Introducing Sarah Pierre, PT

The Appleton office would like to welcome Sarah Pierre to our physical therapy staff!

In Sarah's words -

I was born and raised in Wisconsin.  Upon graduation from UW-Stevens Point, I entered the US Army and was fortunate to be assigned to the US Modern Pentathlon Olympic Training Team and competed in the event for three years.  During that time, I became well acquainted with the Physical Therapy staff due to training injuries.  Shortly after I retired from the sport, I attended the US Army-Baylor PT Masters program.  I spend most of my PT career in Texas and Arizona.  I recently relocated to Appleton to be closer to family.  I enjoy most outdoor activities but especially hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding.  I am excited to integrate my PT experience with Schubbe Resch Chiropractic clients.

Postural Reset Seminars

What are Upper Crossed Syndrome and Lower Crossed Syndrome?

Join Dr. Will Curtis on Thursday, March 15th and Thursday, March 29th to learn about two of the most common postural related syndromes affecting people today.  Dr. Curtis will be presenting a two part series discussing the causes of Upper Crossed Syndrome (UCS) and Lower Crossed Syndrome (LCS).  He will break down the causes of these two syndromes, demonstrate his favorite exercises/stretches for each issue, and discuss treatment protocols.  There is no need for any scientific background or knowledge as seminar will focus on easy to understand terms and descriptions.

The whole family is welcome and everyone can benefit from this information - especially teenagers who are constantly on their cellphones! The talks begin at 5:30 and will last 30-45 minutes with time for questions at the end.  This is also a great opportunity to learn more about chiropractic!

Seminar highlights and benefits:

• Learn the most common posture related mistakes people make each and every day
• Stop dealing with constant low grade pain
• End the daily headaches
• Decrease muscle tension and tightness
• Increase range of motion
• Learn the proper exercises and stretches for the upper and lower back that will help you lead a more healthy, pain free life.
• Learn how to RESET your posture

You can sign up for one or both of these free seminars by calling 920-738-0200, emailing patientservices@schubbeappleton.com or registering online here

Chiropractic Care of the Upper Back

There are many sources of dysfunction in the upper back (thoracic spine) especially when we consider the numerous joints and the interlacing of muscles that comprise the thoracic spine and rib cage. If one muscle or joint is injured or inflamed, it can create a cascade of pain and dysfunction that can be difficult to treat.

Chiropractic treatment and upper back pain

The mid and upper back is known as the thoracic spine, it is the largest portion of the spine, consisting of 12 of the 25 spinal bones (vertebrae). In comparison the neck (cervical spine ) has 7 vertebrae while the lower back (lumbar spine) has 5 vertebrae articulate with ribs and together protect the thorax, hence the name, thoracic spine.

Upper back pain is a phenomenon that affects all age groups. Upper back pain while common receives much less attention than neck and lower back pain.

Thoracic disc herniation

Due to the limited motion in the thoracic spine, caused by the bony barrier of the ribs, Thoracic disc herniations are relatively rare. But when they do occur, they can create much pain and dysfunction.

Whenever practical and safe, conservative (nonsurgical) care, such as chiropractic, is advisable prior to the use of more invasive procedures, such as spinal injections or surgery.

The goal of the chiropractic treatment of thoracic disc herniation is to reduce pain and dysfunction while the body heals itself.

Since most disc extrusions naturally regress in a few months, chiropractors will attempt to reduce the pain and pressure caused by the disc herniation.

Some chiropractors will recommend nutritional support to reduce the pain and swelling associated with a disc herniation.

Myofascial pain syndrome

Fascia is a layer of connective tissue that contributes to the supportive structure of the spine and musculoskeletal system. The fascia invests or surrounds the muscles and allows for the smooth gliding of one muscle upon another. Investing fascia helps to prevent muscles from adhering to each other.

With injury, chronic postural stress or overuse, myofascial trigger points or myfascual adhesions may develop – all commonly referred to as myofascial pain syndrome.

Chiropractors treat myofascial pain syndromes such as myofascial trigger points or adhesions with manual myofascial therapy. This therapy normally includes the use of direct pressure upon the trigger point, or the use of active anchor and stretch myofascial release techniques.

Joint dysfunction

The thoracic spine is a marvel of joint interaction and complex motion patterns. Composed of a total of 220 separate joints, it makes up the lion’s share of the 313 total joints in the entire spine. With this many interactive articulation it is east to see that maintaining normal joint function, motion and position is important. Chiropractors treat thoracic joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments.

