thrivesportsandspine

LBP, Spinal Decompression &OT

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:28:58 GMT

Positive Outcomes of spinal decompression for low back pain

1) Significant pain reduction

A randomized controlled trial (RCT) on lumbar disc prolapse found:
Pain scores dropped much more with spinal decompression + exercise than exercise alone
Example: pain reduction nearly double in the decompression group
A large prospective study (≈300 patients) showed:
Significant pain improvements after an 8-week decompression protocol
Benefits persisted at 30 days and 6 months

�� This is the most consistent positive finding: decompression can meaningfully reduce low back pain, especially in disc-related cases.

2) Improved functional disability (daily activities)

RCT data showed large improvements in:
Oswestry Disability Index scores
Functional limitations (walking, bending, sitting)
Another controlled study found:
Greater improvements in disability scores when decompression or traction was added vs standard care

�� Translation: people often move better and function better, not just feel less pain.

3) Better outcomes when combined with rehab/exercise

Strong evidence that decompression works best as part of a program, not alone:
Decompression + core stabilization exercises outperformed exercise alone in an RCT
Combined therapy approaches (traction + other modalities) showed:
Better pain relief
Better functional scores in meta-analysis of RCTs

�� This is a key positive takeaway:
multimodal treatment > decompression alone

4) Improvement in disc-related conditions (herniation / radiculopathy)

Studies focusing on:
Lumbar disc herniation
Disc degeneration

show:

Reduced nerve-related pain (radicular symptoms)
Improved clinical outcomes vs baseline or standard therapy

�� Decompression appears most beneficial when a disc is involved (not general back pain).

5) Comparable effectiveness to traditional traction (but still beneficial)

Research comparing:
Spinal decompression machines vs motorized traction

found:

Both significantly improve:
Pain (VAS scores)
Disability (ODI scores)
Both outperform conventional therapy alone

�� Even if decompression isn’t always superior, it still provides real clinical benefit.

6) Medium-term durability of results

Follow-up data shows:
Improvements maintained at months after treatment (e.g., 180 days)

�� Suggests effects are not just immediate placebo or temporary relief .

�� What the positive evidence really means

If you strip it down to the strongest, most consistent findings:

✅ Proven benefits

Pain reduction (moderate evidence)
Improved function and disability scores
Better outcomes when combined with exercise
Useful for disc-related low back pain

⚠️ Important nuance

Even in positive studies:

Effects are often modest to moderate , not dramatic cures
Works best in specific subgroups (disc herniation, radicular pain)
Often no clear advantage over simpler traction methods

�� Bottom line

Research-supported positives of spinal decompression:

Reduces low back pain
Improves daily function
Enhances outcomes when combined with rehab
Helps disc-related conditions (herniation/sciatica)
Benefits can last months

STUDY LINK:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31282394/

Positive research outcomes of PRP for rotator cuff tears

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 01:16:52 GMT

1) Consistent pain reduction (short-term → mid-term)

A 2025 systematic review of 36 randomized controlled trials (~2000 patients) found PRP significantly reduced pain scores compared to controls at:

6 weeks
3 months
6 months
1 year

�� This is one of the most consistent findings across studies : PRP helps with pain, especially early on.

2) Improvements in shoulder function scores

Multiple meta-analyses show measurable gains in validated outcome scales:

Improved:
Constant-Murley score
UCLA shoulder score
Simple Shoulder Test (SST)
Another meta-analysis confirmed:
Better functional scores across short-, mid-, and long-term follow-up

�� Translation: patients often regain better mobility and functional use of the shoulder with PRP.

3) Reduced retear rates after surgery

One of the strongest positive findings:

PRP significantly reduced retear risk:
~43% relative reduction overall (RR ≈ 0.57)
Even stronger effects in:
Large or massive tears
Long-term follow-up

�� This suggests PRP may improve tendon healing quality, not just symptoms.

4) Enhanced tendon healing biology

Mechanistically supported (and reflected in imaging outcomes):

PRP delivers growth factors that:
Promote tendon–bone healing
Improve tissue regeneration

�� Some imaging studies show better structural integrity of repaired tendons.

5) Better postoperative recovery metrics

Meta-analyses of surgical augmentation show:

Improved:
Functional recovery scores
Pain levels
Especially when PRP is applied during surgery at the tendon-bone interface

�� PRP seems most beneficial as an adjunct to surgery, not just a standalone injection.

6) Long-term durability (select evidence)

A 10-year follow-up RCT suggests PRP-treated repairs can maintain:
Functional outcomes
Structural integrity over time

Long-term evidence is limited but encouraging.

�� Important nuance (so you interpret this correctly)

Even though you asked for positives, context matters:

Benefits are strongest for:
Post-surgical augmentation
Larger tears
Specific PRP formulations (e.g., leukocyte-poor)
Effects are less consistent for:
Standalone injections (vs surgery)
Small partial tears
Some RCTs show PRP is not superior to corticosteroids for short-term pain

✅ Bottom line

The most reliable positive outcomes supported by research:

Reduced pain (especially early)
Improved shoulder function scores
Lower retear rates after surgery
Enhanced tendon healing biology
Possible long-term durability

Study Link:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41333497/

Golfers Elbow_ Why “Slowing Down” Your Muscles Can Speed Up Recovery

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:43:53 GMT

If you’ve ever felt pain on the inside of your elbow when gripping, lifting, or swinging a golf club — you might be dealing with medial epicondylitis , also known as golfer’s elbow.

This condition doesn’t just affect golfers. It’s common in:

Gym-goers
Trades workers
Athletes
Anyone doing repetitive gripping or lifting

The good news? Research shows that a specific type of exercise may help improve both pain and function .

What Did the Study Find?

A recent systematic review looked at multiple studies on a treatment called eccentric exercise for medial epicondylitis.

Eccentric exercise means:

�� Controlling the lowering phase of a movement (like slowly lowering a weight instead of lifting it)

Here’s what the research found:

Eccentric exercises helped reduce pain
They improved strength and function
Results were even better when combined with other treatments
Some patients had long-term improvement, even years later

�� Simple takeaway:
Slow, controlled strengthening can help your tendon heal and get stronger

Why Does This Work?

Golfer’s elbow is a tendon problem, not just muscle soreness.

It happens when:

The forearm muscles are overused
Small tears build up over time
The tendon becomes irritated and weak

Eccentric exercise helps by:

Improving tendon strength and structure
Increasing collagen production (helps healing)
Reducing pain signals in the tissue
Improving load tolerance (so your body can handle activity again)

Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough

Many people try:

Rest
Ice
Braces

While these can help short-term, they don’t fix the root problem.

�� Without proper loading, the tendon stays weak
�� And pain often comes back when activity resumes

That’s why movement-based rehab is key.

How This Affects Your Daily Life

Golfer’s elbow can impact:

Lifting objects
Carrying groceries
Opening jars
Working out
Sports performance

If left untreated, it can become chronic and frustrating

How Our Team Helps You Recover

At our clinic, we take a full-body, movement-based approach — not just treating the elbow.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

We help you:

Retrain how you grip, lift, and move during daily activities
Build functional strength that carries into real life
Modify tasks to reduce strain while still staying active
Progress exercises safely back to work, gym, or sport

Chiropractic Care

Improves joint mobility in the elbow, wrist, and spine
Reduces mechanical stress on the tendon
Helps restore proper movement patterns

Acupuncture

Helps reduce pain and inflammation
Promotes circulation to support healing
Calms the nervous system

Medical Providers

Assist with pain management when needed
Guide safe recovery timelines

Why a Combined Approach Works Best

This study showed something important:

�� Eccentric exercise works even better when combined with other treatments

That’s exactly how we treat patients.

By combining:

Strengthening
Manual therapy
Movement retraining
Pain management

We can improve:

Pain
Biomechanics (how your body moves)
Performance in work, sport, and daily life

Simple Takeaway

If you’re dealing with golfer’s elbow:

✔ Don’t rely on rest alone
✔ Don’t ignore the pain

�� Start a structured strengthening program
�� Focus on slow, controlled movements
�� Get guidance from a team that treats the whole body

Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

If elbow pain is limiting your:

Work
Workouts
Sports
Daily activities

We’re here to help you recover the right way — and stay pain-free long term.

Study Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2026.103364

Reference

See, Z. H., Loo, C. E., & Jaafar, Z. (2026).

Eccentric exercise therapy for medial epicondylitis: A systematic review of clinical outcomes.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

The Hidden Muscle That Can Help Prevent Falls (And Keep You Independent)

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 02:22:32 GMT

When people think about preventing falls, they usually focus on balance.

But new research shows something just as important:
�� Strength in your hips — especially the outer hip muscles

What Did the Study Find?

A large long-term study looked at over 900 adults aged 65 and older to understand what leads to serious falls.

Here’s what they found:

Stronger hip abductor muscles (outer hip muscles) lowered fall risk
Every increase in strength reduced fall risk by about 16%
People with weaker hips were more likely to have injurious falls
Confidence in balance also mattered — but strength helped explain part of that risk

�� Simple takeaway:
Stronger hips = better balance + lower risk of serious falls

Why Hip Strength Matters So Much

Your hip muscles do more than just help you walk.

They are critical for:

Keeping your body steady when you shift weight
Preventing side-to-side loss of balance
Stabilizing your pelvis during walking

When these muscles are weak:

Your body sways more
Your reaction time slows
You’re more likely to lose balance and fall

This is especially important because most dangerous falls happen:
�� Sideways or backward — where hip stability is key

It’s Not Just Physical — Confidence Matters Too

The study also found something interesting:

�� People who feel less confident in their balance tend to move less
�� Moving less leads to weaker muscles
�� Weaker muscles increase fall risk

This creates a cycle:
Fear → Less movement → Weakness → Higher fall risk

How This Impacts Daily Life

Weak hip strength can affect:

Walking
Getting up from a chair
Climbing stairs
Carrying groceries
Staying active and independent

Over time, this can lead to:

Increased fall risk
Loss of independence
Decreased quality of life

How Our Team Helps Reduce Fall Risk

At our clinic, we don’t just focus on balance — we focus on building strength and confidence together

Occupational Therapy (OT)

We help you:

Improve functional strength for daily tasks
Train balance during real-life activities (not just exercises)
Build confidence with movement and reduce fear of falling
Safely return to activities you enjoy

Chiropractic Care

Improves joint mobility and alignment
Helps your body move more efficiently
Reduces stiffness that can limit balance reactions

Acupuncture

Helps reduce pain that limits movement
Supports nervous system regulation
Promotes relaxation and recovery

Medical Providers

Address underlying conditions
Help manage medications that may affect balance

Why a Team Approach Works Best

This study shows that both physical strength AND confidence matter

That’s why a combined approach works best.

By improving:

Muscle strength
Movement patterns
Balance confidence

We can reduce:

Fall risk
Injury risk
Fear of movement

And improve:

Independence
Mobility
Overall quality of life

Simple Takeaway

If you want to reduce your risk of falling:

Don’t just focus on balance drills
Don’t wait until a fall happens

�� Start strengthening your hips
�� Build confidence in movement
�� Get guidance from a team that treats the whole person

Ready to Stay Strong and Independent?

If you or a loved one:

Feels unsteady
Has had a fall
Avoids activity due to fear

We’re here to help you move safely, confidently, and independently.

Study Link

https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.70280

Reference

Yosef, T., Pasco, J. A., Tembo, M. C., & Holloway-Kew, K. L. (2026).
Hip abductor strength predicts injurious falls and mediates the balance confidence–falls relationship.
Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle.

Neck Pain Can Affect Your Balance and Movement

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 14:22:00 GMT

Neck pain is very common, but most people only think about the pain itself. New research shows that neck pain may also affect how your body controls movement and balance.

A recent study published in PLOS One looked at how the neck works with the brain and nervous system. The neck plays an important role in helping your body understand position, movement, and balance. When the neck is not working properly, this system can become disrupted.

What the Study Found

Researchers studied people with chronic neck pain and measured how their neck muscles responded under different conditions. They looked at how the body uses vision and proprioception , which is your body’s ability to sense position and movement.

They found that:

Neck muscle activity changed depending on sensory input
People with neck pain relied more on certain systems to stay balanced
The body created compensations to deal with poor neck function

This means that neck pain is not just about tight muscles. It can change how your brain and body work together.

Study link:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0340633

Why This Matters for Athletes and Everyday Life

Your neck is a key part of your movement system. It helps guide posture, balance, coordination, and reaction time.

When the neck is not working well, it can lead to:

Poor balance
Slower reaction time
Increased risk of injury
Muscle tightness and fatigue
Ongoing neck pain and headaches

This is important for:

Athletes who rely on coordination and control
Active adults who train or exercise
People who sit for long hours or use screens often

Even small changes in how the neck functions can affect how the entire body moves.

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we treat neck pain by looking at the full system, not just the area of pain. This study supports our approach to improving movement, balance, and nervous system function.

Chiropractic care helps restore normal joint motion and improve how the neck communicates with the rest of the body
Acupuncture helps reduce muscle tension and calm the nervous system
Occupational therapy and rehabilitation improve posture, coordination, and stability
Medical care , when needed, helps manage more complex or persistent conditions

By combining these treatments, we help:

Improve biomechanics
Restore proper movement patterns
Reduce pain and tension
Enhance performance and daily function

Helping You Move Better and Stay Balanced

Neck pain is more than just discomfort. It can change how your body moves, balances, and responds to the world around you.

If you feel unsteady, tight, or continue to have neck pain that does not go away, the issue may be deeper than just muscle tension. Improving how your neck functions can help your entire body work better.

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we focus on finding the cause of the problem so you can move with confidence and feel your best.

Reference
Wei W, Li W, Wang Y, Zhang S, Fan G, Bai Y. Importance of visual and proprioceptive inputs for maintaining balance in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. PLOS One. 2026;21(3):e0340633.

The Hidden Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:31:38 GMT

Neck pain and headaches are two of the most common reasons people come into our office. Many people think headaches only come from stress or tight muscles. New research published in Spine shows there may be a deeper connection inside the neck that helps explain why neck problems and headaches often occur together.

A recent study looked at important ligaments in the cervical spine, or neck. These ligaments connect parts of the spine to the protective covering around the spinal cord. This connection helps control movement and stability in the neck. Researchers found that when these tissues become irritated or restricted, tension may be transferred directly to sensitive nerve structures. This may help explain why neck stiffness or poor movement can lead to ongoing headaches.

What the Study Found

Researchers studied the anatomy of the neck and confirmed that certain spinal ligaments are directly connected to the covering of the spinal cord. Because of this connection, problems with joint motion or posture may place extra stress on nearby nerves.

This means a person may experience headaches or neck pain even when imaging tests look normal. Limited movement, past injuries, sports activity, or long hours spent looking down at phones or computers can all increase stress in these tissues.

Study link:
https://www.ovid.com/jnls/spinejournal/abstract/10.1097/brs.0000000000005629

Why This Matters for Everyday Life and Sports

Your neck plays an important role in balance, movement, and nervous system function. When the joints and supporting tissues do not move well, the body often responds with muscle tightness, stiffness, or headaches.

This can affect:

Athletes during training or competition
Students carrying backpacks or using devices
Desk workers sitting for long periods
Anyone dealing with recurring neck tension or headaches

Improving how the neck moves can reduce strain on these sensitive structures and help the body function more comfortably.

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we focus on treating the cause of neck pain, not just the symptoms. This research supports our team approach to improving movement, reducing pain, and restoring normal function.

Chiropractic care helps restore healthy motion in the joints of the neck and reduces stress on surrounding tissues.
Acupuncture helps relax tight muscles and supports natural pain relief.
Occupational therapy and rehabilitation improve posture, strength, and movement habits so symptoms are less likely to return.
Medical care , when needed, ensures patients receive a full evaluation for more complex conditions.

Working together, these treatments help improve biomechanics, decrease pain, and support better performance in daily life and sports.

Helping You Move and Feel Better

Headaches and neck pain are often connected. When movement in the neck improves, many patients notice better comfort, improved mobility, and fewer recurring symptoms.

If you experience frequent headaches or ongoing neck stiffness, an evaluation may help identify the source of the problem. Our team at Thrive Sports & Spine is here to help you move better, feel better, and stay active.

Reference

Iwanaga J, et al. The Cervical Ligamentum Flavum and Cervicodural Ligaments: Anatomical Insights with Potential Relevance to Cervicogenic Headache. Spine. 2026. doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000005629

Why Your Neck Pain Might Start in Your Core (And What You Can Do About It)

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:30:02 GMT

If you spend hours on your phone or computer, you may notice your head drifting forward and your neck starting to hurt. This is called forward head posture , and it’s becoming more common every year.

But here’s something surprising:
�� Your neck pain might not just be a neck problem.
�� It could actually start from your core .

What Did the Study Find?

A recent randomized controlled trial looked at people with forward head posture and neck pain.

Researchers compared two groups:

One group did posture exercises only
The other group did posture exercises + core strengthening

Here’s what they found:

Both groups improved their posture
BUT the group that added core exercises had greater pain relief
They also showed better spinal alignment on imaging

�� In simple terms:
Stronger core = better posture + less neck pain

Why Does This Matter?

Your body works as one connected system.

When your core (abs, back, pelvis) is weak:

Your spine loses support
Your head shifts forward
Your neck muscles work overtime
Pain, stiffness, and even headaches can develop

This study showed that treating just the neck isn’t always enough.
You need to treat the whole system .

How This Impacts Your Daily Life

Forward head posture can affect:

Sitting at a desk
Driving
Sleeping
Working out
Even your energy levels

Over time, it can lead to:

Chronic neck pain
Headaches
Poor movement patterns
Decreased performance in daily activities

How Our Team Can Help

At our clinic, we don’t just chase symptoms — we look at why the problem is happening .

Occupational Therapy (OT)

We help you:

Retrain posture during daily activities (work, driving, lifting)
Improve movement patterns and body awareness
Build functional strength that carries over into real life

Chiropractic Care

Improves joint mobility in the spine
Reduces stiffness and mechanical stress
Helps restore proper alignment

Acupuncture

Reduces muscle tension and pain
Helps calm the nervous system
Supports recovery and relaxation

Medical Providers

Help manage inflammation and pain when needed
Ensure safe, coordinated care

Why This Approach Works

This study supports something we see every day:

�� You get better results when you treat the whole body — not just the painful area.

By combining:

Core strengthening
Postural correction
Hands-on care
Functional training

We can improve:

Pain
Biomechanics (how your body moves)
Performance in daily life and exercise

Simple Takeaway

If you’re dealing with neck pain or poor posture:

✔ Don’t just stretch your neck
✔ Don’t just sit up straighter

�� Start building your core stability
�� And get a plan that looks at your entire body

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’ve been dealing with:

Neck pain
Headaches
Poor posture
Pain with sitting or working

Our team is here to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you enjoy.

