By: Dr.Terry Weyman
Chiropractic is the fastest growing healing profession in the world today. Since Chiropractic is the branch of the healing arts that deals with structure and function, many athletes (both professional and amateur) have found great relief through Chiropractic health care. However, it is still overlooked as a tool for maintaining health and achieving maximum output for your athletic event.
In order to understand how Chiropractic can enhance your athletic potential, as well as your overall health, it is important to understand more about how Chiropractic works, and clear up a myths that you may have heard.
The spinal column is made up of 24 movable bones called vertebra that function together during movement. The most important function of the vertebra is to protect the spinal cord. The spinal cord is the body’s “switch board”. Just as the trunk and branches of a tree transfer nutrients to the leaves, the spinal cord transfers nerve impulses, through the neurological network, to all parts of the body. If we look at our lives from the time that we are born until the time we die, the body is in constant motion, even when we are at rest. The cells of our body are constantly dying and being replaced by new, health cells. Two and a half million of them will die and be replaced every minute of your life. This is a normal process. Health can be defined as the ability of the body to replace the cells and tissue structures normally and on a consistent basis. This will work properly as long as there is no interference between the brain (central computer) and the tissue cells. Research out of Colorado State University states “the amount of pressure on a nerve at a compressive force of a quarter on the back of your hand, 2 mm of mercury, can result in a loss of up to 60% nerve function”. The Doctor of Chiropractic calls this interference a Vertebral Subluxation or intersegmental dysfunction.
What is a Vertebral Subluxation/Intersegmental Dysfunction? A “subluxation” is a vertebra (back bone) that is not biomechanically aligned with the vertebra above and below which can result in abnormal pressure on the exiting nerve root. This pressure on the nerve root can cause an interference of the brains impulses to the tissue cells. This interference can result in abnormal cell production down the line leading to Pain/symptoms. This interference can also lead to the initiation of a Dies-ease process. As the study showed, this small amount of pressure can “dim” the affects of the nervous system. This “dimmed” nerve can cause a lack of maximum output, which can alter the performance of the muscles or organs, which the nerve supplies. A specific Chiropractic adjustment of the involved vertebra is the most effective way in correcting a Vertebral Subluxation and restoring nerve flow back to the cells.
Most people let pain guide their health care regiment. What they don’t know is the subluxation may or may not involve pain. Pain is you body’s alarm system and only enters the picture when at least 50 percent of damage has taken place if it enters the picture at all- (some organs do not have pain sensory fibers at all) As a society, we’ve been indoctrinated into thinking that pain is bad, when in reality its our body’s alarm system to prevent us from further injuring ourselves. Careless use of drugs in the form of pills, anti-inflammatories and other medications can mask the pain allowing the athlete to continue the activity that caused the damage in the first place. If your car’s oil light came on would you cut the wire so the light went out and the say, “Good now my car isn’t low on oil anymore.” If you had this attitude, eventually your car would seize and fall apart. The same thing happens to your body if you keep ignoring or masking the pain. This is why a lot of athletes develop chronic injuries.
In athletics, and life for that matter, there is a tremendous amount of stress placed on the musculoskeletal structure. Since out body is a Biomechanical Kinetic Chain (hip bone connected to the thigh bone), when one area is injured it can affect the entire structure. Any imbalance, can cause pain, weakness, lack of function and overall a decrease in your maximum output. If the imbalance isn’t corrected and you cover up the symptoms your body is sending you, over time, this will lead to degeneration and an early retirement form your sport. Many athletes both professional and amateur use Sports Chiropractors as a form of body mechanics maintenance.
By correcting the biomechanical misalignments and allowing the body’s nervous system to function at its maximum, you too can achieve results that are often unbelievable. People are constantly underestimating the body’s healing capacity.
Dr. Terry Weyman has been caring for top level athletes for over 20 years. He is the owner of Chiropractic Sports Institute. For more info check him out at www.gotcsi.com
Friday, December 31, 2010
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Getting ready for the slopes the right way!!!
By: Dr. Amir Mahmud
With the upcoming snow season around the corner many of us are getting ready to hit the slopes. We are buying the newest boards, bindings and snow gear to help us perform better. But the one thing we usually don’t think about is that a healthy body can significantly contribute to enhanced performance. Here are a few tips on how to get ready for the slopes and what to do in order to prevent injuries.
• Warm up/stretch prior to hitting the slopes:
o Like any other sporting event it is a good idea to warm up and stretch to
Getting ready for the slopes the right way!!!
o Warming up and stretching increases your flexibility, which can help prevent sprains/strains and as a result improve your performance.
• Get on a strength program:
o In order to avoid low back injuries associated with twisting and jumping it is essential to have a strong core for stability.
o Strengthening the knee is also crucial for winter sports. Your knee acts as a hinge in between your hips and ankle. With the ankles strapped into your boots a lot of the pressure is going to be put on the knees. As a result knee injuries are very common in snowboarding and skiing.. In order to prevent knee injuries you want to strengthen your quads, calf’s and hamstrings. Simple exercises such as calf raises, wall squats, lunges and hamstring curls work great for knee stability.
• Wear a helmet:
o This is going to be very crucial when it comes to injury prevention. No matter if you are playing a contact sport like football or a non contact sport such as snowboarding or skiing wearing a helmet can prevent catastrophic brain injuries and save lives.
• Get adjusted:
o You might ask why do I need to be adjusted? Adjustments help normalize the body’s biomechanics, restore abnormal function, and increase muscle strength. As a result you will have increased range of motion, which will enhance your ride.
Hope these tips have helped you. If you have any specific questions in regards to strength programs or specific injuries feel free to drop us a line and we will get back to you. Have fun out there and be safe.
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He can be reached at (805) 371-0737. www.gotcsi.com
With the upcoming snow season around the corner many of us are getting ready to hit the slopes. We are buying the newest boards, bindings and snow gear to help us perform better. But the one thing we usually don’t think about is that a healthy body can significantly contribute to enhanced performance. Here are a few tips on how to get ready for the slopes and what to do in order to prevent injuries.
• Warm up/stretch prior to hitting the slopes:
o Like any other sporting event it is a good idea to warm up and stretch to
Getting ready for the slopes the right way!!!
o Warming up and stretching increases your flexibility, which can help prevent sprains/strains and as a result improve your performance.
• Get on a strength program:
o In order to avoid low back injuries associated with twisting and jumping it is essential to have a strong core for stability.
o Strengthening the knee is also crucial for winter sports. Your knee acts as a hinge in between your hips and ankle. With the ankles strapped into your boots a lot of the pressure is going to be put on the knees. As a result knee injuries are very common in snowboarding and skiing.. In order to prevent knee injuries you want to strengthen your quads, calf’s and hamstrings. Simple exercises such as calf raises, wall squats, lunges and hamstring curls work great for knee stability.
• Wear a helmet:
o This is going to be very crucial when it comes to injury prevention. No matter if you are playing a contact sport like football or a non contact sport such as snowboarding or skiing wearing a helmet can prevent catastrophic brain injuries and save lives.
• Get adjusted:
o You might ask why do I need to be adjusted? Adjustments help normalize the body’s biomechanics, restore abnormal function, and increase muscle strength. As a result you will have increased range of motion, which will enhance your ride.
Hope these tips have helped you. If you have any specific questions in regards to strength programs or specific injuries feel free to drop us a line and we will get back to you. Have fun out there and be safe.
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He can be reached at (805) 371-0737. www.gotcsi.com
Monday, November 15, 2010
Cyclists and Mountain bikers, use your heads, wear a helmet!
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
While riding along the trails surrounding sycamore canyon in Newbury Park, Ca, I was shocked at how many riders do not wear their helmets! I applaud people for climbing on their bikes, both new and old, and forging out to “feel the burn”. Just don’t forget the most important piece of cycling equipment, a helmet. The excuses that riders come up with shock me, from “its too hot” to “I’m not going that fast or far”. I don’t remember leaving my house saying, “I better wear my helmet since I plan on having an accident today”. What is worse is when I see the parent of a helmet wearing child without their helmet. The example we are setting is what, when you grow up your brain goes to mush so its not worth protecting?
A Cycling helmet is more than a fashion accessory, it is as important as the bike you are sitting on. According to the U.S. emergency room stats there are 600,000 cycling injuries a year with 1,000 of these leading to death. Head injuries lead the list of injuries and account for the most serious injuries and causes of death. As a Sports Doctor and an ex bike racer, I have seen serious head injuries from falls where the rider was going less than 5 mph. The hills surrounding Ventura County attract all forms of cycling enthusiasts from Moms and Pops out for a Sunday Cruise to advanced racers training for the next race. With this diversity comes a wide range of skill levels. The trails themselves have so many “blind curves” and ever changing terrain that even the most skilled rider must pay attention if he/she wants to stay upright. Head on collisions, getting caught in a tricky rut, a stick jumping up and going in your front wheel,or simply loosing control sliding around a corner, without a helmet your brain does not have a chance. If you’re too lazy to don a helmet for a cruise to the beach, think of the other rider who may not see you and comes tearing around a blind turn and takes you out. What thoughts will be going through your head while you lay in a hospital bed wondering if you will ever be able to feed yourself again. Folks, invest in a good helmet, set an example to your kids and remember, you only have one head!
Dr. Terry has been involved with high level cycling his entire 20+ year career. For more infomation visit our website at www.gotcsi.com
While riding along the trails surrounding sycamore canyon in Newbury Park, Ca, I was shocked at how many riders do not wear their helmets! I applaud people for climbing on their bikes, both new and old, and forging out to “feel the burn”. Just don’t forget the most important piece of cycling equipment, a helmet. The excuses that riders come up with shock me, from “its too hot” to “I’m not going that fast or far”. I don’t remember leaving my house saying, “I better wear my helmet since I plan on having an accident today”. What is worse is when I see the parent of a helmet wearing child without their helmet. The example we are setting is what, when you grow up your brain goes to mush so its not worth protecting?
A Cycling helmet is more than a fashion accessory, it is as important as the bike you are sitting on. According to the U.S. emergency room stats there are 600,000 cycling injuries a year with 1,000 of these leading to death. Head injuries lead the list of injuries and account for the most serious injuries and causes of death. As a Sports Doctor and an ex bike racer, I have seen serious head injuries from falls where the rider was going less than 5 mph. The hills surrounding Ventura County attract all forms of cycling enthusiasts from Moms and Pops out for a Sunday Cruise to advanced racers training for the next race. With this diversity comes a wide range of skill levels. The trails themselves have so many “blind curves” and ever changing terrain that even the most skilled rider must pay attention if he/she wants to stay upright. Head on collisions, getting caught in a tricky rut, a stick jumping up and going in your front wheel,or simply loosing control sliding around a corner, without a helmet your brain does not have a chance. If you’re too lazy to don a helmet for a cruise to the beach, think of the other rider who may not see you and comes tearing around a blind turn and takes you out. What thoughts will be going through your head while you lay in a hospital bed wondering if you will ever be able to feed yourself again. Folks, invest in a good helmet, set an example to your kids and remember, you only have one head!
Dr. Terry has been involved with high level cycling his entire 20+ year career. For more infomation visit our website at www.gotcsi.com
Monday, October 25, 2010
Time to Laugh!
By: Dr. Ed Green
I wanted to do something different for this blog since all other blogs have been about health care and chiropractic. So I thought everyone needs a break for the stress of life and found some really stupid jokes to add some smiles to those who read the blog. Figure, what a great way to start the week, with a smile!
TIME TO LAUGH
Todays BLOG is not really a blog but a time to take a deep breath read some ridiculous jokes and smile and laugh. All of us are hard working and need a good laugh, plus laughing burns calories. So enjoy the jokes and smile today.
A young boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his customer, “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.” The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, “Which do you want, son?” The boy takes the quarters and leaves. “What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns!” Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over!”
Three guys, stranded on a desert island, find a magic lantern containing a genie, who grants them each one wish. The first guy wishes he was off the island and back home. The second guy wishes the same. The third guy says "I’m lonely. I wish my friends were back here."
1. Two blondes walk into a building........ .. you'd think at least
one of them would have seen it
2. Phone answering machine message - "...If you want to buy
marijuana, press the hash key..."
3. A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Clingfilm for shorts.
The shrink says, "Well, I can clearly see you're nuts."
4. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I
couldn't find any.
5. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he
couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, "No, the steaks
are too high."
6. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him
in.
7. A man came round in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted,
"Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied "I know you
can't, I've cut your arms off".
8. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a muscle.
9. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. They lit a fire in the
craft, it sank, proving once and for all that you can't have your
kayak and heat it too.
10. Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered
with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself.
11. Man goes to the doctor, with a strawberry growing out of his
head. Doc says "I'll give you some cream to put on it."
12. 'Doc I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home'. "That
sounds like Tom Jones syndrome." 'Is it common?' "It's not unusual."
13. A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet. "My dog is cross-eyed, is
there anything you can do for him?" "Well," said the vet, "let's have
a look at him". So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he
checks his teeth. Finally, the vet says, "I'm going to have to put
him down." "What? Because he's cross-eyed?"
