While KinesioTape has been used by chiropractors, physical therapists and trainers around the world for about 30 years, it really became  well known during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.  Numerous athletes in every Olympic sport used the tape but it was beach volleyball gold medalist Kerri Walsh that really became the poster child for Kinesio Tape.

Traditional athletic tape restricts movement to protect joints. Kinesio Tape on the other hand has similar elastic properties to muscle. Depending on how the tape is applied this elasticity can be used to facilitate or inhibit muscle or joint movement.

The increased recognition of the effectiveness of Kinesio Tape has spawned a number of competing brands. Unfortunately, there is a wide variety  in the quality of these competing products that make some of them almost inappropriate for kinesio taping applications. Some of the kinesio taping products are available in regular retail outlets. The danger to this is that the tape itself  is not a magic “cure all”. Correct application is crucial for the tape to do its job properly. In some cases an incorrect application could even be detrimental to the injury that is being treated.

I am currently in the process of completing the Kinesio Taping Certification program. After the final class next month I will then complete the examination to become a Certified Kinesio Taping Practitioner (CKTP).

The athletes at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games popularized the use of Kinesio Tape for sports injuries, but it is also useful in cases of whiplash, swelling or edema, muscle weakness, postural issues and more. I have already seen some great results with kinesio tape for some of these injuries on my patients. So far  the people of Redlands seem to prefer the more subtle beige color, rather than the black, pink or blue that was so visible at the olympics 

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The short answer is “yes”.  For many patients the best way to address this problem and heal their pain or injury is through the use of an orthotic.

Orthotics are customized insoles that are placed in an individuals shoe to correct improper alignment or movement of the feet. Faulty bio mechanics of the feet can lead to pain and injury in the  ankles, shins, knees, hips and low back as well as the feet.

Traditionally, custom orthotics were made by casting a plaster mold of the foot or by having the patient step into a block of foam to create an impression of the foot. While these methods have been used for many years they do have a number of drawbacks.  Plaster casting is time consuming, can be very messy and can produce an inaccurate orthotic if the patient moves their foot at all before the plaster cures and hardens. The foam box method is prone to error as well if the patient does not step into the foam completely straight as they make the impression in the foam.

More recently some companies have begun to use static digital scanners to produce their orthotics. Unfortunately, these scanners produced a static image of the foot and do not account for variations present during regular movement of the foot.

The newest technology as found in the Footmaxx Metascan system allows us to take an accurate scan of the foot while walking or even running. The Footmaxx system scans the foot 150 times per second. It is this scanning speed that makes  scanning the foot while walking or running possible. The Footmaxx Metascan Dynamic software interprets the dynamic weight bearing scanner data to assess the feet and fabricate a custom orthotic.

We are excited to have the Footmaxx Metascan at Redlands Spine & Sport. The ability to produce these accurate high quality orthotics will be a benefit to many of our current and future patients.  This scanner will provide us with objective data to help determine whether a patient is a candidate for orthotics or whether another treatment modality is more appropriate for them.

While many athletes benefit from orthotics, they are just as important for anyone who spends a great deal of time on their feet, especially on hard surfaces. As part of our introduction of this new service at Redlands Spine & Sport we will be providing this scan free of charge! This is only for a limited time so call to schedule your scan today!

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2009 has come and gone and a new decade is underway. This year, like other years, many people have made New Year’s resolutions. A large percentage of resolutions involve improving health and most of those resolutions involve losing weight. Anyone who is a member of a health club can verify that the club is packed to the rafters with people during the first few weeks of January. And coffee shops stock fewer pastries, and restaurants sell more salads. But for most of the resolution crowd things are back to normal by the time February rolls around. So what can you do to follow through with your health goals, turning them from resolutions into your lifestyle?

Some keys to help follow through on these resolutions include writing down the goal, breaking it into smaller pieces, and finding a partner with a similar goal. With the goal written down, place it where you will see it so that you are regularly reminded of your goal. You can even place it so that you see it at your weak points, such as by the cabinet if you are trying to cut back on mid-day snacking. In addition to just the goal, write down why you want to achieve it. Or put a picture of the bathing suit you hope to wear this summer beside it. Remember this isn’t just about restricting yourself, or doing things that aren’t your favorite, but also about reaching something you want.

Some lofty goals seem out of reach. Seeing people doing a marathon, that might seem like the impossible when you have just done your first 5k. But if you look at a training plan, it is all small steps: just a couple miles farther a week, and then you are there. Treat your resolution the same way. Break it down into smaller goals that are more easily attainable. You want to focus on success each day, not how far you are from the big, overarching goal. That big goal will become just another step.

