Chiropam’s Blog

Happy 2010!  It sure has gotten off to a very fast start.  I feel like it just rolled in and we’re getting ready to turn the page on the calendar to February.  One of the most significant things that has happened in my life as a female chiropractor, is the 2 new chiropractors that have joined my team at Hillarys Chiropractic.

When The Teacher Is Ready, The Student Appears

I have taken on a mentoring role in the practice with 2 new associate chiropractors.  They are both vibrant, enthusiastic and eager to learn. I am committed to assisting them while they embrace and develop into being the best chiropractors that they can be.  With the experience and wisdom of my years in practice, I plan to share and nurture that chiropractic spirit in them to love, give and serve the patients to the best of their ability.

When the Student Is Ready, The Teacher Appears

One of the new mentorees has been a wellness patient of mine for many years.  His understanding of the chiropractic paradigm and commitment to helping people is from the heart.  The other mentoree I had the pleasure of meeting through the other, as they went through the chiropractic course together.   His heart and commitment matches the core values, mission, vision statement of our practice.

Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship that involves a more experienced person helping a less experienced person to achieve their goals.

Mentoring provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a student’s career development by sharing knowledge you have acquired through years of experience.

Effective Mentoring

• focuses on the needs of the person being mentored

• fosters caring and supportive relationships within the workplace

• encourages the person being mentored to develop to their optimum potential

As a mentor, the role is one that instructs, helps and guides another in the process of gaining knowledge, understanding and skills.  I want to take this a step further - pointing to something that is already present in the student.  It is like teaching someone to have shoulders.  You can’t really teach someone who already has shoulders, to have shoulders.  However, you can make them more aware of the shoulders they already have.

A mentoring relationship is usually where one wiser and more experienced person assists another person to grow and learn. Humans from the beginning of time have learned norms, values and behaviours by the example and coaching of others.

New adaptations of mentoring allows individuals to interact as colleagues in a helping relationship, on a more equal basis which can cultivate growth and learning to mutual benefit.

Experience, skills and a genuine desire to help are more valuable assets in a mentoring relationship than age or position. Open and assertive communication and the trust of both parties are essential.

Benefits to the Practice

•    Greater productivity
•    Discovery of talent
•    Development of leadership for future survival and prosperity
•    Communication of values, goals and plans
•    Increase in morale and motivation
•    Demonstration of personal and professional standards
•    Achievement of excellent service
•    Implementation of equity initiatives
•    Fostering of shared values and team work
•    Enhancement of leadership and people management skills
•    Revitalised energy
•    Increase in staff satisfaction
•    Building a learning organisation

Benefits to the Mentoree

•    Development of potential
•    Increased knowledge about the practice
•    Flexibility - Mentorees negotiate with their mentors to work within available time and other commitments
•    Self directed learning - Mentorees choose specific learning objectives
•    Give and receive feedback
•    Receive encouragement and support to achieve goals
•    Develop new networks
•    Develop new and/or different perspectives
•    Get assistance with ideas
•    Demonstrate strengths and explore potential
•    Develop visibility within or outside an organisation
•    Be challenged to use talents and share expertise
•    Develop and increase self confidence

Benefits to the Mentor

•    Obtain a greater understanding of the barriers experienced at lower levels of the practice
•    Enhance their own skills in coaching, counselling, listening and modelling
•    The sense of being needed and recognised professionally
•    Develop and practise a more personal style of leadership
•    Gain additional recognition and respect
•    Learn new perspectives and approaches
•    Contribute something to others in the organisation
•    Extend professional networks
•    Demonstrate expertise and share knowledge

Both partners in the mentoring relationship benefit. Learning must be a lifelong process and one of the most effective ways to learn is to assist in the development of others. The best teachers learn much from their students, counsellors constantly learn from clients and partners in any successful relationship grow and develop along the way.

I look forward to our journey ahead, and trust that all will benefit in many forms.

T’was a Superfood Christmas, and all through the house,

The decorations complete, even tea towels with Mickey Mouse.

Some snacks before dinner, cinnamon coated walnuts with care.

Saving the dark chocolate for dessert, with almonds to spare.

There was spinach and roasted pumpkin salad,

Garlic & Lemon dressing made it more superfood valid.

Took the bottle of red wine out of the gift wrap,

Steamed the broccoli, peas and beans - no time for a nap.

Tarts with cranberries and cherries adorned the Christmas platter,

Saving the blueberries for the morning, for pancake batter.

That was my version of the traditional Christmas poem that I’m sure you’ve heard more than a few times before.  Just because it was Christmas, it was not a reason to overindulge.  The superfoods were in abundance in our home.