"No, because he's really heavy".
14. Guy goes into the doctor's. "Doc, I've got a cricket ball stuck
up my backside." "...How's that?"
"Don't you start." (someone please explain this one to me lol!)
15. Two elephants walk off a cliff...boom, boom!
16. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.
What do you call a deer with no eyes? No idea.
17. So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me "Can you
give me a lift?" I said "Sure. You look great ... the world's your
oyster ... go for it."
18. Apparently, 1 in 5 people in the world are Chinese. There are 5
people in my family, so it must be one of them. It's either my mum or
my Dad, or my older Brother Colin, or my younger Brother Ho-Cha-Chu?
But I think its Colin.
19. Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other "Your round." The
other one says "So are you, you fat bast**d!"
20. Police arrested two kids yesterday; one was drinking battery
acid, and the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let
the other one off.
21. "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving
today." They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking
Fine.' "So that was nice of them."
22. A man walked into the doctors, he said, "I've hurt my arm in
several places". The doctor said, "Well don't go there anymore".
"Doctor, doctor when I bend my arm like this it hurts." "Well don't
do it!"
23. Ireland's worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a
small two-seater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search
and rescue workers have recovered 1826 bodies so far and expect that
number to climb as digging continues into the night.
Dr. Ed Green is the clinic Director at CSI Moorpark. He will make you laugh while he fixes your sports or life related injuries and can assist you in any health related topics. Call or stop by the office, www.gotcsi.com
I wanted to do something different for this blog since all other blogs have been about health care and chiropractic. So I thought everyone needs a break for the stress of life and found some really stupid jokes to add some smiles to those who read the blog. Figure, what a great way to start the week, with a smile!
TIME TO LAUGH
Todays BLOG is not really a blog but a time to take a deep breath read some ridiculous jokes and smile and laugh. All of us are hard working and need a good laugh, plus laughing burns calories. So enjoy the jokes and smile today.
A young boy enters a barber shop and the barber whispers to his customer, “This is the dumbest kid in the world. Watch while I prove it to you.” The barber puts a dollar bill in one hand and two quarters in the other, then calls the boy over and asks, “Which do you want, son?” The boy takes the quarters and leaves. “What did I tell you?” said the barber. “That kid never learns!” Later, when the customer leaves, he sees the same young boy coming out of the ice cream store. “Hey, son! May I ask you a question? Why did you take the quarters instead of the dollar bill?” The boy licked his cone and replied, “Because the day I take the dollar, the game is over!”
Three guys, stranded on a desert island, find a magic lantern containing a genie, who grants them each one wish. The first guy wishes he was off the island and back home. The second guy wishes the same. The third guy says "I’m lonely. I wish my friends were back here."
1. Two blondes walk into a building........ .. you'd think at least
one of them would have seen it
2. Phone answering machine message - "...If you want to buy
marijuana, press the hash key..."
3. A guy walks into the psychiatrist wearing only Clingfilm for shorts.
The shrink says, "Well, I can clearly see you're nuts."
4. I went to buy some camouflage trousers the other day but I
couldn't find any.
5. I went to the butchers the other day and I bet him 50 quid that he
couldn't reach the meat off the top shelf. He said, "No, the steaks
are too high."
6. My friend drowned in a bowl of muesli. A strong currant pulled him
in.
7. A man came round in hospital after a serious accident. He shouted,
"Doctor, doctor, I can't feel my legs!" The doctor replied "I know you
can't, I've cut your arms off".
8. I went to a seafood disco last week...and pulled a muscle.
9. Two Eskimos sitting in a kayak were chilly. They lit a fire in the
craft, it sank, proving once and for all that you can't have your
kayak and heat it too.
10. Our ice cream man was found lying on the floor of his van covered
with hundreds and thousands. Police say that he topped himself.
11. Man goes to the doctor, with a strawberry growing out of his
head. Doc says "I'll give you some cream to put on it."
12. 'Doc I can't stop singing The Green, Green Grass of Home'. "That
sounds like Tom Jones syndrome." 'Is it common?' "It's not unusual."
13. A man takes his Rottweiler to the vet. "My dog is cross-eyed, is
there anything you can do for him?" "Well," said the vet, "let's have
a look at him". So he picks the dog up and examines his eyes, then he
checks his teeth. Finally, the vet says, "I'm going to have to put
him down." "What? Because he's cross-eyed?"
"No, because he's really heavy".
14. Guy goes into the doctor's. "Doc, I've got a cricket ball stuck
up my backside." "...How's that?"
"Don't you start." (someone please explain this one to me lol!)
15. Two elephants walk off a cliff...boom, boom!
16. What do you call a fish with no eyes? A fsh.
What do you call a deer with no eyes? No idea.
17. So I was getting into my car, and this bloke says to me "Can you
give me a lift?" I said "Sure. You look great ... the world's your
oyster ... go for it."
18. Apparently, 1 in 5 people in the world are Chinese. There are 5
people in my family, so it must be one of them. It's either my mum or
my Dad, or my older Brother Colin, or my younger Brother Ho-Cha-Chu?
But I think its Colin.
19. Two fat blokes in a pub, one says to the other "Your round." The
other one says "So are you, you fat bast**d!"
20. Police arrested two kids yesterday; one was drinking battery
acid, and the other was eating fireworks. They charged one and let
the other one off.
21. "You know, somebody actually complimented me on my driving
today." They left a little note on the windscreen. It said, 'Parking
Fine.' "So that was nice of them."
22. A man walked into the doctors, he said, "I've hurt my arm in
several places". The doctor said, "Well don't go there anymore".
"Doctor, doctor when I bend my arm like this it hurts." "Well don't
do it!"
23. Ireland's worst air disaster occurred early this morning when a
small two-seater Cessna plane crashed into a cemetery. Irish search
and rescue workers have recovered 1826 bodies so far and expect that
number to climb as digging continues into the night.
Dr. Ed Green is the clinic Director at CSI Moorpark. He will make you laugh while he fixes your sports or life related injuries and can assist you in any health related topics. Call or stop by the office, www.gotcsi.com
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Help us Help a Child in need
What would you do if you found out your child had Cancer? THEN, after you thought you had done everything and your child was in the clear, 8 months later, it comes back with a vengence! I honestly don't know what I would do. Right now, there is a local family who is going through this ordeal. Cycling guru, Roy Knickman... (Olympics, Tour de France, Team 7-11) has a teenage son (ANDREAS KNICKMAN) who was a promising athlete until he got the diagnosis of cancer. Now, he is climbing a hill harder than his dad has ever climbed. To date, Andreas has been at the hospital 24 days straight and is fighting for his life. Being a father, I can't imagine what I would do if this was happening to me and my family. Roy is an amazing man and has an amazing family. They need our help. I know times are tough but here is what I am going to do to help them. On Tue, Nov 2 from 7-12 noon, CSI is donating all the proceeds of our day to help with the Knickmans everyday medical expenses. ALL that attend get two things. You get to feel better and help a family in need. I will NOT be billing insurance that day and collecting only cash donations at a MINIMUM of $40 per treatment. For you cyclists doing the Mike Nosco Memorial ride the following day, this is a great way to get your body ready for the event. For those who have not been adjusted in a while, now you can come and get taken care of and help Andreas. If you have been wanting to see a Sports Chiropractor but needed a good reason, well now you can come. Dr. Terry, Dr. Amir and Dr. Ed will be helping you get better, and by helping you, your dollars will help the Knickman family. If you can't make this day, yet you want to help out, you can drop off a check or cash to our office addressed to Andreas Knickman. Make checks to "Local 4148" (This is Roy's fire departments association number) and put in the memo line - Andreas Knickman fundraiser. Tax ID# is 91-2167551. Thank you!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
The shoeless runner!!!
By: Dr. Amir Mahmud
A patient recently asked me “Is it ok to run barefoot?” My response to her was “yes and no”. It is ok to run barefoot if that is how you have walked and ran for most of your life. In parts of the world people do not have access to shoes and therefore walk barefoot all day long. In these cases their central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and bodies have adapted to the altered gait, therefore not relying on an arch support or cushioning of the shoes. On the other hand in most developed countries as soon as we can walk we are put into shoes. From the first steps that we take our brain receives signals to rely on an artificial arch support. As we start to adapt to those signals and our bodies develop we become accustomed to a certain type of gait. So what do you think will happen if you suddenly decide to take off your shoes and run barefoot OR if you put that person who has walked all his life barefoot into a pair of shoes? What happens is that you start to alter your gait - over pronate/supinate, cause abnormal stress in your foot, ankle, knees, hips, low back and all the way up the spine. As a result of this abnormal stress up the kinetic chain you are more prone to injuries that you have never had before. Injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprain, meniscus injuries and back pain are just a few to name. Having said all this, I am not stating that you can’t run barefooted. I am stating that in order to avoid injuries, you need the proper training to adapt to your new biomechanics. This training WILL take quit a long time and wont happen over night. So if you do decide to start running barefooted, be prepared for some aches and pains. And remember, “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
If you have any questions, would like your biomechanics/injuries evaluated, or would like an overall assessment stop by our office and we will gladly help you!!!
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He can be reached at (805) 371-0737. www.gotcsi.com
A patient recently asked me “Is it ok to run barefoot?” My response to her was “yes and no”. It is ok to run barefoot if that is how you have walked and ran for most of your life. In parts of the world people do not have access to shoes and therefore walk barefoot all day long. In these cases their central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and bodies have adapted to the altered gait, therefore not relying on an arch support or cushioning of the shoes. On the other hand in most developed countries as soon as we can walk we are put into shoes. From the first steps that we take our brain receives signals to rely on an artificial arch support. As we start to adapt to those signals and our bodies develop we become accustomed to a certain type of gait. So what do you think will happen if you suddenly decide to take off your shoes and run barefoot OR if you put that person who has walked all his life barefoot into a pair of shoes? What happens is that you start to alter your gait - over pronate/supinate, cause abnormal stress in your foot, ankle, knees, hips, low back and all the way up the spine. As a result of this abnormal stress up the kinetic chain you are more prone to injuries that you have never had before. Injuries such as plantar fasciitis, stress fractures, ankle sprain, meniscus injuries and back pain are just a few to name. Having said all this, I am not stating that you can’t run barefooted. I am stating that in order to avoid injuries, you need the proper training to adapt to your new biomechanics. This training WILL take quit a long time and wont happen over night. So if you do decide to start running barefooted, be prepared for some aches and pains. And remember, “If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.”
If you have any questions, would like your biomechanics/injuries evaluated, or would like an overall assessment stop by our office and we will gladly help you!!!
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He can be reached at (805) 371-0737. www.gotcsi.com
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Simple back tips for your summer cleaning.
By: Dr. Ed Green
Summer is here and it is time to clean that house and make it all
pretty for all the spectacular barbeques you are going to have. I have
seen many patients in my office over the last months with complaints of
low back pain from doing the summer clean. Mainly I get Dr. Ed all I
was doing was vacuuming the house.
I have to say that vacuuming is a big cause of back pain for people that come into the office.
Here is how you fix that problem.
Most individuals when they vacuum bend at the waist and extend there upper body and arms to vacuum. This causes your center of gravity to shift forward. With this shift your low back now has to work hard to keep you from falling over. Now with
your low back tight and unstable lets bend over and learn forward a few
dozen times while holding something heavy.
Doing this motion routinely over and over will cause your low back to
become unstable and leaves you vulnerable to straining your low back.
Most cases I see is when the cleaning is done and you have to now lift
that vacuum and put it away. So to fix the low back while vacuuming
try this. Lets turn vacuuming into an athletic event. Instead of
leaning forward and stretching the upper body, lets use our legs and
perform a forward lunge. By keeping your back straight and your core
tight, while using your legs to push the vacuum forward and back to
neutral you can help prevent low back pain. And for those of you who
have large houses with thick carpets, I would stretch first hehehehe.
Lunging while vacuuming will not only help prevent low back strains but
it will add tone and strength to your core and gluts. There are many
other little vacuuming tricks I will share so stay posted.
Shaving, brushing teeth, cleaning dishes.
The above are a few other easy ways for us to strain our low back. With
each of the above we lean over a study object and again shift our
center of gravity forward. Once again we are leaving ourselves open to
the chance to strain our backs. This is an an easy fix. BRACE YOUR
SELF. When I am either shaving or brushing my teeth and I am leaning
over the sink, I have my other hand firmly placed on the counter.
This is turn takes the pressure off my low back and into my shoulder.
By simply bracing your upper body against the counter, the mirror or a
wall, you are preventing possible low back pain. Usually the pain does
not occur when you are bent over but when you stand up. You can
prevent low back pain while doing dishes by simply standing slightly
sideways against the sink and bending directly over it.
These are a few little tricks that I hope will help prevent that pesky
low back pain from creeping up on you this summer. If you have any
questions please call the office at 805-531-1188. And if a demo is
needed please call BUT the demo does not involve ME vacuuming your house!
