and do it before an event to help loosen or relax the muscles and surrounding joints.
As for those who like to use the heat rubs or heat liniments, they are only good for a temporary superficial relief. They will desensitize the tissue and bring a small amount of blood to the area however one must be careful in using them so FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS.
ICE: Now here is my favorite thing to use. Yes I know ICE is COLD and that is why it is so beneficial. I have been using ice for many years however; it was my first year at California Lutheran University while on the football team that I got my first real exposure to ICE therapy. It was in the middle of summer, where we all know that the Conejo Valley get in the 100’s. Three days into hell week, I developed some moderate quadriceps tightness with a quad contusion. I went into the training room for some help and the trainer instructed me to hop in the ice bath. So here I am, a 310lb offensive lineman, trying to get my big butt into a small whirl pool bath that is full of ice. IT WAS QUITE A SIGHT. Needles to say, I was in the ice bath everyday after practice.
Ice will decrease the amount of fluid and blood in the injured area. The decreased amounts of fluid and blood will limit the body from forming adhesions and control the amount of lactic acid that is produced. By decreasing these things you will feel less stiffness, less tightness and less pain. I recommended that people ice after they are done with heavy exercise or after an acute injury. During the onset of an initial injury the body wants to surround the area with fluid and blood. By icing you can limit the amount of fl uid and blood and there fore decrease the amount of pain. Your pain level will also decrease with the ice since the sensitive nerve roots will become desensitized.
So now that I have rambled on and on here is my final word. ICE, ICE, ICE for all acute injuries and after rigorous activities that you are sore or stiff afterwards. Use HEAT when you are about to compete or need to be loosened up. You should only use heat for 15-20 minutes and then remove the heat. Never fall asleep with it on. As for ICE, onc should ice the injured area for 15-20 min on and then remove it for 40 min and then apply for another 15-20. Do this 3-4 times a day.
Ok there it is. That is my take on ICE vs. HEAT. I love them both but prefer ICE. Please feel free to comment on this and I will return the favor. AND PLEASE NO COMMENTS ON ME IN A TUB OF ICE.
See you in the office,
Dr. Ed Green
Clinic Director, Moorpark CSI
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Using Chiropractic Care as Preventive Functional Medicine for the upcoming Football Season
By Dr. Derek Pelofsky
Its September and that means only one thing. Football is in full swing. I don’t know about you but I count the days from early January, which is when the college Bowl Championship games are played till the beginning August, the start of Two-a-day practices for teams. I grew up in Oklahoma, and in Oklahoma football is not just a sport it a pretty much a religion. I can remember going to my first University of Oklahoma football game at 5yrs old. Sure enough every Saturday that OU was in Norman for a home game, my dad and I were there thru my college days. Since I’ve lived in Southern California for the past 7 years, my passion for OU and football in general has become even stronger. So my passion for the sport, and having the privilege and ability to play in high school, combined with my passion for sports medicine really fuels what I do for a living.
A subject that I wanted to touch up on is why use chiropractic if not in pain and how it relates to football and sports in general. One of the most common responses I get from patients when asking them how are you doing today is; “well I guess not to good if I’m here. I want to be very clear on this point. Chiropractic and all the different treatments we perform are great to help heal people, and being involved with sports, injuries are going to happen, but the ultimate healthcare minded person is one who looks for preventive medicine. Many people don’t realize that there are many professional athletes around the world that utilize chiropractic as a means to prevent their body from breaking down and keep it running at its highest capacity. A great way to compare this is do you wait for your car to breakdown once the infamous check engine light comes on? No of course not, you do laitance, with regular tune ups and checkups at least every 3,000 miles. Why would you treat your body differently from your car? After all once your body breaks down, that means pain and discomfort which may cause you to lose time at work or just preventing you from the daily things you enjoy doing.
Many of you have a youngster in little league football or even somewhere up in the high school or college level. Now is the time to get these athletes checked out and treated. The most common injuries we see in football are of course knee injures due to all the lateral movement performed. Neck injuries to the nerves that exit the upper neck region and go into the arm, which is known as a “stinger”. Last but not least we see a lot of concussion type injuries due to the all the contact that occurs. As a football player , and as a parent of a football player, I would want to make sure my spine, muscles, and the extremity joints were all working at its highest level to help prevent any of the injuries and allow for a healthy and fun season. Of course this goes for all athletes in all sports, don’t wait for the check engine light to come on before you breakdown! Take care of your body and use the doctors of CSI as the tune-up specialist for your body. BOOMER SOONER!
Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amateur and Professional athletes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with an lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.
Its September and that means only one thing. Football is in full swing. I don’t know about you but I count the days from early January, which is when the college Bowl Championship games are played till the beginning August, the start of Two-a-day practices for teams. I grew up in Oklahoma, and in Oklahoma football is not just a sport it a pretty much a religion. I can remember going to my first University of Oklahoma football game at 5yrs old. Sure enough every Saturday that OU was in Norman for a home game, my dad and I were there thru my college days. Since I’ve lived in Southern California for the past 7 years, my passion for OU and football in general has become even stronger. So my passion for the sport, and having the privilege and ability to play in high school, combined with my passion for sports medicine really fuels what I do for a living.
A subject that I wanted to touch up on is why use chiropractic if not in pain and how it relates to football and sports in general. One of the most common responses I get from patients when asking them how are you doing today is; “well I guess not to good if I’m here. I want to be very clear on this point. Chiropractic and all the different treatments we perform are great to help heal people, and being involved with sports, injuries are going to happen, but the ultimate healthcare minded person is one who looks for preventive medicine. Many people don’t realize that there are many professional athletes around the world that utilize chiropractic as a means to prevent their body from breaking down and keep it running at its highest capacity. A great way to compare this is do you wait for your car to breakdown once the infamous check engine light comes on? No of course not, you do laitance, with regular tune ups and checkups at least every 3,000 miles. Why would you treat your body differently from your car? After all once your body breaks down, that means pain and discomfort which may cause you to lose time at work or just preventing you from the daily things you enjoy doing.
Many of you have a youngster in little league football or even somewhere up in the high school or college level. Now is the time to get these athletes checked out and treated. The most common injuries we see in football are of course knee injures due to all the lateral movement performed. Neck injuries to the nerves that exit the upper neck region and go into the arm, which is known as a “stinger”. Last but not least we see a lot of concussion type injuries due to the all the contact that occurs. As a football player , and as a parent of a football player, I would want to make sure my spine, muscles, and the extremity joints were all working at its highest level to help prevent any of the injuries and allow for a healthy and fun season. Of course this goes for all athletes in all sports, don’t wait for the check engine light to come on before you breakdown! Take care of your body and use the doctors of CSI as the tune-up specialist for your body. BOOMER SOONER!
Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amateur and Professional athletes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with an lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Comparing Over the Counter Meds to Natural Anti-Inflammatories
By: Dr. Derek Pelofsky
Practicing as a sports Doctor that sees a lot of acute and painful injuries we are approached with many questions as far as what can the patient do at home to help speed up the healing and decrease pain. Probably one of the most frequently asked questions is should I take Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve?
Doctors of Chiropractic are not allowed to prescribe any prescription drugs or be advising on taking any over the counter pain relievers such as the most common NSAIDS, (non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs), Advil, Tylenol, and Aleve. So, as a consumer and a active person that might be put in a situation to fall back on using NSAIDS lets get educated on what you are putting into your body, and not influenced by the many commercials that bombard us daily. Like an automobile, your body reacts on the "gas" that is put in its engine. You will research the best products to put in your car so the engine runs smoothly, do you research the best products to put in your body?
NSAIDS in general, work by blocking natural chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. But the drawback is that those same chemicals protect your stomach from burning up in its own acid. So, long term use can eventually cause some serious issues with your gastrointestinal system, mainly the stomach lining causing a possible ulcer or more serious side effects!
Here is a breakdown of the Top 4 types of NSAIDs and a Homeopathic approach that works if not better than regular NSAIDs without the possible side effects.
1.Ibuprofen
Brand Name:Advil, motrin
How it works:When injured your body naturally produces enzymes to heal you, which create swelling, causing pain. Ibuprofen inhibits or stops the enzymes production.
Side effects:Prolonged and excessive use can lead to bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
Benefits:Reduces swelling at the site of injury.
2.Acetaminophen
Brand Name:Tylenol
How it works:Exact mechanism in unknown, but believed to inhibit or stop pain by blocking enzymes and prostaglandins synthesis in the central nervous system.
Side effects:Excessive acetaminophen use is the number one cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
Benefits:Does not inhibit production of enzymes in the gastrointestinal system, so safer on your gut.
3.Aspirin
Brand Name:Bayer
How it works:Aspirin works the same way ibuprofen does.
