Category: Uncategorized

What is Prenatal chiropractor?

Opting for the services of a prenatal chiropractor is a wise decision when you’re pregnant. Even if you’re in excellent health and anticipate a smooth pregnancy, there are numerous advantages to receiving care from a skilled chiropractor during this time. Prenatal chiropractors can enhance the overall comfort of expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy and even during the labor process.

Pregnancy Benefits

• Soothing pain can be achieved by establishing pelvic alignment and balance, which can effectively reduce both your discomfort and that of your baby.

• Positioning the baby for delivery is significantly improved with a balanced pelvis. When the pelvis is balanced, babies have a greater likelihood of naturally moving into the correct position for birth. This, in turn, can help reduce the likelihood of a difficult labor.

• Expectant mothers often report feeling that they walk more comfortably because of the fluid motion in their hip joints, specifically the sacroiliac (SI) joints.

• A noteworthy study suggests that women who receive chiropractic care during pregnancy may experience a reduction in the likelihood of experiencing back labor.

Does chiropractic care have an impact on the baby?

Seeing a maternity chiropractor during pregnancy can have a remarkably positive impact, not only on the expectant mother but also on the baby. Aligning the pelvis has the potential to create additional space for the developing baby, enhancing their comfort during pregnancy. Furthermore, chiropractic care can contribute to positioning the baby correctly, typically in a head-down position, which can help prevent a challenging and difficult birth experience for both mother and baby.

Do I have to wait long to see a chiropractor after pregnancy?

If you had an uncomplicated vaginal delivery, you might consider visiting a chiropractor once you can venture out of your home. In the case of an uncomplicated Cesarean birth (C-section), it’s usually recommended to wait for 4-6 weeks, and sometimes even up to three months, before beginning chiropractic care.

Benefits after Delivery

• Minimizing post-birth pain: Reestablishing pelvic balance can effectively alleviate the pain and discomfort you may experience following childbirth.

• Alleviating spine discomfort: Mobilizing the spine, mid-back, and shoulders is crucial, especially when one may experience aches and discomfort from activities like breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or rocking your child.

• Easing mid-back discomfort: Prolonged periods of carrying a car seat or a newborn can lead to mid-back pain, but we can provide relief for this issue.

If you are currently pregnant or have recently given birth, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr. Wendy. With over two decades of experience in Athletic Training, sports medicine, and chiropractic care, she is well-equipped to provide assistance. Nobody should endure pain throughout their pregnancy or postpartum journey. Let’s transform this joyful time into a relaxing and memorable experience. Contact Attuned Vitality Chiropractic and Wellness today to schedule an evaluation. Our office is equipped with adjustable tables designed to accommodate expecting mothers.

What is “movement is medicine”?

Indeed, “movement as medicine” highlights the propensity of active individuals to maintain healthier muscles, a principle that holds particularly true for those over the age of 65. As reported in The New York Times, a fascinating study revealed that individuals in their 70s could exhibit muscle health that was practically indistinguishable from that of a 25-year-old. The common thread among these older adults was their unwavering commitment to an active lifestyle over the course of several decades. From a biological standpoint, it was as though these individuals were approximately 30 years younger than their chronological age. This underscores the profound impact that sustained physical activity can have on one’s muscular health and overall well-being.

The hidden benefits

In contrast to numerous medications that frequently address a single specific issue, physical activity offers a multitude of advantages. Maintaining a regimen of regular physical activity stands as one of the simplest methods to lower your susceptibility to chronic diseases and enhance your overall well-being. Transitioning to the benefits of physical activity, often referred to as exercise, it becomes evident that it has the capacity to enhance your health and diminish the likelihood of developing various diseases. For instance, it can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases.

Prioritize physical activity in order to:

• Improve your memory and brain function across all age groups
• Protect against many chronic diseases
• Aid in weight management
• Lower blood pressure, cholesterol levels and improve heart health
• Improve your quality of sleep
• Lower your risk of falls
• Combat fatigue, including cancer-related fatigue
• Improve joint pain, stiffness and mobility
• Have stronger bones, muscles and joints and lower the risk of developing osteoporosis
• Increase life span

Numerous studies have uncovered the positive impact of exercise on managing depression and anxiety disorders. First and foremost, individuals who engage in regular exercise tend to experience fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety compared to those with a less active lifestyle. Moreover, clinical trials have further demonstrated that regular exercise, particularly of moderate intensity, can serve as an effective supplementary treatment. This is particularly noteworthy in cases of both melancholic and non-melancholic depression.

