East Bay Chiropractic Wellness P.C.

Health & Wellness

Treatment Alternatives Before A Cortisone Shot

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You or someone you know have likely had a cortisone shot or had been recommended to have one by a doctor as an option for pain relief. Cortisone is a steroid that when used in this way can combat inflammation in soft tissue temporarily. Although this can be helpful to some, the relief typically lasts for only 3-6 months and doesn’t heal the affected area.

Because cortisone shots have no ability to heal you when they work, many have looked for alternatives to cortisone shots. We’ll discuss more about cortisone shots and their alternatives below.

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Graston Technique For Slip & Falls

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It’s winter on Long Island, and we’ve already experienced some heavy snowfall and icy conditions on the roads and sidewalk. The combination of wintery conditions with less hours of daylight than in the spring and summer months make winter here the most accident-prone time of year when it comes to slip-and-fall injuries. And you don’t even have to fall to the ground to suffer an injury… as catching yourself from falling often involves sudden jerking motions that can pull muscles and damage our soft tissue.

When searching for pain relief because of a slip-and-fall injury, many of us will only think of seeing a chiropractor if we feel that the pain is primarily a result of a back injury. But chiropractic care can be more encompassing than you might think.

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Preventing and Treating Holiday-Based Injuries

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The holiday season can be a wonderful time spent with friends and family. It can also be a time of stress. The last thing you want to worry about when getting ready for the holidays is chronic pain and discomfort. Since holiday injuries are common, it is good to look at how to prevent them and how to treat them.

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5 Tips for Preventing Pain Caused by Surfing

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Summer in New York is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, and many of us find ourselves more active during this season than any other. Studies show that activity levels peak in spring and summer, from walking in our communities to participating in sports like surfing. And while staying active is key to a long, healthy life, it doesn’t come without risks.

A 2023 study revealed that over 3.7 million people were treated in emergency departments for sports- and recreation-related injuries. Even more experience mild aches and pains that go untreated. Surfing, in particular, uses muscles we often neglect in daily life, making the risk of injury higher than expected.

Common Injuries Caused by Surfing

Surfing doesn’t just pose a risk of injury from wipeouts; the activity itself can strain your body. Some of the most common surfing-related injuries include:

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back pain
  • Knee injuries
  • Hip flexor strain
  • Cuts and abrasions to the feet and toes

5 Tips to Prevent Surfing Injuries

To minimize injury while surfing, incorporate the following practices into your routine:

  1. Warm up with mobility exercises before entering the water.
  2. Use proper surfing technique to reduce joint and muscle strain.
  3. Stretch and cool down after surfing to aid recovery.
  4. Take regular rest days to allow your body to heal.
  5. Consider soft tissue support treatments, like the Graston Technique®, to manage pain and prevent chronic conditions.

Is Surfing Hard on Your Body?

Yes, surfing is a full-body workout that demands strength, flexibility, balance, and endurance. It places stress on multiple muscle groups, especially the shoulders, knees, core, and back. Consistent surfing in challenging conditions requires proper warm-ups and cool-downs to avoid strain and injury.

How Often Do Surfers Get Injured?

Like any high-impact sport, surfing comes with its share of injuries. Rotator cuff tendonitis is common among surfers due to the repetitive paddling motion. Lower back and knee strains are also prevalent, often linked to soft tissue damage.

One proven method for treating these injuries is the Graston Technique®. This treatment utilizes stainless-steel instruments that comb over the affected areas and pinpoint the location of the scar tissue buildup around the damaged soft tissue. The scar tissue deep under the skin can then be broken up, which alleviates the pain and increases mobility. This allows you to heal faster and get back to your favorite activities, including surfing.

East Bay Chiropractic Wellness Can Assist With Your Recovery from Surfing Injuries

If you love summer activities like surfing, don’t let an injury keep you on the sidelines. At East Bay Chiropractic Wellness, we specialize in the Graston Technique® to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility. Our experienced team has nearly 30 years of expertise helping patients recover from sports injuries and chronic conditions.

Contact us today to discover how chiropractic care can support your active lifestyle and help keep doing what you love, pain-free.

Can Graston Treat IT Band Syndrome?

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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.

Does Graston help Patellar Tendonitis?

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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.