There are a variety of chiropractic adjustments techniques that can be used to adjust a dysfunctional joint:

                Most chiropractors employ manual adjusting techniques that utilize precise thrusting adjustments to help normalize joint function.

                Chiropractors can also use softer directional adjusting techniques or adjusting instruments to accommodate the needs of the patient

Thoracic outlet syndrome

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder in which the nerves of the brachial plexus and blood vessels are compressed. This compression can cause great pain and altered sensations such as a “pins and needles” sensation in the hands.

Treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome can include stretching, manual trigger point therapy and myofascial anchor and stretch release techniques to the affected muscles. Chiropractors may also include adjustments and postural instruction.

Thoracic /shoulder dysfunction

The function of the shoulder and the upper back are interrelated. Studies have shown that thrusting manipulations applied to the thoracic spine and ribs have reduced should pain and dysfunction. Chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic region can be beneficial to certain types of should dysfunction.

There are many causes and treatment options for thoracic spine disorders. Chiropractors have a wide range of treatment options for treating these conditions. Chiropractors are increasingly joining collaborative spinal care teams as a drug-free option for treating spinal and musculoskeletal conditions. 

Adapted from Spine-Health.com Newsletter

Chiropractic Manipulation of the Cervical Spine

Manipulation of the cervical spine or neck region is a common technique utilized by doctors of chiropractic for many patients complaining of neck, upper back and shoulder/arm pain, as well as headaches. Read more about this first line of treatment for cervical spine conditions.

Types of chiropractic manipulation

The goals of cervical adjustment include reduction of pain, improved motion and restored function. There are two general approaches for cervical spine complaints:

1.                  manipulation-often thought of as the traditional chiropractic adjustment, or a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) technique

2.                  mobilization – which is a more gentle/less forceful adjustment, or a low-velocity, low-amplitude(LVLA) technique moving the joint through a tolerable range of motion.

A combination of the various approaches varies among patients depending on the chiropractors preferred technique the patients comfort and preferences and the patients response to the treatment as well as both past experience and observations made during the course of treatment.

Adjudicative therapies may include massage therapeutic hear and /or cold application, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises and more

The cracking sound

The HVLA manipulation usually results in a release called cavitation which is created in part by gas escaping from the joint capsule when the joint is moved quickly within its passive range of motion, well within its passive range of motion, well within the tissue boundaries.

This type of chiropractic adjustment creates the typical cracking sound that is often associated with joint manipulation. It sounds similar to cracking one's knuckles.

While this cracking description of a chiropractic high velocity, low-amplitude thrust may give an impression of something that is uncomfortable, many patients find the sensation is relieving and may provide immediate relief of painful symptoms.

Gentle mobilization or adjustment?

There are several reasons a chiropractor may recommend gentle (LVLA) chiropractic techniques, such as:

1.                  Patient preference: some patients do not feel comfortable with the traditional high-velocity thrust manipulation and prefer an approach that does not involve twisting their neck or joint “popping”

2.                  Provider experience: some chiropractors may favor one technique and most chiropractors utilize several approaches and often modify and adapt several techniques to the patient’s needs and preferences.

3.                  Contraindications: some patients may not be able to tolerate the traditional chiropractic adjustment based on past experience or a prior injury or condition.

Gentle techniques

If the patient cannot relax or simply dislikes the cracking feeling or sound a gentle form of chiropractic adjustment may be utilized. Some of these methods include a slower technique performed with in the passive range of joint motion.

1.                  Cervical mobilization – the chiropractor manually moves the vertebra in the neck left to right and vice verse, alternating between the side to side motion and a figure 8 movement, applied at varying degrees of moving the head forward, backward, and to the side and in rotation. This is a smooth, non-thrust type of stretch.

2.                  Cervical manual traction- the chiropractor gently pulls on the neck, stretching the cervical spine often varying the angle between flexion (forward) and extension (backward) based on comfort and searching for the correct angle to most efficiently reduce the tightness.

3.                  Cervical “drop” techniques – the chiropractor places a hand and/or finger over the spinal segment requiring the adjustment. A medium to high velocity, low amplitude thrust, or a non-thrust gradual increasing downward pressure is applied until the drop section/ head piece of the table releases and drops a short distance. The goal is to reduce the fixation or restricted motion of the cervical vertebra assisted by the special table.

Typical cervical problems

•                     Mechanical neck pain includes pain generated from muscle, tendons, joint capsules, ligaments and /or the fascia. This type of problem is a common cause of neck pain and stiffness. Most of the time, many of these tissues are simultaneously injured and can cause pain both locally as well as at a distance away from the injury site.

