It's an exciting year for the Brooks Beasts- a team comprised of phenomenal athletes and more importantly, amazing people! Today Brooks excitedly announced the newest addition to their team, Nick Symmonds. You can read or listen to his full interview with Ryan Fenton on Flotrack to learn more about why he made the switch from Nike to Brooks and what he looks forward to most about his move to Seattle. Welcome to the Brooks Beasts Nick!
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Olympic competitors Rebecca Soni and Ariana Kukors are hosting the "Dream Clinic" next Monday, December 15th. Be sure to attend for an amazing opportunity to engage in conversation and activities geared toward helping you achieve your dreams.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
At InHealth, PLLC we are fortunate enough to work with amazing athletes and competitors. The Brooks Beasts seem to have an amazing presence wherever they go- our office being no exception! Check out video one of their FloTrack series by Jeremy Hayes.
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Watch more video of Brooks Beasts Video Series on flotrack.org
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
There are over 360 Acupuncture points on the classical meridians, and countless more extra points utilized in Acupuncture treatments, yet certain points show up in treatment plans again and again. The same Acupuncture point can be employed in different ways depending on what points it is used with, as if the Acupuncture points are ingredients in a recipe (treatment), and the outcome of the recipe being made varies depending on what that ingredient is combined with. There are certain points that are incredible multi-taskers, and tend to show up in treatment "recipes" over and over again. One of these points is on the Gall Bladder meridian, specifically, Gall Bladder 34 (GB34).
Working at a clinic that specializes in Sports Injuries, I see a lot of athletes with tense muscles, stiff tendons, and other soft tissue injures. There is a real need for treatment of soft tissues all over the body, and GB-34 really shines in this department. Whether there is spasm, pain, cramping, weakness, or numbness, GB-34 is usually called upon for help. It is considered a master point for relieving pain or contracture of the "sinews"- tough tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Particularly, issues of the legs and side of the body respond well to this points, because the Gall Bladder channel travels along the lateral side of your legs (IT band area) down to your 4th toe, with GB-34 being just about a hand's width below your knee (just distal and inferior to the head of the fibula, for you anatomy folks). Athletes who suffer from IT band syndrome, achilles tendinitis, and/or shin splints will probably see GB-34 in their treatments, and learn to love it.
Beyond these physical benefits, GB-34 also helps relieve emotional stress, and can relax the area that is often a victim of stress and tension: your neck and upper back. We spend much of our time stressed out, in "fight or flight" mode, and our soft tissues respond by tightening up for protection. This point sends a message to your central nervous system to shift back into "rest and relax" mode, and reminds our brain that it's ok for those tense tissues to let go.
So, if you see this point show up in your treatment, just take a deep breath, and exhale with a smile, because your whole body is going to thank you.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Massage isn't the only soft tissue treatment on the block. In recent years, the Active Release Technique (ART) and Graston Technique have been gaining steam within the athletics community. While massage, ART and Graston are all manual therapies that work to break up adhesions and scar tissue, ART and Graston have the added bonus of being a highly focused right where you need the treatment most.
Here at InHealth, our chiropractors specialize in both ART and Graston. What that means for our patients is options; and who doesn't want that. By combining manual therapies like ART, Graston and massage with chiropractic adjustments and accupuncture we find that our patientscan recover faster.
To learn more about ART, Graston and other manual therapy techniques, check out this great article at RunnersWorld.com or head on over to their websites: ActiveRelease.com and GrastonTechnique.com.
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.
Hey gang! The always fantastic and extremely talented Scott Roth, a professional pole vaulter from Seattle, WA, sat down with Scott to talk about his experiences working his way up the ranks to become one of the best vaulters in the nation. They'll chat about how Roth made his start, how he battled back and hamstring injuries and how sports physical therapy helped in his recovery.
As always, thanks for listening, and feel free to send in your questions and comments to podcast@inhealthseattle.com
Happy Listening!
Download the Episode
Photo Credit: polevaultplus.com
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Seattle Chiropractor Report
WHAT IS IT?
The average age for people to experience sciatica is between 30 and 50 years old. It’s important to note that Sciatica is a symptom of something else going on, such as a pelvic injury, which is putting pressure on the Sciatic nerve. The Sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the body and starts in the spine and runs down the back of each leg. This nerve controls the muscles in the back of your knee, lower leg and provides sensation to the back of your thigh, lower leg and sole of your foot. When the sciatic nerve is compressed, it can cause a great deal of pain, weakness and numbness/tingling for the person experiencing it!
SYMPTOMS
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Pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the leg.
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The type of pain experienced varies but might feel like a dull ache, burning, or mild tingling.
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Pain on one side of the buttock or leg that is worse when sitting.
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A constant pain in one side of the buttocks.
CAUSES
Typically the symptoms of Sciatica are not caused by a single event, but develop over time due to general wear and tear on the structures in the lower spine. Common symptoms of Sciatica occur because of pressure or damage to the nerve. Some common causes include Piriformis syndrome (compression of the Sciatic nerve by an excessively tight Piriformis muscle that is situated over the nerve), a bulging disk, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, a pelvic injury, or tumor.
RISK FACTORS
PREVENTION
Exercising on a consistent basis, maintaining proper posture when you sit, and using good body mechanics are all ways to prevent the sciatic pain.
CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT
There are several common treatments used for Sciatica which are often used in combination. These include rest, ice, ibuprofen, splints/braces, exercises, stretches 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 which is scar tissue adhesions. Each of these approaches can be effective if they are done in conjunction with a treatment that addresses the adhesions.
INHEALTH TREATMENT
At InHealth, we take an integrated approach when treating Sciatica pain. One of our main Seattle Chiropractor treatment approaches is 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 Sciatica, 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 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 today to schedule an appointment with your Seattle Chiropractor.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
Tired? On your feet a lot? Younger or middle aged and experiencing heel pain? It may be plantar fasciitis, one of the most common causes of heel pain. The plantar fascia, the flat band which connects the heel bone to your toes, supports the arch of your foot. If it becomes weak, irritated or swollen due to an injury such as a strain, you may experience pain bottom of your foot/heel while walking or standing.
What causes plantar fasciitis?
-Shoes that fit poorly (too small or large)
-Shoes with poor arch support or soft soles
-Walking, standing, or running for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces
-An injury such as a strain or sprain
-Flat feet or high arches
-Being overweight
-Biomechanical imbalance (i.e. rotated pelvis, short leg, tight or weak muscles, etc.)
Pain or stiffness at the bottom of the heel is a common complaint of those who suffer from plantar fasciitis. Pain generally increases or develops:
-During or after intense activity
-Climbing stairs
-After sitting or standing a long time
So how can you treat or prevent plantar fasciitis? Calf and arch stretching exercises are an easy and excellent way to reduce pain and help stretch the plantar fascia. Stretching before exercise and other activities will help reduce the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Rolling your foot with a golf-ball or massage ball can also help. Dr. Kevin Rindal specializes in Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, exercise rehabilitation, FAKTR, and uses Low Level Laser Therapy to help reduce inflammation an promote healing.
Often times, there is a biomechanical imbalance, such as an unbalanced pelvis, tight or weak muscles, or poor movement patterns that lead to this type of an injury. It is important to not just treat the symptom, but also identify the cause of the injury. Dr. Kevin is an expert at determining the cause of the injury and developing a rehabilitation plan. InHealth also has an excellent Massage Therapy and Acupuncture team. Both of these healing modalities can also play a pivotal role in aiding and expediting the healing process.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
It is often said that “less is more” and, in today’s society, that often holds true. Barefoot training is a current trend sweeping the fitness world and may be here to stay. Increased strength at the ankle joints and energetic advantages over traditional running comprise some of the commonly perceived benefits of barefoot running and minimalist shoes. Modeled after the natural shape of the human foot, barefoot “shoes” aim to get us back to our roots and run the way nature intended.
Studies have highlighted some of the effects of barefoot training:
A reduced risk of injury
Increased joint stability, primarily at the ankle
Increased oxygen consumption
Studies have shown that, on the biomechanical level, there a number of differences to note between barefoot and shod (traditional) running. A few of the key differences being:
1. An increased external vertical loading rate for barefoot.
2. Higher tibial acceleration for barefoot than for shod running.
3. Flatter foot placement at initial contact for barefoot.
4. Higher ankle joint stiffness and lower knee joint stiffness in barefoot running.
5. Earlier maximal EMG intensity for the tibialis anterior for barefoot running.
So what does all this mean and how can running/training barefoot be beneficial? Think of barefoot running like training with a wobble board. The small muscles in your legs must constantly fire in order to maintain stability and keep the wobble board level. Like a wobble board, when you run or train barefoot your body must compensate for the stability that we are used to having from traditional running shoes. Over time, this helps strengthen and increase the general stability of the ankle joint resulting in a reduced risk of injury. Stronger muscles around the ankle joint can be advantageous in sport performance.
Should you make the switch?
Dr. Rindal recommends to train at 5-10% or less than one normally would in a minimalist style shoe for the first 4 weeks, “to allow their foot to accommodate strengthen properly; there needs to be a transitional period where their feet must accommodate and become more accustomed to the ground surfaces.”
This transitional stage that Dr. Rindal notes is critical in preventing injuries associated with engaging into a new program too quickly.
You should also note that, although many are often branded with the “barefoot” moniker, barefoot “shoes” typically take a certain aspect of the barefoot concept and implement it into a shoe. From barefoot to minimalist, here are a few of the more popular products out in the market today:
Merrel Men's Trail Glove
New Balance Minimus
Brooks Racer ST 5
Nike Free Run + 2
Vibram FiveFingers
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.
References
Nigg B. Biomechanical considerations on barefoot movement and barefoot shoe concepts. Footwear Science [serial online]. May 2009;1(2):73-79. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 16, 2011.
The Great Shoe Flap: Is Barefoot 'Better'?. Running & Fitnews [serial online]. January 2010;28(1):3-9. Available from: Academic Search Complete, Ipswich, MA. Accessed November 16, 2011.
By Ray Salvador
InHealth Sports Injury and Performance Care Intern
Bachelor of Science | Sports and Exercise Science
Seattle University ‘12
If you have any questions, please feel free to email Kevin Rindal, Seattle Chiropractor at DrRindal@InHealthSeattle.com.