Posted by Dana Rindal on Fri, Apr 01, 2011 @ 04:22 PM
Many patients come to our Seattle office specificially for Active Release Technique (ART). So we sat down with our Seattle Chiropractor, Kevin Rindal, DC to ask him what its all about.
I have seen ART at Ironman events. What exactly is it?
ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
What is ART Treatment Like?
Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.
What kind of injuries can ART effectively treat?
ART and another similar technique called Graston Technique can effectively treat soft tissues injuries such as sprain/strains, Plantar Fasciitis, Knee Pain, Hip Pain, Shoulder Pain, Tennis Elbow, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Neck and Back Pain. It is really a new and effective way to approach common injuries that hold so many of us back from not only the activities that we enjoy, but our daily life activities.
Is ART covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans do cover ART and Graston. Contact us today and we can help determine if your plan will cover the treatment. (206-315-7998)
Do I need a referral to see a chiropractor?
Great question that we often get. The answer is no, you don't need a referral! Chiropractors are considered primary access physicians.
Posted by Kevin Rindal on Tue, Feb 15, 2011 @ 06:31 AM
Over the past month, one of the primary complaints I have been treating people for is pain underneath their kneecap; and not surprisingly, they tell a story of getting back into their training program too aggressively. Often times they describe this pain as: worse when getting up from a seated position (especially after having their knees bent for an extended period), pain going up or down stairs, or simply pain when they push on their kneecap.
So what can you do about this type of situation? If your symptom of pain behind the kneecap persists for longer than a week, you should make an appointment with your doctor for an examination. Based on the exam findings, your doctor will diagnose your condition and then prescribe an appropriate rehabilitation program.
In the case of "Runner's Knee," the most common recommendations are:
• Rest
• Ice
• Therapeutic modalities (ex. ultrasound, low level laser therapy etc.)
• Anti-inflammatory medcation (NSAIDs)
However, there must also be an active component to the rehabilitation of "Runner's Knee". Some of the active components can include:
• Exercise program to balance the quadriceps muscular imbalance for correcting the aberrant paterllar tracking.
• Myofacial release (Active Release Technique and Graston Technique). This component of the rehabilitation process also aids in balancing the tension of the muscles that stabilize the kneecap.
• Kinesio Taping can provide a mechanical correction that helps improve the biomechanics of the knee and braces.
• Cho-Pat can help alleviate symptoms while training the muscles to hold the patella in a better position.
Runner’s Knee is a condition that often times resolves quickly with the appropriate treatment. If you have any of the symptoms described above, please contact InHealth for an evaluation and treatment so you can start the process of getting back to pain free running.
If you would like more information, download this free whitepaper on Runner's Knee!
Seattle Chiropractor, Kevin Rindal
Posted by Kevin Rindal on Fri, Feb 11, 2011 @ 06:17 AM
Are you tired of popping an Ibuprofen or Asprin every time you experience pain such as a sprain, strain, or ache from a chronic injury? InHealth has compiled a list 11 ways to naturally relieve pain, and they may just surprise you.
1. Eat Omega-3 Fatty Acids (i.e. fish oil, flax seed, green leafy vegetables, etc.)
2. Take Pro-Inflazyme (Nutritional Supplement made by Nutri-West)
3. Arnica and Boswellia (Naturally occurring substances that have been shown to reduce inflammation and bruising).
4. Try to avoid pro-inflammatory foods: Fatty meat, chicken skin, farm-raised fish, corn based foods, refined sugar, processed foods and meats, etc.
5. Focus on eating anti-inflammatory foods (low-calorie nutrient dense food): skinless chicken, vegetables, lean meat, tree nuts, fruit, etc.
6. Ice (Cryotherapy)
7. Epsom salt soak.
8. Try a topical analgesic spray like Cryoderm.
9. Low Level Laser Therapy: Has been shown to decrease inflammation and improve the rate of healing in injured tissues.
10. Soft-Tissue Mobilization Techniques such as Active Release Technique and Graston Technique have been shown to stimulate healing (increased production and laying down of fibroblasts). Our very own Seattle Chiropractor, Kevin Rindal, specializes in these techniques.
11. Kinesio Tape (KT) is widely used in Sports Medicine to help support injured muscle by pulling up on the skin to create “space” for inflammation to be channeled out of the injured area. KT also helps with pain reduction and muscle relaxation.
Medication is an important part of treatment in many cases, however, if you can address your pain naturally, you can avoid other side effects. We have included a white paper that includes more information on the effects of taking NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen or Asprin on your body.
Have questions? Feel free to contact Kevin Rindal, DC at
DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Posted by Kevin Rindal on Fri, Jan 28, 2011 @ 06:30 AM
Did you know that 42% of overuse injuries affect the knee joint? If you are a runner or walker, you want to prevent that from occurring. Here are some easy tips to implement that can save you from experiencing knee pain when running or walking:
- Run on softer surfaces, like trails or grass.
- Keep mileage increases less than 10 percent per week, and gradually increase hill work in your program.
- Visit a specialty running shop to make sure you're wearing the proper shoes for your foot type and gait. Many running stores will actually assess your running stride!
- Strengthening your quadriceps will improve patellar tracking, and stretching your hamstrings and calves will prevent overpronation. Ensure you stretch after a warm-up and when you have completed your run.
If you do experience knee pain when running or walking, decrease your mileage, and avoid downward stairs and slopes. Visit us at InHealth if your pain persists. We specialize in knee pain and have many options to help you train through your injury when possible.
Dr. Kevin Rindal specializes in overuse injuries such as knee pain in walkers and runners. If you are experiencing knee pain when running, let us help you get it resolved.