Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be extremely frustrating when its impacting your daily life. Painful to type? Hard to paint? Carpal Tunnel is often the result of repetitive motion that puts pressure on the median nerve. If not treated, it can lead to weakness, tingling, numbness, or hand/finger muscle damage.
Detail Description: Carpal tunnel syndrome describes an irritation of the synovial membranes around the tendons in the carpal tunnel. This inflammation results in pressure on the median nerve. The median nerve travels from the forearm into the hand through a 'tunnel' in your wrist. The bottom and sides of this tunnel are formed by wrist bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by a strong band of connective tissue or ligament. This tunnel also contains nine tendons that connect muscles to bones and bend your fingers and thumb. These tendons are covered with a lubricating membrane called synovium which may enlarge and swell under some circumstances. If the swelling is sufficient it may cause the median nerve to be pressed up against this strong ligament which may result in numbness, tingling in your hand, clumsiness or pain, all classic signs of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Treatment Options: It can be effectively treated using conservative treatment methods. Furthermore, this condition is often misdiagnosed and may actually be compression of the Median Nerve by a muscle(s) above the wrist, compression of a spinal nerve in the neck, or by scar tissue at the transverse carpal ligament. Dr. Kevin and Dr. Curt, Seattle Chiropractor, have helped dozens of patients avoid carpal tunnel syndrome through an integrated approach using Chiropractic, Active Release Technique protocols, Graston Technique, Kinesio Tape, and therapeutic exercises. He has gained a reputation with many Orthopedists, Neurologists, and General Practitioners as "the last stop before surgery" for repetitive stress injuries.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Today Scott sits down with InHealth's newest team member, Seattle Chiropractor Curt Rindal. They'll chat about making the transition to collegiate baseball and getting drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers after graduating from the University of Washington. It wasn't all smooth sailing though, as Curt describes an elbow injury that could have ended his career. We're glad it didn't.
Download the episode.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
This is it folks: The first InHealth Podcast!
For this episode we'll talk a bit about barefoot running, why it's good for you and how it has made its way into the running community. I'll also sit down with InHealth's own Dr. Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropracter extrordinare to discuss growing up in a chiropractic family, becoming part of the USA swim team staff and how his experience as an IronMan triathlete.
If you have any questions, comments, or topic suggestions, hop on over to the Podcast Page, or let us know in the comments section.
Don't miss a single episode! Subscribe with your favorite podcatcher, iTunes or listen right from here.
Happy Listening!
Listen to InHealth Podcast #1: Barefoot Running and Dr. Kevin Rindal
Download the Episode
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
We are excited to announce that Curt Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor, will be joining InHealth as a Doctor of Chiropractic in September 2012! He and his wife recently moved back to the Northwest and we asked him a few questions.
1. Why are you excited to be back in the northwest after living in California for 3 years?
-Well I didn't come back for the weather! This area is home for me and it's always nice to be back near family and friends. There are a ton of outdoor activities I am excited to be able to enjoy once again.
2. Why did you decide to go into Chiropractic?
-The body is a powerful and complicated structure. Enhancing patients overall function and structure in the least invasive way is very rewarding.
3. What are you most looking forward to in your career?
-Over the years I have seen the positive impact that my dad and brothers have had on patients and I can't wait to be a part of that.
4. You played baseball for the Huskies and Milwaukee Brewers. How has that experience impacted you as a chiropractor?
-As athletes we are always looking for that "edge" to help us reach our full potential and for me it was Chiropractic care.
5. What is one thing that most people don't know about you?
-I went skydiving over San Diego with my brother-in-law and wisely chose to tell my family about it after I landed safely.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Seattle Chiropractor Report- Secret to Eating My Vegetables!
Smoothies have always been a way that I have ensured that I get consistent, high-level, and quality nutrition in my diet. I also find that smoothies are a great way to get vegetables, such as Kale, sprouts, and other leafy greens into my diet in a grab and go fashion. I find that I am much more consistent in adding these nutrient packed foods into my diet when all I have to do is pack a shake bottle, rather than a bunch of Tupperware with a salad, dressing, etc. Here is one of my favorite smoothie recipes that you will have to try. I like adding Standard Process’ Whey Protein Complete© and SP Complete©. These are two power packed all-natural (no sugar or artificial colors or flavors, made from organic ingredients) supplements that provide high quality sources of protein and other vitamins and minerals. You could also substitute your own protein powder in this recipe instead of these products. However, if interested in Standard Process products, InHealth carries a full-line of these products that can only be dispensed by healthcare providers.
