Tips for preventing bicycling injuries

July 10, 2010

Sometimes people who come into my office complaining of neck, low back, knee pain or hand/foot numbness don’t take notice that their posture at work, home or school may be having negative effects on their nerves. Often times they are oblivious to the fact that the sport they do to stay in shape may have bad effects too.

Neck, low back, knee or hand/foot pain during or after biking may mean you don’t have proper bike ergonomics. Buying the right bike for you is imperative. Here are some tips to avoid injuries and keep riding.

The proper saddle:

Your seat should be at a level that supports the full weight of your body while allowing you to re-adjust your position. If the front of your seat is tilted up, you will slide backward and it will be hard to reach the peddles and force you to push your back forward adding stress to the low back. If the seat is tilted downward, you slide forward putting more pressure on your arms, wrists, hands and knees.

To make sure your seat is the right height. Wear the appropriate biking shoes and put your heels on the pedals. Start to pedal backwards and make sure your knees fully extend without reaching. If you notice that you have to move your hips from side to side to pedal, then your seat is too high. Now when it is time to start pedaling forward you will notice that the balls of your feet are over the pedal and a slight bend in the knees occur with each push.

Proper handlebar height:

Miscalculation of handle bar height can lead to neck, shoulder back, hand/wrist pain.
Proper ergonomics of the handlebars will allow you to bend your elbows while using all of the positions of the handlebars and gears.

Knee pain occurs when the seat is too high or low or tilted improperly. Also, the improper bike shoe position can cause knee problems: Here are some cause and effects of improper seat or pedal ergonomics.

  1. Seat too high will result in pain in the back of the knee or hip pain.
  2. A low seat or forward seat will cause pain in the front of the knee.
  3. Improper foot position will cause pain on the outside of your knee.

Differences in leg length may lead to twisting on the bike, stretching of one leg which pulls on the hips. Shoe orthotics and hip adjustments to keep the hips even can alleviate this problem.

Neck Pain:

Neck pain happens commonly with cycling. Usually this is a problem of having the handlebars too low or having a bike that is too long for the cyclist. Not stretching the hamstrings or muscles in the front of the thigh can cause neck problems because it will force the spine to arch which will force your head to extend backward while riding.

Foot numbness or pain:

Wearing the proper shoe is necessary with someone who bikes regularly. Bike shoes are made to evenly distribute the pressure on each pedal. Also, if you are riding in a gear that is too high for you, it will put more pressure on the feet causing a disruption of the nerves and tissues of the feet.

Hand Pain or Numbness:

Wear padded gloves while riding to provide a cushion and not push on the median nerve. Allow the shock of the ground to be put on the elbows which can bounce and absorb the pressure from the bumps during the ride.

Remember to always stretch and relax before and after riding. This will prevent tightness and reduce the chance of pulling a muscle.

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

S.A.S.T.M. (Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization) what is it?

June 12, 2010

Soft tissue mobilization is used to treat a number of problems.  SASTM instruments are designed for treatment of soft tissue disorders.  These remarkable instruments effectively break down fascial restrictions and scar tissue helping your body to heal and create more movement in the body. The ergonomic design of these instruments provides the clinician with the ability to locate restrictions through sound waves. The unique design allows the clinician to treat the affected area with the appropriate amount of pressure, due to square surface of the instruments.

Trauma to soft tissue causes a local inflammatory response.  This initiates reabsorption of inappropriate fibers (scar tissue). During the treatment, the instruments breakdown scar tissue adhesions which may have developed as a result of surgery, immobilization, repeated strain or other mechanisms, are broken down allowing full functional restoration to occur.  This allows your body to move properly and put less stress on your joints.

This form of treatment is beginning to be used by colleges like Stanford to increase their performance.   To find out more about Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization check out this site

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

Reasons for “Turf Toe”

April 21, 2010

What is Turf Toe?
Turf toe is pain occurring at the base of the big toe.  Most commonly it happens where your big toe bends when you are walking or running.  Turf Toe happens after a after constant slamming of your toe down when running, jumping or walking.  This can be a repetitive injury that can keep re-occuring throughout life if a person does not learn how to prevent it.  This injury is frequently seen with athletes who play football, rugby, soccer, wrestling or any sport that promotes “pushing off” quickly with resistance.

Keeping the foot healthy and moving properly with the use of stiff sole Orthotics when necessary can prevent the symptom of Turf Toe.   It is common to have bracing during athletic performances to prevent excessive hyperextension of the toe.  This is fine but what about when we are not working out?

Chiropractic adjustments along with proper Orthotics can prevent Turf Toe.  Jamming your foot into the ground constantly will jam up the foot joints making it impossible for your foot to function the way it is supposed to.  We will Make sure that all 26 bones in the foot are moving properly.  This will make sure that there is not any added pressure to the big toe and prevent chronic flare ups from occurring.

If you have this problem, please call our office today for a consultation!

By Dr. Amie Gregory | Posted in General Health | 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)

Tips for Adhesive Capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

March 24, 2010

Causes:

The bones, ligaments and tendons around your shoulder joint are encased in a capsule of connective tissue. Frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule swells and thickens tightening the shoulder joint, restricting its movement and causes pain.

Frozen shoulder is often initially ignored when symptoms first occur because the pain subsides within a few days so people think it is just a short term problem.  It will come back and when it does it is more painful and lasts longer.  Scar tissue and inflammation re-occur and continue to restrict the shoulder from moving properly.

This problem takes a long time to see full results but it can be alleviated.

Frozen shoulder has three stages:

  • Stage one: The “freezing” or painful stage, which may last from six weeks to nine months, and in which the patient has a slow onset of pain. As the pain worsens, the shoulder loses motion.
  • Stage two: The “frozen” or adhesive stage is marked by a slow improvement in pain but the stiffness remains. This stage generally lasts four months to nine months.
  • Stage three: The “thawing” or recovery, when shoulder motion slowly returns toward normal. This generally lasts five months to 26 months.

Risk Factors:

  1. Age: People 40 or older are at risk
  2. Repetitive jobs especially jobs which require raising the arms over the head
  3. Injuries to the shoulder which causes improper movement of the shoulder adding to inflammation.

Treatment:

Inflammation must be decreased before exercises can really be beneficial.   Scar tissue must be broken and new healthy tissue must take its place.  Sound Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization can decrease scar tissue and increase mobility.  We can also train your shoulder to move properly to prevent further injury.

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)