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I was wondering if a chiropractor normally pushes a t-bar into someones back (between my spine and right scapula) so hard that it still hurts 13 days after.
It honestly felt/feels as if he were trying to stab me with this blunt 3/4" dowel with a handle. My wife couldn't believe the intensity in which he drove the t bar into my back.
And this was after I offhandedly remarked that I had a pain of 1 (out of 10) in that spot...
Normally I don't complain about pain, but he was truly hurting me at the time and it continues to hurt so that it disrupts my sleep, affects my marriageand causes me to miss work (I work as an engineer/mechanic on yachts, so using my back is key.)
Is this normal?
Thanks for your time!
Ozzie,
No. It is not normal. The DC should have described what he was going to do, why he was going to do it, what you would likely feel, and what possible side effects could be. While there can sometimes be discomfort pressing deep to work out soft tissue "knots," it should be done to the tolerance of the patient. Frankly, the t-bar is not the best way to get deep into soft tissues and I'm surprised that anyone still uses it since there are better ways to perform soft tissue therapy. Pushing too hard with a T-bar can easily damage tissue. I would recommend seeing someone on this list to undo what the T-bar did: www.grastontechnique.com You may also want to either discuss with with the chiropractor, or find a new chiropractor from the G.T. website that can evaluate how much damage (or lack thereof) there may be. Odds are the T-bar caused a deep sprain and you need to properly heal from it, but healing may also mean treatment to the area (but not with a t-bar).
'Hope this helps.
Dr. G
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Questioner's Rating
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | WOW! Thank you so much for your advice and time, Dr. Gillman. While I was waiting for a response to my question I was researching local chiropractors in the area here in Ft. Lauderdale. The doctor that was on the top of my list was also on the Graston list... After a 30 minute consultation and a 5 minute Graston procedure I now feel almost 50% better! My pain has gone from a 7-7.5 (on a 10 scale) down to 4-4.5 and i no longer feel like I have a T-Bar sticking out of my back 24/7. (The original chiropractor had spent 4 visits and every trick he could to get me to feel better but was unable to do so.) My next appointment is on monday and I'll get examined and x-rayed by an orthopedic surgeon for answers to exactly what was damaged and begin the recovery process. Thanks again for your time and help with my pain! Sincerely, Ozzie | ||
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Answers by Expert:
- Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Paul Newhart
- Dr. Victor Dolan, DC, DACBSP
- Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C.
- Gerald Anzalone, D.C.
- David Kulla, DC
- Robert A. Arnone, DC
- Keith E. Biggs, DC
- John Quackenbush DC
- Dr. Timothy K. Durnin
- Dr. Man Tran, Ph.D., D.C., L.Ac.
- Timothy A. Peck, DC
- J.R. Strecker, B.S., D.C.
- Dr. Nekessa Remy
Scott F. Gillman, DC, DACBSP
Expertise
21 Years in practice: I can answer any question regarding chiropractic and sports medicine treatment. Mostly, I can help the unknowing public understand what is safe, valid, reasonable and evidence-based, and what kinds of unscrupulous chiropractors and fraudulent methods to stay away from. I have an advanced specialty degree in Chiropractic Sports Medicine. I have experience treating elite and Olympic athletes.
Experience
Experience:
- 21 years in practice;
- Pan American Games, 2011: Official Medical Staff for the Pan Am Games.
- Beijing 2008 Olympic Games: World Olympians Associan and International Sports Chiropractic Association Healthcare Team;
- International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma;
- Official Provider: Jamaican Track and Field team for Penn Relays (2009-2011)
- Experience with USA Gymnastics Healthcare team and International Powerlifting Association Medical Staff;
- 300 hour chiropractic sports medicine diplomate degree (DACBSP); International Chiropractic Sports Sciences Diploma (ICSSD)
- Healthcare Consultant: Century, Ty-Wood Corp. Holliston, MA (2005-2007)
- Team Chiropractor: Boston Bulldogs USL D-3 & Boston Renegades USL W-1 League (1999-2004)
- Independent Examiner: Scope Medical and The Physician's Network
- Professional/Clinical Monitor: Affiliated Monitors, Inc.
- Board of Directors: MetroWest Chamber of Commerce (Massachusetts)2000-2006
- "The Impact of Chiropractic Manipulative Therapy on Chronic Recurrent Lateral Ankle Sprain Syndrome in Two Young Athletes" J. of Chiro Med , Fall 2004
- "Work Related Injury;" The Hanover Report, June, 1993
- "Long Lasting Analgesic Effect of Oxymorphonazine in Rats;" Agonists and Antagonists III, n.7675, 1985
- BS Biology, Doctor of Chiropractic: Northwestern College of Chiropractic,
- Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians (DACBSP)
Education/Credentials
Doctor of Chiropractic Diplomate: American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians
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