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TREATMENTS
Is it safe to have chiropractic adjustments and treatments during pregnancy?
Yes. Dr. Giles is trained in special techniques for the treatment of pregnant women with a certification from the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association). He focuses on techniques that avoid undue stress and pressure on the mother’s belly, and his offices include tables designed specifically to accommodate the changing bodies of mothers-to-be. In addition to optimizing treatment techniques for pregnant women, Dr. Giles also provides guidance in home exercises and activities that are safe and beneficial for both the mother and the developing baby.
Prenatal Chiropractic
Dr. Julian Giles is specially trained in techniques aimed at helping women relieve painful symptoms of both pregnancy and delivery. At True Vitality KC, women throughout the Kansas City, MO, region receive state-of-the-art care tailored to their needs and the needs of their babies.
What benefits does chiropractic care offer for pregnant women?
Pregnancy involves big changes to just about every system in the body, including the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and endocrine system, in addition to placing extra strains and stresses on the muscles, ligaments, and organs. Many of these changes (including weight gain and a growing belly) place unusual strains on the spinal column, causing painful misalignments, “slipped” or herniated discs, and compressed nerves. When nerves are compressed, the signals between the brain and specific organs are interrupted, which interferes with many of the body’s normal functions. Keeping the spine aligned with regular chiropractic adjustments throughout pregnancy helps prevent nerve compressions and related irritation so nerve pathways are kept clear and open for “communication,” supporting optimal health not just for the mother, but for the developing baby as well. Plus, routine chiropractic adjustments have other benefits, including helping women control pregnancy-related nausea, pain relief in the back, neck, and joints, and reducing the pain and time spent in labor and delivery.
What is the Webster technique?
The Webster technique is a chiropractic technique that uses special techniques to assess and adjust a woman’s pelvis, reducing stress on the uterus and the ligaments that support it. Maintaining a balanced pelvis can help the developing baby assume the correct position in the uterus so the risk of a breech birth (a birth where the baby is positioned “backward” for delivery) can be reduced and labor and delivery can be less stressful on both the mother and the baby. Plus, when the pelvis is properly balanced, the uterine size is optimized, allowing for proper fetal growth and development throughout the entire course of pregnancy.
Pediatric Chiropractic
Adults aren’t the only ones who can benefit from regular chiropractic care - kids can too, especially really active kids and kids experiencing the aches and pains of “growth spurts.” True Vitality KC is a top provider of skilled chiropractic care geared specifically toward the needs of kids in and around Kansas City, MO.
Is chiropractic care safe for kids?
Yes, Dr. Giles is trained in special techniques specifically for pediatric patients of all ages, from infancy all the way through the teen years, and he is also skilled in identifying conditions that tend to be more common during childhood, including issues that occur as a result of improper development of the spine. Plus, by making sure the spine is properly adjusted throughout the childhood years, chiropractors can promote healthy growth and development that can help many children avoid spine-related problems in adulthood. Just as with adult patients, pediatric patients undergo a comprehensive hands-on evaluation prior to treatment to ensure they receive the most appropriate care based on their needs.
How often should my child visit the chiropractor?
Just like adults, children should visit the chiropractor whenever they experience pain or other symptoms, including pain in the back, shoulders or limbs, or if they have chronic issues like asthma, allergies, or frequent illnesses. In addition, children should have regular office visits for routine adjustments to keep their spines properly aligned so serious issues can be prevented. Routine chiropractic visits can be especially important during periods of rapid growth to ensure the musculoskeletal system is developing normally. Plus, regular chiropractic visits can help with more “mundane” issues like back and neck strain due to heavy backpacks or long periods of time sitting at a desk or computer.
Can a chiropractor help my child perform better in student athletics?
Yes, chiropractors can play an important role in helping children perform at their peak, both academically and physically. That’s because chiropractors work on relieving pain and other issues that can interfere with the ability to focus and function. When the spine is strained, nerve pathways can become pinched or irritated, interrupting normal nerve signaling between the brain and the organs, muscles and other structures. Irritation and inflammation can also cause pain that can make it difficult for student-athletes to train and compete. Chiropractors use special techniques to relieve these strains and nerve compressions so neural communication is restored and inflammation and irritation are kept at bay. Plus, chiropractors can help athletes learn how to train and compete without overstraining their spine and musculoskeletal system.
