Pro Athletes Rely on Acupuncture Therapy to Stay in the Game

Sports injuries affect more than 20 million Americans each year, and many of those injuries go untreated or leave residual pain that never fully goes away. For professional athletes, the risk of suffering an injury or feeling chronic pain is much greater than for the average person – and traditional treatment options aren’t always effective in treating symptoms and restoring health. Conventional treatments, in fact, often have long recovery times and fail to leave athletes feeling 100 percent. Through acupuncture, however, many sports stars have been able to bounce back from an injury and come off the bench feeling better than ever.

Dwyane Wade (NBA), Matt Hasselbeck (NFL), and former MLB pitcher Kris Benson have all turned to acupuncture as a natural treatment for injuries and chronic pain, often in conjunction with other modern medical treatments. It has helped athletes who might otherwise find themselves watching from the sidelines get back in the game more quickly; and it has helped others continue successful sports careers even after a debilitating injury.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an effective natural treatment for injuries such as:

Sprains and strains
Swollen muscles
Knee injuries and pain
Achilles tendonitis
Tennis elbow
Shin splints

It is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into strategic acupuncture points in the skin. According to traditional Chinese medicine, this helps regulate the body’s energy and restores balance. In modern medicine, acupuncture is said to ease pain by stimulating the nervous system and by releasing pain-relieving chemicals into the body.

Acupuncture for athletes

Acupuncture can drastically speed up recovery time and even improve performance, which is why so many athletes are increasingly turning to this natural treatment for pain and sports-related injuries. Professional basketballs players have always been supporters of acupuncture with stars turning to the treatment for sore muscles and strains. In the 90s, Charles Barkley saw an acupuncturist for a sore neck. Grant Hill famously visited an acupuncturist in Phoenix for sluggishness and even admitted to receiving treatments for allergies. Meanwhile, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade relied on acupuncture for pain relief caused by knee tendinitis.

Aside from reducing pain, acupuncture has also been shown to promote tissue regeneration, leading many athletes to turn to the treatment post-surgery. Former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Kris Benson, started acupuncture treatments after undergoing Tommy John surgery in order speed up recovery. He was able to get back on the mound within a year of his operation. Another famous baseball player, former homerun king Mark McGwire, also trusted acupuncture treatments during his time in the Majors in order to manage back pain induced by a bulging disk.

With big name athletes spreading the word about the success of acupuncture therapy, this natural treatment for pain is sure to continue gaining popularity with pro athletes and amateur sports players alike.

Photo source: Dwyane Wade by Keith Allison

What Is Nutritional Medicine?

Nutritional medicine It is the study of food, its nutrients and how diet affects health and wellbeing. It involves a good diet, which is fundamental for all humans, and specific nutritional supplementation based on individual need.

How is nutritional medicine different from traditional medicine?

Nutritional medicine specialists in NJ and throughout the world view all food, diet and nutritional supplements from the perspective of their therapeutic value, providing dietary advice to clients and prescribing nutritional supplements to assist in the treatment of a broad range of health conditions.

Unlike allopathic medicine, nutritional medicine does not use synthetic drugs. The first natural pharmaceuticals that such practitioners concern themselves with are the foods and liquids which are ingested. Nutritional medicine specialists believe that many diseases can be handled with nutritional medicine rather than surgery with fewer costs, pain, and risks.

Nutritional medicine is focused on correcting underlying causes of health problems. In traditional medicine, doctors are trained to diagnose and then use a variety of drugs that can help relieve a particular symptom. This approach usually does not address the cause of the problem but may significantly improve the symptom.

Furthermore, nutritional medicine can be integrated with current medical approaches, as it is considered a complementary medicine that is available to enhance the quality of a healthcare treatment plan.

What may a patient of nutritional medicine experience?

Nutritional medicine is primarily aimed at chronic illnesses. Conditions like cardiovascular disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal disorders, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancers are all types of chronic illness.

Acute illnesses, on the other hand, are more commonly treated with traditional medicine. For example, a patient would not go to a nutritional medicine doctor if they broke their leg.

