October 1, 2014

Active Release Technique Alternative Treatment for Muscle and Joint Pain

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Discover and Treat Soft Tissue Abnormalities

Active Release Technique, or A.R.T. for short, is a patented, state-of-the-art soft tissue technique that uses specific contact on the injured area of the patient, in order to help decrease pain, tension, and adhesion.  In A.R.T, the provider uses their hands in a specific motion with pressure to work out the tightness that is affecting that area.

The people that will benefit the most from this technique are:

  • Athletes, both professional and recreational
  • Patients with chronic pain and overuse
  • Patients who want an unconventional treatment for relief

A.R.T. was created by Dr. Michael P. Leahy when he realized that you could actually feel your patient’s tissue injuries.  He discovered that connective tissue and scar tissue could build up as a result of overuse and stress.  As scar tissue builds it ties down tissues that normally need to move freely, thus reducing the range of motion of the affected tissue. This tissue derangement typically causes pain and alters function.

What can be treated by this technique?  There are dozens of conditions, which include, but are not limited to:

  • Headaches
  • Neck Pain
  • Shin Splints
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Achilles Tendon Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Tennis Elbow
  • Soreness in tendons, ligaments, and nerves

When you come in for treatment at our active release clinic you can expect Dr. Charbel to analyze your soft tissue function to determine the true cause of pain.  The analysis of the soft tissue is done using a technique called “active palpation”, which is a hands on technique used to discover abnormalities in the soft tissue, usually without the use of an MRI or an ultrasound.

At our affordable chiropractic clinic, Dr. Charbel offers A.R.T. to reduce pain that patients feel from the causes outlined above.  He knows that everyone’s pain is different and every patient should be treated as such.  That’s why he takes the time to talk to each patient and understand where the pain is actually coming from, instead of treating everyone the same.  Additionally, Integrated Health Solutions offers other complimentary therapies to A.R.T., in order to ensure the best care possible.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
September 25, 2014

How to Find the Best Chiropractic Office

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FAQs To Help Determine The Best Chiropractic Office Near You

Q: Why do some chiropractors take x-rays and some do not?

A: The best chiropractors use a conservative approach in taking x-rays and applying specific guidelines when ordering x-rays. X-rays are definitely required when a patient has suffered a significant trauma, or when the chiropractor is suspecting an infection is cancer or a tumor, or the patient is over 65 and is suspected to have osteoporosis. In addition, if pain is getting worse or patient is not improving then an x-ray is merited. Best chiropractor knows that there are cases that x-rays don’t make a difference on the treatment plan, for instance if a patient is suffering from a disc herniation.  Because x-rays do not show soft tissue variables or derangements that patient would not benefit from an x-ray and would need an MRI if necessary.

Q: How many visits should a patient expect before they see results when treated by a chiropractor?

A: Typically patients should start seeing results within 6-8 visits. The best chiropractic practices typically recommend 2-3 visits a week for 2-4 weeks after which patients should be feeling about 90% better. If no progress is made, the treatment plan should be changed and/or patient should be referred out.

Related: What You Should Know About Pain

Q: What conditions/ailments do you treat most in your practice?

A: I personally specialize in musculoskeletal pain; this includes headaches and migraines, back pain, neck pain, sciatica, and knee pain, among others.

Q: Other than the top of mind reason, pain, why would people go to a chiropractor?

A: Wellness care is a very good reason for going to a chiropractor. Chiropractic visits are very beneficial in the prevention of musculoskeletal pain. The best chiropractors will also educate you on healthy living approaches, and ways to decrease emotional and physical stress.

Related: 6 Simple Steps to Eliminate Stress, 8 Simple Steps for a Happier Healthier Lifestyle, Trying to Get Healthy, but Not Sure Where to Start?, Your Guide to a Healthier Lifestyle

Q: What is all the therapy?  And do I need it?

A: The best chiropractors use different therapies on different patients.  If a patient is in acute pain in that they cannot move, modalities such as TENS unit, ice and lasers all aid and assist in decreasing pain and inflammation in that situation.  Then, patients move to an active treatment plan, where we use exercise to awaken and strengthen the inhibited muscles. Soft tissue modalities are used to address adhesion and tissue tension.

Related: Achilles Tendon Pain and Active Release Technique

Q: What is the new trend with taping?

A: Kinesio tape is used to provide support and stability to the patient’s joints and muscles without restricting movement or circulation in the patient.  It also expedites healing by reducing pain and swelling.