8 Frozen Strawberries
1 peeled orange
½ Frozen Banana
1 Medium apple (cored)
½ Cup of Frozen Blueberries
½ Cup of fresh pineapple
¼ Cup fresh pomegranate seeds
1 Cup chopped Kale
1 Tablespoon Flax Oil
2 Scoops SP Complete
2 Scoops Whey Protein Complete
1 Cup Orange Juice
Blend all ingredients (I use a Vitamix and blend until smooth).
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Seattle Chiropractor Report- Meet Keenan!
I had the great privilege of working with Keenan Robinson, ATC while in Knoxville, TN last week at the US Olympic Team domestic training camp. We have also traveled together as members of the USA Swimming medical staff for the 2010 Pan Pacific Championships in Irvine, CA and the 2011 FINA World Championships International training camp in Gold Coast, Australia. Keenan has become a good friend and someone I have enjoyed working along-side treating the athletes before and after training and competition.
2012 USA Olympic Team Medical Staff: Domestic Training Camp
(Left to right: (front) Ken Haller, Ashley Stern, Andy Eberheart, (back) Brian Cunningham, Keenan Robinson, and Kevin Rindal)
Keenan is a very skilled and intelligent practitioner and has been the trainer for Michael Phelps for over 8 years, dating all the way back to their time at the University of Michigan when Keenan was the ATC and Phelps was training for his first Olympics. Phelps will be one of the first to tell you that a major part of his success is staying healthy and receiving regular treatment and Keenan is the primary person that oversees and performs treatment to Phelps; he also guides Phelps’ dryland training. One of the tools Keenan frequently uses for recovery and rehabilitation with Phelps is Graston Technique. Graston Tools are metal instruments used to break up scar tissue/myofascial adhesions and facilitate proper flexibility, range of motion, and healing. Graston Technique is a treatment approach that I am also certified in and is available to patients at InHealth Seattle. To learn more about Graston Technique, go to: www.grastontechnique.com. Also, check out the link below to read an article from Details Magazine about Michael Phelps where he talks about Keenan playing a role in his recovery via the use of Graston Technique:
https://www.details.com/celebrities-entertainment/cover-stars/201208/gold-medalist-olympian-swimmer-michael-phelps-training-secrets-interview?currentPage=1
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Seattle Chiropractor Report- Dr. Kevin Rindal
Today while standing on deck watching the Olympic Swimmers train, I was struck by the fact that all of the swimmers, even the greatest Olympic athlete of all time, spent the first 45 minutes of their practice doing the most basic swim drills. Not only did they go through the motions, they did the drills assigned to them with impeccable precision. The coaches were watching them closely to ensure that their form was correct and made micro modifications when needed. I suppose that this is why they are the best of the best at what they do. Proper execution of the fundamentals takes consistent, intense focus and gives each of these athletes the edge on their competition that doesn’t have the same focus.
How true this is of life, the fundamentals, no matter what your pursuit, is the foundation for success. I was encouraged today to focus on the fundamentals in several areas of my day to day life. It is so easy to go through the motions; however, incredible attention to the details, a clear focus of one’s goals, and a clear purpose are the keys to effectiveness and success.
It is easy to be inspired when surrounded by such focused and successful people, I am grateful for this opportunity and will leave Knoxville with better grasp of the importance of consistent attention to detail….just some thoughts.
Today while standing on deck watching the Olympic Swimmers train, I was struck by the fact that all of the swimmers, even the greatest Olympic athlete of all time, spent the first 45 minutes of their practice doing the most basic swim drills. Not only did they go through the motions, they did the drills assigned to them with impeccable precision. The coaches were watching them closely to ensure that their form was correct and made micro modifications when needed. I suppose that this is why they are the best of the best at what they do. Proper execution of the fundamentals takes consistent, intense focus and gives each of these athletes the edge on their competition that doesn’t have the same focus.
How true this is of life, the fundamentals, no matter what your pursuit, is the foundation for success. I was encouraged today to focus on the fundamentals in several areas of my day to day life. It is so easy to go through the motions; however, incredible attention to the details, a clear focus of one’s goals, and a clear purpose are the keys to effectiveness and success.