Side effects:Similar gastrointestinal effects as seen with ibuprofen, but because aspirin is derived form acetic acid it can also do minor stomach damage.
Benefits:A proven painkiller for the treatment of arthritis. Thins blood, helping lower the risk of heart disease
4.Naproxen Sodium
Brand Name:Aleve
How it works:The same way ibuprofen and aspirin, but its slower to dissolve, which provides longer relief.
Side effects:ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach or intestines.
Benefits:effective for the treatment of migraines and inflammation.
Also understand this. Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen and Aspirin thin the blood. Do NOT take these meds prior to participating in a high contact sport! If a head injury occurs, the thinning blood COULD lead to complications. The risk is minimal, but there is still a risk that needs to be considered.
At CSI we use several forms of Natural Anti-inflammatory substances. Since most Pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication originate from chemicals found in nature, we have gone to the direct source- Nature. Below, is our answer to fight off the pain of inflammation, but since these products are made with natural, organic ingredients, we have found that they sometime work faster than their pharmaceutical counterparts. There are many products on the market, we have tried most of them and have found these to be consistent with little to no side effects.
Traumeel is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ant-edematous, anti-exudate combination formulation of 12 botanical and 2 mineral substances. This is a topical cream that works great.
1.Traumeel
How it works:helps control the release of oxygen radicals from white blood cells(neutrophils) and stops the release of inflammatory substances.
Benefits:effective for injuries of all kinds, such as: sprains, muscle aches, dislocations, contusions, burns, effusions of blood and effusions into a joint, post operative and post-traumatic edema and swelling of the soft tissues, inflammatory processes and degenerative processes(arthritis), are just a few types of injuries that can treated with traumeel. Traummel is available as a topical ointment, as oral tablets, oral drops, and oral liquid in vials.
Side effects: none, specifically used to treat elderly arthritic patients who cannot tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional NSAIDs or for patients on anticoagulant(blood thinners) medication.
CSI also offers many different homeopathic blends made by a company called Anabolic laboratories, Metagenics, Nutri-West and Standard Process. All of these companies feature a fully licensed, federally registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and state-of-the-art laboratories staffed with PhD scientists and chemist to help produce the highest grade quality of homeopathic supplements to help speed healing in many different musculoskeletal injuries. A few examples of products we carry in the office are:
6.Zymain
How it works:formulated enzymes that breakdown inflammatory proteins. Provides aminoglyco-nutrients for cartilage repair. Also contains vitamin C, manganese and zinc, which aid in biosynthesis of new collagen-depositing tissues and stimulate new cell growth within joints.
Benefits:repair tissue damage by increasing blood flow to, and drainage from, damaged areas to quickly reduce injury inflammation.
Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.
7.Pro-enz:
How it works: contains curcumin, ursolic acid, and bioflavanoids reduce powerful pro-inflammatory enzymes and tissue damaging metalloproteinases.
Benefits:helps reduce pain and inflammation form superficial and deep muscle bruises, tendon, and ligament complaints and injuries.
Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.
The most natural way of fighting of injury and to help speed up the healing process is by eating the right foods. The right fats and oils such as omega 3 essential fatty acids are great inflammation fighters. They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Good sources of protein anti-inflammatory foods are soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. Red meat may trigger inflammation.
Good sources of carbohydrate and fiber anti-inflammatory are whole grains, vegetables and fruits. High fiber diets will reduce inflammation.. Berries, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals are great to reduce inflammation.
If your diet does not get you enough, this is ONE suppliment you NEED to take, we carry, in my opinion, the best source of Omega 3s but Nurti-West.
So, when in need of an over the counter medication to help control either inflammation or pain you will be better educated with the pros and cons of these medications. Also hope you will be open to the many different types of homeopathic blends, such as Traumeel, Anabolic lab products, Nutri-West, Metagenics, Standard Process, and anti-inflammatory foods that are just as effective if not more effective as the common NSAIDs without the possible side effects.
We welcome any comments
Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amature and Professional atheltes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with a lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.
Practicing as a sports Doctor that sees a lot of acute and painful injuries we are approached with many questions as far as what can the patient do at home to help speed up the healing and decrease pain. Probably one of the most frequently asked questions is should I take Advil, Tylenol, or Aleve?
Doctors of Chiropractic are not allowed to prescribe any prescription drugs or be advising on taking any over the counter pain relievers such as the most common NSAIDS, (non steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs), Advil, Tylenol, and Aleve. So, as a consumer and a active person that might be put in a situation to fall back on using NSAIDS lets get educated on what you are putting into your body, and not influenced by the many commercials that bombard us daily. Like an automobile, your body reacts on the "gas" that is put in its engine. You will research the best products to put in your car so the engine runs smoothly, do you research the best products to put in your body?
