Why Do Horses Suffer Back Pain?

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Horses are a unique animal. They are very large and can weigh 400kgs or more. Horses are also able to stand all day and night . Their incredible anatomy has a mechanism called the “Stay Apparatus” which allows the horse to switch on its’ Triceps muscle in the forelimbs and stabilise itself permitting it to sleep while standing with minimal muscular Activity. In fact horses can have remarkably little muscular tension.

Horses however do suffer with back problems and this can lead to lameness and gait difficulties . A phrase often used is “Cold Backed” . As we can all imagine for a horse with a sore back having a saddle and a rider on it’s back can be particularly uncomfortable. Chiropractic can help.

Animal Chiropractors are trained to assess animals for spinal lesions and joint and muscle lesions and injuries. Chiropractors can adjust the horses joints and vertebrae, plus release muscle tightness and strains. The result can be very dramatic as when a horse is treated you can often see the improvement immediately. This can give the horse a huge relief, particularly if he has to carry a saddle and rider . Horses are always quick to Thank-you for their adjustment with a grateful lick and shake.
Neil Gregory – Certified Animal Chiropractor

Ilio-Tibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

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ITBS affects many people who exercise regularly and is very common in long distance runners. It occurs from the band compressing against the lower part of the femur (the bone just above the outside of the knee) As every body is unique, I have found that a co-ordinated approach with Chiropractic treatment and appropriate rehabilitation focussed exercise gives the best results. Consequently any treatment for ITBS should involve a multi-modal approach that looks at areas above and below the site of pain and not just the source of the pain.

Firstly, a biomechanical assessment of the lumbar spine, hips, knees and ankles is essential in determining the cause of ITBS. Muscle length and strength testing is performed to determine areas of tightness/weakness.

Chiropractic adjustments of the lumbar spine, hips and ankles can be used to ensure free movement is occurring at surrounding joints. Through releasing and strengthening certain muscles that act on the IT band, we can reduce the tension on the band. Stretching and home rehab exercises work in tandem with the treatment provided by the Chiropractor to help manage and prevent the injury from returning.

Mitchell Roberts – Chiropractor

Exercise Classes at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre

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Exercise classWe are now running rehabilitation focussed Exercise Classes at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre. The classes focus on building core strength and flexibility and are at the following times;

Monday 6pm
Thursday 6pm

We will be adding more class times as demand requires.

The Exercise Classes are build core strength and improve your range of movement.  Our Chiropractors and Massage Therapists will be liaising with the Instructors who are conducting the classes.  This will ensure that specific exercises are tailored to patient needs.  Our aim is to work as a team to get the best results for you, our valued patient.  The classes will have limited numbers so that individual attention can be given.  They will take place in our newly set-up exercise studio which is adjacent to the clinic at the rear of the building.

The cost of the class is $25 casual visit, $100 for a 5 class pass and $170 for a 10 class pass.  The classes are claimable through private health funds.

Pre booking is required.  Please call Jo on 9997 5773.

Best Wishes

All of us at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre

Scenar helps heal scars

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I have been treating the multiple scars that I have inherited from my recent wrist operations and have been amazed at how Scenar not only reduces the scars, but also softens the skin tissue surrounding the scar, increasing plasticity of the skin.

If you have unslightly and irritating scars you will know that with scars you usually get celloid formations (lumpy tissue around the scar) Scenar works on scars by stimulating blood flow and nerve supply to promote and speed up the healing process. Scenar improves your lymphatic flow which will always be benificially to your circulation and general health. A further benefit that patients have reported is a reduction or even total loss of the pain, numbness and sensitivity that is associated with scaring.

Neil Gregory – Chiropractor

Newsletter: March 2014

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Welcome to the first edition of this year’s newsletters.

Some of the topics covered in this edition:

Chiropractic and Animals
Chiropractic and Kids
Sitting Tied to Increased Disability Risk
Introducing our new permanent Chiropractor

and our usual segment on what is happening at our clinic, as well as offer information and tips on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Remember to look out for our special offer in this edition.

Click on the link below to view the Newsletter.
Mona Vale Chiropractic Newsletter March 2014

Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre: Summer operating hours

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Hi there,

Letting you know that you can now book late evening Chiropractic appointments at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre.

On Mondays and Wednesdays during the summer months we will be open until 8pm.  Phone on 9997 5773 to make an appointment or make an enquiry.

We are open for Chiropractic and Massage Therapy treatments at other times including Saturdays.

With best wishes,
The team at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre

I tempted fate blogging about wrist problems

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My last blog (a while ago) was about wrist problems – I must have tempted fate.  I had a major fall and broke my distal radius (near the wrist) in 3 places.

At the time I was studying Animal Chiropractic in the USA.  After emergency surgery, I 1-neil clinic 0913came back to Australia where I needed more surgery.

As you can see from the photo, I have external fixation rods and 3 plates to the radius.

Fortunately the team at Mona Vale Chiropractic Centre are on-hand (excuse the punn) to help the healing.

With major surgery like this you often get problems in other parts of your body.

Your movement is so restricted and affected by wearing things such as a sling and often you sleep badly, have extra tension and poor posture.

Chiropractic adjustments has helped stimulate my spinal nerves which has promoted healing. Having regular therapeutic massage has helped me to relax as well as improve movement in my wrist and shoulders.

I have also been treating myself with SCANAR which has dramaitcally improved the inflamation resulting from 2 major operations back to back.

You will be pleased to know that despite the accident I was able to complete my studies and am now a certified member of the International Veterinary Chiropractors Association. Hopefully I will be treating 2 legged and 4 legged patients very soon. Keep reading for updates on my treatment and healing.

One positive that has come from my accident is that the team at Mona Vale Chiropractic  have been forced to become experts in the treatment of chronic wrist problems.

Lots of Wrist Problems in April

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It is funny how it is common to get a run of patients who have a similar problem needing treatment. This month I have seen a number of patients who have come to see me due to problems with their wrist. Both my son and my wife have sustanined a break to their scaphoid bone – this is a small bone in the wrist at the base of the thumb that has a limited blood supply and consequently is hard to heal. With a scaphoid break it is really important to get the hand immobilised quickly. Often surgery is required. My wife needed a pin and a bone graft and then a further operation to take the pin out as it did not heal. 5 years later I am helping to improve the range of movement she has but I don’t think she will ever do a handstand again! The lesson she learnt was the importance of lots of rest and total immobilisation for many months when the break first happened.

Patients I have seen recently all have an old wrist injury that continues to niggle and cause distress. SCANAR, Osteopathic soft tissue techniques, accupuncture and gentle adjusting have helped to improve the range of movement and reduce the pain. Don’t loose heart if you have an old wrist injury. We may not be able to make your wrist 100% perfect but we can definitely use techniques to reduce the pain and improve the range of movement.

Neil Gregory