Alternative Wellness Clinic – Sterling Sports & Rehabilitation
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Author: drgauthier

  • Sterling Chiropractor Talks About Improving Your Health

    Sterling Chiropractor Talks About Improving Your Health

    Every year, hundreds if not thousands of people suffer some type of lower back injury. This often requires a visit to their Sterling chiropractor as a result of gardening or doing some other type of yard work. This happens a lot in the spring when people are anxious to get outside and tend to their yards after months of being penned indoors by the winter season.

    It is relatively easy to injure your back, especially if you are moving heavy objects around the yard. While good chiropractic care is always one of the first things you should do after receiving such an injury, you also want to consider the fact that chiropractic care, that occurs on a fairly regular basis, may help to curb some of these injuries in the first place as does following some common safety precautions when you are working in your yard.

    There are a number of tips that can help you when it comes to preventing back injuries while you are working in your yard. Perhaps one of the most important things to remember is that in most cases the more fit you are, the less likely you are to suffer an injury of this type. Fitness is a good idea in any case, and this is especially true when you are performing any type of rigorous physical activity. Good muscle tone and flexibility will go a long way toward helping you stay healthy and free from back injuries that can be very painful.

    In addition, you always want to lift properly. Always lift with your knees, and keep your feet in front of you approximately a shoulder length apart. Whatever you do, never lift with your back. This is one of the primary reasons that people receive back injuries in the first place. Another thing you can do to reduce your chances of injuring your back is to use tools that work well for you. If you are an individual with a smaller build, you need to use smaller tools and try not to move things that are too heavy without help.

    Of course, if you do feel tightness in your back or you have had an especially hard day, you can typically relieve much of the tension by icing the muscles appropriately. If you prefer, you may want to alternate ice and heat in order to reduce inflammation and then relax the muscles. Ensure that you do not apply ice directly to the skin and that you use caution when applying heat.

    It is always a good idea to visit your chiropractor on a regular basis even if you are not currently experiencing any problems. This can prevent you from suffering a back injury or some other type of injury while you are working in your yard. In the event that you do suffer an injury, visiting Alternative Wellness Clinic in Sterling can be an integral part of the recovery process. Working in your yard and getting ready for spring is something that most people enjoy, but it is also something that you should do carefully in order to ensure that you do not injure yourself. Be safe and contact us with any questions you may have.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • 3 Common Conditions Sterling Chiropractors Help

    3 Common Conditions Sterling Chiropractors Help

    Chiropractic is a treatment method that has moved from more of an alternative treatment to widespread mainstream acceptance over the past few decades. There will always be pockets of naysayers that question its validity, but the millions of satisfied patients around the world speak volumes about the effectiveness of chiropractic treatment on the human body. There are literally dozens of health issues that benefit from chiropractic adjustments, but here are 3 common conditions that our Sterling chiropractor can help:

    1) Headaches

    We all get headaches from time to time. Some are mild, some are more severe, but all of them have the potential to disrupt your day. Whether it is a tension headache caused by hours of sitting at a desk or a migraine brought on by a specific health condition, when the pain starts it is difficult to focus on anything else.

    Sterling chiropractors help relieve headache pain on a regular basis. A lot of the time the pain you feel in your head is actually being caused by misalignment of the vertebrae in your spine. After a gentle adjustment and proper maintenance, many patients report no more pain and no more need for pain medication.

    2) Shoulder Pain

    Shoulder pain is a problem that far too many people deal with.  Pain in the shoulder can be referred pain from the spinal misalignments, or it can be caused by a misalignment in the shoulder.

    No matter what specific type of shoulder pain you have, Sterling chiropractors help relieve both the pain and any range of motion issues that are present. Our team will help to access your condition and give you the best advice we can on what you can do to remedy the situation.

    3) Lower Back Pain

    If headaches and shoulder pain are among the most common conditions for the general public then lower back pain is probably at the head of the pack. One of the most common reasons for lumbar pain is from misaligned spinal segments.

    Our Alternative Wellness Clinic team can help the pain and reduced mobility associated with lumbar strains and sprains and help patients get back to their normal routines. Even if you’ve had lower back pain for years and have been told there is nothing that will help, it’s always worth the time explore your possibilities.

