Questionwhat would be as a chiropractic doctor the recommended type of treatment for a sore hamstring?
not at home treatment.. what would you do if a client came to you with a sore hamstring what would be your remedy?
Answerhamstring injury, sore hamstring, tight hamstring, muscle imbalance, sports injury, sports performance, sports chiropractic, performance improvement, staten island hamstring, staten island hamstring injury, staten island sports doctor,
Hello Khadija,
Thank you for your question. I cannot tell if your question is of a personal nature---- that you are injured and looking for a safe, effective, cost effective, quick, easy treatment for YOUR sore hamstring; or if the question is just a general question about a (presumably) sports injury.
Whatever the genesis of your question, here is some information for you, and if I do not 'hit the nail on the head', if I do not answer the issue you specifically have- do not hesitate to REcontact me here at AllExperts.com: http://www.allexperts.com/ep/965-100794/Chiropractors/Victor-Dolan-DC-DACBSP.htm
There are many different kinds of Chiropractic Doctors, just as there are many different specialties with Medical Doctors. The Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) can add post-graduate credentials, similar to the Medical Doctor (MD). For a list of the most common recognized Chiropractic Doctor specialties- visit: http://www.acatoday.org/pdf/ApprovedChiropracticSpecialtyPrograms.pdf
Chiropractors may have additional credentials in sports injuries (as I do- DACBSP = Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians), orthopedics, nutrition, neurology, rehabilitation, radiology, or more.
ANY doctor of Chiropractic could handle your hamstring injury, but- if possible- I would be partial to the Sports Injury Chiropractor, or the Rehab Chiro, or the Orthopedic Chiro.
Perhaps- if you are into vitamins and supplementation, you would even like the Chiropractic Doctor with the nutrition specialty!
Usually a hamstring injury is due to a sports injury of some type- There is MUCH information on how Chiropractic restores health, safely treats injury, and improves performance to our competitive and even our weekend athletes; this is an information handout I utilize in my Staten Island Chiropractic office- particularly for the sports injury patients:
Athletic Performance Improvement, Accelerated Recovery
Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training. With Doctors of Chiropractic serving on almost every nation抯 Olympic Team, with Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic Athlete: the results of chiropractic cannot be denied. Coaches and athletes are aware of terms such as
enhanced performance, performance improvement, .
accelerated recovery, restoration and regeneration. .
Many coaching conferences discuss strategies on these aspects of exercise, competition, sports and athleticism.
An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991. The January 1991 issue of the Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation published findings that demonstrate significant increases in athletic performance after a twelve week program of Chiropractic treatment.
Athletic Ability Research:
Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had ever before been under chiropractic care. Each of these participants underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic treatment ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ). ( measured aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )
All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports. At the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for each group were compared. All increases in performances by each group were measured by the average percent of change in all eleven tests combined.
The control group, those not receiving chiropractic care, showed slight improvement in eight of eleven tests ( this group had been training 慳s usual?for the time period ). By combining the average percentages of change on each test it was found that the control group showed an overall improvement of 4.5%.
Those receiving chiropractic treatment (along with their 憉sual training?, the test group, had dramatically different results. They showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total 10.7% average increase after six weeks. And when retested again after the second six week period of care this test group demonstrated a remarkable 16.7% average increase in athletic ability.
( consider that one/ onehundredth of a second ( 1/100th ) is the difference between win ?lose,,, 16.7% is HUGE )
What Do Chiropractors Do?
Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments, primarily in the spine, and also the extremities. Spinal misalignments, termed vertebral subluxations, irritate the nerves which in turn inhibits the body抯 ability to function optimally. Like a high performance automobile, the human structure must be balanced and in alignment to be at it抯 best. A Ferrari with pistons that don抰 fire in sequence, wheels that are out of balance or alignment, and high performance specifications that are improperly set will not only have it抯 performance compromised but will also have dramatically increased potential for parts to wear out and breakdown. The human body, far more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar. If the framework, particularly the spine, isn抰 properly aligned and balanced- the body cannot perform to it抯 potential and is more susceptible to illness and injury, with slower recovery when injury does occur.