Superfoods contribute to a healthy body and mind.  Our Christmas Eve menu consisted of  almonds and walnuts as snacks.  The sparkling shiraz was the start of the red wine health benefits, and red wine to accompany the meal.

A mixture of different berries:  blueberries, cherries and cranberries gave us many health benefits.  Broccoli, spinach and pumpkin were packed with superfood benefits and of course, a bit of dark chocolate and sweet potato pie for dessert.

Christmas morning started with an early swim at the beach, to get our exercise to start the day. Then we came back and had pancakes for breakfast.  The pancake batter was wheat-free and dairy-free with blueberry superfood benefits.

Wishing you a very healthy start to the new year - all the best to you and yours for a fabulous 2010!

Chiropam

One common cause of pain down the leg or leg pain is Piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower part of the spine (sacrum), connects to the thighbone (femur), and assists in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. This muscle is susceptible to injury from a slip and fall, hip arthritis, or a difference in leg length. Such situations can cause cramping and spasm to develop in the piriformis muscle, thereby pinching the sciatic nerve - causing inflammation and pain.

Muscle spasms and/or contraction of the piriformis muscle itself can lead to pain along the back of the thigh, down to the knee, causing a possible loss of sensation or numbness and tingling in the sole of the foot. The piriformis syndrome can often mimic the well known complaint known as sciatica.  Because of the similar symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed as sciatica. The main difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome is the cause. What both of these complaints have in common is that both can produce pain, and/or numbness and tingling below the knee and into the foot.

This has been the ’special of the week’  in my practice.  It can be left or right, depending on the activity that can irritate the area.

Who Does This Affect?

Many athletes are prone to piriformis syndrome.  The athlete’s cause is primarily due to improper stretching and warm-up exercises as well as overuse during activity. In this case it is most likely that the piriformis muscle is irritated and usually in spasm.

People who spend long hours sitting are prone to this syndrome.  It can be from sitting at a desk, in front of a computer, students, riding in a car or truck for long periods of time, and sitting on a wallet.

People who sit for extended periods of time, especially with poor posture are prone to the piriformis being irritated.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

The primary cause is due to tightness and contracture of the piriformis muscle. In this case the piriformis muscle is shortened and does not allow for the smooth movement of the sciatic nerve during leg motion.
The causes of piriformis myospasm are varied such as overuse, excessive fast walking without proper warm up and stretching, prolonged sitting.

Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome

As for treatment of piriformis syndrome, many variables can hinder your successful recovery:  including but not limited to smoking, obesity, job limitations and improper exercise (not warming up and stretching).  It is very rare to have a piriformis syndrome from a one-off direct trauma to the area.

Any treatment plan must include stretching of the gluteal muscles as well as stretching of the piriformis muscles.

Chiropractors can assist you by recommending the proper exercises and stretches to perform. Many Chiropractors may also suggest some form of muscle therapy to the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region in order to assist in relaxing these muscles.

Relevant adjustments to the spine, pelvis, sacrum as well as hip may be required to relieve the pressure from the nerve being trapped from the piriformis muscle.

As an American living in Australia, I have seen the American holiday creep into Australia over the years.  Now more than ever, there are decorations, costumes, party favours, candy/lollies to get into the Halloween spirit.  I must admit that it was one of my favourite holidays as a child.  I cherish those memories and really enjoyed celebrating the holiday with other fellow Americans when my daughter was little.  The American Women’s Club of Perth was so influential in facilitating the American holidays, as well as an excellent way to mingle with other Americans living in Perth.  This year I will be celebrating with some American friends, but not necessarily traditionally.  I had some Halloween decorations to use on a pumpkin cake recipe that I modified to call my own.  Celebrating with the superfood-pumpkin we will have Pumpkin Spice Cake and Pumpkin Spinach Salad. 

Pumpkin Spice Cake  (serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

125g  butter 
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar 
2 eggs 
180g peeled pumpkin, steamed and mashed
2 cups sifted plain flour  
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1-1/2teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt 
1  teaspoon cinnamon 
1  teaspoon nutmeg
1  teaspoon allspice
1  teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup buttermilk  

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180C.  I used a fan forced oven.
Cream the butter, then add the sugar and beat till fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one.

Slowly beat in the pumpkin.
Sift all the dry ingredients together, then add some buttermilk, alternating until all mixed in.

Pour the cake batter into the Tupperware Kugelhopf and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Remember, every oven is different so time will vary.  Test with cake tester or knife.   It should spring back when pressed lightly.

