Posts filed under: Chiropractic

TMJ Therapy: How to Get Relief from Jaw Pain

How to Get Jaw Pain Relief with TMJ Therapy

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders commonly present to our Geelong chiropractors and TMJ therapists, that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily activities, affecting the jaw, face, and even the neck and shoulders. The TMJ is a crucial hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, enabling essential functions like talking, chewing, and yawning. When this joint becomes problematic, it can lead to pain, limited movement, and a host of other symptoms. TMJ therapy aims to alleviate these issues and restore normal function. Here’s a brief overview of what TMJ therapy involves.

In this article, our Geelong chiropractor & TMJ therapist, Dr Luka Fantela, will discuss TMJ pain, how it is assessed, and the treatment options available.

Female with jaw, face and head pain

Diagnosis and Assessment:

The first step in TMJ therapy is a comprehensive assessment by our Geelong chiropractor & TMJ therapists. This assessment typically includes:

Medical History: A detailed review of the symptoms, medical history, and any factors that might contribute to TMJ disorders, such as trauma, arthritis, sleep or stress.

Physical Examination: Evaluation of jaw movement, checking for pain, tenderness, and noises (clicking or popping) during jaw movement.

Imaging: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be used to get a detailed view of the jaw joint and surrounding structures.

Non-Invasive Treatments:

TMJ therapy often begins with non-invasive treatments, aimed at relieving pain and improving jaw function:

Lifestyle Modifications: Advice on avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing good posture, and reducing stress to minimise jaw tension.

Jaw Exercises: Specific exercises to strengthen jaw muscles, reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and reduce tension.

Heat or Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or muscle relaxants to alleviate symptoms.

Dental Splints: Custom-made devices worn over the teeth to reduce clenching and grinding, thereby alleviating pressure on the TMJ.

TMJ Therapy and Chiropractic Care:

TMJ therapy & chiropractic can be highly effective for TMJ disorders, particularly when muscle tension and joint alignment issues are contributing factors:

Soft Tissue Therapy: Targeted massage techniques to relax the jaw muscles, reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

Dry Needling Therapy: Aimed at reducing muscle tension, improving function and relieving pain.

Chiropractic Adjustments: Gentle adjustments to the jaw, neck, and spine to promote better mobility and relieve pressure on the TMJ.

Exercise Therapy: Tailored exercises and stretches designed to improve jaw function and reduce pain.

Advanced and Invasive Treatments:

If conservative treatments are not effective, more advanced interventions may be considered:

Injections: Corticosteroid or Botox injections to reduce inflammation and muscle tension.

Surgery: In severe cases where conservative approaches have been unsuccessful

In summary:

TMJ therapy is a multifaceted approach that involves a combination of lifestyle modifications, non-invasive treatments, TMJ therapy, and, in some cases, more advanced interventions. By addressing the underlying causes of TMJ disorders and providing targeted treatments, our Geelong chiropractors & TMJ therapists can help patients find relief from jaw pain and improve their quality of life. If you’re experiencing symptoms of TMJ disorder, consult our team to explore the best treatment options for your specific needs.

Book an appointment today!

  • Luka-Fantela-Chiropractor-Geelong

Chiropractors Tips for Better Posture

Geelong Chiropractors Tip For Better Posture

Posture is more than just a matter of appearance; it’s a reflection of the health and alignment of our spine and musculoskeletal system. Yet, in today’s technology-driven world, many of us find ourselves slouched over screens for hours on end, leading to a host of postural issues and discomfort. As Geelong chiropractors, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that poor posture can have on our overall well-being. Fortunately, there are simple yet effective strategies that can help us improve our posture and alleviate associated problems.

Here are some essential tips to help you straighten up and stand tall:

1. Be Mindful Of Your Alignment

The foundation of good posture begins with proper alignment of the spine. Whether sitting, standing, or walking, imagine a straight line running from your earlobes through your shoulders, hips, and down to your ankles. Keeping this alignment in mind can help you maintain a neutral spine position and prevent slouching or excessive arching.