Dr. Ed Green is the clinic Director of Moorpark CSI, he can be reached at the above Phone number, for more information on CSI visit our website at www.gotcsi.com
Summer is here and it is time to clean that house and make it all
pretty for all the spectacular barbeques you are going to have. I have
seen many patients in my office over the last months with complaints of
low back pain from doing the summer clean. Mainly I get Dr. Ed all I
was doing was vacuuming the house.
I have to say that vacuuming is a big cause of back pain for people that come into the office.
Here is how you fix that problem.
Most individuals when they vacuum bend at the waist and extend there upper body and arms to vacuum. This causes your center of gravity to shift forward. With this shift your low back now has to work hard to keep you from falling over. Now with
your low back tight and unstable lets bend over and learn forward a few
dozen times while holding something heavy.
Doing this motion routinely over and over will cause your low back to
become unstable and leaves you vulnerable to straining your low back.
Most cases I see is when the cleaning is done and you have to now lift
that vacuum and put it away. So to fix the low back while vacuuming
try this. Lets turn vacuuming into an athletic event. Instead of
leaning forward and stretching the upper body, lets use our legs and
perform a forward lunge. By keeping your back straight and your core
tight, while using your legs to push the vacuum forward and back to
neutral you can help prevent low back pain. And for those of you who
have large houses with thick carpets, I would stretch first hehehehe.
Lunging while vacuuming will not only help prevent low back strains but
it will add tone and strength to your core and gluts. There are many
other little vacuuming tricks I will share so stay posted.
Shaving, brushing teeth, cleaning dishes.
The above are a few other easy ways for us to strain our low back. With
each of the above we lean over a study object and again shift our
center of gravity forward. Once again we are leaving ourselves open to
the chance to strain our backs. This is an an easy fix. BRACE YOUR
SELF. When I am either shaving or brushing my teeth and I am leaning
over the sink, I have my other hand firmly placed on the counter.
This is turn takes the pressure off my low back and into my shoulder.
By simply bracing your upper body against the counter, the mirror or a
wall, you are preventing possible low back pain. Usually the pain does
not occur when you are bent over but when you stand up. You can
prevent low back pain while doing dishes by simply standing slightly
sideways against the sink and bending directly over it.
These are a few little tricks that I hope will help prevent that pesky
low back pain from creeping up on you this summer. If you have any
questions please call the office at 805-531-1188. And if a demo is
needed please call BUT the demo does not involve ME vacuuming your house!
Dr. Ed Green is the clinic Director of Moorpark CSI, he can be reached at the above Phone number, for more information on CSI visit our website at www.gotcsi.com
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
H-wave- it’s not your mammas muscle stimulation!
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
I am known on the Sports circuit as the “Doc with all the cool toys”. However, it’s not about the quantity of “toys”, it’s about picking the right “tool” for the right job. My job is not only to improve athletic performance but also to get the body to recover faster than it can by itself. Ask the Top Amateur Motocrosser how important tissue recovery is when he is laying in the hospital the day before the National Championships with a back injury, or a Pro Golfer the day before the Masters down with a knee injury, or a 20 year old football player the day before the Combine down with a hamstring pull. How important is tissue recovery? VERY.
So, one of my tools is the H-Wave electric stimulation machine. No, this is not your typical E-Stim or Tens unit. This is much more and its part of my regular treatment protocol for getting our athletes back to the field as fast as possible. The H-wave was established for treatment of dental related issues from TMJ to providing anesthesia for those not wanting to take medication. Doing a paradigm shift, we now use it for much more than pain control or overall healing. Now, it is looked at as a machine that can speed up the bodies ability to heal itself and the surrounding tissue to get the athlete back on the field faster than expected. H-wave is unique in that it has the ability to stimulate on both low and high frequencies, at the same time! Now you can aid in pain control to reduce muscle guarding while you work on tissue effusion to maximize healing. What a concept. Once your Doctor or therapist grasps these concepts, the treatment combinations and results are limitless. This is the only machine I know of that can either heal an injury or allow the body to naturally recover faster for next day competition. How do each frequencies work and why do you need both? Well let’s look at each form of stimulation and explain why each form is important.
Ultra Low Frequency Stimulation
Development and protocols for H-Wave were based on the well-established facts that fluid shifts and pressures are essential for tissues to heal and to create homeostasis in an injured area. The H-Wave device was specifically designed to improve circulation and enhance fluid shifts; thereby, addressing the inflammation that is so often the causative factor in pain and disabilities. The goal of H-Wave is never to mask symptoms, but rather to speed recovery and/or manage chronic symptoms to allow the body to increase in normal cellular production and integration. Published research has shown that the specific technology of H-Wave represents a paradigm shift in electro-therapeutic treatment and produces the optimal non-fatiguing stimulation for fluid shifts.
High Frequency Stimulation
Some conditions require additional pain relief that fluid shifts don't entirely address. This is why H-Wave has a secondary mode that is focused entirely on shutting down pain and breaking the pain cycle similar to TENS, however, with a longer lasting effect. Again, in this setting H-Wave is not intending to mask pain while the device is on, but rather create a strong anesthetic affect with significant and lasting relief after a 30 minute treatment. The H-Wave device is so unique and capable of shutting down pain that we have FDA clearance for electrical anesthesia in the field of dentistry. If it can take away the pain from oral surgery, how do you think it will work in the world of athletics when used right?
As I have said, the H-wave is a tool, when used in the correct settings and for the correct purposes, can change the athletes recovery rate and increase their chances for success.
Dr. Terry Weyman is the owner of Chiropractic Sports Institute and travels the world caring for top athletes. He also works for Pepperdine University in their Athletic Training room and for The Factory, a high level training facility. He can be reached at www.gotcsi.com
I am known on the Sports circuit as the “Doc with all the cool toys”. However, it’s not about the quantity of “toys”, it’s about picking the right “tool” for the right job. My job is not only to improve athletic performance but also to get the body to recover faster than it can by itself. Ask the Top Amateur Motocrosser how important tissue recovery is when he is laying in the hospital the day before the National Championships with a back injury, or a Pro Golfer the day before the Masters down with a knee injury, or a 20 year old football player the day before the Combine down with a hamstring pull. How important is tissue recovery? VERY.
So, one of my tools is the H-Wave electric stimulation machine. No, this is not your typical E-Stim or Tens unit. This is much more and its part of my regular treatment protocol for getting our athletes back to the field as fast as possible. The H-wave was established for treatment of dental related issues from TMJ to providing anesthesia for those not wanting to take medication. Doing a paradigm shift, we now use it for much more than pain control or overall healing. Now, it is looked at as a machine that can speed up the bodies ability to heal itself and the surrounding tissue to get the athlete back on the field faster than expected. H-wave is unique in that it has the ability to stimulate on both low and high frequencies, at the same time! Now you can aid in pain control to reduce muscle guarding while you work on tissue effusion to maximize healing. What a concept. Once your Doctor or therapist grasps these concepts, the treatment combinations and results are limitless. This is the only machine I know of that can either heal an injury or allow the body to naturally recover faster for next day competition. How do each frequencies work and why do you need both? Well let’s look at each form of stimulation and explain why each form is important.
Ultra Low Frequency Stimulation
Development and protocols for H-Wave were based on the well-established facts that fluid shifts and pressures are essential for tissues to heal and to create homeostasis in an injured area. The H-Wave device was specifically designed to improve circulation and enhance fluid shifts; thereby, addressing the inflammation that is so often the causative factor in pain and disabilities. The goal of H-Wave is never to mask symptoms, but rather to speed recovery and/or manage chronic symptoms to allow the body to increase in normal cellular production and integration. Published research has shown that the specific technology of H-Wave represents a paradigm shift in electro-therapeutic treatment and produces the optimal non-fatiguing stimulation for fluid shifts.
High Frequency Stimulation
Some conditions require additional pain relief that fluid shifts don't entirely address. This is why H-Wave has a secondary mode that is focused entirely on shutting down pain and breaking the pain cycle similar to TENS, however, with a longer lasting effect. Again, in this setting H-Wave is not intending to mask pain while the device is on, but rather create a strong anesthetic affect with significant and lasting relief after a 30 minute treatment. The H-Wave device is so unique and capable of shutting down pain that we have FDA clearance for electrical anesthesia in the field of dentistry. If it can take away the pain from oral surgery, how do you think it will work in the world of athletics when used right?
As I have said, the H-wave is a tool, when used in the correct settings and for the correct purposes, can change the athletes recovery rate and increase their chances for success.
Dr. Terry Weyman is the owner of Chiropractic Sports Institute and travels the world caring for top athletes. He also works for Pepperdine University in their Athletic Training room and for The Factory, a high level training facility. He can be reached at www.gotcsi.com
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
FUEL FOR A TEEN ATHLETE
By: Terry Weyman D.C., C.C.S.P.
Male or female, teen or adult, athlete or non-athlete, we have all seen magazines, movies and television shows equate “the perfect look” with being thin. Sometimes we even believe it. But any healthy person, especially an athlete, needs to remember that the scale is not the guide to follow. Athletes need the proper fuel to achieve and maintain their goals. We cannot judge or compare what goes into our bodies with what goes in (or doesn’t go in) to the bodies of non-athletes.
A recent study estimated that the amount of energy expended by a typical female adolescent athlete could be as much as 5000 to 6000 calories per day. Teens involved in athletics require proper nutrition (fuel consumption) to perform at their optimum level. The teen athlete needs to consume enough healthy foods to also accommodate the maturation process. If not, the athlete will impair their growth and strength potential. They will also notice that their energy reserves will be depleted for that extra effort in the final minutes of “game day.”
According to Lisa Kimona, RD, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, the athlete should “consume enough calories (measurement of energy when food is converted) to maintain your weight through your sports season. Most of the calories eaten should come from a carbohydrate source (such as starch, pasta, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables). A moderate amount of protein is necessary (such as meat, chicken, fish, cheese and dried beans). Though you should keep fat-intake low, fat serves some very important roles. Fat is a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It is also an important part of all cell membranes, and is the preferential energy source for all heart muscles. In addition, fat cells protect vital organs and nerves, and are an excellent energy source for skeletal muscles in endurance events.”
For those of you who are concerned about how much you eat, this is an example of a 2400-calorie diet.
SERVINGS SERVINGS
FOOD GROUP PER DAY FOOD GROUP PER DAY
Milk (low-fat) 3 cups (8 oz) Juices 2 cups
Dark green or ½ cup Breads, cereals, 12 servings
deep yellow starches
fruits or vegetables
(Vitamin A)
Citrus foods ½ cup Protein: meat, fish 2 servings
(Vitamin C) poultry, egg, dried
beans or peas
Other vegetables 1 cup Fats, salad 3 servings
(or less)
Dressings, nuts,
seeds
Other fruits 1 cup Desserts, candy 1 serving
(or less)
A sizable amount of food? NO, if you’re an athlete. This was an example of a diet consisting of only 2400 calories, well below the 5000 or 6000 calories teenagers are capable of expending. One important fact to remember is that when participating in sports, your caloric intake must match your caloric expenditures. When in doubt, don’t judge yourself off of a magazine cover. Ask what you want your body to do and provide the fuel necessary to complete the task. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your health care provider or nutrition counselor.
Dr. Terry Weyman is a Sports Chiropractor in Southern California, you can gain more information at www.gotcsi.com
Male or female, teen or adult, athlete or non-athlete, we have all seen magazines, movies and television shows equate “the perfect look” with being thin. Sometimes we even believe it. But any healthy person, especially an athlete, needs to remember that the scale is not the guide to follow. Athletes need the proper fuel to achieve and maintain their goals. We cannot judge or compare what goes into our bodies with what goes in (or doesn’t go in) to the bodies of non-athletes.
A recent study estimated that the amount of energy expended by a typical female adolescent athlete could be as much as 5000 to 6000 calories per day. Teens involved in athletics require proper nutrition (fuel consumption) to perform at their optimum level. The teen athlete needs to consume enough healthy foods to also accommodate the maturation process. If not, the athlete will impair their growth and strength potential. They will also notice that their energy reserves will be depleted for that extra effort in the final minutes of “game day.”
According to Lisa Kimona, RD, Kaiser Permanente Hospital, the athlete should “consume enough calories (measurement of energy when food is converted) to maintain your weight through your sports season. Most of the calories eaten should come from a carbohydrate source (such as starch, pasta, rice, fresh fruits and vegetables). A moderate amount of protein is necessary (such as meat, chicken, fish, cheese and dried beans). Though you should keep fat-intake low, fat serves some very important roles. Fat is a carrier for the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. It is also an important part of all cell membranes, and is the preferential energy source for all heart muscles. In addition, fat cells protect vital organs and nerves, and are an excellent energy source for skeletal muscles in endurance events.”
For those of you who are concerned about how much you eat, this is an example of a 2400-calorie diet.
