East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.

Dr. Martin Marmorale

Should You See a Chiropractor Before a Marathon?

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Every fall, runners train in earnest for the New York City Marathon, taking place this year on November 3. Serious runners may look forward to the marathon, but not necessarily to its impact on their bodies. Running is great exercise and a rewarding sport, but it causes strain on muscles and joints, as well as spinal misalignment and irritated nerves. It may even result in repetitive motion injuries. Luckily, chiropractic care can help runners prevent these injuries, improve their performance, and recover more quickly from injury or aches and pains.

Can a Chiropractor Help You Prepare for a Marathon?

Chiropractic care can be an important part of both marathon training and marathon recovery. Because runners are prone to a wide variety of overuse injuries, it’s crucial to optimize your biomechanics, increase your flexibility and range of motion, and strengthen any areas of weakness in your body before a race. This can help prevent common runner injuries like stress fractures, plantar fasciitis, shin splints, and more.

Regular chiropractic visits not only help prevent injury but also offer other benefits, such as:

  • Pain relief.
  • Improved joint function and range of motion.
  • Quicker recovery times.
  • A more robust immune system.

Not only can chiropractic care help marathon runners, but it can offer many benefits to anyone involved in athletics.

Should You See a Chiropractor Before a Marathon?

Many runners only think of visiting their chiropractor in the days following a marathon. Much of the stiff and sore aftermath of a grueling race can be prevented or reduced by seeking consistent care during the leadup to a race, during marathon training, and year-round.

Can Graston Technique Help Marathon Runners?

At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the Graston Technique®. This process uses specialized stainless steel tools to locate and break up the scar tissue and fascial adhesions that can plague runners. Graston® also releases knotted muscles, allowing for healthy blood flow, reduced inflammation, and faster healing. Adapting Graston® for athletes can be incredibly beneficial.

Other chiropractic treatments we offer include adjustments to remove subluxations, massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, and nutritional counseling and supplements.

How Often Should Runners See a Chiropractor?

How often you should see a chiropractor depends on your running goals, how often and how intensely you train, and your current physical condition. We recommend visiting your chiropractor more often during marathon training or any time you increase the frequency or intensity of workouts.

We also suggest monthly or bi-monthly year-round maintenance treatments to prevent pain and injury and to address any ongoing issues. Remember, you don’t have to be injured or in pain to benefit from chiropractic treatment.

East Bay Helps Athletes Prepare, Optimize, and Recover

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has provided a broad range of chiropractic services to runners and other athletes for more than 35 years. Whether you’re a marathoner, a casual runner, or somewhere in between, we can help you feel your best with the Graston Technique®, adjustments, massage, and more. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Leaf Raking Injuries

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People know that it’s a great idea to stretch out before they exercise, but very few actually do it. That can lead to injuries and pain.

Year after year, we end up with patients who have sore backs and aching bodies because they didn’t take the proper precautions before raking leaves. It doesn’t sound like it should lead to injuries, but it does. Let’s talk about why.

What Muscles Do You Use When Raking Leaves?

A surprising number of muscles are involved in raking leaves. Because you are pulling with your arms, the primary muscles you engage are your biceps. But that motion also requires help from your shoulder muscles, rotator cuff, and deltoids.

Then, bagging the leaves uses your quadriceps, glutes, and all your core stabilizer muscles. In effect, raking leaves can become a long-chain exercise, hitting most of the major muscle groups in your body.

Is Raking Leaves a Strenuous Exercise?

Yes, though it is not necessarily a vigorous activity. Because so much of your body is used in the process of raking leaves, it is a strenuous exercise. Whenever you use multiple large muscle groups in an exercise, your body is exerting more than it does with a simple exercise like bicep curls. 

Many people don’t realize the additional weight that builds up in wet, decaying leaves, so you may be pulling more than you realize. Additionally, this is a repetitive stress motion. The act of raking is the same thing over and over with muscle groups that are not typically used that way. All that together means that the most common leaf-raking injuries are sore backs and shoulders.

The motion of pulling things toward us is not something we do with a lot of frequency and certainly not with the force and repetition that we do when we rake leaves. And most people don’t think to alternate their position or the side they are pulling with, according to HealthCentral.

Because we are never actually trained how to rake leaves without injuring ourselves, many end up facing autumn with sore, aching muscles or even muscle strains and pulls.

Can the Graston Technique® Help with a Raking Injury?

You may have heard that the best thing to do after overexerting a muscle is to take some form of pain reliever and relax, but that’s not the best way to minimize your pain and speed up your recovery.

If you must take a pain reliever, there is only one that we at East Bay will recommend: Nutrametrix Isotonix OPC-3. But the better way to fight the inflammation is with good nutrition, including natural anti-inflammatory nutrients such as grape seed extract, Boswellia, and curcumin. Even better is to use the Graston Technique®.

According to this study published by Illinois State University, the Graston Technique® helps stimulate the development of hemoglobin in the blood when used to treat non-specific neck pain. And why does stimulating your blood matter when you are dealing with pain?

To remove inflammation from your muscles, you need to increase blood flow. Your blood will carry away the impurities causing the discomfort and send nutrients and oxygen to your muscles, creating a faster recovery time with less soreness.

