Spinal and Extremity Care

June 9, 2010

Chiropractors are masters of the spine and nervous system.  We tract and follow symptomatic patterns in the body and relieve stressors in these areas which allow the body to function at its highest level.  Did you know that we can affect any joint in the body?  Yes! Its true!  Some chiropractors believe that the whole body including your hands, feet, shoulders etc. are all involved in symptomatic problems in the body.

Everyone has heard about the kinetic chain we have on our bodies.  Remember the song…hand bones connected to the wrist bone, the wrist bones connected to the elbow bone?  Well, chiropractors certified in chiropractic extremities by the Council of Extremity Adjusting believes this to be true.

Everything is connected so after we adjust the spine, we make sure the other areas of the body are addressed to make sure they don’t affect the movement and function of your body.

I am the only chiropractor in the San Mateo County area that is certified by the CEA to adjust ribs, arms, legs, shoulders, feet and address TMJ problems.  If you have any problem in your body, we can help!

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

Physical Therapy, Scar Tissue and Chiropractic

May 28, 2010

When a person injures themselves and sees a medical doctor, in most cases the M.D. sends them to physical therapy to strengthen the injured area.  Exercise is great for your body and health but there is a difference between stretching and strengthening.

First of all, depending on the injury, there may be numerous areas of scar tissue that has to be alleviated in order for the muscles to function properly without further injury.  If exercise is done too soon, it may only add to the problem.  After most accidents or sport injuries, the chances of scar tissue forming is very high.  This needs to be addressed before building your muscles.  Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy is great at getting rid of scar tissue quickly and easily.  It is used by trainers and athletes around the world.

After the scar tissue has been addressed, it must be determined whether stretching or strengthening is needed.  Stretching your muscles is key before starting any exercise program. You don’t want to start exercising a muscle that is already stiff and tight.  That will increase the chance of a further tear or injury.  After a few bouts of stretching, you will become more flexible and are now ready to start an exercise program.

Physical Therapy is great and offers a wonderful benefit to healing.  However, if your body is not aligned or moving properly, physical therapy can only do so much.  Chiropractic aligns the body properly to enable proper function.   We offer more than just an adjustment, you can get it all!

At Precise Moves Chiropractic, we offer proper alignment of the body, massage and physiotherapy.  This helps you get better results quicker!

We can help with any musculoskeletal problem and so much more!!!  Call us today (650) 353-1133

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

Bicycle Safety Tips & Workshops

April 23, 2010

Summer is almost here, which means it is time to check your breaks, inflate your tires and lubricate your chain. You’ll be pulling out your bicycle helmet too, I’m sure, but what else can you do to keep yourself safe as the you ride this summer.

Well, here’s where you can find out!

Free Bicycle Safety Workshops at four Peninsula library branches and one community center. If you register before the workshop, you’ll be entered to win a $25 gift card from a local bike shop.

  • East Palo Alto Library:
    Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Belmont Library:
    Sunday, April 25 at 3 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Colma Community Center:
    Wednesday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 985-5690, or email brian.dossy@colma.ca.gov
  • Brisbane Library:
    Tuesday, May 4 at 7 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org
  • Millbrae Library:
    Wednesday, May 5 at 7 p.m.
    To register, call (650) 591-8286 x 237, or email victorino@smcl.org

The 90-minute workshop will include information on current traffic laws for bicyclists and drivers, Bike to Work Day 2010, bicycle maintenance, maps and safety booklets.  Visit
“Safe Bicycling in San Mateo County” for a practical guide in biking to work, or combining public transit and biking to work.
For more information, email: gina@commute.org

In the meantime, here are some great bicycle safety times.

1. Get a rear light. If you’re riding at night, use a flashing red rear light. Bike shops have red rear blink lights for less than $15. If you already have one, make sure the batteries are working!

2. Wear a reflective vest or a safety triangle. High quality reflective gear that you can get at any bike shop  makes youmore visible, even in the day time. When you hear a car/truck approaching, straighten up to make your reflective gear more noticeable.

3. Choose wide streets. Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide enough that it can fit both a car and your bike side by side. That way a car may speed past you and avoid hitting you, even if they didn’t see you!

