Top Chiropractor in San Leandro, CA

San Leandro Chiropractor

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Exercises

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Here are some exercises intended to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Remember doing a quick five minute exercise warm-up before starting work, just as runners stretch before a run, can help prevent work-related injuries. 

 

Extend and stretch both wrists and fingers acutely as if they are in a hand-stand position. Hold for a count of 5. 
Straighten both wrists and relax fingers. 
Make a tight fist with both hands. 
Then bend both wrists down while keeping the fist. Hold for a count of 5. 
Straighten both wrists and relax fingers, for a count of 5. 
The exercise should be repeated 10 times.
Then let your arms hang loosely at the side and shake them for a few seconds.

 Source: Housang Seradge, MD, et.al., poster exhibit, 1996 Annual Meeting, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

9 Reasons why Erchonia Cold Laser PL 5000 will enhance your Chiropractic experience.

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Every living cell in a human body that makes up muscles, organs, bone, nerve cell and other tissues, functions at a specific frequency, or environment that it knows as its “normal”. Cells may change its frequency when exposed to emotional and physical stresses, chemical toxins, surgeries and even injuries. During this process cells stop send messages to neighboring cells and communication between brain and cells being interrupted. Erchonia is the only cold laser,  that will help to activate the communication between the brain and the damaged cells. Thus, flawless performance can be achieved.

Chiropractic care utilizes equipment that can help speed up the effectiveness of each rehabilitation session. One of these equipments is the Erchonia Cold PL 5000 Laser. This is a lightweight and low level laser that is used to inhibit or stimulate the cellular functions.  Depending on the case, one might need a laser therapy and the Erchonia Cold PL 5000 is the one gadget used for therapy by many chiropractors and other health care providers.  This unit provides a low frequency bandwidth that is specifically ranges in between of 630-640 nanometers and a power delivery of less than one (1) mili-watt is optimal for healing. Depending on the purpose of the treatment, a health care provider will program the laser to help to treat different musculoskeletal conditions:

  • 1. Pain relief– documented that pain is decreased up to 59%
  • 2. Increases Range of Motion– extremely important to prevent progressive, degenerative joint and disc disease
  • 3. Strengthens immune system by increasing lymphocyte activity
  • 4. Speeds up healing and recovery time by 30-50%
  • 5. Regenerates damaged nerve tissue
  • 6. Releases Myofascial restriction
  • 7. Restores Muscle strength
  • 8. Increases ATP production
  • 9. Decreases Edema & Inflammation

The Erchonia laser emits a visible coherent light that stimulates the body’s ability to produce ATP, which allows a natural healing of the body in decreased time. Through this process pain and inflammation decrease, the natural range of motion of the joints return and optimal function of cellular physiology occurs on a more permanent basis.

In one double blind study prepared for original FDA approval, it was documented that the Erchonia Laser decreased by an average of 59% while concomitantly increasing range of motion – both actively and passively.

Wound healing using the patented Erchonia Laser, compared to six other Lasers, was minimum of 6-14% faster in therapeutic results. Additional unique findings of the Erchonia Laser show proliferation of fibrobalsts and keratinocytes while increasing microcirculation of the skin. Peripheral neuropathies from injuries have been dramatically affected. This includes both intact neurological function as well as severed nerves. Wound healing acceleration has been demonstrated as well as scar tissue  diminishment using Erchonia Laser. In all, this is very powerful healing tool that when used correctly by the practitioner, can result in miraculous changes to increase the humanality of patients that may have otherwise been considered unassisteble.

Erchonia is the only company to receive FDA clearance for the use of  Theraputic Laser Application for injury and management of Peripheral-Central Nervous System. The use of  Erchonia laser is the perfect complement to chiropractic spinal adjustments for enabling the body to restore its natural state of balance and health. Join the wave of the future and tell us that you  want  to experience the benefits of the Erchonia lasers in your care.

Enjoy living a healthy life!

Question: What other therapeutic Cold Lasers have you experienced at Doctor’s office?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and Chiropractic

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Carpal tunnel syndrome happens when there is a compression of the median nerve in the wrist formed by the carpal bones and the transverse carpal ligament – a strip of tendon that supports the wrist from the bottom. The Carpal Tunnel is a narrow passageway in the wrist where tendons and nerves pass through to control the hand. These nerves and tendons are covered with a sheath of fluid that protects it. When a person uses the hand repetitively, swelling can happen due to the irritation of the chamber. As it swells, there’s no more space to accommodate the swelling thus the nerve is being compressed which results in  numbness and tingling in the hands, primarily the thumb and thumb pad, index, middle, and inner half of the ring fingers.

When a person uses their hands on a repetitive motion, like for example when typing, there is a tendency that it can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. There’s no known real cause for the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as it’s an idiopathic condition but those that are more prone to suffering from this syndrome are women and those with diabetes. Around 80% of cases of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are women and studies are still being conducted to understand why majority of cases are females.

