Expert: Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP - 2/7/2009

Question
I am a right handed pitcher at the collegiate level and recently everytime I pitch it seems like my rib pops out of place and cause extreme pain. I has gotten to the point where it hurts to touch. I have been treated with Stem, ultra sound, and repeated icing but nothing seems to help. Any ideas?

Thanks

Brad


Answer
Staten Island Kinesiotape , A.R.T. , Chiropractic and Performance




Hello Brad,

Sorry to hear of your recurrent problem.

This is certainly right up the Team's Doctor of Chiropractic alley.
"...Stem, ultra sound, and repeated icing ...", these are nice analgesics (pain killers), nice temporary answers; but as you can see, these treatments are symptomatic and not getting to the CAUSE of the problem.

Next time you see the Team Doctor, ask him about A.R.T. (Active Release Technique), many DC's utilize this technique.  As part of your chiropractic treatment plan, I would highly recommend this, along with the muscle stim, ultrasound and cryotherapy.

Along with the A.R.T., your Chiropractor should also utilize a technique invented by a Doctor of Chiropractic- 'Kinesio Tape', or 'Kinesiotaping' technique.  You are an athlete, without a doubt you have ben taped in the past.  In the past the white stiff athletic tape was very common, and very effective on CERTAIN problems.

Recently-- the last 5- 10 years, a new tape and a new taping procedure known as Kinesiotaping, developed by Chiropractors, has taken the competitive athletic world by storm.

Did you watch the Olympics?  Many of the athletes had KinesioTaping helping them compete.  The tape was recognizable because of it's location and colors.  The Kinesiotape not only helps treat injury, aid rehab,,, but also to help improve performance when needed.

Did you watch the superbowl? I did.  One of the players had a shoulder taped with Kinesio,,, I forget which team, but it was a receiver or running back.  Again the tape was visible because of the location and color.

I am a team doctor for a local high school.  A couple of years ago we were in the NYC High School Football Championship ( I proudly wear four (4) Championship rings from the last ten years--- NYC sports has more athletes competing then most states! ).  At half time I Kinesio Taped our star running back-- he was able to complete the game and compete at a high level,,, despite an injury sustained that game!

I learned Kinesio Taping several years ago, and I am still very excited about it.  I utilize it for my athletic competitors in particular.

So, my recommendation for you is to talk with your chiropractor.  I am sure your collegiate team has a Doctor of Chiropractic either directly on the Health staff, or one they refer to preferentially.

Your sports chiropractor (DC, DACBSP) will know treatments such as ART and KinesioTaping, alon with the muscle stim, ultrasound, and ice.

In my Staten Island Chiropractic office I utilize informational handouts to help me educate/ inform my patients as to their problems and treatments.  This information may be helpful to you:



PAIN     

Pain  is a  ‘red light on the dashboard’.
 
Pain is your body telling you that something is wrong.

That RED LIGHT on the dashboard of your car-
-- do you ignore it until the car breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?  

Pain,
pain in your body-
-- do you ignore it until your body breaks down, or do you get it checked and correct the problem?   Pain,  do you cover up the pain by taking a painkiller?  Take a painkiller, mask the pain, and allow a problem to progress in your body?

   NOTICE  ON  PAIN  RELIEVERS:
 
Label changes ORDERED by FDA;  the FDA announced proposed label changes for OTC over-the-counter pain relievers to include the potential for stomach bleeding and liver damage (FDA news  206- 207;  12-9-06) ;

The  American Heart Association issued a scientific statement recommending medical doctors change the way they prescribe OTC pain relievers from a first choice to an alternate of recommending non-pharmacologic treatment (AHA statement  2-26-07).

NSAID Acceleration of ARTHRITIS; an important side effect of Aspirin and other NSAIDS is that it will inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage  destruction ( Journal of Rheumatology, 1982; 9: 3- 5 ). Many times people take NSAIDS for the pain of Arthritis, not realizing these drugs may make the underlying condition worse.  These medications cover up the pain, and cause the problem to worsen.


Pain  can  often  be  the  result  of  the  Vertebral  Subluxation  Complex.