Regular exercise may alleviate symptoms of depression by:

• Increasing energy levels
• Improving sleep
• Distracting from worries and rumination
• Providing social support and reducing loneliness
• Empowering individuals to take an active role in their own well-being can lead to an increase in their sense of control and self-esteem.

Let’s get moving!

Our mission is to redefine the way people perceive aging. We believe that your age should not condemn you to a sedentary lifestyle. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that taking charge of your mobility stands as the cornerstone of maintaining good health as you age. In other words, age should not be viewed as a limiting factor but rather as an opportunity to embrace an active and fulfilling life. Call us at 503.640.2800 to made an appointment with Dr. Wendy to assess your health status, fitness levels, establish goals and make sure your risk of injury is diminished.

The First questions parents always ask is “Why Does my child need to be adjusted?”

It is recommended that every child undergoes a spinal evaluation shortly after birth because permanent damage may start to occur as early as two weeks after birth. Accumulated damage to the spine during these early stages of life can have lasting consequences on the child’s health and well-being. Early detection and appropriate care by healthcare professionals, such as chiropractors, can be essential in addressing and mitigating potential issues stemming from spinal misalignments in infants.

The first spinal misalignment, often referred to as a “subluxation,” can frequently occur during the birthing process. Various delivery methods, including forceps, vacuum extraction, and C-sections, can potentially result in spinal misalignments in newborns. Even during so-called ‘natural’ births, the pulling and twisting of an infant’s delicate spine can place stress on their developing nervous system.

Ways your child will benefit 

Chiropractic care for children has been reported to have various potential benefits, as noted by parents and healthcare professionals, which can include:

• Improved sleeping patterns.
• Enhanced behavior and attitude.
• Improved immune system function.
• Improved Digestive Problems
• Reduction in bedwetting incidents.
• Fewer occurrences of ear infections.
• Improves Calm Colic
• Sports injuries and Improved Performance
• Improved Headaches
• Growing Pains
• Autism

It’s important to note that while some parents and professionals report these benefits, individual experiences can vary, and not all children may experience the same outcomes from chiropractic care. Chiropractic care for children should be provided by qualified healthcare practitioners with expertise in pediatric chiropractic to ensure safety and appropriateness for each child’s unique needs.

What can affect our Kiddo’s in their day to day life?

Infants and Toddlers – It’s important for parents and caregivers to be mindful of the amount of time infants spend in car seats or swings. Restricting this time to no more than two hours in a 24-hour period is recommended to prevent potential pain and discomfort. Extended periods in these seats can lead to restricted postures that may affect the development of a child’s spine, potentially leading to lumbar spinal imbalances.

Furthermore, healthcare providers often recommend “tummy time” for infants. This practice involves placing a baby on their tummy while they are awake and supervised. Tummy time helps promote healthy motor development and can reduce the risk of conditions like “Plagiocephaly,” where the back or side of a baby’s head becomes flattened due to prolonged time spent lying on their back. It’s an essential component of infant care to support healthy physical development.

Little Kids – The American Chiropractic Association provides valuable tips for selecting a suitable backpack for children. When choosing a backpack, keep these considerations in mind:

• Waist and Chest Belts: Look for a backpack that has waist and chest belts. These features help distribute the weight more evenly across the body.
• Proportionate Size: Ensure the backpack is not wider or longer than your child’s torso. Proper sizing prevents the backpack from hanging too low or being too large for their frame.
• Padded Back and Shoulder Straps: Opt for a backpack with padded back support and shoulder straps. This padding provides comfort and helps cushion the load.
• Weight Management: Remember that bigger isn’t always better. A larger backpack can lead to heavier loads. It’s advisable that when fully loaded, your child’s backpack should not exceed 10-15% of their total body weight. This guideline helps prevent excessive strain on their back and shoulders.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your child’s backpack is appropriately sized, comfortable, and supportive, reducing the risk of potential back and shoulder issues related to carrying heavy backpacks.

