Accelerate Health

Have you ever seen people sporting brightly colored tape cut in unusual patterns on their bodies? Wonder if it is a new fashion trend? No, it is kinesiology tape! Commonly referred to as Kinesio Tape (although that is actually a particular brand name), the Kinesio brand tape and its therapeutic use was invented by a Japanese chiropractor named Dr. Kenzo Kase, who was searching for a way to provide a lasting therapuetic effect for his patients that would continue to give them relief after they left his office. Now patented, his tape has become a very popular treatment tool over the years and has been spotted on many professional athletes such as Lance Armstrong, Kevin Garnett, and David Beckham. It was also used extensively by the treatment staff at the 2008 Olympic Games.  Today, you can find numerous manufacturers of kinesiology tape, with Kinesio Tape, Rock Tape and SpiderTech being among the more popular and better quality brands. These companies also offer training courses to medical professionals on its proper application.

So what is Kinesio Tape and how does it work?  Kinesio Tape is a stretchy elastic tape with a heat activated adhesive on one side.  It is applied to the skin in a specific and direct way in order to affect one or more of five physiological systems: circulation, fascia, muscles, joints, or skin. The great thing about kinesiology tape is that it will stay on the skin for three to five days — that is approximately how long it takes for skin cells to slough off, painlessly and naturally releasing the tape from the skin. Unlike other athletic tapes, that restrict movement, full range of motion is maintained with this tape due to its elasticity. You can exercise with it, sleep with it, shower with it, sweat with it, and even match your outfit with it as it comes in a variety of colors. Black colored tape is a great option for athletes who spend a lot of time training outdoors because the sunlight attracting to the dark color further activates the tape adhesive, causing it to adhere to the skin even better. Because of the thinness and breathability of the tape, products like BioFreeze or IcyHot can be applied over the tape and rubbed in for added effect.

Kinesio Tape is commonly used to treat muscular imbalances, joint injuries, swelling, tissue adhesions, ligament and tendon injuries, postural dysfunctions, and neurological conditions.  The tape is cut to different lengths and shapes, applied in different directions, and stretched to different tensions depending on the condition being treated.  Kinesio Tape has shown positive results in everything from reducing the appearance of scars to alleviating headaches. It’s even been in the news recently for its therapeutic benefit in the treatment of race horses in the Kentucky Derby!

If you are interested in how Kinesio Tape can help you, please call Accelerate Health to schedule a consultation with our Certified Kinesio Tape Practitioner, Dr. Kendelle Krause.

Ouch. That’s usually the first word that comes to mind when you wake up the day after a marathon. Hopefully, it’s the good, hard-earned kind of “ouch” that you can wear with pride as you shuffle to work. But if you’re like most runners, you’ll be anxious to get back out there – and are already thinking about your next race.

So we asked our friends on the Runners Roost race team for some of their best tips for quick marathon recovery and added a few of our own:

• Ice Bath: If you can stand it, a nice ice bath can alleviate some of the swelling and aches and pains after your 26.2 – Doug
• Get Active: Try and walk a few miles the day after your race. Or maybe take a spin on the bike or elliptical. Go for a swim. Keeping the blood flowing can help shorten the amount of time you’re dealing with muscle soreness. – Steve
• Eat, Drink, Sleep: Eat well and hydrate for the 48 hours after a marathon – and sleep as much as possible. You need to help your body rejuvenate itself. – Kim
• Compression Socks: Especially good if you’re traveling after your race, compression socks improve recovery by boosting blood flow in the extremities. – Ryan
• Avoid Germs: Make sure you wash your hands a lot within the first 48 hours post-marathon and avoid being around sick people. You’re especially susceptible to germs during that time because your immune system is severely compromised. – Molly

And here is how Accelerate Health can you help recover from a marathon faster:

• Massage Therapy: Get a massage 24 to 48 hours after the marathon to help decrease pain, inflammation, swelling and help you flush out your system to get rid of metabolic waste.
• Acupuncture: Restore balance. Acupuncture reduces pain and muscle imbalances, promotes increased blood flow to stimulate healing and can help with those post-marathon blues. Running Times published a great article about this – Acupuncture: Reversing the Stressful Effects of Running.
• Functional Medicine:  Supplements can play a key role in your marathon recovery, including glutamine and omega 3 fish oils which can assist with reducing inflammation and soreness. To learn more, check out 5 Supplements to Improve Athletic Performance and Recovery.

