East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.

General Chiropractic

What Is the Difference Between a Sprain and a Strain

by

When it comes to soft tissue injuries, the two most commonly invoked are sprains and strains. However, the vast majority of people are not informed about the difference between these two similar injuries.

  • A sprain injures your ligaments, the bands of tissue that connect one bone to another. Sprains occur when you overextend or tear a ligament while severely stressing a joint.
  • A strain, or pulled muscle, involves an injury to a muscle or tendon (the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone).

How Can I Tell If It’s a Sprain or Strain?

While both can cause swelling and pain, each has its own symptoms. Both sprains and strains often exhibit limited mobility in the affected joint, as well as muscle weakness, tenderness, and swelling.

In addition, hearing or feeling a “pop” in your joint at the time of injury indicates a sprain.

These similarities make them hard to distinguish. One major difference is that sprains often involve bruising, while strains can lead to muscle spasms.

Is a Sprain Worse Than a Strain?

Both can be equally bad, and both affect connective tissue, so it depends on the severity of the particular injury. Of the two, strains generally have the faster recovery time since tendons heal faster than ligaments.

Can Graston Be Applied for Ankle Sprains?

The Graston Technique® is a procedure for treating soft tissue injuries, injuries that affect the fascia, adhesions, knots, muscle spasms, and anything that causes a restricted range of motion that prevents you from doing what you love. It involves the use of a surgical stainless steel instrument with rounded edges (it’s not sharp), allowing the clinician to identify problem areas and provide precision treatment to deep tissue.

When treating ankle sprains, the Graston Technique® is effective in helping to reduce swelling as well as in the later stages of the healing process, it assists in the breakdown of adhesions and dysfunctional scar tissue that occurs as a result of the initial injury.

Can Graston Help with Muscle Strains?

When treating muscle strains or tissue tightness, the Graston Technique® can promote faster rehabilitation and facilitate a return to normal function. The technique can help support your recovery process, allowing it to stay smooth and relatively brief.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Is the Expert in Soft Tissue Injuries

At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, we’ve been at the cutting edge of chiropractic care since the mid-1980s, and have been certified to practice the Graston Technique® for decades. With almost four decades of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. Our expert team understands that each case is unique and develops individualized treatment plans for each patient. Contact us at East Bay Chiropractic today. You deserve a life free from pain!

Can Graston Treat IT Band Syndrome?

by

The iliotibial (IT) band is a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh, stretching from the hip to the knee. IT Band Syndrome (ITBS) occurs when the IT band causes friction against the lower outer edge of the thighbone, which may cause inflammation in the bone, tendons, or small, fluid-filled sacs in the area.

What Is IT Band Syndrome (ITBS)?

Some researchers believe ITBS stems from the abnormal compression of underlying tissue by the iliotibial band. While the exact cause is still being researched, it’s widely agreed that repetitive knee bending and extension play a major role. As a result, long-distance runners and individuals new to running are most commonly affected.

You’re more likely to develop ITBS if you:

  • Run on uneven or downhill terrain
  • Wear worn-out running shoes
  • Push beyond your physical limits
  • Have a slight inward leg slope (bowlegged)

To reduce your risk, ease into any new running routine gradually. Make sure to stretch properly and increase training intensity over time rather than all at once.

How Do You Treat ITBS?

In many cases, treating a tight IT band will involve:

  • Reducing or modifying activity, such as pausing running
  • Using ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications
  • Making lifestyle changes
  • Practicing targeted exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles around your hip and knee

If symptoms don’t improve after several weeks of making proper adjustments, consult a healthcare provider. Your knee pain might be due to a different injury or condition.

Your provider will review your medical history, perform a physical examination, and rule out other potential causes. In unclear cases, they may recommend imaging such as an X-ray or MRI. Fortunately, most cases of ITBS respond well to proper treatment and rehabilitation.

How Does the Graston Technique® Help IT Band Syndrome?

The Graston Technique® is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM). A trained provider uses stainless steel tools to gently scrape the skin and underlying tissue to:

  • Promote tissue repair
  • Reduce inflammation
  • Restore mobility
  • Break down adhesions and knots in the fascia

In a study of the Graston Technique® for Iliotibial Band Syndrome, all participants treated with the Graston Technique® reported a reduced level of pain post-treatment.

Talk to East Bay Chiropractic Wellness If You Suspect IT Band Syndrome

If you are experiencing IT band syndrome or a similar condition, the East Bay Chiropractic Wellness team can create a holistic treatment plan to help you return to your normal routine. With more than 35 years of experience, you’ll be in good hands with us. Fill out our contact form or call (516) 679-2225 to learn more about how we can help you.

Can the Graston Technique® Be Used on Tight Hamstrings?

by

When most people think of chiropractors, they think of spinal adjustments to treat back pain. While spinal manipulation is a cornerstone of chiropractic care, chiropractors also offer a range of techniques that address various musculoskeletal issues, including tight or injured hamstrings.

