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)

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)

San Carlos City Budget Meeting

March 1, 2010

City Council – 2010-11 Budget Study Session – March 13th at Noon

The City Council will hold their annual budget study session on Saturday, March 13, 2010 from Noon to 5:00 pm. in the Community Room, 2nd Floor, San Carlos Library, 610 Elm Street.

This meeting will include a presentation by the City Manager and City Department Heads on the proposed 2010-11 City Budget.  The meeting will also provide time for City Council questions and discussion on the proposed budget.

It is also anticipated that there will be time for public comments on the proposed budget.  Individuals who are unable to attend this meeting will be able to comment on the proposed budget at the second budget study session to be held on the evening of March 22nd starting at 6:00 pm.

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

San Carlos CA News

December 2, 2009

DECEMBER 2009

New San Carlos Activity Guide Out December 4th

The Winter 2010 Recreation Activity Guide will be available Friday, December 4th! San Carlos residents will receive a copy in the mail; additional copies will be available at City Hall, Library, Youth Center and Adult Community Center. Check out our many new and exciting classes for all ages, special events and programs, trips and tours, and more. Resident registration begins Tuesday, December 8th at 9:00am. Call the Recreation office at 802-4382 to receive your Barcode & PIN number so you can register online at www.RecConnect.net.

San Carlos Tree Lighting & Holiday Traditions Program

The 21st annual event celebrating family and community is Thursday, December 10th at 6:00pm at City Hall Park, San Carlos Avenue & Elm Street. Enjoy a festive outdoor program of entertainment, visit with Santa in City Hall Lobby, and support our downtown businesses by grabbing a treat before or after the program (merchants open late!). Please bring a non-perishable food item for the Mayor’s Food Drive and/or an unwrapped toy for the Youth Advisory Council’s Toy Drive. Everyone welcome. For more information, call the Recreation office at 802-4382.

Breakfast with Santa in San Carlos, CA

The Adult Community Center hosts a delicious pancake breakfast with all the trimmings on Saturday, December 12th from 10:00am-12:00Noon. The event also features a special visit from Santa, holiday arts & crafts, and ‘Trains by Peter’. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for children 12 & under and must be purchased by December 9th at the Adult Community Center. For more information, call the Adult Center at 802-4384.

Auditions for San Carlos Children’s Theater Winter Production

Auditions for ‘Comic Book Artist’, San Carlos Children’s Theater Winter production, will be held at the Youth Center on Saturday, December 12th and Monday, December 14th. Sign up online for an audition appointment at www.sancarloschildrenstheater.com.

San Carlos, CA City Facilities Closed December 25th-January 3rd

Due to continued budgetary constraints, City facilities including City Hall, Adult Community Center, Youth Center, Laureola Park Center and park bathrooms will be closed (for the 6th year in a row) Friday, December 25, 2009 through Sunday, January 3, 2010. Emergency services such as Police, Fire, Storm, Sewer & Road Repair will continue. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and encourage you to make appointments, where applicable, for service prior to our closing. Our doors will open at 8:00am on Monday, January 4th, 2010. Happy New Year!

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

CPR, AED & First Aid Training

November 21, 2009

CPR, AED, and First Aid for Adults in San Carlos and Belmont

Presented By
Belmont-San Carlos Fire Department

This low stress course is taught by Firefighter Paramedics, EMTs and designed for all community members or non-Health Care providers. The course will provide CPR training for the adult patient and proper use of personal protective equipment. Students will receive hands-on training with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The course instruction includes, instructor input, video-based lessons and practice on manikins. Students will also learn the proper steps in rendering First Aid, the legal aspects of First Aid, scene assessment and patient assessment. The core of the class will cover basic medical emergencies including treating burns, wounds, bleeding, shock, bone/muscle/joint injuries, poisoning, bites and stings, environmental emergencies and much more.

This course meets OSHA and other federal and state regulatory requirements for training employees how to respond and care for medical emergencies at work.

Our goal as instructors at the Belmont –San Carlos Fire Department is to provide a positive comfortable learning environment and give you the confidence and skills to perform CPR and/or provide basic First Aid treatment after you call 911, but before Advanced Life Support Resources arrive on the scene.

CPR/AED and First Aid

Date: Mondays Feb 1 & 8
Time: 6:00 – 9:30 pm (you must attend both night)
Cost: $50.00
Location: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station #14
911 Granada Ave, Belmont

CPR/AED only (no First Aid)
Date: Tuesday, January 19th
Date: Tuesday, February 23rd

Time: 6pm to 9:30pm
Cost: $35.00
Location: Belmont – San Carlos Fire Station #14
911 Granada Ave, Belmont

To sign up, please contact:
Christy Adonis – Disaster Preparedness Officer
Belmont – San Carlos Fire Department
(650)802-4254 or christya@bscfd.org

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