Can chiropractic help when I am pregnant?

February 27, 2010

Yes! You will be glad to hear that chiropractic adjustments can significantly reduce labor time. Mothers giving birth for the first time have averaged 24% shorter labor time and repeat pregnancy labor times decreased 39% (Fallon, 1991). Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy can also reduce the likelihood of experiencing back pain during pregnancy (Diakow, 1991). You can be adjusted and relieve stress and dysfunction in your body until the birth of your child (Penna, 1989).

During pregnancy, weight-bearing changes occur when we have an added load to our abdomen. This can cause an added stress to the low back, hips and other areas of the spine. Chiropractic treatments help your body stay relaxed and comfortable and may also help facilitate your birth.

Here is how we can help:

Sacral misalignment can cause twisting and tightening of pelvic muscles and ligaments. This can prevent the baby from tipping comfortably into the proper position in preparation for child birth. Chiropractors using the Webster Technique can address this situation naturally by adjusting your pelvis and reducing the tension on your muscles and ligaments. The baby will innately move into the proper position and you will save yourself from a cesarean birth. It has even been successful with twin births as well!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Facts about bunions

February 12, 2010

Bunions are a malformed bony bump on the outside portion of the big toe.  It becomes enlarged and angles toward the second toe putting pressure on the foot.  This can be very painful.

Symptoms of a bunion:

  • Bump or angulation on the outside of the first toe
  • Swelling, redness and tenderness of the big toe
  • Thickening of the skin on the bottom of your foot under the big toe
  • Corns or calluses
  • Pain of the first toe
  • Restricted movement

Women are more likely to get bunions because of wearing high heels or shoes that don’t fit properly. Improper shoes can cause foot problems because the big toe begins to push on other toes and tissues.  Improper shoes cause improper movement which may not be a problem now but will increase in the future if not managed.

Practioners that do not specialize in the management and function of extremities may not know that bunion formation can be caused by several dysfunctions of the foot.  Bad body mechanics may go unnoticed.  Improper walking or standing puts added stress on the foot and prevents toes from moving and gliding the way they should.  Bones that are stuck prevent the toes from functioning normally and the foot, ankle, knees and hips begin to pay the price.   Many people have been told there is nothing that can be done to change or manage this problem except tape the toe, put a divider between the big toe and second toe or have surgery where part of the toe is shaved off.  This is just a short term solution and will result in further destruction of the foot.

At Precise Moves Chiropractic we specialize in extremities and can help you relieve foot problems and help you walk and stand better resulting in less pain and stress on your foot.

Give our San Carlos Chiropractic office a call today to start your journey to long term health!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Not “old age diabetes”

February 12, 2010

Diabetes happens when our body has a problem secreting insulin. Insulin is required to keep the body in homeostasis when glucose (sugar) is ingested and stored in the body. People who develop diabetes have what is called “insulin resistance”. This basically means that the body (liver, muscles, pancreas) do not produce enough or fail to produce insulin. People who are overweight have a higher risk of insulin resistance because fat blocks insulin production.

There are a lot of people out there that call Type 2 diabetes “old age diabetes”. It has been believed in past years that as you get older, you develop diabetes. Well, this is partly true but it is not just because you get older. Yes, there is a genetic factor but in my opinion most of the time it is strictly caused by years of eating badly and not getting enough exercise. After years of not giving your body what it needs to thrive, it finally just starts to break down. This is why we develop symptoms when we get older.

Here are some symptoms of diabetes:
1. Blurred vision
2. Erectile dysfunction
3. Fatigue
4. Slow healing
5. Increased appetite, thirst, and urination.
So, how can we prevent or manage diabetes?
  • Eat healthy meals. There are diets out there that are specially designed for people with diabetes. Here is an example: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002440.htm
  • Make sure you get checked by your medical doctor for cholesterol, high blood pressure and glucose levels.
Diabetes can be managed easily without medication if monitored correctly. Patient education about proper foods, physical activity play a key role and when applied, become easy!
This was a message from Dr. Amie B. Gregory, D.C., C.M.T. at Precise Moves Chiropractic in San Carlos, CA
By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , | Comments (0)

Tennis Elbow…what can be done?

January 27, 2010

“Tennis elbow” or what may be referred to as “lateral epicondylitis” is caused by misuse or overuse of the forearm muscles. It normally results in pain on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is common with tennis players but anyone can have this problem.

When can you tell if you have Tennis Elbow?

  1. Pain on the outside of the elbow
  2. Pain occurs when shaking hands or gripping objects
  3. Pain with twisting with force, opening jars, even using a toothbrush or holding a knife or fork may cause pain.

Proper function is key to help you prevent chronic problems with your elbow. Chiropractors can help alleviate this pain and dysfunction in the body without drugs, cortisone shots or surgery! We can diagnose this problem using orthopedic tests and by studying the way your arm moves and functions. We perform soft tissue work, muscle and bone alignment to make sure your arm is operating properly. After your pain is gone, we will incorporate exercises in your treatment to prevent further tearing and stress on the joint and teach you proper body movement.

If you think you may have tennis elbow, chiropractic can help. Give us a call at 650.353.1133.

Dr. Amie B. Gregory
Precise Moves Chiropractic
Sports and Extremity Chiropractor located in San Carlos, CA

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Knee “Baker’s Cyst” does not require surgery

January 23, 2010

Q: What is a Baker’s Cyst?