NSAIDS in general, work by blocking natural chemicals in your body that cause inflammation. But the drawback is that those same chemicals protect your stomach from burning up in its own acid. So, long term use can eventually cause some serious issues with your gastrointestinal system, mainly the stomach lining causing a possible ulcer or more serious side effects!
Here is a breakdown of the Top 4 types of NSAIDs and a Homeopathic approach that works if not better than regular NSAIDs without the possible side effects.
1.Ibuprofen
Brand Name:Advil, motrin
How it works:When injured your body naturally produces enzymes to heal you, which create swelling, causing pain. Ibuprofen inhibits or stops the enzymes production.
Side effects:Prolonged and excessive use can lead to bleeding or perforation of the stomach or intestines.
Benefits:Reduces swelling at the site of injury.
2.Acetaminophen
Brand Name:Tylenol
How it works:Exact mechanism in unknown, but believed to inhibit or stop pain by blocking enzymes and prostaglandins synthesis in the central nervous system.
Side effects:Excessive acetaminophen use is the number one cause of acute liver failure in the United States.
Benefits:Does not inhibit production of enzymes in the gastrointestinal system, so safer on your gut.
3.Aspirin
Brand Name:Bayer
How it works:Aspirin works the same way ibuprofen does.
Side effects:Similar gastrointestinal effects as seen with ibuprofen, but because aspirin is derived form acetic acid it can also do minor stomach damage.
Benefits:A proven painkiller for the treatment of arthritis. Thins blood, helping lower the risk of heart disease
4.Naproxen Sodium
Brand Name:Aleve
How it works:The same way ibuprofen and aspirin, but its slower to dissolve, which provides longer relief.
Side effects:ulcers, bleeding, and perforation of the stomach or intestines.
Benefits:effective for the treatment of migraines and inflammation.
Also understand this. Naproxen (Aleve), Ibuprofen and Aspirin thin the blood. Do NOT take these meds prior to participating in a high contact sport! If a head injury occurs, the thinning blood COULD lead to complications. The risk is minimal, but there is still a risk that needs to be considered.
At CSI we use several forms of Natural Anti-inflammatory substances. Since most Pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory medication originate from chemicals found in nature, we have gone to the direct source- Nature. Below, is our answer to fight off the pain of inflammation, but since these products are made with natural, organic ingredients, we have found that they sometime work faster than their pharmaceutical counterparts. There are many products on the market, we have tried most of them and have found these to be consistent with little to no side effects.
Traumeel is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, ant-edematous, anti-exudate combination formulation of 12 botanical and 2 mineral substances. This is a topical cream that works great.
1.Traumeel
How it works:helps control the release of oxygen radicals from white blood cells(neutrophils) and stops the release of inflammatory substances.
Benefits:effective for injuries of all kinds, such as: sprains, muscle aches, dislocations, contusions, burns, effusions of blood and effusions into a joint, post operative and post-traumatic edema and swelling of the soft tissues, inflammatory processes and degenerative processes(arthritis), are just a few types of injuries that can treated with traumeel. Traummel is available as a topical ointment, as oral tablets, oral drops, and oral liquid in vials.
Side effects: none, specifically used to treat elderly arthritic patients who cannot tolerate the gastrointestinal side effects associated with conventional NSAIDs or for patients on anticoagulant(blood thinners) medication.
CSI also offers many different homeopathic blends made by a company called Anabolic laboratories, Metagenics, Nutri-West and Standard Process. All of these companies feature a fully licensed, federally registered pharmaceutical manufacturing facility and state-of-the-art laboratories staffed with PhD scientists and chemist to help produce the highest grade quality of homeopathic supplements to help speed healing in many different musculoskeletal injuries. A few examples of products we carry in the office are:
6.Zymain
How it works:formulated enzymes that breakdown inflammatory proteins. Provides aminoglyco-nutrients for cartilage repair. Also contains vitamin C, manganese and zinc, which aid in biosynthesis of new collagen-depositing tissues and stimulate new cell growth within joints.
Benefits:repair tissue damage by increasing blood flow to, and drainage from, damaged areas to quickly reduce injury inflammation.
Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.