    Please don’t hesitate to call our team with any questions you might have.  Today is a great day to get started on a new path to health.

  • Car Accident Tips from a Sterling Chiropractor

    Car Accident Tips from a Sterling Chiropractor

    Car accidents are an unfortunate part of life that many of us have to experience, and while the vast majority are not serious, they can still cause lasting effects. Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain can linger and transform into chronic conditions that last for years. Follow these car accident tips from a Sterling chiropractor to minimize the effects.

    Prevention Is the Best Medicine

    Naturally, avoiding car accidents altogether is the best way to ensure you remain injury-free. Not all car accidents can be avoided, but you can take measures to reduce the likelihood. Avoiding the distraction of cell phones is probably the most practical piece of advice. Put it down and leave it out of sight while you’re driving, keeping both hands on the wheel.

    It’s also a bad idea to drive when you are tired, upset, or angry. Experiencing strong emotions or struggling to stay awake while operating a motor vehicle is only asking for trouble. If you live in an area that sees a wide range of weather, drive according to the conditions and stay a few miles below the speed limit when possible. Take the time to keep your brakes and tires in good working order.

    A Healthy Body Heals Faster

    Keeping your body in good physical condition is another car accident tip from that’s worth following. If you maintain a good fitness level, and your body is strong and flexible, you’ll have a much easier time recovering from most car accidents. That’s not to say you should anticipate being in a car accident, but along with its many other benefits, a healthy body will also help in this department. Any type of regular exercise that helps strengthen your muscles and improves flexibility is great.

    Get Checked Out Quickly

    Whether you are in great shape, poor shape, or somewhere in between, it’s important to get your injuries checked out as soon as possible after a car accident. If you wait, scar tissue can become a permanent part of your muscles and tendons, reducing your range of motion and causing pain. If you don’t feel that your injuries warrant a trip to the emergency room, at least book and appointment with our Sterling chiropractic team at Alternative Wellness Clinic to ensure you don’t have injuries that may turn into chronic conditions in the future.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • The Sitting Epidemic in Sterling

    The Sitting Epidemic in Sterling

    Are you suffering from lower back pain in Sterling? Lower back pain is a common complaint for those that sit for long periods of time. A majority of employees work from a desk and are unable to move around throughout the day. Chiropractors at our chiropractic clinic in Sterling have often urged those who sit for long periods of time that they need to get up and move around.

    Recently the American Medical Association has recognized this issue and has implemented ways to change this problem for employees. They have recently urged employers to make alternative arrangements for employees so that they will not suffer from lower back pain due to sitting.

    A Nation of Obese Sitters

    Unfortunately sitting for long periods of time has caused many people to become obese and have health related problems. There are too many activities that the average person participates in that requires sitting.   Whether you are eating, watching television, working, playing a video game, driving, or browsing the internet you’re probably sitting.

    Research at Duke University concluded that employees with a BMI of over 40 filed twice as many workers compensation claims. This research also concluded that their medical bills were 7 percent higher than those with a lower BMI, and that they were likely to miss work 13 times more than the average worker who did not suffer from obesity.

    Tools To Help Fight The Sitting Epidemic

    The American Heart Association is promoting a new device to help combat obesity by stopping people from sitting for long periods of time. This device is a phone app that is called Hotseat and was created by Fran Melmed. This app works by setting the device to sync with a person’s work schedule. The app can be set to allow the user to have various 2 minute breaks throughout the day.

    Another useful tool that has been implemented is called the treadmill desk to help lower back pain. The treadmill desk is part of the employees work station as they will be able to continue to work while exercising on the treadmill. Other ways to lessen the chances of lower back pain is to take walks after meals and park further away from your door at work.

    For more information or questions please feel free to contact our chiropractic team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today.

  • Are You Looking for a Top Sterling Chiropractor?

    Are You Looking for a Top Sterling Chiropractor?

    The decision to seek out a reputable Sterling chiropractor to help with your sore back, sore neck, poor range of motion or other health condition is a great way to get your body back into balance. Whether you’ve suffered an injury playing sports, been in an auto accident, or just feel the wear and tear of everyday life, chiropractic treatment can make a big difference in the way you feel on a day-today basis. Here are a few reasons why so many people are looking for a chiropractor.