Vertebral  Subluxation           (  ‘VSC’ ,    ‘subluxation’   )
Vertebral Subluxation  is  actually  a  quite  common  condition.   Doctors of Chiropractic look for pathological conditions which may require referral to other specialties,   and also look for ‘Subluxation’. Other disciplines look for pathology, but overlook the importance of alignment and movement in the spine which affects our nervous system  (the master control system- ALL health disciplines learn this).  VSC- ‘Subluxation’ – can be the cause of many symptoms and conditions.

Only  a  Doctor of Chiropractic  will  evaluate  and  treat  for  VSC,   as  well  as  other  pathology.

The course of VSC is highly variable.   Some patients with VSC literally cannot walk, yet other patients with similar test findings may be able to run marathons or lift heavy weights.    Some patients immediately develop symptoms related to the VSC,  some patients take years to develop symptoms.  Some people suffer for only a few days with pain and symptoms, some people suffer for months.  Some people recover in days, some take months or years, depending upon severity of the condition.

A subluxation interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system (the master system which controls and coordinates all function within the body) and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.


The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.  When subluxated, joints are in a stressed, vulnerable, compromised condition.  Subluxation may cause Arthritis, Disk Herniation, or aggravate such conditions.
       Vertebral  Subluxation   cannot   be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching,  yoga,  vitamins  or  physical  therapy  alone.       Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular-    mechanical-    problem  requires  a    mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,         best  performed  with  the  chiropractic  adjustment.

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


P.R.I.C.E. =    
P  protection.   R rest.   I  ice.   C  compression.   E  elevation.

Hurt  yourself ??  injury/ trauma/  bruise/ not even sure - - a broken bone ??

You should certainly get to the Doctor or trained health professional to be examined  if you think it  is  bad  enough.     BUT  in  the  meantime,  some  simple  steps  may  help.   

PRICE.

The  PRICE  protocol will usually help just about any musculoskeletal injury.

P = Protection;  protect the area from further injury- stop what you are doing, can you
     pad  or bandage the area ? Tape the area? Do something to protect the area !

R = Rest;  rest the area as much as possible, if a part is damaged, give the body time to
       repair the area

I = Ice;  ice is a potent anti-inflammatory; it will slow swelling, help with pain control
     (ice is analgesic), place ice over cloth over the injured area for 5, 10 minutes, off the
     injured area for 30 minutes; then back on again

C = Compression;  to help prevent swelling compression may be helpful- for example
      if it is an ankle, wrap the ankle with an ace bandage and ice the area.  Many body
      parts may not be applicable to compression.

E = Elevation; again to fight swelling and pain, raising the injured body part above the
      heart may be helpful- ie raise an ankle or knee, you lay down, raise the injured part


PRICE  may  help :    Sprains,  Strains,  musculo-skeletal injury,  bruise,  contusion

Sometimes  a slip, trip, fall, heavy lift, athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident can cause a bump or bruise, sprain or strain.  Sometimes also involved with the injury is a vertebral subluxation (or other joint subluxation) (subluxation is a mechanical problem- of any joint- and requires a mechanical correction).  In the spine, a sprain/strain  is a misalignment,  a ‘kink’ in the joint, a stretch of the muscles, tendons and/ or ligaments:- more properly termed a Vertebral Subluxation.   Sometimes symptoms can come immediately, sometimes days, weeks or even months later!- Well after the actual trauma !!!

         Spinal = Vertebral   Subluxation   Complex    (a.k.a.  ‘subluxation’)  ;   ( subluxation COULD be any joint )
The vertebral subluxation complex is the underlying cause of many healthcare problems.
A  subluxation  interferes with the proper functioning of the nervous system  (the master system  which controls and coordinates all function within the body)  and may cause various other conditions, symptoms and problems.

This is a serious condition identified by its five parts:
    Spinal Kinesiopathology:
         This is fancy way of saying the bones of the spine have lost their normal motion and position. It restricts your ability to turn and bend. It sets in motion the other four components.
    Neuropathophysiology:
         Improper spinal function can choke, stretch, or irritate delicate nerve tissue. The resulting nerve system dysfunction can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
    Myopathology:
          Muscles supporting the spine can weaken, atrophy, or become tight and go into spasm. The resulting scar tissue changes muscle tone, requiring repeated spinal adjustments.
    Histopathology:
         A rise in temperature from an increase in blood and lymph supplies result in swelling and inflammation. Discs can bulge, herniate, tear, or degenerate. Other soft tissues may suffer permanent damage.
    Pathophysiology:
         Bone spurs and other abnormal bony growths attempt to fuse malfunctioning spinal joints. This spinal decay, scar tissue, and long-term nerve dysfunction can cause other systems of the body to malfunction.