•                     Cervical disc problem – tears can develop in the cervical disc and /or the inside of the disc (the nucleus) can herniate through the outer part (the annulus) and trap or pinch the nerve root as it exits the spine.

•                     Cervical nerve root irritation can frequently refer pain down the arm and into the hand. Usually affecting specific regions such as the 4^th and 5^th digits, the palm side thumb to 3^rd fingers and/ or the back of the hand on the thumb, index finger side of hand depending on which nerve root is irritated.

•                     The above are tow broad examples of types of cervical spine problems that may be treated with cervical spinal manipulation. The patient needs to receive a complete exam prior to cervical manipulation.

Starting an Exercise Ball Program

Many treatment programs for low back pain incorporate use of an exercise ball (also called a stability or fitness ball) to strengthen the core muscles in the stomach and back that support the spine. Exercise ball exercises clearly work and have been adopted in non-rehabilitation exercise programs by athletes and fitness buffs looking to cross-train and strengthen their core muscles.

This article provides several simple steps to choose, get familiar with, and benefit from using an exercise ball on a regular basis.

Choosing the right exercise ball

Physical therapist, exercise trainers, chiropractors and other professionals have constructed several guidelines to use when selecting the proper exercise ball size.

When sitting upright on an exercise ball:

1.       Feet should be flat on the floor with an even weight distribution.

2.       Knees should be level or slightly lower than the pelvis – creating an angle of 90 degrees or slightly greater at the hips and knees (thighs parallel to ground or pointing down slightly).

3.       Pelvis, shoulders and ears should be in a vertical line; the body should not be leaning in any direction as a counter balance. Bouncing up and down lightly will usually produce this alignment.

Exercise balls generally come in five different diametrical sizes to be accordingly used by people of differing body compositions.

It is important to note that height alone is not the only factor in determining ball size. Because the exercise balls are flexible and offer resistance, weight is also an important factor.

A general guideline for height correspondence to diameter of exercise ball is as follows (assuming average body weight is proportional to height):

Ball diameter	Your height
45cm	5’ and under
55cm	5’1” -5’8”
65cm	5’9” -6’2”
75cm	6’3” -6’7”
85 cm	6’8” and taller

If body weight to height or larger than the average proportion, sitting on the exercise ball will compress it down more, so try using the next larger exercise ball size in order to maintain the 90-degree rule. Another factor to keep in mind is that most exercise ball sizes have some adjustability to them. If the angles at the hips and knees are much greater than 90 degrees, some air can be released to compensate and vice versa.

Bear in mind, releasing air from the exercise ball will cause it to lose air pressure. As the ball flattens out, this will actually make it more stable, as it has a larger contact area with the resisting surface and the body. This means that stabilizing and balancing exercises will become easier and will lose some effectiveness.

Exercise balls also lose pressure because of stretching from regular usuage. Therefore, as the ball ages, it may require further inflation. On the other hand, adding excessive air to the exercise ball will increase the difficulty of balancing and stabilizing, as the contact area decreases.

Starting an exercise ball program

Just siting on an exercise ball is active and requires the core body muscles to work to hold the body upright and balance on the ball. Until sitting on the exercise ball feels comfortable, it is often a good idea to not have the ball fully inflated;a slightly deflated exercise ball is more stable.

·         Sit in the center of the ball with both fee firmly on the ground about shoulder width apart, if this is difficult, than us a wider stance.

·         The knees should be in line over the ankles

·         Shoulders should be in line over the body (not hunching forward) and the head squarely over the next (not leaning forward).

One can easily sit on the exercise ball while working at a desk or computer workstation and use it as an alternative to a tradition office chair. Others prefer to sit on it while watching television. Whatever the use, sitting on an exercise ball as some point of the day is helpful to strengthen the core muscles that support the spine.

Beginning stretches

There are several stretches that are easy to do when starting to use an exercise ball. These stretching exercises help with proprioception, of the sense of the position or parts of the body relative to the rest of the body and with balance. Each of these stretches should be done slowly 8 to 12 times.

·         Move the hips from side-to- side. While sitting on the exercise ball (as described above) and keeping the knees still, move the hips gently from side to side. Pause for a second as the end of each sideways movement to allow for a gentle stretch.

·         Move hips from front – to –back. While keeping the knees still, place hands on the knees and rotate the hips forward by tucking the buttocks first under the pelvis and then push them out behind the pelvis. All the motion should be limited to the hip area, not the knees or chest. 