2. Sit Smart

If you spend a significant portion of your day sitting, it’s crucial to pay attention to your seated posture. Sit with your back straight, shoulders relaxed, and feet flat on the floor. Use a chair with good lumbar support to maintain the natural curve of your lower back. Avoid crossing your legs or sitting in the same position for too long, as this can lead to muscle imbalances and discomfort.

3. Stand Tall

When standing, distribute your weight evenly on both feet, with your knees slightly bent and your pelvis in a neutral position. Avoid locking your knees or thrusting your hips forward, as this can strain the muscles and joints.

4. Take Breaks and Move

Prolonged periods of sitting or standing can put stress on the body and lead to fatigue and discomfort. Take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch and move your body. Gentle stretching exercises targeting the neck, shoulders, back, and hips can help alleviate tension and improve flexibility.

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The Benefits of Chiropractic for Tradies

Chiropractic for Tradies? Geelong Chiropractor

Tradies are the backbone of numerous industries, often taking on physically demanding roles on a day-to-day basis. Our Geelong chiropractors come across a range of different tradespeople from a broad range of industries. From carpenters, plumbers and electricians , to bricklayers, concreters and constructions workers, these groups often find themselves performing roles that can put their bodies under immense stress, leading to musculoskeletal problems. Finding the time and energy to priotise self-care in the midst of a busy working schedule can be challenging, however it’s often essential in maintaining optimal performance and function. This is where chiropractic care comes in, as a natural and effective health solution that can be tailored to the specific needs of each tradies demands.

In this article, our Geelong chiropractor, Luka, will unpack some of the benefits chiropractic care can have on individuals working in trades.

Injury prevention

The nature of tradie work involves heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and prolonged periods of standing or bending, all of which can increase the risk of injuries, particularly to the spine and joints. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper function of the spine and joints, reducing the likelihood of strains, sprains, and other common workplace injuries. By addressing minor problems before they escalate into major issues, chiropractic care serves as a proactive measure for injury prevention.

Pain management

Musculoskeletal pain is a common complaint among tradies, often stemming from overexertion, poor posture, or repetitive stress injuries. Chiropractic care offers natural pain relief by improving the way we our body moves, feels and functions. Whether it’s back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, or joint discomfort, chiropractic care can alleviate symptoms and improve mobility, allowing tradies to stay on top of their game without relying on medications or invasive treatments.

Improved mobility & flexibility

Maintaining optimal mobility and flexibility is crucial for tradies to perform their job duties safely and efficiently. Restricted range of motion can not only hinder productivity but also increase the risk of injuries. Chiropractic care can help restore proper joint function and flexibility, enabling tradies to move more freely and perform their tasks with greater ease. By keeping the body in check, chiropractic care promote optimal movement and function, while reducing the likelihood of strains and sprains.

Enhanced injury recovery

In the event of an injury, whether it’s a strained muscle, a sprained joint, or a repetitive stress injury, chiropractic care can play a vital role in the recovery process. Chiropractors employ a variety of techniques, including spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, dry needling, and exercise programming, to facilitate healing, reduce inflammation, and restore function to the affected area. By addressing the underlying cause of the injury and supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms, chiropractic care can expedite recovery and minimize downtime for tradies.

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How you can get the most from Chiropractic Care

How to get the most from Chiropractic | Chiropractor Geelong

Like most things in life, the best option for you might not always be the better option for another.  Our approach to health of course, is really no different.

Depending on whether we approach our health consciously or not, can determine whether we decide to take a reactive or proactive approach to our health. An example of this would be someone told they need to exercise and eat healthier because they were prediabetic or at risk of a cardiovascular incident. As opposed to someone already living a healthful live with regular exercise and a healthy diet to proactively reduce the risk of these events occurring in the first place.

When it comes to Chiropractic care, our Geelong chiropractors find there are typically 3 ways most of our clients use our services. Which approach they take usually depends on their level of health awareness, their goals and individual preferences.