SERVINGS SERVINGS
FOOD GROUP PER DAY FOOD GROUP PER DAY
Milk (low-fat) 3 cups (8 oz) Juices 2 cups
Dark green or ½ cup Breads, cereals, 12 servings
deep yellow starches
fruits or vegetables
(Vitamin A)
Citrus foods ½ cup Protein: meat, fish 2 servings
(Vitamin C) poultry, egg, dried
beans or peas
Other vegetables 1 cup Fats, salad 3 servings
(or less)
Dressings, nuts,
seeds
Other fruits 1 cup Desserts, candy 1 serving
(or less)
A sizable amount of food? NO, if you’re an athlete. This was an example of a diet consisting of only 2400 calories, well below the 5000 or 6000 calories teenagers are capable of expending. One important fact to remember is that when participating in sports, your caloric intake must match your caloric expenditures. When in doubt, don’t judge yourself off of a magazine cover. Ask what you want your body to do and provide the fuel necessary to complete the task. If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact your health care provider or nutrition counselor.
Dr. Terry Weyman is a Sports Chiropractor in Southern California, you can gain more information at www.gotcsi.com
Sunday, July 11, 2010
How to get the MENTAL Edge
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
“Athletes are mental” I overheard a kid at a local race say. “They are crazy to do these things”. In some cases he is correct. They are mental. In even some cases, those who are “more mental” are the ones that win. But being “mental” is not a bad thing, but a good thing. Most people train the body, get adjusted to strengthen the structure but very few train the mind. Mental toughness separates the champions from the contestants. Not only can mental toughness separate you from your other competitors, but it can also separate you in the board room, the class room or in times of depression or tragedy. Just as you train and work harder on the physical, training the brain to be tougher takes time and practice, but the pay off can be great.
Jason Taylor, the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year said it best when he said “Pressure does one of two things to people, it either crushes you or it turns you into a diamond”. Top Athletes KNOW where they belong and won’t settle for anything less than the top position. Some call it desire or will but the fact remains, they KNOW with every cell of their body. They have also learned, through experiences, that their body will do whatever their mind tells them to do. This is true for either positive or negative experiences. Your mind is always looking for the “easy way out.” If you give your mind that option, your body will go there. If you take it away, your body will dig a little deeper to find a solution. Our world is riddled with “mediocre” athletes who have become superstars because their minds BELIEVE they are capable of greatness. Have you ever heard someone say “he/she is not the most talented athlete out there but they work harder than anyone we have ever seen and no one can seem to beat them”. I have even heard coaches and trainers say “give me work ethic, passion and commitment over natural talent any day”. That is another word for, give me someone who’s MIND is the most determined and I will make them a champion. Another example of how powerful the mind can be is to look to hypnosis. There are people who use hypnosis to have surgery instead of being put out by pharmaceutical drugs.
So how do you train the mind and how do you learn to stay focused and cool under pressure?
First and foremost learn this: “what the mind believes, the body achieves.” In order to achieve peak performance, your mind and your body must work in concert with one another. It must learn resilience and adaptability. Being mentally tough is learning how to sustain ideal performance no matter what life throws at you. Finding the positive, no matter how deeply buried, in all things. You get stuck on the freeway behind an accident, late for a meeting, you see it as “more time to prepare”. You get injured prior to an important match, you view it as more mental time to watch and discover an opponent’s weakness. Instead of being that block of solid wood, learn to be that supple tree than can handle hurricane force winds and still stand.
The next step to mental greatness is to “Change your vocabulary”. Replace “I will try” with “I will do”. Or “I hate this part” to “I dislike this part and can’t wait to figure it out”. In sports or life, there are no “problems” just “challenges”. Take out the word “I can’t” and replace it with “I will”. Look at your heroes in your sport, your industry or your life; listen to what comes out of their mouths. Don’t reinvent the wheel, learn and study the masters.
Avoid negativity! Negative people are like cancers. Their view is if “they can’t do it, they want to make sure others can’t do it as well”. You will hear them around the field, at the water cooler or in the stands. Saying things like “yea I tried that, did not work” or “you should not try that, you will just get hurt”. These comments are infectious and deadly to the champion. As in building your body up stronger to resist infection and disease, build your mind up to resist the “misery of failure” by cataloging many positive experiences and happy thoughts to go to when you hear a negative comment. Build that wall up to make your self immune. I have a statement, “why waste a day by having a ‘bad day’ when you can change that and have a ‘phenomenal day’. It may take you all day to find a reason to have a ‘phenomenal day’ but never stop the quest.
Ever see an Athlete with ear buds in his ear connected to his iPod? These athletes are using their favorite music to inspire, relax or motivate themselves. USING MUSIC can have various effects and used right can bring you the desired effect. From calming you down to pumping you up, Music triggers synapses in the brain that can be very powerful. It has been shown that listening to music can increase your focus, your heart rate and certain neurotransmitters that can have a powerful physical influence.
The mind also is your CPU so to speak. Your central processing unit, and like every great computer, its love a strong routine. Some athletes call this routine a “superstitious pattern” but all it is a routine that an athlete draws upon for stability. Routines help us stay calm under pressure by giving our minds something to focus on instead of the pressure of the moment. To take that big race and boil it down to “just another regular day”, by having a regular routine, you allow your mind to stay focuses on the task at hand instead of the “distracting noise”.
Understand this, we are not perfect! God did not make us perfect for a reason. If we feel we are perfect than we have nothing to learn. We all make mistakes; the true champion does not get upset but studies and learns from his mistakes to minimize the reoccurrence of the incident. My father had a saying, “to make a mistake is human; to repeat it is stupidity. Learn from your mistakes so you never enter the realm of stupidity!” Even the greatest of all athletes and CEOs have coaches and are able to be taught. Strive for perfection by being teachable.
Get Psyched! You know how you feel when you’re getting ready to go on the long awaited vacation? Nothing seems to bother you, no matter HOW MUCH GOES WRONG prior to departure. You are so pumped on the final outcome that the journey is just that, a journey. But the real reason is you REMEMBER what vacations are. You may have caught your first fish or had your first kiss or flew on your first plane. Whatever it is, your excitement is drawn from a past experience. Use past victories or positive moments to get pumped and inspired so much that no matter what happens prior, it does not deter you from reaching your ultimate goal.
Learn how to be an island! Have you ever heard, “you can’t do this” or “no one has ever done that” or my favorite, “don’t try that, it’s too hard”. If you buy into these negative thoughts, then you fall back into the masses or the ordinary. How do you think World records are made, or new tricks at the X-Games are done? These boundaries are shattered by athletes believing so strongly that they can do it that it is done. They have replayed the success so many times over and over in their mind that their body already knows the outcome. Even when nobody else believes they can do it, they are able to stand alone with their belief. They have found their inspiration and used it over and over till they own it. Travis Pastrana said he had done the double back flip on a motorcycle, (one of the greatest single feats in extreme sports ever) over a thousand times in a foam pit but over a MILLION times in his brain before he accomplished the unbelievable at X-games a few years ago. He was the ONLY one who believed he could do it and when the doubters gathered, he pulled off the unbelievable. Never doubt yourself; ANYONE can be BEAT at ANYTIME.
If you can’t see it, you won’t be able to do it. VISUALIZATION is one of the biggest keys to training your mind. Close your eyes and see you accomplishing your goals. Tap into all your senses and make it happen. Find the path and learn how to do it. Close your eyes, and visualize the journey to the top. What does the air feel like against your skin, what does the day/night smell like, what are the sounds surrounding you and what do you see? Practice your victories over and over again until it becomes second nature. A good example of this was a P.O.W. who was stuck in a hole during the war. Over and over he played golf in his mind. Felt the cool grass under his feet, the wind in his face, and the crowd’s thick hush in his ears. He played over and over. When he finally got released two years later he went to the golf course and shot two over par on his FIRST ATTEMPT at the game! Teach your body how to achieve the victory first by visualizing it in your mind. Ever see a dog sleep? They sometime run, in their dreams they are running but they are asleep, YET their muscles still work. When you visualize in your mind you are still are teaching your muscles how to react and move. IF you can’t see the victory in your mind, your body will never deliver the victory.
By following these steps and practicing these tricks you too can be on the road to greatness.
Dr. Terry Weyman has been working with athletes from high school to the Olympic and Professional level for over 20 years. He drew inspiration for this article from not only his personal experiences but from his teachers as well. Dr. Spencer Baron, Author of “the secrets of the game” www.secretsofthegame.com, is both an inspiration and a mentor. The other inspiration for this article came from my son, Tyler Weyman, who in a short time has climbed the ranks of Motocross into the National level. Watching his trials and tribulations was a big reason for this article, Love this kid. Dr. Terry can be reached at his website, www.gotcsi.com or on Twitter @DrTerryW
Sign up for his monthly newsletter to get more "tips on how to live your life like a pro" at www.gotcsi.com on the left hand side
“Athletes are mental” I overheard a kid at a local race say. “They are crazy to do these things”. In some cases he is correct. They are mental. In even some cases, those who are “more mental” are the ones that win. But being “mental” is not a bad thing, but a good thing. Most people train the body, get adjusted to strengthen the structure but very few train the mind. Mental toughness separates the champions from the contestants. Not only can mental toughness separate you from your other competitors, but it can also separate you in the board room, the class room or in times of depression or tragedy. Just as you train and work harder on the physical, training the brain to be tougher takes time and practice, but the pay off can be great.
Jason Taylor, the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year said it best when he said “Pressure does one of two things to people, it either crushes you or it turns you into a diamond”. Top Athletes KNOW where they belong and won’t settle for anything less than the top position. Some call it desire or will but the fact remains, they KNOW with every cell of their body. They have also learned, through experiences, that their body will do whatever their mind tells them to do. This is true for either positive or negative experiences. Your mind is always looking for the “easy way out.” If you give your mind that option, your body will go there. If you take it away, your body will dig a little deeper to find a solution. Our world is riddled with “mediocre” athletes who have become superstars because their minds BELIEVE they are capable of greatness. Have you ever heard someone say “he/she is not the most talented athlete out there but they work harder than anyone we have ever seen and no one can seem to beat them”. I have even heard coaches and trainers say “give me work ethic, passion and commitment over natural talent any day”. That is another word for, give me someone who’s MIND is the most determined and I will make them a champion. Another example of how powerful the mind can be is to look to hypnosis. There are people who use hypnosis to have surgery instead of being put out by pharmaceutical drugs.
So how do you train the mind and how do you learn to stay focused and cool under pressure?
First and foremost learn this: “what the mind believes, the body achieves.” In order to achieve peak performance, your mind and your body must work in concert with one another. It must learn resilience and adaptability. Being mentally tough is learning how to sustain ideal performance no matter what life throws at you. Finding the positive, no matter how deeply buried, in all things. You get stuck on the freeway behind an accident, late for a meeting, you see it as “more time to prepare”. You get injured prior to an important match, you view it as more mental time to watch and discover an opponent’s weakness. Instead of being that block of solid wood, learn to be that supple tree than can handle hurricane force winds and still stand.
The next step to mental greatness is to “Change your vocabulary”. Replace “I will try” with “I will do”. Or “I hate this part” to “I dislike this part and can’t wait to figure it out”. In sports or life, there are no “problems” just “challenges”. Take out the word “I can’t” and replace it with “I will”. Look at your heroes in your sport, your industry or your life; listen to what comes out of their mouths. Don’t reinvent the wheel, learn and study the masters.
Avoid negativity! Negative people are like cancers. Their view is if “they can’t do it, they want to make sure others can’t do it as well”. You will hear them around the field, at the water cooler or in the stands. Saying things like “yea I tried that, did not work” or “you should not try that, you will just get hurt”. These comments are infectious and deadly to the champion. As in building your body up stronger to resist infection and disease, build your mind up to resist the “misery of failure” by cataloging many positive experiences and happy thoughts to go to when you hear a negative comment. Build that wall up to make your self immune. I have a statement, “why waste a day by having a ‘bad day’ when you can change that and have a ‘phenomenal day’. It may take you all day to find a reason to have a ‘phenomenal day’ but never stop the quest.
Ever see an Athlete with ear buds in his ear connected to his iPod? These athletes are using their favorite music to inspire, relax or motivate themselves. USING MUSIC can have various effects and used right can bring you the desired effect. From calming you down to pumping you up, Music triggers synapses in the brain that can be very powerful. It has been shown that listening to music can increase your focus, your heart rate and certain neurotransmitters that can have a powerful physical influence.
The mind also is your CPU so to speak. Your central processing unit, and like every great computer, its love a strong routine. Some athletes call this routine a “superstitious pattern” but all it is a routine that an athlete draws upon for stability. Routines help us stay calm under pressure by giving our minds something to focus on instead of the pressure of the moment. To take that big race and boil it down to “just another regular day”, by having a regular routine, you allow your mind to stay focuses on the task at hand instead of the “distracting noise”.
