This weekend, I had the privilege of joining a group of chiropractors who were representing the Professional Baseball Chiropractic Society on a private tour and Q&A at the Laser Spine Institute in Scottsdale, AZ. The two surgeons who work at this facility as well as the on-site chiropractor came in on a Sunday morning just to chat with us. After receiving a tour of the facility, we got an in-depth explanation of the minimally invasive spine surgery techniques they use and the way their approach decreases recovery time for the surgical-candidate back pain patient. LSI is a portal-of-entry, easily accessible facility that does not require a referral. Because of this, they have a chiropractic physician as a front-line examiner to determine whether the patient is a good candidate for the surgery. Not only is this institute (with other locations in Tampa, Cincinnati, Cleveland and Philadelphia) providing a cutting-edge alternative to open-back surgery but they are utilizing the spinal expertise of chiropractors to assess and examine every patient who walks in the door. It's a beautiful marriage of multiple healthcare specialties to provide an optimal spinal surgery experience for those who have exhausted their conservative care options. 

 We tinkered with spine models and surgical tools and materials used in the surgeries, while offering unique insight into the rationale behind the procedures they perform. It was priceless to hear the surgeon perspective about clinical presentations that are so commonly seen in a chiropractic office. Having these conversations with our healthcare partners is so important in drawing better conclusions about the best-practice for the care of back and neck pain patients. Let it be known that there ARE doctors out there who will listen to you, look out for your best interest, inform you of your options so that you can make an informed decision. I can assure you this because some of us stood in a room together this morning discussing these very matters. The collaborative efforts being made to ensure the great outcomes for patients affirms that the future of the best spinal health care is now! ​

A sidelined runner came in today for treatment and showed off his OWN Rocktape job. I was so impressed. Motivation + willingness to learn + follow-through = A patient on the fast track to recovery. Medial tibial stress syndrome (aka shin splints) can be frustrating but with a little hands-on treatment, a little instruction and a lot of self-care it can be quite simple to overcome and prevent. 
    If you're experiencing lower leg soreness, try this application. *Approximate the horizontal strip by tensioning it towards the tibial. 

Arch pain? Achilles issues? A nagging foot injury that comes and goes and comes again? If this is you (or if you're a runner at all!) you need to try this test right now and see if you can do it. If your foot is shaking and cramping or you can't maintain your arch lift without desperately squeezing the ground with your 2nd-5th toes...your arch is being supported by a straw house. With all of those steps you take you want an arch that is built on a solid rock foundation. I give you this excellent brief demo of the Foot Tripod Exercise by The Gait Guys. 
     I recommend patient to do this while you brush your teeth because, well, you're just standing there anyways...you might as well be building your intrinsic foot muscles while you practice dental hygiene! 
    Do this. It takes time to develop the muscle memory but the payoff is huge. Bye-bye arch pain!