Tweens – We live in a world full of technology and that alone is hard to avoid. We went through a pandemic, where we had to rely on our computers to be virtual, or we’re constantly looking down at our phones. 

“Tech neck” is a term often used to describe the structural changes in posture that can result from prolonged and improper use of electronic devices, such as texting or using tablets. If left uncorrected, these behaviors can have long-lasting effects on the structure and function of the spine, ultimately impacting one’s overall health.

Consider for a moment how many people, including children, typically use their smartphones. They often hold the phone down, causing their head to bend forward, and their shoulders may hunch. To get a better sense of this, you can grab your phone (if you’re not already reading this on it) and imagine sending a text. This common posture can contribute to the development of tech neck and its associated health concerns. It’s essential to be mindful of our posture while using electronic devices to prevent these issues.

Teens – Teens aren’t just going to the movies now a days, they’re also involved in some kind of athletic sport, or physically demanding hobbies. 

It’s essential to recognize that teenagers are not simply smaller versions of adults. Their bodies are still in the process of maturing, with girls typically continuing to grow until around age 18 and boys potentially growing until they’re 21.

Routine chiropractic adjustments can be highly beneficial for teenagers in various ways. Chiropractic care can help reduce joint restrictions and inflammation, which can result from factors like sports injuries and growth spurts. These adjustments contribute to improved joint function and nervous system function.

It’s worth noting that many world-class athletes rely on chiropractors as part of their healthcare team. Chiropractic care can help young athletes maintain optimal physical health, support their growth and development, and address any injuries or imbalances that may arise during this critical phase of their lives.

Dr. Wendy’s extensive experience in the medical field, spanning over 20 years as an athletic trainer, sports medicine doctor, and successful business owner of Attuned Vitality Chiropractic, and wellness, demonstrates her dedication and expertise in providing comprehensive healthcare services to her patients. Parents seeking chiropractic care for their children can have confidence in her knowledge and commitment to their well-being.

What is stress management?

Living with high levels of stress jeopardizes your overall well-being. It can disrupts your emotional balance and has adverse effects on your physical and mental health. It impairs your capacity to think clearly, function efficiently, and find enjoyment in life.

By effectively managing stress, you can liberate yourself from its grip and pave the way for a happier, healthier, and more productive life. The ultimate objective is achieving a balanced life that includes time for work, relationships, relaxation, and enjoyment, along with the resilience to withstand pressure and confront challenges confidently. However, it’s crucial to understand that stress management is not a universal solution; that’s why it’s essential to explore and discover what strategies work best for you.

Here’s a few tips how to manage stress.

Meditation

Meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve concentration, increase self-awareness, and promote emotional well-being. It’s a valuable tool for enhancing your overall quality of life. Over time, you can adapt and customize your meditation practice to suit your needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress, gain clarity, or simply find inner peace, meditation can be a powerful ally.

Combine deep breathing with essential oils

Aromatherapy deep breathing is a relaxation technique that combines the benefits of deep, mindful breathing with the use of essential oils to enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being. Inhaling deeply for a duration of five seconds, holding for two seconds, and exhaling for a count of five seconds can stimulate your parasympathetic nervous system, facilitating the rest and digest response.

Maintain physical exercise and good nutrition

Physical exercise and nutrition play pivotal roles in how you manage stress. When your body is in good health, it positively influences your mental well-being, and the reverse is also true. Physical exercise has been substantiated as an effective stress reliever and enhances your overall life quality. Nutrition is equally crucial because stress can deplete specific vitamins, including A, B complex, C, and E. Maintaining adequate nutrition not only contributes to physical well-being but also fosters a healthy state of mind.

Practice yoga

Yoga can help promotes relaxation, which is the natural opposite of stress. Yoga can benefit three aspects of ourselves that are often affected by stress: our body, mind, and breathing.

Connect with others

Humans inherently possess a social nature, requiring connections with others to experience a sense of support. Establishing a sense of community, whether within the workplace, through involvement in a religious group, or by participating in communal activities like organized sports, holds significant importance for your overall well-being. Engaging in shared activities provides an opportunity to discover support and cultivate relationships that can offer valuable support during challenging times.