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common causes of medical visits and missed days from work and school. At True Vitality KC, patients in and around Kansas City, MO, receive complete care for their lower back pain, including chiropractic care, massage therapy and other techniques based on their specific needs and symptoms.
What can I do to prevent lower back pain from occurring?
One of the best ways to prevent back pain is to have routine chiropractic adjustments to maintain proper spinal alignment so nerve compression, irritation, and inflammation can be avoided. Losing excess weight, being more physically active, using proper lifting technique and taking frequent breaks when sitting for long periods can also help.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain is a common problem among men and women and even among some children. The lower back bears a lot of weight during the day, and it also needs to be flexible. As a result, it’s subjected to a lot of strain and forces that can cause or contribute to painful symptoms. Some of the most common causes of lower back pain include:
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repetitive use and overuse injuries
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herniated or compressed discs
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arthritis
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spinal diseases or conditions like spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis or scoliosis
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carrying heavy or unbalanced loads like heavy backpacks, briefcases or purses
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poor posture or poor ergonomics at work, school or home
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slip-and-fall accidents
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sports injuries
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car accidents and other traumatic injuries
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standing or sitting for long periods of time
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being obese
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wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels
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pregnancy
Because so many issues can cause or contribute to painful symptoms, having a comprehensive, hands-on evaluation is critically important to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care.
How can the specialists at True Vitality KC help relieve my lower back pain?
Treatment for lower back pain begins with a hands-on analysis and physical evaluation including passive and active exercises to pinpoint the location of painful symptoms and identify the movements that trigger them. In some cases, diagnostic imaging tests may be ordered as well. Chiropractors are skilled in diagnosing and treating issues affecting the spine, which means they’re very qualified to treat lower back pain. Often, lower back pain can be treated with chiropractic adjustments to bring the spine back into alignment and relieve disc and nerve compression that can cause pain in the back as well as the buttocks and legs. Deep tissue massage can also help by stimulating circulation, relieving soft-tissue inflammation and promoting optimal healing. Therapeutic exercise and other techniques also may help, depending upon the specific underlying cause of pain.
Sports Injuries
Sports injuries can take a toll on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, resulting in pain and other symptoms including reduced range of motion. The team at True Vitality KC is skilled in treating all sorts of sports injuries in patients in Kansas City, MO, using state-of-the-art approaches like kinesio taping and the Graston technique.
What are the most common causes of sports injuries?
Some sports injuries are caused by direct impact either with a hard surface like the ground or a wall or with another player. But many injuries occur as a result of twisting or torquing the body either during competition or training, placing extreme and uneven strains on the muscles, joints and soft tissues. Many of these indirect-impact injuries result in inflammation and nerve compression that can cause pain at the site of injury as well as pain and other symptoms that radiate into the arms and legs. Because even a seemingly minor sports-related injury can have a significant and far-reaching impact on an athlete’s performance and overall health, having a comprehensive, hands-on chiropractic evaluation is essential for determining the best approach to care.
How do chiropractors treat sports injuries?
Once the cause of injury has been identified, treatment options may include chiropractic adjustments, deep tissue or sports massage, therapeutic exercises and sports-specific techniques like the Graston technique to loosen adhesions and muscle knots or Kinesio taping to provide adequate support to injured areas while they heal.
What is Kinesio taping?
Kinesio taping is a technique that uses strong, flexible cloth tape to provide support to injured areas while they heal. The flexible nature of the tape means athletes can still remain active, so muscles don’t “freeze up” and become stiff. Plus, the gentle support promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage for better healing. The tape is applied in a specific pattern depending on the area being supported, and it can remain in place 24 hours a day.
What is the Graston technique?
The Graston technique uses a series of specially-designed instruments applied to the body in a specific way to gently “break up” trigger points or muscle knots that can cause significant long-term and recurrent pain. This helps to mobilize soft tissues and restore their normal health and function. The technique typically is used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments or massage to stimulate circulation and promote natural healing. The Graston technique has been associated with many benefits, including faster healing and recovery for both acute and chronic conditions.
What symptoms do migraines cause?