CranialSacral Therapy

Everyday, you endure stresses and strains and your body absorbs them. But your body can only handle so much tension before the tissues begin to tighten and potentially affect the brain and spinal cord.

CranioSacral Therapy releases those tensions to allow the entire body to relax and self-correct. Using a gentle touch – starting with about the weight of a nickel – practitioners evaluate your internal environment. Then they use distinctive light-touch techniques to release any restrictions they find.

By feeling the central nervous system to perform at its best, CranioSacral Therapy naturally eliminates pain and stress, strengthens your resistance to disease, and enhances your health and well-being.

And because it’s so gentle, CranioSacral Therapy can be effective for all ages, from newborns to elders.

CranioSacral Therapy improves your body’s ability to take better care of you. It helps relieve a full spectrum of pain, illness and dysfunction, including:
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic neck and back pain
Stress and tension-related disorders
Brain and spinal cord injuries
Chronic fatigue
Fibromyalgia
TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System Disorders
Learning Disabilities
ADD/ADHD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic problems
And many other conditions

What can I expect from a session?
A typical CranioSacral Therapy session takes place in a quiet, private setting. You remain fully clothed as you relax on a comfortable, padded table.

Your therapist begins by gently touching various parts of your body to monitor the rhythm of the fluid that is flowing around your central nervous system.

By carefully listening with the hands to locate areas of weak fluid flow or tissue motion, your practitioner can trace those areas of weakness through the body to the original source of dysfunction.

Delicate manual techniques are then used to release those problem areas and improve the form and function of your central nervous system.

A CranioSacral Therapy session can last up to an hour or more. It can be used alone or integrated with other therapies to create powerful effects. What you experience from your own session is highly individual. The sessions are generally deep relaxing, creating feelings of warmth or gentle pulsing in the area the therapist is working on.

Ruth Ann Mahony at our Neenah clinic is a fully trained and experienced CranioSacral Therapy Practitioner. Schedule your appointment today by calling Ruth Ann directly at (480) 495-8260.

December Massage Specials

Be sure to take advantage of these specials offered in December!

Appleton Massage Offer:

1.       Purchase a massage gift certificate and your name will be entered in a drawing to win a Young Living bamboo diffuser and 2 bottles of essential oils.

2.       December only special – purchase 4 one hour massages for $180 (normally $60 per hour).  Massage includes hot stones, hot packs and aroma therapy.

Gift certificates and massage specials may be purchased by stopping in the Appleton Office or by calling Michelle Schreiber at 920-540-0807.  Michelle Schreiber operates a massage business in the Appleton Office but is not employed by Schubbe Resch.

Neenah Massage Offer:

$10 off a 60 minute massage December 1^st – December 31^st - Gift certificates available! 

Laptop Setup

Laptops are designed with portability in mind rather than with sound ergonomic principles.   If the screen is at the right height, then the keyboard is too high - if the keyboard is in the right position, then the screen is too close and too low.

Given these challenges, here are some tips for laptop setups:

1. Use a large screen - purchase a laptop with the largest screen possible to avoid the stressful posture that results from straining to see the text on a small screen.  If you still find yourself straining to see your screen, increase the font size.
2. Place the screen at eye level - set your laptop height and screen angel so you can easily view the screen without bending or rotating your neck.  Put it about arm's length in front of you.  To do this, you will usually need to elevate the laptop a few inches above your desk, which you can do by placing it on a stable support surface, such as a laptop stand or a thick book.
3. Don't slouch - propping your laptop on top of your lap requires you to slouch down to see the screen. So if you must work on your lap, put the laptop on your briefcase so you can raise it up slightly.
4. Use a separate keyboard - when using a laptop for extended periods, use an external, full sized keyboard and position it at a height that allows your shoulders and arms to be in relaxed position, with your elbows at 90 degree so your wrists can stay in a flat position.
5. Use a separate mouse - use a separate mouse rather than the one that is incorporated into your laptop.  Consider placing the mouse on an adjustable position platform so you can keep your wrist flat while using it.

These tips were taken from a Spine-Health.com newsletter.

Sitting Hurts Your Health

We have always been told that it is good to get up and stretch if you sit at a desk, fly in a plane, or drive in a car for prolonged periods.  However, recent statistics are adding up to suggest that sitting is very detrimental to an individual's personal health!

Being sedentary (sitting) has been linked to:

• 49% greater risk of dying early.
• 112% increase in type 2 diabetes risk.
• 147% increase in cardiovascular disease risk.

