Our bodies work through allot of stress throughout the day and therefor we will tight and tender when things start to crumble. We may find when this happens, changes to our posture and poor habits begin to show causing a decline in our musculoskeletal health. One of the biggest causes can be desk work or poor sleeping habits which may irritate both the neck and lower back areas.
About Cupping
Cupping can be used for various musculoskeletal injuries or issues that may arise. This treatment modality works best on large areas meaning its great for people suffering with upper back pain or low back pain. Its also great for joint inflammation, areas of overuse and of course tight muscles. These can include conditions such as pelvic pain, buttock pain, leg pain (hamstrings or quadraceps), neck pain and shoulder pain.
What is Myofascial Cupping?
Myofascial Cupping is a remedial massage technique that gently lifts the muscle tissue using suction cups to help the fascia return to an ideal position whilst increasing blood circulation and the bodies’ ability to absorb nutrients within the area the cups are applied to, thus speeding up repair of the area and its surrounding tissues.
The TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) can become one those areas that makes an annoying clicking sounds to one that brings on excruciating headaches and face pain. It is the main joint that connect your jaw to your skull and has many ligaments, muscles and nerves associated with the region. Most common causes of Jaw pain are due to stress, trauma, arthritis, grinding your teeth, clenching or joint dysfunction.
Our Chiropractors may use adjustments on your jaw if we see there is a need to. Most of the times only 5 to 10% of cases need to be adjusted as muscles in the area are usually the main problem.
Exercises or Stretches
We recommend certain exercises or stretches to help alleviate tension within the region. Usually due to the extreme tightness within the jaw gentle stretches and exercises can help out allot, especially with preventing flareups of the region.
Chiropractors may use soft tissue release techniques especially trigger points in the area as muscle bundles tend to form. Surrounding musculature may also be involved and will be treated accordingly based on the examination findings.
Our Chiropractors will also look at your posture and check for any related issues to the problem. Sleeping habits and lifestyle changes such as standing desks or better sitting ergonomics can go a long way especially with upper body tension and tightness.
Tips To Help Reduce TMJ pain
Using Heat or Ice packs help to relax the facial muscles surrounding the TMJ area.
Gentle Stretches to the area can help improve joint mobility (Open, close and side to side movements)
Note* If you are currently suffering from any problematic concerns such as jaw pain, neck or back pain, are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings available 7 days a week Saturdays and Sundays @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now
Chiropractic care is recognized as being a way to help decrease pain and increase overall functional well-being. Chiropractor’s may help you achieve a healthier lifestyle by giving you strategies to overcome stress, injuries, pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions. This can all be done with various methods and not one person is treated the same to the other hence why many modalities are used to make the changes needed to make a difference!
Remedial Massage is the oldest form of physical therapy, this specific form is more than just a relaxation technique. What Remedial Massage aims to do is find the “knots” also known as trigger points and apply pressure to them. What this does is release the knots where the pressure is applied allowing the muscles to free up. Our select team of practitioners are qualified to practice remedial therapy meaning that you are in good hands when choosing our services at The Melbourne Chiropractor.
Increased strength and functionality of muscle tissues
Return of correct biomechanics
Provide instant muscle release
Can be used on hard to release muscle areas and groups
Who can be treated?
Massage and Myotherapy can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems neuromuscular dysfunction, muscle imbalances and pain syndromes. Therapy is specifically aimed to help with muscular pain, myofascial pain syndrome, hypertonic muscles, muscular tension, overuse injury, painful tendons, tender ligaments and more.
Symptoms Treated
Muscle Pain
Joint Pain
Bone Pain
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Arm Pain
Leg Pain
Frozen Shoulder
Golfer’s Elbow
Carpal Tunnel
Tennis Elbow
Sciatica
Headaches
Migraines
Sinus Symptoms
TMJ & Jaw Pain
Tension-type Headaches
Dry Needling
Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems, neuromuscular dysfunction, muscle imbalances and pain syndromes. Therapy is specifically aimed to help with muscular pain, myofascial pain syndrome, hypertonic and tender muscles, overuse injury, painful tendons, tender ligaments and more.
Many muscular related conditions are thought to be a primary contributing factor to pain and other related symptoms. These conditions include, but are not limited to neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow, headaches, migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain, pelvic pain, leg pain, sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms.
Increased strength and functionality of muscle tissue
Can be used on hard to release muscle areas and groups (muscle strain, tendon injuries, TMJ)
Cupping
Cupping is a technique that can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems, neuromuscular dysfunction, muscle imbalances and pain syndromes. Therapy is specifically aimed to help with muscular pain, myofascial pain syndrome, hypertonic and tender muscles, overuse injury and more.