Q: What are your thoughts on orthotics?

A: Orthotics are prescribed when they are needed.  Orthotics is a good solution when there is a leg length discrepancy that is affecting the rest of the body.  It is also useful when there is an anatomical variance, or a foot pronation.  Ideally, we encourage active care to bring the body into balance.

Q: Do I need Electrical Stem Unit?

A: The best chiropractors recommend TENS in the acute phase of care. In most cases, it is not used for the long-term patient management. We like to see patients being more involved in active care, such as doing planks, proper breathing, being aware of posture etc., as opposed to solely depending on a TENS unit, otherwise, the TENS unit becomes more of a symptom covering tool, as opposed to addressing the cause of the pain.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
August 21, 2014

A Simple Way to Manage Your Low Back Pain

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Athletes Learn the Benefits of Resting Your Body Offseason

Have you accepted the fact that you will always suffer from chronic low back pain? Think again. There are simple steps you can take to ensure you move properly, which in turn will help you eliminate your pain.

In my opinion, traditional medicine has failed to help patients understand their pain, and does little to encourage them to make modifications socially and psychologically, and most importantly, biomechanically. Simple modifications in your lifestyle can help you eliminate your chronic low back pain. By making simple changes in your mechanics, as opposed to treatments that only mask the pain, I believe you will alleviate your symptoms, if not totally make them disappear.

Let me first begin by briefly explaining why I feel so strongly about this particular topic. I have had my share of chronic low back pain throughout the years. My condition, known as spondylolisthesis, is actually quite severe. I used to receive at least two injections per year, among other forms of medication to help me control my pain, which was radiating into my legs and preventing me from being able to walk without pain, let alone enjoy recreational activities. I visited many health care providers, but was never educated on proper mechanics, or proper hip movement to spare the low back. However, through my studies to become a chiropractor, I very quickly realized that I was moving improperly the entire time, which was contributing to my low back pain. Since modifying my mechanics, I have not had an episode of low back pain in over 10 years!

At our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, a majority of our patients being treated for low back pain have poor mechanics. They tend to recruit their low back in daily movements, when in fact; they should be using their hips. Daily activities, such as picking objects up off the floor, going from sitting to standing, washing their face, brushing their teeth, tying shoe laces, etc. are often done improperly. Recruitment of the lower back during these simple daily activities can cause micro-trauma to the tissue in the lower back, which in turn can lead to chronic pain.

If moving incorrectly is not enough, our current sedentary lifestyle of constant sitting, whether at the office, in the car, or at home, can also contribute to chronic pain, by inhibiting your core and glutes, which are primary mover muscles and are important in core stability.

Related: Think Sitting Can’t Kill You?

At our affordable chiropractic clinic, we treat patients with a variety of backgrounds, from avid athletes to deskbound individuals, who suffer from chronic back pain. However, we have helped them become in control of their pain, through education and empowerment of a few very simple steps.

1.  Maintain a neutral back. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P01UKraYFGE&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag”]

2. Pick items up from the floor properly. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiQJVD5lcds&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag”]

3. Squat with a neutral back.  Many people believe squatting is only done at the gym when working out. However, we squat all day every day, for example, going from sitting to standing, going up stairs, grabbing your lunch out of the refrigerator, picking things up off the floor, etc. [youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPHeDo192Us&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag”]

Mastering the techniques in these videos will help you immensely in managing your low back pain.

If you have any questions on proper mechanics, or chronic low back pain, contact our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic today at 317.449.2020.

 

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
July 17, 2014

Think Sitting Can’t Kill You? Think Again.

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Our current society leads a very sedentary lifestyle. Most of us sit for eight or more hours a day at work, and if that isn’t enough, we sit to drive, eat, and as we’re unwinding for the day. Recent research on sitting and sedentary lifestyles suggests lack of activity throughout the day can be hazardous. Below you will find a few of the risks prolonged hours of sitting can have on your body and your health, and what you can do to alleviate those risks.

 Let me begin by highlighting a few of the health risks: 

·      Heart Problems – including increased blood pressure and elevated cholesterol.

·      Pancreatic Over Activity – idol muscles do not respond as well to insulin, causing the pancreas to produce more insulin, which can lead to diabetes.

·      Flabby Abs – core muscles are most active when they are trying to stabilize you, such as when you’re standing or being active.