Your spine is a critical part of the central nervous system, and spinal misalignments or pinched nerves caused by issues like slipped discs can lead to discomfort throughout the body. However, chiropractic care extends far beyond spinal health. In this blog post, we’ll explore how chiropractors can support recovery from hamstring injuries using tools like the Graston Technique®.

Can a Chiropractor Fix Hamstrings?

Yes, chiropractors can effectively treat hamstring injuries. Common hamstring issues include strains or tears, which involve soft tissue damage, leading to symptoms such as:

  • Sudden pain or a pulling sensation in the back of the thigh.
  • Swelling or tenderness near the thigh or knee.
  • Bruising or discoloration within hours or days after injury.
  • Difficulty walking or bending the knee due to stiffness or weakness.
  • Pain that worsens with movement, such as running or jumping.

Chiropractors treat hamstring injuries with several methods, including massage therapy and the Graston Technique®. 

Is It Okay to Massage a Pulled Hamstring?

Absolutely. Massage therapy is designed specifically to target our soft tissue, making it a great choice for treating injuries such as a pulled hamstring. Massage therapy can reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling. This helps increase mobility more quickly and get you back to your day-to-day life sooner.

What Are the Effects of Graston on Hamstring Injury?

The Graston Technique® is an evidence-based method that uses specially designed stainless-steel instruments to detect and treat scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions. When used on a hamstring injury, this technique helps:

  • Breakdown scar tissue resulting from a tear
  • Improve blood flow and circulation in the affected area
  • Reduce pain and restore range of motion

The Graston Technique® can help break up scar tissue caused by car accidents, slips and falls, sports injuries, post-surgical soft tissue healing, and more. While it may result in temporary bruising or mild discomfort, these side effects are part of the natural healing process.

Recover Faster from Hamstring Injuries at East Bay Chiropractic

At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C., we specialize in helping patients recover from hamstring strains and other soft tissue injuries. With more than 35 years of experience and certified expertise in the Graston Technique®, we are proud to be among the few clinics on Long Island offering this advanced treatment.

In addition to utilizing the Graston Technique®, we can also utilize massage, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, and more in our approach to pain management. Schedule your appointment today and take the first step towards a more comfortable life.

Does Graston help Patellar Tendonitis?

by

Being physically active throughout our lives is important, especially as we get older. Exercising, such as jogging and playing sports, well into our later years can help keep us healthy and strong, which is essential for maintaining independence in our golden years.

Unfortunately, aging can also make us more susceptible to injuries from exercising. Even when we’re younger and trying our best to avoid it, injuries can still affect us at the most inopportune times.

One such common injury related to exercise and sports is patellar tendonitis. So, what exactly causes this injury?

What Causes Patellar Tendonitis?

The primary cause of patellar tendonitis is overuse of the tendon that connects our kneecap to our shin bone. This happens from repeated stress on the tendon, causing a series of microtears. This can result from playing sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball, but it can happen in other instances as well.

Does Patellar Tendonitis Go Away?

For mild cases, it can eventually go away with proper care, but it’s important not to work through the pain. Paying attention to when you have pain developing between your kneecap and shin bone can help keep you from overexerting yourself and making things worse. It’s common for the pain to initially only appear while you’re being active, but eventually it can start to occur more and more frequently even when not being active, which can start to impact your quality of life. Seeking help from a professional at that point will help expedite the healing process.

Is Scraping Good for Patellar Tendonitis?

The Graston Technique® is designed to treat injuries just like patellar tendonitis. That’s because this technique, which only certified professionals can administer, is ideal for breaking up scar tissue that forms on soft tissue, including your tendons, that develops from these injuries. When your body is trying to heal from microtears in soft tissue, the hard, coarse tissue that develops over it creates pain and limits mobility. The Graston Technique® breaks that up to restore your mobility and expedite your healing process.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Help You Recover

Sports injuries might seem like minor inconveniences to some, but conditions like patellar tendonitis can become chronic and significantly affect your quality of life. Ongoing pain and mobility issues can introduce unexpected limitations into your daily routine, making even simple activities more difficult.

At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C., we’ve been helping patients manage pain and restore mobility for over 35 years. Our team offers a comprehensive range of chiropractic services tailored to your needs, including massage therapy, stretching exercises, spinal adjustments, and the Graston Technique®. This specialized approach has been shown to support faster, more effective rehabilitation.

Schedule your appointment today to get evaluated and explore the best treatment options for getting back to the life you enjoy.

What Is Text Neck and How to Treat It

by

The modern age brings us many things, both positive and negative. Among them are a plethora of screens—laptops, desktops, and especially smartphones. Have you ever had a pain in your neck from looking down at a phone screen to text or surf the internet? You may have a very modern ailment called “text neck“.

What Is Text Neck?