Using herbal supplements can provide various potential health benefits because of their natural properties and active compounds. While individual experiences may differ, there are recognized health benefits linked to the use of herbal supplements.

What is herbal supplements?

The terms “herbal products,” “botanical products,” or “phytomedicines” are employed to describe products derived from plants, which are used for the treatment of diseases or for the maintenance of one’s health. More precisely, a product crafted from plants and designed for internal consumption is termed an herbal supplements.

Types of herbal supplements

Herbal supplements come in diverse forms, such as dried, chopped, powdered, capsules, and liquids, offering flexibility in their usage, including::

• Swallowed as capsules, powder, or tinctures.
• Brew as teas
• Applied to the skin as gels, lotions, or creams
• Added to bath water

How herbal supplements benefits you

Lower risk of side effects

People who are allergic to components in prescription drugs often find herbal supplements to be well-tolerated. Herbs are renowned for their comparatively lower incidence of side effects, even when used over an extended period, and they contribute to enhancing overall well-being.

Symptomatic relief

Herbal supplements assist in bolstering immunity without causing side effects and are notably effective in providing symptomatic relief, particularly when combating allergies.

Cost Effective

A major advantage of herbal supplements is its affordability. Herbal supplements are inexpensive, pocket-friendly and are available without prescription. For your herbal supplements and essentials hop on to www.swansonvitamins.com for great value for your money and time.

Treat chronic condition

Herbal supplements are known to be used in the treatment of various chronic conditions. For example, supplements made from Shatavari are often recommended to address infertility issues. Pepper and fenugreek tablets can help regulate blood sugar levels. Lotus stem is associated with promoting good cardiovascular health. Additionally, Garcinia Cambogia is sometimes used to aid in weight management and combat obesity. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of herbal supplements can vary from person to person, and it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplementation regimen, especially for chronic conditions.

Precautions of using herbal supplements

The historical use of herbal supplements spans thousands of years, and today, many American consumers commonly use them. However, their lack of rigorous oversight by the FDA and other regulatory agencies makes their use a matter of controversy. Make an appointment to talk with Dr. Wendy regarding herbal remedies that could be beneficial for you. During this discussion, we will cover your medical history, the medications you are currently using, any herbal remedies you’ve previously attempted, and your treatment objectives.

What is yoga?

Yoga, once primarily a spiritual pursuit, has blossomed into a joyous path for nurturing both physical health and mental health. Many lovingly refer to yoga as a harmonious dance of the mind and body, and this description captures its essence beautifully. With boundless enthusiasm, practitioners wholeheartedly explore a vibrant tapestry of yoga styles, including Iyengar, Bikram, Yin, vinyasa, ashtanga, kundalini, viniyoga, Sivananda, restorative, hatha, and the invigorating world of hot yoga.

What do you need to know about yoga~

Yoga generally offers a safe form of physical activity for healthy individuals when they perform it properly and receive guidance from a qualified instructor. However, as with other physical activities, injuries can still occur. The most common injuries typically involve sprains and strains, and they usually affect the knee or lower leg. Serious injuries remain rare, and the risk of getting injured through yoga tends to be lower compared to higher-impact physical activities.

Encouraging older adults to approach yoga with care is vital! It’s worth noting that individuals aged 65 and beyond sometimes experience even more enthusiasm for yoga, but it’s important to be mindful as they might have a slightly higher rate of yoga-related injuries treated in emergency departments when compared to their younger counterparts.

To minimize the risk of injury while practicing yoga, consider the following precautions:

1. Enlist the guidance of a qualified instructor when you practice yoga. Attempting to learn yoga without proper supervision has been associated with an increased risk of injury.
2. If you’re new to yoga, it’s wise to avoid extreme practices, such as headstands, shoulder stands, the lotus position, and forceful breathing techniques.
3. Keep in mind that hot yoga poses special risks related to overheating and dehydration, so exercise caution when participating in such classes.
4. Pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions should consult their healthcare providers and engage in open communication with their yoga instructors about their specific needs. They may need to steer clear of certain yoga poses and make adjustments to their practice. Health conditions that might call for modifications include preexisting injuries (like knee or hip injuries), lumbar spine disease, severe high blood pressure, balance issues, and glaucoma

What are the benefits of yoga?