It is easy to be inspired when surrounded by such focused and successful people, I am grateful for this opportunity and will leave Knoxville with better grasp of the importance of consistent attention to detail….just some thoughts.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
The Seattle Chiropractor Report- Dr. Kevin Rindal
This week I have the privilege of working with 49 of the best athletes in the world, the USA Olympic Swim Team. After an intense Olympic Trials, that in many ways will be as competitive as the Olympics, the strong survived and will represent the United States at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
This past Friday we arrived in Knoxville, TN for a week long training camp hosted by the University of Tennessee (UT). The team will then travel to France for a 10 day training camp and then travel to London for the Olympic Games. I have been impressed by UT’s facilities, they are unbelievable; three 50 meter pools, three 25 yard pools (both 8 lanes), and 3 diving wells with 5, 7.5, and 10 meter platforms. Two of the pools are indoor and one outdoor. To top it off, they have been incredibly gracious hosts and treat us as if this is our home.
A typical day involves leaving for the pool at 7:30 am and practice until 9:30 am, breakfast follows. We eat Lunch at 1:00pm, practice #2 2:30-5:00pm and dinner to follow. There are 6 of us on the Sports Medicine Team, the Medical Doctor, a Physical Therapist, Two Athletic Trainers, a Physician’s Assistant/Athletic Trainer, and myself. Following practices, during the afternoon, and in the evening we are available to the athletes for post-training stretching/massage and I focus on Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, and Chiropractic. We all work very well together and each of us has very different skills that allows for a variety of treatment options for the athletes. Many of the athletes have Chiropractors that they work with while at home training, so I have stayed busy these first few days, treating athletes who are stiff and sore from the Olympic Trials and traveling to Knoxville.
This is the fourth time I have worked with the US National team over the past 3 ½ years, so it has been fun to re-connect with the athletes who have become friends. This is a very strong bunch of athletes; with many of the veteran coaches saying that this is probably the most talented groups of athletes they have ever seen come through the ranks of USA Swimming. This is also a very young group with 26 out of 49 athletes being first time Olympians. This team is well balanced though, and has several athletes who will be competing in their 3rd or 4th Olympic Games. It will be exciting to follow this team as they compete in London, I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Olympic movement and surrounded by such inspiring individuals; we hope for great success to this team.
To follow the USA Swim Team during the Olympics, go to: www.usaswimming.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
WHAT IS IT?
The shoulder is a dynamic, movable joint that allows for a wide range of motion. Because it has access to a wide range of motion, it can be susceptible to injury which can lead to a degenerative process in the tissues that hold it together. Shoulder pain encompasses any pain in or around your shoulder such as the joint itself or the surrounding ligaments, tendons or muscles.
SYMPTOMS
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Shoulder pain typically gets worse with movement
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Grinding/popping feeling
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Stiffness
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Weakness
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Painful movement of the arm
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Swelling
CAUSES
The shoulder joint is a very complex joint structure. There are numerous joints/muscles/ligaments/bones/tissues that support this joint and allow it to function properly. An imbalance in these structures can restrain the shoulder from functioning property and/or prevent the shoulder from rotating. Besides structural imbalance, there are several additional factors that contribute to shoulder pain. For example, if too much stress is put on the shoulder it can lead to breakdown/micro tears. The body’s response is to lay down scar tissue to heal the micro-tears. As stress repeats in that same area, more tearing and more scarring will likely occur. Over time, multiple layers of scar tissue form into an adhesion, which tends to be more serious, as an adhesion is a complex layer and web of scar tissue that is much more durable. Adhesions are strong enough to alter a muscle’s flexibility and range of motion and influence biomechanics, thus putting stress on different areas of the body, often times leading to compensation injuries. Once this repetitive injury cycle has begun it cannot be stopped until the adhesion(s) is properly treated and the muscles/joints/ligaments are properly rehabilitated. It should also be noted that other factors, such as weak muscles, poor posture, etc. can also lead to shoulder pain.
The most common causes of shoulder pain include:
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Bursitis/Rotator Cuff Tendonitis- One of the most common diagnosis for shoulder pain.
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Frozen Shoulder- This leads to stiffness of the joint and difficulty with shoulder rotation.
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Shoulder Instability- Typically the result of a loose joint.
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Calcific Tendonitis- Calcium deposits within the rotator cuff tendon.
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Shoulder Separation (AC separation)- a disruption of the acromioclavicular joint.
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Shoulder Dislocation- When the top of the arm bone is disconnected from the scapula.
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Labral Tear & SLAP Lesion- Often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand.