A comparatively new term, like the technology that spawned it, text neck refers to pain or physical damage caused by tilting one’s head to look down at the screen of an electronic device for long periods of time.

The repetitive stress to the upper spine and neck is what causes the pain. The average human head weighs between ten and twelve pounds, but when the neck is tilted down, the effective weight increases to approximately thirty pounds, causing stress and strain to the spine and surrounding musculature. This stress is not limited to your neck. It also transmits through your cervical spine, shoulder muscles, and associated supporting ligaments.

What Are the Symptoms of Text Neck?

Pain and stiffness are the primary symptoms, but not the only ones. These are some of the symptoms to look out for if you suspect that text neck is your issue: 

  • Eye pain.
  • Fatigue.
  • Consistent or constant headaches.
  • Deterioration of posture.
  • Nausea.
  • Muscle soreness.
  • Reduced range of motion.
  • Sharp pain in that area of your neck.
  • Stiffness or tightness in your neck and shoulders.
  • Upper back pain.

As the use of mobile devices has exploded, so have incidents of text neck. Teenagers watching TikTok videos on their phones, office workers bent over desktop computer screens, and people of all ages playing video games all contribute to text neck becoming more common.

Can a Chiropractor Fix Text Neck?

The National Library of Medicine notes chiropractic care as non-invasive treatment modalities used to treat persistent neck pain issues such as text neck. Unfortunately, there has been limited research on neck pain, especially when compared to studies on lower back pain.

Can Graston® Treatments Alleviate Text Neck?

Graston Technique® is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy used to alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility. This type of manipulation, which is gaining more research support, aligns well with the National Library of Medicine study linked above.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness – A Holistic Approach

Since 1986, Dr Marmorale has stayed at the cutting edge of chiropractic care, being certified in the Graston Technique® since 2008. Dr Marmorale and our expert team at East Bay Chiropractic create a treatment plan for each patient, custom-tailored to their particular needs and circumstances. Contact us at East Bay Chiropractic today. You deserve a life free from pain!

Is It Okay to Stretch After the Chiropractor?

by

When you have a chiropractic adjustment, the last thing you want to do is undo its benefits by moving or exercising the wrong way after treatment. Patients are often inclined to avoid activities like stretching, walking, exercising, and doing yoga after an adjustment, but in most cases, we encourage these when done in moderation.

Is It Okay to Stretch After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Stretching after an adjustment isn’t just okay, we typically recommend it. Gentle stretching after a visit to the chiropractor can reduce post-adjustment soreness and speed the healing process by improving blood circulation to the affected tissues.

Can I Exercise After Seeing the Chiropractor?

While exercise is crucial to good health and well-being, we recommend avoiding strenuous or high-impact workouts after a chiropractic adjustment. Your body is adapting to being realigned, so ease back into activities slowly over the course of several days. Try not to bend or twist your spine for the first 24-48 hours, and don’t push yourself too hard. As an alternative to more vigorous workouts, try walking or swimming instead.

Is It Good to Go for a Walk After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

While it’s not a good idea to engage in strenuous or high-impact workouts after a chiropractic appointment, walking is an excellent way to exercise while allowing your body to stabilize after an adjustment.

Can I Do Yoga After Seeing the Chiropractor?

Yoga is a wonderful complement to chiropractic treatment, improving flexibility and fostering a healthy mind-body connection. After an adjustment, focus on gentle poses for a day or two, and gradually ease back into more difficult ones. Stop and call your chiropractor if you feel any pain or significant discomfort.

Should I Take a Nap After a Chiropractic Adjustment?

Feeling tired after a chiropractic adjustment is common. You’re adapting to the realignment and experiencing improved blood flow, so becoming sleepy is perfectly normal. If you feel like taking a nap, by all means, do so, but avoid nodding off in a contorted or uncomfortable position.

Can Stretching Help Break Up Scar Tissue?

Stretching lengthens and softens scar tissue, allowing it to become more mobile and increasingly flexible. If you have adhesions or scar tissue that are limiting your mobility, we recommend specialized treatment with the Graston Technique®. This process uses specialized stainless steel tools to locate and break up scar tissue and fascial adhesions, and to release knotted muscles. The Graston Technique® increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, and promotes faster healing, making it an excellent complement to traditional chiropractic adjustments.

Should I Stretch After a Graston® Treatment?

We recommend stretching after a Graston® Technique Treatment just like we do after a chiropractic adjustment. Post-Graston® stretching helps realign and maintain the released scar tissue and improve your flexibility and range of motion.

Serving Long Island for More Than 35 Years

At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, we’re always happy to answer your questions about our treatments and what you should and shouldn’t do afterward. For more than 35 years, we’ve offered a broad range of chiropractic services to Long Island residents. These include traditional adjustments, massage therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, nutritional counseling, supplements, and our specialty, the Graston Technique®. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Marmorale today!