Different approaches to Chiropractic care

+ Relief Care +

This is the option for people that are wanting more of a shorter term solution, usually aimed at getting quick symptom relief. We have plenty of strategies available to get these outcomes.

This approach may include multiple sessions per week to get the body back on track.

 

+ Preventative Care +

This option is for people wanting a longer term solution for their condition, often addressing underlying weakness or imbalances that may be contributing to the symptoms or issue at hand. This approach often requires more time and effort, however it can help minimise the risk of reoccurrence.

Most people receive care on a two to four week basis with this approach.

 

+ Performance Care +

Should they chose, this option is for people wanting more regular/periodic Chiropractic visits to not only reduce the risk of these issues coming back but ultimately, to enable our bodies to move, feel and function at its best.

Most people receive care on a one to two week basis with this approach.

 

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5 Things About Neck Pain You May Not Know

Neck Pain Facts | Chiropractor Geelong

  1. Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal issue in Australia. According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare (AIHW), 13% of Australians reported experiencing neck pain in the 2017-18 period. 
  2. Several risk factors may contribute to the high prevelance of neck pain in Australia, include; sedentary lifestyles, poor posture & stress.
  3. In Australia, there are a variety of treatment options available for treating neck pain, these may include chiropractic, physiotherapy, myotherapy & osteotherapy.
  4. Women are more likely to experience neck pain compared to men, with the highest incidence between the ages of 35 and 55 years.
  5. Neck pain can present as mild to serve and with a variety of symptoms, some including; pain or stiffness in the neck, headaches, pain into the arm or shoulder and difficulty moving the neck.

Our Geelong chiropractor approach to neck pain

  1. Firstly, our Geelong chiropractor will try to understand the nature of your neck pain, how it started and the impact it has on you.
  2. Our Geelong chiropractor would perform a thorough assessment of your muscles, spinal joints and nerves around the neck area, a posture analysis and other testing rule out serious injury or pathology.
  3. If clinically indicated, referral for further investigations, tests or scans will be made.
  4. We will have an in-depth discussion around the nature of your specific condition, the treatment options available to you and we will map out a care plan to get you back on track as quickly as possible.
  5. If appropriate to do so, we will start your treatment from the first visit to help relieve pain, promote better movement and get your road-to-recovery underway.

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5 Things About Low Back Pain You May Not Know

Low Back Pain Facts | Chiropractor Geelong

  1. According to the World Health Organisation in 2020, low back pain affected 619 million people globally, which is approximately 9% of the global population.
  2. Women tend to be impacted more than men, approximately 1.5x more so.
  3. The prevalence of low back pain increases with age, peaking in people aged 45 to 55 years old.
  4. The majority of low back pain are due to unknown causes, with less than 1% of all cases due to more severe patho-anatomical origins (e.g. infection, fracture, cancer etc).
  5. Most people will experience low back pain in some form during their lifetime, with the lifetime prevalence between 75-84%.

Our approach to Low Back Pain | Chiropractor Geelong

  1. Understand – Our Geelong chiropractor will want to understand your particular condition, the impact it has had on your life and what you’d like to get back to.
  2. Assess – Our Geelong chiropractor would perform a thorough neuro-orthopaedic assessment, spinal examination, posture analysis and other testing to assess overall movement and function.
  3. If clinically indicated, our Geelong chiropractor will refer for further investigations, tests or scans will be made.
  4. Educate – Our chiropractor will have an in-depth discussion around the nature of your specific condition, the treatment options available to you and we will map out a care plan to get you back on track as quickly as possible.
  5. Recover – If appropriate to do so, we will start your treatment from the first visit to help relieve pain, promote better movement and get your road-to-recovery underway.

Book an appointment with our Neck Pain chiropractor!

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References

  1. GBD 2021 Low Back Pain Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of low back pain, 1990-2020, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Lancet Rheumatol 2023: 5: e316-29.
  2. GBD 2019: Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/.