·      Floppy Glutes – sitting all day causes your butt muscles to become lose, because they are not being used for their main purpose. The gluteus maximus muscle is one the strongest muscles in the human body, but if you don’t use it, you’re going to lose it, and no one wants a saggy butt.

·      Osteoporosis – the more weight you put on your bones, the stronger they become. When you sit all day your bones are not under stress, which causes decreased bone density and can lead to osteoporosis, especially in the female population.

·      Lack of Concentration – extended hours of sitting inhibits your breathing and oxygen intake into the system, including your brain; hence, your thoughts become foggy.

·      Neck Pain – poor posture with prolonged sitting causes neck muscles to become shortened, tense and tight, which can also lead to headaches.

 What Can You Do?

 ·      Take micro-breaks throughout the day, getting off your chair every 20 minutes or so. Take a short walk, or do some simple stretching in your office.

·      Whenever possible, do your work standing up, for example, while talking on the phone.

·      Stretch your hip flexors. Try exercises like the cat camel, and incorporate planks and side planks into your daily routine.

·      Keep a foam roller at your office and use it a few times a day. We have many helpful videos on our YouTube channel.  Foam rolling your back during the day, for example, can be very beneficial.[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1e8tIA_MeI&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag”]

 If sitting is unavoidable, make the most of it: 

·      Sit with a neutral neck over your shoulders.

·      Keep your shoulders down and relaxed.

·      Keep your arms close to your body, with your elbows at 90 degrees.

·      Knees at 90 degrees, with feet on the floor.

·      Use a chair with a lumbar support, or create your own by rolling a small towel and placing it behind your back right above your belt line. 

At our affordable chiropractic clinic, we educate our patients on the importance of good posture. For a healthy lifestyle, movement is imperative. Start moving more today, before you realize you’ve aged and are barely able to ambulate, let alone enjoy an activity.

If pain is keeping you from enjoying activities you were once able to enjoy, call our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic today at 317.449.2020 to see how we can help.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
July 3, 2014

What is TMJ?

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Symptoms and Solutions to TMJ Disorder

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is the joint that connects your jaws to your skull. Temporomandibular joint disorder, otherwise known as TMJD, is a disorder of the joint that may create discomfort and pain not only in the joint itself, but the pain may also be sensed around the ear, in the neck area and in the head, often resulting in headaches.

Many of our patients come into our affordable chiropractic clinic, unaware that their symptoms are caused by their TMJD. They often express that their pain is in their neck, around their ear, and up into their head. In addition, many of them describe a sensation of clinching and grinding their teeth, and a feeling of tightness around their jaw. After a thorough exam, we are able to link their symptoms to TMJD.

There is no direct causality of why TMJD occurs, however in most cases it is contributed by tension in the temporal musculature, otherwise known as the temporalis and the masseter muscle, which are the chewing muscles located in your cheek. This tension, that develops, often in forms of trigger points within the muscle fibers, restricts the muscles and joint from their proper function, making the joint problematic and symptomatic.

What can you do to help reduce your TMJD symptoms?

TMJD can be considered a biopsychosocial matter. At our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, we begin by encouraging and educating our patients on the importance of eliminating external factors and stressors, whether emotional or environmental; many are able to do so through meditation, breathing exercises, and journaling.

In addition, maintaining proper mouth posture will help eliminate undue stress on affected muscles. A proper mouth posture is maintained by keeping lips sealed, teeth slightly separated, with your tongue resting just behind your upper teeth. It is important to be aware of your body posture, as well, when driving, eating, and sitting at a desk. We also recommend refraining from chewing gum, and when possible, chew your food equally on both sides.  We do encourage our patients to consult with their dentist, to make sure there is no dental work that needs to be addressed.

An integrated approach to address the TMJD is the most appropriate treatment plan. At our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, we address these symptoms and disorder by administering different soft tissue therapies, and when necessary, we incorporate acupuncture and dry needling into the treatment plan. This approach diffuses the trigger points and the tension that has formed along the jaws and the temporal areas, which will also help reduce anxiety and tension.

If you are suffering from tension in your jaw or neck, are suffering from frequent headaches, or have found yourself clinching and grinding your teeth, call our affordable chiropractic clinic, today at 317.449.2020 to see how we can help.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
June 26, 2014

Achilles Tendon Pain and Active Release Technique

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Solution To Your Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendon injuries are common among the active population, especially runners and cross fitters. The pain is typically localized at the far end of the calf, just above the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone.