Sitting down:

• Drops your calorie consumption to 1 cal. per minute the moment you sit.
• Causes a 90% drop in enzyme activity that helps to break down fat.
• Shuts off electrical activity in the leg muscles.

The average American reports spending:

• 2.8 hours/day watching TV
• 9.3 hours/day sitting
• 7.7 hours/day sleeping

NEAT (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is one helpful solution to combating the negative effects of prolonged sitting.  "This is considered movement that you do throughout the day that isn't formal exercise."  In other words, get out of your chair as often as possible.

I personally recommend taking breaks every 15-30 minutes from sitting, take the stairs instead of the elevator, parking in the back of the parking lot at work and when shopping, staying active with chores when watching your favorite TV show, and walking down the hall to talk to a coworker instead of emailing them.

Sources:  2012 study at University of Leicester in England

             May 2009 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise

             January 2011 Journal of the American College of Cardiology

             Medical Billing & Coding

             U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

             March 2014 Experience Life Magazine

What To Do When The Pain Goes Away

Chiropractic care has been proven to be a very effective and efficient method to relieving life’s aches and pains.  The duration of care and the treatment times are often brief.  When the pain goes away, treatment often ends. 

What can a patient do “when the pain goes away”?

1. Posture – it’s important… Here are some helpful tips:

Standing – Using good posture is an easy way to maintain a healthy mind and body. When you practice correct posture, your body is in alignment with itself. This can alleviate common problems such as back or neck pain, headaches, and fatigue. Simply “think string”…Imagine a string is attached to the top of your head and it is pulling you gently up towards the ceiling. Visualization techniques like this can guide you to the proper posture position.

Sitting - If you sit for long hours, find a chair and work station that fits your body. The chair should allow your feet to touch the floor with your knees at a 90 degree angle. If this is not an option, try using a foot rest for support. With your lower back supported against the back of the seat or a lower back cushion, try to align your ears shoulders and hips in a straight line.  This will help you avoid slouching or leaning forward.  Adjust your chair forward or back so your elbows are at a 90 degree angle. If your elbows are too straight, you are too far back. If they are less than 90 degrees, you are sitting too close. Regardless, if you are too far away or too close, this will cause you to slouch.  Always, attempt to get out of your chair and move around for a few minutes for every 30 minutes you are sitting.

Sleeping - While you will not be able to consciously maintain a particular posture while sleeping, you can attempt the following: A firm mattress will help maintain proper back support. Sleeping on your back will help keep your shoulders and back aligned and comfortable. If you prefer sleeping on your side, try slipping a small, flat pillow between your knees to help keep your spine aligned and straight. Use a pillow to provide proper support and alignment for the head and shoulders. Don't overdo the pillows. Too many, and your head can be bent in an unnatural position. Whatever you do, avoid sleeping on your stomach. It is impossible to maintain good sleeping posture on your stomach.

2. Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques

When you are lifting, always attempt to bend at the knees and hips.  Not just the waist. Your back muscles are designed to stabilize your spine while your leg and pelvic muscles are designed to lift the weight.  Also, keep the objects close to your center of gravity. Another tip… if the object is heavy or awkward, ask for help.

3. Exercise – Flexibility / Strength / Cardiovascular

An all-around fitness program to enhance aerobic conditioning, muscular strength, flexibility and muscular endurance is a well known way to help prevent back and neck pain.  Programs can vary depending upon one’s fitness level, age and health.  In the event one has had a previous health concern, we recommend the program be designed by a trained professional.

4. Early Intervention with Chiropractic Care

Some patients rely on chiropractic care to help manage episodes of spinal problems. If you start to experience “warning signs” such as stiffness, achiness or twinges of pain, feel free to call for an appointment.  Early intervention typically shortens the duration of your condition and reduces the number of visits to get you pain free.

5. Chiropractic Wellness Care

Some patients have a chronic spinal condition that periodically turns into an acute problem. This leads to frustrating bouts of disability.  Often time’s regular chiropractic care can be integrated into this patient’s lifestyle to gain ongoing wellness without acute flare-ups. 

Our patients who have the once a month chiropractic appointment typically do the best.

How long you benefit from chiropractic care is always up to you.  

Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy representatives can meet with you individually to educate you further on how to keep the pain away. Call 920-720-0660 (Neenah) or 920-738-0200 (Appleton) to schedule your appointment today.

Don't Let Your Pillow Keep You Awake

Rest and sleep are the body's chance to heal itself from the postural, physical, and nervous insults of the day. The use of some of the following pillows can improve the quality of rest and repair, allowing one to wake up more rested and ready to face another day.