Many muscular related conditions are thought to be a primary contributing factor to pain and other related symptoms. These conditions include, but are not limited to headaches, migraines, tension-type headaches, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, tennis elbow, buttock pain, pelvic pain, leg pain, sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms.
Increased strength and functionality of muscle tissue
Can be used on hard to release muscle areas and groups (muscle strain, hip/glute/hamstring/quadricep injuries)
Note* If you are currently suffering from any problematic concerns such as neck or back pain, are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings available 7 days a week Saturdays and Sundays @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now
How long you have had poor posture is not a reason to think it cannot be changed, the biggest issue, is how it was caused and what other underlying factors such as trauma or medical problems the patient is dealing with. Most times we find that posture can be improved within the first 8-12 weeks if it is a functional cause, although depending on the severity it may take up to 6 months to see changes in areas that are severely degenerated and affected by poor posture. Lifestyle factors and habits will also come in to play as forward posture at the desk from long hours can limit the amount of change from therapy.
Note* If you are currently suffering from postural issues the early you start the better off you will be. If you are wondering what we do on your first chiropractic session or would like to make a booking, you can always contact us to find out more! Online bookings also available 7 days a week @ https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now
Back pain is known as the most common cause of bodily pain in Australia. It affects up to 90% of the population at least once throughout their life. There are many different forms of back pain ranging from acute to chronic with various symptoms associated with it. They may include radiating pain down the legs or pins and needles in lower body regions.
Our Chiropractor will assess the areas that are restricted within the spine in both the upper and lower sections to ensure they correct the dysfunctions identified. This will help improve function in the area by reducing tension and alleviating the pain causing the issue. Surrounding areas will also be assessed to ensure that they are not pulling or twisting the area in an unnatural position causing what we think to be the “main” cause of back pain.
Low Back Stretches and Exercises
Low Back exercises and Low Back Stretches may be implemented to help assist with building strength and maintaining flexibility throughout the area of concern. The exercises will be tailored towards what areas of the body need exercise and stretches although general exercises will be given aswell to ensure that the patient has a variety to choose from to suit their needs.
If needed our chiropractors may refer you to our remedial massage therapists or even implement other modalities such as Dry Needling or Cupping to help decrease muscle tightness, especially for people suffering with low back pain.
Our Chiropractors at The Melbourne Chiropractor understand that different modalities should be used to help alleviate pain and discomfort. there is not one recipe that works for every patient hence why our clinic has various practitioners performing different types of chiropractic care. Posture for low back pain can be a big problem and this is why our chiropractors will check for instability within the hips, changes to toe in and toe out of the foot and changes to upper back and lower back curvature. It is common to find underlying postural related issues that can have an impact long term on recovering from back pain hence why our team take a holistic approach to chiropractic care to ensure everything gets done the right way from the beginning.
Our Broadmeadows Chiropractor especially has worked with patients of surgeons who have had spinal fusions or surgeries related to previous low back pain. What we find is patients who have had surgery before have a limitation in low back movement hence why we try to alleviate the tension associated with the area that has been fused. At times we also may refer patients out to surgeons to get a second set of eyes to look at the situation although most of the time we will refer to a doctor to get the right information to proceed. Most times our team of chiropractors will refer for an X-ray and create a report before sending a patient of to a GP for further testing.
On your first visit your chiropractor will do an examination and conduct an assessment which includes:
A collection of prior health history Our Chiropractors collect information that helps to find imbalances throughout your general health and wellbeing. Sometimes the cause of pain may be from certain movements at work, health or medical conditions or something as simple as bending over and hurting your back. By collating the information we need it allows us to understand what you are experiencing and also use this information to help create a personalised treatment plan.
Mobility and Flexibility Tests During this part of the examination we aim to move your joints though their range of motion to look out for any restrictions or pain throughout the joint. This can be done in 2 ways, either actively which is done on your own or passively where the chiropractor moves the joint for you.
Orthopaedic and neurological tests During orthopaedic and neurological examinations, your Chiropractor will go through the following tests: – Muscle strength tests and functional tests – Pain levels of the region of complaint – Nerve function – Joint stability and function
Posture Assessment Your Chiropractor will look out for discrepancies in posture such as scoliosis, kyphosis, rounding of shoulders (poor posture) and other variances throughout the body such as hip or shoulder drop. This enables our Chiropractors to find reasons indicating an issue with poor posture and alignment in regions such as the hips, lower limbs, ankles or feet.