• Embrace a holistic approach to well-being that brings joy to your life by reducing stress, promoting healthy habits, nurturing your mental and emotional health, enhancing your sleep, and restoring balance.
• Discover relief from common discomforts like neck pain, migraines, tension-type headaches, and knee osteoarthritis-related pain. It may even offer a modest improvement for those dealing with occasional low-back discomfort.
• Achieve your weight loss goals with added cheerfulness, especially if you’re on a journey towards a healthier weight and body when combined with mindful practices.
• Celebrate newfound strength in quitting smoking, knowing that wellness practices can provide essential support on your smoke-free journey.
• Experience a brighter outlook by effectively managing symptoms of anxiety and depression through holistic well-being practices.
• Sail through the transition of menopause with more comfort and ease, thanks to wellness strategies that can alleviate troublesome symptoms.
• Find valuable assistance in your journey to overcome substance use disorders, as wellness practices become an empowering addition to your treatment program.
• For individuals managing chronic diseases, embrace a more joyful and improved quality of life with wellness practices that help alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.

Make an appointment

Experience the vibrant world of Attuned Vitality Chiropractic and Wellness center, where we not only provide exceptional wellness services but also offer invigorating yoga classes. Feel free to reach out to us at 503-6402800 for class schedules and inquiries. If you have any questions about yoga or need more information, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with Dr. Wendy. Your journey to well-being begins here!

The Brock string exercise is frequently employed in vision therapy to address vergence problems, including conditions like convergence insufficiency, amblyopia (lazy eye), and strabismus (eye turn). It is designed to help improve symptoms such as double vision, blurred vision, headaches, visual discomfort, dizziness, and balance issues associated with these vision conditions.

What is the difference in vision therapy?

Convergence refers to the ability of both eyes to align and focus on the same object or image simultaneously. However, convergence insufficiency is a condition where maintaining focus on a near object or image becomes challenging. This condition can result in symptoms such as double vision and eye strain when attempting to focus on close-up tasks.

Suppression is a phenomenon where the brain intentionally disregards visual signals originating from one eye to prevent double vision. If not addressed in a timely manner, this can potentially result in the development of a permanent lazy eye (amblyopia) or strabismus (misalignment of the eyes). Early treatment is crucial to mitigate these conditions.

Where did the Brock String Method come from?

The Brock String is named after optometrist Frederick Brock (1899-1972), who developed this tool with the aim of addressing his own vision issues. Dr. Brock’s work extended beyond the Brock String, as he also created various other vision therapy tools to aid individuals in improving their vision and visual function.

Why is our vision important for our kids?

Vision plays a pivotal role in a baby’s development from the very beginning. Even before they acquire motor skills like reaching, crawling, or sitting up, their eyes are actively engaged in exploring and processing the world around them. Any eye or vision issues in infants can potentially lead to developmental delays, as vision is a primary means through which they gather information and stimulate their cognitive and motor development. Early detection and intervention for any eye or vision problems are crucial to ensure that infants have the best possible foundation for their overall development.

Vision problems in children can encompass various aspects, including challenges related to eye coordination, eye tracking, and focusing, among others. Children with poor visual skills may encounter difficulties in reading, writing, and engaging in activities that demand visual concentration. These difficulties can lead to frustration and behavioral issues, as children may struggle to cope with the demands of their environment due to their visual limitations. Early identification and intervention are crucial to help children with such visual challenges succeed in various aspects of their lives.

What An Appointment With Dr. Funk Is Like 

Dr. Funk at our clinic offers a comprehensive evaluation process that includes gathering your medical history. If there are concerns related to your vision, Dr. Funk employs the Brock String as a tool to assist in maintaining focus. During this therapy, you’ll participate in several rounds, with breaks introduced when fatigue sets in. If Dr. Funk determines that Brock String Therapy is beneficial for your condition, he may integrate it into your personalized treatment plan. For your convenience, we have Brock Strings available for purchase at our front desk.