Using the Graston Technique®, we stimulate the muscle and help speed your recovery.

Contact East Bay Chiropractic Wellness for Relief from Leaf Raking Injuries

If you have injured yourself raking leaves, planting annuals, or just making the bed, the Graston Technique® can help speed up your recovery. Contact us to schedule an appointment and we can help to alleviate your pain.

How Chiropractic Care Benefits Musicians

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Musicians have more in common with athletes than one might think. Making music, like playing sports, takes time, practice, dedication, discipline, and teamwork. Both endeavors also require physical stamina, and both take a toll on one’s body. Musicians, like athletes, can experience discomfort, pain, and diminished performance due to overuse and repetitive motion injuries. Fortunately, chiropractic care offers treatments to help musicians feel better and perform their best.

How Common Is Chronic Pain in Orchestra Musicians?

Up to half of all musicians will experience some form of practice-related or performance-related musculoskeletal injury during their career. Repetitive motion injuries and postural imbalances are very common among instrumentalists. Backaches from holding a heavy instrument and hand or finger pain from repetitively pressing keys are frequent causes of chronic pain. Depending on the instrument played, musicians may experience discomfort or injury in other areas like the jaw, neck, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hips. Holding an embouchure, wearing a neck strap, or drawing a bow can all take a physical toll.

Some symptoms of these injuries include:

  • Pain
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Loss of muscle control.

These can be minor, or they can lead to decreased (or even loss of) ability to perform.

Can Chiropractic Care Help Musicians?

Musicians can benefit from chiropractic care to reduce pain or discomfort, improve posture, fix bodily imbalances, and restore range of motion. Treatments may include adjustments to remove subluxations, massage therapy, physical therapy, and the Graston Technique®, among others.

Our specialty is the Graston Technique®, which is especially helpful in treating hand, finger, thumb, and wrist pain stemming from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, arthritis, trigger finger, nerve pain, and focal hand dystonia (also known as musician’s dystonia). Focal dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes involuntary muscle spasms in the affected body part. It is common among musicians, writers, and athletes, and is often referred to as “the yips.”

The Graston Technique® is a type of therapy that uses specialized stainless-steel tools to locate and release knotted muscles, fascial adhesions, and scar tissue that can cause pain and inhibit movement. Graston improves blood flow to the impacted areas, which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

At your next appointment, we can discuss treatments with the Graston Technique® for neck and back pain. Additionally, we can discuss how Graston tendon treatment can be used to heal other areas of the body.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Helps You Make Beautiful Music

For more than 35 years, East Bay Chiropractic Wellness has provided a broad range of chiropractic services to musicians, artists, writers, and other individuals who experience discomfort endemic to these activities. We can help you prepare for and recover from the effects of repetitive motion and overuse on your hands, back, neck, and other areas with the Graston Technique®, adjustments, massage, and more. Contact us online to schedule an appointment.

Can a Chiropractor Help with Neck Pain from Migraines?

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The pain and inconvenience of a migraine can ruin your day, and chronic migraines can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of your life. There is a significant link between neck pain and migraines, and chiropractic treatments can provide a drug-free way to reduce the misery of headaches and the stiff neck that accompanies them.

Can Tight Neck Muscles Cause Migraines?

Tight neck muscles typically are a symptom or side effect of a migraine, not a cause. A tightening neck may even be a warning sign of an impending migraine. A tight neck in conjunction with a migraine is common; up to 80 percent of those with chronic migraines will experience a tight or painful neck before or during an attack.

There are other types of headaches that are associated with a tight neck. Unlike migraines, which originate in the brain, cervicogenic headaches are caused by issues with nerves, muscles, bones, or other parts of the neck. Pain begins in the neck or base of the skull and radiates to the back (or even the front) of the head. While migraine pain typically occurs on one side of the head, cervicogenic headaches can occur on both sides. Cervicogenic headaches are common, chronic, and can be provoked by certain head or neck movements. In addition to the headache, they cause neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Can Myofascial Release Help with Migraines?

Myofascial release (MFR), sometimes referred to as soft tissue mobilization, is a type of chiropractic therapy that involves manually compressing and stretching soft tissue to release tension in tight or painful trigger points.

Myofascial release can be a helpful treatment for migraines, as well as other types of headaches. MFR helps reduce pain, increase range of motion, improve balance, and decrease stress, all of which relieve the misery of migraines and other headaches.

Can You Do Graston on Your Neck?

Our specialty is the Graston Technique®, a soft-tissue therapy that deploys patented tools to stretch and repair connective tissue and to increase blood flow in affected areas. It addresses trigger points, releases knotted muscles, and breaks up scar tissue. The Graston Technique® can be used on the neck to treat migraines, cervicogenic, and other types of headaches.

Studies indicate that the Graston Technique® decreases headache discomfort, duration, frequency, and reduces reliance on medication. Our other services may help with migraines and other headaches. These include cervical adjustments, therapeutic ultrasound, massage, and physical therapy. We are happy to work with you to find the right program of care tailored specifically to your situation.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Relieve Headache Pain

If you experience migraines, cervicogenic, or other headaches, the East Bay Chiropractic Wellness team can create a holistic treatment plan to increase your comfort and improve your quality of life. With more than 35 years of experience, we were the first Long Island chiropractor to be certified in the use of the Graston Technique®. Schedule an appointment online, or call (516) 679-2225 to learn more about how we can help you. You’re in good hands with us!