5 Facts about the TMJ you may not know

What is the TMJ (temporomandibular joint)? | TMJ Chiropractor

The temporomandibular joint (otherwise referred to as TMJ) is a common area of complaint our Geelong TMJ chiropractors often experience. The TMJs are the two joints comprised of muscles, ligaments and discs, that connect your jaw to your skull.

At Empowered Health Chiropractic, our experienced TMJ chiropractors understand the importance of a personalised treatment approach in managing the complexity of TMJ disorders, as no two jaw issues are the same.

In this blog post, our TMJ chiropractor Luka will highlight 5 facts you may not know about the TMJ.

5 facts about the TMJ you may not know

  1. TMD or temporomandibular joint disorder, is the term used to describe the condition affecting the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with facial pain.
  2. TMJ disorders are quite common, present in approximately 10-15% of the population and affect women more so than men.
  3. Common symptoms of TMJ disorders can include:
    1. Pain in the jaw, face or ear
    2. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth
    3. Clicking or popping noises in the jaw
    4. Headaches
    5. Neck pain
  4. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment approach to TMJ disorders, the best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and the underlying cause of your disorder.
  5. TMJ disorders can often be associated with other conditions, such as; regular headaches, migraines & sleep apnoea.

Are you experiencing TMJ issues? Our experienced TMJ chiropractor are available to consult 6 days per week, with early, late and weekend appointments available.

Book an appointment with our TMJ chiropractor!

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  1. Murphy MK, MacBarb RF, Wong ME, Athanasiou KA. Temporomandibular disorders: a review of etiology, clinical management, and tissue engineering strategies. Int J Oral Maxillofac Implants. 2013;28(6):e393-e414. doi:10.11607/jomi.te20

Sleep – Best Practices & Recommendations

The importance of sleep

At Empowered Health Chiropractic, our Geelong chiropractors understand the important role sleep has on our health and wellbeing. It only takes a few sub-optimal nights of sleep to quickly see the downside sleep can have on our energy, mood and productivity. Reduced sleep quality also increases our sensitivity to stress and pain, increased injury risk and impairs immune system function.

Our Geelong chiropractors understand that getting sleep back on track is an important pillar in managing pain and function in the short term, but also in sustaining good health in the long term.

Here are some off the ways sleep helps us maintain good health and well-being:

  • Lowers stress sensitivity. Sleep makes you more tolerable and less sensitive to stress, which can help reduce muscle tension build up, clenching & grinding behaviours and much more.
  • Maintain a healthy weight. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol can increase appetite and make it harder to lose weight.
  • Lower your risk of chronic diseases. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and some types of cancer.
  • Improve your mood and cognitive function. When you’re sleep-deprived, you’re more likely to experience mood swings, irritability, and difficulty concentrating. Sleep also helps to consolidate memories and improve learning.
  • Protect your immune system. Sleep is essential for a healthy immune system. When you don’t get enough sleep, you’re more likely to get sick.
  • Reduce your risk of accidents. Sleep deprivation can impair your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. This can increase your risk of accidents, both at home and on the road.

Getting your sleep back on track

Here are some best practices for a good night’s sleep:

  • Stick to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends. This will help to regulate your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
  • Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This could include taking a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to calming music. Avoid watching TV or using electronic devices in the hour before bed, as the blue light emitted from these devices can interfere with sleep.
  • Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Darkness helps to promote the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps to regulate sleep. Noise and light can disrupt sleep, so make sure your bedroom is as quiet and dark as possible. A cool temperature (around 18 degrees celsius) is also ideal for sleep.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Caffeine and alcohol can both interfere with sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it difficult to fall asleep, while alcohol can disrupt sleep later in the night.
  • Get regular exercise. Exercise can help to improve sleep quality, but it’s important to avoid exercising too close to bedtime. Aim to finish your workout at least 3 hours before bed.
  • See a health professional. If you’ve tried the above tips and you’re still having trouble sleeping, talk to your health professional. There may be an underlying condition that’s interfering with your sleep.