Study Reference

Shabana AMM, Ashour RS, Yamany AS, Hanafy AF.
Radiographic and clinical effects of core stabilization on cervical pain and sagittal balance in forward head posture: A randomized controlled trial.
Korean Society of Spine Surgery, 2026.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asj.2025.0297

Why Young Athletes Keep Spraining Their Ankles and What It Really Means

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 18:56:55 GMT

Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries in youth sports. Whether a young athlete plays soccer, basketball, runs track, or just stays active year-round, the ankle is constantly asked to handle cutting, jumping, and sudden changes in direction. Over time, many athletes notice that the same ankle keeps rolling or feels weak, even long after the original injury. A recent study in Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy helps explain why this happens and why early care matters.

What the Study Found

Researchers examined adolescent male athletes and found that nearly two-thirds had increased looseness in the ligaments on the outside of the ankle, a condition known as lateral ankle laxity . Even more important, those athletes also showed weaker activation of the peroneal muscles , the muscles that help protect the ankle during weight-bearing movements. This means the ankle was not only structurally loose, but also lacked the muscular control needed to stay stable during sports.

Study link: https://esskajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ksa.70184

Why This Matters for Young Athletes

When the outside ligaments of the ankle become stretched and the stabilizing muscles stop firing properly, the body starts to move differently. Balance becomes less reliable, reaction time slows, and the risk of re-injury rises. Over time, this instability can affect the knees, hips, and even the lower back as the body tries to compensate. For young athletes, this often shows up as repeat ankle sprains, hesitation with cutting movements, or a loss of confidence during play.

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

At Thrive Sports & Spine in Somers Point, NJ, we do not treat ankle sprains as isolated events. This study supports our multidisciplinary approach, which focuses on restoring stability, improving biomechanics, and protecting long-term performance.

Chiropractic care helps restore proper motion in the foot, ankle, and lower body so joints are not forced to compensate.
Soft tissue therapy and shockwave therapy can improve tissue quality and help irritated structures recover.
Acupuncture supports pain control and helps calm protective muscle guarding.
Occupational therapy and rehabilitation programs retrain balance, coordination, and peroneal muscle strength so the ankle can protect itself again.
Medical care , when needed, ensures a full evaluation if swelling, repeated sprains, or significant instability are present.

Helping Young Athletes Stay Confident on Their Feet

If a young athlete feels like their ankle keeps giving out, it is not just bad luck. It is often a sign that the stabilizing system around the joint is no longer doing its job. By addressing ligament health, muscle control, and movement patterns together, we help reduce pain, improve biomechanics, and support safe return to sport.

Reference: Yokoe T, Kawaguchi T, Kubo A, Kamei N, Teramoto A, Takao M, Pereira H. Approximately two-thirds of adolescent male soccer players had increased lateral ankle laxity with functional ankle impairments. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. 2025. doi:10.1002/ksa.70184

Neck Pain and Migraine: Why Your Neck Matters More Than You Think

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 21:37:15 GMT

Many people think of migraine as “just a headache.” But for many patients, migraine also comes with neck pain, stiffness, and tension that can make daily life harder — even when the headache itself isn’t present.

A recent qualitative study published in the Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy explored how people with migraine experience neck pain, how it affects their lives, and how they try to manage it. What the researchers found highlights an important gap in care — and an opportunity for a more complete, movement-focused approach to treatment.

What the Study Looked At (In Simple Terms)

Researchers interviewed 27 adults with migraine who also had neck pain . Instead of measuring numbers or scans, they focused on something just as important: how patients describe their pain, what they think causes it, and how they cope with it .

This type of research helps us understand what patients are actually dealing with day to day — not just what shows up on a test.

Key Findings: Neck Pain Is Common, Confusing, and Often Ignored

The study found several important themes:

Neck pain is very common in people with migraine
Patients described neck pain as tightness, stiffness, locking, or tension
Neck pain caused discomfort, worry, and frustration
Most people were uncertain about what caused their neck pain
Many relied on trial-and-error self-management , without clear guidance

Interestingly, many participants said neck pain did not stop them from daily activities — unless it occurred with a migraine attack. This may explain why neck pain is often brushed off or left untreated, even though it adds to overall discomfort and stress.

The authors concluded that healthcare providers should assess more than just headaches when treating migraine — especially the neck and upper spine (craniocervical region) .

Why Neck Pain and Migraine Are Connected

Research shows that people with migraine are much more likely to experience neck pain than people without headaches. The neck and head share nerve pathways, muscle connections, and movement patterns. Poor posture, stress, muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and repetitive positions can all increase strain on the neck — potentially worsening symptoms.

When neck pain isn’t addressed, it can:

Increase muscle tension
Alter posture and movement
Reduce confidence in movement
Add to the overall migraine burden

Where Occupational Therapy Fits In

Occupational Therapy (OT) looks beyond pain alone. We focus on how pain affects daily life , including work, school, sleep, posture, stress, and movement habits.

For patients with migraine and neck pain, OT may help by:

Improving neck, shoulder, and upper-back mobility
Addressing posture and ergonomic stressors (workstations, phones, backpacks, sleep positions)
Teaching movement strategies to reduce strain during daily activities
Building strength and endurance to support the neck and shoulders
Helping patients understand how emotions, stress, and habits affect pain
Providing clear guidance , so patients don’t feel confused about how to manage symptoms

OT helps patients move with more confidence — not just during exercise, but during real-life tasks.

A Team-Based Approach Works Best

At Thrive Sports & Spine Associates, we use a multidisciplinary approach to migraine-related neck pain:

Chiropractic care may improve joint mobility and spinal mechanics
Acupuncture may help regulate pain, muscle tension, and nervous system response
Medical providers help manage migraine diagnosis and medication when needed
Occupational Therapy bridges the gap between treatment and daily function

This team approach addresses pain, biomechanics, posture, movement, and performance — not just symptoms in isolation.

The Takeaway

This study reinforces an important message:
Neck pain matters in migraine — even when it doesn’t stop daily activities.

When neck pain is misunderstood or ignored, patients are left guessing how to manage it. With proper assessment, education, and movement-based care, patients can gain clarity, confidence, and better control over their symptoms.

If you experience migraines with neck pain, a comprehensive evaluation of the neck and upper spine may be an important step toward feeling and moving better.

Study Link

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjpt.2025.101565

Reference

Dietrich Deitos Rosa, M., Florencio, L. L., Marçal, J. C. S., Dach, F., Palacios-Ceña, D., & Bevilaqua-Grossi, D. (2025). The experience of neck pain in people with migraine: A qualitative study. Brazilian Journal of Physical Therapy.

Why Some People Keep Re-Injuring Their Lower Back: What New Research Says About Collagen and Disc Herniations

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 03:24:31 GMT

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people miss work, stop exercising, or seek medical care. One major cause of low back pain is a lumbar disc herniation, sometimes called a “slipped” or “bulging” disc. Even more frustrating—some people experience the same disc injury over and over again.

A new 2026 study published in the Journal of Clinical Neuroscience helps explain why this happens for certain patients.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers found that people with collagen disorders or loose ligaments (called ligamentous laxity) have a higher risk of both first-time and repeat lumbar disc herniations.

Collagen is a key building block of your:

Spinal discs
Ligaments
Tendons
Connective tissue

When collagen is weaker or more flexible than normal, the spine may not stay as stable during movement. Over time, this extra motion can place stress on the discs, increasing the risk of injury and re-injury.

In simple terms: If your spine doesn’t have a strong foundation, adding more force can cause breakdown. As the saying goes, “Don’t mount a cannon on a canoe.”

Why Strength Alone Isn’t Enough

Many people think the solution to back pain is just “getting stronger.” Strength is important, but only when it’s built on proper stability, alignment, and control.

If joints are too loose or biomechanics are off, aggressive workouts or poor training plans may actually increase injury risk. This is why the study emphasizes the need for modified rehabilitation and stabilization-focused care.

If you want better core strength, there is a great infographic below explaining why quality of movement matters more than brute force.

How Thrive Sports and Spine Can Help

At Thrive Sports and Spine, we take a whole-body, team-based approach to spine health, especially for patients with recurring injuries.

Our integrated care model can help by:

Chiropractic care: Improving spinal alignment, joint mechanics, and controlled mobility
Acupuncture: Reducing pain, calming the nervous system, and improving tissue healing
Occupational Therapy (OT): Teaching safe movement strategies for work, sport, and daily life
Medical care: Identifying underlying connective tissue or structural risk factors

By improving biomechanics, stability, and movement efficiency, we help patients not only feel better, but move better and perform better.

The Big Takeaway

This research shows that recurring disc injuries aren’t just “bad luck.” For some people, connective tissue health plays a major role. With the right combination of stability training, manual care, and personalized rehab, many patients can reduce pain and lower their risk of future injury.

If you’ve had repeat back injuries or feel like your core “never quite holds up,” Thrive Sports and Spine is here to help you build strength the right way.

Reference

Parkinson R, Mobbs RJ, Ma A. The role of collagen pathologies and ligamentous laxity in lumbar disc herniation and its recurrence: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. 2026 Feb 1;144:111804.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41370992/

Thoracolumbar Fascia Stiffness and Chronic Low Back Pain in Active People

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 03:16:37 GMT

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care, especially among athletes and those who stay physically active. Whether you lift weights, run, play pickleball, or spend long hours sitting at work, your lower back absorbs a lot of stress. A recent study published in PLOS ONE examined how a structure called the thoracolumbar fascia may be involved in ongoing low back pain. This thick layer of connective tissue links the hips, core, and spine so you can move efficiently during everyday tasks and athletic training.

What the Study Found

Researchers compared active individuals with chronic low back pain to those without pain using ultrasound imaging. They found that the fascia was not thicker in people with pain, but it was significantly stiffer, especially on the side used most often. This means the tissue may look normal, but it does not move or stretch the way it should in people who struggle with long-term back pain. This stiffness may limit motion, disrupt biomechanics, and increase strain on the joints of the lower back.

Study link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0338718

Why This Matters for Athletes, Active Adults, and Those with Low Back Pain

When the thoracolumbar fascia becomes stiff, it can change how your body moves and loads the spine. This often leads to reduced rotation, poor force transfer between the upper and lower body, and increased stress on spinal joints and discs. Over time, these biomechanical changes can turn small aches into chronic pain and prevent individuals from training, exercising, or engaging in activities of daily living.

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

At Thrive Sports & Spine in Somers Point, NJ, we do not treat back pain with a one-size-fits-all approach. This study supports our multidisciplinary model, which focuses on restoring healthy tissue movement, improving biomechanics, and enhancing performance.

Chiropractic care helps restore normal joint motion and unload stiff, overloaded areas of the spine.
Soft tissue therapy and shockwave therapy target tight fascia and connective tissue to improve flexibility and blood flow.
Acupuncture supports pain reduction and helps calm overactive muscles and nervous system responses.
Occupational therapy and rehabilitation programs retrain deep core and stabilizing muscles so your body handles stress more efficiently.
Medical care, when appropriate, ensures a complete evaluation and supports recovery when pain is severe or persistent.

Getting Back to Moving at Your Best

If you are dealing with low back pain that keeps coming back, the problem may not be just your muscles or joints. Stiff connective tissue like the thoracolumbar fascia can quietly disrupt your movement patterns and limit your performance. By addressing fascia health, spinal motion, and stability together, we help our patients reduce pain, improve biomechanics, and return to the activities they love.

Reference: Zhou EF, Pirri C, Zhao X, Peng J, Wen T, Fang J, et al. Comparative study of thoracolumbar fascia changes in weightlifters with and without low back pain. PLOS One. 2025;20(12):e0338718.

What 150 Minutes of Movement Really Buys You — And Why Your Spine (and Mind) Thank You

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:00:24 GMT

We all hear it: adults should aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. But what does that actually mean for your body, brain, and daily life — especially if you deal with back or neck pain, stiffness, or limited mobility?

A landmark meta-analysis published in The American Journal of Psychiatry found that higher levels of physical activity were associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing depression across diverse age groups and populations. This research reinforces that exercise does more than support physical fitness; it also plays a powerful role in mental health. (Schuch et al., 2018; psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17111194 )

The Science Behind 150 Minutes per Week

Because movement improves so many aspects of health, major public health institutions recommend adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly — like brisk walking, cycling, or other sustained motion. This is more than a number: it’s a threshold where science shows consistent, measurable benefits.

According to the CDC and WHO, regular physical activity:

• Improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. (CDC; WHO) CDC+1

• Helps manage and prevent chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. (CDC; WHO) CDC+1
• Enhances sleep quality and cognitive function. (CDC; The Wellness Coalition) CDC+1
• Strengthens muscles and joints, improving balance and mobility as we age. (CDC Physical Activity Guidelines) CDC

The evidence on physical activity is so strong that guidelines now emphasize any movement is better than none, and benefits accumulate even if activity is spread throughout the day. (American Heart Association) www.heart.org

Movement and Spine Health: Why It Matters

Beyond general health, physical activity has direct implications for the musculoskeletal system. Movement stimulates joint lubrication, supports muscular strength, and maintains healthy range of motion — all essential for spine health. Even simple activities like walking can reduce the risk of chronic low back pain when done consistently over time. Recent research suggests that accumulating walking time throughout the week can lower chronic back pain risk by encouraging mobility and circulation and decreasing inflammation in spinal tissues. Health

Where Chiropractic Care Fits In

Chiropractic care and physical activity are not alternatives — they are complementary.

At Thrive Sports & Spine Associates, we don’t just treat pain; we focus on enabling better movement. Pain, stiffness, or restricted joint motion can make physical activity feel difficult or discouraging. Chiropractic care may help by:

• Improving joint and spinal mobility so movement feels smoother and less restricted.
• Enhancing nervous system function, which influences muscle coordination and posture.
• Reducing pain and discomfort that often limit a patient’s ability to stay active. (PubMed research on chiropractic patients shows small but meaningful improvements in function and quality of life for people with chronic back or neck pain.) PubMed

This is critical because movement recommendations only matter if patients can actually move consistently. When chiropractic care reduces pain and improves functional mobility, it can make reaching that 150-minute target more attainable and more sustainable.

What 150 Minutes of Movement Really Buys You

By combining chiropractic care with regular movement, you can expect:

• Better physical function with less pain
• Greater confidence in movement
• Improved musculoskeletal resilience
• Lower risk of chronic disease
• Enhanced mood and cognitive benefits

Most importantly, there’s no single “perfect” workout. Movement includes walking, swimming, golfing, cycling, gardening — any activity that gets your body moving and your heart rate up. (CDC; WHO) CDC+1

If your goal is to move better, feel better, and stay healthier — both physically and mentally — combining consistent activity with chiropractic care is a strategy worth considering.

Learn more about our movement-focused approach to care at:
https://www.thrivesportsandspine.info/

You can read the full study here:
https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.2018.17111194

Reference

Schuch, F. B., Vancampfort, D., Firth, J., Rosenbaum, S., Ward, P. B., Silva, E. S., Hallgren, M., Ponce De Leon, A., Dunn, A. L., Deslandes, A. C., Fleck, M. P., Carvalho, A. F., & Stubbs, B. (2018). Physical activity and incident depression: A meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. American Journal of Psychiatry, 175(7), 631–648.

Why Balance and Stability Matter — and What the Evidence Shows

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:30:56 GMT

As people age — or even simply through years of wear, injury, or poor posture — balance, strength, and postural control become critical to mobility, pain prevention, and overall quality of life. That’s why interventions focused on improving strength, balance, and movement can be powerful not just for recovery, but for long-term wellness.

A 2020 meta-analysis reviewed randomized trials of exercise interventions in older adults and found that physical exercise significantly improved both static and dynamic balance. The analysis also found that participants who engaged in exercise programs had a reduced rate of falls compared with controls, and fewer people experienced at least one fall. PubMed+1

These findings support a growing consensus: exercise — especially when structured and consistent — is a highly effective tool to improve balance, enhance physical performance, and reduce fall risks. PMC+2PubMed+2

How We at Thrive Sports & Spine Are Embracing That Evidence

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we believe care should be holistic and forward-looking. That’s why we’re excited to announce a new initiative: the integration of Occupational Therapy (OT) into our patient care plans.

Here’s how adding Occupational Therapy will benefit our patients:

OT will allow us to deliver structured, evidence-based exercise and balance training — the very type of intervention shown to improve balance and lower fall risk in the research.
Through personalized OT plans, we’ll work with patients to improve not only spinal or joint health, but also core stability, balance, functional mobility, posture, and everyday movement patterns .
For patients who are older, recovering from injury, dealing with chronic pain, or working on rehabilitation — OT gives us another tool to help restore not just comfort, but resilience and long-term functional health.
OT’s focus on movement, strength, balance, and functional activities meshes well with our chiropractic, soft-tissue, and rehab offerings — creating a truly multidisciplinary treatment plan tailored to each patient.

Why a Multidisciplinary Approach Is the Future of Spine & Joint Care

Recent trends in musculoskeletal health care suggest that combining multiple strategies — passive therapies (like manual adjustments, soft tissue work) with active therapies (exercise, rehab, balance training) — is often more effective than any single approach alone. PMC+2Chiro.org+2

By adding Occupational Therapy to our existing services, Thrive Sports & Spine aims to embrace that evidence-based, patient-centered model. We’re not just chasing short-term pain relief — we’re looking to help our patients move better, stay stable, and maintain functional freedom over the long run.

What This Means for You — Practical Benefits of OT + Chiropractic Care

If you choose care at Thrive Sports & Spine, here’s what you can expect under our new program:

A comprehensive assessment that looks beyond just spine or joint pain — evaluating posture, balance, core strength, gait, lifestyle, and fall risk.
A personalized plan combining manual therapy (adjustments, soft tissue work), rehabilitative exercises, balance training and functional movement drills guided by an OT.
Tools and guidance for improving stability, preventing injury, and enhancing mobility for everyday activities — whether you’re young or older, injured or just looking to stay active.
A proactive, evidence-based approach to long-term musculoskeletal health — not just reactive care when pain strikes.

Conclusion — Committing to Better Movement and Stability

The evidence is clear: structured exercise and balance training improve balance, reduce falls, and enhance overall mobility. PubMed+1

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we’re proud to evolve — adding Occupational Therapy to our services so we can deliver a broader, more holistic approach to care. If you’ve been dealing with mobility challenges, balance issues, chronic pain, or just want to build stronger foundations for long-term health — we’re here to help, with a plan grounded in research and designed for real life.