There are a variety of factors that may contribute to the pain, such as increased activity, improper footwear, increased tension in the calf muscles, as well as poor activation of the hamstrings and glutes. All of these contributing factors lead to inflammation of the tendon, and potentially degeneration, known as tendonitis or tendinosis, or in worse case scenarios, the tendon can rupture.

In most instances, repetitive stress is the biggest contributor to Achilles pain. The repetitive stress caused by, for example, excessive running or cycling, will create increased tension and a lack of flexibility in the musculature, which in turn creates a tug and pull on the tendon, causing it to become inflamed and irritated.

These issues can easily be overcome by adhering to proper flexibility and mobility regiments. We recommend, for example, utilizing a lacrosse ball and a foam roller, as shown by Dr. Charbel in these videos, in order to maintain proper tissue mobility and elasticity; in addition to maintaining a regular routine of stretching and proper strengthening.

At our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, we evaluate our patients by analyzing the entire kinetic chain of the patient. We do not focus only on the Achilles tendon; we also examine other factors, which may be contributing to the patient’s current symptoms . We begin by analyzing the anatomy of the foot to ensure the patient is wearing the appropriate footwear. We analyze the range of motion at the ankle, knee and hip in a functional manner. We also look at the functionality of the hamstring muscles, the plantar of the foot, the patient’s core, and the activation of the gluteus muscle, just to name a few.

By using the active release technique, along with acupuncture and dry needling, we are able to assist patients in eliminating adhesion, tension and tightness in the muscle. The active release technique, or ART, is a soft tissue treatment that focuses on eliminating the cause of the pain, rather than covering up the symptoms.

At our active release technique chiropractic clinic, our focus is not only to treat the condition, but also to educate our patients on the proper program that will help them with the continuation of their care independently of us once they have reached a balanced state. We encourage our patients to be an active participant in their treatment plan; by positively impacting their prognosis and expediting their healing.

If you suffer from sports injuries, such as, Achilles tendon pain, contact our active release technique chiropractic clinic today at 317.449.2020, to see how the active release technique can benefit you!

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
June 19, 2014

How Does Dry Needling Work?

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Reset Your Muscles and Tissues with Dry Needling

I am often asked what dry needling is, and how it works. Dry needling, in a sense, is very similar to acupuncture, when it comes down to the tools that we use. We use very thin filaments, which are inserted into the tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments that are dysfunctional and deranged. However, with dry needling, our main focus is on musculoskeletal pain, reduction of pain, and enhancement of soft tissue function.

In a simple form, dry needling normalizes and resets the muscles and tissue to its original homeostatic function. For instance, if a muscle is too tight, tense, and has trigger points and adhesion, dry needling resets it back to a normal density with no spasms or tension. On the other hand, if the muscle is inhibited and is not functioning, as it should, dry needling will reset the mechanism in that muscle, helping to reawaken it.

There are several theories about how dry needling works. One of the predominate theories was proven by observing the brain in a functional MRI, while a patient was treated with metal needles that were not conductive to magnetic fields. This study showed, that the brain sensors responsible for pain reduction became more active, and in turn secreted pain reduction chemicals, such as endorphins.

Another theory suggests that the very thin filaments that are inserted into the tissue, even though they are quite thin and unnoticeable in almost all instances, create damage to thousands of cells. The brain perceives this damage, and initiates a healing effect and rejuvenation of the tissue.

In another study, it was shown that the biochemical changes that occur around the needle are favorable in reducing inflammation and pain.  A final theory of how dry needling works is a study that suggests that a properly placed needle in a triggered point of a muscle or tendon, will send a signal to the nervous system in a reflex form, which will reset the muscle and tissue fibers.

Dry needling differs from acupuncture, in a sense that it does not follow the meridian channels, and focuses primarily on musculoskeletal pain. At our Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, we utilize dry needling for a variety of symptoms, such as runner knee pain, TMJ, and headaches.

If you have been suffering with pain and are looking for an alternative treatment, contact Integrated Health Solutions, an affordable Indianapolis chiropractic clinic, today at 317.449.2020.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
June 6, 2014

What You Should Know About Pain

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Understanding The Three Factors of Pain

Over the past few centuries, our understanding of pain has evolved to include new contributing factors. Pain is an individualistic experience, however it is also considered a biopsychosocial experience.