    Relief From Chronic Pain

    Chronic pain, or pain that is ongoing and persists for months or even years, is a huge problem in modern society. People have back pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, and headaches that interfere with their quality of life. Receiving treatment from a Sterling chiropractor can ease your chronic pain and often eliminate it entirely.

    Treating Causes Instead of Symptoms

    The reason chiropractors have such a good track record when it comes to reducing pain is because they look at the body as a whole and treat the cause of the pain, not just the symptoms. If a patient suffers from debilitating headaches caused by misaligned vertebrae in the neck, pumping them full of pain medication is only treating the symptom of the main problem. When the medication wears off, the symptom, or pain, persists because the cause wasn’t addressed. When the cause is treated effectively the symptoms can disappear.

    Follow These Tips

    Of course, doing a little research to make sure you’re with the right Sterling chiropractic office is also important. Ask around to your family members, friends, and co-workers to see if any of them can recommend a chiropractor in your area. Chances are, you’re going to have more than just one treatment so you’ll want to find one that makes you feel comfortable.

    When looking for a Sterling chiropractor, ask questions such as:

    • How long have you been in business?
    • Do you specialize in one area over others?
    • How many different chiropractors work at this office?

    As you speak with the chiropractor, you’ll also be able to get a feel for who they are and if they are a good fit for you. If you feel comfortable throughout the process and encouraged that your pain will be reduced, you’re at the right place.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Exercise Smarter in Sterling

    Exercise Smarter in Sterling

    Who in Sterling doesn’t take pride in working hard and reaching their goals?  Regardless of the situation, it is human nature to enjoy the accolades that come with seeing results. In this day and age however, it is almost as though just reaching goals is not enough.  We have to reach our goals FASTER!  There are several reasons why “fast” is not necessarily the appropriate speed to obtain your goals, in fact racing toward results could actually hinder rather than help. Contact our Sterling chiropractic office to learn more.

    How many times have we all heard the same story?  Someone resolves to “get in shape”.  They buy the gear, the shoes, the gym membership.  They head to the gym one, two, or several more times.  They have grandiose dreams of a perfect body and want it after the first few trips.

    The reality of the matter is they fail to properly prepare for the exercise program, they over do it the first few trips, they end up being sore for days or self inflicting an injury causing even longer delays and potential medical bills.  The goal of beginning an exercise program and getting into shape is often never realized because those that have set the goal are trying to rush the process, exercising harder and not smarter.

    How To Exercise Smarter

    So what does exercising smarter entail?  That is a simple answer, TAKE IT SLOW!  If you have not been exercising your body is capable of doing only a little bit of exercise before it becomes strained and sore. Additionally, even if you have been exercising for some time, you should not increase the intensity of your workout drastically because you risk the same soreness and potential injury.  Rushing yourself will most likely result in injury and keep you from slow steady progress that will lead to you reaching your goals.

    Exercise for Life

    The smartest exercise strategy is slow, gradual and long-term, depending upon your age and current fitness level.  It may be wise to begin with a walking program, gradually increasing your pace and length of the walk over time.  An exercise program should not be something you tackle for a few weeks or months.  It should be a lifelong healthy habit.

    The same slow, gradual approach should be used regardless of the type of exercise you are performing.  If you are using weights, doing pilates or yoga, it is wise to take it very slow at first.   Always listen to what your body is telling you, less is more in the long run.  If you are consistent you will begin to notice amazing results like increased energy levels, better posture and flexibility, healthier complexion, and a more restful sleep.

    Chiropractic – Another Smart Decision!

    Chiropractic care in Sterling is a great complement to any exercise program.  As you exercise and increase your strength and fitness levels you may suffer minor injuries that go unnoticed.  Regular chiropractic care can aid in preventing potential injuries or speeding the healing process through increased joint mobility. Most injuries that occur are the result of tight muscles and poor flexibility. Chiropractic care helps restore and maintain joint flexibility in your spine allowing it to handle the physical demands of regular exercise.   Chiropractic should be an integral part of any exercise program.

    Just Exercise Smarter.

    Don’t wait until you have an injury to start chiropractic care!  Call our dedicated team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today with any questions you might have.