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with Dr. Funk, our Clinical Functional Neurologist at Attuned Vitality, don’t hesitate to call our office today. Dr. Funk is dedicated to helping you maintain optimal health and well-being so you can stay on your feet and feel your very best. Contact us to book your appointment and start your journey toward improved health.

What Are Deep Neck Flexors

The Deep Neck Flexors are a set of muscles with the important job of establishing and sustaining the optimal position for your head and neck.

Meet the Deep Neck Flexors – they’re like the backstage crew for your head and neck. These muscles have a crucial role in ensuring that your head and neck stay in the perfect position. Think of them as the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to keep everything aligned just right.

How do you know if you have Weak Neck Flexors?

When your neck flexor muscles are weak or not functioning properly, you might experience various symptoms or issues, including:

• Poor Posture: Weak neck flexors can contribute to poor head and neck posture. Your head might lean forward or droop, which can lead to a rounded upper back and shoulders.
• Neck Pain: Weakness in these muscles can strain the neck, leading to discomfort or pain, especially if you’re holding your head in an incorrect position for an extended period.
• Headaches: Incorrect head and neck alignment due to weak neck flexors can cause tension headaches or even migraines in some cases.
• Limited Range of Motion: You might find it challenging to move your head comfortably in various directions, like tilting it forward, backward, or rotating it.
• Fatigue: Weak neck muscles can make holding your head up for extended periods tiring. This fatigue can affect your overall energy levels.
• Difficulty with Everyday Activities: Weak neck flexors can make everyday tasks like reading, using electronic devices, or looking at a computer screen more uncomfortable and difficult.
• Balance and Coordination Issues: The neck plays a role in balance and coordination. Weak neck flexors may contribute to balance problems.
• Breathing Difficulties: Severe weakness in the neck muscles can sometimes impact breathing, although this is less common.

It’s important to note that weak neck flexors can result from various factors, including poor posture, lack of exercise, injury, or underlying medical conditions. If you suspect you have weak neck flexors and are experiencing symptoms, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or physical therapist for proper evaluation and guidance on strengthening exercises.

Treatment Plan:

• Physical therapy. A physical therapist can teach correct posture, alignment and neck-strengthening exercises. Physical therapy might also involve the use of heat, ice and other measures to help ease pain.
  • Assessment: Determining the cause of your stiff neck
  • Individualized Treatment Plan: Your Therapist will Develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs
  • Neck Exercises: To help improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion
  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques can help relieve pain and restore normal neck motion
  • Posture Correction: Providing guidance on proper posture and ergonomic adjustments in activitie’s like sitting at your desk. Check out our Blog on office Ergonomics for a full in depth blog.
  • Modalities: Heat, cold therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to alleviate pain. Check out our blog on electrical stimulation.
  • Education: Educating patients on lifestyle modifications and ergonomics. They may provide guidance on how to avoid activities that exacerbate the condition.
  • Strengthening: Exercises for the neck and upper back muscles can help stabilize the neck and improve posture, and help reduce the likelihood of future stiffness.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises can help improve flexibility in the neck and reduce stiffness. 
  • Functional Training: Exercises that mimic daily activities to ensure that the improvements in neck mobility and function are applied to real-life situations. 
  • Pain Management: Physical therapist can teach pain management techniques, including self-massage and self-mobilization exercises to alleviate discomfort between therapy sessions. 

• Chiropractic. Chiropractic care ca be effective in helping to alleviate a stiff neck by addressing its underlying causes. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of chiropractic care for a stiff neck can vary depending on the specific cause of the stiffness. If your stiff neck is due to a more serious underlying condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, a chiropractor may work in conjunction with other healthcare providers to ensure you receive comprehensive care.
  • Spinal Adjustments: applying controlled and precise force to the affected area to Restore proper alignment, reducing tension and stiffness
  • Muscle Release: Helps relax tight neck muscles, this can help reduce muscle spasms and alleviate stiffness. 
  • Posture and Ergonomics: They can recommend ergonomic adjustments and exercises to prevent recurrence. 
  • Range of Motion Exercises: Specific exercises to improve neck mobility and flexibility, they can help you regain a full range of motion in your neck.
  • Education on how to make lifestyle chances to reduce the contributing factors
  • Pain Management: Chiropractors can offer different relief techniques. 