Different Types of Pillows
It is important to note that not all pillows work well for everyone.  A short trial of one week should be enough time to decide whether or not the pillow is providing benefits.

• Knee Pillows - Side Sleeping -  using a traditional pillow either between the knees (when sleeping on the side) or below the knees (when sleeping on the back) can help alleviate strain on the lower back.  When sleeping on the side, bending the knees and placing a pillow between the knees prevents the knees from coming together and keeps the spine in the neutral position.  When there is no support between the legs, the upper leg rotates downward, pulling the pelvis, and distorting the natural curve of the spine.  Adding support between the knees can prevent back pain induced by these types of forces and allow the back to heal and rest while sleeping.  Usually a firm pillow between the knees works better than a softer pillow because it serves somewhat as a kickstand to keep the upper leg from rotating over the lower leg.
• Knee Pillows - Back Sleeping - when sleeping on the back, placing a pillow underneath the back of the knees helps reduce the load on the lower back.  Some people even prefer to have two pillows to elevate their knees higher.  With two or more pillows underneath the knees, the lumbar spine is flattened, putting less force on the facet joints of the spine.  This position is the best overall to help the back rest comfortably, and many people find that this is the only way they can sleep during a severe bout of back pain or while recovering from spine surgery.
• Body Pillows - a pillow that is as long as the body can serve several functions for people who prefer to sleep on their side as the top portion can be used to support the head and neck, while the bottom portion supports the knees and legs.  Some people find this more comfortable than using separate pillows for the head and knees.  In particular, women who are pregnant may find that a body pillow that provides added support for the abdominal area helps them rest comfortably.  Throwing the top leg over the body pillow while side sleeping should be avoided as this places a twisting force on the lower thoracic and lumbar spine.
• Neck Pillows - a pillow that is contoured to fill the spaces under the head and neck can be helpful for people with cervical spine problems.  Also called cervical pillows or orthopedic pillows, this type of pillow had a deeper depression where the head lies, and extra support under the neck.  People with cervical pain may favor these pillows, as they fill the hollow space created by the neck and help keep the neck in alignment with the spine.  Some orthopedic pillows tend to wear out after one or two years and may need replacing.

Using a variety of pillows for both comfort and support can make a big difference in alleviating or avoiding back pain and getting a good night's sleep.  For people with spinal disorders, the right type of support can be especially important in helping the spine rest comfortably.

For example, most down or feather pillows offer very little structural support compared to pillows filled with firmer materials.  People who suffer from moderate or sever spinal dis degeneration, spinal stenosis, myofascial pain, or trauma often seem to experience a more restful night's sleep with a firmer pillow.  Pillow filled with grain or buckwheat hulls are often effective for people with any of the above mentioned conditions.

Our offices sell a variety of different chiropractic pillows including the contoured pillows and the buckwheat pillows.  Ask your chiropractor if you would benefit from a specific pillow for your condition.

Good Posture Can Help Reduce Back Pain

Correct posture is a simple but very important way to keep the many intricate structures in the back and spine healthy.  It is much more than cosmetic - good posture and back support are critical to reducing the incidence and levels of back pain and neck pain.  Back support is especially important for patients who spend many hours sitting in an office chair or standing throughout the day.

Guidelines to Improve Posture:

For correction of poor posture, it is important to determine where improvement is needed, such as when sitting in an office chair.  Next, patients must work on changing daily habits to correct those areas.  This effort will improve back support and over time help decrease back pain and neck pain.  It will take some effort and perseverance, and will seem a little unnatural at first.  It is typical to feel uncomfortable, and even feel a little taller, but over time the new posture will seem natural and more comfortable.

Sitting Posture for Office Chairs

• Be sure the back is aligned against the back of the office chair.  Avoid slouching or leaning forward, especially when tired from sitting in the office chair for long periods.
• For long term sitting, be sure the chair is ergonomically designed to properly support the back and that it is a custom fit.
• When sitting in an office chair at a desk, arms should be flexed at a 75 to 90 degree angle at the elbows.  If this is not the case, the office chair should be adjusted accordingly.
• Knees should be even with the hips or slightly higher when sitting in an office chair.

Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics

• Know the warning signs of back pain caused by poor ergonomics and posture.  Back pain may be the result of poor ergonomics and posture if the back pain is worse at certain times of the day or week (such as after a long day sitting in an office chair in front of a computer, but not during the weekend); pain that starts in the neck and moves downwards into the upper back, lower back and extremities; pain that goes away after switching positions while sitting or standing; sudden back pain that is experienced with a new job, a new office chair, or a new car; and/or back pain that comes and goes for months.
• Get up and move. As muscles tire, slouching. slumping, and other poor postures become more likely; this in turn puts extra pressure on the neck and back.  In order to maintain a relaxed yet supported posture, change positions frequently.  One way is to take a break from sitting in an office chair every half hour for 2 minutes in order to stretch, stand, and walk.

Our offices provide on site ergonomic assessments and workplace wellness programs.  If you are interested in finding out more about proper office chair set-up, contact our Appleton office at 920-738-0200 or our Neenah office at 920-720-0660.

Article content from Spine-Health.com

Headache and Migraine Treatment

Let’s face it, nobody likes having a headache.  It not only affects our day-to-day lives, but it can also affect how we act towards others around us.  If you have a headache, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. Some are occasional, some frequent, some are dull and throbbing, and some cause debilitating pain and nausea.

What do you do when you suffer from a pounding headache? Do you grit your teeth and carry on? Lie down? Pop a pill and hope the pain goes away? There is a better alternative.

Research shows that spinal manipulation – the primary form of care provided by doctors of chiropractic – may be an effective treatment option for tension headaches and headaches that originate in the neck.  A report released in 2001 by researchers at the Duke University Evidence-Based Practice Center in Durham, NC, found that spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originate in the neck, and had significantly fewer side effects and longer-lasting relief of tension-type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.

Also, a 1995 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that spinal manipulative therapy is an effective treatment for tension headaches and that those who ceased chiropractic treatment after four weeks experienced a sustained therapeutic benefit in contrast with those patients who received a commonly prescribed medication.

There are many triggers for headaches, but one of the most common causes is muscle tension and stress on the joints in the neck that are active in supporting the head.  This can affect nerves, muscles and even the blood supply to your head.

 Chiropractic care for headaches will typically consist of spinal manipulation to restore normal mobility to the joints in the neck that may be restricted, a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises to help with any muscular imbalances and/or soft tissue modalities such as interferential current (IFC) to help reduce muscular tension and nerve irritation.

“I was living with terrible migraines day after day and it was impacting my work life as well as personal life. I was even having troubles sleeping through the night. I had tried all sorts of pain relievers without any relief. I could tell that my neck was super tight, and someone suggested to me to see Dr. Lara. I had never been to a chiropractor before, so I was super nervous. She was more than gentle with me and took everything very slow. She did a thorough job explaining what she was doing and why, which helped ease my nerves. The very next day, after one adjustment, my terrible migraine was gone. I couldn’t believe that I had been living with that pain for so long with such a readily available fix.” – Gina Havlovick

While we can’t guarantee chiropractic care will be the answer for everybody, our offices have a high success rate with patients who get headaches.  If we are unable to find and correct the cause of your headaches, we will refer you to a specialist who may be able to help in another way.  Your health is our only goal.

New! Free Pain Assessments

Our offices are offering a new service to potential patients - a FREE pain assessment.  We have added a link to our website that is accessible from every page, so you can request the free assessment from anywhere on our website www.schubberesch.com.  Once you submit your request, a staff person from our office will contact you to see when you would like to schedule your meeting with one of our chiropractors.

Our doctors will discuss your current condition and let you know what we can do to help get you out of pain.

There is no charge for the assessments, however, if additional services are performed on the day of the examination, applicable insurance benefits will apply (deductible, co-pay, co-insurance).  Sorry - Medicare beneficiaries are excluded from this offer due to Medicare laws.

Meet Our Experts!

Please join our doctors on either Tuesday, October 23rd or Thursday, October 25th for an informal presentation to see if you could benefit from chiropractic care.  Hear about the latest chiropractic treatment options and drug-free approaches to pain relief.  Visit with our doctors, ask questions, receive free gifts, and more.

We are excited to offer potential patients the opportunity to personally meet the doctors at our two facilities, and find out what chiropractic is all about.  We will have demonstrations to show you the newest services that we offer including Kinesio Taping, Graston Technique, and Active Release Technique.  You'll have the chance to ask our doctors questions about general topics as well as specific concerns.

We also invite you to explore our website - www.schubberesch.com - to see the many services we offer.  Our goal is to get our patients out of pain as quickly as possible, and to give them tools to keep themselves out of pain.

Registration is required and space is limited.

Tuesday, October 23rd
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Neenah office
1511 S. Commercial St.
Call 920-720-0660 or email schubbereschneenah@gmail.com to register.