Citation
Papalia GF, Papalia R, Diaz Balzani LA, Torre G, Zampogna B, Vasta S, Fossati C, Alifano AM, Denaro V. The Effects of Physical Exercise on Balance and Prevention of Falls in Older People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(8):2595. doi:10.3390/jcm9082595. PMCID: PMC7466089.

Why “Evidence-Based” Matters — and Why It Matters at Thrive Sports & Spine

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:28:16 GMT

Over the past few decades, chiropractic care has moved beyond tradition and opinion — it is increasingly grounded in research. According to the article Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care, a growing body of well-conducted clinical trials and systematic reviews shows that manual therapies such as spinal manipulation, massage, and joint mobilization can be effective and safe for many common musculoskeletal conditions.

At Thrive Sports & Spine, this shift toward evidence-based care isn’t a trend. It is part of our mission. We design each treatment plan using a comprehensive movement assessment, orthopedic and neurologic evaluation, and a clear understanding of your specific pain, lifestyle, and goals.

What the Research Says — And How We Apply It

Back, Neck, and Headache Relief
The article highlights strong evidence that spinal manipulation can help with acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain. Research also supports manipulation, especially when combined with exercise, for certain types of neck pain and headaches, including cervicogenic headache and migraine. Massage and soft-tissue therapies also show benefit when paired with movement-based rehabilitation.

At Thrive, this means treatment for lower back pain, neck stiffness, posture-related issues, or recurring headaches is guided by proven approaches rather than guesswork.

More Than Just the Spine: Extremities, Joints, and Whole-Body Health
While the strongest research evidence focuses on spinal conditions, the article notes that manual therapy may also help with shoulder pain, knee or hip discomfort, plantar fasciitis, and other joint issues. These findings support what we see clinically: many patients improve when care includes a combination of adjustments, soft-tissue treatment, corrective exercise, and other targeted therapies.

This aligns with our approach at Thrive Sports & Spine, where every treatment plan is tailored. We use techniques such as spinal adjustments, soft-tissue therapy, spinal decompression, targeted rehabilitation exercises, shockwave therapy, and more, depending on each patient’s needs.

What This Means for Patients — Safe, Effective, Personalized Care

The research shows that manual therapies are generally safe, with serious complications being rare, and most side effects mild and short-lived, similar to what you might feel after exercising. As chiropractic education evolves to include more scientific evaluation, patients benefit from care that is rooted in evidence rather than tradition alone.

At Thrive Sports & Spine, this commitment translates into safe, personalized, and effective treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.

Why Thrive Is a Good Fit — Our Philosophy Meets Evidence

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we look for the root cause rather than treating symptoms alone. Our chiropractors are trained in several manual and soft-tissue techniques, including methods like Active Release Technique. We offer spinal adjustments, decompression therapy, soft-tissue treatments, and other modalities that allow us to choose the most appropriate option for each individual. Instead of a single approach for everyone, we create treatment plans based on movement patterns, posture, function, and your long-term health goals.

Final Thoughts: Empowered Care for Long-Term Health

The shift toward evidence-based chiropractic care reflects a broader movement in healthcare toward data-driven decisions and patient-centered treatment. For patients at Thrive Sports & Spine, this means receiving care that is supported by research and personalized for your unique needs. If you are dealing with back pain, neck discomfort, joint problems, recurring injuries, or mobility limitations, you deserve treatment guided by evidence and tailored specifically to you.

Thrive Sports & Spine is here to help you move better, feel stronger, and live with less pain.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3716373/

Citation
Clar C, Tsertsvadze A, Court R, Hundt GL, Clarke A, Sutcliffe P. Evidence-Based Practice and Chiropractic Care. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2011;16(1):17–31. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3716373/

Why Magnesium Matters for Muscle Recovery and Chiropractic Results

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:19:02 GMT

When you’re focusing on peak performance, recovery, and musculoskeletal health, you probably think about movement, chiropractic adjustments, nutrition and sleep. But there’s another key piece that often gets overlooked: the mineral magnesium. A recent systematic review shows that supplementing magnesium can reduce muscle soreness, improve recovery and protect against muscle damage in physically active people. PMC
As a chiropractor who helps people optimize their neuromuscular system, I want you to understand how magnesium fits into the bigger picture of structural, nervous system, and recovery-based care.

What the Review Found
The review looked at studies where magnesium supplementation (MgS) was used by physically active individuals. Key findings included:

MgS reduced delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in several trials.

In athletes undergoing intense training, MgS appeared to provide a protective effect on markers of muscle damage (e.g., creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase).

Physically active individuals may need ~10-20% more magnesium than sedentary people to support muscle recovery and performance.

The review pointed out that type, timing and dosage of supplementation still need more research—but the evidence is strong enough to consider magnesium as part of a recovery strategy.

Why This Matters for Chiropractic Care & Recovery
When you come in for chiropractic care, the goal is often to restore optimal joint motion, reduce nerve interference, relieve muscle tension and support your body’s ability to heal. But for that to happen efficiently, your body must have the resources and internal environment to respond well. Here’s how magnesium supports that:

Magnesium plays a role in neuromuscular transmission, muscle contraction and relaxation—which means fewer spasms, less muscle tension, and better tissue responsiveness.

When muscles are less sore, less damaged and better recovering, they hold adjustments more reliably, function better, and respond more predictably.

Reduced muscle soreness and damage means less compensatory strain on joints, less protective guarding by muscles, and a calmer nervous system— all of which enhance the outcome of chiropractic interventions.

By integrating magnesium support (through diet, maybe supplementation, and monitoring) into your recovery plan, you create a multi-layer strategy: structure (chiropractic), movement (exercise), and recovery (nutrition/minerals).

Actionable Strategies for You
Here are practical steps you can take (and what I may check in your intake/sessions) to support magnesium and enhance your chiropractic results:

Dietary sources of magnesium: nuts (almonds, cashews), leafy greens, whole grains, beans, and seeds—prioritize these in your meals.

Consider appropriate supplementation (under supervision): physically active individuals may benefit from a magnesium supplement in the 300-500 mg/day range, especially when training heavy, traveling, or recovering from injury (as the review suggests).

Timing: Some evidence suggests taking magnesium 1–2 hours before physical activity may help; at the least, ensure consistent daily intake, including on non-training/rest days.

Chiropractic, sleep, movement & minerals: When we adjust joints and calm the nervous system, we also review sleep, movement patterns and nutrition—magnesium becomes part of the recovery toolkit.

Monitor soreness, recovery and function: If you’re sore for days after movement, holding compensatory patterns, or not responding well to adjustments, magnesium status may be one piece of the puzzle.

Conclusion
Your body is a highly integrated system. Chiropractic care helps restore structure and nervous system balance, but the internal biochemical environment must support that restoration. Magnesium is a key mineral in that environment—supporting muscle recovery, reducing soreness, and allowing your body to absorb the benefits of treatment, training and movement.

If you’re serious about getting the most from your care, your workouts and your recovery, don’t overlook magnesium. Let’s incorporate it into your holistic plan.

Reference: Effects of magnesium supplementation on muscle soreness, performance and recovery. PMC 11227245.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11227245/

Sleep, Muscle Repair, and Chiropractic Care — Why One Night Matters

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:19:00 GMT

Sleep is one of the most powerful recovery tools we have, yet it’s often the first thing we sacrifice. A 2021 study published in Physiological Reports demonstrated just how critical it is for muscle repair and hormonal balance. After only one night without sleep, participants showed measurable declines in muscle protein synthesis — the body’s process of repairing and rebuilding muscle tissue — and shifts in key hormones that directly impact recovery.

If you’re striving to improve your strength, heal from an injury, or simply feel your best, this study shows that without adequate sleep, even the best training and treatment plan will fall short.

What the Study Found
Researchers examined healthy young men and women who underwent two different conditions: a normal night of sleep (10 PM–7 AM) and a night of total sleep deprivation. The following day, blood samples and muscle biopsies were taken. Results showed:

Muscle protein synthesis decreased by approximately 18% after one sleepless night.

Cortisol (a catabolic, stress-related hormone) increased by about 21%.

Testosterone (an anabolic, repair-supporting hormone) decreased by roughly 24%.

No major changes were seen in IGF-1 or short-term muscle protein breakdown.

In simple terms: just one night of lost sleep blunted the body’s ability to build muscle and shifted its hormonal balance from growth and repair to breakdown and stress.

Why This Matters for Chiropractic and Recovery
When you come in for chiropractic care, you’re investing in your body’s ability to heal, adapt, and perform. Adjustments help restore normal joint motion, calm the nervous system, and support circulation and mobility. But that process relies on what your body does after you leave the office — and that’s where sleep comes in.

Sleep is when tissue repair, inflammation control, and neuromuscular adaptation occur. Without it, recovery slows, pain sensitivity increases, and the benefits of chiropractic adjustments or rehabilitation work are diminished.

That’s why your chiropractor asks about your sleep: it’s one of the most accurate windows into how well your body is truly recovering.

Practical Ways to Improve Sleep Quality

Aim for 7.5–9 hours per night. Consistency matters more than perfection.

Limit blue light from phones or screens 60–90 minutes before bed.

Create a cool, dark environment to promote deeper sleep cycles.

Avoid heavy meals or caffeine close to bedtime.

Try pre-sleep relaxation strategies: gentle stretching, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

The Takeaway
Skipping sleep isn’t just about feeling groggy — it directly interferes with your body’s ability to heal and adapt. Chiropractic care can optimize how your body functions, but lasting results depend on what you do between visits. Sleep well, move often, and let your body do what it’s designed to do: repair and thrive.

Reference:
Lamon S., Morabito A., Arentson-Lantz E., et al. (2021). The effect of acute sleep deprivation on skeletal muscle protein synthesis and the hormonal environment. Physiological Reports, 9(1): e14660.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7785053/

Sleep Loss, Inflammation, and Recovery: What One Night Without Sleep Does to Your Body

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 18:18:54 GMT

We all know what it feels like to lose a night of sleep — fatigue, brain fog, irritability. But research shows the impact goes much deeper than just feeling tired. A recent study published in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that just one night of sleep deprivation can disrupt hormone balance, increase inflammation, and impair cognitive performance — even in healthy young adults.

What the Study Found

Researchers asked participants to stay awake for 24 hours. The results were striking:

Inflammation skyrocketed: Blood markers such as IL-6 and CRP increased, showing that even one night without rest triggers systemic inflammation.

Hormone balance was disrupted: Cortisol — the hormone that helps regulate your stress response and energy — dropped significantly the following morning.

Cognition and mood declined: Participants experienced higher fatigue, confusion, anxiety, and slower reaction times.

The takeaway? Sleep isn’t just a comfort — it’s a physiological necessity for your body to repair, recover, and regulate inflammation.

Why This Matters in Chiropractic Care

As chiropractors, we focus on restoring proper nervous system function, improving mobility, and reducing stress throughout the body. Sleep directly supports that process. When you’re sleep-deprived, your nervous system remains in a heightened sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state. That can lead to:

Increased muscle tension and pain sensitivity
Slower tissue healing and recovery
Hormonal imbalance that amplifies fatigue and stress
Reduced ability to adapt to adjustments or physical stress
Chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality by reducing musculoskeletal pain, optimizing spinal alignment, and enhancing parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity — the branch of your nervous system that helps you relax and recover.

What You Can Do

Prioritize sleep and active recovery to reduce systemic inflammation.
Support your body with anti-inflammatory nutrients (omega-3s, vitamin D, and antioxidants).
Include regular mobility and chiropractic care to keep your nervous system adaptable and responsive.
Address stress holistically, mental, physical, and nutritional.

Final Thoughts

You can’t out-adjust, out-stretch, or out-train a lack of sleep. When your body is aligned and your nervous system is balanced, deep, restorative sleep becomes easier — and your ability to recover and perform improves dramatically. At our office, we focus on the full picture of health: alignment, nervous system function, recovery, and lifestyle. Because better sleep isn’t just about feeling rested — it’s about helping your body heal.

Reference:

Thompson RS, Strong RA, Fleshner M, et al. Acute sleep deprivation disrupts emotion, cognition, inflammation, and cortisol in young healthy adults. Front Behav Neurosci. 2022;16:945661. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2022.945661

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9538963/

Why Your Brain May Be Slowing—Even When You’re Training Hard: The Inflammation–Cognition Link for Athletes and Active Adults

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:22:21 GMT

At our chiropractic office, we focus on more than just pain relief and alignment. True performance and recovery start with how well your body and brain communicate. A new study reminds us that inflammation, often seen as a purely physical issue, also impacts your cognitive performance.

A recent cross-sectional study, “Inflammation and cognitive performance in elite athletes” (Wiedenbrüg et al., 2024), explored how inflammatory markers, metabolic hormones, micronutrients, and recovery status relate to cognitive functions in 350 elite athletes. The findings highlight how systemic inflammation and nutritional status influence brain performance, directly affecting how athletes think, react, and recover.

Key Takeaways

Inflammation matters for cognition. Elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α) were linked to poorer working memory and reduced cognitive flexibility, particularly in athletes from closed-skill sports.
Vitamin D supports brain performance. Higher vitamin D levels correlated with improved cognitive flexibility.
Hormones, stress, and recovery are interconnected. Processing speed and attention were best explained by a mix of metabolic hormones and physiological/psychological stress levels.

What This Means for Chiropractic Patients

Chiropractic care supports nervous system balance, which plays a key role in inflammation regulation and brain–body communication. This research highlights that cognitive performance isn’t just about “mental focus”, it’s influenced by your physiology.

Chronic inflammation can dull your brain. Even low-grade inflammation affects how quickly your nervous system processes information.
Recovery is brain training. Sleep, nutrition, and stress management enhance both musculoskeletal and cognitive recovery.
Chiropractic care supports total performance. By optimizing nervous system function and joint mobility, chiropractic helps reduce physiological stress and improve neuromuscular communication.

Actionable Tips for Athletes and Active Adults

Prioritize sleep and active recovery to reduce systemic inflammation.
Support your body with anti-inflammatory nutrients (omega-3s, vitamin D, and antioxidants).
Include regular mobility and chiropractic care to keep your nervous system adaptable and responsive.
Address stress holistically, mental, physical, and nutritional.

In Summary

The brain and body are one system. Your training, recovery, and inflammation levels shape how effectively that system functions. Chiropractic care fits into this picture by helping regulate the nervous system, support recovery, and optimize both movement and cognition.

Reference:
Wiedenbrüg, C., et al. (2024). Inflammation and cognitive performance in elite athletes: A cross-sectional study. Brain, Behavior & Immunity – Health, 36, 101431. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbih.2024.101431

Chiropractic vs. Other Treatments for Spine Problems: What Patients Report

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:19:35 GMT

NHIS data shows chiropractic outperforms other treatments for spine pain. Over 96% of patients say chiropractic helps with back pain and neck pain.

If you’ve ever wondered whether chiropractic really works for back pain, neck pain, or spine conditions, national survey data has the answer. A 2020 analysis of NHIS data showed chiropractic patients with spine problems reported higher satisfaction and less reliance on medication or surgery than those using other treatments.

Rising Use for Spine Conditions
From 1997 to 2012, chiropractic use for spine issues grew from 7.6% to 10.1%. Millions more patients are turning to chiropractors for back and neck care.

Effectiveness as Reported by Patients

96% of respondents with spine problems who used chiropractic said it helped their condition.
Patients reported lower use of prescription drugs, surgery, and physical therapy compared to those who didn’t see chiropractors.

Conditions That Respond Well to Chiropractic

Chronic Low Back Pain: Adjustments and mobilizations restore movement and reduce muscle guarding.

Neck Pain: Chiropractic is effective for whiplash, poor posture, and tension-related pain.

Sciatica & Radiating Pain: Chiropractic improves spinal mechanics to reduce nerve compression.

Sports Injuries: From herniated discs to spinal sprains, chiropractic speeds recovery.

The data is clear: chiropractic care is a patient-preferred, effective, and conservative solution for spinal conditions. At Thrive Sports & Spine, our evidence-based approach helps patients manage pain, avoid unnecessary medications, and get back to living fully.

Reference:
Ndetan H., Hawk C., Evans W., Tanue T., Singh K. “Chiropractic Care for Spine Conditions: Analysis of National Health Interview Survey.” J Health Care and Research, 2020.

NHIS data reveals why millions choose chiropractic care. Discover the most common conditions chiropractors treat — from back and neck pain to headaches and arthritis. A 2017 study analyzing NHIS data

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 06:18:08 GMT

Chiropractic use in the U.S. is rising. Learn why more adults are choosing chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, and headaches — and how Thrive Sports & Spine can help you.

Chiropractic care is no longer a fringe option — it’s mainstream. According to the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), chiropractic use among U.S. adults rose from 9.1% in 2012 to over 11% in 2022, with the majority using it for pain management. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we treat the same conditions driving this growth: low back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint stiffness.

Chiropractic Growth Over Time

2012–2017: Usage increased from 9.1% to 10.3%.

2022: About 11% of U.S. adults used chiropractic care.
The steady rise reflects greater recognition of chiropractic’s role in non-drug pain relief and spine health.

Top Conditions Driving Chiropractic Visits

Low Back Pain: The #1 reason people seek chiropractic. Adjustments restore mobility and reduce inflammation.

Neck Pain: Often caused by posture, stress, or injury — chiropractic restores range of motion and eases tension.

Headaches & Migraines: Cervical adjustments and posture work can reduce frequency and intensity.

Arthritis & Joint Pain: Gentle chiropractic care helps maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness.

Who’s Seeking Chiropractic Care?

Women (11.1%) use chiropractic slightly more than men (9.4%).

Adults aged 45–64 are the largest group — often due to back, neck, and arthritis pain.

As more Americans turn to chiropractic, the evidence is clear: it’s a trusted, drug-free solution for spinal and musculoskeletal pain. If you struggle with back pain, neck pain, or headaches, Thrive Sports & Spine offers evidence-based chiropractic care to help you move better and live pain-free.

Reference:
NCCIH, “Chiropractic: In Depth” (2022). CDC/NCHS Data Brief 325 (2018).

The Most Common Conditions Chiropractors Treat: NHIS Insights

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:44:20 GMT

NHIS data reveals why millions choose chiropractic care. Discover the most common conditions chiropractors treat — from back and neck pain to headaches and arthritis.

A 2017 study analyzing NHIS data found that back pain (63%) and neck pain (30%) are the most common reasons adults seek chiropractic care. At Thrive Sports & Spine, these are among the top conditions we treat daily.