• Massage Therapy. Massage therapy can be highly effective in relieving a stiff neck by addressing the underlying causes and promoting relaxation and healing.
  • Muscle Relaxation: By applying Various massage techniques, a therapist can help relax tense and tight neck muscles which is a common stiffness. 
  • Improved Blood Flow: Enhancing blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues in the neck, promoting healing and reducing stiffness.
  • Release Trigger Points: Locating and applying pressure to these trigger points, releasing the tension and discomfort.
  • Enhanced range of motion: Increased flexibility and improve the necks range of motion by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation. 
  • Pain Reduction: Massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This can provide immediate relief from neck pain associated with stiffness.
  • Stress Reduction: Stress and tension can exacerbate neck stiffness. Massage therapy induces relaxation, reduces stress hormones like cortisol, and calms the nervous system, which can help relieve both physical and mental tension contributing to a stiff neck.
  • Posture Awareness: Massage therapists often provide guidance on maintaining better posture and ergonomics in daily activities, which can help prevent future occurrences of neck stiffness.
  • Overall Well-Being: Regular massage therapy can contribute to overall physical and mental well-being, reducing the likelihood of developing chronic neck stiffness.

• Trigger Point Therapy. Trigger points, also known as muscle knots, are tight areas within muscles that can contribute to stiffness and pain. A skilled massage therapist can locate and apply pressure to these trigger points, releasing the tension and discomfort.
  • Identifying Trigger Points: Identifying Muscles that are causing pain and stiffness. 
  • Precise Pressure: Releasing the tension within the trigger point, which can alleviate both the local and discomfort and any referred pain. 
  • Relaxation of Muscles: Trigger point therapy directly addresses the tension, promoting muscle relaxation. 
  • Increased Range of Motion: AS trigger points release, you’ll feel the muscle relaxes, and have improved range of motion in your neck. It’ll reduce the stiffness and enhances your ability to move your neck without discomfort.
  • Pain Reduction: The Knots in your muscles are released, pain signals that are sent to your brain are diminished, resulting in reduced stiffness. 
  • Enhanced Blood Flow: Improved blood flow helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles, promoting healing and reduced stiffness. 
  • Long-Term Relief: The effects of trigger point therapy often continue to improve over time, especially with repeated sessions; which in return will lead to long-lasting relief from neck stiffness. 
  • Preventative Care: By identifying and treating trigger points, you can reduce the risk of future neck stiffness and discomfort. 

If you’re experiencing issues with weak deep neck flexors and need expert assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the team at Attuned Vitality. Dr. Wendy Brackeen, with her extensive 20 years of experience in Athletic Training and Chiropractic, can provide the assessment and care you require. You’ll receive a thorough evaluation and a customized treatment plan designed to address your specific needs and help you regain strength and mobility in your deep neck flexors. Don’t wait to seek the help you need for your neck concerns; reach out to Attuned Vitality for professional guidance and care.

Essential oils are like nature’s treasure trove, capturing the aromatic and healing essence of plants. These concentrated extracts, often obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction, have been cherished for millennia. They’re versatile, serving purposes in traditional medicine, aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumes, and countless other applications, offering a world of benefits.

The benefits:

• Aromatherapy: Inhaling the delightful fragrances of essential oils can uplift your spirits and enhance your emotional well-being.

• Stress and anxiety reduction: Experience the soothing magic of essential oils like lavender, bergamot, and ylang-ylang in aromatherapy to effortlessly melt away stress, reduce anxiety, and bring relaxation and tranquility to your day.

• Improved sleep: Elevate your sleep to new heights of tranquility by incorporating the calming scents of lavender and vetiver essential oils. Whether diffused or gently applied in diluted form before bedtime, these fragrant elixirs promise a night of peaceful, rejuvenating slumber.

