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Author: Tania Leski

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Isolation…

So, as we all know, Corona Virus is everywhere. People are panicking, buying all the toilet paper they can and ducking for cover when they hear a cough. I thought, it’s not worth panicking, just be smart, practice excellent hygiene habits, especially at work where I see so many different people, people who have different health problems that could put them or their families more at risk of serious complications with this virus.

Then I found out I was potentially exposed to it by someone else. And then I started to get sick, so i followed the guidelines, called the hotline, talked to the GP, got tested and am now self-isolating until I get my results.

PictureDr Rach tested negative…

​​​While it was a welcome few days off at first, I am already bored and struggling. It is hard to go from speaking to, being around and connected to people every day, to suddenly being by myself. I can’t grab a cup of coffee (HORROR), I can’t go to work (stressful), and I can’t go to the gym (that one might be a relief for now!).

​Once I started feeling better, I started trying to do things that were somewhat productive. My room has literally never been this clean, I’ve finished a book I’ve long been meaning to read and have binged a LOT of Netflix.

​However, it can be stressful, boring and lonely. I am very thankful for my friends and family, who have been very supportive – offering to bring me food, or just calling for a chat or messaging to check on how I’m doing.

​That is the best thing you can do for someone if they are in isolation – let them know they aren’t alone, that you’re there for them if they need someone. If you are the one in isolation, and are feeling this way, reach out to someone. Keep yourself busy, eat healthy fresh food to support your body, keep moving, and if you need to, switch off from all the corona virus news.

PictureDr Tania demonstrating some rehab exercises

We at ChiroCure have been brainstorming ideas on ways we can provide the best support for you, our patients. We know getting adjusted helps the function of your nervous system.

We are taking every precaution we possibly can – cleaning and sanitizing between every patient, encouraging best hygiene practices, education on Corona Virus and following very closely what the government and health groups are saying.​
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However, for those of you who are unwell or are in isolation, or if you can’t get to our clinic, we are offering online Skype sessions to at least help you get through the next few weeks. These will include rehab exercises, stretches, ergonomic advice for working at home and home care advice, especially those of you in acute or severe pain.

We are happy to listen to your concerns, can answer any questions you may have and make sure you are doing the best exercises for you and properly. We even have personal trainer on board, who is providing consults and PT programs over Skype as well. 

If you need to book an appointment, or want to talk to one of us to find out more, please call us on 9013 5133, book online at chirocure.net or jump onto our social media pages.
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 We have practitioners available for appointments at the clinic every day!

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​Lower cross syndrome and treatment

Lower Cross Syndrome / Incorrect Lumbar Curvature

​Lower cross syndrome
 
Lower Crossed Syndrome is a muscular imbalance syndrome, which results in postural changes, postural dysfunction and visible unleveling; particularly in the lower spine, that our Chiropractors are trained to identify. We will complete an assessment, posture scan and posture report during your first visit. 

Muscular imbalance can lead to an unstable back, which increases the risk of injury and dysfunction in the joints in the lower back and pelvis as well as the hip joints. It may also impair your sporting performance as a result of reduced core stability and stride length.

Causes
This condition is often caused by poor posture, prolonged sitting or standing, and a lack of core stability for the spine. Lower Cross Syndrome is characterised by weak or inhibited abdominal and buttock muscles with tight, overactive low back extensors and hip flexors.

Often the gluteal and hamstring muscles becoming inactive or weak due to remaining in a sustained incorrect lengthened position. And one or both hip can become tight or stiff, caused to the muscles spasms from prolonged shortening of the muscles that cross the hip joint. 
Symptoms

  • Protruding abdomen
  • Arched back
  • Flexed hips
  • Lack of buttock musculature
  • Low back pain
  • Low back stiffness
  • Lower limb pain
  • Hip dysfunction
  • Sciatica

 
X-ray findings and outcome
​We can refer you for imaging and provide you with a management program and treatment plan.
 
Treatment
ChiroCure Clinic offers treatment that can help you to manage lower cross syndrome including Chiropractic, Remedial Massage and Myotherapy treatment. 

Our practitioners offer specific adjustments and a treatment to regain normal function in the joints in the lower back and pelvis. They will also address the muscular imbalance by relaxing the over-tightened muscles and ensuring you have a programme of self-help exercises to specifically target the weak muscles causing the imbalance. You will also be given advice of your posture and how to correct it whether it be at home, work, whilst driving or sleeping.

It is not normally enough to just keep stretching and massaging the tight muscles. This will only give short-term relief. Chiropractic treatment is aimed at dealing with the underlying cause of the tight muscles, which is the joint problem.
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Clinic is open normal hours this Australia Day Long Weekend

Australian Day Hours

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Brendon explains Myotherapy, Dry Needling  & Acupuncture & the different treatment outcomes

A little about our Myotherapist – Brendon…

myotherapy treatment clinic melbourne

Brendon’s passion for myotherapy, dry needling, soft tissue work, rehab and recovery was heavily influenced when he injured his own knee as a young child. Brendon not only works with us at ChiroCure Clinic, but also works within a soft tissue Medical treatment team at the Western Bulldogs (AFL), Northern Blues (VFL) & Victoria Fury.