Back Pain: The #1 Condition
Back pain remains the leading driver of chiropractic visits. Whether acute (lifting injury) or chronic (degenerative disc disease), chiropractic adjustments and rehabilitation provide natural relief.

Neck Pain: Posture, Tech, and Injury
Modern lifestyles increase neck stress from phones, computers, and stress. Chiropractic restores normal motion, decreases pain, and reduces muscle tightness.

Headaches & Migraines
Cervical spine dysfunction often contributes to tension headaches. Chiropractic helps reduce frequency and intensity, especially when combined with posture correction.

Arthritis & Stiff Joints
Older adults commonly seek chiropractic for stiffness and joint pain. Gentle mobilization helps preserve function and delay progression.

Integrated Care Matters
About 63.8% of patients in the NHIS study reported that combining chiropractic with conventional medicine was helpful — reinforcing that chiropractic plays an important role in integrative care.

Conclusion:
If you’re experiencing back pain, neck pain, headaches, or arthritis, you’re not alone — these are the most common reasons patients turn to chiropractic care. Thrive Sports & Spine specializes in treating these conditions with evidence-based, patient-centered care.

Reference:
Adams J., et al. “The Prevalence, Patterns, and Predictors of Chiropractic Use Among US Adults: Results From the 2012 NHIS.” Spine 2017;42(23):1810-1816.

Beyond the Adjustment: How Your Home Habits Amplify Chiropractic Care

At our chiropractic office, we talk a lot about spinal alignment, joint mobility, nervous-system health and how we can help you feel better, move better and live better. What many people don’t realize is that the magic really happens outside the clinic, too — your home habits, movement, posture and recovery all amplify (or undermine) what we do in our sessions.

A recent article published in IJSNEM underscores an important principle: recovery, adaptation and musculoskeletal resilience don’t occur simply by the passive act of treatment, but through the ongoing interplay of mechanical stimulus, recovery behaviors and nutritional/functional support. Although the study focuses on exercise-nutrition interactions, the broader lesson carries over to chiropractic care: what happens after your adjustment matters.

Why Home Behavior Matters

Mechanics still count
When we perform an adjustment, mobilize a joint, release tension in soft tissue or correct posture, we are giving your body a “reset” or a signal: you can move differently now. But if you immediately return to poor posture, repetitive strain or inefficient movement patterns, you reduce or undo the benefit we just instilled.
Recovery isn’t just sleep
The IJSNEM-type study shows that nutrients, movement timing and recovery habits influence the tissue-adaptation process. In our world, that translates to more than sleeping well, it means micro-movements, posture breaks, hydration, gentle mobility work and giving your body cues that “yes, we’re moving well now”. Your home routine is your recovery routine.
Consistency trumps singular sessions
One great visit helps. Six great visits help more. But without accompanying home behaviour, the rate of change slows. The research literature in sports science is full of examples where “the exercise + nutrition” combo matters far more than either alone. Similarly, the “adjustment + home habit” combo is what drives the best outcomes.

What You Can Do At Home

Here are five practical ways to extend your chiropractic care into your daily life:

Micro-mobility breaks: Every hour, stand up and take 30 seconds to do a gentle spinal twist, shoulder roll or hip hinge. This interrupts prolonged postures and keeps your nervous system responsive.
Posture awareness: At your computer, phone or while driving, check your alignment. Are your ears over your shoulders? Shoulders over hips? If not, correct it and hold 10-15 seconds.
Soft-tissue self-care: Use a foam roller, lacrosse ball or simple stretching routine (we’ll show you what works). This supports tissue quality and helps joints move more freely between visits.
Hydration + nutrition: Adequate water, good protein, plenty of fresh produce = supporting tissue healing, joint lubrication and nervous-system resilience. While the IJSNEM article focused on exercise nutrition, this principle applies universally.
Quality sleep + nervous system reset: Sleep is when the body heals, re-organizes and rebuilds. Make your environment calm, screens off at a reasonable hour, and consider 5 minutes of diaphragmatic breathing before bed to down-regulate your nervous system.

How We Integrate This Into Your Care

In each visit, we will not only adjust and mobilize, we will also coach you on what to do at home until your next session. We’ll assess your movement patterns, posture, daily habits and design a simple “home plan” that fits your lifestyle. Because true change happens when clinic meets home.

Final Thoughts

Think of our work together as planting a seed. The adjustment is the planting; your home habits are the water, sunlight and soil. Without both, the growth is limited. The IJSNEM-type research reminds us that optimisation is a combination of professional input + personal discipline. We’re here for the professional input. You’re here for the personal discipline. Together, we make the difference.

If you’re ready to take your home habits to the next level and get the most out of your chiropractic visits, ask us about your personalised at-home plan at your next session!

Reference:
Mala, J., Blazek, Z., Maly, T., & Zahalka, F. (2024). Effect of nutrient timing on muscle recovery following exercise: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 34(6), 378–392. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/34/6/article-p378.xml

Facet Joint Pain: An Overlooked Cause of Back and Neck Pain

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 05:41:53 GMT

Facet joint pain causes up to 45% of low back pain cases. Learn the signs, treatment options, and how chiropractic care at Thrive Sports & Spine can help.

Not all back or neck pain comes from discs or muscles. Research shows 15–45% of low back pain cases and up to 55% of chronic neck pain are due to facet joint dysfunction. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we specialize in diagnosing and treating this under-recognized condition.

What Is Facet Joint Pain?
Facet joints are small stabilizing joints in the spine. Injury, arthritis, or repetitive stress can irritate these joints, causing localized pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Signs of Facet Joint Pain

Pain worsens with extension or rotation (leaning backward, twisting).
Local pain that may radiate into the buttocks or thighs but rarely past the knee.
Stiffness after prolonged standing or inactivity.

Evidence-Based Treatment

A 2011 randomized controlled trial found that chiropractic manipulation plus laser therapy significantly improved outcomes in cervical facet pain patients.
A 2016 systematic review confirmed that conservative care, injections, or radiofrequency ablation are effective for lumbar facet joint pain. Chiropractic is often the first line of conservative care.

How We Treat Facet Joint Pain at Thrive Sports & Spine

Chiropractic Adjustments: Restore movement and reduce joint irritation.
Soft Tissue Therapy: Loosens tight muscles guarding the painful joint.
Rehab Exercises: Improve posture, mobility, and spinal stability.
Adjunctive Modalities: Shockwave, electric stimulation, stretching, and ergonomic advice.

If you’re struggling with chronic back or neck pain that doesn’t seem to improve, your facet joints may be the hidden culprit. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we offer targeted chiropractic care to restore function and relieve pain naturally.

Reference:

Saayman L., et al. “Chiropractic manipulative therapy and low-level laser therapy in the management of cervical facet dysfunction: a randomized controlled study.” JMPT, 2011.
Manchikanti L., et al. “Management of lumbar zygapophysial (facet) joint pain.” Pain Physician, 2016.

Understanding Post-Concussion Syndrome

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:11:42 GMT

Most people experience ongoing symptoms after a head injury, but figuring out what’s really causing them can be tricky. Two conditions that often confuse patients and doctors are Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), including a type called Functional Cognitive Disorder (FCD). Both conditions involve lasting problems with thinking, emotions, and fatigue, but they come from different causes and need different treatments.

What Is Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)?

PCS happens after a mild traumatic brain injury (like a concussion). People with PCS may have headaches, dizziness, trouble concentrating, mood changes, and tiredness. Even if scans and tests look normal, these symptoms can stick around for months or more. Research shows that the way people think and feel before and after their injury can affect how long PCS lasts. For example, traits like anxiety and depression may make symptoms worse or last longer.

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

FND causes symptoms like weakness, seizures, or problems thinking that don’t match any known brain disease. FND is common and often linked to stress, past trauma, or emotional difficulties. Unlike PCS, FND symptoms can sometimes improve with the right therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection.

How Are PCS and FND Similar?

Both PCS and FND can cause issues with memory, attention, and mood, and both conditions often happen in people who have experienced trauma or mental health challenges. Brain imaging studies show that both have changes in similar brain areas responsible for emotion and attention. Doctors now think of PCS and FND as part of a spectrum, not completely separate problems.

Why Is This Important?

Understanding these conditions helps doctors, therapists, and chiropractors like those at Thrive Sports & Spine better diagnose and treat patients with persistent symptoms after a head injury. Early recognition and a personalized treatment plan can improve rec

How Thrive Sports & Spine Helps You

If you or a loved one have ongoing problems after a concussion like memory trouble, headaches, or fatigue, getting the right diagnosis is key. At Thrive Sports & Spine, our team uses the latest research to understand your symptoms fully. We combine physical treatments with therapies that address emotional and cognitive health to help you heal better and faster.

Book Your Appointment Today

Don’t let confusing symptoms hold you back. Visit www.thrivesportsandspine.info or call us to schedule a consultation tailored to your needs.

Lumbar Disc Pain

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:07:32 GMT

Many people struggle with chronic lower back pain and want to know what’s really causing their discomfort. At Thrive Sports & Spine in South Jersey, our team uses advanced research-backed tests like the “Directional Preference” (DP) test to find out if your pain is coming from the discs in your spine – one of the most common causes of back pain.

What Is the Directional Preference Test?

The DP test is simple. Our chiropractor will guide you through specific guided movements. If certain directions feel better and your pain moves closer to the center of your spine, that’s a clue your pain might be coming from your spinal discs. This makes it easier for the doctor to plan treatment that will really help you recover.

Why Is This Important?

Research shows that if you have a positive DP test, there’s a high chance the disc is the pain source – which helps us offer precisely targeted, evidence-based care. While the test is great for confirming disc-related pain, it’s just one of many tools we use to figure out the root of your back problem. When you get the right diagnosis, the chances of lasting pain relief are much better.

How Thrive Sports & Spine Can Help

Our South Jersey clinic uses the latest chiropractic research, including special movement tests, hands-on adjustments, and custom rehab plans. Whether your pain is from discs or another cause, you’ll receive expert, individualized care to get you moving and feeling better, faster.

Ready to find out what’s really causing your low back pain? Book a diagnostic session at www.thrivesportsandspine.info and get a clear plan for lasting pain relief.

Citation:

Deneuville JP, Laslett M, Cervantes A, Peterlongo S, Ounajim A, Artico R. Concurrent validity of the directional preference phenomenon compared to controlled lumbar discography: A Supplementary Analysis of a Diagnostic Accuracy Study. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2025 Sep 10:103413. Link.

Effectiveness of Moving Cupping Therapy for the Shoulder

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 04:03:40 GMT

Shoulder pain is a very common problem, often caused by rotator cuff injuries. Many people are looking for safe and effective ways to reduce pain and improve shoulder movement—one promising option is moving cupping therapy (MCT) combined with traditional physiotherapy. At Thrive Sports & Spine in South Jersey, our team uses the latest evidence-based techniques, including cupping therapy, to help patients recover from rotator cuff injuries and get back to an active life.

What Is Moving Cupping Therapy (MCT)?

Moving cupping therapy is a modern version of the ancient cupping method. Special cups are placed on the skin with gentle suction and then slowly moved around sore or stiff muscles. This treatment helps increase blood flow, decrease muscle tightness, and may boost healing in the rotator cuff—a group of muscles that support your shoulder.

What Did the Study Show?

In a recent study, women with rotator cuff injuries were split into two groups: one received standard physical therapy, and the other got both physical therapy and moving cupping therapy. Treatments were given for four weeks. Afterwards, both groups had less pain and could move their shoulders better, but the group who received cupping therapy showed even more improvement in pain relief, shoulder motion, and daily function scores. The therapy was safe, non-invasive, and affordable.

Why Choose Thrive Sports & Spine for Shoulder Pain?

Our clinic offers expert chiropractic and rehab services for shoulder, rotator cuff, and sports injuries in South Jersey. Cupping therapy is one of the best natural treatments for pain and stiffness, and research proves it can make physiotherapy work even better. We create a custom care plan that may include moving cupping therapy, hands-on treatment, exercises, and advice to speed up your recovery.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain, rotator cuff problems, or other sports injuries, Thrive Sports & Spine can help you feel better fast. Visit our office or schedule a consultation on our website www.thrivesportsandspine.info to learn how expert chiropractic care and moving cupping therapy can get you back to the activities you love.

Learn more:

Research summary on moving cupping therapy for shoulder pain.
Science behind how cupping helps for musculoskeletal injuries.

Find out why Thrive Sports & Spine is the trusted choice for shoulder pain and rotator cuff injury care in Atlantic and Cumberland County.

Citation:

Akil HH, Tunç S, Atilgan E. Effectiveness of moving cupping therapy on pain and functionality in rotator cuff injuries: A randomised controlled pilot study. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation. 2025 Sep;38(5):1063-72. Link.

Shockwave Effective for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 03:59:56 GMT

Safe and Effective Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Lower Back Pain at Thrive Sports & Spine

Chronic lower back pain is a common problem, and one major cause is pain from the lumbar facet joints—small joints in the spine that support movement. Traditional treatments like injections and nerve blocks can help but come with risks because they are invasive.

Focused Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a new, non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to reach deep tissues and help heal painful joint problems. This therapy is safe, painless, and stimulates the body’s natural repair processes.

What Did the Study Find?

A recent study with 128 patients showed that focused ESWT greatly reduced pain in the lower back after just five weekly treatments. After 12 months, patients reported about 64% less pain and much better ability to move and do daily activities.

Shockwave therapy also reduced symptoms of nerve pain like burning, numbness, or tingling, which are common in facet joint issues. MRI scans showed actual healing of inflammation in the bones near the painful joints for many patients, showing that shockwave therapy does more than just ease pain—it helps the body heal itself.

How Is Shockwave Therapy Performed?

During treatment, focused shockwaves are targeted precisely on the painful facet joints ensuring effective care. Each session sends controlled energy pulses to the area, stimulating tissue repair, reducing inflammation, and calming nerve signals.

Why Choose Thrive Sports & Spine?

Our chiropractic clinic in South Jersey offers advanced treatments like focused Shockwave Therapy to safely and effectively manage chronic lower back pain without surgery or injections. If back pain is stopping you from living your best life, relief is possible witth new therapies like Shockwave Therapy that promote real healing.

Book Your Consultation Today

Don’t wait to find lasting pain relief. Visit www.thrivesportsandspine.info or call us to schedule an appointment and learn how ESWT and personalized chiropractic care can get you moving pain-free again.

Citation:

Nedelka T, Katolicky J, Nedelka J, Hobrough P, Knobloch K. Efficacy of high energy, focused ESWT in treatment of lumbar facet joint pain–a randomized sham-controlled trial. International Journal of Surgery. 2025:10-97. Link.

Achilles Tendinopathy Review

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:22:11 GMT

The original article 'Achilles Subtendons Stiffness Differ in People with and without Achilles Tendinopathy '

People with Achilles tendinopathy—a painful condition in the back of the ankle—have different tendon stiffness compared to healthy individuals. Notably, the Achilles tendon is made up of three separate “subtendons”: the gastrocnemius medialis (GM), gastrocnemius lateralis (GL), and soleus (SOL), each connecting different muscles to the heel.

What Was Discovered?

• Healthy Tendons: In people without pain, the soleus (SOL) subtendon is usually stiffer than the other two sub tendons.

• Tendinopathy Changes: If someone has Achilles tendinopathy, the loss of stiffness only affects the gastrocnemius lateralis (GL) subtendon, not the GM or SOL.

• Why This Matters: Stiffness in a tendon helps absorb force and prevent injury. When just one subtendon is affected, it may change the way force moves through the leg, possibly leading to pain, weakness, or further injury.

Why Chiropractic (& Rehab) Can Help

If your Achilles tendon hurts or feels weak, it may not be enough to treat just the whole tendon. Specific therapies, including chiropractic and specialized rehab, can target problem sub tendons and muscles, helping restore proper force, movement, and healing.

Next Steps for Healing

• Get Assessed: Proper evaluation can find which tendons and muscles are involved—so treatment is faster and more effective.

• Custom Treatment: Chiropractic techniques, shockwave therapy, strength exercises, and hands-on care can all help recover function and prevent future problems.

• Don’t Ignore Pain: The earlier support is given, the better the results and the quicker the return to being active and pain-free.

Source: American College of Sports Medicine & PubMed, full article at PubMed Learn more and start your recovery at www.thrivesportsandspine.info.

Crouzier M, Baudry S, Vanwanseele B. Achilles Sub Tendons Stiffness Differ in People with and without Achilles Tendinopathy. Medicine and science in sports and exercise. 2025 Apr 3. The original article 'Achilles Subtendons Stiffness Differ in People with and without Achilles Tendinopathy'

Shoulder Pain Caused By Rotator Cuff Pain

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 15:22:07 GMT

The original article on 'Science Direct'

This study looked at people with rotator cuff-related shoulder pain (RCRSP) and compared them to people without shoulder pain, showing why those with RCRSP often feel weaker and have less movement in their shoulder[1]. People with RCRSP had more trouble with shoulder strength, especially with moving their shoulder up or rotating it, and couldn't lift their arm as high as the others[1].

Key Findings

- Shoulder Pain Location: Those with RCRSP usually felt their pain on the front and side of their shoulder, where the deltoid muscle is located[1].

- Strength and Movement Deficits: The painful group had much less shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM), especially when trying to raise their arm or rotate it internally and externally at shoulder height[1].

- Trigger Points: People with RCRSP often have more “trigger points” in their shoulder muscles, which are sore spots that hurt when pressed and can cause pain in other areas of the shoulder[1].

- Pain Mapping: Pain from these muscle points often spreads out, copying the type of pain people feel in daily life, especially in the front and side of the shoulder[1].

- Assessment Recommendations: Doctors should check for loss of strength, movement, and muscle trigger points when diagnosing shoulder pain, as these things were closely linked[1].

Clinical Importance

RCRSP is very common and can make lifting, moving, or even sleeping on the sore shoulder difficult for many people[1]. Instead of using old tests and relying too much on scans, this study suggests doctors use tests that measure strength, range of motion, and check for muscle trigger points to get a better idea of what’s happening[1].

Who Should Care?

Anyone with shoulder pain that won’t go away or keeps getting worse may want to get these areas checked—especially athletes or anyone who does a lot of physical activity[1]. Early treatment, including physical therapy or chiropractic care, can help restore strength and prevent permanent limits in shoulder function[1].