4. Choose slow streets. The slower a car is going, the more time the driver has to see you.

5. Use back streets on weekends. Because some people still drink and drive, it’s safer to ride along neighborhood streets..

6. Get a mirror. Get a mirror and use it. If it looks like a car doesn’t see you, hop off your bike and onto the sidewalk. Mirrors cost $5-15.

7. Don’t hug the curb. Allow space between yourself and the curb so you have someplace to go to avoid getting hit. This also enables turning across or from your lane to better see you.

By admin | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

The Affects Of Tight Hamstrings

April 18, 2010

A lot of patients that come into my office have tight hamstrings and think it is normal to feel a pull in the back of their legs when bending forward.  This is not normal.  Sure, there may not be any problems right now but in time, the muscle can cause several dysfunctions.  Tears, low back and sciatic pain (because the muscle attaches to the lower portion of the hips), and pain or tears in the back of the knee may occur.  The hamstring muscle is really three muscles.  The semitendinosis, semimembranosis and biceps femoris.

What causes hamstring tightness?
Sure, genetics can play a part but in most cases it is caused by improper or not enough stretching.  There are easy stretches that only take about 6-10 minutes and can prevent tears and problems in the future.  Stretching before and after an athletic event helps in maintaining a flexible muscle so it is recommended to do so every time you engage in a sport.  Here is a common stretch that is easy to do.

  • Sit on the floor with one leg straight
 and the other bent with the foot pressing against the inner portion of the outstretched leg
  • Keep your back straight as you lean forward through the hips 
to one the straight leg side
  • Hold (don’t bounce) for 25 to 30 seconds
  • Switch sides

Doing these exercises will prevent injuries and keep you low back loose preventing injuries.

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

How can I prevent spraining my ankle?

March 28, 2010

Ankle sprains are becoming common.  Sprains occur when the ligaments of the ankle are stretched and pulled beyond their capacity.  This sometimes leads to partial tears or complete tears in the foot.  In 85% of ankle sprains, the Anterior Talofibular ligament is damaged by someone planting their foot, then rolling over the outside of their foot.  This inside of the foot is only sprained about 15% of the time.

In a total tear, stabilization of the foot is necessary along with R.I.C.E (rest, Ice, compression, elevation) for regrowth and restoration of the tissues.  The foot can still be checked for proper movement and can be manipulated safely but with caution.  Partial tears require R.I.C.E and stabilization is not normally necessary.  Exercises after the inflammation is gone along with getting the foot and ankle in their proper position helps and gets patients back walking normally quickly.

People with chronic sprains sometimes think it is normal to keep spraining their ankle.  This in NOT true!  The reason why someone sprains their ankle many times can be because of balance issues, pathological gait patterns and improper foot position.  Learning balance exercises, proper gait and getting the foot in the proper position can prevent future sprains and keep patients healthy and active for a lifetime.

We are extremity experts at Precise Moves Chiropractic.  We can help with any sports injury or extremity problem.  Please call us today to make an appointment for an exam and consultation!

Precise Moves Chiropractic has been serving the San Carlos, CA area since 2007!

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

Bursitis in our joints

March 27, 2010

Bursitis definition:
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa.   The bursa is an area of fluid around a joint which functions like grease on a machine.  It helps our joints glide properly and protects us from unnecessary friction causing injury. Technically, there are 160 different bursae in our body.  Most common areas where bursitis occurs is by large joints such as the shoulder, elbow, hips and knees.  These are complex areas that are commonly flared up by most athletes who train hard.

Over the years there may be flare ups of the bursae because of added joint pressure, crystal accumulation or degeneration in the joint space. Infection affiliated with Rheumatoid Arthritis can also cause Bursitis.

Symptoms of Bursitis is pain, swelling and tenderness in the joint space.

How can this be treated?
In the case of an infection, a visit to your primary care physician may be necessary for inflammatory medication.  In the majority of cases, rest, ice and making sure the joint is moving properly to prevent unnecessary friction is recommended.  Once your body is moving correctly, the bursae can now go back to functioning normally.

We take great pride in helping people through this debilitating problem.  Proper treatment and rehabilitation can prevent future flare-ups.

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health, San Carlos California, 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)