Therapeutic exercise (TE)
Therapeutic exercise (TE) is exercise applied in a therapeutic manner with the goal of restoring or improving a patient's physiological well-being. It is one of the key tools used to restore and improve a patient's neuromusculoskeletal or cardiopulmonary well-being. The ultimate achievement of any therapeutic exercise program is symptom free movement and/or function. In fairness, it is mentioned that much controversy surrounds the scientific efficacy of pulmonary, postural drainage procedures.
The goals of TE involve positive effects which include the prevention of dysfunction. They also include the development, improvement, restoration or maintenance of normal muscle strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness, mobility and flexibility, and relaxation, as well as motor coordination and skill.
Neuromuscular Therapy
NMT is a thorough program of recovery from acute and chronic pain syndromes which utilizes specific massage therapy, flexibility stretching, and home care to eliminate the causes of most neuromuscular pain patterns. This specific and scientific approach to muscular pain relief will help to bring about balance between the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system. NMT enhances the function of joints, muscles and biomechanics (movement) and it releases endorphins, the body's own natural pain killers. It can be part of a comprehensive program, complementing all other health care modalities.
Neuromuscular Therapy examines six physiological factors
that may create or intensify pain patterns.
These six factors are:
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Ischemia |
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Trigger Points |
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Nerve Entrapment/Compression |
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Postural Distortions |
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Nutrition |
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Emotional Wellbeing |
Postural Rehabilitation
Historically doctors of chiropractic have given a great deal of attention to posture, especially analysis as it relates to biomechanics. Yet aside from the passive management provided by manipulation, how much attention is given to teaching our patients how to change their posture? In this piece we will look at specific exercises that allow the patient to change their posture from the pelvis, then moving superior.
Through gentle exercises that encourage co-activation of the local and global muscles responsible for stability and functional movement patterns, you will learn how to improve your posture, kinaesthetic awareness (movement sense) and improve normal every day functioning and your sport performance. This will help to reduce the risk of injury and regain correct movement patterns.
All too often I see postural problems related to lack of flexibility reducing range of movement. Through encouraging core stabilization and by working in all three planes of motion (sagittal, transverse and frontal planes) function can be restored. Traditional exercise regimes focus on working in one plane of motion only (often sagittal), and neglect exercising in the other two required for muscle balance and correct functional movement.
Core Strengthening
Core conditioning and abdominal conditioning have become synonymous in recent years but the abdominal muscles alone are over-rated when it comes to real core strength or conditioning. In reality, the abdominal muscles have very limited and specific action. The "core" actually consists of many different muscles that stabilize the spine and pelvis and run the entire length of the torso. These muscles stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder and provide a solid foundation for movement in the extremities. Core conditioning exercise programs need to target all these muscle groups to be effective. The muscles of the core make it possible to stand upright and move on two feet. These muscles help control movements, transfer energy, shift body weight and move in any direction. A strong core distributes the stresses of weight-bearing and protects the back.
Strengthening the Core Reduces Back Pain
Abdominals get all the credit for protecting the back and being the foundation of strength, but they are only a small part of what makes up the core. In fact, it is weak and unbalanced core muscles that are linked to low back pain. Weak core muscles result in a loss of the appropriate lumbar curve and a swayback posture. Stronger, balanced core muscles help maintain appropriate posture and reduce strain on the spine.
What are the Core Muscles?
The list of muscles that make up the "core" is somewhat arbitrary and different experts include different muscles. In general, the muscles of the core run the length of the trunk and torso; and when they contract they stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle and create a solid base of support. We are then able to generate powerful movements of the extremities. The following list includes the most commonly identified core muscles as well as the lesser known groups. The goal of core stability is to maintain a solid, foundation and transfer energy from the center of the body out to the limbs. Muscles that accomplish this goal include:
- Rectus Abdominis - located along the front of the abdomen, this is the most well-known abdominal muscle and is often referred to as the "six-pack" due to it's appearance in fit and thin individuals.
- Erector Spinae- This group of three muscles runs along your neck to your lower back.
- Multifidus - located under the erector spinae along the vertebral column, these muscles extend and rotate the spine.
- External Obliques - located on the side and front of the abdomen.
- Internal Obliques - located under the external obliques, running in the opposite direction.