Sources

[1] Chiropractic - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/chiropractic

Review of: Association of activity with the risk of developing musculoskeletal pain

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:00:24 GMT

The original article in the 'Journal of Pain'

This article looks at how different levels of physical activity affect your risk of getting musculoskeletal (muscle and joint) pain, especially hip pain. The researchers discovered that people who stay active—by doing moderate to high levels of exercise or movement—are less likely to develop hip pain as they get older. Sitting too much and not moving your body can raise your risk of pain in your muscles and joints. Chiropractic care also helps mobilize stiff and painful joints so that you can move more without pain.

So, if you want to protect your hips and keep your body healthy, regular physical activity is key. Whether it’s walking, swimming, playing sports or getting chiropractic care, keeping your body moving helps reduce pain and keeps your joints working well.

At Thrive Sports and Spine, we always encourage our patients to stay active as part of a healthy lifestyle. Moving your body the right way helps you stay pain-free and supports your recovery. Learn more about the science behind staying active and preventing hip pain by reading the article: Association of Activity with The Risk of Developing Musculoskeletal Pain.

For more tips and personalized chiropractic care, schedule an appointment and follow us on instagram to see how we help you move and feel better every day.

Review of: Effects of integrating Feldenkrais method with dynamic neuromuscular stabilization exercises on clinical outcomes

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:00:21 GMT

The original article from the 'National Library of Medicine'

This article studied two types of exercise programs to help older women with chronic low back pain: the Feldenkrais Method and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS). The researchers wanted to see if combining these two types of exercises would help even more than doing DNS alone.

They took 30 women ages 60–80 who had ongoing low back pain. Half did the regular DNS exercises (core and back stability movements), and the other half did both DNS and Feldenkrais Method (gentle, mindful movement patterns for more body awareness). Over eight weeks, all participants exercised three times a week.

Scientists checked four things before and after the program:

• Pain level (using a pain scale called VAS)

• Fear of movement (called kinesiophobia, measured by the Tampa Scale)

• How far participants could bend forward (lumbar flexion)

• How far participants could bend backward (lumbar extension)

Both groups felt less pain and were less afraid to move after the program. They also could move their backs more easily. However, the group with the combined Feldenkrais and DNS exercises improved even more than the DNS-only group. That means they had less pain, were less afraid of movement, and had better flexibility and motion in their lower back.

In simple terms: For older women with chronic back pain, doing both DNS and Feldenkrais exercises together is better than DNS alone. This combined approach helps reduce pain, build confidence, and improve back movement, leading to a better quality of life and more independence.

If you want effective, safe, and natural solutions for chronic low back pain, combining Feldenkrais Method and DNS can boost your results. www.thrivesportsandspine.info specializes in therapies designed to improve function, flexibility, and well-being for older adults with back pain. Learn how movement-focused methods can help you move with confidence and less pain.

Let us HELP you! Call or schedule online.

Does Age Impact Chiropractic Outcomes? What New Research Tells Us About Low Back Pain Recovery

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:39:59 GMT

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care, and with good reason. It's the leading cause of disability worldwide and can significantly impact daily life, especially in older adults. As the global population continues to age, understanding how age affects treatment outcomes has never been more important.

A 2025 study published in Chiropractic & Manual Therapies took a closer look at how patients across different age groups respond to chiropractic care for low back pain. The findings may surprise you—and they highlight the importance of personalized, comprehensive care regardless of your age.

What the Study Found

Researchers followed over 2,700 patients who received chiropractic care for a new episode of low back pain. Participants were grouped by age:

Young adults (under 40)
Middle-aged adults (40–59)
Older adults (60 and older)

Key Findings:

All patients improved over time, regardless of age.
Older adults had slightly higher disability scores and slower improvement, but the differences were minimal.
Age was not the strongest predictor of how well a patient recovered.
Factors like depression, poor general health, multiple musculoskeletal conditions, and higher initial disability were more strongly associated with slower recovery.

Why This Matters

Many people assume that age is a barrier to recovery, but this study shows that age alone is not a limiting factor in chiropractic outcomes. While older adults may have more health concerns and take longer to improve, their results are still meaningful.

In fact, the research suggests that mental and physical health status, not age, plays a larger role in determining outcomes. This highlights the importance of a biopsychosocial approach, one that considers physical symptoms, mental health, and lifestyle factors in designing care plans.

Chiropractic Care Is Safe and Effective for Older Adults

Despite evidence supporting non-pharmacological care for older adults with back pain, many are still underrepresented in chiropractic settings. That may be due to outdated perceptions about safety or effectiveness.

This study reinforces what we see in our clinic every day:

Chiropractic care is safe, gentle, and tailored to your individual needs.
Older adults can experience significant improvements in function, comfort, and quality of life.
A thorough initial evaluation allows us to consider your complete health history and design a plan that supports your goals.

What We Do at Thrive

At our clinic, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. Whether you’re a young athlete or an active senior, our approach focuses on:

Comprehensive assessments
Personalized treatment plans
Addressing underlying health factors
Supporting both physical and mental well-being

You’re not just a number or an age bracket—you’re a whole person, and we’re here to help you move and feel your best.

Ready to Get Back to Doing What You Love?

If you're dealing with low back pain and want a care team that looks beyond the surface, we’re here to support you. Let’s find out what’s really holding you back—and create a plan that works.

Based on: Hansen LA, Hartvigsen J, Jensen RK. Differences in demographics and clinical outcomes in older, middle-aged, and younger adults with low back pain receiving chiropractic care. Chiropractic & Manual Therapies. 2025.

Citation:

Chiropr Man Therap . 2025 Jul 31;33:31. doi: 10.1186/s12998-025-00589-w

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12315371/#:~:text=Conclusion,factor%20associated%20with%20disability%20outcomes

The Pickleball Injury Surge: What Every Player Should Know

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 15:39:52 GMT

Pickleball has taken the country by storm. With courts popping up in neighborhoods, clubs, and rec centers across the U.S., it’s no surprise that this fast-paced sport has become a favorite for all age groups. But with rising popularity comes a notable spike in injuries—particularly among older players.

A recent study using data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) revealed over 53,000 pickleball-related injuries between 2012 and 2021. While players of all ages are getting hurt, the nature of these injuries—and how to prevent them—varies significantly by age.

Let’s break down what the research says and what you can do to stay safe and strong on the court.

Key Findings: Injury Patterns by Age

The data shows clear differences in how younger and older pickleball players get injured:

Older Players (Ages 65+):

83% of all injuries occurred in this age group.
Most injuries were due to slips, trips, falls, or dives.
Fractures were the most common injury, especially in the wrist, hip, and shoulder.
Older players were nearly three times more likely to suffer fractures than younger players.

Younger Players (<65):

Although younger players made up a smaller percentage of injuries, their injury rate is increasing rapidly.
More likely to experience strains and sprains, especially to the shoulders, knees, and lower back.
Injuries were often caused by dynamic movements like lunging, twisting, or stopping suddenly.

Why Are Injuries on the Rise?

Pickleball is deceptively demanding. Its small court size, rapid direction changes, and repetitive swinging motions challenge both joint stability and muscle control. While it offers a great cardiovascular workout, players often underestimate the need for proper warm-up, conditioning, and mobility.

Common Pickleball Injuries We See in Clinic

At our practice, we frequently treat pickleball-related injuries, including:

Rotator cuff irritation and tears
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
Knee ligament strains
Low back pain and muscle spasms
Wrist fractures or overuse injuries
Hamstring and calf strains

Whether you're a recreational weekend player or a competitive tournament regular, these injuries can quickly sideline you.

Prevention Strategies for All Ages

For Older Adults:

Improve balance and proprioception. Targeted exercises can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Strengthen supporting muscles. Focus on hip and core stability to stay steady during lateral movement.
Maintain bone health. Talk to your provider about bone density screening and fall prevention strategies.
Check footwear. Grippy, supportive shoes can reduce fall risk on court surfaces.

For Younger Adults:

Warm up properly. Dynamic stretches and light cardio help prepare joints and muscles for play.
Focus on mobility. Tight hips, shoulders, and hamstrings are a recipe for strain injuries.
Cross-train. Strength training can enhance joint support and reduce stress on connective tissue.
Don’t play through pain. Early treatment prevents small injuries from becoming chronic issues.

Try These Warm-Up Stretches Before Your Next Match

Start every session with a 5–10 minute warm-up. Here are a few clinic-approved movements:

Wrist Waves – Loosen the small joints in your forearms and wrists before repetitive swinging.
Cross-Body Shoulder Stretch – Improves shoulder mobility and prepares the rotator cuff.
Hip Swings – Activates your hip flexors and hamstrings for better court movement.
Upper Body Twists with Broomstick – Enhances thoracic spine mobility and rotation.
Calf and Hamstring Stretches – Reduces the chance of muscle pulls during lunges or sprints.

We recommend pairing these stretches with light resistance or bodyweight exercises to build joint stability over time.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Injured

Pickleball is here to stay, and that’s a good thing. It promotes activity, social connection, and longevity. But if you're dealing with stiffness, joint pain, or a nagging injury that’s affecting your game, don’t ignore it.

At Thrive, we provide:

Sports chiropractic care
Soft tissue therapy
Joint mobilization
Injury prevention screenings
Customized exercise programs for pickleball players of all levels

Ready to Stay in the Game?

Don’t let pain keep you off the court. Whether you’re just picking up the paddle or playing competitively, our team can help you move better, recover faster, and prevent future injuries.

Source: Injury surveillance data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), 2021.

Citation: Orthop J Sports Med . 2025 Jan 23;13(1):23259671241305364. doi: 10.1177/23259671241305364

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11758564/

Why Shoulder Blade Movement Matters in Shoulder Pain Recovery

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 20:08:15 GMT

Understanding Shoulder Pain in Active Individuals

If you’re an athlete or an active individual who frequently uses your arms overhead, whether you swim, throw, lift, or play volleyball, you might be familiar with shoulder discomfort that doesn't go away. One common issue behind this pain is subacromial impingement syndrome , a condition where tendons in the shoulder become irritated and inflamed due to repeated overhead movement.

But what many people don’t realize is that shoulder pain like this often begins with the shoulder blade , also called the scapula .

What Is Scapular Dyskinesis?

Your scapula plays a critical role in healthy shoulder movement. It acts as a stable base and guide for your arm. When it doesn't move properly, a condition known as scapular dyskinesis, the shoulder joint becomes overworked, leading to pain, weakness, and eventually injury.

Common signs of scapular dyskinesis include:

Shoulder pain during or after activity
A visible "winging" of the shoulder blade
Weakness or limited range of motion when lifting the arm
A feeling of instability or “catching” during movement

New Research Supports a Better Way to Treat Shoulder Pain

A recent clinical study looked at young overhead athletes who had subacromial impingement. Researchers compared two treatment programs:

Standard therapy, which included stretching, strengthening, and manual techniques.
Scapular-focused therapy, which included all the above, plus exercises to specifically retrain and strengthen the shoulder blade muscles.

The results were clear: athletes in the scapular-focused group had less pain, better shoulder function, and faster recovery than those who received standard treatment alone.

What This Means for You

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, especially during or after sports or exercise, it’s not just about treating the sore spot. It’s about understanding the bigger picture, how your shoulder blade moves, how strong those supporting muscles are, and whether your body is compensating in ways that cause stress or inflammation.

At Thrive, we offer evidence-based, individualized care that includes scapular assessment and targeted rehabilitation. Our goal is to not only relieve your current pain, but also correct the underlying mechanics to help you stay active long-term.

What to Expect from Treatment

When you visit us with shoulder pain, your treatment plan may include:

A full evaluation of your shoulder and scapular movement
Mobilization techniques to restore motion
Exercises to retrain your shoulder blade muscles for stability and control
Education on how to move safely and prevent future injury

Whether you’re an athlete, a coach, or simply someone who enjoys staying active, understanding the role of your scapula can be the missing link to lasting shoulder health. If you need shoulder pain relief, come see us or visit our website at www.thrivesportsandspine.info .

Cervical Instability

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:21:10 GMT

What Is Cervical Instability?

Cervical instability means that some of the bones in your neck (cervical spine) move more than they should. This can make your neck feel weak, stiff, or painful.

What Is Cervical Myelopathy?

Cervical myelopathy is a condition where your spinal cord—the bundle of nerves running down your spine—gets squeezed or pinched in the neck. This can make your arms or legs feel weak, tingly, or numb, and it can make everyday tasks harder.

What Did the Study Find?
Doctors studied 167 adults with cervical myelopathy to see what made their neck vertebra unstable. They found that almost half of these people had neck instability. Three big things were linked to unstable neck vertebrae:

1. Worn-Out Joints in the Neck: Joints called “facet joints” can wear out as we get older, making the neck less steady.
2. Spinal Curves Out of Balance: The way your neck curves matters—a mismatch between certain curves (called “T1 slope” and “cervical lordosis”) can make the neck unstable.
3. Neck Pain: People with more neck pain were more likely to have instability.

Why Does This Matter?

If you have symptoms like neck pain, weakness, or tingling in your arms, it’s important to talk to your chiropractor or doctor. Knowing about instability in the neck helps us find the best treatment for you, and may help you avoid problems in the future.

How Can Thrive Sports & Spine Help?

At Thrive Sports & Spine, our team can check your neck, discuss your symptoms, and recommend gentle, effective treatments to help your neck feel stronger and your body feel better. If you have questions about neck instability or cervical myelopathy, come see us or visit our website at www.thrivesportsandspine.info .

What Is Gluteus Minimus Tendinosis? | Hip Pain Help at Thrive Sports & Spine

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 16:18:06 GMT

Are you feeling pain on the side of your hip? It could be something called “gluteus minimus tendinosis.” At Thrive Sports & Spine, we want to help you understand what this means and how we can treat it together.

What is Gluteus Minimus Tendinosis?

Your gluteus minimus is a small muscle on the side of your hip. It helps you move your leg to the side and keeps your hip steady when you walk or run. Tendinosis means the tendon (the part that connects your muscle to your bone) has become hurt from being used too much or from getting older.

When people have gluteus minimus tendinosis, the tendon is worn down or inflamed. This often causes pain on the outside of the hip, especially when standing, walking, or lying on that side.

What Are the Symptoms?

- Aching or sharp pain on the side of your hip
- Pain that gets worse when you walk, stand, or sleep on that side
- Trouble moving your hip or leg

What Causes It?
- Doing the same motions over and over, like running or climbing stairs
- Getting older (our tendons get weaker as we age)
- Weak hip or core muscles

How Do We Treat It?

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we use gentle, effective treatments for gluteus minimus tendinosis:

1. Rest and Ice: Take a break from activities that hurt. Put ice on your hip to help with swelling and pain.
2. Chiropractic and Physical Therapy: Our team teaches you exercises to make your hip muscles stronger and stretch safely. Strong muscles help your hip heal and prevent the pain from coming back.
3. Pain Relief: We may suggest medicine that helps with pain and swelling (like ibuprofen), but always talk to your doctor first.
4. Special Treatments: Sometimes, doctors suggest shots to calm the pain for a short time or other advanced therapies: Shockwave Therapy, Active Release Technique, etc.
5. Surgery: This is very rare and only for very serious cases. Almost everyone feels better without surgery!

Will My Hip Get Better?

Yes! Most people start to feel better with the right care. But healing can take a few months, so be patient and keep doing your therapy and exercises at home.

When Should I See a Doctor?

If your hip pain does not get better or gets worse, call your chiropractor or doctor. At Thrive Sports & Spine, our experts are here to help you get moving again—pain free!

If you are struggling with hip pain or think you have gluteus minimus tendinosis, contact us to schedule an appointment. We’re here to help you feel your best!

Improve Your Pickleball Game & Prevent Injuries — Your Shoes Matter!

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:52:54 GMT

Why Playing Pickleball in the Right Shoes Matters and How Your Insurance Might Help Cover Them

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and for good reason: it’s fun, fast-paced, and accessible for players of all ages and skill levels. But as the number of players grows, so do the number of injuries — many of which could be prevented with the right footwear and proper support.

At Thrive Sports and Spine, we often see patients with foot, ankle, knee, and even back pain that can be traced back to improper footwear during court sports like pickleball. The good news? Wearing a pickleball-specific shoe, combined with custom orthotics, can significantly reduce your risk of injury, enhance your comfort, and improve your overall game performance.

Why Pickleball-Specific Shoes Are Essential

You wouldn’t bring a tennis racquet to a golf course — so why wear running shoes on the pickleball court?

Pickleball requires constant changes in direction, short sprints, and quick stops. Regular running shoes are designed for forward movement and don’t offer the side-to-side support or court traction needed for safe and effective pickleball play. Using the wrong shoes can lead to:

Twisted ankles
Foot strain
Knee or hip instability
General discomfort or fatigue during play

Pickleball shoes are engineered for multidirectional movement, shock absorption, and grip. They’re designed to help you move efficiently, reduce stress on your joints, and stay safer on the court.

Our Recommended Pickleball Shoe: The K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2

We’ve hand-selected the K-Swiss Hypercourt Express 2 for both men and women because of its superior stability, comfort, and performance. This shoe is one of the best in the industry and is paired with the XP3 Court custom performance orthotic to support proper biomechanics and reduce injury risk.

Key features include:

Lightweight and breathable material
Durable build for extended play
3-Arch Advantage orthotic technology for full-body support
Excellent traction for safe stops and pivots
Designed for high activity levels

We offer both men’s and women’s sizes , and these shoes are tested and approved for optimal comfort and durability on the court.

Why Custom Orthotics Matter

Your feet are your body’s foundation. When they aren’t properly supported, the rest of your kinetic chain - knees, hips, and spine can suffer.

At Thrive Sports and Spine, we offer custom orthotics by Foot Levelers , designed to support your unique foot structure and help maintain proper alignment. Custom orthotics work with your shoes to:

Reduce foot, knee, and back pain
Improve balance and alignment
Enhance performance by promoting efficient movement
Prevent overuse injuries and chronic strain

Insurance Coverage: You May Be Eligible

Did you know that some insurance plans may cover the cost of orthotics and even a pair of pickleball-specific shoes ? For qualifying patients, this can be a great way to invest in your health and performance without the out-of-pocket burden.

Not sure if you’re covered? Contact our office, and we’ll gladly check your insurance benefits for you.

To schedule an appointment online or speak with a member of our team, please reply to this email or call our office:

Somers Point: (609) 365-8881

Vineland: (869) 691-6055

What You Should Know About Nerve Compression and Recovery

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 14:08:05 GMT

At Thrive Sports & Spine, patient education is a vital part of the care we provide. We want to share some important information about a topic that affects many individuals: nerve compression and the pathway to recovery.

Drawing from insights in the recent episode of Mic’d Up with ChiroUp titled “The Truth About Nerve Compression and Recovery,” this article outlines what you should know about recognizing symptoms, understanding treatment options, and setting appropriate expectations for recovery.