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Biceps Tendon Rupture- When the tendon of the bicep muscle ruptures near the joint.
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Pain between the shoulders typically is due to problems with the neck.
RISK FACTORS
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Being middle-aged or older
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Heavy lifting
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Sports
PREVENTION
Exercising on a consistent basis, maintaining proper posture, maintaining a healthy weight, and using good body mechanics are all ways to help prevent shoulder pain.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
There are several common treatments used for shoulder pain which are often used in combination with each other. These include rest, ice, ibuprofen, splints/braces, exercises, stretches, surgery and ultrasound. Typically these treatments take a long time before they are able to provide relief, and they typically never address the underlying cause of the problem of scar tissue adhesions. Each of these approaches can be effective if they are done in conjunction with a treatment that addresses scar tissue (adhesions), and proper firing/functioning of muscles.
INHEALTH TREATMENT
At InHealth, we take an integrated approach when treating shoulder pain. Two of our main treatment approaches are through hands-on and instrument-assisted myofascial therapy: Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique. Both of these techniques are relatively new and highly successful hands-on treatment methods that address problems in the soft tissues of the body including muscles, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Both of these treatments are highly successful in dealing with shoulder pain, because they are specifically focused on locating and treating the scar tissue adhesions that accumulate in the muscles and surrounding soft tissues. The primary goals of an Dr. Kevin, Seattle Chiropractor, and ART and Graston Technique practitioner are to 1) break-up restrictive adhesions, 2) reinstate normal tissue flexibility and movement and 3) more completely restore flexibility, balance and stability to the injured area.
In addition to ART and Graston Technique, InHealth provides exercise rehabilitation to stabilize the injury, Kinesio Taping to support the injury, and chiropractic manipulation to balance the structure of the body. InHealth also offers integrated treatment through the exceptional Acupuncture and Massage Therapists who are a part of the InHealth team. Our objective is to provide each patient with integrated health care and exceptional results. Call InHealth and Dr. Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor, today to schedule an appointment at 206-315-7998.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Seattle Chiropractor's Report
Typically this time of year, we are reading articles on dehydration (lack of water). For good reason! More often then not, drinking too little water can become a major problem for people who are active in summer weather.
What about drinking too much water? Is there such a thing? The answer is a startling “yes”, it’s called hyponatremia. Although extremely rare, endurance athletes tend to have the highest risk of experiencing this condition. For example, in 2002, a healthy 28-year-old female collapsed during the Boston Marathon as a result of hyponatremia. She didn’t make it, which prompted not only the running community but also the scientist to start asking questions.
Symptoms: Nausea, cramps, dizziness and headaches. It is difficult to distinguish between dehydration and hyponatremia symptoms. The difference in symptoms is that people experiencing hyponatremia have normal vital signs in the initial states. They are also more likely to vomit and become puffy.
Treatment: IV with a concentrated sodium solution, a diuretic medication to speed water loss and an anti-convulsive medication, in case of seizure, according to Dr. John Cianca, medical director for the Houston Marathon. It is important that hyponatremia is diagnosed correctly and not mistaken for dehydration as the treatment for these two conditions are opposite of each other.
Dr. Arthur Siegel, director of internal medicine at McLean Hospital, studied 2 women who died during marathons from hyponatremia. He found that they both died of brain swelling from the water intoxication. He determined that they died not from “drinking too much water, but because their kidneys stopped excreting water as a response to skeletal muscle injury. When runners “hit the wall” they force their muscles to continue to exercise even after they’ve run out of glycogen, or fuel. This triggers a stress hormone in the brain to tell the kidneys to halt water excretion, in an effort to maximize blood volume. When this happens, even a relatively small amount of fluid can cause the brain to swell. If a person continues to consume fluids, the body reacts to the inflammation by continue to protect blood volume making the brain swell even more.” Dr. Siegel thinks that it’s the combination of over-drinking during and after the race, once the muscle injury has begun, that people start to get in trouble.
So how can you protect yourself? First, understand how you sweat. People who tend to be “salty sweaters” are at a higher risk for hyponatremia. If you are running or working out for more than 5 hours, weight yourself periodically. If you gain weight, stop drinking water. Just as a heads up, women tend to be more at risk for this then men as they tend to lose more sodium and retain more fluid then men.
Although rare, it’s important to keep an eye on your water consumption, especially if you are an athlete.
Information Source: https://www.amaasportsmed.org/news_room/hyponatremia_reuters.htm
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.