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I’d like to share with you the case study of a client I recently worked with. A 19 year-old University track athlete, Brandon was unable to run for 6 months due to severe knee pain, and was in danger of loosing his educational scholarship. His coaches had given him a strict time-line to be back on the field, and their suggestion was to undergo a lateral release surgery ASAP.
With this procedure, several incisions would be made in his lateral retinaculum, or IT band (illio-tibial band), to help give the tissue length, and (hopefully) relieve some of his pain by helping the patella to track properly. The recovery with this approach can be up to 6 months, pretty painful, and has no guarantee of having the long term effect of pain relief. The surgery was scheduled, and Brandon came into Penaluna Chiropractic studio as a last-ditch effort to avoid the invasive procedure.
He began his chiropractic treatment with x-rays and an in-depth evaluation of his nervous system functioning with Dr. Jason Penaluna. He opted for the ‘fix care program’ and begun with 3 adjustments and 1 60 minute therapeutic massage session a week (with yours truly). He also begun an in-depth self care program of foam rolling, stretching specific muscle groups and strengthening others to compliment the effects of his office visits. With this approach, vast improvement is made in a short period of time, and within 6 weeks, Brandon was running again, pain free! Within 10 weeks he competed in his first cross country race and did much better than anyone expected. It is not the end of the road, there is continuing care involved, but Brandon has avoided the costly and invasive surgery, simply by educating himself in other options.
This is a wonderful example of the benefits of exploring alternative health care options to the fullest and having an open mind about the possibilities of healing without permanent and painful procedures. Our bodies are so resilient and respond exceptionally well to a holistic approach.
For more information about how chiropractic and massage could help your body and general well-being, we hold wellness forums at the office every other Tuesday, 7-8pm. This is a great opportunity to get more information about both modalities and ask any burning questions you may have. I look forward to working with you all!
Yours in health,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
Well, it has been awhile since my last post, and these past few weeks have been a true test of staying balanced during trying times. A man very dear to my heart has been in the hospital for the past three weeks, and it has been a challenge on every level to stay positive. When faced with these helpless circumstances, I have really learned to focus on self care. In an earlier post entitled Stress Management: How to Prevent, Reduce and Cope with Stress, I listed ways to manage stress and remain balanced in challenging times. Here is a list of further ideas to be good to yourself!
1) Soak in a bathtub.
2) Ride a motorcycle.
3) Go to the mountains.
4) Exercise/do yoga.
5) Meditate.
6) Eat a good meal.
7) Recycle old items.
Go to a movie in the middle of the week.
9) Paint.
10) PLay a game.
11) Dress up and look nice.
12) LAUGH- just because (just start laughing, really… it works!)
13) light candles
14) Get a massage
15) Go horseback riding
16) Wander around a bookstore for an entire afternoon.
17) Write a letter.
18) Go to a museum.
19) Sing around the house.
20) Go bowling.
21) Dance!
22) play with your pet.
23) Go to a play or concert.
24) Take photographs.
25) Go for a bike ride.
26) Rearrange your furniture.
27) Visit a national park.
28) Listen to music- Pandora.com is great for this one.
29) Watch children play.
30) Day dream.
31) Write in a journal.
32) Eat chocolate (this may be the only one you need!)
33) Play a musical instrument.
34) Send a card to someone you care about.
35) Garden- or plan your garden!
36) Plan a party.
37) Take a nap.
38) Go on a date.
39) buy flowers.
40) Talk to your plants- seriously. You should see my jungle of an apartment. They love it!
41) Meet new people.
42) Read a humor book.
43) Go swimming.
44) Doodle.
45) Fly a kite.
46) Remember the words and deeds of good people.
47) Repair things.
48) Walk or jog.
49) Remember beautiful scenery.
50) Collect shells.
51) Plan your career.
What are some of the things you do that you do to take care of yourself? What makes your body a spirit lift from trying times? I’d love to hear your suggestions!
Yours in health,
Guinevere Amadeo, LMP.