Understanding Nerve Compression

Nerve compression occurs when surrounding structures—such as herniated discs or tight muscles—place pressure on a nerve. This can result in symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or radiating pain. Left untreated, these symptoms can worsen and interfere with everyday activities.

Key Warning Signs

While many cases of nerve compression are manageable with conservative care, certain symptoms may indicate the need for more urgent attention. These include:

Progressive limb weakness
Loss of bladder or bowel control
Unrelenting or severe pain that does not improve

If you’re experiencing any of these, immediate evaluation is strongly recommended.

Recovery Timelines and Treatment Approach

The duration of recovery depends on the severity and duration of the nerve compression. Some patients experience significant relief within a few weeks of chiropractic care, while others may require several months of care.

At Thrive Sports & Spine, our approach includes:

Manual therapies to reduce compression
Targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore mobility and strength
Ergonomic and postural guidance to prevent recurrence
Ongoing evaluation to track progress and adjust care as needed

We emphasize an evidence-based and individualized care plan to support your specific needs.

Setting Realistic Expectations

Understanding your recovery trajectory is essential. While many conditions respond well to conservative chiropractic care, consistency and communication are key to achieving optimal results. We ensure that each patient is informed, supported, and actively involved in their care every step of the way.

We're Here to Help

If you’ve been experiencing nerve-related symptoms or want to better understand your spinal health, we encourage you to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. Early intervention often leads to more effective outcomes.

To schedule an appointment online or speak with a member of our team, please reply to this email or call our office:

Somers Point: (609) 365-8881

Vineland: (869) 691-6055

Is Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? Learn What Might Be Causing It

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:44:14 GMT

Is Shoulder Pain Holding You Back? Learn What Might Be Causing It

Many of the movement patterns that cause shoulder discomfort or poor posture stem from dysfunction in just a few key muscles—particularly those attached to a small bony point on your shoulder blade called the coracoid process.

At our office, we regularly assess and address four common muscles that attach to this area. When overactive, these muscles can alter your posture, reduce performance, and contribute to chronic discomfort.

The 4 Key Muscles:

Pectoralis Minor – Often tight in individuals with forward shoulders, this muscle is dominant in shoulder protraction (when the shoulder moves forward).
Coracobrachialis – Commonly overused during repetitive shoulder flexion and horizontal adduction (like reaching across the body).
Short Head of the Biceps – Can become overly dominant during elbow flexion.
Subclavius – Sometimes involved in excessive clavicular depression, contributing to a dropped shoulder appearance.

When these muscles become dominant, they can overpower other important stabilizing muscles, throwing off your body's natural balance.

What We Look For in Treatment:

Through precise palpation and movement assessment, we can identify which of these muscles may be overactive and which supportive muscles may be underperforming. For example:

An overactive pectoralis minor may inhibit your rhomboids and serratus anterior, reducing your ability to retract or stabilize the shoulder blade.
A dominant short head biceps may shut down parts of your triceps or long head biceps, affecting arm strength and coordination.
An imbalanced Subclavius can contribute to weakness in lower trapezius and pectoralis major, affecting shoulder blade control.

Why It Matters:

Your shoulder mechanics directly impact everything from posture to performance. By restoring proper muscle balance and motor control, we can improve joint function, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.

How We Help:

Our approach includes:

Movement screening and assessment
Manual therapy to reduce muscular compensatory patterns
Chiropractic adjustments and myofascial work
Motor control retraining to improve scapulothoracic coordination

Take the First Step Toward Shoulder Health

If you’re dealing with shoulder pain, limited range of motion, or postural fatigue, schedule an evaluation today. We’ll help you uncover the root cause and build a plan to get you moving better, faster.

Book an appointment today .

Are You Stretching the Wrong Muscles? Understanding the Lateral Subsystem and Pelvic Stability

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 14:52:54 GMT

Are You Stretching the Wrong Muscles? Understanding the Lateral Subsystem and Pelvic Stability

When it comes to lower back discomfort, hip tightness, or chronic groin strain, many patients instinctively reach for stretches. But what if the muscles you're trying to stretch are already overstretched—and the problem lies elsewhere?

One overlooked contributor to these issues is dysfunction within the lateral subsystem , a group of muscles responsible for stabilizing the pelvis and spine in the coronal (side-to-side) plane.

What Is the Lateral Subsystem?

The lateral subsystem involves a dynamic network of muscles that stabilize your pelvis and lumbar spine during single-leg activities, walking, and side-to-side movement. It’s made up of:

Quadratus Lumborum (QL) – stabilizes and “hikes” the pelvis
Gluteus Medius – provides lateral hip stability
Adductors – connect the pelvis and femur, supporting balance and control

These muscles form functional slings that work in coordination between opposite sides of the body. For example, your left QL will engage when you balance on your right leg, helping lift the opposite hip and keep your spine aligned.

Common Signs of Lateral Subsystem Dysfunction

When this system isn’t functioning properly, the following compensations and symptoms may occur:

Trendelenburg Sign – A noticeable drop of the pelvis on one side while standing on the opposite leg
Lateral Flexion Bias – Overuse of the lumbar spine during movement instead of the hips
L5 Disc Involvement – May inhibit glute activation and lateral stability
Unilateral Low Back Pain – Persistent tightness or discomfort due to uneven loading of the QL
Recurring Groin Strains – Often on the same side as a dysfunctional hip hike

Are You Stretching the Wrong Muscles?

If you find yourself constantly stretching the same areas without relief, it might be time to take a different approach.

You may not need more stretching—you may need better function.

Let us help. At Thrive Sports and Spine , we specialize in identifying and correcting muscular imbalances using evidence-based assessments and individualized care plans.

Book an appointment today and get to the root of your discomfort.

What's the big deal about SUGAR?

Thu, 15 May 2025 17:27:04 GMT

Why You Should Avoid Refined Sugars: A Wellness-Based Perspective

At Thrive Sports & Spine, we’re all about helping you feel, move, and live better—and that means paying attention to what you put in your body. One of the biggest offenders when it comes to sabotaging your health? Refined sugar.

But what exactly makes sugar so harmful? And why do we encourage our patients in Somers Point, Vineland, and across South Jersey to cut back on it?

The Truth About Refined Sugars

We all know sugar can cause weight gain—but that’s just scratching the surface. Here’s what refined sugars are really doing inside your body:

Leads to weight gain and fat storage: Your body converts excess sugar into fat, which often accumulates around the belly—raising your risk for metabolic issues.
Increases risk of chronic disease: High sugar intake disrupts insulin levels and contributes to conditions like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease .
Contains zero nutrition: Refined sugars are empty calories—no fiber, no vitamins, no minerals.
Highly processed and harmful: Especially forms like high fructose corn syrup , which spike triglyceride levels and increase inflammation in the body.
Addictive: Sugar stimulates dopamine, the “feel-good” brain chemical—creating cravings and dependency.
Depletes your nutrient stores: It leaches essential nutrients, especially B vitamins , which support your nervous system and brain health.
Destabilizes blood sugar: The quick spike and crash cycle causes irritability, low energy, and repeat cravings.

At Thrive, we often see clients struggling with fatigue, joint pain, mood swings, and brain fog—symptoms that can often be traced back to poor dietary choices, especially sugar overconsumption.

How Much Sugar Is Too Much?

The average American consumes over 70 grams of added sugar daily —far exceeding recommended levels. This isn’t just about managing weight; it’s about protecting your brain, gut, immune system, and heart.

Too much sugar can lead to:

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and lack of mental clarity
Increased anxiety and emotional instability
Chronic fatigue, sluggish recovery, and even palpitations

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's time to look at your sugar intake. At Thrive Sports & Spine, we take a whole-person approach to healing , and nutrition plays a major role in that.

Natural Sugar vs. Refined Sugar: Is There a Difference?

Absolutely. Here’s the breakdown:

Refined Sugar
Fast-digesting, stripped of fiber and nutrients. This causes immediate blood sugar spikes and crashes, leading to hunger, cravings, and inflammation. Think: sodas, pastries, candies.

Natural Sugar
Found in foods like fruit, raw honey, and maple syrup—these sugars come with fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins that help slow digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.

✅ Example:

An apple gives you natural sugar + fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
A donut gives you sugar + a crash + zero nutritional value.

Note: Even natural sugars should be consumed in moderation. Overdoing it can still cause metabolic stress.

Sugars to Avoid

For optimal wellness and recovery, especially if you're addressing inflammation, joint pain, or adrenal fatigue, try to steer clear of these:

�� White sugar (table sugar)
�� High Fructose Corn Syrup (common in processed drinks and snacks)
�� Sucrose, Dextrose, Fructose (often hidden in ingredient labels)
�� Artificial sweeteners (Aspartame, Sucralose, Saccharin)—chemically processed and possibly worse than sugar

Better Sweeteners: Healthy Alternatives

We know quitting sugar cold turkey isn’t realistic for everyone. Instead, swap in natural sweeteners that offer real benefits:

✅ Raw honey – antimicrobial, loaded with antioxidants
✅ Pure maple syrup – rich in minerals, great for baking
✅ Molasses – contains iron, calcium, and potassium
✅ Date sugar, coconut sugar, or sucanat – less processed, gentler on blood sugar
✅ Piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar) – raw, unrefined cane sugar
✅ Fruit purees – applesauce or mashed banana for baking swaps
✅ Dried fruits – dates or raisins for natural sweetness + fiber

These swaps won’t just satisfy your sweet tooth—they’ll support your gut health, hormone balance, and energy .

Final Thoughts: Making Smarter Choices for Long-Term Health

You don’t have to eliminate sugar completely. (We’re not monsters—we love a good churro too!) But being mindful of your sugar intake and making smarter substitutions can go a long way in improving your energy, brain clarity, joint recovery, and even sleep quality.

Here’s your sugar-smart cheat sheet:

Sugar is addictive and offers no nutrients
It affects your brain, hormones, metabolism, and mood
Natural sugars are better , but moderation is key
Choose real food alternatives and ditch the refined junk

At Thrive Sports & Spine , we believe in empowering our patients through education and functional nutrition . If you're struggling with fatigue, chronic pain, or weight loss resistance, addressing sugar could be the game-changer your body needs.ss resistance, addressing sugar could be the game-changer your body needs.

Want personalized support on reducing sugar and improving your health?

Contact Thrive Sports & Spine today or visit one of our chiropractic and wellness locations in Somers Point or Vineland, NJ.

Increased Body Weight is Strongly Associated with Joint Pain

Thu, 08 May 2025 17:20:49 GMT

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. Studies now show that this may be prevented or even reversed with weight loss!

It is estimated that a force of three to six times one’s body weight is exerted across the knee while walking. This means that a person who is only 10lbs overweight can increase the force across their knee joint by 30-60lbs with each step! 1 In fact, in one study it was found that obese women had 4 times the risk of knee osteoarthritis compared with non-obese women. For obese men the risk was nearly 5 times greater! 2 It makes sense that the more pressure you put on a joint the more likely that joint is going to develop arthritis, but the story goes deeper.

Being overweight has also been associated with higher rates of hand osteoarthritis suggesting a second factor in overweight individuals as well. 3 Studies show that engorged fat cells increase the release of pro-inflammatory chemicals which may cause increased inflammation arthritis in joints all over the body, not just those that are weight bearing. People who are overweight experience more joint pain than those with a normal weight. But there is hope.

If obesity increases the development and progression of systemic joint osteoarthritis can losing does weight reverse the effects? One study noted that in “overweight” women (BMI greater than or equal to 25) there was a significantly lower risk of osteoarthritis when these women lost weight. 4 They concluded that for every 11lbs of weight loss, the risk of knee osteoarthritis decreased by over 50%! Weight loss substantially reduced reports of overall pain as well.

You may not have to live the rest of your life with knee and joint pain. A safe and effective weight loss program will help you to stop the progression or even eliminate your joint pain all together.

1 Felson DT: Weight and osteoarthritis. J.Rheumatol. 1995;43:7-9.
2 Anderson J, Felson DT: Factors associated with osteoarthritis of the knee in the First National Health and Nutrition
Examination (HANES I).
3 Carman WJ, Sowers M, Hawthorne VM, Weissfeld LA: Obesity as a risk factor for osteoarthritis of the hand and wrist: a
prospective study.
4 Felson DT, Zhang Y, Hannan MT, et al: Risk factors for incident radiographic

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re tired of dealing with pain, struggling with an injury, or looking to optimize your performance, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today and experience the difference of advanced chiropractic care.

�� Serving Somers Point and Vineland, NJ – Your Destination for Cutting-Edge Chiropractic Care!

How Chronic Neck Pain Affects Balance, Reaction Time & Strength

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 21:15:28 GMT

How Chronic Neck Pain Affects Balance, Reaction Time & Strength

At Thrive Sports and Spine we’re passionate about helping athletes and active individuals move better, feel stronger, and recover faster. One area that often gets overlooked—but plays a major role in athletic performance—is chronic neck pain . A recent study sheds light on how even nonspecific neck discomfort can impact your balance, reaction time , and upper body strength , especially in young women. And as your sports chiropractor we want to break it down in simple terms.

What Did the Study Find?

Researchers looked at athletes between the ages of 18–30 who had ongoing, nonspecific neck pain (meaning it wasn’t caused by trauma or specific injury). They found that:

Balance was impaired — especially when eyes were closed or during dynamic movements.
Reaction time was slower , especially during tasks that require fast hand-eye coordination.
Upper body strength was reduced , particularly in explosive movements like medicine ball throws.

The Worse the Pain, the Worse the Performance

One of the key findings? The more intense the neck pain, the greater the decline in performance. That means your daily discomfort isn't just annoying—it can affect how your entire body functions , from core stability to athletic coordination.

Why Does Neck Pain Affect the Whole Body?

The neck (or cervical spine) is packed with sensory receptors that help your brain process body position, movement, and coordination. When pain lingers in that area, those signals can become distorted. This can lead to:

Delayed reaction time (think: slower response when driving, catching, or lifting)
Poor postural control (hello, balance issues!)
Weakened muscle activation , especially in the shoulders and arms

At Thrive, we see this all the time—especially in athletes who lift, throw, or use screens all day. Their neck discomfort is often paired with stiffness, weakness, and slower recovery after workouts or competition.

How We Help at Thrive Spine & Sports Rehab

As a sports chiropractic clinic in Somers Point and Vineland, NJ, we use a multi-technique approach to help patients overcome neck pain and regain performance. Our care often includes:

Active Release Technique (ART) to release scar tissue and muscle tightness
NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) to correct muscle imbalances and faulty movement patterns
Chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint motion
Spinal decompression therapy to relieve nerve pressure and improve alignment

If you’re dealing with chronic neck pain—even if it seems minor—it could be affecting more than you think. Balance, reaction time, and upper body strength are essential for athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone living an active lifestyle .

��Pickleball/Tennis

��️‍♀️ CrossFit

�� Basketball

⚾ Baseball

�� Softball

�� Football

⚽ Soccer

��‍♂️ Running

��️‍♂️ Golf

��Gymnastics

��Dance

By combining chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, and neuromuscular re-education , we offer one of the most comprehensive sports rehabilitation programs in Atlantic County and Cumberland County.

Book Your Consultation Today

�� Serving Somers Point and Vineland, NJ – Your Destination for Cutting-Edge Chiropractic Care!

The Ultimate Guide to Sports Chiropractic Care in Somers Point, NJ and Vineland, NJ

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 03:57:34 GMT

Unlocking Peak Performance with Advanced Chiropractic Techniques

Are you an athlete, fitness enthusiast, or someone struggling with chronic pain or mobility issues? In Atlantic County, NJ, sports chiropractic care is revolutionizing how individuals recover from injuries and enhance their performance. By integrating Active Release Technique (ART), NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT), and traditional chiropractic adjustments , we offer cutting-edge solutions tailored to your body’s needs.

Why Choose a Sports Chiropractor Over a Traditional Chiropractor?

Unlike traditional chiropractic care, which primarily focuses on spinal adjustments, sports chiropractors address movement dysfunction, soft tissue restrictions, and neuromuscular imbalances that can lead to pain and limited performance. This approach is ideal for:

Athletes recovering from sports injuries or seeking performance enhancement
Active individuals dealing with chronic pain or mobility limitations
Office workers experiencing posture-related discomfort
Weekend warriors who want to stay injury-free while pushing their limits

The Power of Active Release Technique (ART)

ART is a state-of-the-art soft tissue therapy designed to break up scar tissue, reduce muscle tension, and restore movement patterns . This technique is particularly effective for:

✔️ Runner’s knee

✔️ Tennis elbow

✔️ Shoulder impingements

✔️ Lower back tightness

✔️ Plantar fasciitis

By using precise, hands-on manipulation , ART helps restore proper function to muscles, ligaments, and nerves—leading to faster recovery and improved performance.

How NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) Rewires the Brain for Pain Relief

Pain and movement dysfunction are often caused by neuromuscular imbalances —when certain muscles overcompensate for weak or inhibited ones. NKT uses muscle testing and corrective exercises to retrain the brain and body, improving movement patterns and eliminating compensation-related pain.

Benefits of NKT include:

✅ Identifying the root cause of pain, not just treating symptoms

✅ Reprogramming dysfunctional movement patterns

✅ Reducing chronic pain and preventing re-injury

The Chiropractic Edge: Adjustments + Soft Tissue Therapy

Chiropractic adjustments restore joint mobility and nervous system function , allowing the body to heal naturally. When combined with ART and NKT , adjustments become even more effective—helping patients achieve long-term pain relief and improved athletic performance.

Why Athletes Trust Our Sports Chiropractic Care in Atlantic County

Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who enjoys staying active, our approach ensures customized treatment plans that address your specific needs. We have helped athletes from sports like:

��Pickleball/Tennis

��️‍♀️ CrossFit

�� Basketball

⚾ Baseball

�� Softball

�� Football

⚽ Soccer

��‍♂️ Running

��️‍♂️ Golf

��Gymnastics

��Dance

Book Your Consultation Today

�� Serving Somers Point and Vineland, NJ – Your Destination for Cutting-Edge Chiropractic Care!

The Biomechanical Bridge: Connecting Hip Mobility to Low Back Health

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 20:34:29 GMT

Written by Charlie Annunziata, DC

Low back pain (LBP) is the second most common symptom-related reason for clinician visits in the United States (skin disorders was number one) and is THE most common indication for Chiropractic care. In fact, up to 84% of the US population has been found to report LBP symptoms at some point during their lifetime. However, the etiology of LBP is not well understood considering the evidence that people without LBP have structural changes and many LBP patients have no structural changes on imaging studies of the lumbar spine. Long and colleagues performed a standardized mechanical assessment on 312 patients with LBP, with and without sciatica. They were able to successfully subgroup 230 (74%) of these patients, however 26% of the patients did not fit into a subgroup (Long A, 2004). So, the question remains: how do health care providers best assess people with LBP in order to develop a specific and successful treatment recommendation? Might we look beyond the spinal column for the source of, or contributor to, pain and loss of function?