We hope this helps you to get back to what you love faster!

1. i5

   A uniquely formulated protein shake made from a combination of pea and rice protein that contains a combination of supplements to support athletic performance and recovery. It was used by the U.S. cycling team during training for the Tour de France. This is no ordinary protein shake. Not only does i5 prevent heat shock and protein loss during training and athletic events, but it also contains several highly researched ingredients for anti-inflammatory support, improved immune function, intestinal health and full-body detoxification.

2. ImmunotiX 250

   This supplement was studied on marathon runners and prevented them from getting sick during training and after marathons. Contains a purified form of beta-glucan which has been recognized for its effectiveness in supporting immune system function.

3. Nitric Balance

   Many athletes are popping L-arginine supplements like candy to increase nitric oxide synthase (NOS) levels for increased muscle performance and long-term blood pressure-lowering benefits. Unfortunately, increasing levels of nitric oxide synthase has both positive and negative effects on the human body depending on which of the nitric oxide enzymes (synthases) are being expressed. There are three types; neuronal NOS (nNOS), epithelial NOS (eNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS). nNOS is beneficial and aids in nervous system function. eNOS is also beneficial. It dilates blood vessels, improves glucose uptake and activates mitochondria to help with cell function and recovery of muscle cells. Both nNOS and eNOS support healing and recovery and are responsible for blood pressure lowering benefits of nitric oxide. On the other hand, iNOS creates free radicals, promotes inflammation and tissue destruction. Nitric Balance provides compounds that are used to support the expression of nNOS and eNOS while dampening the expression of iNOS. Nitric balance should be taken immediately before exercise to ensure the beneficial nutrients are being delivered to all tissues in the body. By doing so, the following benefits may be achieved:

   • Decreased tissue inflammation and improved tissue healing
   • Improved peripheral blood flow to the hands, feet, brain and sexual organs
   • Support of brain endurance, function and focus
   • Increased metabolic endurance for exercise and rehabilitation
   • Healthy immune response

4. AC-Glutathione

   Glutathione prevents oxidative damage caused by training. Glutathione is the most powerful and active antioxidant compound in the cellular environment; it can be synthesized by any cell in the human body but is of particular importance in the liver for detoxification. Glutathione needs to be constantly recycled by the human body and this is not always being done efficiently. Restoring optimal glutathione levels not only provides Intracellular Antioxidant Support but also Supports Healthy Cell Function, detoxification and is a Powerful Immune Regulator; it may aid in resolving chronic inflammation, immune suppression and autoimmunity. Glutathione also Supports Amino Acid Transport Across Cell Membranes and Enhances the Antioxidant Activity of Vitamins C and E.

5. OSAplex MK-7

   All of the elements needed to ensure optimal bone density and flexibility. Strong bones need both optimal density and healthy collagen levels for flexibility.

• Provides Foundational Support with calcium in the form of Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Concentrate and contains Stabilized Silicon (ch-OSA®) for collagen regeneration.
• Provides a Complementary Combination of Micronutrients to support bone health, Including Calcium, Vitamin D, Silicon, and Vitamin K2.

If you are interested in learning more about nutrition and supplements to support your health and improve your performance, contact our office to schedule a consult with Dr. Vaughn.

Copyright © 2013. Dr. Lindy Vaughn, Accelerate Health. All rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, learn more ways to take control and become proactive in your health. Go to AccelerateHealthPC.com for more information or call our office at 303.863.8330.

As you know, the Accelerate Health team’s goals are to help you get back to doing what you love faster. One of our patients was kind enough to share her experience and we are so thrilled that she is living a full life, pain free.