The Vertebral Subluxation Complex describes what happens when spinal bones lose their normal movement patterns and position.
         Automobile accidents, improper lifting, improper posture, alcohol, emotional stress, chemical imbalances, and long periods of sitting can cause the Vertebral Subluxation Complex.
          Vertebral  Subluxation  cannot be corrected through chemicals (medicine), stretching, yoga, vitamins or physical therapy alone.  Subluxation- a neuro/skeletal/muscular- mechanical- problem requires a mechanical correction-  -  -    a manipulation,     best performed with the chiropractic adjustment.  For good health- Treat the   Cause,  not just the Symptoms.  Sprain/ strain/ bump/ bruise?= may result in subluxation of the nearby joint.  CORRECT the subluxation !!!!

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++




Olympic  Athletic  Performance                                                       .  
                                                                                                          .
I have been using kinesio taping in my office over five years.  Very different from regular white athletic strapping tape,  I was one of the early sports docs utilizing this approach.    .
                                                                                                                                               .
Fun  to  see  the  articles  on  kinesio taping  at  the  Olympics,  here  is  one:
                   .
Watching Olympian Kerri Walsh compete in beach volleyball last week, many viewers were wondering the same thing: what is that black thing on her shoulder?

A tattoo? A bizarre fashion statement? No. Ms. Walsh was sporting a new type of athletic tape called Kinesio, touted by doctors as a better way to relieve pain and promote healing of injured muscles.
The appearance of Kinesio on the well-toned Ms. Walsh — she even wore it while meeting President Bush — has spurred international interest in the little-known brand. In black, pink, blue and beige, the tape has been spotted on a number of other Olympians, including the shoulder of U.S. water polo player Lauren Wenger and the elbows of Canadian Greco Roman wrestler Ari Taub. Members of Spain’s basketball team and Jamaica’s track team are wearing it.

Traditionally, white athletic tapes are wrapped around gauze to form a stiff bandage that immobilizes a joint or muscle. By comparison, the 100-percent cotton Kinesio tape is said to be modeled on the thickness and elasticity of real skin.

The flexible tape is applied to the skin in specific patterns, depending on the injury, a technique designed to create support and guide injured muscles and joints without limiting the athlete’s range of motion.

“This tape moves with the body, so the biomechanics are still there,'’ said John Jarvis, director of Kinesio USA.
Both the tape and the new wrapping technique have spread mostly by word-of-mouth among athletes, doctors and trainers who swear by it. Cycling great Lance Armstrong reportedly dedicates a page to the tape in his latest book. Recently soccer superstar David Beckham traded jerseys after a game and was spotted with pink Kinesio tape on his back.

Some limited data suggest it may be effective. In July, the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Therapy published a study of 42 people with shoulder injuries. Half of them were treated with Kinesio tape applied in a pattern designed to support the injured muscle. The other half were given a “sham” treatment in which two strips of tape were simply pressed across the arm. The study was conducted by physical therapists at Winn Army Community Hospital in Fort Stewart, Ga., who didn’t receive funding from the tape company (important:  OBJECTIVE study,,, rather than drug research PAID for by drug companies…..).   Notably, the study participants who received the real therapeutic tape treatment reported an  immediate   improvement   in   pain.

Last year, Research in Sports Medicine published a study from San Jose State University showing that in 30 healthy test subjects, use of the tape along the lower trunk area appeared to increase the range of motion.

Kinesio claims that in addition to supporting injured muscles and joints, the new taping method helps relieve pain by lifting the skin, allowing blood to flow more freely to the injured area. The tape is also widely used in pediatric physical therapy for muscle disorders like cerebral palsy.

Given Kinesio’s high profile at the Olympics, it seems likely that we will be seeing more and more of it. Mr. Jarvis said the tape already is used by many professional basketball, baseball and football teams.
Want to treat yourself,  your team, your athletes --       .  like  a  USA  Olympian?  
                                                    .                Contact:  Dr. Victor Dolan, DC   (718)981-9755     .
Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine




What Does Kinesio Taping Do?