Biological Factors

The biological component is simply your body. The organs or tissues, such as ligaments, muscles and/or nerves could be deranged and damaged, thus sending signals to the brain which in turn interprets those signal and decides whether to signal pain or not. We should not ignore the fact that the psychological factor can also affect the biological component of the pain model. States of depression and anxiety can manifest itself in the body, causing tension, spasm and tightness in areas such as the traps, the neck and the jaw.

Psychological Factors

Psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety and depression, can actually worsen the experience you have with pain. Recent studies show that patients who have a negative psychological condition prior to surgery, such as hip replacement, were prone to a longer period of pain during recovery.

Social Factors

Social factors, such as our work environment, family, or lifestyle, can also influence our perception of pain. Many of our patients report that their pain intensifies when they are at work, or when they are involved in an argument with a significant other. When exposed to a negative social environment, pain intensifies; science contributes this to the brain perceiving the environment as hostile and resorting to a flight and fight mechanism acting as a sense of protection.

Mind Over Matter

These factors contribute to our pain, because pain is perceived at the brain level. One of the most interesting phenomenon of pain is that it is not necessarily an experience at the site of the pain. For example, you might have a herniated disc, but you will not be aware of it until your brain decides to signal that the tissue is harmful, at which point you will feel the pain in your back.

Scientific findings have proven that there are individuals with disc degeneration, herniated discs, rotator cuff tears, bulging discs, etc.  who are completely asymptomatic. This reinforces my previous statement, that the pain is an experience at the brain level affected not only by the tissue but also by your mood and your perception of your environment. If the brain decides to signal that, for example, the disc bulge is harmful, then it is at that point that you will feel the pain which is a form of protection to alert us that there is a need for modification.

At Integrated Health Solutions, an affordable chiropractic clinic, we educate our patients on the cause of their pain. We explain to them that pain is not necessarily a direct correlation in the harm of the tissue, but instead the pain is simply a signal for the need of modification. When patients understand that the pain is not creating more damage to the injury, we actually find they experience a reduction in pain.

At our Indianapolis Chiropractic clinic, we strive to educate our patients on the different factors that affect pain, in hopes of expediting their healing. Through this education, in most cases, the patients are able to reduce the external factors that negatively affect their pain experience, whether it is psychological or environmental, by doing so, it helps us obtain our goals in fewer visits.

If you’ve been dealing with pain, and would like to learn more about the factors that may be contributing to it, contact our office today at 317.449.2020.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
May 30, 2014

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Even the Slightest Pain after a Car Accident

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[youtube_sc url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgFt55sg1lw&list=UUywozp0WIbd3OU4N9KQlUag” title=”Tess%27%20Testimonial%20for%20Shoulder%20and%20Neck%20Pain%20after%20an%20Automobile%20Accident%20″]

Treatment of Injuries Caused by Car Accidents

At Integrated Health Solutions, a large percentage of our patients have experienced some sort of trauma, whether it is from a sports injury or involvement in a motor vehicle accident. When it comes to injuries sustained from accidents, it is from our experience and patient feedback, that an individual does not always feel the pain immediately.  Many of our patients have reported that they did not feel any pain until a few weeks after the accident. This is because our body has an immense ability to keep us from sensing pain.  However, the soft tissues have been affected since the time of the trauma.

Many people who experience physical trauma believe that the pain will eventually go away on its own. We have had patients come to us six months, and even a few years, after their accident, who have unfortunately realized the pain is now a chronic problem and are desperate to feel better. Because of this, we suggest anyone involved in a car accident pay attention to any of their symptoms, some of which may include, but are not limited to: blurred vision, dizziness, clenching of the jaw, pain in the shoulders, neck and back, and headaches.  If you experience any of these symptoms, we encourage you to seek professional help.

Many times, we see patients who have gone to the emergency room after their accident, which is excellent for an initial triage however the main concern of the emergency room is to make sure you do not have any life threatening injuries or fractures. Some patients may be given medication to help with their pain, but please keep in mind that the medicine is doing just that, it’s helping you deal with the pain, not treating the source of it.

We encourage our patients to consider rehab to help reactivate the soft tissue that was damaged in the accident. Different kinds of soft tissue therapies help loosen up the adhesion and fibrotic formations that set in after injury to muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc. Acupuncture is a phenomenal tool for decreasing pain and inflammation, and rejuvenating the tissue. Chiropractic care will help centralize the joint and help with proper mechanics.  At Integrated Health Solutions, we follow this integrated approach to help treat the cause, not just cover the symptoms.