Dr. Clark and the team at Accelerate Health have changed my life for the best. At my first appointment, I was in so much pain – all the specialists I went to could not pin point the reason for it, so they could not treat me. I felt so discouraged with no relief in sight. I would take occasional pain medication with no success due to the pain triggered by my nerves. I walked into the office basically in tears, and had a consultation with Dr. Clark.

Based on my situation she sent me to get several x-rays and tests prior to treatment. By my next appointment she was working my pain and within a few weeks I had amazing results! I am no longer taking an medication, I can participate in activities, such as hiking, biking, skiing, and dancing and have so much more stamina than ever before because my body is now balanced and working properly. I not only got back to what I love faster, I got into activities that I never dreamed imaginable! I will forever be great flu to Dr. Clark and her amazing, friendly, and compassionate staff.

It’s springtime in Denver! For many, that means it’s time to dust off the sticks, hit the driving range and tee off at their favorite golf course.

Just like in any sport, golfers experience injuries that not only prevent them from playing, but can cause problems in their daily lives. Here are the five most common golf injuries and how we can treat them.

1.    Back Pain  

The golf swing and hunched-over putting stance puts great stress on a golfer’s back, so it’s no surprise back pain is the most common problem for golfers.

Symptoms: Pain in back, stiffness and muscle spasms.

Treatment: Chiropractic, Active Release Technique (ART), Massage Therapy, Acupuncture

2.    Golf Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is inflammation, soreness  and/or pain on the inside of the upper arm near the elbow.

Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on inner side of right elbow (golfer’s elbow). Pain may be greatest at the top of the backswing and at impact.

Treatment: Active Release Technique (ART), Massage Therapy, Acupuncture

3. Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain in a golfer is caused by any of several different underlying conditions, including: rotator cuff tendinitis, or a tear in the rotator cuff; A-C joint arthritis; or instability in the joint.

Symptoms: Pain in the shoulder or upper arm at various phases of the golf swing, night pain, pain with overhead activities.

Treatment: Active Release Technique (ART), Massage Therapy, Acupuncture

4.    Hand Pain (Carpel Tunnel Syndrome)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a repetitive stress disorder that occurs in the nerves of the hands.

Symptoms: Numbness and tingling of the fingers, hand weakness and clumsiness

Treatment: Chiropractic, Active Release Technique (ART), Acupuncture

5.    Wrist Pain (DeQuervain’s Tendinitis)

DeQuervain’s causes pain in the wrist near the base of the thumb, and is caused by an inflammation in the tendons that control the thumb.

Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and tenderness at the wrist near the base of the thumb. Pain typically occurs at the left wrist at the top of the backswing.

Treatment: Chiropractic, Active Release Technique (ART), Massage Therapy

Functional blood chemistry analysis is an extremely effective tool used by functional medicine practitioners to comprehensively evaluate the status of a patient’s health . A comprehensive blood chemistry panel can give your doctor insight into the function of nearly all the major systems of the body:

Because functional medicine is based on an in-depth knowledge of human physiology and how various systems of the body work together, functional medicine practitioners look at a blood test for patterns instead of just looking at individual markers. By doing this, we can see how these different systems influence one another.

Unfortunately, in the current healthcare model the primary focus is on disease management, not early detection or prevention. You may have had blood work done, but your provider may have been focusing on the absence of disease instead of looking for patterns that could indicate metabolic imbalances that will eventually lead to a disease state if not addressed from the perspective of prevention. Alternatively, your provider may have not have ordered a comprehensive blood chemistry panel due to the restrictions imposed by HMO systems and insurance companies.

Blood chemistry should be considered with all new patients, especially those that have not had a comprehensive evaluation in recent years. Fortunately, doctors now have access to comprehensive blood chemistry panels at very affordable prices; making a complete blood chemistry evaluation accessible to virtually everyone. Please call our office today for a consultation with our functional medicine practitioner, Dr. Vaughn if you are interested in learning more about the state of your health with a comprehensive blood chemistry evaluation.

Overuse injuries occur by performing a single task over and over until your body can no longer handle it, and you don’t have to be an athlete to sustain an overuse injury; you don’t even need to go outside. You can injure yourself sitting in front of your computer all day long. Poor posture, a poorly organized work environment and lack of time away from your desk can all attribute to overuse injuries.