7.Pro-enz:
How it works: contains curcumin, ursolic acid, and bioflavanoids reduce powerful pro-inflammatory enzymes and tissue damaging metalloproteinases.
Benefits:helps reduce pain and inflammation form superficial and deep muscle bruises, tendon, and ligament complaints and injuries.
Side effects:none, if taken correctly with appropriate dosage.
The most natural way of fighting of injury and to help speed up the healing process is by eating the right foods. The right fats and oils such as omega 3 essential fatty acids are great inflammation fighters. They are found in cold water oily fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Good sources of protein anti-inflammatory foods are soybeans, tofu, and soy milk. Red meat may trigger inflammation.
Good sources of carbohydrate and fiber anti-inflammatory are whole grains, vegetables and fruits. High fiber diets will reduce inflammation.. Berries, especially blueberries and strawberries which are packed with anti-inflammatory phytochemicals are great to reduce inflammation.
If your diet does not get you enough, this is ONE suppliment you NEED to take, we carry, in my opinion, the best source of Omega 3s but Nurti-West.
So, when in need of an over the counter medication to help control either inflammation or pain you will be better educated with the pros and cons of these medications. Also hope you will be open to the many different types of homeopathic blends, such as Traumeel, Anabolic lab products, Nutri-West, Metagenics, Standard Process, and anti-inflammatory foods that are just as effective if not more effective as the common NSAIDs without the possible side effects.
We welcome any comments
Dr. Derek Pelofsky is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Chiropractic Sports Institute where he has his private practice caring for both Amature and Professional atheltes. He has completed extensive post-graduate training in the field of Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition. Along with a lustrious career as a College Baseball player, Dr. Derek lives and breaths athletics.
Monday, August 4, 2008
Back to School, a pain in the neck (literally)
As our kids return to school we need to be aware of a new trend that has been gaining “popularity” in the last few years, an increase in neck and back pain. With more and more school districts removing lockers, increase in homework and textbooks and the disallowance of roll along backpacks, students are being forced to carry their books in their backpacks all day long. Not only will this potentially cause a painful problem, but if one already exists, it can exacerbate it. This new and disturbing trend shows America’s youth are suffering from back pain much earlier than previous generations and the use of overweight backpacks is a contributing factor. The new trend among youngsters isn’t surprising when you consider the disproportionate amounts of weight they carry in their backpacks – usually slung over just one shoulder.
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Preliminary results of a study being done in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. Like with any problem, it needs to be recognized and addressed if change is to take place to correct the situation. If your child begins to feel pain in his neck or back, consult your Chiropractor, Physician or therapist immediately before the condition worsens.
A few basic guidelines should be followed to insure proper fit and address spinal health and biomechanical stability.
· Limiting the backpack’s weight to 10% of the child’s body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are essential.
· The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
· A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively.
· Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.
· Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
· Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.
· Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
· The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
· If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks. Or encourage your local school district to purchase textbooks on CD-Rom.
· Although the use of rollerpacks, or backpacks on wheels, has become popular in recent years, it is recommended that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack.
· Encourage your child to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.
By following these simple guidelines you may help your child get more out of school than an aching back.
.
Preliminary results of a study being done in France show that the longer a child wears a backpack, the longer it takes for a curvature or deformity of the spine to correct itself. Like with any problem, it needs to be recognized and addressed if change is to take place to correct the situation. If your child begins to feel pain in his neck or back, consult your Chiropractor, Physician or therapist immediately before the condition worsens.
A few basic guidelines should be followed to insure proper fit and address spinal health and biomechanical stability.
· Limiting the backpack’s weight to 10% of the child’s body weight and urging the use of ergonomically correct backpacks are essential.
· The backpack should never hang more than 4 inches below the waistline. A backpack that hangs too low increases the weight on the shoulders, causing your child to lean forward when walking.
· A backpack with individualized compartments helps in positioning the contents most effectively.
· Make sure that pointy or bulky objects are packed away from the area that will rest on your child’s back.
· Bigger is not necessarily better. The more room there is in a backpack, the more your child will carry and the heavier the backpack will be.
· Urge your child to wear both shoulder straps. Lugging the backpack around by one strap can cause the disproportionate shift of weight to one side, leading to neck and muscle spasms, as well as low back pain.
· Wide, padded straps are very important. Non-padded straps are uncomfortable, and can dig into your child’s shoulders.
· The shoulder straps should be adjustable so the backpack can be fitted to your child’s body. Straps that are too loose can cause the backpack to dangle uncomfortably and cause spinal misalignment and pain.