If you have been involved in an accident, or have experienced an injury, please seek medical attention by a provider who specializes in restoring soft tissue integrity, joint mechanics, and who is focused on addressing the cause of the pain, not just masking it.  Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate in contacting us at 317.449.2020.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.
May 22, 2014

Do You Have to Live with Tennis Elbow Pain?

Joint Pain Post a Comment

Tennis Elbow Pain Management and Treatment Plan

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondilitis, is a medical condition in which the outer part of the elbow becomes inflamed and painful. This injury is directly related to a repetitive micro trauma, in which muscles of the forearm (the extensor muscles) become overused, leading to adhesion, tension, and tightness in the musculature. This in turn creates a pull and a tug on the bone (epicondyle) where the pain is felt.

Can Anyone Get Tennis Elbow?

Even though this condition is predominately present in tennis and racquetball players, it is is not an exclusive condition to the athletic population. In our clinic, we have seen this condition present in patients who use their arms at work repetitively on a daily basis, such as hair designers, office workers and chefs.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

This condition is primarily correlated with overused and over activate muscles of the forearm, known as extensors muscles. These muscles become inflamed, hypertonic, adhesed and tender, in turn creating a tugging and pulling sensation on the insertion, which is a tiny bone of the forearm located at the elbow, which is most commonly where people with this condition feel their pain.

These tense, triggered, and adhesed muscles eventually form nodules within the muscle fibers, known as trigger points. The trigger points will contribute to a viscous cycle of additional pain in the area of the forearm and tension in the muscles, that again augment the pain at the side of the elbow and along the forearm muscles.

Can Tennis Elbow be Treated?

At Integrated Health Solutions, we have formulated a treatment plan that has been proven to be exceptionally successful. Dr. Charbel conducts a comprehensive exam, that not only includes the elbow, but also the shoulder and cervical area. We have found that in many of our patients there is a high correlation of elbow injuries and poor shoulder and upper back mechanics. These poor mechanics create additional and unnecessary demand on the elbow. This thorough exam allows us to have a greater success in the treatment of this condition. Most of our patients experience 80 to 90 percent relief from their symptoms within as few as eight visits.

The treatment plan typically includes soft tissue treatment, physical rehab, and exercises and stretches to the effected area, and to any other areas our exam indicates needs treatment. One proven therapy that we add to our treatment plan that is a key factor, is dry needling.

What is Trigger Point Dry Needling?

Trigger point dry needling is one of the most evidence based, clinically proven therapies that help us expedite the healing process, especially when it is used in conjunction with our other modalities. Trigger point dry needling, also known as medical acupuncture, is very similar to acupuncture, however, during this technique, Dr. Charbel addresses the affected area in addition to points throughout the spine, shoulders, and arms. This will help expedite the healing, and allow better nerve flow and help balance the musculature and eliminate the cause of the pain.

Trigger point dry needling has consistently proven in our clinical setting to have almost a hundred percent success rate in releasing tension, adhesion, and resolving trigger point formations within the muscle fibers and decreasing pain. Once these soft tissue muscles relax, the pulling and tugging on that little bone on your elbow (epicondyle) diminishes, which relieves the inflammation and the pain that you are dealing with.

Trigger point dry needling, when incorporated in our treatment plan allows us to address the cause of the pain and not just mask the symptoms. At Integrated Health Solutions, our approach to treating injuries is comprehensive, and addresses the cause. This is why when a patient complains of lateral epicondilitis, Dr. Charbel examines the entire upper body’s functionality and alignment, which will ensure better usage and faster healing.

Along with dry needling and the other therapies in our treatment plans, Dr. Charbel also reviews the mechanics that the patient utilizes. By enhancing the biomechanics of the different joints involved, stress is reduced on a daily basis. Patients are educated on different exercises and stretches, which will expedite the healing process, and eventually allow the patient to become self-reliant and manage their conditions on their own, and also prevent the injury from reoccurring.

For more inquiries on trigger point dry needling and tennis elbow, please do not hesitate contacting Integrated Health Solutions at 317-449-2020.

About Integrated Health Solutions

Dr. Charbel Harb is a licensed chiropractic physician and the Medical Director of Integrated Health Solutions. Our core belief is that each patient who walks through the doors is a person, not just a medical record or chart. Our greatest pleasure is bringing joy to our patients and helping them to fully embrace life, allowing them to enjoy each day: active, healthy and pain free.