Nutritional medicine offers a therapy that addresses the root of a condition, not the symptoms, providing the body with the components to heal within and help prevent the onset of disease. It is based on the principle of biochemical individuality. There is no one prescription that fits everybody at all times, including diet, nutritional requirements and lifestyle. A person’s health is the result of the interplay of many factors over their lifetime, including your genetic inheritance. For that reason, every patients experience is different.

A patient undergoing nutritional medicine may have a treatment plan that involves the removal of certain foods or chemicals from the patient’s environment, the use of rotation diets and offering vitamins, minerals and antioxidants interwoven with meditation and relaxation therapy. Examples of nutritional medicine include herbal remedies, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.

A good example of a use of nutritional medicine is for migraine headaches. The traditional medicine approach would be to treat the symptom with pain medication. A nutritional medicine specialist would rather test for food allergies or a magnesium deficiency since both are common causes of migraine headaches, or determine some other possibility, like toxicity, that could be causing the headache.

Is nutritional medicine safe?

When administered under the supervision of a doctor, the use of nutritional medicine is both safe and effective. One of the benefits of nutritional medicine is that natural compounds are used, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids. Natural compounds are low in toxicity, so the body is capable of handling them, even in doses much higher than the recommended daily serving.

Tips to Prevent Post-Workout Muscle Soreness

Working out is an essential part of staying healthy, but the soreness that comes after can be painful and disrupt daily life. Many people, especially those new to working out, are unaware that rest and recovery are just as important to the workout itself.

Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is common when starting a new exercise program or increasing the resistance, frequency, or intensity of a current workout program. DOMS comes from a combination of waste products in the muscles and stress-induced microscopic muscle tears and inflammation. Muscle soreness typically begins several hours after the workout and lasts anywhere from 24 to 48 hours.

Although DOMS cannot be completely eliminated, it can be controlled and reduced. One of the keys to a good workout without is doing everything you can to reduce soreness before and after you are finished. Below, are some tips to get your post-workout plans on track:

1. Warm up. Before jumping into a work out, it is best to get your blood flowing and heart rate up. Rather than just stretching cold muscles before a workout, try warming up first to avoid injury and reduce soreness post workout. Examples of warm up activities include jogging, lunges, or squats.

2. Cool down. When you are finished with your workout, don’t just stop. Continuing to move around at a very low intensity for 5 to 10 minutes post-workout can help remove lactic acid from your muscles and may reduce muscles stiffness and soreness.

3. Stretch. Stretching after a tough workout is a simple and fast way to help muscles recover and reduce post-workout soreness. You can also perform stretching exercises before your workout, but after your warm up so that you aren’t stretching cold muscles, which can lead to injury.

4. Apply ice. Placing an ice pack over a sore area is a great way to reduce soreness after a workout because of its numbing capabilities. Ice is effective for constricting the blood flowing to the particular area of pain, which is what makes it so effective for injuries like sprained ankles.

5. Apply heat. Using a heat pack over sore muscles is another great method of pain and soreness relief. Often times, people apply a heat pack after using an ice pack. The ice pack can provide instant pain relief, and application of a heat pack can help with flexibility and restore range of motion.

6. Massage. A massage not only feels good, but improves circulation while allowing the body to fully relax. If done correctly, a massage can help relax muscles that are too tight and alleviate pressure in certain areas. If the price tag of a professional massage is too much, you can try self-massage and using foam roller exercises for easing tight muscles.

7. Eat right. After a workout, these is a maximum of around 2 hours to most efficiently absorb what you eat as energy and repair fuel. If you don’t eat, your body may not have enough carbohydrate energy for your next workout, protein to repair muscles, or healthy fat for your hormones and joints. Make sure you eat whole-grain, high-protein foods – or a protein smoothie could work just as well.

8. Hydrate. Just like the body, muscle cells need water. When it comes to recovery, dehydration is one of your biggest enemies. Make sure you stay hydrated before, during, and after a workout.

Painful muscle soreness is generally an indication that the intensity or frequency of a workout was increased, or that recovery did not occur properly. There is no reason why getting in shape should be painful. Although there is no one-stop solution for reducing post-workout soreness, there are plenty of choices and options available.