He has completed further training for Myofascial Dry Needling, Cupping & Taping, with a strong passion in the application of taping for sport, function, and prevention. He has a special interest in lower limb conditions, postural dysfunction and pain. He hopes to continue to offer his specialised care to ChiroCure Clinic patients.​

​Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture
​What is the difference between Dry Needling and Acupuncture?

When our practitioners suggest dry needling for a client, the response is commonly: “oh is this the same as acupuncture?” Believe it or not, Acupuncture and Dry Needling are very similar, and yet also completely different!

Acupuncture was found over 5300 years ago, by the ancient Chinese. This form of treatment was and currently is used to treat several medical pathologies and conditions, including: allergies, nervous and respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal disorders. Practitioners subtly and gently insert needles into specific acupuncture spots over the body, to treat the patients specific complaint. These specific spots are found along the meridian lines of the body. Acupuncture is more focused toward relaxation, with treatment lasting between 15-30 minutes.

In the early 1930’s a Doctor named John Kellgren (Rheumatologist), noticed that a distinct pain referral pattern was produced when injecting a saline substance into the muscle. Due to the pressure of the needle, pain was found to be relieved. Later in the decade, Dr Janet Travell, who was a Cardiologist, started studying Dr Kellgren’s work, and particularly questioned the use of saline. Dr Travell removed the saline from the injection, and still found that pain within the muscles was removed, reduced and relieved, thus ‘Dry Needling’ therapy was born.

Dry Needling has since had more research and practice, with a fine specific application now being used. Needles are inserted into taut bands (tightness) of muscular tissue and trigger points. Depending on how quickly the muscles positively respond, needles stay in each muscle for up to 10 minutes at any given time. Treatment with dry needling can require between 30-60 minutes, depending on how many muscle groups are being targeted and how large the area of pain or dysfunction.

Dry needling compliments Chiropractic Adjustments and is very effective when releasing muscles that do no release completely after a chiropractic treatment. 

Below is a table that quickly points out some differences, and similarities between the two techniques.

Dry Needling vs Acupuncture at ChiroCure Chiropractic Clinic

Book an appointment with Brendon for Myotherapy & Dry Needling today!! 
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Group Fitness Classes…

We are now offering sports specialist and group fitness classes with our qualified Chiropractors, Osteopaths & PT’s.

​Only $45.00 per class.​

Read more about our practitioners biographies on our ‘Practitioners Page‘ 

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ChiroCure Clinic welcomes Dr Jennifer Lew to the team!

Welcoming our new ChiroCure Chiropractor – Dr Jen Lew

Dr Jen Lew - Chiropractor ChiroCure Clinic

Dr Jennifer Lew has been practicing Chiropractic in Sydney for the past 5 years at an integrated health clinic. Ultimately it was a combination of growing up in a Medical family (both parents are GPs) and the love of sport, health, fitness and performance that lead her to pursue a career as a Chiropractor. From a young age Dr Jen has has had a passion for an array of sports and has competed at the National level in Athletics. She has been involved with several Sydney football clubs, and is currently pursing her dream of playing in the womens AFL.

Dr Lew believes that Chiropractic is about total wellbeing, and the health benefits of Chiropractic treatment span well beyond acute pain relief. She applies several chiropractic treatment techniques into her treatments including the use of structural techniques including Diversified and Thompson, drop-piece adjusting, along with more gentle techniques such as SOT, Activator and soft tissue therapy.

Dr Jen also applies the Denneroll and Scoliroll blocks during some treatments, as well as implementing the Webster technique as required. She is focused on providing patients with home care advice to compliment her care by including a home care plan that addresses nutrition, lifestyle advice, ergonomic assessment and rehab exercises.
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Read more about our Chiropractors on our ‘Practitioner’ Page
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Clinic Opening Hours this festive season

ChiroCure Clinic is open during the x-mas period and we do not close over new year!

See ChiroCure Clinics Dec 2019 and Jan 2020 Clinic hours below.
​Please call to book your next appointment during the holidays. 
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Author

Dr Tania Leski
Chiropractor @ ChiroCure Clinic

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Christmas Clinic Hours 2019

chirocure clinic xmas hours 2019

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UPPER CROSS SYNDROME (INCORRECT SPINAL CURVATURE ON XRAYS)

UPPER CROSS SYNDROME & CHIROPRACTIC

Upper Crosse Syndrome (UCS) is caused by an imbalance in the flexor and extensor muscles of the chest and upper back. It can be seen clearly on X-ray imaging referred by your chiropractor, when looking from the side of the spine at the spinal curves.