Understand this, we are not perfect! God did not make us perfect for a reason. If we feel we are perfect than we have nothing to learn. We all make mistakes; the true champion does not get upset but studies and learns from his mistakes to minimize the reoccurrence of the incident. My father had a saying, “to make a mistake is human; to repeat it is stupidity. Learn from your mistakes so you never enter the realm of stupidity!” Even the greatest of all athletes and CEOs have coaches and are able to be taught. Strive for perfection by being teachable.
Get Psyched! You know how you feel when you’re getting ready to go on the long awaited vacation? Nothing seems to bother you, no matter HOW MUCH GOES WRONG prior to departure. You are so pumped on the final outcome that the journey is just that, a journey. But the real reason is you REMEMBER what vacations are. You may have caught your first fish or had your first kiss or flew on your first plane. Whatever it is, your excitement is drawn from a past experience. Use past victories or positive moments to get pumped and inspired so much that no matter what happens prior, it does not deter you from reaching your ultimate goal.
Learn how to be an island! Have you ever heard, “you can’t do this” or “no one has ever done that” or my favorite, “don’t try that, it’s too hard”. If you buy into these negative thoughts, then you fall back into the masses or the ordinary. How do you think World records are made, or new tricks at the X-Games are done? These boundaries are shattered by athletes believing so strongly that they can do it that it is done. They have replayed the success so many times over and over in their mind that their body already knows the outcome. Even when nobody else believes they can do it, they are able to stand alone with their belief. They have found their inspiration and used it over and over till they own it. Travis Pastrana said he had done the double back flip on a motorcycle, (one of the greatest single feats in extreme sports ever) over a thousand times in a foam pit but over a MILLION times in his brain before he accomplished the unbelievable at X-games a few years ago. He was the ONLY one who believed he could do it and when the doubters gathered, he pulled off the unbelievable. Never doubt yourself; ANYONE can be BEAT at ANYTIME.
If you can’t see it, you won’t be able to do it. VISUALIZATION is one of the biggest keys to training your mind. Close your eyes and see you accomplishing your goals. Tap into all your senses and make it happen. Find the path and learn how to do it. Close your eyes, and visualize the journey to the top. What does the air feel like against your skin, what does the day/night smell like, what are the sounds surrounding you and what do you see? Practice your victories over and over again until it becomes second nature. A good example of this was a P.O.W. who was stuck in a hole during the war. Over and over he played golf in his mind. Felt the cool grass under his feet, the wind in his face, and the crowd’s thick hush in his ears. He played over and over. When he finally got released two years later he went to the golf course and shot two over par on his FIRST ATTEMPT at the game! Teach your body how to achieve the victory first by visualizing it in your mind. Ever see a dog sleep? They sometime run, in their dreams they are running but they are asleep, YET their muscles still work. When you visualize in your mind you are still are teaching your muscles how to react and move. IF you can’t see the victory in your mind, your body will never deliver the victory.
By following these steps and practicing these tricks you too can be on the road to greatness.
Dr. Terry Weyman has been working with athletes from high school to the Olympic and Professional level for over 20 years. He drew inspiration for this article from not only his personal experiences but from his teachers as well. Dr. Spencer Baron, Author of “the secrets of the game” www.secretsofthegame.com, is both an inspiration and a mentor. The other inspiration for this article came from my son, Tyler Weyman, who in a short time has climbed the ranks of Motocross into the National level. Watching his trials and tribulations was a big reason for this article, Love this kid. Dr. Terry can be reached at his website, www.gotcsi.com or on Twitter @DrTerryW
Sign up for his monthly newsletter to get more "tips on how to live your life like a pro" at www.gotcsi.com on the left hand side
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Will your next protein shake land you in the hospital?
By: Dr. Amir Mahmud
With a recent article out in consumer reports magazine about the hidden content in protein drinks and based on how popular these drinks are getting in replacing normal meals I decided to do some research to find out what’s the hype behind these drinks and how beneficial are they for us?
Before we get into our discussion let’s take an overall look at what are proteins and what is their function in our bodies?
· Proteins are made up of amino acids and are the most abundant of the organic (carbon containing) compounds in the body. They are also the key component of all living organisms. Most of the protein is found in our muscle tissue; the remainder is distributed in soft tissue, bone, teeth, blood, and other body fluids. Hormones and enzymes (proteins that speed up the rate of chemical reactions in the body) are proteins as well.
Now that we know an overall view of proteins, the next question is how much protein do you need to stay healthy and active?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for an average person is 0.8 grams of protein per kg. of ideal body weight per day. So for example the ideal amount of protein for a person who weighs 77 kg.(170 lbs) is 62 grams per day. This of course is going to vary depending on if you are an athlete, someone who is trying to gain/lose weight, or if you are malnourished (a problem which we don’t really worry about in America, this is mostly a concern in third world countries). Research has shown that extra protein does not automatically make extra muscle. In fact, if you eat more protein than your body uses, it will be stored as fat. The trick is to know when to consume the protein to get the most beneficial effects. The general rule is to consume proteins within 30 minutes after your workout. This is the time that your body needs the most fuel to recover. Keep in mind that depending on your activity/sport (body building, tri athlete, cyclist, runner, etc.) you can get a lot more specific on how much and when to take proteins for it to be most beneficial.
Having said that, the next big question is where are you going to get this protein from? Should you use supplements or would just eating a healthy balanced diet be adequate enough?
In an overall well-balanced diet, engineered protein offers no advantages over chicken, beef, fish, eggs, milk and other standard protein-rich foods. The protein from natural foods works perfectly fine. In fact any animal protein is "high-quality", contains all the essential amino acids you need to build muscles and is much safer than consuming engineered protein*. The reason that all these supplements (protein shake, bars, recovery drinks, etc.) are so popular is that they claim to offer the same nutritional value as a regular meal but you can take them on the go. They are designed to target the fast paced lifestyle of Americans. The problem with this is that if you start to rely on these products to get you through your day, over a prolonged period of time, you are going to start causing damage to your GI tract, kidney and other vital organs. This brings us to the point of this article.
Consumer Reports did a test on 15 protein drinks, found that all of the products tested had at least one sample containing arsenic, cadmium, lead or mercury—contaminants that can have toxic effects on the body.** Let’s take a look at what each of these elements are:
· Cadmium is a metallic element. It has primarily been used in paints, coatings and batteries. Exposure in humans can cause significant kidney and lung damage.
· Arsenic and lead are also naturally occurring metallic elements that have varieties of uses in industry from insecticides to electronics. But when consumed, they can cause cancer and brain damage.
Aside from the exposure to these chemicals prolonged use of protein drinks/bars can increase the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis (excess protein reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium and therefore it is stored in the kidneys and not absorbed properly).
Having said all this, the best thing to do is to figure out how much protein you need based on your goals (gain/loose weight) and activities. The best ways to get these proteins are from natural sources and the best way to make sure you don’t consume too much protein is to have a well balanced diet. If you have any questions in regards to your diet feel free to ask and we will gladly guide you in the right direction.
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He is also an expert in GI and biochemistry associated with the athlete.
* An FDA lists heavy metal content for a variety of foods which are generally good protein sources that seem to contain little or no cadmium, lead, arsenic or mercury. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/food%E2%80%A6totaldietstudy/ucm184301.pdf
**http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2010/06/protein-drink-makers-respond-to-cus-investigation.html
With a recent article out in consumer reports magazine about the hidden content in protein drinks and based on how popular these drinks are getting in replacing normal meals I decided to do some research to find out what’s the hype behind these drinks and how beneficial are they for us?
Before we get into our discussion let’s take an overall look at what are proteins and what is their function in our bodies?
· Proteins are made up of amino acids and are the most abundant of the organic (carbon containing) compounds in the body. They are also the key component of all living organisms. Most of the protein is found in our muscle tissue; the remainder is distributed in soft tissue, bone, teeth, blood, and other body fluids. Hormones and enzymes (proteins that speed up the rate of chemical reactions in the body) are proteins as well.
Now that we know an overall view of proteins, the next question is how much protein do you need to stay healthy and active?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for an average person is 0.8 grams of protein per kg. of ideal body weight per day. So for example the ideal amount of protein for a person who weighs 77 kg.(170 lbs) is 62 grams per day. This of course is going to vary depending on if you are an athlete, someone who is trying to gain/lose weight, or if you are malnourished (a problem which we don’t really worry about in America, this is mostly a concern in third world countries). Research has shown that extra protein does not automatically make extra muscle. In fact, if you eat more protein than your body uses, it will be stored as fat. The trick is to know when to consume the protein to get the most beneficial effects. The general rule is to consume proteins within 30 minutes after your workout. This is the time that your body needs the most fuel to recover. Keep in mind that depending on your activity/sport (body building, tri athlete, cyclist, runner, etc.) you can get a lot more specific on how much and when to take proteins for it to be most beneficial.
Having said that, the next big question is where are you going to get this protein from? Should you use supplements or would just eating a healthy balanced diet be adequate enough?
In an overall well-balanced diet, engineered protein offers no advantages over chicken, beef, fish, eggs, milk and other standard protein-rich foods. The protein from natural foods works perfectly fine. In fact any animal protein is "high-quality", contains all the essential amino acids you need to build muscles and is much safer than consuming engineered protein*. The reason that all these supplements (protein shake, bars, recovery drinks, etc.) are so popular is that they claim to offer the same nutritional value as a regular meal but you can take them on the go. They are designed to target the fast paced lifestyle of Americans. The problem with this is that if you start to rely on these products to get you through your day, over a prolonged period of time, you are going to start causing damage to your GI tract, kidney and other vital organs. This brings us to the point of this article.
Consumer Reports did a test on 15 protein drinks, found that all of the products tested had at least one sample containing arsenic, cadmium, lead or mercury—contaminants that can have toxic effects on the body.** Let’s take a look at what each of these elements are:
· Cadmium is a metallic element. It has primarily been used in paints, coatings and batteries. Exposure in humans can cause significant kidney and lung damage.
· Arsenic and lead are also naturally occurring metallic elements that have varieties of uses in industry from insecticides to electronics. But when consumed, they can cause cancer and brain damage.
Aside from the exposure to these chemicals prolonged use of protein drinks/bars can increase the risk of kidney stones and osteoporosis (excess protein reduces the body’s ability to absorb calcium and therefore it is stored in the kidneys and not absorbed properly).
Having said all this, the best thing to do is to figure out how much protein you need based on your goals (gain/loose weight) and activities. The best ways to get these proteins are from natural sources and the best way to make sure you don’t consume too much protein is to have a well balanced diet. If you have any questions in regards to your diet feel free to ask and we will gladly guide you in the right direction.
Dr. Amir Mahmud is a Sports Chiropractor at CSI (Chiropractic Sports Institute) in Westlake Village. Dr. Amir has vast experience working with athletes both professional and Amateur. He is the current Team Doctor for the Newbury Park HS Lacrosse team and travels with the Mobile CSI Sports Medicine team caring for athletes across southern California. He is also an expert in GI and biochemistry associated with the athlete.
* An FDA lists heavy metal content for a variety of foods which are generally good protein sources that seem to contain little or no cadmium, lead, arsenic or mercury. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/food%E2%80%A6totaldietstudy/ucm184301.pdf
**http://blogs.consumerreports.org/safety/2010/06/protein-drink-makers-respond-to-cus-investigation.html
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Treat yourself like a pro Series- Tip 1 for better health- Get adjusted regularly
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
I know, you are looking for an insight on something new and out of the box from a small European Island that only Professionals and Olympians know about. Well, that isn't that far off. In my 21 years of practice I have been labeled "a miracle worker", "our secret weapon" and "our secret edge". I am none of these, however, what these kind remarks tell me is that the athlete that uttered these phrases "gets it". He or she understands the first big "tip" in increasing ones health and increasing ones performance. If you drove your car for 40,000 miles without a tune up then decided one day, "I am going to tune up my car for the first time." You might notice that your car performs better. You might have attributed the failing gas mileage to the car getting older, or the sluggish performance as a result of driving too much, when in reality, all it needed was a "tune up" to restore its balance and performance. Want to lower your health cost, start with taking care of the structure that your muscles attach to!
The Scientific explanation is as follows:
Specific Chiropractic Manipulation within the vertebral column, known as the "adjustment", serves to improve biomechanical and Neurological function. Mechanical nerves become stimulated, which serve to:
1) inhibit pain
2) relax tight muscles
3) improve coordination
This occurs only when the vertebral joints allow proper movement of the whole spinal column. Relaxation of tight muscles, by moving their attachment points and changing joint fixations, occurs by influencing inhibitory internuerons in the anterior horn, which are alpha and gamma motor neurons.
Improved coordination from mechanical nerve stimulation helps the brain to control and coordinate movement, maintain proper balance, and control muscle tone. This occurs via the dorsal/posterior columns and the dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar tracts.
Quantifiable changes during pre and post manipulation were documented in a recent, February 2007 study published in the Clinical Journal of Neurophysiology.
This is part of the series, "Treat your self like a Pro Athlete" If you want to receive the series go to the CSI website, www.gotcsi.com and sign up for our newsletter in the left hand column.