Thursday, October 25th 
5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Appleton office
2200 S. Kensington Dr.
Call 920-738-0200 or email patientservices@schubbeappleton.com to register.

Chiropractic Care for High School Athletes

High School and sports go together. From soccer, to baseball to football, we’re pushing our student athletes to excel at earlier ages. With more access to sports, there are also increased risks of injury. Chiropractic care from early on can help reduce the possibility of injury, and help a high school athlete recover quicker when injury occurs.

High school athletes are increasingly turning to chiropractic care to help them relieve pain and stay fit. Many athletes seek chiropractic care on their own. However, there is a growing trend for schools and professional teams to either have a direct relationship with a chiropractor or have one on their medical staff.

Many athletes began looking into chiropractic care in the mid-eighties. Quarterback, Joe Montana, was treated on national TV by a chiropractor before the 1989 Super Bowl. Following their win in the Super Bowl, the San Francisco 49ers decided to have a chiropractic physician on staff permanently. Today, according to the NFL, all teams either have a chiropractor on staff, or have a chiropractor visit the team weekly.

No matter which sport high school athletes play, no matter how young or old, just about every athlete will experience some sort of sports injury at some time in his or her life. Sometimes the competitive drive can push athletes to reach beyond the maximum output of their bodies. Often this type of output leads to various types of sports injuries, such as pulled muscles, torn ligaments, or broken limbs.

Chiropractic Care Can Help...

Doctors of chiropractic are trained and licensed to treat the entire neuromusculoskeletal system and can provide advice on sports training, nutrition and injury prevention to young athletes. Chiropractic care can be very effective at treating a myriad of sports injuries. For many athletes, chiropractic offers a non-invasive, prescription-free path to restored physical ability.

Athletes, young and old, I encourage you to consider chiropractic for proper care to “stay in the game.”

Teens and Back or Neck Pain

What parents need to know, what to look for, and when to seek treatment 

As teens transition from an active summer to a school year of sitting, reading, video games, computers, and heavy back packs, they often suffer from back and neck pain, as well as headaches.

There can be several sources of neck and back pain.

• Poor posture such as rounded shoulders and forward head carriage
• Spinal misalignments that occur with contact sports, tubing, trampolines, stomach sleeping etc.
• Scoliosis which is a 10% curvature of the spine that usually develops between the ages of 10 and 15
• Meningitis – symptoms include pain and stiffness in the neck while touching the chin to the chest, fever, persistent headache,  and vomiting. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR CHILD HAS MENINGITIS!

The doctors at Schubbe Resch Chiropractic and Physical Therapy Centers treat children and teens with neck and back pain on a daily basis. We are happy to discuss your concerns by phone if you would like to find out if chiropractic care may be helpful for your teen.

We will evaluate your child and determine the most effective treatment, whether it be chiropractic care, physical therapy, or referral to your medical provider.

ART Workshop Tuesday, August 7th at 5:30 pm

Dr. Nathan Zachor will hold an ART (Active Release Technique) workshop at our Appleton office on Tuesday, August 7th at 5:30 pm.  Please call our office at 920-738-0200 to register or send email to patientservices@schubbeappleton.com.  Class participants should wear comfortable athletic clothing as Dr. Nathan will be demonstrating on volunteers!

ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
For more information, visit the ART website at http://www.activerelease.com.

Foam Rolling Workshop - Appleton Office

We had a great turn out at our April 26th foam rolling workshop.  Lace Luedke P.T. and Tyler Norton P.T.A. led the group through the moves on the foam rollers.

Participants learned a variety of techniques to help treat muscle soreness, aches and pains.

Sign up for our monthly e-newsletters to learn about future workshops and classes.

Continuing Education and More at the Neenah Office

In addition to seeing patients and leading busy personal lives, our providers also found time to complete the following continuing education classes recently.

• Kari Resch, PT and Chris Resch, DC just completed Modules I and II of the Kinesio Taping Certification
• Kari Resch, PT and Tiffany Armstrong, BS, CTES attended a Therapeutic Yoga course
• Kari Resch, PT and Chris Resch, DC became certified in the Graston Technique

Additional Presentations and Noteworthy Activities:

• Chris Resch, DC will present 6 Lower Back Safety talks at Perfecseal, a division of Bemis Company.
• Kari Resch, PT and Chris Resch, DC will lead the Neenah Girls Basketball team through the Quicker-Faster-Stronger program for the second summer in a row.
• Tony Weyenberg, DC will be coaching T-Ball for the age 4-6 Neenah Baseball Program

Whew!