• Pain relief and Respiratory Support: Experience the dual benefits of essential oils in pain relief and respiratory support. Harnessing the natural power such as peppermint, eucalyptus, and chamomile can effectively alleviate headaches, ease muscle soreness, and provide comforting relief for minor aches. Moreover, these aromatic marvels possess decongestant and expectorant properties, making them a trusted remedy for soothing the discomfort associated with cold and flu symptoms.

• Skin Care: Unlock the potential of essential oils to promote skin health through their remarkable antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory attributes. Notably, tea tree oil stands out for its prowess in addressing acne and skin infections, additionally, also offering a radiant complexion.

• Improved focus and concentration: Enjoy the uplifting scents of rosemary and lemon essential oils for enhanced focus and concentration.

• Natural cleaning and pest repellent: Some essential oils are natural cleaners with antimicrobial properties, while citronella and lemongrass oils work wonders as insect repellents.

• Massage and relaxation: Elevate your massage experience with the soothing essence helps create a wonderfully therapeutic ambiance while gently melting away muscle tension for profound relaxation.

Have more question?

For individuals with unique health considerations or specific medical conditions, Leilani, with her specialized knowledge, is here to craft a personalized blend designed to cater to your individual requirements. Please reach out to us without hesitation for the support you need.

Piriformis syndrome makes its appearance when the sciatic nerve gets caught up around the ischial tuberosity “also known as the sitting bone” – that bony prominence in your hip. Now, while there’s a whole mix of things that can throw this syndrome into action, the way it shows up is pretty consistent. Imagine this: folks often talk about a real pain in the gluteal region that feels like it’s shooting, burning, or just nagging down the back of their leg. And that’s not all – numbness decides to join the party in the buttocks, while tingling sensations run wild along the sciatic nerve’s pathway. It’s like a sci-fi adventure playing out in your own body!

The sciatic nerve and the piriformis muscle are like neighbors, living right next to each other in your hip. Now, the piriformis muscle’s job is to make your hip rotate outward. But here’s the twist – when this muscle gets all cranky and inflamed, it starts bothering its neighbor, the sciatic nerve. The result? It’s like having a sneak preview of sciatica – with all that nerve pain shooting down your leg.

Now, here’s the catch – diagnosing piriformis syndrome isn’t a walk in the park. Doctors have to put on their detective hats and rely on your clinical history and how you present your symptoms. And here’s the plot twist – there are other conditions that can pull off the same act and mimic the symptoms of piriformis syndrome. Think lumbar canal stenosis, disc inflammation, or issues in your pelvic area. It’s like a mystery novel where the clues aren’t always what they seem!

How do you identify piriformis syndrome symptoms?

Piriformis syndrome can be easily misdiagnosed as herniated disc, sciatica, a proximal hamstring strain (also known as high hamstring tendinitis), or a lower back issue. Here are several primary symptoms that can aid in identifying whether the piriformis muscle is the origin of your discomfort:

• Hurts to sit or pain in the buttock: 
• Difficulty sitting for Long periods of time
• Numbness and tingling in the buttock and down the leg
• Weakness or difficulty moving the leg

Less Common symptoms may include:

Bilateral Piriformis Syndrome: – research suggests that people with Piriformis syndrome can occur in the right and left buttocks and both legs at the same time. 

Alternating Symptoms: – Piriformis may alternate between both legs, this may suggest the presence of degenerate problems in the SI Joint coexisting with Piriformis syndrome. 

Symptoms that start after Pregnancy: –  Piriformis syndrome may develop months after pregnancy due to the elongation and strain of gluteal muscles in the pelvis.

Groin pain and numbness: – Piriformis syndrome may cause groin pain and numbness due to the impingement of the pudendal nerve, a sensory and motor nerve that passes below the piriformis muscle and supplies the groin area.

How we can help you:

First Dr. Wendy Brackeen, will assess your range of motion, and your flexibility. Dr. Wendy will assess your mobility and Between a combination of spinal and extremity adjustments, chiropractic care can help to take the pressure of overly tight areas, realign your body, and keep your nervous system functioning properly.

Massage therapy helps to ease and relax muscle tension, releasing the lumbar, quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and the piriformis. Soft tissue release can help to remove adhesions, scar tissue, and can help to realign the tissues.

Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment; let’s work together to address this issue and help you get back on track to better health.