As a general rule of thumb, ice (cryotherapy) is most effective during the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury.  This is during the acute and/or inflammatory phase of tissue healing.  Let’s take a sprained ankle for example.  When a ligament is torn or overly stretched, the area around it becomes swollen, red, painful, and warm.  As this is necessary for the healing process, ice can be used to somewhat reduce the effects and allow the patient to be more comfortable.

Typically, after a few days, the body continues to heal in what’s called the repair phase.  The primary therapeutic benefit of moist heat in this instance is to relax muscles that are rigid or in spasm.  Once again this promotes comfort and pain relief to the patient. 

Ice and heat can be effective adjuncts to an appropriate treatment plan.  However, they are not a substitute for a complete treatment plan including chiropractic care and therapeutic exercise. 

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a painful condition that is associated with neck pain, arm pain, numbness and weakness to the arms and hands.  There can be several causes.  In my practice, the most common cause is spasm and irritation of a group of muscles called the scalenes, which are located behind and under the clavicle (collar bone).  Usually there is underlying dysfunction of the neck and upper back.  In response to this, the scalene muscles go into spasm.  There is also a degree of inflammation, which causes the surrounding tissue to swell.  This will put pressure on a bundle of nerves called the brachial plexus.  The brachial plexus has branches of nerves that control muscle and skin sensation to the arm and hand.  The result of pressure on the brachial plexus is pain, weakness, and numbness to the arm and hand.  Other causes of thoracic outlet syndrome include direct trauma and the presence of a cervical rib.

Treatment for thoracic outlet in my practice typically consists of chiropractic adjustments to the neck and upper back, as well as at the effected shoulder girdle.  Heat and electric muscle stimulation is often used as an adjunct to help relieve muscle spasm.  Home stretching and postural exercises are also added when the patient is ready. 

Plantarfasciitis is a painful condition where there is inflammation of the fascia (a type of tissue) on the bottom of your foot.  The fascia extends from the heel, to the front of the foot.   Usually, plantarfascitis is caused by repetitive trauma to the foot.  Faulty biomechanics and postural distortions are the main culprits.  One example is what’s referred to as pronation of the foot.  When this occurs, there is more strain on the fascia and it is more easily irritated.  Often, the normal arch of the foot flattens out with pronation.

There are some home remedies that will provide temporary relief.  However, the most effective treatment is to correct the faulty biomechanics.  A customized shoe orthotic can me provided by your chiropractor or podiatrist.  Sometimes, a simple arch support can be effective. 

When this condition becomes chronic, a heel spur may be seen on an x-ray.  That’s when a spur of bone grows off of the heel.  Heel spurs can be extremely painful.  Depending on the case, surgery is a consideration when it gets to this point.

If there is also knee, hip, low back, or neck pain in addition to the foot pain, then the postural distortion in the foot has also likely affected those other areas.  One area will affect the next, like a chain.  A complete chiropractic assessment can determine what else is needed in the way of treatment. 

What exactly is the rotator cuff?  Quite simply, the rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that surround, or make a cuff, around the humerus bone in the shoulder.  The four muscles that make up the rotator cuff are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis muscles.  One main function of each of these muscles is rotation of the shoulder.  The first three muscles externally rotate the shoulder, while the subscapularis internally rotates it.  Another important job of the rotator cuff is to hold the humeral head (the ball of the shoulder) in the glenoid fossa of the scapula (the socket of the shoulder).  This is why severe injuries to the rotator cuff could result in shoulder dislocation.

Severe injuries to the rotator cuff include partial or complete tears to the muscle or tendon.  This often results in surgical repair as the only logical solution.  Less severe injuries include strains, tendonitis, and tendinosis.  In these cases, conservative care can be quite effective.  This includes physiotherapy modalities such as electric stimulation and ultrasound, joint mobilization and manipulation, and therapeutic exercise.

If you're experiencing shoulder pain, limited motion, clicking/popping, you might have an issue with the rotator cuff.  If it persists, it can become a chronic problem.  Have it checked and treated by a professional.