Chiropractic Room in Broadmeadows
Spinal x-rays
When there is a reason for it, your Broadmeadows Chiropractor will refer you for Spinal X-rays to get an understanding of the underlying causes to your issue. Your Broadmeadows Chiropractor may also check spinal alignment and any other anomalies present that you were not aware of at the time.
Chiropractic Adjustments are used to help bring the body back to its natural balance. All adjustments are used to target areas of restriction and to decrease overall tension and alleviate pain within the area.
Progress examinations
Progress examinations are a visit created to evaluate your condition and progress throughout the time you have been visiting the clinic. At times if we see only minimal improvements have been made, other modalities such as dry needling or cupping may be implemented to help relieve the pain. Alternatively we may refer you to other health professionals to examine your complaint so that we can get you back on track as quick as we possibly can.
Long periods of sitting in an office chair is most likely going to cause issues with your back and neck. Slouching, hanging your head over and sliding down the chair can strain muscles and cause a muscle imbalance within the area. By doing this spinal structures can be damaged and back pain or neck pain may arise from the issue and at times headaches and migraines may become more prominent.
What Is Back Pain In Desk Workers?
It is common for desk workers to have back pain as muscles are working continuously to keep us upright in a chair. Especially now that people are working from home and not using an ergonomic setup we have found that our locals from our Westmeadows, Broadmedows and Fawkner clinics who are now working from home are suffering from this. From neck pain to back pain sedentary activities such as desk work put you at risk of restricting physical activity that could be doing you good.
At The Melbourne Chiropractor we use different treatment modalities for back pain depending on the issue. Not everyone’s back pain is the same hence why we try to offer as many things possible to the patient. The biggest thing you can be doing in the office is looking after your posture! Standing desks are a good step in the right direction but also ergonomic seating with head support is ideal. Taking breaks every 30 minutes for a quick stretch and moving your screen to eye level are some easy ways to help support your body.
If you are finding it hard to manage your back pain and it is to far gone, you can always contact us to see how we can help you today. If we feel that during our examination what we provide for you is not suitable, we can always refer you out to the best professional for your problem. We may like to implement things such as Manual Adjustments, Remedial Massage, Dry Needling and Cupping to help alleviate symptoms or even prescribe exercises and stretches for back pain to help the problem.
Book Online Today!
It is common for people to complain about back pain as it has a significant effect on someone’s family life, daily activities, work life and recreational activities. Our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor are able to help you with issues such as back pain.
If you want to know more about what we do or would like us to help with your back pain contact us today and visit one of our locations at Broadmeadows, Westmeadows or Fawkner.
You have just visited an allied health professional and your feeling allot better now! But, question is…. Will you be doing anything different to what you were doing before? If your answer is No then it may be ideal to keep an appointment for later on in the month to combat these pain episodes that have been bringing you down!
Pain is a signal coming from the body that alerts us that we are doing something wrong. Hence why we should aim to make changes to combat pain by altering our lifestyle (especially those bad habits!)
Our team of practitioners offer wellness care for those who are willing to take their wellbeing to the next level. This incorporates a plan that helps to reduce reoccurrences of episodes from pain and increase overall mobility and function of the body. Advice on daily living activities such as work posture, lifting biomechanics and sleeping are all things our team look into to improve your wellbeing for many years to come.
Chiropractic Care involves the movement of joints back to a normal position where the body is then able to move effectively. Tension is also decreased from the area as tight muscles are relieved and an increase in mobility and flexibility can be seen almost instantly. There are many different techniques that a chiropractor may use including manual adjustments, low force techniques, trigger point therapy, dry needling, prescribe exercises, prescribe stretching or mobilisations in the area of complaint.
Our team of practitioners at The Melbourne Chiropractor strive to get functioning to the best of your abilities. By getting to the bottom of the problem early on it will be easier to tackle the complaint in a shorter period of time.
Our daily routines effect the way our bodies adapt to stresses, at times these adaptations can turn into episodes of pain and create unwanted postural changes or even irritations of certain areas under stress. The 3 key factors that usually cause a decline in musculoskeletal health include a difficult/stressful working environment, bad sleeping routine and limited physical activity.
The body can only keep up for so long before it crashes. When it does you may begin to feel sore and tight, maybe even get headaches or unwanted low back tension. Therefore it is ideal to keep yourself in check to help maintain areas that are not able to keep up with the demands needed daily.