· If the backpack is still too heavy, talk to your child’s teacher. Ask if your child could leave the heaviest books at school, and bring home only lighter hand-out materials or workbooks. Or encourage your local school district to purchase textbooks on CD-Rom.
· Although the use of rollerpacks, or backpacks on wheels, has become popular in recent years, it is recommended that they be used cautiously and on a limited basis by only those students who are not physically able to carry a backpack.
· Encourage your child to exercise and strengthen the muscles of the back and neck.
By following these simple guidelines you may help your child get more out of school than an aching back.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Drug use in Sports
Its been awhile since I have sat down and “blogged” or rambled but today I could not help it. In the past two weeks I have been approached by top athletes in two different sports asking me how to “beat a drug test” or “how long does it take for certain drugs to leave the system so I know when to stop before my drug test”. This is not the first time I have been asked these questions, in fact, I have been asked these questions for almost as long as I have been a Sports Doctor involved in high level sports.
Bare with me in my rambles and believe me, in time I will get to my point (if your still awake and with me). My first question back to these athletes is “what is the price you are willing to pay and how do you want to be remembered?” Cheaters NEVER win in the long haul. Look at Pete Rose, one of the greatest MLB players of all time yet he is remembered more for is gambling conviction, Dennis Rodman, one of the greatest defensive players Basketball has ever seen yet he is remembered for his off court antics and his lack of professionalism, Roger Clemens, one of the best pitchers the league has ever seen, yet now, you know him only as a cheater, Barry Bonds- need I say more. The list goes on and on from cycling to track and field and everything in between. Athletes who worked their entire life to get on the podium of greatness only to be remembered more for their mistakes in judgment or willingness to sell themselves for the short term goal and not thinking of the long term consequences.
It’s sad really that society puts so much pressure on “greatness” yet will shoot you down and bury you if you take a short cut. With a son in sports I have begun to drill into him that hard work, and taking the high road will always lead to “self satisfaction and greatness” and taking the quick path will only leave you with a temporary high and a life of regret.
Part of the problem is the athletes themselves can be so easily persuaded. They can be fierce on the field but weak with peer pressure. You hang around sports long enough and you will hear, “you want to go faster, take this” “You hurt and want to keep going, take this”, “you want to heal faster so you can compete, take this”. Its amazing that with all the info out there on the long term affects of drug abuse or performance enhancing drugs that athletes will still take the risk because they feel that “that happens to other guys, but not me” and they are willing to risk the unknown future for the immediate present. Put that question to Roger Clemens or Floyd Landis now.
I read a study when I first got out of school that back in the 80s they told NFL players that by signing the contract to become a Pro Football player that their life expectancy would drop to the mid 50’s due to the abuse and drugs they would have to take, and yet everyone still signed the contracts. They stated that “living the dream and ‘15 minutes of fame’ was worth it”. Ask Lyle Alzaedo if he still ageed before he died. He didn’t and spent his remaining years talking about his regrets. Not a great way to die and not how I want to be remembered.
Sure, Drugs can help you with pain control, or perform super human feats but how satisfying are those feats when you did not do it under your own God given power. I hear all the time, “everyone else is doing it”. Yep, you maybe right, but at what point do you become a leader and say “yes but I am not”. You have heard the saying “if everyone jumped off a bridge without a paracute would you still do it”. Are we herds of cattle that follow our packs like robots or are we true humans with personal thoughts? Why can’t an athlete be remembered for his greatness on and off the field, for his hard work, dedication and ethics? I love sports, I was never at the top of the game but that did not change my views on how much love I got out of competition. I am asked at times why I climb high mountains and my answer is also the best explanation I can give to athletes who question whether or not they should take drugs. “It’s not reaching the summit that give me my high, it’s the journey that takes me there that does”.
In closing, when dealing with your kids, fellow athletes or your friends, ask them who their true heroes are? Are they the athletes out there taking the drugs and cheating to win, OR are they their parents, teachers, mentors and or true friends who love them whether or not they are famous. Cheating never gets you anywhere in the long run and it will always leave you with regret and emptiness. Hard work and passion will always win in the end.
If you want to learn more about the abuse of drugs in sports you can start with these links and go from there:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2004-09-09-ten-changes-drugs-testing_x.htm
http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/steroids.htm
Drugs and illegal performance enhancers have been around since the dawn of time and are not going away. It’s your choice which road you want to go down and which road you ultimately want to be remembered for. Be a leader and choose the less traveled road of truth, ethics, hard work and self satisfaction and you will enjoy a full and amazing life beyond your wildest dreams.