Research now shows that limited hip internal rotation can significantly contribute to low back pain. This may be caused by hip joint variants but more commonly by trauma causing adhesion of the hip joint capsule or even prolonged sitting which over activates the hip flexors and abductors and under activates the hip extensors and adductors. This article explores the relationship between hip mobility and lower back health, highlighting how restricted hip internal rotation can lead to various issues in the lumbar spine.

Biomechanics

Hip internal rotation plays a crucial role in normal gait, balance, and functional movement. When this range of motion becomes restricted, it forces compensation in other parts of the body, particularly the lumbar spine (Sadhegisani, 2015). This compensation can lead to several problems:

Lumbar Over-rotation: Reduced hip mobility causes the lumbar spine to over-rotate during everyday movements, increasing pressure on intervertebral discs, muscles, and ligaments.

Pelvic Dysfunction: Limited internal rotation, especially when asymmetrical, can cause pelvic imbalances that pull the lower spine into abnormal positions.

Altered Biomechanics: The lack of hip internal rotation changes overall movement patterns, altering the natural biomechanics of the spine and pelvis.

What Does the Research Say?

The correlation between limited hip internal rotation and low back pain is elucidated in many recent studies. Sadhegisani reported that asymmetrical and limited hip internal rotation ROM were common findings in patients with LBP. Reduced and asymmetrical total hip rotation was also observed in patients with LBP. However, none of the studies explicitly reported limited hip external rotation ROM. Proving that not all hip rotation ROM affects low back pain, just internal rotation.

Ellison et al. reported that deficits in hip internal rotation are related to both LBP and sacroiliac joint pain (JB, 1990). Another study found that patients with low back pain and positive hip findings such as a positive anterior hip impingement test, FABER test, and/or log-roll test, have more pain and worse function compared to those without positive hip findings. Research has also demonstrated that a loss of hip internal rotation can prevent the pelvis from rotating properly over the stance limb during gait, affecting the coupling mechanics of the sacrum and lumbar spine (Yoon, 2024).

What Causes Hip-related Low Back Pain?

The development of low back pain due to limited hip internal rotation can occur through several mechanisms such as compensatory spinal motion, pelvic and lumbar muscle imbalances, and repetitive stress syndrome (Sadhegisani, 2015). When hip rotation is limited, the spine may compensate by rotating, extending, or flexing more than it should. Restricted hip mobility can lead to muscle imbalances through overactivity and tightness related muscles such as the piriformis, potentially compressing the sciatic nerve. Repetitive stress injuries also come into play. Even small amounts of repeated rotation in the spine, compensating for lack of hip mobility, can produce microscopic injuries to spinal structures over time.

How to Make the Diagnosis

Limitations in hip internal rotation can be diagnosed through several assessments such as:

Seated Test: The patient sits on the edge of a treatment table with feet dangling, knees and hips flexed to 90 degrees. They are asked to keep their knees together while moving their ankles apart. The Chiropractor may apply overpressure to add a passive component.

Prone Test: With knees together and flexed to 90 degrees, the ankles are allowed to fall apart. Overpressure can be applied for a passive component.

Gait Observation: While assessing gait you may notice movement compensations such as overpronation of feet, knee valgus, reduced step length, external rotation of the foot during stance phase, increased lumbar and knee extension.

How to Correct

To correct limited hip rotation, it is best to use a combination of hip joint mobilization, stretches, and strengthening exercises. Joint play assessment with mobilization in the direction of limited movement through manipulation and hip scouring techniques as well as soft tissue mobilization to the ipsilateral psoas, glute medius and piriformis muscles are a great place to start. Followed by hip stretching and strengthening exercises such as:

Twisted Legs Hip Internal Rotation : Sit on the ground, let both knees fall to one side, and place the top foot on the opposite knee.

Seated Hip Internal Rotation: Sit with knees at 90 degrees, flex one foot, and turn the inner thigh toward the ground. Perform 20-30 reps per side.

90/90 Hip IR Lift Offs: In a 90/90 position, lift the back leg while focusing on internal rotation.

Step Across: In a staggered stance, step across the midline with the back foot while keeping the front leg still. Repeat 20 times.

Band Lateral Distraction IR Rockbacks: Seated patient uses a band for lateral distraction while rocking and maintaining internal rotation of the hip against resistance, focusing on keeping a flat back.

Swivel Chair (not pictured) : This is a great stretch your patients can do right in their office. Place your knee on a swivel chair and swing your foot outward, keeping the pelvis still. Repeat 20 times.

By incorporating hip internal rotation assessment into their evaluations, chiropractors can develop more effective and comprehensive treatment strategies that address both spinal and hip dysfunction as a cause of low back pain, leading to improved patient outcomes and long-lasting relief.

References

JB, E. (1990). Patterns of Hip Rotation ROM: A Comparison Between Healthy Subjects and Patients with LBP. Physiological Therapeutics.

Long A, D. R. (2004). Does It Matter Which Exercise? A Randomized Control Trial of Exercise for Low Back Pain. Spine.

Sadhegisani, M. (2015). Correlation Between Hip ROM Impairment and Low Back Pain: A Literature Review. Ortop Traumatol Rehabil.

Yoon, J.-y. (2024). Impacts of Asymmetric Hip Rotation Angle on Gait Biomechanics in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. Knee Surg Relat Res.

Charles Annunziata DC, CFMP graduated from Life University in 1998 and has been in full-time practice ever since. Dr. Annunziata is certified in Functional Medicine and is a nationally recognized lecturer on Chiropractic though both in-person and on-demand seminars available at procreditsce.com. For any questions, please feel free to contact Dr. Annunziata at drcharlie@procredits.com.

Avoid Holiday Back Pain – Come in for an Adjustment Before the Stress Hits!

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:34:45 GMT

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s easy to overlook how certain activities can take a toll on your back. Here are some surprising ways the holidays can lead to injury—and ways to stop it from happening:

Lifting: Whether it’s carrying heavy presents, hauling in groceries, or lifting a tree, your back can really take a hit. To avoid pain, don’t lift too much at once, use proper form (bend from your knees, not your back), and keep whatever you're lifting close to your body.
Decorating: Climbing ladders and reaching to hang decorations can cause strain. Be mindful of not overreaching or twisting, and ask for help with large or awkward decorations. Stretching before and after can also help prevent injury.
Traveling: Long road trips or flights can leave you with a sore back. Take breaks to stand and stretch, and be careful when lifting heavy luggage or gifts.
Stress: The stress of the season can manifest as physical tension in your back. Finding ways to de-stress is important for both your mental and physical health.
Relaxing: Even sitting too long during your holiday downtime can lead to stiffness and discomfort. Try to stay active, even if it's just a quick walk or some stretches between movies.

Before the holiday hustle and bustle fully begins, now is the perfect time to come in for an adjustment! A quick check-in can help ensure that your body is in good shape to handle whatever the season throws your way. We’ll catch any tension before it turns into pain, so you can spend the holidays feeling your best.

Don’t wait for discomfort to set in—call us today at (609) 365-8881 or (856) 691-6055 or reply to this email to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you stay pain-free this holiday season!

Heat vs. Cold Therapy: When to Use Ice and When to Use Heat for Back Pain

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 02:34:44 GMT

When you're dealing with muscle or joint pain, choosing the right treatment can make a big difference. Heat and cold therapy are two of the most common ways to manage pain, but it's important to know when to use each one. Here's a simple guide to help you understand when to use ice and when to use heat for your injuries or discomfort.

Cold Therapy (Ice)

Cold therapy is best used right after an injury or when you're experiencing swelling. It helps reduce inflammation, numb pain, and prevent further tissue damage. Here’s when ice can help:

Acute Injuries : If you’ve recently twisted your ankle, pulled a muscle, or have swelling, apply ice within the first 24-48 hours. Ice helps reduce swelling and numbs pain.
Headaches: Ice packs or cold gel wraps on your forehead or neck can provide relief from migraines.
Arthritis Flares: Ice can help manage pain and inflammation during flare-ups, especially with conditions like gout.
After Surgery: For knee replacement or other surgeries, ice can reduce pain and swelling, helping you recover faster.

How to Use Ice:

Apply an ice pack for 10-20 minutes at a time.
Never apply ice directly to your skin—wrap it in a towel or cloth.
If you experience numbness or discomfort, remove the ice.

When Not to Use Ice:

If you have poor circulation, cold sensitivity, or certain health conditions (like Raynaud's disease), avoid ice therapy. Always check with your doctor before using ice if you're unsure.

Heat Therapy

Heat therapy works differently. It’s great for relaxing tight muscles and improving blood flow, which helps with chronic pain or stiffness. Here’s when to use heat:

Chronic Pain or Muscle Stiffness: Heat helps ease ongoing pain from conditions like back pain, arthritis, or sore muscles.
Before Exercise: Applying heat before a workout can increase flexibility and reduce the risk of strain.
Post-Workout: For soreness that shows up a day or two after exercise (known as delayed onset muscle soreness or DOMS), heat can help relax tight muscles and reduce stiffness.

How to Use Heat:

Apply a moist heating pad for 15-20 minutes.
Be careful not to use heat for too long, as it can cause burns or discomfort.
If you’re using a warm bath, make sure the water isn’t too hot and don’t forget the epsom salt!

When Not to Use Heat:

Avoid heat if you have an acute injury (recent sprain or strain) as it can increase swelling.
Don’t use heat if you have open wounds, infections, or certain health conditions like pregnancy, diabetes, or skin disorders.

In Summary:

Use ice for swelling, fresh injuries, or inflammation.
Use heat for chronic pain, stiffness, or after the initial swelling has gone down.

If you're unsure which therapy is best for your specific condition, don’t hesitate to reach out to our office. We’re here to help guide you toward the most effective treatment for your pain.

Stay healthy and take care of your body this holiday season!

The Snowball Effect of a Weak Hip Abductor Muscle

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:45:14 GMT

The Snowball Effect of a Weak Hip Abductor Muscle

Written by Charlie Annunziata , DC

What is your hip abductor and why is it so important when you have pain or dysfunction in your lower back and legs? Think of your hip abductor as a side butt muscle. When it's weak, it can cause a domino effect of problems, such as pain in the low back, knee, hip and even as far down as the foot because of how crucial this muscle is in stabilizing the pelvis and controlling leg movement. Recent research has shown that about 70% of low back pain patients have hip abductor weakness.

How It Impacts Different Body Parts

Wobbly Hips : This muscle helps keep your hips stable. When it's weak, your hips can become wobbly, especially when you're standing on one leg (like when you walk). This wobbliness can stress your lower back.

Low Back Pain: A weak hip abductor can result in increased arch in your lower back and subsequent intervertebral disc compression. It may also cause the body to compensate by relying on other muscles to work overtime. When your side butt muscle is slacking, other muscles must pick up the slack. One muscle in your lower back (called the QL) often works extra hard, which can make your back stiff and painful.

Knee Pain: A weak hip abductor muscle can cause the knee to rotate inward, causing the patella to rub against the femur which is known as patellofemoral pain syndrome or runner's knee. This inward rotation creates an imbalance during walking or running, potentially causing lateral meniscus problems and patellar tracking issues.

Hip Pain: The most prominent symptoms of a weak hip abductor are hip pain and stiffness. This will cause a muscle on the front of the hip called the TFL to work too hard leading to a forward tilt of the pelvis and pain on the side of your thigh called iliotibial (IT) band syndrome.

Foot Pain: As discussed previously, weakness in the hip abductor causes the leg to rotate inward, placing abnormal strain on the foot and causes the arch in the foot to drop. This can lead to pain in the bottom of the foot that does not seem to go away, a condition known as plantar fasciitis.

Additional Consequences: A weak hip abductor can also decrease stability and balance which can lead to falls, and abnormal walking patterns which can increase the risk of hip, knee, and foot injuries.

How do we fix this? It is important to understand that strengthening these abductor muscles will prevent or alleviate most of these conditions, improve overall lower body function and reduce pain. First, we diagnose if your pain is caused by a weak hip abductor muscle through specific tests and then determine what is causing the muscle weakness. We then use treatments such as Active Release Technique, pelvic balancing and targeted exercises and stretches designed for you as a unique patient to get the abductor muscle nice and strong.

So, let’s say you have been shoveling snow. Every time you lift the snow-weighted shovel and rotate your lower body you are contracting your hip abductor muscle. If that muscle is weak, your body will compensate and cause a “snowball” (pun intended) effect of your hip raising up causing compression and pain in your lower back, your knee rotating inward putting pressure on the inside of your knee as well as causing your knee cap to rub against your femur bone, and the arch in your foot to collapse causing plantar fascia pain.

Don't let muscle weakness hold you back from living your best life. Our experienced team of physicians use advanced diagnostic techniques to pinpoint the root cause of your discomfort, providing personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're an athlete, active professional, or simply seeking improved mobility, we are committed to getting you back to feeling strong and confident.

Lumbar Spine Facet Joints

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:12:46 GMT

Lumbar Spine Facet Joints

Karishma Patel, DC

Facet Joints are one of many sources of lower back pain.

If you have localized lower back pain with the pain starting from 30degrees to 60degrees of lumbar flexion, it may be due to facet joints.

What are facet joints?

Facet joints link the top and bottom vertebra together. They also allow you to bend forward, extend backward, and assist you in side-to-side movement.

Patients who constantly bending over with a weighted load in front of them usually have facet joint hypertrophy, degeneration, and arthritis. For example: Gardeners, Police Officers, Construction Workers, Cyclists, Weight Lifters, etc.

Why does this happen?

Even though your facet joints help your spine move, they are not supposed to do majority of the work. Your core stabilizing muscles, including your glutes and diaphragm (yes, this also means breathing techniques) are supposed to assist you in movement.

If these muscles are inactive, your facet joints are over worked causing a lot of localized, across the back, lower back pain.

Get your movement assessed to see which muscle groups are inactive causing you to have a deeper issue. Call to make an appointment today!

Why are electrolytes essential? - Karishma Patel, DC

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:11:38 GMT

Many bodily functions rely on electrolytes to help with organ and nerve function. The most important function being small electric current that passes through nerves to help the brain transfer messages to organs, muscles, and tissue. Electrolytes provide the electric charge that helps the brain communicate to the rest of the body and the body communicate its status back to the brain.

Potassium, chloride, calcium, sodium, potassium and magnesium are the most common electrolytes your nerves need. These electrolytes help move nutrients into the cell and move waste out of the cell. If there is an inadequate amount of electrolytes, this imbalance of waste/nutrient in the cell can cause fatigue, decreased energy and brain fog.

Other symptoms of having an electrolyte imbalance are latency in rebuilding and repairing damaged tissue (bruising, wounds take longer to heal), increased muscle cramping, and dehydration.

When we exercise and exert energy, we lose electrolytes through sweat which causes our bodies to feel fatigued. The more intense the workout and the hotter the temperature, the more electrolytes and water will be lost. When the amount of electrolytes in your body is low, you may experience headaches, confusion, and drowsiness.

Here are the functions of each electrolyte and whole food options that you can add to your diet in order stay balanced. You can also add Pedialyte Electrolyte packets to your water to ensure you are replenishing electrolytes readily without adding the calories.

Sodium – helps contract and relax muscles; mixed nuts with sea salt
Chloride – maintains blood pressure and blood pH; olives, seaweed, rye, tomatoes, lettuce, and celery
Potassium – provides electrical nerve conduction, moves nutrients into the cell; spinach, kale, baked potato, peas, avocado, sweet potato
Calcium – builds and maintains strong bones, facilitates heart health and nerve function; tofu, leafy greans, bok choy, butternut squash
Magnesium – controls energy production, stabilizes blood glucose levels, prevents heart disease; salmon, chicken, almonds, cashews, spinach, dark chocolate, broccoli

Why do our muscles hold tension? - Karishma Patel, DC

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:09:59 GMT

Our muscles hold on to tension which cause pain due to chronic physical, mental, and emotional stress. Muscle tension is a reflex reaction to stress; it’s the body’s way of guarding against even more injury or pain.

With sudden onset of stress, the muscles tense up all at once, usually in the neck/upper back, shoulders, and/or lower back. Tension is released once the stress passes. However, with chronic stress, your nervous system will hold on to tension and it will accumulate over time in your muscles. This is how chronic pain starts.

Chronic stress causes the muscles in the body to be in a more or less constant state of guardedness. When muscles stay taut and tense for long periods of time, this may trigger other reactions of the body and even promote stress-related disorders such as tension type headaches and migraines, nerve compression, disc bulges, and joint pain.

Most patients will come into our office and say, “I’ve had this problem for a couple months/years, I’m not really too sure what started it.” This is one of the first signs of chronic stress related muscle pain.

What determines whether or not an injured person goes on to suffer from chronic pain is how they respond to injury. Individuals who are fearful of pain and re-injury, who seek a cure for the injury generally have a worse recovery than individuals who maintain regular visits to the chiropractor and do moderate physical activity.

Our office provides relaxation techniques and other stress-relieving therapies to reduce muscle tension, decrease the incidence of certain stress-related disorders, and increase a sense of well-being. Muscle manipulation, spine maintenance, and joint care can help reduce long term wear and tear, it does not matter how sedentary or physically active you are.

Maintenance care helps keep muscle tension, stress, and joint pain away long term and keeps the nerve tissue healthy.

Give us a call and let’s see how we can help you reduce stress signs and symptoms.

Why chiropractic care works!

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:05:09 GMT

Chiropractic care focuses on protecting and enhancing the communication pathways of the spinal cord, spine, nerves, muscles, and joints, thus safely managing pain and a range of conditions without the use of pharmaceutical medication.

The spine not only acts as the main support for our body, it also protects the spinal cord, which connects a large part of the peripheral nervous system to the brain. This is why a minor injury to the spine or overuse of muscles can significantly alter a body’s strength, sensation, and performance. Spinal adjustments are helpful in reduction of pain and increase in function.

Chiropractic care can also help joint pain such as shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hips, knees, and ankle. Muscles, ligaments, and cartilage connect to bones creating a joint made for movement. If a joint is stuck or not mobile, it stops sending information to the brain or it may increase pain signals to the brain. When you have decreased communication between the joint and muscle, you will have decreased function and often times increased pain. Chiropractic care restores mobility of the joint and increases communication between the joint and the brain. This allows for reduction of pain, better movement of the joint, and injury prevention. Joints and muscles rely on each other. If one is not moving properly other structures will also be affected causing pain with movement.