The symptoms of CTS are usually experienced at night and are most likely caused by the sleeping position of the patient. As the patient unknowingly bends the wrist during sleep, the pain would then flare up. In cases of patients suffering from pain at night due to carpal tunnel syndrome, the patient can use a brace or a splint to keep them from bending their wrist and compressing the nerves while sleeping.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated through a chiropractic treatment. The patient must first undergo a series of examinations such as a physical examination and  x-ray to properly diagnose the patient’s case.  Since carpal tunnel syndrome is considered an RSI or a repetitive stress injury, the usual chiropractic treatment for this is by manipulation of the elbow and wrist and also with the manipulation of the patient’s cervical spine. Aside from this, the patient also has to rest the affected arm and to apply a cold compress to prevent further inflammation. A brace or a splint may also be advised for the patient to wear.

Spinal and arm manipulation is not the only chiropractic treatment available for treating carpal tunnel syndrome although it is the most common. An ultrasound therapy may also be conducted. In this type of therapy, a device that emits either high or low energy sound is used to the affected area. These energy sounds produce sound waves that penetrate into the skin and tissue thus relaxing the muscles and reducing the pain and inflammation. Cold Laser by Erchonia PL 5000 is another effective modality that will help to expedite the healing process and control the pain.

Chiropractic treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is non-invasive. There’s no need for medications or surgery if you choose this treatment. Based on studies, the chiropractic treatment is also just as effective as the allopathic treatment for repetitive stress injury or RSI.

While I was doing research for this article I have come across a really interesting article on Eioba.com The title is: Kevin’s 52 Tips On Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Wrist Pain. This article covers every angle on how to prevent CTS and RSI. It is a must list for everyone who has wrist pain. Thumbs up Kevin for this information. I am also providing a list of exercises intended to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome. Remember doing a quick five minute exercise warm-up before starting work, just as runners stretch before a run, can help prevent work-related injuries.

In conclusion I would like you to watch this excellent 3D video by Christopher Travers. It will help one to better understand about the patho physiology of CTS.

Question: Waht kind fo treatment did you or someone you know have for CTS?

Insomnia and 14 Tips on How to Cope with Sleep Problem

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Insomnia is a symptom which can accompany several sleep, medical and psychiatric disorders, characterized by persistent difficulty falling asleep and/or difficulty staying asleep. Insomnia is typically followed by functional impairment while awake.

Most adults have experienced sleeplessness at one time or another in their lives. An estimated 30%-50% of the general populations are affected by insomnia, and 10% have it as a chronic condition. Sleepless is a quite common problem but when it starts to become chronic, it becomes a big burden. Our body needs 6-8 hours of sleep. The older we become the longer hours of sleep recovery our body needs from every day’s stress.  My teacher Dr. Denofrio used to say: “Sleep is your weapon.”  If we are sleep deprived, we can’t function well and we easily get irritated and can’t concentrate.  Insomnia is most often caused by stress, illness, a change of the sleeping environment and many other factors.  There are five types of insomnia: Primary, Co-morbid , Transient, Short-term, and Chronic.

Patients who are suffering from insomnia for over a month are considered to have chronic insomnia. There are 3 divisions for chronic insomnia and they are as primary sleep disorders, secondary insomnia and idiopathic insomnia.

Primary insomnia is usually experienced by people suffering from stress or anxiety and is categorized as transient insomnia. It can also be caused by alcohol and coffee. This type of  insomnia will go away on its own as long as the root of the problem is cleared. Secondary insomnia, on the other hand, is caused by a psychiatric or medical problem as well as with extensive use of alcohol and drugs. Idiopathic insomnia has no known cause but sleeplessness still occur. Primary sleep disorders are caused by sleep syndromes and circadian rhythm disorders among others.

Patient who suffers from lack of sleep can find a relief from this condition with chiropractic care. Combination of chiropractic adjustments and deep tissue massage will help to facilitate the neurological impulse flow  from your brain – central nervous system (CNS) to the peripheral nervous system (PNS). CNS and  PNS control the function of every single organ in our body. Deep tissue massage will help facilitate the blood flow to your musculoskeletal system (MSS), thus help to  repair micro damges that your body sustained throughout the day. The process is happening while one is asleep. The balance between CNS -PNS and MSS will allow  your body to have a chance to  rejuvenate.  Pleas take a look at this video I found on Youtube by Shannon Scarlett. This is a perfect example of how much information our CNS is processing every day.

But, it is too general to say that chiropractic care would help in all cases of insomnia.  There are different cases of insomnia that requires different approach. A medical professional would offer the advice to the patient as he/she can diagnose the root cause as to why the patient is suffering from insomnia.

Nonetheless, chiropractic care and other treatments are available for the patient to see what works for them. But, these treatments would work optimally if the patient also makes lifestyle changes and avoid as much stress as possible. Below are 14 tips on how to cope with Insomnia:

1. Take warm bath before going to bed

2. Get a Massage

3. Listen t a Sothing, Soft Music

4. Drink Herb Tea – Camomile, catnip, anise or funnel

5. Eat  a Bedtime snack

6. Avid Coffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco

7. Sleep in Well-Ventilated Room

8. Get Some Cardiovascular Exercises During the Day

9.  Keep Regular DedTime Hours

10. Don’t Sleep In

11. Get Up Early In the Morning

12. Avoid Illuminated Bedromm Clocks

13. Keep room Dark

14. Avoid Exercises 3-4 Hours Before BedTime

Question: What Other Techniques Did You Use in Order to Help Yourself to fall Asleep?