Kinesio Taping gives support and stability to your joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. It is also used for Preventive Maintenance, Edema, and Pain Management

              Kinesio Taping was invented by a Doctor of Chiropractic, and is utilized- especially by SPORTS Chiropractors throughout the world.  Kinesio Taping helps the body heal naturally, can be used preventatively, as treatment, in rehab, during competition, or as a ‘take home’ treatment applied by the Chiropractor   (medical doctors give drugs, chiropractic doctors give tape) .

              Kinesio Taping is a technique based on the body's own natural healing process. This Kinesio Taping exhibits its efficacy through the activation of neurological and circulatory systems. This method basically stems from the science of Kinesiology, hence the name "Kinesio". Muscles are not only attributed to the movements of the body but also control the circulation of venous and lymph flows, body temperature, etc. Therefore, the failure of the muscles to function properly induces various kinds of symptoms.

               Consequently, so much attention was given to the importance of muscle function that the idea of treating the muscles in order to activate the body's own healing process came about. Using an elastic tape, it was discovered that muscles and other tissues could be helped by outside assistance. Employment of Kinesio Taping creates a totally new approach to treating nerves, muscles, and organs. The first application of Kinesio Taping was for a patient with articular disorders.

               For the first 10 years, chiropractors, acupuncturists and other medical practitioners were the main users of Kinesio Taping. Soon thereafter, Kinesio Taping was used by the Japanese Olympic volleyball players and word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesio Taping is accepted by medical practitioners and athletes in Japan, United States, Europe, South America and other Asian countries.

               The Kinesio Taping Method is applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax overused tired muscles, and to support muscles in movement on a 24hr/day basis. It is non-restrictive type of taping which allows for full range of motion.

               In contrast, traditional sports' taping is wrapped around a joint strictly for stabilization and support during a sporting event obstructing the flow of bodily fluids... an UNDESIRABLE side-effect.

              Kinesio Tape is used for anything from headaches to foot problems and everything in between. Examples include: muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back strain/pain (subluxations, herniated disc), knee conditions, shoulder conditions, hamstring, groin injury, rotator cuff injury, whiplash, tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, patella tracking, pre and post surgical edema, ankle sprains, athletic preventative injury method, and as a support method.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++





Athletic  Performance  Improvement,  Accelerated  Recovery


Chiropractic is well known to improve athletic performance, prevent sport injury, and accelerate recovery from injury or hard training.  With Doctors of Chiropractic serving on almost every nation’s Olympic Team, with Chiropractic holding official status with the USOC and serving almost every US Olympic Athlete:  the results of chiropractic cannot be  denied.     Coaches  and  athletes  are  aware  of  terms  such  as
                               
enhanced  performance, performance improvement,                         .
    accelerated  recovery,   restoration   and   regeneration.
                           .
Many coaching conferences   discuss   strategies   on   these   aspects   of   exercise,   competition,   sports  and  athleticism.


An interesting study was performed and published way back in 1991.   The January 1991 issue  of  the  Journal  of  Chiropractic  Research  and  Clinical  Investigation  published findings that  demonstrate  significant  increases  in  athletic  performance after  a  twelve  week  program  of  Chiropractic  treatment.     



Athletic  Ability  Research:

Male and female athletes between the ages of 18 and 42, representing a variety of sports backgrounds, were recruited to participate in this study. None had ever before been under chiropractic care.  Each of these participants underwent eleven separate tests, each test designed to measure a specific aspect of athletic performance. Then, half the participants were evaluated through chiropractic analysis and placed on a twelve week program of chiropractic  treatment   ( consistent regimen of chiropractic, similar to a consistent regimen of physical athletic training/ exercise ).  ( measured aspects: side step test, dodging run, right boomerang run, modified bass tests of dynamic balance, vertical power jump, standing broad jump, distance perception jump, horizontal linear space test, nelson hand reaction test, nelson speed of movement test, nelson choice of response-movement test )

All subjects continued to train and practice as usual in their sports.    At the half-way point of six weeks, they were all reevaluated and changes in scores for each group were compared.   All increases in performances by each group were measured by the average percent  of  change  in  all  eleven  tests  combined.