  • Back Pain Tips from a Sterling Chiropractor

    Back Pain Tips from a Sterling Chiropractor

    If there is one body part that most people seem to have problems with at some point in life, it must be the back. Back pain is such a common part of modern life that many people just accept it as normal and try to get by as best they can. Of course, anyone in the chiropractic profession or those with knowledge of human anatomy knows that most of the time, back pain isn’t necessary at all. Treatment from a chiropractor can help immensely, but you can also help yourself. Here are some effective back pain tips from a Sterling chiropractor.

    Watch How You Lift

    Poor lifting technique is a common cause of lower back strains and sprains, so it is important to observe proper form when lifting heavy objects. No matter what you are lifting, try to keep your back straight and use your legs to do the bulk of the work. Often when we get tired, the legs are used less and less, but you’re asking for a back injury if you stop using your legs. It’s also important not to twist your body when holding a heavy object. If you must turn, move your feet until your body is facing the right direction.

    Proper Nutrition

    Most people don’t consider nutrition as an essential component to good spinal health, but it can be. Drinking a lot of water and eating healthy foods will help keep weight off your midsection. Carrying excess weight in your stomach causes an imbalance, pulling on those muscles in your lower back all day long. If you suffer from back pain and carry extra weight in your stomach, modify your diet to reduce the burden on your back.

    Sensible Exercise

    Exercise is a vital part of good health for a variety of reasons, but it’s also a good way to injure your back if you don’t exercise properly. Whatever type of exercise you choose, take the time to warm up properly beforehand and cool down properly when you’re done. Many people just want to jump right in and start lifting weights or playing a sport, but your back muscles are still cold and tight. Find an exercise that’s within your fitness range and protect your back before, during, and after.

    Avoid Prolonged Sitting

    Generally speaking, people sit far more than they used to. Many professions require long hours at a computer and it can take a toll on your health. The human body is designed to move, so when you sit all day long you’re compressing the discs in your spine. Obviously, everyone can’t switch professions, but you can get up and walk around a little each hour during the day to take some pressure off. If you’d like more back pain tips contact our Sterling chiropractic team.

    At Alternative Wellness Clinic our team is here to help answer your questions.  Please feel free to contact us today.

  • Is It Just Back Pain?

    Is It Just Back Pain?

    If you have experienced back pain in your life you are part of an overwhelming majority in Sterling. Most of us will experience back pain at one time or another following heavy or awkward lifting, or after a hard workout. If the pain is coming from a strained muscle, it will most likely resolve itself in a few days of rest. If the pain is not muscular, well, then you have a bigger problem to contend with, most likely a spinal disc injury. Our Sterling chiropractor can help.

    These injuries are not uncommon and can be extremely painful. It is important to understand the anatomy of the spine, including the disc, and how they play a part in your overall spinal health. Especially in cases when they are herniated or thinning due to a degenerative disease like arthritis.

    The Spinal Disc

    There is a cushion between each of the vertebra, they are called intervertebral discs. They are a cartilage type composition with a soft gel-like center and a stronger shell, ligamentous wall, encapsulating the entire disc. They are attached to the vertebrae acting as a type of shock-absorber and cushion to keep the vertebrae from rubbing together. Not only do they guard against impact they play a vital role in keeping the spine flexible as well as extremely strong.

    When a disc is protruding or bulging, the gel at the center of the disc is starting to push out against the harder outer shell or ligamentous wall of the disc, but this wall has not yet been torn. Statistics reveal that nearly 60% of adults do actually have one or more bulging discs, but they are asymptomatic meaning they are not experiencing any symptoms of pain. Once the interior gel begins to tear the outer ligamentous wall, the disc has progressed from what is considered protruding to herniated. Any bulging or herniation of the disc can result in nerve irritation, inflammation, potential numbness, and quite often severe pain.

    A ruptured disc or disc extrusion is a serious condition that results when the interior gel completely tears through the harder ligamentous wall of the disc. As the gel escapes severe back pain and extremely restricted movement can be the outcome.

    Take the first step toward relief and regaining your quality of life! Call our Sterling chiropractic team today to schedule a consultation to understand your condition and how to treat it conservatively.

