SI Isn’t Just Short for Sports Illustrated

S Stands for the Sacroiliac Joint

When it comes to comes to our bodies, it stands for the sacroiliac joint. If you have been to a

chiropractor before, chances are you have heard this term used. The SI joint is made up of

the sacrum, which is a fused group of 5 vertebrae that are shaped like an inverted triangle. It

connects the last lumbar vertebra, L5, with the traditional tailbone, called the coccyx. Also, the

joint is made up of the upper most portion of the pelvic bones called the ilium. The SI joint is a

significant part of our body because it supports the spine above and transfers body weight from

the spine into the pelvis and down into the lower extremities.

Chiropractors See SI Joint Problems Which Most Patients Misinterpret as Pain 

Chiropractors often see SI joint problems that most patients will misinterpret as pain stemming

from the lumbar spine. Most patients will present with unilateral (one-sided) sacral pain,

symptoms that increase when transitioning from a seated to standing position, climbing stairs,

or even prolonged sitting or standing. At times, inflammation in the SI joint will refer pain to

the glutes, hip joints or thighs, but will rarely go below the level of the knee.

Pregnancy often can lead to an onset of SI joint issues that can continue post-pregnancy. As

a woman’s hormones change during pregnancy to allow the body’s muscles and ligaments to

stretch, making room for the growing baby, the SI joint expands and become hypermobile (too

much movement). Over the years, the changes that took place can cause an early onset of

arthritic changes in the SI joint. The more pregnancies a woman has, the more likely she will

develop SI joint problems in her lifetime.

Chiropractic Helps to Prevent the Onset of SI Joint Pain ad Inflammation 

Chiropractic care can help prevent the onset of SI joint pain and inflammation by allowing

motion to be reintroduced to the SI joints. Ask Dr. Kmett more about SI joint problems if you

have any of the above symptoms, are pregnant, or have previously been pregnant!

Talk to Dr. Kmett today about your chiropractic treatment options!

Valley Chiropractic maintains an active presence on many popular search and social media websites. Select your favorite website below to stay connected or review us.

        

See Dr. Kmett at the Vitamin Shoppe!

I will be at the West Patrick Street Vitamin Shoppe this Saturday. Please stop by and ask me about nutrition and supplements. Also, I will be performing FREE trigger point massages as well! Mark it on your calendars!

Chiropractic Care Helps You Reach your Highest Capacity!

Chiropractic Care Can Help Athletes to Function at Their Highest Capacity

Sports have become a huge part of our society and advances in training have

allowed athletes at all levels, to become stronger, faster, and quicker than in

years past. But did you know that chiropractic can help enhance your athletic

skills as well? Due to the strenuous activities of an athlete’s preparation, joints

tend to take a physical beating day in and day out. Over time, these joints will

possibly begin to wear down as well as develop fixations. When this begins to

occur, our muscles, ligaments, and cartilage begin to take on more of the stress

creating muscular imbalances and inflammatory states. Also, improper training

can also cause significant stress to the body. So how could chiropractic help? A

chiropractic adjustment helps to release these joint fixations allowing the joint to

move more freely. When the joints move freely, there is usually less incidence of

inhibited (underactive) or tightened muscles. This allows the athlete to function

at their highest capacity.

Make Sure You Do Not Put Too Much Stress on One Specific Thing Done Repetitively

When addressing training variables, be sure that too much of one specific thing

is not done repetitively. This can include overworking one specific muscle group

while weight training or working on sprint speed without introducing lateral

movement training as well. Training results tend to improve when variety is part

of the plan. Perform training cycles in which you use short time frames to work

on specific training goals before switching it up to something else. If you are

interested in improving your game or training, talk to Dr. Kmett about designing a

training program individualized to your needs!

Talk to Dr. Kmett today about your chiropractic treatment options!

Valley Chiropractic maintains an active presence on many popular search and social media websites. Select your favorite website below to stay connected or review us.

        

Perform Better with Chiropractic Care!

Chiropractic Care Can Help Athletes to Function at Their Highest Capacity

Sports have become a huge part of our society and advances in training have

allowed athletes at all levels, to become stronger, faster, and quicker than in

years past. But did you know that chiropractic can help enhance your athletic

skills as well? Due to the strenuous activities of an athlete’s preparation, joints

tend to take a physical beating day in and day out. Over time, these joints will

possibly begin to wear down as well as develop fixations. When this begins to

occur, our muscles, ligaments, and cartilage begin to take on more of the stress

creating muscular imbalances and inflammatory states. Also, improper training

can also cause significant stress to the body. So how could chiropractic help? A

chiropractic adjustment helps to release these joint fixations allowing the joint to

move more freely. When the joints move freely, there is usually less incidence of

inhibited (underactive) or tightened muscles. This allows the athlete to function

at their highest capacity.

Make Sure You Do Not Put Too Much Stress on One Specific Thing Done Repetitively

When addressing training variables, be sure that too much of one specific thing

is not done repetitively. This can include overworking one specific muscle group

while weight training or working on sprint speed without introducing lateral

movement training as well. Training results tend to improve when variety is part

of the plan. Perform training cycles in which you use short time frames to work

on specific training goals before switching it up to something else. If you are

interested in improving your game or training, talk to Dr. Kmett about designing a

training program individualized to your needs!

You Don’t Have to Play Tennis to Have Tennis Elbow!

Tennis Elbow is an Inflammation of the Forearm Extensor Muscles

Lateral epicondylitis, a.k.a. tennis elbow, is an inflammation of the forearm extensor muscles usually caused by overuse.  This overuse is often caused by a repetitive motion similar to a backhand in tennis, hence the name.  However, it is often seen in occupations, in which there is a constant supination/pronation (think palms up and then palms down, in rapid succession) motion involved like using a screwdriver as a carpenter.  Over time, the tendons of these muscles will become inflamed on the lateral portion of the elbow where they originate causing pain and possibly even swelling in that area.

 

Tennis Elbow Can Be Treated Effectively by Valley Chiropractic in Frederick

Fortunately, most of the time, tennis elbow can be treated effectively in a conservative manner.  Using ice initially is important to keep the inflammation and possible swelling to a minimum, reducing pain in the process.  Also, if the condition is being caused by work-related activities, a forearm strap can be purchased to help provide relief.  The strap works by maintaining constant pressure on an area of the affected muscles that is distal from the site of pain (in this case, moving away from the elbow a few inches towards the wrist).  This creates a “new” origin for the muscle, allowing the portion of the tendon closer to the elbow time to heal and relax. 

Stretching Should Also be Included in Your Recovery Program

It is good practice to include a stretching and strengthening program into your recovery as well.  Stretching the extensor muscles of the forearm and strengthening the flexors will help alleviate pain and decrease the likelihood of developing lateral epicondylitis.  Finally, chiropractic adjustments of the radial head of the arm as well as soft tissue modalities such as Graston Technique can allow the injury to heal quickly and thoroughly.  

Talk to Dr. Kmett today about your chiropractic treatment options!

Valley Chiropractic maintains an active presence on many popular search and social media websites. Select your favorite website below to stay connected or review us.