The control group,  those  not  receiving  chiropractic care, showed slight improvement in  eight  of  eleven  tests  ( this group had been training ‘as usual’ for the time period ).    By combining the average percentages of change on each test it was found that the control  group  showed  an  overall  improvement  of  4.5%.

Those  receiving  chiropractic  treatment   (along with their ‘usual training’),  the  test group, had dramatically different results. They showed improvement on all eleven tests for a total   10.7%  average  increase  after  six  weeks.    And  when  retested again  after  the  second  six  week  period  of  care  this  test  group  demonstrated  a remarkable      16.7%    average   increase   in   athletic   ability.
(  consider  that  one/ onehundredth of a second  ( 1/100th ) is the difference between win – lose,,, 16.7%  is HUGE )


What Do Chiropractors Do?

Chiropractors analyze the structure of the body, looking for misalignments, primarily in the spine, and also the extremities.    Spinal misalignments,   termed      vertebral subluxations,     irritate   the  nerves  which  in  turn  inhibits  the  body’s  ability to function optimally.     Like a high performance automobile,  the human structure must be balanced and in alignment to be at it’s best.    A Ferrari with pistons that don’t fire in sequence,  wheels that are out of balance or alignment,  and high performance specifications  that  are  improperly  set   will   not   only   have   it’s   performance compromised    but  will  also  have  dramatically  increased  potential  for  parts  to  wear  out  and  breakdown.   The  human  body, far more delicate and complicated than even the most advanced automobile is similar.    If  the framework,  particularly the spine,  isn’t properly aligned and balanced-  the body cannot perform  to it’s  potential and is more susceptible to illness and injury,  with  slower  recovery  when  injury does  occur.



What Do Vertebral Subluxations Do?

Vertebral subluxations cause nerve conduction interference.  This inhibits millions of messages from the brain from flowing smoothly along the nerves and in this in turn interferes with the coordination of the actions of the body.  The only health care provider trained to diagnose and correct vertebral subluxations is the Doctor of Chiropractic.  Like a properly tuned Ferrari,  the chiropractic patient athlete,  when properly aligned, functions at a level of peak performance.



Famous Athletes Utilize Chiropractics.

Many athletes have discovered the relationship between proper spinal  alignment and their own level of achievement. San Francisco Forty-Niner Greats Joe Montana and Roger Craig as well as heavy weight champion Evander Holyfield are examples of  professional and world-class athletes who realize(d)  the value of proper structural alignment and balance in their bodies.   They have learned through their own experiences what  research  has  shown;   that  through  chiropractic  care -  one  can demonstrate faster reaction time,  better balance,  improved coordination, increased muscular power;  and when injured-  accelerated recovery and regeneration.


The Competitive Edge.

Emphasis on athletic excellence continues to escalate in this country in terms of both dollars and extremes in personal sacrifice. Though the dangers of taking anabolic steroids have been widely publicized for years, the number of athletes who suffer serious health problems caused steroids continues to grow.  Now, however, the athlete looking for the competitive edge  need not look beyond the framework of  his(her)  own body.  Increased  public  awareness  is  leading  many  to  realize  that  a  natural  method  is  available  in achieving  performance  enhancement.     The  method  is  Chiropractic!

Dr. Victor E. Dolan,   Doctor of Chiropractic;   Diplomat, American Chiropractic Board of Sport Physicians; Diplomat, American Academy of Pain Management; Certified Clinical Nutritionist (IAACN); FIRST  Chief of Chiropractic  in  a  Hospital  in  New York State (DHSI);  As  Seen  in  PREVENTION  Magazine
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++



I have given you a lot of information.

It boils down to:
See the team's Sports Chiropractor.  This Doctor will, of course utilize muscle stim, Ice, ultrasound; and also get to the CAUSE of the problems with Chiropractic Adjustments, ART work on the musculature, and Kinesiotaping to support the muscles/ joints in the correct positioning-- while allowing movement.

I hope this helps.

Hope you have a Grrrrrrrrrreat year.  Good Luck.

Your Staten Island Chiropractor friend signing off,

Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
http://drvictordolan.chiroweb.com     (Email  HEALTH newsletter)