Dry Needling comes into play here as it helps to relieve pain and soreness in the affected muscles. Usually they are placed in areas where there are trigger points and they can be reduced to give relief!
About Dry Needling
Dry needling can be used for a variety of musculoskeletal problems, neuromuscular dysfunction, muscle imbalances and pain syndromes. Therapy is specifically aimed to help with muscular pain, myofascial pain syndrome, hypertonic and tender muscles, overuse injury, painful tendons, tender ligaments and more.
Many muscular related conditions are thought to be a primary contributing factor to pain and other related symptoms. These conditions include, but are not limited to neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer’s elbow, headaches, migraines and tension-type headaches, jaw pain, buttock pain, pelvic pain, leg pain, sciatica, hamstrings strains, calf tightness/spasms.
Increased strength and overall function of the area
Can be used on hard to release muscle areas (muscle strain, tendon injuries, TMJ)
Able To Enjoy Daily Activities (Decreased Tension)
What Is Trigger Point Dry Needling?
Dry needling is the use of either solid filiform needles or hollow-core hypodermic needles, to be inserted directly into the trigger points and muscle bundles to act as a stimulant from underneath the skin.
The process of dry needling, either with or without Myotherapy Massage will help to increase circulation and blood flow, thus speeding up repair of the area and its surrounding tissues.
What Does Trigger Point Dry Needling Do?
Dry needling of a trigger point will elicit an involuntary reflex in the muscle fibres which forces blood, oxygen and inflammation into the muscle. In turn, the nerve endings in the muscle will be stimulated, resulting in a reduction in pain and release of tension in the muscle.
It elicits the same response as with non-invasive trigger point therapy and deep tissue massage. Please ask one of our friendly staff for more information or book online today!
This is when you are sitting with your head forward, away from its ‘neutral’ position. When our head is sitting in a forward position, it increases the load and compression on the neck. As a general rule, every 2.5cm that the head is in a forward posture, an additional 4-5kg of weight is felt on the neck!
Forward head posture
Rounding shoulders is exactly what it sounds like. You may often hear people refer to this as being in a slouched position. We can begin to develop rounding or rolled forward shoulders after being in this sustained, hunched position and adapting it as a postural habit.
Slouching in upper back
When the spine of the upper back curves at an increased angle. This can also be known as an increased kyphosis. This position is often adapted after continuously maintaining a slouched position, rounding shoulders and forward head carriage.
Increased curve in lower back
This is also known as increased lordosis or hyper lordosis. In this position, your pelvis tilts forward and creates an exaggerated curve in your mid to lower back region.
Good vs Poor Posture
What’s the cause of posture problems?
Desk Work
Long periods of driving
Incorrect sleeping positions or pillow
Weak stabilising muscles
Hypertonic muscles
Structural or functional changes such as scoliosis
Sedentary activity
Progression of the ageing process (degeneration)
What can be done to help prevent posture issues from occurring?
Awareness of your posture
Stretching and using things such as a posture pole
Keeping active!
Ergonomic working environments
Using the correct pillow
Correct Seating Posture vs Incorrect
Benefits of Having a Good Posture:
Reduction of muscle tension
Decreased stress on joints and ligaments
Increase in energy and mood
Decreases the risk of injury
Helps decrease episodes of pain and tension throughout the body
How Can Our Team Help?
Depending on the severity of the injury or area of concern our practitioners in our Broadmeadows, Westmeadows and Fawkner Clinics will treat accordingly to your complaint. Treatments that may be provided but are not limited to include:
Spinal manipulation, Activator Methods, Drop Piece, SOT and other adjustive techniques can help alleviate joints that have restriction such as spinal segments and joints (LeFebvre, Peterson & Haas, 2012)
PNF/PIR/prescribed stretching – Stretching has shown to reduce pain, improve functionality of the wrist and hand also maintains strength and improves patients in both long and short-term outcomes.
Remedial Massage, Trigger point therapy or use of handheld massager – Have shown to decrease pain/tenderness, enhance both range of motion and quality of life and influence flexibility (Shah et al., 2015) (Imtiyaz, Veqar & Shareef, 2014)
Advice on daily living activities/diet – This enables advice on how to change to make healthy actions into habits and may offer a valuable alternative with potential for long-term impact. (Gardner, Lally & Wardle, 2012)
Prescribed exercises – produce more beneficial outcomes in terms of increased strength, improved function and reduced pain scores. (Fernandes, Pedrinelli & Hernandez, 2015)
Dry Needling or Cupping to the surrounding musculature to help decrease tension and inflammation around the area of the hand and forearm.