A: A Bakers Cyst is a fluid growth that occurs on the back of the knee. It can become hard and very painful.

Q: How does it happen?

A: This cyst starts to grow when there is a biomechanical problem adding stress to the joint such as with walking, running, standing and/or posture. It is also called a Popliteal Cyst.

Q: What are the symptoms of Baker’s Cysts?

A: Symptoms of Baker’s Cysts can include:

  1. swelling behind the knee which can get to to size of a golf ball
  2. Difficulty and pressure on the joint when bending the knee. This pressure can go all the way down the calf muscle.
  3. Pain and tenderness after exercising

Q: What can be done to help alleviate a baker’s cyst?

A: Rest is the number one way of relieving problems with the cyst. Inflammation will go down and the fluid in the cyst will start to alleviate. Braces can also be worn to reduce the stress on the joint and prevent bad body mechanics which start to build the cyst back up again.

If given time to heal and stress is taken off of the joint, the cyst will get rid of its fluid and disappear.

Did you know that there is a 40% chance that a cyst removed by surgery will reoccur. That is a pretty high percentage!

Q: So, what can chiropractic do?

A: Chiropractors are trained to find abnormal movement in the body and re-align your joints to get rid of bad posture and extra stress on your joints. Understanding proper body mechanics and training your body to move properly will help alleviate any additional cysts in the future!

Call 650.353.1133 for an appointment today to have an exam. We are located in the peninsula and are easy accessible via car and caltrain.

During your exam, I will not only look at your spinal issues but will also check your extremities and soft tissue concerns. I can help you with a wide array of problems that occur in the whole body!

Athletes: I can increase your mobility, results and prevent injuries!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos Chiropractor | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Natural remedies for Canker Sores

September 5, 2009

Ever have a canker sore? Here are a few natural ways to reduce pain and help heal your canker sore without synthetic medication or surgery:

  • Tannin
    Tannin is found in Black tea
  • Mouth wash
    Mix together 2 ounces of hydrogen peroxide, 2 teaspoonfuls of salt and 1 teaspoonful of baking soda and swirl it around your mouth for about 1 minute. Spit it out. Don’t swallow.
  • Aloe Vera
    Aloe Vera juice a few times a day will help make the sore less painful
  • Onion
    Apply a raw onion to the canker sore
  • Papaya
    Suck on some papaya
  • Plum Juice
    2 table spoons of plum juice and soak a cotton ball in the fluid. Compress it over your sore for a few minutes
  • Soda
    A cupful of warm soda and a pinch of salt
  • Grapefruit Seed
    Extract of grapefruit seed is a disinfectant and after a few applications, it should be gone!

Cold Sore diet suggestions

Here is advice for a Cold Sore Diet:

Avoid: Acidic and salty foods. Chocolates, peanuts, grains, peas, seeds, oatmeal and whole-wheat are high in arginine, These are restricted. Avoid tea and coffee.

Do Eat: A vitamin enriched diet. Your diet must include vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, and iron.  Garlic is highly recommended in your diet. Eat fresh food with high antioxidants  and high complex carbohydrates. Avoid processed food. Eat lots of fruits and green leafy vegetables.

- Dr. Amie B. Gregory, DC
San Carlos CA Chiropractor

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Stress Hurts. Chiropractic can help.

August 21, 2009

San Carlos California Chiropractor Amie Gregory of Precise Moves Chiropractic presents “Stresss”. Learn about how stress effects your body and how chiropractic care can help. Visit Precise Moves Chiropractic for more information.

Stress :: San Carlos Chiropractor
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Chiropractic Care at Work: On-Site Visits

July 31, 2009

Precise Moves Chiropractic has begun a new On-Site Chiropractic Care program.

Don’t have time to visit your chiropractor during your busy work week? Ask your employer if they would like to participate in our on-site chiropractic care program, where Precise Moves brings advanced chiropractic care to your company.

While Precise Moves Chiropractic is based in San Carlos, California, our chiropractor is available for half day on-site chiropractic care for you and your co-workers in Redwood City, Redwood Shores, San Carlos, Belmont and the surrounding areas.

Please have your human resources department call our San Carlos chiropractic office at 650.353.1133 for more information.

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Precise Moves Chiropractic new online presence.

July 30, 2009

Precise Moves Chiropractic has changed their logo and improved their online presence. We still provide the same exceptional chiropractic services in our San Carlos, CA Chiropractic office. Only our online facade has changed.

Services include chiropractic care, massage, exercises and physical therapy, nutritional recommendations, stress assessments and health screenings.

Stress assessments and health screenings help reveal important physical information and unlock the door to improved health and well-being. We provide screenings at community events, schools, health fairs and places of employment. Contact our San Carlos chiropractic office at 650.353.1133 today to arrange a screening at your event or workplace. We provide this service in San Mateo, Foster City, Belmont, Redwood City, San Carlos, and Menlo Park.

We are also beginning a new On-Site Chiropractic Care program. Ask your employer if they would like to participate. Precise Moves Chiropractic of San Carlos, California is available for half day on-site chiropractic care for you and your co-workers. Please have your human resources department call our San Carlos chiropractic office at 650.353.1133 for more information.

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