Chiropractic

At the Red River Chiropractic Centre, Dr. Podaima approaches Chiropractic Care from a neuro/biomechanical approach that is strongly supported by the latest scientific studies. We use Chiropractic manipulation to treat musculosketetal conditions, relieve pain, improve function by restoring freedom of motion, and improve nervous system function by manipulating both the spinal column and body's extremities . We use treatment methods that combine osseous manipulation (hands on adjustments) with soft-tissue techniques (Active Release Technique).

These treatments are supplemented by specific rehabilitation exercises that strengthen weakened muscle groups, improve flexibility and assist in preventing conditions from returning. At our clinic, we believe that any treatment protocol must address the body at many levels. We strongly believe in using an integrated and holistic approach to your health. We combine essential aspects of numerous disciplines to provide a comprehensive, multi-factorial approach to your treatment protocols.

For example, most patients are aware that Chiropractors improve bio-mechanical and neurological function by adjusting the spine. However, patients are often unaware that Chiropractors view health care from a greater perspective that includes exercise, diet, and life-style changes.

How Do Chiropractors Diagnose?

Dr. Podaima uses standard procedures of examination to diagnose a patient's condition, and to arrive at an appropriate course of treatment.

  • Doctors of Chiropractic use the time-honored methods of consultation, case history, physical examination, orthopedic analysis, neurological analysis and x-ray examination (as needed) as any other doctor. In addition, we also carry out a careful structural examination that pays particular attention to the bio mechanic's of the body.
  • Determine which structures are affected along the entire kinetic chain of the body. We pay attention to more than just the chief area of complaint. For example, a patient with a knee injury will often have accompanying restrictions in a multitude of soft-tissue structures above and below the knee.

What Treatments Work - What Doesn't?

  • Bed rest for more than two days is a very bad strategy in the treatment of back pain.
  • Opioid drugs do not work for back pain over the long run and they lead to drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, respiratory depression and constipation. They are addictive and have reduced effectiveness after only a few weeks.
  • We know all narcotics should be avoided in the management of back pain.
  • Steroids are associated with substantial gastrointestinal injury, decreased bone mass, and degeneration of the bones of the legs.
  • Muscle relaxants do not work for chronic back pain.
  • Drugs do not achieve a lasting improvement in chronic spinal pain.

The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery Volume 86-A - Number - August 2004

Chronic Spinal Pain: A randomized clinical trail comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation Spine July 15, 2003;28(14):1490-1502

What is an effective treatment for low-back pain?

So what is the most effective form of treatment for back pain that can be scientifically validated? The answer is simple.

  • Chiropractic Manipulation - In head to head comparisons with conventional medicine, Chiropractic care has been shown to be the best choice.
  • For example in 2003, the Journal of Spine, the most prestigious medical journal published by the American Medical Association found that Chiropractic manipulation was five time more effective than the drugs Celebrex or Vioxx. This was a randomized clinical trial under the highest level of scrutiny.

Chronic Spinal Pain: A randomized clinical trail comparing medication, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation, Spine July 15, 2003;28(14):1490-1502

How to Achieve Best Results

Patients who do not exercise appropriately in conjunction with their Chiropractic adjustments will find that the adjustment gives them temporary relief by restoring their biomechanical and neurological function. However, their new found function will not last without regular exercise. This is because the body adopts muscle patterns that are based on existing physical activity.

A Chiropractic adjustment helps to establish a new optimal pattern for the spine, and the muscles that hold the spine in position. Appropriate exercises act to ensure the muscles change their existing patterns to better maintain the optimal pattern set by the adjustment.

At the same time, a patient who only exercises, and has not addressed adhesion formation that has built up due to repetitive motion may see only limited results. This why we treat not only the osseous structures (bones), but also address soft-tissue restrictions by breaking up those adhesions. Soft tissue being: muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves and circulation.

Diet is also an important issue; poor dietary habits will always impair healing. This is common sense. The body cannot effectively repair itself if the fundamental building blocks of essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals are not present.

What does Chiropractic treatment involve?