A study conducted by the National Institutes for Health (NIH) reveals that spinal manipulation or mobilization is the most effective treatment for patients with acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain, migraine, headaches and dizziness. It also proves to be an effective treatment for several joint and muscle conditions. Midback adjustments also offer healing benefits to people with neck pain. Long-term care also helps you avoid future aches and pains, as your chiropractor can detect and correct minor misalignments before they become symptomatic.

Please reach out to us for we can explain how the science of pain is affecting you. 856-691-6055

Alternative Pain Relief Approach; Acetaminophen causing Social Disconnect

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 20:05:04 GMT

What your pain medication is doing to you

A study that tested the attributes of anti-inflammatory ability and absorption of curcumin with boswellia, and black sesame seed oil against acetaminophen revealed that the herbal combination was just as effective and worked as quickly as acetaminophen with both methods averaging about an hour for results.

The difference is that the curcumin with boswellia, and black sesame seed oil approach is much safer.

Acetaminophen drastically lowers glutathione which is a key health-promoting antioxidant made in the body.

A growing body of research suggests acetaminophen reduces a person’s capacity to feel empathy for another’s pain or joy. In fact, due to the way it works in the brain, some researchers have called acetaminophen a “social analgesic” because it cuts off the ability to socially connect at a basic, human level with other people.

There are 600+ medications with acetaminophen. This creates a frightening picture of the way this drug can emotionally separate us from one another. When you thinking of stress, fatigue, and social isolation that most people experienced during the pandemic, finding a different approach to managing pain is critical.

Curcumin, boswellia, and black sesame seed oil can be apart of that approach. These three botanicals can make an excellent addition to your regime to help them feel better and support their muscles and joints with ingredients that are safe, effective, and do more than just mask pain.

TMJ (Jaw) Exercises and Treatments - Arianna Aaron, DC

cassi@engageyourbiz.com (Cassi Mack) — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:56:23 GMT

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) also known as the jaw joint has many conservative care treatment options. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) can be arthritic, myogenic (muscle related) or neurogenic (nerve related).

Jaw pain/clicking when stressed or chewing, eating, and opening/closing the jaw can be treated through chiropractic care by working on the muscles of the jaw/neck, alignment of the jaw/neck through an adjustment, and jaw exercises.

Active care and exercises for TMD can address tight and taut muscles, as well as hypermobility of the TMJ. For chronically tight and shortened orofacial muscles, place the tip of the tongue on the top of the palate, just behind the teeth, and hold with slight pressure for 10 minutes, 3x/day.

To stabilize a hypermobile mandible, place the tip of the tongue against the palate behind the teeth; slowly open; hold for 2 seconds, and repeat: 15 reps 2-3x/day.

To strengthen the jaw muscles, open the mouth with slight overpressure, being sure to keep the jaw in midline; and perform 15 reps, 2-3x/day.

It is important that the mandible act as a hinge joint, and both sides need to be addressed, especially if the TMJ is arthrogenic. Adjusting instruments and/or a manual chiropractic adjustment that align this hinge joint is proven to be very effective along with jaw/neck muscle release techniques and exercise. Aligning the jaw so that the jaw does not deviate left or right will decrease wear and tear of the disc at the joint and will prevent from uneven wear and tear of the molar teeth.

If you would like to know how chiropractic care can help your jaw, give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Chiropractor Care During Pregnancy

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:54:43 GMT

How chiropractic care is helpful during labor and delivery

The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment of the sacrum, ilium, and lumbar spine. The goal of this gentle myofascial adjustment is to reduce the effects of an imbalanced pelvis and/or SI joint dysfunction. In doing so neurobiochemical function in the sacral/pelvic region is improved.

A woman goes through tremendous physical and emotional changes during the various stages of pregnancy. Several pregnant women suffer lower back, hip, and other body aches, and pains due to increased stress on muscles and nerves, making the whole process discomforting and challenging. Chiropractic care or physical therapy has emerged as a great way to treat and alleviate pregnancy pains without any medication. It reduces nerve stress and adjusts pelvis and spinal misalignment to promote both emotional and physical well-being.

Regular chiropractor visits have helped several pregnant women sail through the period smoothly, safely, and comfortably. In this article, we discuss top reasons why more women should consider seeing a chiropractor during pregnancy:

Promote proper pelvic alignment and stability

Pelvic misalignment is very common during pregnancy as the baby grows. It makes it difficult for the baby to stay in a proper position. Chiropractic care re-establishes the balance and promotes stability of the sacrum and pelvis throughout the pregnancy. Chiropractors can balance the pelvis allowing to create space for the baby in the pelvic inlet. Muscle releases along the hip, groin and buttocks region also helps reduce pelvic floor tension.

Improve fetal positioning

Chiropractors use special techniques and adjustments, especially during the last stage of pregnancy, to give babies optimal space and placement. It prepares the baby to stay in the appropriate position for a healthy, safe, and normal delivery.

Shorten labor duration and delivery pain

Longer labor hours and intense pain are a nightmare for pregnant women. Proper pelvic alignment and appropriate baby position through regular chiropractic care decrease labor time and alleviate delivery aches. It also reduces the possibility of cesarean delivery by resolving musculoskeletal issues.

Routine chiropractor visits also keep pregnancy-related high blood pressure in check and reduce hip pain. Postpartum chiropractic care promotes faster physical recovery and helps the body regain its original shape quickly. Chiropractic care is also beneficial in lowering the possibility of postpartum depression.

A woman’s body endures a lot during and after pregnancy. Chiropractors ensure smooth and less painful pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum experience through natural, drug-free, and holistic treatment options.

Reduce lower back and hip pain naturally

More than 60% of women experience lower back pain as the increasing belly size leads to posture change that puts pressure on the spine, back joints, and muscles. Regular chiropractic care corrects spine and pelvis misalignment, lowers muscle tension to ease the burden that causes pain, and improves posture. The chiropractor focuses on treating the root cause of the issue, preventing the need for any pain-relieving medication.

Ease common pregnancy symptoms

Morning sickness, acid reflux, insomnia, and swelling in the feet and hands are common symptoms some pregnant women experience. Chiropractic adjustments relieve nerve pressure from different regions like the spine, neck, and mid-back to improve sleep, minimize acid reflux, and enhance nerve communication.

Improve nervous system function

Changes in posture and the spine also impact the optimal functioning of the nervous system and immune system. The body becomes vulnerable to various illnesses. Chiropractors suggest healthy lifestyle and nutritional changes that improve brain function and impact health positively.

Webster Technique Practitioner

I am a certified Webster Technique practitioner. The Webster technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and diversified adjustment of the sacrum, ilium, and lumbar spine. The goal of this gentle myofascial adjustment is to reduce the effects of an imbalanced pelvis and/or SI joint dysfunction. In doing so neurobiochemical function in the sacral/pelvic region is improved.

The Keystone to Better Joints and Spine

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:52:37 GMT

Neuroscientist Daniel Wolpert once said: “We have a brain for one reason and one reason only – that’s to produce adaptable and complex movements. Movement is the only way we have affecting the world around us…I believe that to understand movement is to understand the whole brain. And therefore, it’s important to remember when you are studying memory, cognition, sensory processing, they’re there for a reason, and that reason is action.”

Muscles: There are 600 muscles in the human body that contribute to bout 40% of your total body weight. By moving, you are strengthening your muscles which improve stability, balance, and coordination. Don’t forget, stretching helps maintain your muscle health as well.

Bones: Movement helps build more durable and denser bones. Bone-building activities like resistance training, weight bearing exercises (jogging, walking, hiking), and balance training (yoga) can support better bone density.

Joints: Yoga is all about body awareness, so you’re compelled to pay attention to each movement. By being aware of how you move, you can increase coordination and balance, be mindful of the positioning of your joints, and relax. Plus, yoga encourages flexibility and range-of-motion, which boosts joint flexibility and joint function.

The Keystone is MOVEMENT ! The older we get, the more sedentary we might be. When you don’t use your muscles and joints on a regular basis, you lose the integrity in them. Therefore, you will notice a decrease in your spatial awareness, falling and tripping more often, losing mind body connection, and getting injured often from doing simple movements.

If you train your body to move and increase movement in duration, frequency, and intensity over time you will maintain the health of your spine, muscles, and joints.

If you notice that you are getting frequent episodes of lower back pain, neck pain, or joint pain reach out to us to see what we can do for you!

Shockwave Therapy

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:47:19 GMT

We have our Radial Shockwave Therapy unit in both locations!

Here is an informative video of what Radial Shockwave Therapy is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zFVD771DRU

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Karishma Patel, DC

Shockwave therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes ultrasound technology to send high-energy acoustic waves into the target area to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities. At the most basic level, shockwave therapy stimulates new cell growth. These new, healthy cells replace old, weak, or damaged cells.

Therefore, this technique works well to heal muscle/tendon tears, labral tears, diminish trigger points within a muscle, make rigid scar tissue more pliable and elastic, increases joint range of motion, decreases muscle/fascial pain, and over all improves movement and function of soft tissue structures.

Shockwave therapy is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or EPAT. Doctors first used shockwave therapy in the 1990s, to treat kidney stones. They observed that the treatment seemed to accelerate healing in both bone and soft tissues. It is best used pre and post-surgical to release scar tissue but also to create better scar tissue to help heal. The best example of use of radial shockwave therapy is when used to break down calcium deposits that form on the tendons in the shoulder joint. Shock wave therapy passes sound or shock waves through the skin to the affected area, and may break up calcium deposits.

Side effects included treatment-related pain, bruising and mild bleeding around the area of treatment although these are generally minor and short-lived.

In our clinic we use Radial Shockwave Therapy for the treatment of neck, shoulder (rotator cuff injuries), upper back, lower back, hamstring, calf, and foot pain (most specifically plantar fasciitis).

Please give us a call if you think Radial Shockwave can hep you and you would like to set up a consultation. We would love to help you! 856-691-6055

Achilles Tendinopathy

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:44:53 GMT

Achilles Tendinopathy-

is an overuse injury to the Achilles tendon which is common in sports that involve running and jumping. However, in general practice 65% of the cases are not sports related. Recovery can take up to a year and recurrent rate is high, especially if the rehab and return to activities is rushed. The key to successful outcome hinges on early intervention, comprehensive treatment and appropriate activity modification.

Exercise rehab is the key treatment for Achilles tendinopathy and is divided into four stages: symptom management, recovery, rebuilding, and return to activity/sport. The ultimate goal is to improve tendon strength, tensile capacity and endurance with a return to full activities.

Stage One: Symptom Management

Modify activity – to stop overloading and cumulative micro trauma to the tendon. Having pain after activity that lasts longer than 48 hours indicates that activity needs to be reduced. Cardio vascular activities are essential in the healing process therefore off-loading activities such as cycling, water aerobics, and swimming will speed up the heeling process.

Strengthening – standing heel raises on a flat surface, if its painful place a lift under the heel. 3x15-20, 2 second pause at the top and bottom. It is important the heel raises are done in the pain-free range of motion. Immobilization and complete rest can actually delay recovery and is not recommended.

Stage Two: Recovery

The goal here is to strengthen the tendon and improve its tensile strength. Steadily increase the load on the Achilles by performing heel raises off a step and allowing the heel to lower below the edge, 3 X 15-20 reps. Slowly go as deep as you can without pain and hold for 2 secs. Progress to single leg eccentrics by going up on both feet, remove one foot and slowly lower on the other leg. Again, build to 3 × 15-20 reps with no increase in symptoms. Be sure to maintain cardio vascular fitness levels.

Stage Three: Rebuilding

The objective in the rebuilding phase is to steadily increase the strength and endurance of the entire calf, hamstring and glute musculature to prepare for full activities.

Increasing load can simply be done by having the patient wear a weighted backpack while doing the same heel raises as in the recovery stage. Smith machine, standing calf raises, seated calf raises, and leg press machines can all be used.

Eccentric loading. jumping and hoping are essential in this stage. Start with 30 jumps with a soft landing one time per day. Build to 5 sets then progress to jumping rope at 30 second intervals and finally single leg hops, 3 X 15. Continue the heel raise exercises while adding in the plyometrics.

Stage Four: Return to Activity/Sport

Return to full activities requires strength and tissue compliance. Minimal symptoms, with intermittent stiffness in the morning, is acceptable and the level of activity can be maintained. Continue the weighted single leg exercises on the edge of a step, (concentric and eccentric), jumping and hoping activities. If symptoms escalate and last more than 24 hours, take a day off and peel back the exercises to a level where there is no pain after 24 hours. Then slowly increase.

Achilles tendinopathy can be slowly resolving, and you can discuss with the doctor the goals and objectives of each sage of care to avoid reinjury. Especially when you "feel pretty good" and want to ramp up activity. Be sure to maintain cardiovascular fitness, core, frontal plane stability and total body conditioning by cross training in all stages of care.

Chiropractic rehabilitation , however, is more than exercises.

As a chiropractor, I make sure to check and adjust the feet, ankles, knees and hips as needed. We perform soft tissue work both locally and along the entire fascial chain. Adding nutraceuticals such a collagen, vitamin C and branched chain amino acids. Finally, incorporating modalities to increase blood perfusion to the region such as FAKTR, EPAT (radial shockwave therapy), and Active Release Technique will accelerate the response to treatment.

Increase Your Concentration and Immune Function

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:42:57 GMT

Increase Your Concentration and Immune Function

Karishma Patel, DC

Your body will age quicker when there is a lack of physical activity. Staying inactive accelerates the loss of muscle tissue, a process called atrophy, leading to weakness, increased risks of injury, and reduced coordination. Lack of exercise also ages your brain by contributing to memory loss and brain fog.

Most researchers say you need just 30 minutes exercise or vigorous movement a day to reap the benefits of:

increased bone density, increased immune function, a firmer body, and increased energy. Here are two of most important body functions exercises helps:

Concentration and Focus - Do you want to be more productive? Less fatigued? More capable of accomplishing tasks through each day? When Bill Gates was asked, “What factor do you feel has been the most important in getting to where you’ve gotten in life?” His response to was: “FOCUS.” Exercise increases circulation of blood and oxygen to deeper parts of the brain where executive decision-making processes occur allowing for better concentration and focus. High Intensity Interval Training, Endurance Training, or any activity that increases your heart rate over 150bpm for over 10-20 minutes for 4 days/week will allow you to tap into more productivity and less fatigue.

Immune Function – Moderate daily exercise supports your body’s production of antibodies and white blood cells which also fights off viruses and other pathogens more efficiently, significantly boosting your immune response and ability to fight disease. Exercise also helps flush out stagnant fluid/inflammation in and around organs, muscles, and joints; more importantly exercise cleanses the blood. Older red blood cells are flushed out by the kidney so that the liver and spleen can make more red blood cells. Red blood cells have a lifetime of 26 days, therefore every 26 days your body needs to produce new red blood cells. If older/dead red blood cells cannot be flushed out then your immune function tanks putting you at more risk for diseases and infections. Exercise is the natural blood cleanser prompting the immune system to be able to do its job of fighting any intruders.

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:40:29 GMT

We have our Radial Shockwave Therapy unit in both locations!

Here is an informative video of what Radial Shockwave Therapy is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zFVD771DRU

What is Radial Shockwave Therapy?

Karishma Patel, DC

Shockwave therapy is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy or EPAT. Doctors first used shockwave therapy in the 1990s, to treat kidney stones.

They observed that the treatment seemed to accelerate healing in both bone and soft tissues. It is best used pre and post-surgical to release scar tissue but also to create better scar tissue to help heal. The best example of use of radial shockwave therapy is when used to break down calcium deposits that form on the tendons in the shoulder joint. Shock wave therapy passes sound or shock waves through the skin to the affected area, and may break up calcium deposits.

Side effects included treatment-related pain, bruising and mild bleeding around the area of treatment although these are generally minor and short-lived.

Please give us a call if you think Radial Shockwave can hep you and you would like to set up a consultation. We would love to help you!

thrivesportsandspine

LBP, Spinal Decompression &OT

Positive Outcomes of spinal decompression for low back pain

1) Significant pain reduction

2) Improved functional disability (daily activities)

3) Better outcomes when combined with rehab/exercise

4) Improvement in disc-related conditions (herniation / radiculopathy)

5) Comparable effectiveness to traditional traction (but still beneficial)

6) Medium-term durability of results

�� What the positive evidence really means

✅ Proven benefits

⚠️ Important nuance

�� Bottom line

Positive research outcomes of PRP for rotator cuff tears

1) Consistent pain reduction (short-term → mid-term)

2) Improvements in shoulder function scores

3) Reduced retear rates after surgery

4) Enhanced tendon healing biology

5) Better postoperative recovery metrics

6) Long-term durability (select evidence)

�� Important nuance (so you interpret this correctly)

✅ Bottom line

Golfers Elbow_ Why “Slowing Down” Your Muscles Can Speed Up Recovery

What Did the Study Find?

Why Does This Work?

Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough

How This Affects Your Daily Life

How Our Team Helps You Recover

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Chiropractic Care

Acupuncture

Medical Providers

Why a Combined Approach Works Best

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Simple Takeaway

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Ready to Get Back to What You Love?

Study Link

Reference

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The Hidden Muscle That Can Help Prevent Falls (And Keep You Independent)

What Did the Study Find?

Why Hip Strength Matters So Much

It’s Not Just Physical — Confidence Matters Too

How This Impacts Daily Life

How Our Team Helps Reduce Fall Risk

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Chiropractic Care

Acupuncture

Medical Providers

Why a Team Approach Works Best

Simple Takeaway

Ready to Stay Strong and Independent?

Study Link

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Reference

Neck Pain Can Affect Your Balance and Movement

What the Study Found

Why This Matters for Athletes and Everyday Life

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

Helping You Move Better and Stay Balanced

The Hidden Link Between Neck Pain and Headaches

What the Study Found

Why This Matters for Everyday Life and Sports

How Thrive Sports & Spine Uses This Research to Guide Care

Helping You Move and Feel Better

Why Your Neck Pain Might Start in Your Core (And What You Can Do About It)

What Did the Study Find?

Why Does This Matter?

How This Impacts Your Daily Life

How Our Team Can Help

Occupational Therapy (OT)

Chiropractic Care

Acupuncture

Medical Providers

Why This Approach Works

Simple Takeaway

Ready to Feel Better?

Study Reference

Why Young Athletes Keep Spraining Their Ankles and What It Really Means