Can The Graston Technique® Treat Fibromyalgia?

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We all experience back pain at some point in our lives. As we age, back pain becomes more frequent and prolonged. This is especially true if we have poor posture and neglect a healthy lifestyle, including diet, exercise, and sleeping on a supportive mattress. Despite our best efforts, however, there are situations outside of our control, such as injury or illness, that can cause chronic pain regardless.

One such disorder is fibromyalgia. This chronic illness is believed to affect how our nervous system processes painful versus nonpainful signals, resulting in the amplification of painful sensations. Could the Graston Technique® provide effective treatment?

Is Graston Effective for Fibromyalgia?

In addition to chronic pain, fibromyalgia causes fatigue and cognitive difficulties, or brain fog. The Graston Technique® cannot directly address fatigue and brain fog, but it can alleviate chronic pain, which can result in reduced fatigue and improved focus. This makes the Graston Technique® a viable form of pain management for fibromyalgia and other forms of lingering and chronic pain in our soft tissue. 

By using stainless steel tools that require specialized training and certification, a practitioner can “comb” detected fibrotic (hardened) soft tissue and then break it up to release tension, improve mobility, and reduce the pain that it causes.

Can Graston Help with Nerve Pain?

The Graston Technique® can be utilized as part of a multi-pronged chiropractic care plan to help with nerve pain. Graston® is important in improving mobility and breaking up one of the root causes of your chronic pain. In addition to Graston®, spinal manipulation could be administered to help reduce pressure on your nervous system as it helps to realign your spine. When your spine is misaligned, it causes strain on your muscles, which increases the risk of causing more fibrotic tissue and contributing to chronic pain. 

Does Myofascial Release Help with Fibromyalgia?

Additionally, deep-tissue massage can further relax muscles, resulting in alleviated pressure on your nervous system. Myofascial release specifically targets the soft connective tissue around the muscles. Combined with the Graston Technique, fibrotic tissue around the connective tissue can be broken up and relaxed to reduce pain and improve your quality of sleep, which can help fight against fatigue.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help to Alleviate Your Back Pain and Increase Your Quality of Life

While there is in fact no cure currently for fibromyalgia, that doesn’t mean you have to live in constant pain and discomfort. East Bay Chiropractic specializes in using the Graston Technique for managing pain and relieving conditions caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation, which could lead to constant discomfort. Our services also include other chiropractic treatments, massage therapy, and acupuncture to provide a multi-pronged approach to your pain management. And with nearly 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today to learn more about how we can help you manage your chronic pain.

Treatment Alternatives Before Back Surgery

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Our backs are crucial to our overall health and comfort. Unfortunately, because of the demands of everyday life, many of us experience back pain. In fact, nearly 1 in 5 Americans have experienced varying levels of back pain, along with 8% of adults experiencing chronic back pain specifically.

If you’re experiencing chronic back pain that’s getting in the way of your day-to-day life, you should get a professional opinion from an expert on how to best manage that pain. Many doctors are likely to suggest back surgery, which can be risky. So, what are the alternative treatments you can consider before back surgery?

Should I See a Chiropractor Before Deciding on Back Surgery?

While back surgery is sometimes necessary, you should never resign yourself to the risk without examining your alternatives and making a well-informed choice for your health. If you are experiencing back pain as a result of an accident or injury, it’s important that you see a doctor and get a diagnosis. That said, if you continue having lingering pain after an accident or injury, or if you’re developing chronic back pain, seeing a chiropractor is encouraged before deciding on back surgery. Chiropractors not only provide care, but they also provide lifestyle advice that can help improve your overall health.

What Back Problems Can a Chiropractor Help With?

Chiropractors can help with a number of back problems, which can also help bring you relief from other ailments tied to your spine. Lower back pain, upper back pain, stiffness, and limits in your range of motion can all be addressed with various chiropractic treatments, including spinal manipulation, massage therapy, and acupuncture.

It may be possible that your chronic back pain is caused in part or in full by damaged muscle and soft tissue in the area. Not only can that cause pain and discomfort, but it can also cause you to overcompensate with your unaffected back muscles, which can lead to spinal misalignment.

For these instances, the Graston Technique® can be utilized; a technique that the administering chiropractor must be specially trained in. The Graston Technique® involves tools designed to break up the damaged scar tissue, to relieve the pain it causes while also restoring your range of motion.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Provide an Alternative to Back Surgery and Improve Your Quality of Life

For millions of Americans, chronic back pain is a part of life. There are many healthcare professionals that suggest potentially risky surgical procedures that don’t always guarantee pain relief, but there are other forms of care to try beforehand. At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the use of the Graston Technique® in pain management and relief caused by soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation that could lead to constant discomfort or pain. And with more than 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Contact East Bay Chiropractic today, and learn more about how we can help you manage your chronic pain.