8 Tips to Reduce Chronic Pain

For those living with chronic pain, it may not be a feasible option to avoid the pain. However, they can take control of their lives using these self-help tips that can help bring pain relief and a better quality of life for those suffering with chronic pain:

1. Exercise. Even mild exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good brain chemicals that have the ability to lift mood and block pain. Simple, everyday activities like walking, swimming, gardening, and dancing can ease some of the pain directly by blocking pain signals to the brain. Any physical therapist in Minnesota would agree that physical activity also helps to stretch stiff and tense muscles, ligaments, and joints, which can lessen pain.

2. Breathe. Concentrating on breathing when in pain can help a person manage the pain. When the pain is intense it’s very easy to start taking shallow, rapid breaths which can cause feelings of dizziness, anxiety, or panic. Instead, it is better to breathe slowly and deeply. This will help a person feel more in control of the situation and will keep them relaxed and prevent any muscle tension or anxiety that could worsen the pain.

3. Sleep. It’s important to try to stick to a normal sleep schedule in order to have the best chance of sleeping through the night. Sleep deprivation can worsen pain, so it is advised to go to bed at the same time each evening, and get up at a regular time in the morning. It is also best to avoid taking naps during the day.

4. Quit smoking. Smoking can contribute to pain in the long run, as it slows healing, worsens circulation, and increases the risk of degenerative disc problems, such as spinal stenosis mn, a cause of low back pain.

5. Stop drinking. Pain can make sleep difficult, and many people use alcohol to help them sleep, which can make sleep problems worse. For those suffering with chronic pain, drinking less or no alcohol can improve both their sleep routine and quality of life.

5. Eat right. Nutrition can naturally provide pain relief, and a well-balanced diet can keep a body strong. Eating right can improve blood sugar, help maintain a healthy weight, reduce risks of heart disease risk and diabetes, and aids digestion.

6. Relax. Negative feelings such as depression, anxiety, stress, and anger, can increase the body’s sensitivity to pain. Taking control of stress can help provide relief from chronic pain. Several techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation vary from breathing exercises to massages to types of meditation.

7. Talk. Reaching out is the most important habit a person can develop to help deal with chronic pain. Asking for help, learning more about the condition, and then sharing the new information with others, such as friends and family members, is a great way to reach out. There are also support groups and therapy sessions available for those dealing with chronic pain.

8. Socialize. It is important not to allow the pain to disrupt life. Being in pain does not mean that a person should lose contact with their loved ones. Keeping in touch with friends and family is good for health and can help make a person feel much better. Focusing on pain makes it worse rather than better. Activities can keep a person busy and allow them to think about things besides the pain.

Sailing May Benefit Patients with Spine Injuries

A new program is offering patients with spinal injuries the chance to use sailing to aid in their recovery and regain strength. There are several benefits of the recreational and therapeutic program, called the VSail-Access sailing simulator, for those with spine injuries.

When a person suffers from a spinal cord injury, depending on where the spinal cord and nerves are damaged, they may become physically disabled or paralyzed. A typical service equipment used for those with spinal injuries to adapt to daily life is a wheelchair. Although wheelchairs allow mobility, the use of a wheelchair can lead to muscle deterioration. Staying in shape can be especially difficult for those in wheelchairs, as many exercises and rehabilitation may not always help a patient regain their strength.

The V-Sail access sailing simulator is a computer controlled sailboat simulator. Using a vessel similar to the size and likeliness of a standard sailboat, the simulator allows the patients learn how to control sailboat. The patient maneuvers the simulator in the exact same way that they would a sailboat.

The Kennedy Kreiger Institute in Baltimore is conducting clinical research through a 12-week program using the V-Sail access sailing simulator. The program is designed for patients with spine injuries to improve upper body strength, general health, and self-esteem.

As patients progress in the program, there are several different courses and wind conditions that can be selected – from beginner to advanced. Once a patient has successfully completed the program, they are then given the opportunity to take their training to the water where they can steer their own sailboat.

The V-Sail access sailing simulator system provides patients with spine injuries an outlet for physical movement and stimulation of both the body and mind. The physical and psychological benefits of the program are leading many neurosurgery New Jersey specialists to recommend the 12-week program to their patients.

