Chiropractic care has been helping CrossFit enthusiasts maximize performance and minimize injuries for a long time. CrossFit is an intense workout regime embraced by over 5 million people each year. Given its demanding nature, many CrossFitters, who often have sedentary jobs, find themselves prone to injuries. However, these injuries are not inevitable. Incorporating stretches, foam rolling, and other mobility exercises into your routine can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, chiropractic care offers numerous benefits for CrossFitters, enhancing their performance and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care and Injury Prevention
CrossFit workouts involve high-intensity movements that can strain muscles and joints. Regular chiropractic adjustments help maintain proper alignment of the spine and joints, reducing injury risks during workouts. Poor form during lifts and exercises is a primary cause of injuries. Misaligned joints can lead to unintended poor form. Chiropractic care enhances joint function, increases range of motion, and improves form, thereby preventing injuries.
Get the Most out of your Workout
Proper joint alignment and function improves biomechanics of the spine or other effected joints. Improved mechanics allow you to get the most out of your workout, including more intense Crossfit workouts. When the body is in alignment, muscles function optimally, allowing athletes to generate more power and strength.
Recovery, Recovery, Recovery!!
CrossFit workouts can be intense, often resulting in muscle soreness and fatigue. Being in optimal alignment with Chiropractic adjustments will promote faster recovery by reducing inflammation, improving blood flow and aiding the body’s natural healing processes. The better your recover, the more you can perform on your next workout.
Enhanced Range of Motion
Flexibility and range of motion are crucial in all aspects of life, including CrossFit. It is important to have smooth movements to aid with proper form and technique. Chiropractic care improves joint function and reduces muscle restrictions, helping CrossFitters move more freely and efficiently. Given how much time we spend sedentary in front of a computer with poor posture, achieving full range of motion when starting to work out can be challenging. Regular chiropractic visits can significantly improve this.
Prior to any big workout including CrossFit it can be beneficial to warm up your core. Core engagement is critical to preventing significant injury during a workout. If we engage the core for a few minutes prior to a workout, it will be there to support us when we need it. Plus, it can help with your form, especially with more intense movements.
Also, don’t forget to stretch after the workout. You have spent all that time working your muscles, shortening them and putting stress on the surrounding joints. Take the time to lengthen those muscles after your work out. They’re already warmed up, they’ll have good blood supply and post workout stretching has been shown to reduce soreness and speed up recovery.
Overall, chiropractic care supports the health and performance of CrossFit athletes by addressing musculoskeletal issues, promoting better range of motion, optimizing overall function and faster recovery. It’s essential for athletes to work with qualified chiropractors who understand the unique demands of CrossFit training. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we are dedicated to providing expert care to help you achieve your fitness goals safely and effectively.
We are thrilled to announce that both Dr. Dave and Dr. Katherine have been recognized as Phoenix’s Top Chiropractors. This prestigious accolade, bestowed upon us by Phoenix Magazine, underscores our commitment to providing exceptional care and making a positive impact on our community.
In addition, Dr. Katherine has been recognized for her exceptional care by ThreeBestRated. An eminent online platform highlighting top professionals in various fields.
At Desert Valley Chiropractic, our mission has always been to deliver the highest quality of patient-centered care. Being named among the best Chiropractors in Phoenix is an honor and validates our dedication to each individual who walks through our doors. Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or striving to enhance your overall wellness, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
What sets us apart is our personalized approach to chiropractic care. We understand that each patient is unique. As such we tailor our treatments to meet your specific needs and goals. From our gentle Activator Methods adjustments to our comprehensive wellness plans. We prioritize your comfort, health, and long-term well-being.
Beyond our clinical expertise, we take pride in fostering a warm, welcoming environment. Our team, led by Dr. Katherine and Dr. Dave, is committed to not only treating symptoms but also educating our patients on preventive care and empowering them to live healthier lives.
This recognition would not be possible without the trust and support of our patients and the dedication of our incredible staff. We would like to thank Kaleigh, Niya, and Maria who embody our values of compassion, professionalism, and excellence.
As we celebrate this milestone, we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the Phoenix community with integrity and care. Whether you’re a longtime patient or considering chiropractic care for the first time, we invite you to experience the Desert Valley Chiropractic difference.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Together, we look forward to continuing to make a difference in your health and well-being.
Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news from Desert Valley Chiropractic!
Did you know that Chiropractic Care doesn’t have to be scary? Despite the proven benefits and growing popularity of chiropractic care, we often see patients who are initially nervous about seeking care. Sadly, several misconceptions persist that can deter individuals from seeking the relief and wellness they deserve. Let’s debunk some of the most common myths about chiropractic care.