But what if you are tired, and want to stay in bed just this once? Another motivational tool is to find a friend who has a similar goal, and you can help keep each other accountable and on track. Plan to meet at the gym, or for a walk or run, and it will help you get out the door. Someone is waiting on you, and counting on you to help them. And in helping them, you’ll also help yourself. Don’t worry if your resolution buddy isn’t local enough to meet up with: having a planned phone call can work just as well as a meeting time.

Regular exercise is a common resolution

Once on a pathway to an exercise or weight loss resolution, the last thing you want is an injury to derail your progress and keep you from your goal. At Redlands Spine & Sport we specialize in the treatment of athletes and sports injuries. If you are starting an exercise program we encourage you to come in for an examination and treatment to make sure your body is aligned and moving and functioning properly to help prevent an injury.

Help those around you be successful with their resolutions as well! If you have any friends or family members that could benefit from our services please have them mention this article to receive 50% off of their initial examination. This offer is good until January 31, 2010.

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The 1st Annual Redlands Spine & Sport Toy Drive was a great success. We would like to thank our new patients who donated a new unwrapped toy in exchange for their initial examination as well as our existing patients who also donated . Hundreds of dollars of new toys were picked up from our office by a representative from Childhelp to be distributed to children they assist. Thanks to your generosity, dozens of kids had a much brighter Christmas than they would have had otherwise.

Toys for Childhelp

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Many of you have seen us at our booth at a variety of locations around Redlands. In the past couple of months we have been involved with a number of local golf tournaments, health fairs, running races and triathlons. At many of these events Suzy provides massage care for the athletes as they finish a race or to loosen them up before a round of golf. If you know of any events that are looking for expo participants please let us know! We would appreciate the opportunity to provide our services and increase the awareness of our office in the Redlands area.

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Every year I hold a toy drive at my office to collect toys that are then distributed to those less fortunate.  In these tough economic times there is an even greater need for these type of donations. This year I am pleased to announce that our toy drive will support the Childhelp organization. Childhelp® exists to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children. They focus our efforts on advocacy, prevention, treatment, and community outreach. They are a national organization that provides residential treatment facilities for neglected and abused children. The local facility, Merv Griffin Village, provides shelter for up to 80 children between the ages of six and thirteen.
I would encourage each of you to bring a new unwrapped to our office between now and Friday December 18, 2009. We will bring these toys to those involved with Childhelp so they can be distributed to the children.  Furthermore, if you have any friends or family members that could benefit from our services I will provide a complimentary initial examination if they bring in a new unwrapped toy valued at least $20. This examination is a regular $70 value. Please pass this information around so we can collect as many toys as possible.

Dr. Michael S. Donia, D.C., CCSP

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Plantar fasciitis usually presents as pain in the arch of the foot or on the underside of the heel. The pain is often worst during the first few steps in the morning or after sitting for extended periods as the fascia tightens up overnight or while in a non weight bearing position. The pain may cause runners to cut their long runs short due to the increase in heel or arch pain. As the condition worsens the pain may be felt throughout the day. Left untreated for extended periods of time may actually lead to the formation of a heel spur where the plantar fascia tissue inserts onto the bottom of the heel bone (calcaneus). Plantar fasciitis is most common in sports which involve running, dancing or jumping. It occurs most frequently after an increase in training mileage or intensity.

Anatomy:    The plantar fascia is a fibrous band that runs from your heel to the ball of your foot. It is one thick band at the heel that splits into five sections that attach to the metatarsal heads.

What causes the injury?    Plantar fasciitis is usually an overuse injury. With every step we make our foot pronates to absorb the impact of our weight hitting the ground. Each time the foot pronates it places stress on the plantar fascia. This fibrous band lacks flexibility and as such is prone to tear if an undue amount of stress is placed on it. Many people that suffer with plantar fasciitis actually overpronate which increases the amount of stress on the fascia. After the fascia is injured it repairs itself with scar tissue. Scar tissue is easily inflamed and is even less elastic than the fascia. As a result it is even more prone to rearing and a nasty cycle develops. Tightness in the calf muscles (both gastrocnemius and soleus) also contribute to this injury as they pull on the calcaneus, effectively causing the plantar fascia to be even tighter.