An uncommon personal injury may deserve compensation

If a person is hurt in an accident – and it is not the fault of their own – then he or she may be able to make a personal injury claim to receive compensation for the damage. The claim would be filed against the person or company whose negligence caused the injury to occur.

In law, personal injury is classified as an injury to a person’s body, mind, or emotions. Typical personal injuries include those that occur while driving or on the job. Although these are the more common personal injury claims, any personal injury Flint Texas representative would agree that there are far more, uncommon types of accidents that victims may be unaware they could file a claim for. Below are four other types of accidents that may entitle compensation.

Animal related injuries.  Injuries related to animals can range from mild to severe. If a person is caused harm by an animal, either to their body or emotional state, he or she may be able to file a claim against the animal’s owner – especially if the injury caused the victim to take off time from work and pay extensive hospital bills. The owners are legally held responsible for the actions of their pets.
Sports related injuries. It’s common knowledge that people who participate in sports may get hurt, more commonly in high-impact sports such as football or long-distance running. A person usually cannot file personal injury claim for these types of injuries. However, if during a sporting event another person participating hurts another person on purpose – either physically or emotionally – a claim can be filed. Also, defective sports equipment may cause personal injury that a person can receive compensation for. Typically, either the person at fault, the manufacturing company, or the organized sport group could be held responsible.
Food poisoning while on vacation. Vacations tend to be a time when people let loose, relax, and have fun. However, this change of pace can unfortunately result in accidents. A common vacation related injury that goes unclaimed is food poisoning. Many hotels, resorts, and restaurants, especially those in other counties, may not adhere to the proper hygiene standards which could lead to personal injury and a ruined vacation. In addition, the majority of food-poisoning victims usually leave the location of the injury shortly after and return to their homes. A victim of food poisoning should rememberer that the restaurant or hotel at fault is to blame and even if the leave the area, they are entitled to request compensation.
Injury while out at sea. When a passenger is taking a ride on a commercial boat, independent of the duration of the journey, he or she is entitled to an injury-free trip. The majority of the time no injuries occur aboard boats, but on occasion wet floors can lead to injury. Even worse, if a passenger falls overboard or an accident occurs due faulty captainship, the victim can file a claim against the operator of the boat or the company that owns the boat.

If a person suffers an injury and it is not their fault, he or she should seek legal consultation. Many lawyers only charge their clients if the case is won, providing personal injury victims a simple way to make a claim and receive the compensation they deserve.

Lawsuits for Pain Caused by Vaginal Mesh Implants

A woman from Texas suffering pain due to vaginal mesh implants filed a law suit against her doctor this month. There are several vaginal mesh lawsuits filed nationwide, but in this case, the women in blaming the doctor – not the manufacturer of the devices. She claims that her doctor is liable for serious injuries that she dealt with after being implanted with a vaginal mesh device. She is hoping settlement will assist in her pain management Tyler Texas.

Vaginal mesh is commonly used to repair pelvic organ prolapse (POP), which occurs when the pelvic organs drop or bulge from their normal position into or through the vagina. It can occur naturally, after childbirth, a hysterectomy, or menopause.

The surgical implantation of vaginal mesh is a common treatment for POP. The mesh is supposed to help restore the vagina to its normal position and support the tissues of the vaginal wall and the internal organs. The surgery is usually effective, but in some cases, such as in Texas, patients may suffer complications from the vaginal mesh.

Many women who suffer pain as a result from their vaginal mesh implantations file lawsuit with the assistance of a personal injury Tyler Texas law professional. Usually, the request compensation to cover medical bills and injury-related costs.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning in 2011 regarding the serious complications associated with transvaginal placement of surgical mesh for POP. They made a statement that the complications are not rare in the surgical implantation of mesh products used to treat POP in women. According to the FDA, the most common complications reported include “mesh erosion, pain, infection, bleeding, pain during sexual intercourse, organ perforation, and urinary problems”. The majority of these complications lead to additional medical treatment – and now, legal aid is typical to follow these complications as well.

Anyone seeking more information about transvaginal mesh should visit their local personal injury doctor.