Chiropractic Myth #1 – Chiropractic adjustments are dangerous:
While this sentiment is not nearly as prevalent as it once was there are some that still think it’s dangerous. Some are “scared of the pop and crack,” but not all chiropractor adjust that way. Statically chiropractic adjustments are safe, even the traditional approach. However, at Desert Valley Chiropractic we specialize in a different technique. We use a light an effective adjusting instrument called an Activator to mobilize and realign the spine without twisting, or cracking.
There are many benefits to an Activator adjustment, and they include:
Speed – An Activator is roughly 1000 times faster than adjusting with our hands! Since we don’t twist our patients like a pretzel there is no resistance. This means we don’t need all the force to adjust the spine.
Reduced Inflammation – Groundbreaking research in 2016 by Dr. Song discovered that a chiropractic adjustment with an Activator reduce swelling. Specifically Activator will reduce swelling around the facet joints and the nerve root. This is essential to reducing pain and improving mobility.
Precision: Activator allows for pinpoint accuracy. We target specific areas of the spine and joints to improve alignment and function.
Safety: The controlled force and gentle nature of the adjustments make the Activator Method a safe option for patients of all ages, including children and the elderly. Again, no twisting, popping or cracking!
Chiropractic Myth #2 – 1. Chiropractic care is for adults only:
Chiropractic care is a versatile and effective healthcare option for individuals of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Children – gentle chiropractic adjustments can help with common issues such as colic, ear infections, and improving sleep patterns.
Teenagers and Adults – They benefit from chiropractic care for sports injuries, posture improvement, and managing everyday aches and pains.
Seniors – Chiropractic care provides a safe and effective way to address age-related conditions like arthritis and improve overall mobility and balance.
By focusing on the body’s natural ability to heal itself, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to health and wellness, ensuring that patients of all ages can lead healthier, more active lives.
Chiropractic Myth #3 – Chiropractic care is only for Low back Pain:
It is true that many patients seek chiropractic care for low back pain however, studies indicate over half the population seeking chiropractic care do it for other health concerns as well: A review by the National Institute of Health (NIH) demonstrated the following:
46 % of patients who visit a chiropractor are because of Low Back Pain.
13 % of patients who visit a chiropractor do so because of Neck Pain
Chiropractic care does not have to be scary. It can be an effective treatment to reduce pain and get you back to your life, and we would like to help you with that. Call or schedule today and find out for yourself the truth about chiropractic care.
Let’s discuss one of the most common mistakes that we encounter at Desert Valley Chiropractic when talking with our patients. That is when to use ice or heat, but chances are you are doing it wrong. It’s really not that complicated complicated but knowing when to use either ice and or heat at the appropriate time can minimize pain and improve our healing time after injury.
Before we move on can you guess what the biggest mistake is? Keep reading for the answer so you can avoid it.
When should I use Ice?
The most common time to use ice is during the acute healing or inflammatory phase following an injury, and or after an increase in pain from a chronic condition. This occurs within the first 48-72 hours when the inflammation is at its peak. It is important to note that the inflammatory phase is a natural part of the healing process but It can be managed to reduce the effects an injury has on our body and bring relief from pain.
3 reasons to use ice in the first 72 hours.
Reduces swelling by constricting the blood vessels to minimize blood flow to the area and minimizes swelling.
Pain reduction because ice can numb the area temporarily offering pain relief.
Reduce inflammation by slowing down cellular metabolism and reducing the body’s natural inflammatory response.
Common forms of Ice
An ice pack
A bag of frozen Vegetables (please don’t try to eat them later)
Ice cubes in a towel or Ziploc Bag
When applying use a thin towel, you do not apply ice directly to the skin.
How long to apply Ice
It is appropriate to apply ice for 15 minutes at a time, and it is critical for you to repeat the process 3 or more times a day. Honestly, repetition is the key and the more often you ice during this phase the faster the swelling will reduce and the quicker you will heal.
Ice and Heat in Combination
Following the first 72 hours (3 days) after an injury you can use a combination of heat and ice. This is known as contrast therapy and it will help you to continue to maximize the body’s healing response. The time frame for contrast therapy is between 3rd to 7th days after injury.
The preferred order for contrast therapy is to use heat for 15 minutes, followed by rest for 15 minutes and then ending with ice for 15 minutes. The heat will open blood vessels improving circulation to the damaged tissue bringing the essentials the area needs to heal. However, heat can also cause more swelling, so we always want to end with ice to remove the excess swelling and minimize pain.
Heat
Let’s face it heat feels good when we use it, but easily the most common mistake patients make is to use just heat too soon after injury. Understand that heat when used correctly can be incredibly beneficial, but we always need to reduce the inflammation with ice first, and then we can consider heat therapy.
Benefits of Heat Therapy
Increases Blood Flow: Applying heat to an affected area helps dilate blood vessels, increasing blood flow. This can aid in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, promoting healing. Because of the increase in blood flow, it is important to note the timing with using heat. Limit your timing to 15-20 minutes per use. Longer than 20 minutes can cause a Vasoconstriction (narrowing of the blood vessels) which can then create a muscle spasm. It is perfectly ok to use heat 3 or more times a day, never longer than 20 minutes at one time.
