Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic

Santa Clara Chiropractor explains how graston tools can help your mobility.

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What is the Graston Hook tool?

Water skiing athlete, David Graston patented the renowned manual soft tissue technique Graston technique after the frustration he faced from his knee surgery rehabilitation. He felt that tools and techniques that were used during his rehabilitation could not accurately pin point the soft tissue adhesions that had been impeding his rehabilitation process. After doing lots of research on different therapeutic techniques, particularly cross-friction massage, Graston decided to use his experience to design a new soft tissue technique that could help others in his situation.

The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted, soft tissue mobilization therapy. It is in breaks up restrictions, scar tissue adhesions, and reduces chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Graston has been known to help a countless number of conditions, most notably: tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, rotator cuff tendinitis, and even Achilles tendinitis.


Graston designed several tools to more precisely pin point adhesion and scar tissue within muscle. Each tool is designed for a specific condition which gives patients a more individualized treatment plan and accelerates their healing process. By using more individualized tools, the certified chiropractor of physical therapist are allowed more pressure control and can give patients pain-sensitive treatment. After several sessions patient’s range of motion should increase in the area affected as their overall sensitivity and inflammation in the effected tissue decreases.

Damaged tissue in the body leads to dysfunctional movement as damaged cells trigger an inflammatory response within the area and which reduces lymphatic drainage in the area and increases the presence of toxic metabolites in the tissue.


Dr. Grossman utilizes the Graston Technique in conjunction with exercises, stretching, icing, and other rehabilitation methods to restore tissue function in his patients. To learn more about our treatment methods click here!

 

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Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic
(408) 248-8700
3700 Thomas Rd. Suite 207
Santa Clara, CA 95054

The right way to get up. Explained by Bay Area Expert.

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Have you ever noticed how many times you have to get up in a day?

Just think about it: 

  1. You get out of bed
  2. You get out of your car
  3. You get up from your chair at work
  4. You get up from sitting on the sofa

But are you getting up correctly…? 

A surprising number of people do not actually get up in the most efficient way and risk potential injury and chronic issues in the process.

We will discuss the simple body mechanics techniques that will help you avoid these injuries in the future.

1. How to get up from sitting down:

You do this countless times a day so it is so important that you ensure that you are doing this simple move correctly!  

  • Step one: Lean forward towards your hips
  • Step two: Look straight forwards so your nose is parallel to the floor, but is past your toes.
  • Step three: Bend your knees and rise up.

By utilizing these body mechanics you are putting the least amount of work in your movement. By leaning forward, you essentially let gravity do most of the work in the movement, decreasing the amount of stress on your body. 

2. How to get up sitting on the floor:

Believe it or not, hitting the floor is not the only way you may be insured from a fall. Getting up from the floor incorrectly can further exacerbate your injuries, or even cause new injuries. 

  • Step one: While keeping your arms straight, push up your upper body. 
  • Step two: Move your hips off of the floor by kneeling down on your knees. 
  • Step three: Plant one leg on the floor and lean into it to help you off of the floor.

3. How to get up from the bed:

  • Step one: While lying on your back, bend both knees
  • Step two: While keeping your knees and trunk aligned, roll to your side. Be sure to utilize the natural effect of gravity while doing this movement to avoid any unnecessary stress. 
  • Step three: Very slowly, use your arms to push up against the bed and move into a sitting position.
  • Step four: Lean forward towards your hips 
  • Step five: Look straight forwards so your nose is parallel to the floor, but is past your toes.
  • Step six: Bend your knees and rise up.

If you have injured you lower back while getting up be sure to check out some of our treatment plans to help your condition!

 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic
(408) 248-8700
3700 Thomas Rd. Suite 207
Santa Clara, CA 95054

 

What is Sciatica? Local Santa Clara Chiropractor explains.

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Sciatica

That strange pain that runs from your lower back and down your leg officially has a name. More often than not, sciatic pain is also associated with inflammation and numbness but it may also be associated with leg weakness and changes in bowel and bladder patterns in severe cases.

 

 
 

Sciatica typically only affects one side of the body and generally arises when the sciatic nerve is compressed from a bone spur, spinal stenosis, or herniated disk or injury to the piriformis muscle which surrounds the sciatic nerve. 

Sciatic pain varies from person to person; some people only report a mild ache while others report a severe burning sensation. 

 

 

Risk factors

Risk factors for sciatica include:

  • Age: As we grow we have an increased risk of developing herniated disks and bone spurs which can compress the sciatic nerve and trigger sciatic pain.
  • Obesity: And increase in body weight can put extra pressure on the spine and trigger sciatica.
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Sitting for prolonged periods of time has been associated with sciatica. 
  • Diabetes: People with diabetes have an increased risk of nerve damage as unregulated blood sugar can lead to severe medical problems and nerve and tissue damage.

Can You Prevent Sciatica? 

In short, no, but there are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing sciatica:

  • Exercise: Regular back and core strengthening can greatly improve posture and greatly reduce the risk for developing sciatic pain. 
  • Proper posture: Invest in office and home appliances that help support your back.
  • Proper Body Mechanics: Lifting correctly and taking breaks when in a stationary position for a prolonged period of time is essential in preventing chronic back problems. 