How is it Treated? There are a number of aspects involved in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Rest is imperative with this injury to allow healing to begin. Runners are often encouraged to water run, cycle or swim rather than run until the pain has subsided. Initially ice and anti-inflammatories are used to decrease the inflammation. Ultrasound and myofascial release therapies help to break up the scar tissue that has formed along the fascia. This helps restore the normal cellular structure and alignment of the fascia and its regular inherent elasticity. A thorough examination and gait analysis should be performed to determine the need for specific pronation control shoes or orthotics. Taping the arch of the foot to provide support for the fascia is often helpful in the initial stages of treatment. Flexibility exercises are crucial for long term success of a treatment program. Stretching of the plantar fascia, the calf muscles and the hamstrings helps decrease the stress on the plantar fascia. A night splint will prevent the fascia from tightening up overnight to decrease the re-injury and pain felt during those initial steps in the morning. Towel exercises are very beneficial for strengthening the foot. In this exercise the patient is seated on a chair with a towel laid on the floor under their foot. Curl the toes to pull the towel towards you. Afterwards, used your toes to push the towel away from you.
In severe cases, anti-inflammatory injections such as cortisone shots may be required to reduce the inflammation. In the worst cases surgery may be a last resort to ultimately relieve the problem.

As a runner and triathlete I have had to deal with most running injuries myself at some time during the last 20 years. As with many injuries it is not just the treatment modalities used but how and when they are used for the treatment to be most effective. As a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician I have acquired extensive post graduate training to determine the treatment protocol best suited to your specific case. Not only to alleviate the pain but to prevent the problem from reoccurring again in the future.

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Chiropractic care helps millions of people heal from their injuries so that they can continue to work, play and live their lives to the fullest. Click on the following video to watch Jerry Rice tell his story about how chiropractic care helped him in his life.

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On August 28th Kylie and I traveled up to Penticton, BC to volunteer at Ironman Canada and register for next years race. We were also able to cheer on many of our friends who were competing this year. While Kylie worked in the transition area helping athletes with their bikes I had the opportunity to work in the Ironman Medical Tent. As you can imagine, there were more than a few athletes that required our attention after an event of this magnitude. Each athlete was quickly assessed after they crossed the finish line to determine whether they needed to head into the medical tent or if they could go to the food and massage area. I worked in the first area of the tent where we monitored each athlete, taking vitals, making sure they replenished their fluids and arranging for their dry cloths to be sent to the tent. Once they stabilized and could get up and around on their own we would release them. If they wouldn’t improve or started to deteriorate we would have them taken over to the other side of the tent where the medical staff could arrange IV’s, medications or transport to an area hospital if needed.

It was a great experience, definitely different from what I see in the office on a day to day basis. It is amazing to see how the mind is able to push the body to get to the finish line, and then once it has achieved that goal, how everything wants to shut down and rest. It definitely emphasized the importance of proper training, proper pacingand having a sound nutrition and hydration plan when racing such a grueling event. I enjoyed working as part of the team with the nurses, paramedics and doctors in the tent, but you can be sure I don’t want to see them after my race there next year

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A large percentage of our population suffer from headaches. Most people accept these headaches as if they are normal. Although headaches are common, if you are experiencing them on a daily or weekly basis they are certainly not normal. There are different types of headaches, each with its own characteristic symptoms and causes. Headaches may be due to dehydration, skipping meals or the effects of alcohol. The more common types of headaches include migraines, tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches. The vast majority of headaches are associated with problems in the neck.

Migraine Headaches: There are two types of migraines: Classic Migraines (migraines with aura) and Common Migraines (migraines without aura). Classic migraines are preceded by a prodrome which is a progressively increasing blind spot surrounded by flashing lights. Common Migraines do not have a prodrome and account for 80-85% of migraines. Migraines usually affect women and present as a one-sided throbbing headache that is aggravated by bright light and noise. There appears to be a number of triggers including: changes in sleeping habits, environmental pollutants, medications (vasodilators) and certain foods such as chocalate, nuts, wine and cheese.

Cervicogentic Headaches: These headaches are the result of pain referral from soft tissue and spinal structures in the neck. They affect men and women and can occur daily. They may be associated with reduced or painful neck ranges of motion. These headaches usually feel as though they originate at the back of the neck or base of the skull. Poor posture, especially forward head carriage is the prime cause of this type of headache. there is usually associated muscle tightness and tenderness in the neck area.

Tension Headaches: These also occur frequently in both men and women and typically get worse in the afternoon or early evening. Pain is usually felt at the back of the head or over the eyes and my last for days. NSAID’s may provide some temporary relief but do not eliminate the headache. There is often overlap between tension and cervicogenic headaches.

Doctors of Chiropractic specialize in the treatment of the bones, muscles and nerves (the neuromusculoskeletal system). Using a thorough health history and physical examination a chiropractor is able to diagnose the cause of your headache and then recommend the appropriate treatment plan. This plan may include chiropractic manipulation, therapeutic massage, electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, cervical traction, dietary changes, and specific stretches and exercises. The goal of the treatment plan is to not only eliminate the headache but to address the underlying cause of the pain.

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