What is Ergonomics?

Your body always seeks to put itself in the most natural, least-strenuous position possible; it works smarter, not harder, and those who study ergonomics study the natural positions and movements of the body. With the data, scientists and product designers can develop tools and environments that are tailored to the body’s natural forms.

Some of the most well-known ergonomic office supplies include: angled keyboards that allow you to rest your hands at a more natural position, office chairs with lower back support and adjustable arms and seats and mice with the buttons on the side that allow you to rest your and on its edge as opposed to palm-down.

Making Your Desk Ergonomic

Aside from buying new office equipment, or having your boss order you more, there are less expensive ways to reduce bodily fatigue at your work station. They involve making sure everything is arranged and adjusted properly.

• Maintain proper seated posture. For proper seated posture, your feet should be flat on the floor, thighs parallel to the floor, knees bent at a 90° angle, shoulders relaxed but not slouching, back straight and head facing straight forward but looking down slightly.
• Adjust your monitor height. If your computer monitor is too high or too low, it can cause you to strain your neck and upper back. As mentioned before, proper head posture has you facing straight forward and slightly down. The top of your computer monitor should be even with the top of your head to achieve this position.
• Reduce glares and flickering. Monitor glares, sun glares, flickering lights, all of these environmental stressors can cause eye fatigue and headaches. If your office has a window, face your computer towards it or pull the blinds during the brightest parts of the day to reduce glare from the sun. You can also place a special film on your monitor screen to eliminate glare, and prying eyes. Flickering monitors or lights also need to be replaced to reduce strain and fatigue.
• Keep important items within arm’s reach. If you have to lean, twist or stretch to reach something in or around your desk, it’s too far away and could cause you to hyper-extend muscles and tendons, especially if you are constantly doing this maneuver. Since you can’t put everything directly in front of you, organize your work space based on frequency of use, keeping the most important items within arm’s reach.
• Put a potted plant on your desk. Conditioned and re-circulated building air isn’t as healthy as you’d think, especially if the ventilation system is dirty. A potted plant or two around your desk brightens up the entire space, and plants add fresh air to your environment.

As a final tip, be sure to occasionally look away from your monitor and focus on something on the other side of the room. This helps reduce eye fatigue. Also, take mini breaks away from your desk. Get up and walk around for a few minutes every couple of hours. This allows you to clear your head and come back to a task more refreshed.

A 35-year-old triathlete presents with right lateral knee pain after his last race that is aggravated when walking down stairs.  He doesn’t experience the pain whilst swimming or cycling.  He will feel the pain with higher mileage during running and for 1-2 days after.  His pain is located over the distal IT Band attachment point.  Although he has been stretching and foam rolling, he is not getting much relief.  He received 2 sessions of ART on the hip rotators, glutes, ITB, Peroneals, and the QL on the affected side.  He was also given stretching advise on the piriformis and QLs and taught the “four point ITB stretch”.  He was pain free at his second session and was advised to only return to the office once he started to ramp his mileage again as a preventative measure.

A 40-year-old female presents complaining of pain and numbness in the wrist and hand, as well as pain in the neck on the same side. She stated that it was worse in the morning and after work, she sits at a desk for 8 hours a day. The pain is sometimes better with stretching and ibuprofen. Examination reveals a positive Tinel’s sign of the median nerve that runs through the carpal tunnel and a positive Phalens sign. Her cervical spine exam reveals tight and tender scalenes, levator scap, and trap muscles.

Treatment consisted of cervical spine adjusting and ART to the forearm and wrist as well as the neck and upper back muscles. She reported less pain after treatment.

The diagnosis was Carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the median nerve. Also present was a phenomenon called double crush syndrome. Double crush is defined by two areas of nerve compression making the second area more symptomatic due to the nerve compression upstream. In this case, the primary site of nerve compression was in the neck in between the scalenes and the second site at the carpal tunnel. If you have further questions about this condition please give our office a call. We are here to help! 303-863-8330