I know, you are looking for an insight on something new and out of the box from a small European Island that only Professionals and Olympians know about. Well, that isn't that far off. In my 21 years of practice I have been labeled "a miracle worker", "our secret weapon" and "our secret edge". I am none of these, however, what these kind remarks tell me is that the athlete that uttered these phrases "gets it". He or she understands the first big "tip" in increasing ones health and increasing ones performance. If you drove your car for 40,000 miles without a tune up then decided one day, "I am going to tune up my car for the first time." You might notice that your car performs better. You might have attributed the failing gas mileage to the car getting older, or the sluggish performance as a result of driving too much, when in reality, all it needed was a "tune up" to restore its balance and performance. Want to lower your health cost, start with taking care of the structure that your muscles attach to!
The Scientific explanation is as follows:
Specific Chiropractic Manipulation within the vertebral column, known as the "adjustment", serves to improve biomechanical and Neurological function. Mechanical nerves become stimulated, which serve to:
1) inhibit pain
2) relax tight muscles
3) improve coordination
This occurs only when the vertebral joints allow proper movement of the whole spinal column. Relaxation of tight muscles, by moving their attachment points and changing joint fixations, occurs by influencing inhibitory internuerons in the anterior horn, which are alpha and gamma motor neurons.
Improved coordination from mechanical nerve stimulation helps the brain to control and coordinate movement, maintain proper balance, and control muscle tone. This occurs via the dorsal/posterior columns and the dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar tracts.
Quantifiable changes during pre and post manipulation were documented in a recent, February 2007 study published in the Clinical Journal of Neurophysiology.
This is part of the series, "Treat your self like a Pro Athlete" If you want to receive the series go to the CSI website, www.gotcsi.com and sign up for our newsletter in the left hand column.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Treat yourself like a pro!
By. Dr. Terry Weyman
Western Medicine or Eastern Medicine, Primary or "alternative medicine", these are topics I hear all the time yet, do they make sense? Why can't we all just get along! Before we start with this topic, I ask you to put on your logical thinking cap. According to Dr. Spencer Baron, Author of "Secrets of the Game" "Up until the eighteenth century, the health-care world viewed the body as a fully functioning and integrated organism. Homeopathy, a therapeutic model designed to treat the Whole patient, was the widespread treatment of choice. This model contends that disorder and disease are expressed as a complex "collision" of events that result in physical, as well as emotional and /or mental, symptoms. Then along the path, came along theories, backed by both political and financial power that suggested we are not complex organisms that are integrated and work together but a complex group of individual parts that must be looked at closely and treated individually". Does this make sense? In everyday life you are told to say "YES" to this question. However, in the world of Professional Sports you are encouraged to say "NO"!
To see the big picture you must realize one BIG difference between you and the professional athlete. A professional athlete is a commodity; they make money for the team owner, the team staff, their sponsors, advertisers, agents, Doctors and trainers. As a commodity the interest to keep them on the "field" is financial. While they are playing, they are making people money. When they are hurt, they are costing people money. The goal is to make money, so they use whatever it takes to keep the player playing. With current law the use of illegal drugs, though still out there, are getting less used and out of the box "tricks" are getting used more and more. You and I, we don't make OTHER people money when we are sick, so, the goal to heal fast is low. Stay sicker longer, you make Doctors, trainers, therapists, Pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and your insurance company money. Is the goal then to heal you fast?
I ask you to start looking at your health differently. To learn the concepts I will teach you in the coming weeks you need to change your mental status first, if you truly want to increase your wellness, happiness and increase your athletic performance. In this "economy" you can't afford not to. Our current treat-the-symptoms- not-the-cause mentality has cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills- and untold months of potential wellness. Who is in charge of YOUR health, YOU, the Government or your insurance company? You can only take care of yourself IF your insurance company covers it? You only eat, or take care of your car if SOMEONE ELSE says it’s ok? Look at how you are spending your money and who is in charge of YOU. Your health is your most important asset, more than your house or car. You are the best person to make decisions about your life, your body, and your health, but only IF you are well informed about your choices, your body, and the possibilities available to you for self-care and healing. In the coming weeks and months we will explore these questions and answers. Share this with everyone and let’s make some changes. Sign up today at www.gotcsi.com to start getting Tidbits and learn how YOU can take charge of your health and increase your athletic performance.
Chiropractic Sports Institute located in Westlake and Moorpark California.
Western Medicine or Eastern Medicine, Primary or "alternative medicine", these are topics I hear all the time yet, do they make sense? Why can't we all just get along! Before we start with this topic, I ask you to put on your logical thinking cap. According to Dr. Spencer Baron, Author of "Secrets of the Game" "Up until the eighteenth century, the health-care world viewed the body as a fully functioning and integrated organism. Homeopathy, a therapeutic model designed to treat the Whole patient, was the widespread treatment of choice. This model contends that disorder and disease are expressed as a complex "collision" of events that result in physical, as well as emotional and /or mental, symptoms. Then along the path, came along theories, backed by both political and financial power that suggested we are not complex organisms that are integrated and work together but a complex group of individual parts that must be looked at closely and treated individually". Does this make sense? In everyday life you are told to say "YES" to this question. However, in the world of Professional Sports you are encouraged to say "NO"!
To see the big picture you must realize one BIG difference between you and the professional athlete. A professional athlete is a commodity; they make money for the team owner, the team staff, their sponsors, advertisers, agents, Doctors and trainers. As a commodity the interest to keep them on the "field" is financial. While they are playing, they are making people money. When they are hurt, they are costing people money. The goal is to make money, so they use whatever it takes to keep the player playing. With current law the use of illegal drugs, though still out there, are getting less used and out of the box "tricks" are getting used more and more. You and I, we don't make OTHER people money when we are sick, so, the goal to heal fast is low. Stay sicker longer, you make Doctors, trainers, therapists, Pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies and your insurance company money. Is the goal then to heal you fast?
I ask you to start looking at your health differently. To learn the concepts I will teach you in the coming weeks you need to change your mental status first, if you truly want to increase your wellness, happiness and increase your athletic performance. In this "economy" you can't afford not to. Our current treat-the-symptoms- not-the-cause mentality has cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills- and untold months of potential wellness. Who is in charge of YOUR health, YOU, the Government or your insurance company? You can only take care of yourself IF your insurance company covers it? You only eat, or take care of your car if SOMEONE ELSE says it’s ok? Look at how you are spending your money and who is in charge of YOU. Your health is your most important asset, more than your house or car. You are the best person to make decisions about your life, your body, and your health, but only IF you are well informed about your choices, your body, and the possibilities available to you for self-care and healing. In the coming weeks and months we will explore these questions and answers. Share this with everyone and let’s make some changes. Sign up today at www.gotcsi.com to start getting Tidbits and learn how YOU can take charge of your health and increase your athletic performance.
Chiropractic Sports Institute located in Westlake and Moorpark California.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Get the most out of your bike ride!!!
By. Dr. Amir Mahmud
With the Tour de California coming to town (Final stage in Westlake half a mile from our Westlake office) we were recently asked to give a lecture at Conejo Valley Cycling (CVC) club on the topics of proper hydration, nutrition, warming up, stretching and cooling down. Since most of the members were very interested on the warm up, stretching, cooling down part of the lecture I decided to dedicate this blog on how to properly warm up, stretch and cool down in order to avoid sports related injuries.
So, why should we warm up and stretch prior to exercising? Did you know that a proper warm up and stretching routine can improve an athlete’s performance by as much as 15%?
Here are some guidelines to follow in order to take full advantage of your body and maximize your workout experience.
• Always warm up prior to stretching &/or exercising
o Warming up increases the blood flow to your muscles, ligaments and tendons
o At least 3 to 5 min of mild cardiovascular training is recommended to warm up sufficiently
Examples of a good warm up prior to ride include:
• Getting on your trainer and ride for 20 min prior to your race
• Jump rope for 10-15 min
• Fast walk to the point of sweating
• Slow bike ride to the point of sweating
• Slow jog to the point of sweating
Once you have warmed up you can begin your stretch routine. Remember in order to increase your performance by 15% you have to make stretching part of your daily routine. Proper stretching includes 3 different aspects. Frequency, Intensity, and duration.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these topics.
• Frequency refers to how often you do your stretches. It is recommended to stretch at least 1-2 times daily.
• Intensity refers to how hard you stretch. For example when you are doing a set of 10 repetitions of hamstring stretch you want to ease your way into the stretch. The first 2-4 repetitions should be held at the initial phase of muscle contraction. The next few repetitions push the muscle a bit farther into the stretch. By the 8-10 repetition you can push the muscle farther and farther. Make sure you breathe in order to have proper oxygen supply for the muscles. It is very important to remember to avoid the “No pain, No gain” theory. This can actually lead to injuries.
• Duration refers to how long you hold each stretch. It is recommended to hold each stretch a minimum of 10 seconds and in order to get the full benefits of the stretch, hold for 60 seconds
Once you have finished your ride/exercise it is important to cool down properly. When you cool down properly you can decrease sports specific injuries, cut down on lactic acid build up in your muscles, reduce overuse, and prevent post race stiffness. A proper cool down will allow the heart rate and respiration rates to decrease gradually, placing less stress on body systems than if the activity is abruptly stopped.
The biggest complaint I hear is "I don't have time to do all of this, or, I never use to do all of this". The answer to the first, is you don't have time NOT too, and the answer to the second is, your getting older, you body has gotten away with mistakes for years and it won't last much longer. To properly take care of your body you have always had to do all of this, remember, just because you haven't, does not mean you shouldn't.
I hope these general guidelines help you get the most out of your ride. If you have any questions or want to know specific stretches feel free to contact me and I will gladly go over them with you. Till next time, have a fun and safe ride. Dr. Amir can be reached at CSI Westlake, 2277 Townsgate Road, ste 101, Westlake Village, Ca 91361. 805.371.0737 or visit us on the web at www.gotcsi.com
Dr. Amir Mahmud is one of the Sports Chiropractors at Chiropractic Sports Institute in Westlake Village. He has been a treating Doctor on the sidelines of many sports and as successfully treated many Professional and top amateur athletes for years. Dr. Terry Weyman, the CEO of CSI, has been named the Medical Director of the final stage of the Tour de California.
With the Tour de California coming to town (Final stage in Westlake half a mile from our Westlake office) we were recently asked to give a lecture at Conejo Valley Cycling (CVC) club on the topics of proper hydration, nutrition, warming up, stretching and cooling down. Since most of the members were very interested on the warm up, stretching, cooling down part of the lecture I decided to dedicate this blog on how to properly warm up, stretch and cool down in order to avoid sports related injuries.
So, why should we warm up and stretch prior to exercising? Did you know that a proper warm up and stretching routine can improve an athlete’s performance by as much as 15%?
Here are some guidelines to follow in order to take full advantage of your body and maximize your workout experience.
• Always warm up prior to stretching &/or exercising
o Warming up increases the blood flow to your muscles, ligaments and tendons
o At least 3 to 5 min of mild cardiovascular training is recommended to warm up sufficiently
Examples of a good warm up prior to ride include:
• Getting on your trainer and ride for 20 min prior to your race
• Jump rope for 10-15 min
• Fast walk to the point of sweating
• Slow bike ride to the point of sweating
• Slow jog to the point of sweating
Once you have warmed up you can begin your stretch routine. Remember in order to increase your performance by 15% you have to make stretching part of your daily routine. Proper stretching includes 3 different aspects. Frequency, Intensity, and duration.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these topics.
• Frequency refers to how often you do your stretches. It is recommended to stretch at least 1-2 times daily.
• Intensity refers to how hard you stretch. For example when you are doing a set of 10 repetitions of hamstring stretch you want to ease your way into the stretch. The first 2-4 repetitions should be held at the initial phase of muscle contraction. The next few repetitions push the muscle a bit farther into the stretch. By the 8-10 repetition you can push the muscle farther and farther. Make sure you breathe in order to have proper oxygen supply for the muscles. It is very important to remember to avoid the “No pain, No gain” theory. This can actually lead to injuries.
• Duration refers to how long you hold each stretch. It is recommended to hold each stretch a minimum of 10 seconds and in order to get the full benefits of the stretch, hold for 60 seconds
Once you have finished your ride/exercise it is important to cool down properly. When you cool down properly you can decrease sports specific injuries, cut down on lactic acid build up in your muscles, reduce overuse, and prevent post race stiffness. A proper cool down will allow the heart rate and respiration rates to decrease gradually, placing less stress on body systems than if the activity is abruptly stopped.
The biggest complaint I hear is "I don't have time to do all of this, or, I never use to do all of this". The answer to the first, is you don't have time NOT too, and the answer to the second is, your getting older, you body has gotten away with mistakes for years and it won't last much longer. To properly take care of your body you have always had to do all of this, remember, just because you haven't, does not mean you shouldn't.