- Transverse Abdominis (TVA) - located under the obliques, it is the deepest of the abdominal muscles (muscles of your waist) and wraps around your spine for protection and stability.
- Hip Flexors - located in front of the pelvis and upper thigh. The muscles that make up the hip flexors include:
- Gluteus medius and minimus - located at the side of the hip
- Gluteus maximus, hamstring group, piriformis - located in the back of the hip and upper thigh leg.
- Hip adductors - located at medial thigh.
Nutritional Analysis
WHY DO I NEED A BLOOD CHEMISTRY ANALYSIS?
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To help the doctor more precisely determine which nutritional and homeopathic products are appropriate for your individual needs using this science-based approach. |
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To avoid spending money on products that you may not need. |
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To implement tailored nutritional programs designed to return your body to its natural healthy state. |
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To provide early detection of developing life-threatening health conditions. |
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It is an inexpensive way to track the results of your nutritional program. Follow-up tests allow you to chart the effectiveness of your program and make precise adjustments when needed. |
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To develop a prioritized treatment program that addresses the fundamental building blocks of the problem first. It may be earlier links in the chain that need repairing. Once repaired, the symptoms or disease that are outwardly evident can become fully resolved. |
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By leveling your blood chemistry values within the optimum ranges, your immune system will function better, you will process and absorb nutrients more efficiently and enjoy a more vibrant state of health |
Nutritional Counseling
Our nutritional counseling covers a wide range of assessments and philosophies regarding the quality of nutrition in a diet. Dr Graham offer education in nutritional facts, eating habits, nutrients, allergies, and weight loss. We work with individuals to develop dietary patterns that suits their lifestyle as well as their needs. There are several therapies that include nutritional counseling within our philosophies of healing.
Always tired and feeling like you're running on empty?
Need help choosing the right kinds of foods or nutritional supplements?
Nutritional deficiencies rob the body of its own natural resources and can manifest as symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and insomnia. Many times, these symptoms are taken for granted as a natural sign of aging. When left unchecked, however, these same deficiencies can contribute to diseases such as arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, diabetes and arthritis.
Scientists now recognize that even mild nutritional deficiencies can create subtle symptoms of disease. It has been found that through detoxification, dietary improvements and nutritional supplementation, the signs of deficiency can be eased, thus alleviating the sub-clinical symptoms being experienced.
Feel Younger, Healthier and Happier Today! A Nutritional Counseling Session with Dr. Chester Graham will provide you with specific information that is tailored to your individualized wellness needs. She will help you to understand which foods, vitamins, herbs, and health practices can give you the optimal health and longevity you desire.
Dr. Graham will empower you to make the lifestyle changes you need to achieve your health related goals. She will help you to create optimal health and vitality by:
- Boosting your energy levels
- Boosting your immune system
- Increasing your ability to focus
- Decreasing nagging symptoms
- Ridding your body of poisons
- Detoxifying and revitalizing your internal organs
- Reducing your risk of disease
Avoid the frustration and high cost of struggling with endless diet books and "quick fixes". Treat the underlying causes of your health conditions rather than the symptoms. A Nutritional Counseling Session can save you thousands of dollars, prevent serious diseases, and give you the health and vitality you desire.
So, whether you're healthy and just want to fine tune a vitamin and mineral program, or need help with fatigue, chronic illness or recovery, Dr. Graham is here to help!
Spinal Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a therapeutic intervention that has roots in traditional medicine and has been used by various cultures, apparently for thousands of years. Hippocrates, the "father of medicine" used manipulative techniques, as did the ancient Egyptians and many other cultures. A modern re-emphasis on manipulative therapy occurred in the late 19th century in North America with the emergence of osteopathic medicine and chiropractic Spinal manipulative therapy gained recognition by mainstream medicine during the 1980s.
Spinal manipulation is now most commonly provided by organized professional groups. In North America, it is most commonly performed by chiropractors, osteopathic physicians, and physical therapists. In fact, chiropractors perform over 90% of all manipulative treatments in the U.S. In Europe, chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists are the majority providers, although the precise figure varies between countries.