So I have Sciatica… 

Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step. You now have a variety of paths that you can choose from to treat your condition:

  • If you go to a doctor
    • They will likely request Diagnostic imaging of the affected area.
    • They may prescribe some combination of anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication, muscle relaxants, and in some cases seizure medication
    • They may recommend a corticosteroid steroid injection around the root of the nerve to suppress inflammation and reduce nerve irritation. Steroid injections are effective but the effect wears off in a few months and steroid injections have serious side effect so they are administered infrequently.

    • In severe cases surgery may be required to remove the bone spur or portion of the herniated disk affecting the area. 
  • If you go to a chiropractor:

    • They will request diagnostic testing to identify any contraindications chiropractic therapies.
    • They will practice non-invasive and drug-free therapy.
    • They may utilize cold therapy to reduce inflammation and help control pain.
    • They may use ultrasound to increase circulation and help reduce muscle spasms, cramping, swelling, stiffness, and pain. Ultrasound generates sound waves that give off gentle heat that penetrates into deep tissue.
    • They may utilize a TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to target the affected muscle and reduce muscle spasms and pain with an electrical current. 
    • They may choose to do Spinal manipulation to free restricted spinal movement and restore misaligned vertebral bodies. In turn, spinal adjustment helps diminishing the overall irritability around the sciatic nerve and reduces inflammation, muscle spasm, and pain.
  • Visit our page to learn more!

 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic
(408) 248-8700
3700 Thomas Rd. Suite 207
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Do you need CoQ10? Input from lead Santa Clara Chiropractor

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What is CoQ10?

Coenzyme Q-10 is naturally found in all living organisms, it is essential for making ATP.

High concentrations of CoQ10 are present in the liver, kidney, pancreas, and heart– though seafood, poultry, and meat are also prominent dietary sources of CoQ10.

Dietary sources can give us around 3mg of CoQ10, though the daily recommended dosage for CoQ10 ranges from 50mg-150mg depending on physiological need.

CoQ10 naturally decreases as people age, but very low levels of CoQ10 may be concerning, as low levels have been associated with a host of genetic diseases.

What does CoQ10 normally do?

  • Producing ATP: ATP acts as an energy storage for the body

  • Antioxidants: CoQ10 neutralizes free radicals in the body which can cause cellular damage if left unchecked.
    • Free readicals alter nucleotide bonds in DNA and lead to cellular death or mutation.
    • Cellular mutations are associated with several sever conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and autoimmune disorders. 

What some of the applications of supplemental CoQ10?

  • Treating Fatigue disorders: CoQ10 helps store more energy in the form of ATP, so more energy is available to burn. 
  • Improving exercise performance: More energy storage reduces muscle fatigue. 
  • Strengthening Immune System: Increasing energy reserves improves the capability of our immune system as the immune system requires a considerable amount of energy to maintain function. 
  • Compensating for Statin treatment: Statins have had widespread use for reducing cholesterol production, but an unintended side effect of statin drugs is that the simultaneously reduce CoQ10 production. Taking supplemental CoQ10 is a must if you are taking and statin medication. 
  • Reducing Muscle pain
  • Treating Migraines
  • Treating Heart conditions
  • Reducing Angina (Chest Pain)
  • Reducing Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
  • Treating Lyme Disease
  • Treating Parkinson’s Disease
  • Treating Huntington’s Disease
  • Treating Diabetes
  • Treating Gum Disease
  • Treating Breast Cancer

 

Click here to learn more about our services!

 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic
(408) 248-8700
3700 Thomas Rd. Suite 207
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Is cracking your back bad for you? Santa Clara expert explains.

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Almost everyone has experienced it at some time or another. Be it after a tenuous car ride or after several hours sitting at a desk, the satisfying feeling of twisting your back and hearing the little pop sound is almost euphoric. Not only is the sound satisfying, but generally cracking your back relieves stiffness and temporarily reduced pain. 

 

Now many people may be wondering, what exactly is that popping sound?

 

Well, contrary to some wild theories, the popping sound you hear is not your joint coming out of your socket. The popping sound is actually indicative of carbon dioxide gas buildup releasing from a joint. 

 

Now for the million dollar question… Is cracking your back bad for you?

 

Well like everything in life, the answer depends on the frequency. If done in moderation cracking your back most likely will not impact your health in any serious way. However, if done frequently, self-back cracking can weaken cartilage, strain tendons, damage ligaments, and potentially mask serious problems. As indicated earlier, self- back cracking only offers temporary pain relief so the root of the problem will still be there. 

 

Now if you have ever been adjusted by a chiropractor, you may have heard similar popping noises and experienced long term pain relief. However, it is important to distinguish the distinct difference between self-cracking and the more specific and directed techniques that chiropractors utilize to treat their patients. Chiropractors have years of training to evaluate the specific problems and direct pressure to the problem areas. They do not aim to crack your back; rather gas is occasionally released while readjusting the spine. 

 

Some better alternatives to relieving back stiffness and chronic back pain are regular chiropractic adjustments and stretching. Taking breaks to occasionally walk around or readjust your sitting position and practicing proper posture are also great preventative measures to prevent lower back pain and stiffness. 

Click here to learn more about lower back treatment methods!

 

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY

Santa Clara Custom Chiropractic
(408) 248-8700
3700 Thomas Rd. Suite 207
Santa Clara, CA 95054