What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?
Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference. This inhibits millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body. The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic. Like a properly tuned Ferrari, the chiropractic patient athlete, when properly aligned, functions at a level of peak performance.
Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.
Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples of professional and world-class athletes who realize(d) the value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies. They have learned through their own experiences what research has shown; that through chiropractic care - one can demonstrate faster reaction time, better balance, improved coordination, increased muscular power; and when injured- accelerated recovery and regeneration.
The Competitive Edge.
Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow. Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge need not look beyond the framework of his(her) own body. Increased public awareness is leading many to realize that a natural method is available in achieving performance enhancement. The method is Chiropractic!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
I hope that information stirs your competitive interest! Since that Hamstring issue USUALLY arises from a sports type injury- I will also give you this information about what to do at home, or quickly AFTER the injury occurs (this is also an information handout):
P.R.I.C.E. =
P protection. R rest. I ice. C compression. E elevation.
Hurt yourself ?? injury/ trauma/ bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??
You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined if you think it is bad enough. BUT in the meantime, some simple steps may help.
PRICE.
The PRICE protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.
P = Protection; protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
pad or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !
R = Rest; rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
repair the area
I = Ice; ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
(ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again
C = Compression; to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area. Many body
parts may not be applicable to compression.
E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part
PRICE may help : Sprains, Strains, musculo-skeletal injury, bruise, contusion
Sometimes a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain. Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction). In the spine, a sprain/strain is a misalignment, a 慿ink?in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation. Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!
Spinal = Vertebral Subluxation Complex (a.k.a. 憇ubluxation? ; ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
Spinal Kinesiopathology:
This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
Neuropathophysiology:
Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
Myopathology:
Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
Histopathology:
A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
Pathophysiology:
Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment. For good health- Treat the Cause, not just the Symptoms. Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint. CORRECT the subluxation !!!!
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine
As you can see, the Doctor of Chiropractic works with the BALANCE of the body, the DC works naturally, helping the body to heal itself!
Another thing to be aware of is-- PAIN and the treatment of pain in our society. Often our first inclination is to reach for a pain pill, sometimes we stay on pain pills for days or even weeks !!!
These pain medications can have far reaching implications. There is research out there to caution us as to the proper use of pain meds- again some background information for you:
PAIN
Pain is a 憆ed light on the dashboard?
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.
Think you should listen??
That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down,
or do you get it checked and correct the problem?
Pain,
do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?
Take a painkiller,
mask the pain,
and allow a problem to progress in your body?
Pain Killing medication??? = 16,000 deaths ( probably under-reported )
DEATH ! ? ! ? better watch out on those medications!!!
NOTICE ON PAIN RELIEVERS:
Label changes ORDERED by FDA; the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news 206- 207; 12-9-06) ;
SIXTEEN THOUSAND DEATHS: "Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective medications for the treatment of many chronically painful medical conditions. However, it is estimated that 25% of all serious adverse drug reactions involve NSAIDs, with more than 100,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths occurring annually due to NSAID-induced gastrointestinal (GI) events."----- http://hhc.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/13/6/468 Home Health Care Management & Practice, Vol. 13, No. 6, 468-475 (2001) Motrin, Advil = NSAIDS
The American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement 2-26-07).
NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse. These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.
Pain can often be the result of the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
Vertebral Subluxation ( 慥SC?, 憇ubluxation? )
Vertebral Subluxation is actually a quite common condition. Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties, and also look for 慡ubluxation? Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this). VSC- 慡ubluxation??can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.
Only a Doctor of Chiropractic will evaluate and treat for VSC, as well as other pathology.
The course of VSC is highly variable. Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights. Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC, some patients take years to develop symptoms. Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months. Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.
