Chiropractic and myofascial care are a natural fit. Chiropractic treats joint and skeletal problems;myofascial care treats muscular (myo) and fascial problems. Each can cause and perpetuate the other.Combining these therapies enhances their benefits, often lessening treatment time. We integrate both in our full body approach to patient care.
The myofascial system consists of muscles and fascia. Muscles move us. Fascia is the connective tissue framework that holds us together and supports us. It covers our muscles and organs, letting them glide over each other smoothly. It extends into our cells, forming their framework.Fascia contains smooth muscle, so it contracts. Fascia transmits light, vibration and electricity. Emotions and their neurotransmitters affect it. Myofascial dysfunction causes a multitude of health problems best addressed by musculoskeletal care.Other therapies may be needed too,as when dealing with emotional issues.
Myofascial care relaxes tight muscles and fascia. When done prior to chiropractic care it generally makes adjustments easier. Fascia has a structural memory similar to a rubber band's. Myofascial therapy minimizes its tendency to revert to its pretreatment state, tending to help adjustments last longer. Myofascial care alone doesn't correct joint and skeletal problems and chiropractic alone doesn't address all myofascial issues. Chiropractic and myofascial care both help increase levels of our endocannabinoids and other allied relaxation substances while reducing stress hormones.
Causes of musculoskeletal problems include: Mental, emotional or physical stress Overuse and repetitive motions Injuries, accidents Poor posture and ergonomics Diet and toxicity Eyestrain, prolonged concentration Referred pain from visceral problems.
We adapt to abnormal changes in posture and alignment. Over time these changes can be perceived as normal Musculoskeletal care helps the body relearn a better alignment.
When muscles and fascia tighten and shorten they can forget how to relax.Hyaluronic acid, the lubricant fluid between them, becomes glue-like,causing them to stick together. This distorts body alignment and puts abnormal pressures on the involved tissues. A wide range of pain syndromes and health issues can result. Misaligned joints are also subject to faster degenerative and arthritic change.
Musculoskeletal are and Biotensegrity: Biotensegrity research has found that cells are very sensitive to physical stress and tension. Abnormal changes cause abnormal cell function,even possibly inducing malignant changes. Removing these forces helps cells function normally again.
Chiropractic care significantly improved my health and quality of life.” – Brigadier General Becky Halstead (ret) Musculoskeletal therapy helps: Many pain and neurological syndromes from head to toe Break up adhesions, fibrotic and 'gristly' tissue Increase lymph and blood flow Reduce stiffness or achiness Improve reduced mobility Temporomandibular (jaw) pain and dysfunction Overuse syndromes Muscle spasms and dysfunction Remove pressure on nerves, blood and lymph vessels Facilitate easier chiropractic adjustments Improve physical performance Effects of emotional stress Lessen the need for painkillers and other drugs “If it were not for chiropractic I would not have won that gold medal.” – Dan O'Brien, 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist
The best way to see if you need musculoskeletal care is to gete xamined by the appropriate specialist(s). MRIs miss many myofascial problems, and they're not usually seen on x-rays. “I am a huge fan of chiropractic ... I goto a chiropractor on a regular basis.”– Dr. Wayne Dyer
Normal myofascial tissue is firm but pliant. Areas that feel tight, gristly or stringy need treatment.Myofascial problems often go unnoticed at first. Difficulty with physical activity, restricted motion, pain, or sudden muscle spasm indicate issues.Drinking extra water after myofascial therapy is advisable.Using moist heat makes fascia more flexible, stretchable and softens adhesions, making them easier to break up, unless heat is contraindicated. Stretching colder fascia can damage it.
Athletes have used joint manipulation(the basis of chiropractic) and myofascial care to improve their physical performance since before the time of Hippocrates
About the doctor:
Dr. Cooke earned his BS in biology from SUNY Albany in 1981 and his chiropractic degree from Palmer College in 1985. He was associated with the Beechwold Clinic, an integrative osteopathic clinic in Columbus, Ohio from 1986-89. Dr.Cooke's Arizona chiropractic license includes acupuncture and physiotherapy. Postgraduate studies include Craniosacral therapy; Ayurveda; Traditional Chinese health care;botanical/phytotherapy; and Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
“... I always found quick relief from chiropractors.” – Dara Torres, 12 time Olympic medalist, her last at age 41 Directions: We’re on the corner of Main Street and Willow Avenue at the traffic light. Our entrance faces Willow Avenue. In Columbus we're just inside I-270, across High Street ha
hafrom Worthington Mall.
“Chiropractic care has been instrumental in my life.” – Jerry Rice,holder of 100 NFL records
Dr. Cooke has written for the Hudson Valley's 'Healthy You' magazine. His articles can be accessed on his website or at c4hy.comCopyright 2019 by the author. All rights reserved