Comments are welcomed,
Dr. Terry
Bare with me in my rambles and believe me, in time I will get to my point (if your still awake and with me). My first question back to these athletes is “what is the price you are willing to pay and how do you want to be remembered?” Cheaters NEVER win in the long haul. Look at Pete Rose, one of the greatest MLB players of all time yet he is remembered more for is gambling conviction, Dennis Rodman, one of the greatest defensive players Basketball has ever seen yet he is remembered for his off court antics and his lack of professionalism, Roger Clemens, one of the best pitchers the league has ever seen, yet now, you know him only as a cheater, Barry Bonds- need I say more. The list goes on and on from cycling to track and field and everything in between. Athletes who worked their entire life to get on the podium of greatness only to be remembered more for their mistakes in judgment or willingness to sell themselves for the short term goal and not thinking of the long term consequences.
It’s sad really that society puts so much pressure on “greatness” yet will shoot you down and bury you if you take a short cut. With a son in sports I have begun to drill into him that hard work, and taking the high road will always lead to “self satisfaction and greatness” and taking the quick path will only leave you with a temporary high and a life of regret.
Part of the problem is the athletes themselves can be so easily persuaded. They can be fierce on the field but weak with peer pressure. You hang around sports long enough and you will hear, “you want to go faster, take this” “You hurt and want to keep going, take this”, “you want to heal faster so you can compete, take this”. Its amazing that with all the info out there on the long term affects of drug abuse or performance enhancing drugs that athletes will still take the risk because they feel that “that happens to other guys, but not me” and they are willing to risk the unknown future for the immediate present. Put that question to Roger Clemens or Floyd Landis now.
I read a study when I first got out of school that back in the 80s they told NFL players that by signing the contract to become a Pro Football player that their life expectancy would drop to the mid 50’s due to the abuse and drugs they would have to take, and yet everyone still signed the contracts. They stated that “living the dream and ‘15 minutes of fame’ was worth it”. Ask Lyle Alzaedo if he still ageed before he died. He didn’t and spent his remaining years talking about his regrets. Not a great way to die and not how I want to be remembered.
Sure, Drugs can help you with pain control, or perform super human feats but how satisfying are those feats when you did not do it under your own God given power. I hear all the time, “everyone else is doing it”. Yep, you maybe right, but at what point do you become a leader and say “yes but I am not”. You have heard the saying “if everyone jumped off a bridge without a paracute would you still do it”. Are we herds of cattle that follow our packs like robots or are we true humans with personal thoughts? Why can’t an athlete be remembered for his greatness on and off the field, for his hard work, dedication and ethics? I love sports, I was never at the top of the game but that did not change my views on how much love I got out of competition. I am asked at times why I climb high mountains and my answer is also the best explanation I can give to athletes who question whether or not they should take drugs. “It’s not reaching the summit that give me my high, it’s the journey that takes me there that does”.
In closing, when dealing with your kids, fellow athletes or your friends, ask them who their true heroes are? Are they the athletes out there taking the drugs and cheating to win, OR are they their parents, teachers, mentors and or true friends who love them whether or not they are famous. Cheating never gets you anywhere in the long run and it will always leave you with regret and emptiness. Hard work and passion will always win in the end.
If you want to learn more about the abuse of drugs in sports you can start with these links and go from there:
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/2004-09-09-ten-changes-drugs-testing_x.htm
http://www.gdcada.org/statistics/steroids.htm
Drugs and illegal performance enhancers have been around since the dawn of time and are not going away. It’s your choice which road you want to go down and which road you ultimately want to be remembered for. Be a leader and choose the less traveled road of truth, ethics, hard work and self satisfaction and you will enjoy a full and amazing life beyond your wildest dreams.
Comments are welcomed,
Dr. Terry
Monday, February 25, 2008
So this is the New Year
So this is the New Year
Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…
Cue the champagne, the fireworks, the midnight kiss, the confetti, the banging, clanging noise makers, the cheers and well wishes for a new year – twelve months stretched out before us, filled to the brim with endless possibility.
How will we remember 2008? Will it be remarkable? Will it leave a mark on the pages of history? Or will it pass us by quietly? Just another moment in time that will eventually fade from our memories?
Not a single one of us can tell. Standing at the edge of a new year – we cannot see what lies before us – we cannot tell what the future holds.