Here are some additional tips that may help you get a good night’s sleep:

  • Nap during the day if you need to, but keep it short (30 minutes or less).
  • Avoid napping too late in the day, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at night. Napping can reduce the build up of adenosine, which is responsible for helping us sleep.
  • Avoid eating large meals or sugary foods before bed. This can make it difficult to fall asleep.
  • If you can’t fall asleep after 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something relaxing until you feel tired. This will help to prevent you from associating your bed with frustration and wakefulness.
  • If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, try some relaxation techniques before bed. Aiming to calm your central nervous system, this could include deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

Following these tips can help you get a good night’s sleep and wake up feeling refreshed and energized.

References

  1. Vladyslav V Vyazovskiy (2015) Sleep, recovery, and metaregulation: explaining the benefits of sleep, Nature and Science of Sleep, 7:, 171-184, DOI: 10.2147/NSS.S54036
  2. Zachary A. Caddick, Kevin Gregory, Lucia Arsintescu, Erin E. Flynn-Evans, A review of the environmental parameters necessary for an optimal sleep environment, Building and Environment, Volume 132, 2018, Pages 11-20, ISSN 0360-1323, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2018.01.020.

Are You Exercising Enough? How To Meet The Current Guidelines

Are you exercising enough?

At Empowered Health Chiropractic, our Geelong chiropractors understand the importance of livelong exercise and physical activity for our health, yet to our surprise, over 55% of Australians do not meet the current guidelines for exercise & physical activity according to their age group or category.

In this article, our Geelong chiropractor Luka, will dive into some of the known benefits of exercise and what the current guidelines recommend for different Australians.

Regular exercise and physical activity have many benefits for your body and mind. Some of the most notable benefits include:

  • Improved heart health. Exercise helps to keep your heart strong and healthy by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
  • Reduced risk of chronic diseases. Exercise can help to reduce your risk of developing chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis.
  • Weight management. Exercise can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. It can also help to improve your body composition by increasing your muscle mass and decreasing your fat mass.
  • Improved mood and mental health. Exercise can help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels. It can also be helpful for people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.
  • Increased energy levels. Exercise can help to give you more energy and improve your overall sense of well-being.
  • Better sleep. Exercise can help you sleep better at night by making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.
  • Stronger bones and muscles. Exercise helps to strengthen your bones and muscles, which can help to prevent injuries and improve your balance and coordination.
  • Improved cognitive function. Exercise can help to improve your cognitive function, including your memory, attention, and decision-making skills.
  • Longer life expectancy. People who are physically active tend to live longer than those who are not.

The benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are numerous and well-documented. Even small amounts of activity can make a big difference to your health. So get moving and start enjoying the benefits today!

The current Australian physical activity guidelines are as follows:

 

  • Adults (18-64 years old)
    • Be active on most (preferably all) days, to weekly total of:
      • 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate activity
      • 1.25 to 2.5 hours of vigorous activity
      • an equivalent combination of both
    • At least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most (preferably all) days
    • Muscle-strengthening activities as part of your daily physical activity on at least 2 days each week
  • Children and young people (5-17 years old)
    • Accumulate at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity every day
    • Physical activity should include a variety of aerobic activities, including some vigorous intensity activity
    • Muscle-strengthening activities on 3 or more days a week
  • Pregnant women
    • Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week
    • If you were active before you became pregnant, you can continue with your usual activities
    • If you were not active before you became pregnant, start slowly and gradually increase the amount of activity you do
  • People with chronic conditions
    • Talk to your general practitioner or allied health professional about how much physical activity is right for you
    • Even if you have a chronic condition, physical activity can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health

These are just general guidelines, and your individual needs may vary. Talk to you GP, chiropractor or other health professional about how much physical activity is right for you.