Posture will often result in the upper back muscles becoming increasingly tense and tight due to the constant strain of having shoulders positioned anteriorly forward, and the thoracic curve will be increased on imaging. This will often cause the chest muscles to become shortened and the shoulder region to tighten and curve due to constantly incorrectly held posture. 

upper cross syndrome chiropractic care

Risk Factors

Though those with a sedentary lifestyle are most at risk for the condition, it is not uncommon to find Upper Crossed Syndrome in athletes, particularly swimmers and weight lifters. 
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Symptoms

Headaches, neck pain and pain in the jaw may point to a case of UCS.
The effects of this condition can harm performance, reducing range of movement and inhibiting the ability to breathe fully due to the reduction of space in the abdomen. ​​

Xray finding and symptoms

  • On x-ray you will see incorrect curvature in the cervical and thoracic spine. 
  • If not treated, the condition can deteriorate further causing eventual damage to the spine.          
  • This happens due to the continual pressure on the front of the vertebrae causing compression and leading to cervical kyphosis.​​​

Treatment and home care

neck shoulder stretches chirocure chiropractic clinic stkilda

Chiropractic treatment
The best treatment options involve a combination of exercise, physical therapy and chiropractic care.
First, a chiropractic adjustment can realign joints that have become misaligned due to tight muscles and bad posture. Proper chiropractic care will help increase range of movement while also allowing your body to relax tightened muscles and stretch shortened muscles.  
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Home care and rehab exercises
Supportive at-home exercises will further the goal of strengthening weak muscles and stretching tight ones.
Two simple things you can do at regular intervals throughout the day are to tuck your chin back in toward your chest and pull your shoulders back, and hold the position for 30 seconds at a time. Stretching the tight muscles and strengthening the weak ones will help restore proper posture and ensure the condition does not return.

How is posture related?

ChiroCure Clinic Chiropractors aim to restore healthy posture, spinal alignment, proper movement and flexibility. When incorrect curvature is diagnosed on x-rays, it is important to understand why. You spine should only have a curve when looking at the spine from the side, not from the front or back.
 
Curvature in the spine from the side is normal and expected for shock absorption. When our spinal curves are incorrect or not as they should be, symptoms of pain can worsen. We take x-rays to diagnose and assess the curve of your spine, and determine the health of the vertebrae and discs. 
 
The following are the two moose common cause of incorrect spinal curves. The symptoms of each condition can vary from patient to patient, however the outcome, being degenerative change and bony change is very common. You can have both of the following syndromes, or just one in your spine.
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Personal Training recommendations

How to get the most out of your treatment?
Why not co manage your condition with one of our recommended PT’s?

How to get the most out of your chiropractic care
Your chiropractor is perfecting your postural alignment, aiming to have you moving more efficiently and without discomfort. Treatment involves a mix of techniques, including: gentle manipulation, drop piece, activator, soft tissue massage techniques, specific stretching and rehabilitation exercises; all to increase mobility and function, and improve posture. Over the course of your treatment, your body will begin to “hold” or retain this mobility and function. However, there are many things you can do as a patient to compliment your chiropractic therapy and achieve maximum results in minimal time; below we will discuss two of these – self myofascial release and targeted strength training.
compliment your care

​Self Myofascial Release
In simple terms, this is something you can do yourself in your own environment, to help release muscles in your problem areas. These areas are those of discomfort or those your chiropractor works on. Self myofascial release mimics the effects of a deep tissue massage, penetrating deep into the muscle to relieve tightness and can be done with something as simple as a tennis ball, or a foam roller. There is no limit as to how much self myofascial release you can do, but the aim of therapy is to “chase the ache” and remain as relaxed as possible, as an activated muscle is much harder to release. One common area of tightness for many individuals can be found in the gluteal and lower back areas. Follow the diagrams below to effectively treat you gluteal and lower back muscle tightness – chase the ache and remain as relaxed as possible through the muscle group you are trying to release.

Targeted Strength Training​
Strength training is a form of exercise that is completed with either body eight, resistance or free hand weights, and aims to increase muscle mass and strength, tighten and tone your body as well as improve your musculoskeletal health. Musculoskeletal health is the health of your bones and muscles, and the elements that bind those together (tendons and ligaments) – these elements directly impact upon your posture. When your joints are not moving properly or are misaligned, this can directly impact upon your muscle strength and tightness in specific muscle groups, creating bad posture or ineffective movement patterns, which can then lead to pain and discomfort for you, the patient. Targeting strength training on these weak muscle groups will help improve joint function and posture for longer. The biggest consideration when thinking about strength training is technique – inappropriate or bad technique will send you backwards, and potentially cause harm and injury. 

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If you are unsure on where to start, want some pointers on technique, or want to look get the most out of your chiropractic care, please visit: www.pbltraining.com.au and talk to Louise McDonald about personal training. 

Louise McDonald has a Bachelor of Nursing, Certificate 3 and 4 in Fitness and works from the St Kilda area. She is currently offering a free assessment for a short time only.