I hope these general guidelines help you get the most out of your ride. If you have any questions or want to know specific stretches feel free to contact me and I will gladly go over them with you. Till next time, have a fun and safe ride. Dr. Amir can be reached at CSI Westlake, 2277 Townsgate Road, ste 101, Westlake Village, Ca 91361. 805.371.0737 or visit us on the web at www.gotcsi.com
Dr. Amir Mahmud is one of the Sports Chiropractors at Chiropractic Sports Institute in Westlake Village. He has been a treating Doctor on the sidelines of many sports and as successfully treated many Professional and top amateur athletes for years. Dr. Terry Weyman, the CEO of CSI, has been named the Medical Director of the final stage of the Tour de California.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Time to get ready for SUMMER!
By: Dr. Ed Green
We here in California are lucky because we are able to play sports year round out doors. With summer approaching quickly and the days getting much longer we all need to prepare our bodies for some intense out door fun.
As for my self, my Highland games season is now in full swing. I am playing softball 2 to 3 nights a week and I have been coaching some youngins how to throw the shot put for youth track. With the level of activity increasing, we all need to get in a habit of daily stretching. Daily stretching will help prevent those nagging injuries that will keep us from playing.
I recommend the following several stretches to be done pre play and then some to be done post play. Before sports that require fast twitch muscle I would not recommend doing static stretching. You should more do stretches that mimic the sport that you are about to play.
Stretches to be done PRE-GAME
1) Karaokes. For about 20yds
2) Bounding for about 20 yds
3) Butt kickers for about 20 yds
4) Quick Feet drills for about 20yds
5) Double leg high jumps standing in place 3 sets 6 reps
6) Moving lunges at least 10 per leg.
Stretches to be done POST-play( Each stretch hold 15-20 sec)
1) Hamstring stretches standing and seated
2) Quadricep stretches stand and side lying
3) Figure 4 Gluteal stretches
4) Calves standing and on all fours.
5) Chest stretches for pectoralis major and minor
6) Neck stretches
These simple yet useful stretches if done pre and post all events will help the body maintain its flexibility and prevent those nagging little injuries that keep us in doors and not out enjoying our beautiful area.
I strive to teach all my patients these stretches because I have seen how beneficial they are to ones recovery and to maintaining an injury free season. I hope these help all of you and allow you play to best of your ability and injury FREE.
Ed Green D.C. C.C.S.P
CSI Moorpark
805-531-1188
We here in California are lucky because we are able to play sports year round out doors. With summer approaching quickly and the days getting much longer we all need to prepare our bodies for some intense out door fun.
As for my self, my Highland games season is now in full swing. I am playing softball 2 to 3 nights a week and I have been coaching some youngins how to throw the shot put for youth track. With the level of activity increasing, we all need to get in a habit of daily stretching. Daily stretching will help prevent those nagging injuries that will keep us from playing.
I recommend the following several stretches to be done pre play and then some to be done post play. Before sports that require fast twitch muscle I would not recommend doing static stretching. You should more do stretches that mimic the sport that you are about to play.
Stretches to be done PRE-GAME
1) Karaokes. For about 20yds
2) Bounding for about 20 yds
3) Butt kickers for about 20 yds
4) Quick Feet drills for about 20yds
5) Double leg high jumps standing in place 3 sets 6 reps
6) Moving lunges at least 10 per leg.
Stretches to be done POST-play( Each stretch hold 15-20 sec)
1) Hamstring stretches standing and seated
2) Quadricep stretches stand and side lying
3) Figure 4 Gluteal stretches
4) Calves standing and on all fours.
5) Chest stretches for pectoralis major and minor
6) Neck stretches
These simple yet useful stretches if done pre and post all events will help the body maintain its flexibility and prevent those nagging little injuries that keep us in doors and not out enjoying our beautiful area.
I strive to teach all my patients these stretches because I have seen how beneficial they are to ones recovery and to maintaining an injury free season. I hope these help all of you and allow you play to best of your ability and injury FREE.
Ed Green D.C. C.C.S.P
CSI Moorpark
805-531-1188
Monday, March 22, 2010
Creating SUPER FEET!
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
After seeing a few good injuries to several athletes feet in the past few months, I started thinking about ways to strengthen their feet to combat these injuries. If your feet are stronger, they can withstand more forces before having any complications. With muscle thickness you gain added strength and a secondary structural barrier to absorb and disperse impacting forces. When athletes train, walk, ride and run in shoes/boots, the musculature in their feet isn’t being adequately trained. By exercising your feet, not only will you reduce injuries but you will improve upon your balance and overall mobility.
One of the best ways to strengthen your feet is by running in sand, such as a beach or even the soft desert sand, barefoot. By running in the soft sand barefoot, your toes and feet are required to flex and extend more than when your feet are confined to footware. Also, since the ground is soft, your arch is protected since the ground will support all anatomical angles of the foot. If you don’t have access to a beach or soft sand try these basic exercises. You will be surprised how much more challenging basic movements are, when performed barefoot. Even simple lunges will become challenging since you are not use to having your feet activate, grip and stabilize. When starting out, keep your barefoot movements basic and perform on a soft mat to aid in biomechanical support to your feet. A typical warm-up might include the forward lunge, backward lunge, and even a simple heel-toe walk, making your foot strike the heel first and then roll up on the ball of the foot. Once this is done easily, add a simple carioca or shuffle forward and back then side to side.
By adding barefoot work to your weekly routine, you will build up those little guys that carry you around all day and in return, you just might even get some happy feet! If you REALLY want to make them happy, get them some compression socks to wear after your workouts.
Until next time, Dr. Terry
www.gotcsi.com
After seeing a few good injuries to several athletes feet in the past few months, I started thinking about ways to strengthen their feet to combat these injuries. If your feet are stronger, they can withstand more forces before having any complications. With muscle thickness you gain added strength and a secondary structural barrier to absorb and disperse impacting forces. When athletes train, walk, ride and run in shoes/boots, the musculature in their feet isn’t being adequately trained. By exercising your feet, not only will you reduce injuries but you will improve upon your balance and overall mobility.
One of the best ways to strengthen your feet is by running in sand, such as a beach or even the soft desert sand, barefoot. By running in the soft sand barefoot, your toes and feet are required to flex and extend more than when your feet are confined to footware. Also, since the ground is soft, your arch is protected since the ground will support all anatomical angles of the foot. If you don’t have access to a beach or soft sand try these basic exercises. You will be surprised how much more challenging basic movements are, when performed barefoot. Even simple lunges will become challenging since you are not use to having your feet activate, grip and stabilize. When starting out, keep your barefoot movements basic and perform on a soft mat to aid in biomechanical support to your feet. A typical warm-up might include the forward lunge, backward lunge, and even a simple heel-toe walk, making your foot strike the heel first and then roll up on the ball of the foot. Once this is done easily, add a simple carioca or shuffle forward and back then side to side.
By adding barefoot work to your weekly routine, you will build up those little guys that carry you around all day and in return, you just might even get some happy feet! If you REALLY want to make them happy, get them some compression socks to wear after your workouts.
Until next time, Dr. Terry
www.gotcsi.com
Monday, March 8, 2010
Shoulder injuries, not just an adult issue!
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
I have been seeing a lot more shoulder injuries in these past few months than I have seen in the past few years. One significant change I notice is the age of the athlete with these injuries. They are getting younger and younger. When researching patterns, I notice these younger athletes are playing their sports longer. In addition to regular practices, athletes have longer seasons (regular ball, fall ball, All-stars, club teams and travel teams) some even hiring private trainers in the off season. Kids are coming to the office with injuries not usually seen until college or professional level. We can use this knowledge for several purposes, recovery and avoidence. We can refocus our efforts for the long haul instead of the short gain, realizing that our kids have an entire life ahead and being the best NOW is just that, its NOW. BUT repetitive stress injuries are FOREVER.
With repetitive activities muscles will adapt and change. Patterns will be developed which can lead to injuries. Asymmetric (not even with the other shoulder) passive (non muscle use) shoulder (scapular) motion has been linked in ‘throwing’ athletes and may be a predisposing factor to injury. What does this mean? With the athletes shirt off grab his/her elbow and lift their arm out to the side and then again forward. Does their shoulder blade move the same on each side? With their arms at their side and forearms in front of them at 90 degrees, rotate their hands toward their belly and away (internal and external rotation). Do they move the same? Conditions such as labral and rotator cuff injuries have been linked with decreases in glenohumeral internal-rotation and increases in external-rotation motion. Also, decreased glenohumeral internal rotation is strongly associated with scapular dysfunction. The younger the athlete, the more ROM (range of motion) they should have, since younger athletes have more ligament laxity. IF they are showing tightness or restricted ROM, they are heading for an injury. Just as if one shoulder is much looser, this can also lead to injury.
If you notice that your athlete is showing restriction or excessive elasticity, stop their activity and get them on a scapular stability program to even them out before continuing. By working the scapula (shoulder blade), the shoulder will respond faster and be more stable. Once the Range of motions is equal, build the athlete back to competitive level. By keeping an eye on these structures you can decrease the risks that lead to shoulder injuries. I am always amazed that people will check, pre check and over check their vehicles looking for wear and tear to avoid costly repairs, but they do not do this with their bodies or their children’s bodies. In some sports I will see the parents spending hours and thousands of dollars on getting their equipment just right or perfectly balanced, yet their child walks around with a limp or has one shoulder higher than the other. It makes no sense at all! Machines can be replaced and bought; you only get one body- take good care of it!
Dr.Terry Weyman
www.gotcsi.com
I have been seeing a lot more shoulder injuries in these past few months than I have seen in the past few years. One significant change I notice is the age of the athlete with these injuries. They are getting younger and younger. When researching patterns, I notice these younger athletes are playing their sports longer. In addition to regular practices, athletes have longer seasons (regular ball, fall ball, All-stars, club teams and travel teams) some even hiring private trainers in the off season. Kids are coming to the office with injuries not usually seen until college or professional level. We can use this knowledge for several purposes, recovery and avoidence. We can refocus our efforts for the long haul instead of the short gain, realizing that our kids have an entire life ahead and being the best NOW is just that, its NOW. BUT repetitive stress injuries are FOREVER.
With repetitive activities muscles will adapt and change. Patterns will be developed which can lead to injuries. Asymmetric (not even with the other shoulder) passive (non muscle use) shoulder (scapular) motion has been linked in ‘throwing’ athletes and may be a predisposing factor to injury. What does this mean? With the athletes shirt off grab his/her elbow and lift their arm out to the side and then again forward. Does their shoulder blade move the same on each side? With their arms at their side and forearms in front of them at 90 degrees, rotate their hands toward their belly and away (internal and external rotation). Do they move the same? Conditions such as labral and rotator cuff injuries have been linked with decreases in glenohumeral internal-rotation and increases in external-rotation motion. Also, decreased glenohumeral internal rotation is strongly associated with scapular dysfunction. The younger the athlete, the more ROM (range of motion) they should have, since younger athletes have more ligament laxity. IF they are showing tightness or restricted ROM, they are heading for an injury. Just as if one shoulder is much looser, this can also lead to injury.
If you notice that your athlete is showing restriction or excessive elasticity, stop their activity and get them on a scapular stability program to even them out before continuing. By working the scapula (shoulder blade), the shoulder will respond faster and be more stable. Once the Range of motions is equal, build the athlete back to competitive level. By keeping an eye on these structures you can decrease the risks that lead to shoulder injuries. I am always amazed that people will check, pre check and over check their vehicles looking for wear and tear to avoid costly repairs, but they do not do this with their bodies or their children’s bodies. In some sports I will see the parents spending hours and thousands of dollars on getting their equipment just right or perfectly balanced, yet their child walks around with a limp or has one shoulder higher than the other. It makes no sense at all! Machines can be replaced and bought; you only get one body- take good care of it!
Dr.Terry Weyman
www.gotcsi.com
Monday, February 1, 2010
It’s a BIRD it’s a PLANE its TRAUMEEL?????
By: Dr. Ed Green
It’s a BIRD, it’s a PLANE, its… TRAUMEEL?????
What is Traumeel you ask? Traumeel is anti-inflammatory, homeopathy, supplement that helps the body regulate the inflammatory process post injury. Many of us immediately put ice on the area, elevate the area if needed and take some over the counter NSAIDs(Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug). Today, I am here to tell you that TRAUMEEL will help decrease your pain level quicker. For the past several years, I have been using TRAUMEEL in place of NSAIDs and I have seen some impressive quick improvements. Unlike NSAIDS or prescription drugs, there are no side effects or complications. Many of my patients use TRAUMEEL on a dialy basis to help ease arthritis pain, swollen joints, bruises and the run of the mill muscle aches.
The following link is to the HEEL website that gives a short but informative video on the biological process of TRAUMEEL and why it works.
http://www.heelusa.com/Misc/heel_mode_movie_player.htm
The website www.Heel.com has many other links to articles and information on why TRAUMEEL is so effective. As a Sports Chiropractor, I cannot prescribe medication, so having a HOMEOPATHIC Anti-inflammatory supplement as effective as TRAUMEEL enables me to get my patients feeling better quicker. We all want to return to our daily activites as soon as we can and not be in pain. So with the addition of TRAUMEEL to your regular Chiropractic care, you will see a large improvement in your daily life.