References

  1. https://www.health.gov.au/
  2. Ruegsegger, Gregory N., and Frank W. Booth. “Health benefits of exercise.” Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine 8.7 (2018): a029694.
  3. Shashi K Agarwal (2012) Cardiovascular benefits of exercise, International Journal of General Medicine, 5:,541-545, DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S30113

7 Facts About Chiropractic That You May Not Know

Facts about chiropractic that you may not know | Chiropractor Geelong

1. Chiropractic is a holistic healthcare profession

This means that chiropractors believe that the body is a whole system and that all parts of the body work together. They also believe that the spine and nervous systems are the foundations of health and that by improving the function of the spine and nervous system, they can help improve overall health.

2. Chiropractic is a regulated profession

Chiropractors in Australia are regulated and licensed through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulating Agency (AHPRA), which also regulate other medical and dentistry professionals. In order to be licensed, chiropractors must undergo and pass an accredited five-year university program, meet ongoing education and experience requirments.

3. Chiropractic is safe and effective

Chiropractic is a safe and effective treatment for a variety of conditions, including back pain, neck pain, headaches, and joint pain. There is a growing body of scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of chiropractic.

4. Chiropractic is not just about cracking bones

While spinal adjustments are a common chiropractic technique, they are not the only one. Chiropractors also use a variety of other techniques, such as massage, dry needling, mobilisation, and exercise, to help their patients.

5. Chiropractors must undergo five years of university education

In Australia, chiropractors are required to have undergone an accredited five-year university program in order to satisfy regulatory and licensing requirements. During their studies, chiropractors undertake coursework in biology, neurology, orthopaedics, biomechanics, anatomy & physiology and more.

6. Chiropractors are not just for back pain

While spine-related conditions are often a primary reason people may seek chiropractic care. Chiropractors can also help with a variety of other conditions, such as headaches, migraines, TMJ disorders, joint pain, sciatica, and muscle tension.

7. Chiropractic is not a one-size-fits-all treatment

Chiropractic care is tailored to your needs, goals and resources available. Read about our Geelong chiropractors approach to treatment.

Looking for a chiropractor in Geelong?

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References

  • Roland Bryans, Martin Descarreaux, Mireille Duranleau, Henri Marcoux, Brock Potter, Rick Ruegg, Lynn Shaw, Robert Watkin, Eleanor White,
    Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Chiropractic Treatment of Adults With Headache, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Volume 34, Issue 5, 2011, Pages 274-289, ISSN 0161-4754, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.04.008.

Improve Your Sleep With These 3 Tips

How to improve your sleep

Sleep is essential for our physical, mental and overall health. When we don’t get enough sleep, we can experience fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and an increased risk of workplace and exercise-related injuries.

There are many things we can do to improve our sleep quality, in this article our Geelong chiropractors will highlight some of the advice we often give our clients wanting to improve their sleep.

Read our more extensive sleep article here, where we cover my strategies to optimise your sleep quality.

Daily sunlight exposure

Sunlight helps to regulate our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. When we get enough sunlight during the day, it helps us to feel more alert and awake, while preparing our body to wind down in the evening. Try to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure each day, especially in the morning.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol later in the day

Caffeine and alcohol can both disrupt sleep, in particular the slow wave sleep phases of deep and REM sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant that can make it difficult to fall asleep, but can also reduce our time spent in these restorative phases of sleep. Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, but it can also disrupt our slow wave sleep and reduce the overall quality of our sleep. If you’d like to optimise your sleep quality, it’s best to avoid caffeine and alcohol approximately 10 hours prior to sleep.

Regular exercise

Exercise can help to improve sleep quality and help facilitate our sleep-wake cycle. Important to note that exercising too close to sleep can have a negative affect on sleep quality. Exercising earlier in the day is preferential or at least 4-6 hours prior to sleep.