Manipulation is known by several other names. Chiropractors refer to manipulation of a spinal joint as an 'adjustment'. Following the labelling system developed by Geoffery Maitland, manipulation is synonymous with
The effects of spinal manipulation have been shown to include:
- Temporary relief of musculoskeletal pain.
- Shortened time to recover from acute back pain.
- Temporary increase in passive range of motion (ROM).
- Physiological effects on the central nervous system, probably at the segmental level.
- Altered sensorimotor integration
- No alteration of the position of the sacroiliac joint.
Sport Medicine
In our office we do Sports physical for all area High Schools. We have been volunteering and doing physicals for the “Pop Warner” football leagues for over 17 years. We know participation in any sport, whether it's recreational bike riding or Pee-Wee football, can teach kids to stretch their limits and learn sportsmanship and discipline. But any sport that your child participates in also carries the potential for injury.
By knowing the causes of sports injuries and how to prevent them, you can help make athletics a positive experience for your child.
What Causes Sports Injuries Among Children?
Kids can be particularly susceptible to sports injuries for a variety of reasons. Kids, particularly those who are younger than 8 years old, are less coordinated and have slower reaction times than adults because they are still growing and developing.
In addition, kids mature at different rates. Often there's a substantial difference in height and weight between kids of the same age. And when kids of varying sizes play sports together, there may be an increased risk of injury.
As kids grow bigger and stronger, the potential for injury increases, largely because of the amount of force involved. For example, a collision between two 8-year-old Pee-Wee football players who weigh 65 or 70 pounds (30 or 32 kilograms) each does not produce as much force as that produced by two 16-year-old high school football players who may each weigh up to 200 pounds (91 kilograms).
Also, kids may not assess the risks of certain activities as fully as adults might. So they may unknowingly take risks that may cause them to get injured.
Work Injuries
If you are injured while working, you must first appropriately report to your employer. This action must be taken as soon as possible after the injury. It then becomes your employer’s responsibility to report the injury to California State Labor and Industries or Other Self-Insured Insurance. One of the most common disabling injuries on the job is strain and sprain of the back/spine or repetitive motion injury. Most frequently the strain or sprain occurs in the lower back. Bending and lifting improperly are responsible for most of these cases, although neck and mid-back injuries can also occur in similar situations.
Our program of treatment provides effective relief for many work related injuries and requires no hospitalization, surgery, or medication. Chiropractic care, which is the first step in treatment, utilizes the body's inherent recuperative powers and the relationship between the spinal column, nervous system and the rest of the body to restore and maintain good health. In our experience with industrial and occupational injuries, we know how important it is for you to return to work quickly and yet at the same time with as complete of a recovery as possible.
We will work with you to reach this goal. A program of exercise will be suggested to strengthen supporting muscles of the spine as well as educating you on proper spinal mechanics to prevent future injuries. These steps have been successful in returning our patients to their normal and productive lifestyles and we will do our best so you may achieve the best outcome possible.
Auto Injuries
One of the most stressful aspects of living in modern life is dealing with the problems that arise after an auto accident. Some auto accident injuries are hidden and seldom detected for months or even years. Victims often settle their case with the insurance companies before getting evaluated from a Doctor trained in soft tissue injuries such as a chiropractor.
Whiplash occurs when the body is suddenly jolted back and forth too fast or too far beyond its normal limits, the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can be overstretched or torn. If left untreated, it can cause the discs in your spine to degenerate and create scar tissue formation leading to chronic stiffness and the inability to move properly. Common symptoms of this type of strain can be neck stiffness, neck pain, headaches, dizziness, back pain, and shoulder pain.
When injured in an automobile accident, it is important that you choose an appropriate treating doctor who provides spinal manipulation and teaches you in self-care rehabilitation exercises in order that you optimally heal from your injuries for a better long term prognosis and less permanent residual damage. Even if you are seeing other health care providers, it is still advisable to see a chiropractor to make sure your spine is problem free and your nervous system is functioning normally because everyone needs a healthy nervous system.
Dr. Graham has extensive experience managing the care of people injured in motor vehicle accidents. In the past several years, he has treated hundreds of people injured in automobile injuries. He has in-depth knowledge in proper documentation and medical report writing that supports his opinion regarding your injuries so you can receive fair settlement and more importantly for you to receive the best care possible.