Migraine headaches are a particularly severe type of headache usually associated with significant pain which is often located on one side of the head. Patients often experience additional symptoms like nausea or heightened sensitivity to light or sound. Sometimes, migraines can cause visual symptoms like tunnel vision or glare. Researchers believe migraines are caused by a combination of nerve and circulation problems, and both chiropractic care and therapeutic massage can be excellent options for relieving symptoms and preventing their recurrence.
Headaches And Migraines
Headaches and migraines aren’t just uncomfortable - they can interfere with a person’s normal activities, not to mention their quality of life. The team at True Vitality KC uses a combination of chiropractic treatment and therapeutic massage to relieve symptoms of all types of headaches, including tension headaches and migraines.
What are the most common causes of migraines and other chronic headaches?
Headaches are a very common medical complaint among patients of both sexes and all ages, and they can be caused by many factors, including:
chronic tension
poor posture
sitting for long periods of time
nerve compression in the neck or upper back
temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
slip-and-fall accidents or other traumatic injuries
allergies or sensitivities to foods or medications
overuse or strain involving the muscles in the neck or back
being too inactive
certain medications
some medical conditions, including hypertension
Because so many issues can cause or contribute to headaches, a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation is the first step in treatment and geared toward identifying the specific cause of symptoms.
How do chiropractors and massage therapists help relieve the pain of migraines and other chronic headaches?
Many headaches are caused by muscle strain in the neck and upper back, or alignment problems in the spine that cause painful nerve compression. Chiropractic adjustments can help realign the spine to relieve compression on nerves so nerve signaling is restored and painful irritation is relieved. Massage works by promoting circulation and releasing built-up toxins in areas of inflammation, tapping into the body’s natural healing powers to relieve associated pain. Plus, many forms of massage help release muscle knots or “trigger points” that can be a common source of recurrent tension headaches, and massage can also promote a general feeling of relaxation that can aid in tension release. Finally, the holistic caregivers at True Vitality KC can provide lifestyle guidance, teaching patients specific techniques to help them identify and avoid triggers that can cause headaches to flare up.
How can massage therapy help me recover and improve my health following pregnancy?
Even if this isn’t your first child, the demands of being a new mother are never easy, especially when your body is tired from pregnancy and delivery and your hormones are still getting back to “normal.” Postpartum massage helps women relieve stress and the pain and stiffness they can cause, promoting circulation and releasing built-up fluids while also stimulating the production and release of “feel good” chemicals like serotonin to help banish any “baby blues.”
What happens during a prenatal massage?
Prior to the massage, patients will be asked about any issues or symptoms they may be experiencing so their session can be focused on those issues. Special cushions and supports will be used to ensure the belly is well protected and the back and neck are properly supported. The therapist will select the best massage technique to relieve specific symptoms, like lower back pain, leg swelling, nausea or other symptoms
Prenatal and Postpartum Massage:
Pregnancy takes a toll on a woman’s body, both before and after delivery. True Vitality KC offers prenatal and postpartum massage to relieve the aches and pains of pregnancy so women in Kansas City, MO, can focus on the joys of motherhood.
Massage Therapy
At True Vitality KC, we offer massage therapy for so much more than prenatal and postpartum. Massage can be great for:
- Alleviating chronic pain and tension
- Recovering from athletics or injury
- Maintaining peak performance
- Recovering from pregnancy and postpartum
- Lowering anxiety and stress
- Improving sleep and relaxation
What are the benefits of prenatal and postpartum massage?
A woman’s body undergoes tremendous changes during pregnancy and following delivery, changes that involve the muscles, joints, nerves, circulatory system and hormones. All these issues can cause an array of symptoms, including pain and tenderness, and the lack of sleep and increased physical and psychological demands that typically follow delivery can also take a toll. Massage helps relieve all of these issues by promoting circulation and relieving muscle strain and stress that can cause painful knots and reduced range of motion, especially in the back and legs. Plus, massage improves lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling, and it can also help relieve the symptoms of morning sickness that plague many women during pregnancy. Finally, massage is well known for its relaxing properties. Having massage therapy routinely during and after pregnancy can help relieve stress and promote better sleep to help restore a woman’s overall health and wellness and help her adjust to her new responsibilities. Even before pregnancy, massage therapy can help by optimizing a woman’s health, even relieving chronic stress that can interfere with fertility.