It’s exciting and thrilling and absolutely terrifying.
Because life is unpredictable. As much as we attempt to plan and schedule - filling the lines in our calendars and BlackBerrys with appointments and practices and meetings and recitals and games and on and on and on – life happens. Time and space and God and the great expanse of the universe do not account for our plans.
Life is filled to the brim with starts and stops and ups and downs and backwards and forwards and insides and outs and all things random and chaotic and contradictory.
There are moments of complete and utter bliss, mountain-top moments that fill our hearts, our minds, our bodies with this overwhelming joy and laughter and contentment. Moments when the sun is shining and the birds are singing and it’s all one big cliché but absolutely nothing, nothing can go wrong.
But then things do go wrong. And there are tears. And heartbreaks. And death and suffering and pain and misunderstanding and ignorance. Moments of total and absolute tragedy and loss and humiliation and loneliness.
All these heartaches and joys leap-frog each other, dance around each other, mix and meld into each other until life is this great, big, jumbled mess. It's strange and awkward and entirely beyond human understanding.
We search for answers. For the why and the how and the what. Constantly questioning and pondering and wondering the meaning of all of this – this strange thing we call “life”. And oh so rarely do we actually find the answers we seek. More often than not it seems that we are left empty handed – even more befuddled about this mixed up, crazy world.
But you know what? Maybe that’s okay. Maybe – as we are all in the midst of our own little grail quest – the search for the meaning of life – the actual finding isn’t the important part. It’s the quest itself. The journey. The people we meet. The questions we ask. The adventures and mishaps along the way that make it all worth the travels.
Life is not just a beginning or an ending. It’s an entire story. My story. Your story. Our story. Each full of tragedy and comedy and romance and unexplained mysteries - hundreds of chapters and countless characters. Pages and pages ahead of us unwritten.
And so, at the beginning of this new year, I wish you all safe and happy travels through the next twelve months, through all of life. May your story be wonderfully unpredictable.
Come what may.
Always,
Shannon
Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…
Cue the champagne, the fireworks, the midnight kiss, the confetti, the banging, clanging noise makers, the cheers and well wishes for a new year – twelve months stretched out before us, filled to the brim with endless possibility.
How will we remember 2008? Will it be remarkable? Will it leave a mark on the pages of history? Or will it pass us by quietly? Just another moment in time that will eventually fade from our memories?
Not a single one of us can tell. Standing at the edge of a new year – we cannot see what lies before us – we cannot tell what the future holds.
It’s exciting and thrilling and absolutely terrifying.
Because life is unpredictable. As much as we attempt to plan and schedule - filling the lines in our calendars and BlackBerrys with appointments and practices and meetings and recitals and games and on and on and on – life happens. Time and space and God and the great expanse of the universe do not account for our plans.
Life is filled to the brim with starts and stops and ups and downs and backwards and forwards and insides and outs and all things random and chaotic and contradictory.
There are moments of complete and utter bliss, mountain-top moments that fill our hearts, our minds, our bodies with this overwhelming joy and laughter and contentment. Moments when the sun is shining and the birds are singing and it’s all one big cliché but absolutely nothing, nothing can go wrong.
But then things do go wrong. And there are tears. And heartbreaks. And death and suffering and pain and misunderstanding and ignorance. Moments of total and absolute tragedy and loss and humiliation and loneliness.
All these heartaches and joys leap-frog each other, dance around each other, mix and meld into each other until life is this great, big, jumbled mess. It's strange and awkward and entirely beyond human understanding.
We search for answers. For the why and the how and the what. Constantly questioning and pondering and wondering the meaning of all of this – this strange thing we call “life”. And oh so rarely do we actually find the answers we seek. More often than not it seems that we are left empty handed – even more befuddled about this mixed up, crazy world.
But you know what? Maybe that’s okay. Maybe – as we are all in the midst of our own little grail quest – the search for the meaning of life – the actual finding isn’t the important part. It’s the quest itself. The journey. The people we meet. The questions we ask. The adventures and mishaps along the way that make it all worth the travels.
Life is not just a beginning or an ending. It’s an entire story. My story. Your story. Our story. Each full of tragedy and comedy and romance and unexplained mysteries - hundreds of chapters and countless characters. Pages and pages ahead of us unwritten.
And so, at the beginning of this new year, I wish you all safe and happy travels through the next twelve months, through all of life. May your story be wonderfully unpredictable.
Come what may.
Always,
Shannon
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