A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.
The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position. When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition. Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
Vertebral Subluxation cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone. Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction- - - a manipulation, best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomate, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomate, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
With the above background information, I now will attempt to directly answer your question:
You ask: ".....what would be as a chiropractic doctor the recommended type of treatment for a sore hamstring?....", in some ways similar to our colleague MD treatment methods, in some ways different.
ANY doctor that you visit will start with a history- consulting with you, talking about what caused this sore hamstring?, how long have you had it?, what were you doing when it started hurting?, is it getting better?, worse?, what makes it better?, worse?
What have you done for it- and the outcome?, is this the first time you have had this?, have you taken medication or treatment for it? Have you Iced or Heated the area?
Have you been punched/ kicked/ struck there in the hamstring?, did you get an injection there?, were you running when this happened?, what sport are you involved with?, is there a bruise/ lump/ bump/ contusion/ deformity/ depression around the injury site??
All of these things halp narrow the cause, help make the diagnosis (sprain- strain- blood clot? - contusion- hematoma- myositis ossificans- tear ) and determine the treatment. Can this be treated conservatively?- chiropractic, physical therapy, massage,,, does this need surgery??
All of these things are going through the doctors mind.
So, first- a history. Then an exam. Having you stand/ squat/ bend/ straight leg raise/ examination of the ankle, hip, lower back. Evaluating if the problem is intrinsic to the hamstring or referred or radiated from another body region.
After an examination- THEN a plan of care, a treatment regimen or referral would be discussed with you. Perhaps the Chiropractic Doctor can handle your complaint in house- without referral; perhaps referral is the best avenue for you.
".....not at home treatment.. what would you do if a client came to you with a sore hamstring what would be your remedy?...."- at home treatment?- see the "P.R.I.C.E." information above.
In office treatment?= Could/ would involve any/ all of these approaches: Spinal Adjustment if indicated (balance the spine and pelvis- often a cause of hamstring injury/ soreness); Knee evaluation- perhaps adjustment; ankle and foot evaluation with manipulation if indicated. Stretching, PNF stretching, massage, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulstion, infrasound, A.R.T. technique, GRASTON technique, perhaps even orthotics. Hot and cold therapies may also be utilized in the office setting.
Depending upon the severity of the injury, depending upon the goals of the patient (athlete): a few treatments over a couple of weeks may suffice to restore full function, or perhaps a season long regimen of care will be necessary (again depending upon the patient's goals, level of activity, level of fitness, level of competition).
I would also ask/ evaluate the patient's training habits- perhaps a change is needed here. Supplementation in the diet may be necessary- anti-inflammatory supplements such as proteolytic enzymes, bromelain, omega 3 EFA's may be needed, perhaps additional protein for repair, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium: these are all basic recommendations.
Goals include: restoration of full function, reduction of pain, prevention of future re-injury, proper balance of the muscle/ joint complexes, return to play. The Doctor and Patient must communicate as to the desired goals, some patients only use pain as a gauge and are not really interested in full function or performance improvement.
Goals include prevention of hematoma, tears, scar tissue formation, fibrosis, the development of mysositis ossificans.
I hope this helps you. If you have a 'sore hamstring', I would not hesitate in recommending a local Doctor of Chiropractic (my bias would include a CCSP or DACBSP Chiro- a sports injury Chiropractic Doctor).
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to REcontact me here at allexperts.com!
Thank You,
Your Sports Injury Doctor of Chiropractic,
Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
Email Newsletter:............... http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com
Dr. Victor E. Dolan, Doctor of Chiropractic; Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); Manipulation Under Anesthesia Proctor, Certified Emergency Medical Technician - NYS and National Registry , FIRST Chief of Chiropractic in a Hospital in New York State (DHSI); As Seen in PREVENTION Magazine , Invited to Colorado Springs (Olympic Training Center) to Care for USA Olympic Athletes 2010