References

  1. Pei-Yu Yang, Ka-Hou Ho, Hsi-Chung Chen, Meng-Yueh Chien,
    Exercise training improves sleep quality in middle-aged and older adults with sleep problems: a systematic review, Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 58, Issue 3, 2012, Pages 157-163, ISSN 1836-9553, https://doi.org/10.1016/S1836-9553(12)70106-6.
  2. Daniel Freeman, Bryony Sheaves, Guy M Goodwin, Ly-Mee Yu, Alecia Nickless, Paul J Harrison, Richard Emsley, Annemarie I Luik, Russell G Foster, Vanashree Wadekar, Christopher Hinds, Andrew Gumley, Ray Jones, Stafford Lightman, Steve Jones, Richard Bentall, Peter Kinderman, Georgina Rowse, Traolach Brugha, Mark Blagrove, Alice M Gregory, Leanne Fleming, Elaine Walklet, Cris Glazebrook, E Bethan Davies, Chris Hollis, Gillian Haddock, Bev John, Mark Coulson, David Fowler, Katherine Pugh, John Cape, Peter Moseley, Gary Brown, Claire Hughes, Marc Obonsawin, Sian Coker, Edward Watkins, Matthias Schwannauer, Kenneth MacMahon, A Niroshan Siriwardena, Colin A Espie, The effects of improving sleep on mental health (OASIS): a randomised controlled trial with mediation analysis, The Lancet Psychiatry, Volume 4, Issue 10, 2017, Pages 749-758, ISSN 2215-0366, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(17)30328-0.

Chiropractic Techniques for Low Back Pain: What to Expect

Chiropractic Techniques for Low Back Pain | Geelong Chiropractor

Low back pain is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. Seeking chiropractic care is a popular choice for many individuals seeking non-invasive and drug-free treatment options. Our Geelong chiropractors employ a variety of techniques to address low back pain and promote spinal health. In this blog post, we will explore common chiropractic techniques used for low back pain, what to expect during a chiropractic session, and the potential benefits of chiropractic care.

 

Benefits & Consideration of Chiropractic care

 

Non-Invasive and Drug-Free Approach:

Chiropractic care offers a conservative treatment option without relying on medications or surgical interventions.

Pain Relief and Improved Function:

Chiropractic techniques can help alleviate low back pain, reduce inflammation, and restore spinal function.

Holistic Approach:

Chiropractors often emphasise overall wellness, promoting healthy lifestyle choices and offering advice on nutrition and exercise.

Individualised Treatment:

Chiropractic care is tailored to each patient’s specific needs, considering factors such as age, health condition, and preferences.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Session

Initial Consultation:

The chiropractor will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and perform a comprehensive muscular, skeletal and nervous system examination.

Further diagnostic imaging may be advised, such as a MRI, X-ray or ultrasound to assess the spine’s structure and identify any underlying conditions.

Treatment Sessions:

Chiropractic sessions typically involve a series of visits, depending on the severity and nature of your low back pain.

Each session may last around 15 to 45 minutes, but this can vary based on your individual needs.

Communication and Informed Consent:

Your chiropractor will have in-depth discussion with you, the client, around the nature of your condition, what options are available to you based on your goals, needs and resources available.

Before performing any techniques, your chiropractor will discuss the benefits and risks associated with any technique or modality, allowing you to make an informed decision.

What to Expect During a Chiropractic Session

Spinal Adjustment (Manipulation):

High-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thrusts are applied to specific vertebrae to restore normal joint motion, function and alignment.

Chiropractors use their hands or specialized instruments to deliver precise adjustments.

Adjustments may produce a popping sound (cavitation), which is the release of gas bubbles in the joint fluid.

Mobilisation:

Gentle stretching and manual techniques are used to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

This technique involves low-force movements and is well-suited for patients who may not be suitable for high-velocity adjustments.

Soft Tissue Therapy:

Chiropractors may incorporate soft tissue techniques such as massage, myofascial release, dry needling and trigger point therapy.

These techniques aim to reduce muscle tension, alleviate soft tissue restrictions, and promote healing.

Exercises and Rehabilitation Therapy:

Chiropractors often prescribe specific exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles of the lower back and improve flexibility.

Rehabilitation programs may include stretching, core stabilisation exercises, and postural correction techniques.

Luka-Fantela-Chiropractor-Geelong
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