Fire Cupping

Fire Cupping

What is fire cupping?

Glass cups are heated and then applied to the body in such a way to create a vacuum and pull the skin gently into the cup.

What does fire cupping do?

Eastern Description: The heat and suction from the cup pulls out blockages in Qi to allow free flow of energy and promote healing.

Western Description: The heat and suction helps increase blood flow to all areas of your body which helps with bringing oxygen to tissues that were not optimally receiving oxygen prior (which tends to cause pain). Cupping can break up deep scar tissue and relax tender muscles or connective tissues.

I saw Michael Phelps and those crazy bruises...does it hurt?

I know it looks scary, but it usually isn't painful. Most people will feel some heat and tightness around the cup. In fact, the bruises are caused when blood rushes to the area and the skin is sucked into the cup.

So what does it feel like?

Cupping is most closely described to as a deep tissue massage. The pressure/tightness forms around the cup but instead of pushing the tissue down, the cups lift the tissue allowing blood flow to increase underneath.

How long does a cupping session last?

It depends on what your needs are but cupping can last anywhere from 5 minutes to 15 minutes.

Ok, Ok, why would I want to try cupping?

For starters, cupping helps relieve pain. It can ease stiffness from chronic back and neck pains, migraines, arthritis, and fatigue. For athletes it can reduce stiffness, muscle cramps, joint pains and scar tissue.

Do I have to have FIRE cupping?

You don't have to have anything...there are always options. One option to cupping besides fire is a suction cup which is done mechanically.

Sign me up...how do I do it?

Dr. Lauren can perform cupping after a thorough examination. Call 331-307-7110 to schedule an appointment today.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture

What exactly is acupuncture?

Acupuncture uses thin, filiform needles that are inserted into specific points on the body.

What does acupuncture do?

The Eastern View...Acupuncture points lie along meridians throughout the body. Qi (energy) flows along these meridians and disruption of the free flow of Qi results in pain or dysfunction. Specific points are picked that help correct those imbalances and restore proper flow and movement of Qi.

The Western View...Acupuncture points help stimulate local antidromic axon reflexes, segmental and extrasegmental neuromodulation, and other central nervous system effects. That's a super fancy way of saying the needles cause an increase of endorphins and enkephalins to help relieve pain and increase happiness.

Dude, I'm terrified of needles. Won't it hurt?

For many people acupuncture doesn't hurt at all. For others, they may feel a slight pressure or quick pain (like the moment you get stung by a bee). The area the needle is inserted may feel a pressure, soreness, itch or slight numbing sensation.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is safe when done by a trained provider. We will always use sterile needles, we will never reuse needles, alcohol is utilized to clean the skin and all needles are properly disposed of after treatment. The most common risk is possible bleeding which is worsened by certain medications or a small red blotch that will disappear quickly.

What does acupuncture treat?

The World Health Organization has a list of Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved – through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment. Here are the most common ones we see in the office:

• PAIN - knee pain, low back pain, facial pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, etc.
• Sprains and strains
• Arthritis - osteoarthritis and rheumatoid
• Dysmenorrhoea
• Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy
• Headache
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Morning sickness
• Nausea/vomiting
• Hypertension

Chiro for Kiddos

Chiro for Kiddos

Why would an itty-bitty baby need chiropractic?

Some babies don't need chiropractic, but others would benefit from treatment...it depends on the babe and their environment and what they have been through. Sometimes the baby "hangs out" in the same position in utero which can lead to tightness on one side of the neck.

Why does a not-so-itty-bitty baby need chiropractic?

Toddlers and small children have plenty of opportunities for bumps, spills and falls as they explore their world...that's part of learning to explore and learn what is around them. Bumps and falls are an inevitable part of growing up. By keeping a child's spine in proper alignment, we can help ensure optimal balance, coordination, and nerve signaling.

Is it the same as an adult adjustment? And is it safe?

The idea behind the adjustment is the same - to get everything moving properly but the adjustment is different! While the location and amount of force applied varies, the overall pressure is the amount of pressure you would apply to a tomato to check if it is ripe. All research shows that chiropractic is safe for kids when done by someone with the proper training (yes, Dr. Lauren has taken extensive training specifically in pediatric chiropractic).

When do kids needs adjusted?

Some signs that suggest a kid may need adjusted include postural changes, only wanting to breast feed from one side, being off-balance, always tilting their head to one side, and running with a limp or on their tippy toes. Kids may also benefit from treatment during major milestones like rolling, crawling, standing, and walking or after trauma and falls.