 Cool cake in tin on a rack for 5 minutes -this allows for air to circulate around the base of the tin too. Turn onto rack gently to cool completely.

Decorate as desired.  I frosted and decorated with Halloween sprinkles.  It can be used anytime of year, just sprinkle with icing sugar.

Have a Happy Halloween!  Try the cake recipe even if it’s not for Halloween.  It’s great all year round, let me know how it turns out:-)

The sciatic nerves are the largest and longest nerves of the body, about the size of your thumb in diameter. Each of the two sciatic nerves is formed by four or five nerves branching off the spinal cord and running down the back of each leg. Sciatica is a severe pain in the leg caused from compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve.

What Causes Sciatica?

Pain is caused when the sciatic nerve roots are irritated, scraped, twisted, stretched or pinched as they exit the spine. Causes of this may be chemical, physical or the emotional stress of everyday living. A full-blown sciatic flare-up can involve the entire sciatic nerve path resulting in symptoms of lower back pain, burning, cramping or numbness that radiates into the thighs, legs, ankles, feet and toes. Pain may also be limited to various points along the nerve such as the buttocks, knee and calf.

One of the major causes of sciatica is the Vertebral Subluxation Complex. This can be associated with or without disc problems. It can be accompanied by the bulging or herniation of the discs which separate each spinal bone. This can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve roots as they leave the spinal cord. The result can be an intense pain shooting down either or both legs. Other possible causes are pregnancy and childbirth, tumours, and non-spinal disorders such as diabetes, constipation, or sitting on one’s back pocket wallet.

Can Chiropractic Help?

Sciatica (like other health problems that can be traced to the spine) often responds dramatically to the restoration of normal spinal function through chiropractic care.

The chiropractic approach is to use carefully directed and controlled “adjustments” to remove the interference from spinal and associated structures. These chiropractic adjustments can be very effective in reducing nerve irritation and pain that is associated with it.

Sometimes the cause of sciatica is beyond the scope of chiropractic care. If this is the case, your chiropractor will refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Disc Overview

The bones of the spine are separated by tough cartilage pads called discs.  Healthy discs are flexible and thick (like a wet sponge) allowing bending and twisting motions. Unhealthy discs are stiff and hard (like a dry sponge) and prone to injuries such as bulging or herniation.  Firstly, they act as the spine’s shock absorbers.  Secondly, they allow the spine to move in many different directions.  Individually, the discs offer very little movement, but in teamwork with the spinal bones, they give the spine just enough flexibility for various ranges of motion.

What are discs made of?

Discs are mainly made up of water, collagen and proteoglycans - a protein found in human connective tissues which helps to attract water and keep the discs hydrated. The inner gel-like material (nucleus pulposus) contains more water than the outer coat (annulus fibrosus).

This water content is very important because it keeps the discs plump and healthy, which enables them to function more effectively.

How do discs stay healthy?

Unlike other structures in the human body, spinal discs do not have a direct blood supply. Instead they get their nutrients and moisture from a kind of pumping action as the spinal bones above and below move in all directions.

This is really important to understand because it is central to why most disc problems develop, as well as providing the key to reversing disc problems after they have emerged.

Without this regular pumping action, spinal discs are unable to get the mosture and nutrients they need for optimum health.

Why do discs become unhealthy?

Over long periods of time, due to gravity, dysfunction in the spinal joints and accumulated trauma, the discs become starved of adequate water and nutrients and begin to become dehydrated and malnourished.

This process can lead to the discs losing their plumpness, causing them to become flattened in appearance and less elastic - and so affecting their ability to function properly.

This is what is known as ‘Degenerative Disc Disease.’

Also, the outer layer of dehydrated discs can become prone to thinning and cracking. This weakening of the outer layer may result in the inner gel pushing out, causing the outer layer to bulge.

Constant and continual compression prevents much-needed oxygen and nutrients from entering the disc. This ongoing starvation causes the once-tough outer layers of the disc to deteriorate (wear & tear) allowing the disc to become injured or diseased.

Disc damage can occur anywhere in the spine. However, the discs of the neck (cervical spine) and low back (lumbar spine) are the most commonly injured.

Because of the way each disc is attached to the spinal bones (vertebrae) above and below, a disc cannot “slip” as commonly thought. However, trauma or injury to the spine can cause discs to tear, bulge, herniate, dessicate or rupture. This can be quite painful, putting pressure on the nerve roots and/or spinal cord, interfering with their function.

Chiropractic and Disc Problems

The chiropractic approach to disc problems is to help restore better motion and position to the spinal joint or joints involved. Besides reducing disc bulging, better spinal function helps reduce inflammation and begin the slow process of healing the surrounding soft tissues.