The following is an exerpt from the FDA and TRAUMEEL on the safty risks of NSAIDs.
The FDA, www.fda.gov, announced that NSAIDs will have to revise their labeling to include warnings about potential safety risks such as internal bleeding and liver damage. Traumeel® has none of these side effects. Furthermore, the makers of Traumeel®, Heel USA, state on their Website, www.heelusa.com, that there is no risk of overdosing, and it has no adverse renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), Traumeel® is available in multi-dosage forms including: an Rx injection solution and over-the-counter petroleum-free gel, tablets, ointment, oral vials and oral drops. Traumeel® is regulated by the FDA as well as all Heel products.
This just shows the high effectiveness of TRAUMEEL with no issues of overdose. To me, it is the perfect supplement to aid in pain reduction.
At the Moorpark office we have several forms of TRAUMEEL ranging from oral tablets to topical cream. We also carry other HEEL products such as: SPASCAPREEL which helps decrease muscle spasm along with menstral cramps and HEADACHE II which has been extrememly effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines.
I highly recommend TRAUMEEL to all my patients who want a more natural way of reducing pain and inflammation. When I see effective products such as these, I love to let everyone know about it. Please contact our office for details, or stop by for a free sample, 805-531-1188.
Dr.Ed Green is the clinic Director of CSI Moorpark, 301 Science Drive, ste 100, Moorpark California.
It’s a BIRD, it’s a PLANE, its… TRAUMEEL?????
What is Traumeel you ask? Traumeel is anti-inflammatory, homeopathy, supplement that helps the body regulate the inflammatory process post injury. Many of us immediately put ice on the area, elevate the area if needed and take some over the counter NSAIDs(Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory drug). Today, I am here to tell you that TRAUMEEL will help decrease your pain level quicker. For the past several years, I have been using TRAUMEEL in place of NSAIDs and I have seen some impressive quick improvements. Unlike NSAIDS or prescription drugs, there are no side effects or complications. Many of my patients use TRAUMEEL on a dialy basis to help ease arthritis pain, swollen joints, bruises and the run of the mill muscle aches.
The following link is to the HEEL website that gives a short but informative video on the biological process of TRAUMEEL and why it works.
http://www.heelusa.com/Misc/heel_mode_movie_player.htm
The website www.Heel.com has many other links to articles and information on why TRAUMEEL is so effective. As a Sports Chiropractor, I cannot prescribe medication, so having a HOMEOPATHIC Anti-inflammatory supplement as effective as TRAUMEEL enables me to get my patients feeling better quicker. We all want to return to our daily activites as soon as we can and not be in pain. So with the addition of TRAUMEEL to your regular Chiropractic care, you will see a large improvement in your daily life.
The following is an exerpt from the FDA and TRAUMEEL on the safty risks of NSAIDs.
The FDA, www.fda.gov, announced that NSAIDs will have to revise their labeling to include warnings about potential safety risks such as internal bleeding and liver damage. Traumeel® has none of these side effects. Furthermore, the makers of Traumeel®, Heel USA, state on their Website, www.heelusa.com, that there is no risk of overdosing, and it has no adverse renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal or central nervous system (CNS) side effects. Listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR), Traumeel® is available in multi-dosage forms including: an Rx injection solution and over-the-counter petroleum-free gel, tablets, ointment, oral vials and oral drops. Traumeel® is regulated by the FDA as well as all Heel products.
This just shows the high effectiveness of TRAUMEEL with no issues of overdose. To me, it is the perfect supplement to aid in pain reduction.
At the Moorpark office we have several forms of TRAUMEEL ranging from oral tablets to topical cream. We also carry other HEEL products such as: SPASCAPREEL which helps decrease muscle spasm along with menstral cramps and HEADACHE II which has been extrememly effective in reducing the intensity and frequency of headaches and migraines.
I highly recommend TRAUMEEL to all my patients who want a more natural way of reducing pain and inflammation. When I see effective products such as these, I love to let everyone know about it. Please contact our office for details, or stop by for a free sample, 805-531-1188.
Dr.Ed Green is the clinic Director of CSI Moorpark, 301 Science Drive, ste 100, Moorpark California.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Does your child get ear infections?
By Dr. Amir Mahmud
Does your child suffer from chronic ear infections? If so, did you know that chiropractic care is one of the best ways to help children suffering from ear infections? Let’s take a look at what an “ear infection” is, some common causes of middle ear infection, why it is common in children, and traditional treatment vs. alternative treatments.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) is the inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear, the area just behind the ear drum. It happens when the Eustachian tube(auditory tube), which connect the middle ear to the nose, become blocked with fluid. With the infection, mucus, pus, and bacteria can also pool behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. Some factors that make otitis media more prevalent in children than adults include bacterial colonization in the absence of antibody, frequent upper respiratory infections, exposure to parental cigarette smoke and change in Eustachian tube function/anatomy. Let’s take a closer look at each scenario and see how it can contribute to ear infections in children.
• Bacterial Colonization:
o “Colonization with Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, or Moraxella catarrhalis increases the risk of otitis media, whereas colonization with the normal flora such as the viridians streptococci may prevent otitis episodes by inhibiting the growth of these pathogens” [1]. Taking that into consideration, it is a good idea to stay away from antibiotics for as long as possible in treating children with ear infections.
From et al reported on the results of a study involving 3,660 children in nine countries. The authors concluded, "Antibiotic treatment did not improve the rate of recovery of patients in this study." In fact, they stated, "Patients who did not take antibiotics had a higher rate of recovery than those who did..." [2]
• Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI):
o Viral infections can impair auditory canal function by increasing swelling and edema in the tube which can lead to increased pressure and pain.
• Smoke exposure:
o Exposing children to second hand smoke increases the susceptibility and duration of ear infections by enhancing colonization, prolonging the inflammatory response and impeding drainage through the auditory canal. [2]
• Change in Eustachian Tube anatomy:
o Children below the age of seven years are much more prone to ear infections since the Eustachian tube is shorter and at more of a horizontal angle than in the adult ear. As we age the auditory canal becomes more vertical and as a result it is less susceptible to fluid accumulation and bacterial colonization.
So you might ask. How can chiropractic care help my sick kid?
• The chiropractic model and philosophy is based on realigning the spine, opening up nerve pathways, restoring muscular tone and increasing nervous system communication to increase overall health. In children with chronic ear infections the lymphatic drainage is significantly reduced in the middle ear. This is due to the fact that the drainage of middle ear runs by way of the cervical lymph system and depends significantly for its flow on adequate muscle activity. When there is a misalignment in one of the vertebrae in the neck, the irritation caused by that problem can be sufficient to cause the neck muscles to develop a state of increased tension or spasm. The resulting muscle contraction, especially in the area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), can be the cause of restricted lymph drainage from the ear. With the disruption in the normal lymphatic activity your body’s immunity is lowered and therefore you are more prone to viral and bacterial invaders. By having the cervical spine adjusted we can open up the lymphatic block and increase the body’s immunity. In addition to adjustments, we also utilize the Erchonia Low level laser to decrease inflammation, reset muscle tone, and boost the body’s immunity.
I hope this article has been informative. If you have any question feel free to send us an email or stop by the office and have your young ones adjusted. Till next time…
Dr. Amir
1. Hay W, Levin M, Sondheimer J, Deterding R. “Current diagnosis and treatment in pediatrics” 8th edition: 459-475
2. Froom J, Culpepper L, Grob P, et al: "Diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media: a report from the International Primary Care Network." BMJ (1990) 300(6724):582.
Does your child suffer from chronic ear infections? If so, did you know that chiropractic care is one of the best ways to help children suffering from ear infections? Let’s take a look at what an “ear infection” is, some common causes of middle ear infection, why it is common in children, and traditional treatment vs. alternative treatments.
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) is the inflammation and/or infection of the middle ear, the area just behind the ear drum. It happens when the Eustachian tube(auditory tube), which connect the middle ear to the nose, become blocked with fluid. With the infection, mucus, pus, and bacteria can also pool behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. Some factors that make otitis media more prevalent in children than adults include bacterial colonization in the absence of antibody, frequent upper respiratory infections, exposure to parental cigarette smoke and change in Eustachian tube function/anatomy. Let’s take a closer look at each scenario and see how it can contribute to ear infections in children.
• Bacterial Colonization:
o “Colonization with Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, or Moraxella catarrhalis increases the risk of otitis media, whereas colonization with the normal flora such as the viridians streptococci may prevent otitis episodes by inhibiting the growth of these pathogens” [1]. Taking that into consideration, it is a good idea to stay away from antibiotics for as long as possible in treating children with ear infections.
From et al reported on the results of a study involving 3,660 children in nine countries. The authors concluded, "Antibiotic treatment did not improve the rate of recovery of patients in this study." In fact, they stated, "Patients who did not take antibiotics had a higher rate of recovery than those who did..." [2]
• Viral Upper Respiratory Infection (URI):
o Viral infections can impair auditory canal function by increasing swelling and edema in the tube which can lead to increased pressure and pain.
• Smoke exposure:
o Exposing children to second hand smoke increases the susceptibility and duration of ear infections by enhancing colonization, prolonging the inflammatory response and impeding drainage through the auditory canal. [2]
• Change in Eustachian Tube anatomy:
o Children below the age of seven years are much more prone to ear infections since the Eustachian tube is shorter and at more of a horizontal angle than in the adult ear. As we age the auditory canal becomes more vertical and as a result it is less susceptible to fluid accumulation and bacterial colonization.
So you might ask. How can chiropractic care help my sick kid?
• The chiropractic model and philosophy is based on realigning the spine, opening up nerve pathways, restoring muscular tone and increasing nervous system communication to increase overall health. In children with chronic ear infections the lymphatic drainage is significantly reduced in the middle ear. This is due to the fact that the drainage of middle ear runs by way of the cervical lymph system and depends significantly for its flow on adequate muscle activity. When there is a misalignment in one of the vertebrae in the neck, the irritation caused by that problem can be sufficient to cause the neck muscles to develop a state of increased tension or spasm. The resulting muscle contraction, especially in the area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), can be the cause of restricted lymph drainage from the ear. With the disruption in the normal lymphatic activity your body’s immunity is lowered and therefore you are more prone to viral and bacterial invaders. By having the cervical spine adjusted we can open up the lymphatic block and increase the body’s immunity. In addition to adjustments, we also utilize the Erchonia Low level laser to decrease inflammation, reset muscle tone, and boost the body’s immunity.
I hope this article has been informative. If you have any question feel free to send us an email or stop by the office and have your young ones adjusted. Till next time…
Dr. Amir
1. Hay W, Levin M, Sondheimer J, Deterding R. “Current diagnosis and treatment in pediatrics” 8th edition: 459-475
2. Froom J, Culpepper L, Grob P, et al: "Diagnosis and antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media: a report from the International Primary Care Network." BMJ (1990) 300(6724):582.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
To be better, start with the EYES!
By: Dr. Terry Weyman
We often forget to train our eyes for our sport yet they are so instrumental in initiating all quick movements. Your head follows your eyes and consequently, your body follows your head. By training the eyes, quick movements such as; darting through that hole in the defense, finding your receiver quicker, making that quick hockey shot or getting the ball in the elusive corner of the lacrosse net, will become easier. Training the eyes will also help reaction time for sports such as Motocross and Baseball. Do this simple drill for 10-20 seconds two to three times a week and watch YOUR eye reaction speed increase. Have a partner, stand behind you with a red laser pointer. Have them move the pointer on the wall in front of you in quick patterns, all around the wall. Do NOT move your head, just your eyes and follow the dot. Make a game to see if your partner can move the dot faster or in a pattern that you can’t keep up with. Practice this simple drill and watch your performance increase!
Dr. Terry Weyman is the CEO of The Chiropractic Sports Institute in Southern California. You can visit their website at www.gotcsi.com and sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter, TidBits.
We often forget to train our eyes for our sport yet they are so instrumental in initiating all quick movements. Your head follows your eyes and consequently, your body follows your head. By training the eyes, quick movements such as; darting through that hole in the defense, finding your receiver quicker, making that quick hockey shot or getting the ball in the elusive corner of the lacrosse net, will become easier. Training the eyes will also help reaction time for sports such as Motocross and Baseball. Do this simple drill for 10-20 seconds two to three times a week and watch YOUR eye reaction speed increase. Have a partner, stand behind you with a red laser pointer. Have them move the pointer on the wall in front of you in quick patterns, all around the wall. Do NOT move your head, just your eyes and follow the dot. Make a game to see if your partner can move the dot faster or in a pattern that you can’t keep up with. Practice this simple drill and watch your performance increase!
Dr. Terry Weyman is the CEO of The Chiropractic Sports Institute in Southern California. You can visit their website at www.gotcsi.com and sign up for their bi-monthly newsletter, TidBits.
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