Relieves Muscle Stiffness: Heat helps relax muscles, reducing stiffness and making it easier to move the affected area. This is particularly useful for chronic conditions such as arthritis. Keep in mind that if it is acute (sudden onset) muscle pain you want to use ice.
Reduces Pain: The soothing warmth can help alleviate pain by relaxing tense muscles and improving blood circulation.
Promotes Tissue Healing: By enhancing blood flow, heat can help speed up the healing process of damaged tissues.
When to Use Heat Therapy
– Chronic Pain: Conditions like arthritis, muscle stiffness, and old injuries benefit from heat application.
– Pre-Exercise: Applying heat before physical activity can loosen muscles, making them more pliable and less prone to injury.
– Relaxation: For general muscle relaxation and relief from everyday stress and tension.
The Best Sleep Positions to Avoid Neck and Back Pain
Getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for your overall health and well-being. However, the position in which you sleep can have a significant impact on your spinal health. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we understand that proper alignment of the spine during sleep is essential for preventing pain and maintaining good health. Here are our top recommendations for the best sleeping positions to help you wake up feeling refreshed and pain-free.
Sleeping on Your Back
Back sleeping is often considered one of the best sleep positions, it really is the gold standard for spinal health. This sleep position allows your head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position, which means there’s no extra pressure on those areas. To enhance comfort and reduce lower back strain, consider placing a pillow under your knees to maintain the natural curve of your spine.
If you are exclusively a back sleeper choosing the right pillow can help avoid unnecessary neck pain. You don’t want a thick pillow that pushes your chin down toward your chest, this will strain your neck causing neck pain and potentially headaches. If you are a back sleeper you may want to consider a cervical pillow which can help maintain the natural curve in our necks.
Sleeping on Your Side
Side sleeping is another great example of the best sleep positions, especially for pregnant women and people suffering from chronic back pain. To get the most out of this position, make sure to:
– Use a firm pillow to keep your head and neck aligned with your spine. You want your head and neck remain neutral which is to say you don’t want it to bend too far in either direction.
– Placing a pillow between your knees is crucial. This can prevent your lower body from torquing (like wringing out a wet towel) which can pull your spine out of alignment. A good option is to place a king or body pillow between your knees, because then you can hold or “spoon” the pillow with your arms so you don’t lose it when rolling over to the other side. This is also helpful and keeping your knees and hips aligned which keeps your lower body from twisting too much.
Pro Tip – placing a pillow between your knees can also be a helpful way for people to transition away from stomach sleeping to side sleeping. When you are on your side and you spoon the pillow you can fool your body into feeling like you’re sleeping on your stomach.
Back and Side Sleeping in Combination
It has been our experience over the last 20+ years that many patients will move from back to side sleeping through the night. As noted above, both positions are good for our spinal health so there is nothing wrong with moving from one to the other. In fact, this is the way I sleep, and I have found that it is important you choose the correct pillow to avoid unnecessary strain on the cervical spine.
Sorry stomach sleepers, but there is no way to sugar coat this, stomach sleeping is bad. As far as the best sleep positions are concerned, this is the worse. It is hard on both your neck and back. This position can force your neck to turn to one side, causing strain and discomfort. Additionally, your hips will sink into the mattress which is a common cause of morning back pain.
We hear all the time “but doc it’s the only way I can get comfortable enough to sleep” or “I have been a stomach sleeper all my life”. Trust me, I know how comfortable stomach sleeping can be. While I just said that when I sleep, I move from my back to my side, I didn’t always do that.
Growing up and in my early teens I was a stomach sleeper, and on a waterbed no less. As a result, when I was 13, I started to get lower back pain, so my mom took me to her chiropractor. In addition to some great Activator treatment, I was also given some tips to transition away from a stomach sleeping. It does not happen overnight, but it can be done and if you read the side sleeping section above you will get a helpful tip.
If you have tried everything and simply must sleep on your stomach please use a thin pillow under your head and another under your pelvis to minimize the strain to your spine.
Listen to Your Body
Your body will tell you if something is wrong, so if you wake up feeling sore or stiff, it might be time to evaluate your sleeping position, your pillows and or your mattress. Make sure your sleeping environment supports your spinal health.
Consult with a Chiropractor
Chiropractic care can be helpful with our spinal alignment so we can both feel well and move well. If you’re experiencing discomfort despite making the adjustments in this article, it may be beneficial to consult with a chiropractor. At Desert Valley Chiropractic, we can provide personalized advice and treatments to help align your spine and improve your sleep quality.
Remember, the goal is to support the spine in a neutral alignment and avoid any positions that might cause strain or discomfort. Sweet dreams and healthy sleeping!