The major objectives of treatment are to: relieve pain, to restore and maintain function, to promote proper healing, to reduce the chance of re-aggravation, and to prevent chronic pain and premature degeneration.

  • Manipulation / Adjustments

    A skilled and specific form of treatment, in which the joint is taken beyond its passive end range barrier to what is known as the paraphysiological space. The objective of the adjustment is to release connective tissue adhesions, and to break the cycle of muscle spasticity, ultimately working towards restoring normal joint motion, improved healing capacity, and decreased pain. Adjustments involve a fast (high velocity), short (low amplitude) thrust, in the direction of joint restriction. Generally, there is a 'popping' noise directly after the thrust, which is pressurized gas (CO2) being released from the joint fluid. There is a growing body of research showing that manipulation has superior results to mobilization in reducing back pain, reducing neck pain, and increasing range of motion in a joint. Adjustment/manipulation is considered very safe.

  • Joint Mobilization

    A slower (low velocity) technique in which the joint remains within its passive range of movement. Mobilization places a tension on the joint capsule and ligaments and is designed to reduce ligamentous adhesions, and improve motion.

  • Stretching

    Stretching is used to improve range of motion, relax tight muscles, and assist in the soft tissue healing process. Re-alignment of muscle fibres may be achieved after more aggressive soft tissue techniques such as advanced myofascial release techniques.

  • Massage & Trigger Point Therapy

    Soft tissue techniques are often used prior to manipulation/adjustments to relax the area thus allowing the joints to move.

  • Home Rehabilitative Exercises

    Individual exercise programs are designed to improve fitness levels by promoting flexibility, strength, endurance and cardiovascular fitness. Home exercises will also speed the rate of recovery. There are many ways to perform exercises at home including thera-band and exercise balls.

  • Ice/Heat

    Ice therapy constricts blood vessels, numbs painful areas, and relaxes muscle spasms. Ice is used for acute injuries or for re-aggravation of chronic injuries. When in doubt, use ice.

    Heat therapy increases blood vessel size and thus, increases circulation, relaxing soft tissues and relieving painful symptoms. Heat is used for tight, aching muscles and joints.

  • Education

    Education regarding the nature of the injury, posture, lifestyle, ergonomics, exercise, nutrition, prevention, etc. is given. The objective is to educate patients so they can learn to manage and prevent recurrence of ongoing problems. Simply put, we help others help themselves.

What type of treatments do you normally recommend?

Our treatment recommendations vary greatly depending on the diagnosed condition, how long the condition has existed, and the current health status of the patient.

With this in mind, here are some of the general guideline that we follow:

  • If the condition falls within our scope of practice as a musculoskeletal condition, we will recommend an appropriate treatment modality which has a successful track record for treating your condition.
  • If the condition does not appear to be musculoskeletal in nature, we will make a referral to an appropriate medical practitioner.
  • In terms of the type of treatments we may recommend a combination of one or more of the following treatment modalities:
    • Active Release Techniques,
    • Chiropractic manipulation,
    • Exercises
    • Dietary recommendations
    • Flexion-Distraction

Benefits of chiropractic care

Patients report feelings of relief, greater mobility and a general sense of well-being after receiving Dr. Podaima's individualized chiropractic and ART treatments. Since chiropractic adjustments restore the body's powerful ability to heal itself, it is not surprising that many patients say they sleep better and have more energy following treatments. Dr. Podaima methods also play a major role in preventative care, protecting against future pain and health problems.

In addition to the many physical benefits, Dr. Podaima patients also experience mental and emotional improvements. Some benefits of chiropractic care include:

  • Stress Reduction
  • Postural Correction
  • Headache Relief
  • Increased Energy
  • Enhanced Athletic Performance
  • Improved Sleep
  • Relief from Pre-Natal Discomfort
  • Greater Flexibility
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Recovery
  • Alleviated Jaw Pain
  • Sciatica Relief
  • Trauma Recovery
  • Pain Relief
  • Improved Range of Motion
  • Better Coordination
  • Restored Sense of Balance
  • Decreased Joint Degeneration
  • Slower Development of Arthritis
What Kind Of Patient Are You?