Todd AJ, Carroll MT, Robinson A, Mitchell EK. Adverse events due to chiropractic and other manual therapies for infants and children: A review of the literature. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2014 Oct 30. pii: S0161-4754(14)00178-X. doi: 10.1016/j. jmpt.2014.09.008. [Epub ahead of print]

Chiropractic Adjustment...the ins & outs

Chiropractic Adjustment...the ins & outs

Have you ever wondered what an "adjustment" is?

Well, an adjustment refers to a gentle pressure or a high-velocity low-amplitude thrust over a specific portion of the body. That is a fancy way of saying an adjustment is a movement that helps a specific area move better.

Why do it?

By applying a gentle pressure or thrust, the adjustment helps restore function and motion to a joint that hasn't been moving as well as it should.

What is that popping sound?

That sound you sometimes hear during an adjustment is the release of nitrogen gas from a joint capsule.

What does chiropractic help with and is it safe?

Good ol' WebMD states "spinal manipulation and chiropractic care is generally considered a safe, effective treatment for acute low back pain...Research has also shown chiropractic to be helpful in treating neck pain and headaches. In addition, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia may respond to the moderate pressure used both by chiropractors."  (Yes, I just quoted WebMD...let's be real, you were planning on checking it anyways) :)

What does the first appointment look like?

Well, we start with an exam. This includes vital signs (pulse, blood pressure, etc.), orthopedic tests, functional movement tests, checking your movements and looking for trigger points and how well your body as a whole moves. If I can help you, treatment will be given. If not, a referral will be made.

What do follow-up appointments look like?

That depends on what you need...it may include an adjustment, exercises, deep tissue work, acupuncture, cupping, kinesiotaping, or any combination of those treatments.

Do I have to have my neck adjusted?

No. It is your right to refuse any part of treatment if you are not comfortable. I will ALWAYS discuss the risks, benefits and alternatives to treatment. If you have questions or concerns, PLEASE ASK me. I want you to be active in your treatment and that can only happen if you understand why we are doing things.

How do I make an appointment?

Call 331-307-7110...yeah, it's that easy.

Pelvic Floor & Core

Whether you are male or female, your pelvic floor is connected to your core (and your diaphragm). While common, pelvic floor dysfunction is not normal and you do not have to suffer through the pain, discomfort or embarrassment.

Types of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

There are many signs and symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, but a few of the common signs are:

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• Pelvic pain

• Painful intercourse (dyspareunia)

• Pelvic organ prolapse (POP): pelvic organs descend through their canal and through a weakened portion of the vagina

• Diastasic Recti

• Incontinence (leaking/peeing at inappropriate times) or difficulty emptying the bladder

• Constipation

Pelvic Floor Risk Factors

Risk factors are just that, factors that put you at risk for developing something. The good thing is, having one of these does not mean you are doomed for pelvic floor dysfunction!

• Sedentary Lifestyle

• Tilted Pelvis (see Neutral Spine)

• Pregnancy and childbirth

• Persistent coughing without mindful control of IAP

• Obesity

• Menopause: due to decrease in estrogen production

• Injury

• Repetitive abdominal training (see)

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Healing the Pelvic Floor

Whether you have a diastasis recti, incontinence or struggle through pain during sex, a referral to a women’s health PT is the only 100% recommendation I can make. (Need a good one? Check out BodyGears in the Chicagoland area!)

Dysfunction of the pelvic floor can be caused by both hypotonic or hypertonic, weak or strong pelvic floor musculature. It’s important to be properly evaluated so you know what to do (and what not to do).

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Healing the Pelvic Floor through the Breath

Creating a diaphragmatic breath that encompasses a 360 degree region (see The Hows and Whys to Working that Sexy Core ) will help with stabilization of the spine, abdominal musculature and pelvic floor.

Furthermore, watch posture. Ideally, you want the diaphragm to sit on top of the pelvic floor. Be conscious of alignment and make sure you are rib thrusting or tilting the pelvis.

What to Use Caution With

When healing a prolapse or diastasis recti, it’s just as important to know what to use caution with (but try out) as it is to knowing what to do. Some common things to avoid include:

• Avoid exercises that target flexion of the rectus abdominis (sit-ups, crunches, V-ups, bicycle kicks, etc.)

• Avoid rib thrusting and tilting the pelvis

• No breath-holding or sucking in or pulling belly button to spine

• Avoid kegels unless recommended by PT for hypotonic pelvic floor