While results can’t be guaranteed, many patients have avoided needless surgery or a dependency on pain pills, by choosing conservative chiropractic care. The traditional approach to disc problems often ignores spinal function.  If detected early enough, conservative chiropractic care is not only safer, but is often more effective than back surgery.

I was wondering to myself, “What shall I blog about today”?   The last couple weeks of my life as a female chiropractor have been quite full with the administration side of my chiropractic business, so my creative side has been put on the back burner.  It is school holiday time in Perth, which means 2 weeks break for the school kids between Term 3 and 4.

My daughter was with some friends in the afternoon and needed to be picked up.  On my way, I’m driving along the beautiful coast road, as the sun is getting ready to set over the ocean, and Whack!  “What was that?!?!” I thought to myself.  The sky is falling!  Not sure, I’m driving along, and on the passenger window was an egg splattered over my window.  At first, I thought I hit a bird.  But the slime that was smeared was not the presentation that hitting a bird would make.

A flood of emotions came over me, startled, shocked, curious, wondering, then angry.  This egg did not fly randomly out of the sky, or did it?  Was the universe trying to get my attention?  When I was angry I was thinking that it was probably kids with nothing better to do during their school holidays.  Nothing better to do?  How appalling is that?  We live in a society where kids have so much, that they find throwing eggs out of bushes at oncoming traffic amusing.  Good old fashioned fun is great, playing outside etc. but not when it can endanger others.

If that would have hit the window on the driver’s side, it  could have caused a serious accident.  I don’t feel angry anymore, I’ve learned it is best not to carry that emotion.  Identify it, look at the positives and negatives and be grateful for what it is.

Grateful for an egg splattered on my car?  No.  Grateful for it not being worse and giving me the opportunity to remind my daughter about values and acceptable behaviour.  Yes.  Interestingly enough, I could think of many other great things to do with eggs, not throw them at people, places or things.

I felt the need to share this, and would love to get your feedback and your thoughts in the Comments section.

T E A M - Together Everyone Achieves More

In my life as a female chiropractor, I see that a healthy, optimum functioning body requires the coordinated effort of every aspect of the body. No cell, tissue, organ or system by itself will allow us to experience the highest levels of life expression. It takes teamwork by all the parts of the body.

As part of a transition taking place in my office, teamwork will be one of the major focuses.

Teamwork allows teams and families to be successful. Teamwork allows our body and our practice to be healthy. Teamwork in my practice, for example is essential to serve people to the best of our ability.

One of the main reasons I am in practice is to see people healed and delivered from interferences.  I live and breathe chiropractic with all my substance. This is my reason or purpose for doing the best I can to inspire my team, to reach people and share chiropractic with them.

When you talk about success, most of the time you would think that you are the reason behind the success. But in reality, the success of your practice or business depends on whether you have developed a strong staff who are all on the same page as yourself.

An essential ingredient is having a team spirit deep within you. Next step is having your team sharing that spirit, or failure is inevitable. When you’re unified as a team, there’s much power and room for growth and success. There have been times of stagnant growth because of being stifled by an environment of distress. This occurred when the group or team worked as individuals rather than team members.

Teamwork is never by accident

It’s always deliberate and voluntary.  Teamwork is defined as “the work of a number of persons in close association as members of one unit.”

• The first thing that is needed is to express the need for and the importance of teamwork.

• Describe what the business is all about, why we  have a practice and what the purpose is.

• Purpose is defined as “an object or result aimed at with determination”. This word is one of the components of a great team.

• Having people on your side assisting you and believing in what you believe in only makes that idea stronger, and more powerful.

There will be support and challenge, possibilities and difficulties, positives and negatives. This is inevitable. We do have choices on how we tackle it and from which angle. There are many different ways you can look at your team and examine and re-examine whether or not this team is the best it can be. Many factors and a lot of good old fashioned hard work go into making a team that works.

Happy 09/09/09 Everyone!

This is a once in a lifetime occurrence!  My daughter thought that was pretty incredible, as next year will be 10/10/10!  She then said that the 2 years after that will be pretty special too, and that she will be here for all of them.  That’s a great attitude, as she has her whole life ahead of her.

The 3 Generations

It was an interesting day, and after the events of the day, I decided to make this the blog post of the day.  I had set aside the day for my mum and I to have a Mother-daughter bonding day.  We went shopping, had lunch, coffee and conversation that spanned all topics.  Last week, I had a Mother-daughter bonding afternoon with my daughter after school.  It takes away the routine of homework, dinner, etc. that can take away time from smelling the roses.