  • Finding a Chiropractor in Sterling

    Finding a Chiropractor in Sterling

    If you are considering chiropractic care in Sterling and have browsed the web or local yellow pages to find a doctor to help you it is likely that you have discovered that there are multiple possible choices.  This is where it becomes a little more difficult.   The next question you have probably asked yourself is what makes one Sterling chiropractor different from the next, or how do I find the best chiropractor for me?

    While this can be challenging, there are a few things that can set one chiropractor apart from another.  Knowing these things will go a long way in helping you find the best chiropractor for you in Sterling, and as a result, lead to better results during your care.  This article has been designed to assist you with some questions to ask and aspects of a chiropractor to evaluate when deciding which one is right for you.

    Tips for finding the best chiropractor in Sterling:

    1.    Often, the first place to start your search shouldn’t be the internet or local yellow pages, but instead by asking trusted friends and relatives.  Ask these people about their experiences with different doctors and who they would they would seek for care if they needed help.  Recommendations or referrals can speak a lot about the practices of different offices.

    2.    Once you have narrowed your search, it is often helpful to schedule an initial consultation with a chiropractor to ask any questions you have.  It has been found that the results of treatment at any health care facility are not only dependent on the care provided by the doctor, but also how comfortable the patient feels around the treating physician.

    3.    When searching for a chiropractor many people don’t realize that there are a number of different techniques that they can use.  Typically, chiropractors have been taught a variety of techniques and will refine one or more to meet your individual condition.  When searching for a doctor make sure to include questions about how the doctor adjusts.

    Chiropractic adjustments can vary from the doctor using their hands to the use of a variety of instruments.  They can also be so light that you may feel only a light sensation or the adjustment may cause a popping sound called a cavitation.  Not only is it important to find a chiropractor that you are comfortable talking to, but also make sure you are comfortable with their adjusting technique.

    4.    Finally, it is also useful to determine your chiropractors’ educational background.  While all chiropractors undergo a rigorous academic career, there are a number of different chiropractic schools to attend.  Insuring that the chiropractor you are researching has graduated from a school that is accredited by the Council on Chiropractic education is fundamental.  Additionally, researching if your prospective doctor has any additional certifications can be useful.

    We hope this article has been helpful for you.  While one chiropractor may be the best for one particular person you may find that another is the best for you.  Using your own judgment and common sense can go a long way in the determination process.

    If you have any further questions please feel free to contact our Sterling team today at Alternative Wellness Clinic.

  • 4 Reasons to Choose a Sterling Chiropractor

    4 Reasons to Choose a Sterling Chiropractor

    Chiropractic has proven itself as a worthy and incredibly effective way to treat an assortment of different health issues. From headaches, to backaches, and sleep disorders, chiropractic care can make a world of difference. Of course, choosing a chiropractor can be difficult. Here are 4 reasons to choose a Sterling chiropractor:

    1) Your Best Interests at Heart

    One of the primary reasons a Alternative Wellness Clinic chiropractor is a great choice is because we have your best interests at heart. This means, our sole objective is to eliminate your specific health issue by treating the underlying cause of the problem. Conventional medicine tends to work at treating symptoms.  This can be helpful, but our focus is on finding the cause of the condition.

    2) Experience

    It’s true that all licensed chiropractors go through extensive training before they are able to treat patients, but there is still something to be said for experience. When you choose a Sterling chiropractor there is a good chance that we have helped other patients with the same problem. For most patients this provides peace of mind and a level of comfort that may not be available if the chiropractor has less experience.

    3) Honesty

    Along with the experience factor, you’ll get complete honesty and transparency when you choose a chiropractor from Alternative Wellness Clinic. We will communicate openly about your condition and detail the steps we feel are required to find a solution. We’ll also let you know when you can scale back the treatments. The point of visiting a chiropractor is to remedy your current health situation and we want to earn your trust from the start.

    4) Feels Like Home

    It’s never easy to experience healing in a cold, sterile environment. We take the time to make our office feel warm and inviting and we treat each patient like a member of the family. When you’re comfortable and relaxed the healing is much faster and more complete.

    If you have any questions about the services we provide at Alternative Wellness Clinic please feel free to contact us.  Our caring staff is here to help you achieve all of your healthcare goals.  We look forward to being a part of your healthcare team.

    If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to contact our Sterling team at Alternative Wellness Clinic today.