The Mother-daughter bond is a very special gift.  The value in the mother-daughter bond comes from the two parties caring for one another and sharing a strong investment in the family as a whole.  I was reading an article that described the evolution in the relationship between a daughter with her mother.  There comes a moment that is critical when the daughter suddenly realises that the mother is another woman.  Before this, a mother is more of a symbol.  She’s meant to be the nurturer, all-knowing, all-powerful; perhaps even the enemy.  She is usually not seen as another woman with similar problems and experiences.

I feel that I had this realisation earlier this year, and I actually had a heart-to-heart talk with my own mother.  I explained that relating to each other as women and not just mother-daughter, then our relationship has the potential to really flourish.   My personal journey brought me to this and the timing seemed to be just right.  My daughter will be a teenager next year, so that relationship will go through it’s own challenges and rewards.

I had some news that shattered my world for a moment.  One of my patients rang to share with me that her daughter who was in her early 20’s, fell and hit her head unexpectedly in the shopping centre where she worked, and killer her instantly.  I was quite speechless as she was a wonderful young girl that had her whole life ahead of her to live.  That is another major reminder to not take things for granted.  We don’t know how long we have.   I really hope she knew the love in her life - that her family and friends not only told her, but showed her that they loved her and how much she meant to their lives.  My heart goes out to her family.

Appreciating the ones we love and letting them know is one of the core values that I choose to live by.

Love to my mum and my daughter - may you always know how much you both mean to me.

GROIN MUSCLES ON LEFT; PELVIS ON RIGHT

Last week in practice, the ’special of the week’ was groin pain.  It can be related to hip pain, but is different nonetheless.

Apart from hip pain which is usually caused by a specific injury or an arthritic hip joint, most pains in the hip, groin or top of the leg are caused by a mechanical overload from a problem elsewhere. This usually stems from the lower back or pelvis, but can be from the knee or even the foot.

Recurring groin strains are very common in sports people, especially footballers. A twisted or misaligned pelvis is often the root cause of the problem, which causes a weakness and an overload of the muscles and tendons in the groin.
Pain in the groin area often makes walking quite difficult and patients have a tendency to seize up if they have been sitting for too long.

If a chronic groin or hip problem is not treated, it usually causes problems in the lower back as the patients start to adapt the way they walk.  Different muscles end up compensating for the weakened area.

‘Wear and Tear’ is occasionally found on X-rays. This form of wear and tear is called osteoarthritis.  Osteoarthritis is a degenerative process in the joints which cause them to wear, and occurs in most people as we get older. It is rarely the wear and tear that causes the pain, rather it is the stiffness and muscle tightness.  The good news is that this usually responds very well to chiropractic treatment!  Adjustments to the areas that are involved can be very effective.

Whichever term you use:

• Groin pain

• Groin strain

• Groin pull injury

• Adductor strain

The reality is that it is a very common muscle strain injury that currently plagues sports like soccer, basketball, football, hockey, track & field and racquet sports.

The groin, described as the junction between the lower limbs and torso, is vulnerable to a lot of different injuries. Hernias, stress fractures, and avulsion fractures are all common injuries that affect the groin.  One of the most common groin injuries is groin pull or groin strain.

What is a Groin Pull?

Depending on the severity, a groin pull can range from a slight stretching, to a complete rupture of the muscles that attach the pubic (pelvis) bone to the thigh (femur) bone.

A groin pull or strain specifically affects the Adductor muscles.  These muscles are located on the inside of the thigh, and help to bring the legs together.

What Causes a Groin Pull?

Competitors that participate in sports that require a lot of running or rapid change in direction are most susceptible to groin injuries.  Other activities like kicking, jumping and rapid acceleration or deceleration also place a lot of strain on the groin muscles.  Another activity that puts a lot of strain on the groin is any movement that results in a sudden pressure being applied - such as a fall, landing awkwardly, twisting, or bending while stress is applied to the groin muscles.

How to Prevent a Groin Pull?

The basis of prevention comes down to two simple factors:  a thorough warm-up and physical conditioning; flexibility & strength.  Firstly, a thorough and correct warm up will help to prepare the muscles and tendons for any activity to come.  Secondly, flexible muscles and tendons are extremely important in the prevention of most strain or sprain injuries.  When muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is quite easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement, which can cause strains, sprains, and pulled muscles.  To keep your muscles and tendons flexible and supple, it is important to undertake a structured stretching routine. Stretching is one of the most under-utilised techniques for improving athletic performance, preventing sports injury and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury.  Don’t make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won’t be effective.