Pro Orthotics Keep MLB's Tampa Bay Rays On Their Toes

Chiroeco reports:

THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SEASON IS ONE OF THE LONGEST IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS. Over a 7-1/2 month period, every team will play at least 192 games (including spring training). With only 18-20 days off for the whole season, players’ bodies are placed under an extraordinary amount of stress.

Medical staffs are responsible for keeping players healthy and performing at an elite level, and for many players this starts with addressing imbalances in their feet.

It starts with the feet

Whether a baseball player is swinging a bat, throwing a ball, running a base or reacting in the field, his power, control, propulsion and ability to react in the field all originate from his lower extremities. Imbalances due to pronation or supination of the feet can make the difference in hitting the ball, making the play, or even being able to take the field. 

If the foot is excessively pronated, then the knees will have excessive valgus stress, the Q-angle will be increased and the hips will be internally rotated. This provides a less than optimal position to be explosively powerful and can lead to injuries.

An unbalanced stance due to pronation or supination of the feet places a lot of stress on the body and increases the risk of injury. Players with excessive pronation of the feet are more prone to injuries of the knee, hip and even the lower back, while players with excessive foot supination are more prone to inversion ankle sprains. Players’ risk of injury increases based upon the playing surface and the shoe types they wear. Artificial turf is a harder surface and provides an uneven playing field due to the unevenness of the substrate, and with the lack of support that is common in baseball cleats, players who have collapsed or high arches have a higher probability of sustaining an injury to a foot, ankle, knee, thigh, hip or back.

Custom orthotics and performance

To address imbalances in players’ feet to help prevent injuries, the Tampa Bay Rays have used custom orthotics with almost 100% positive results. Custom orthotics correct imbalances in the feet and provide the proper stability for the body with multi-arch support. Custom pro orthotics help align the body, including the foot and ankle, which is essential for a player’s balance and kinetic chain efficiency. They include materials that help with shock absorption and propulsion, which is critical when considering the lack of support baseball cleats typically have.

Many people think about custom orthotics for prevention of injuries or to help prevent re-injury once an injury has occurred. However, the role of custom orthotics in increasing everyday performance is just as important to a professional baseball player. The average batter swings in 140 milliseconds while trying to connect with an 85-plus mile-per-hour ball. That is less than the 400 milliseconds it takes to blink your eye. Imbalances in a player’s feet can affect the stability of how a batter distributes his weight through his swing and be the difference in making great contact with the ball or missing it completely.

Fancy footwork

Good fielders make fielding look easy, and it is their footwork that leads to the process of good fielding. The better their footwork, the better their glove work. When a player has a 100-plus mile-per-hour ball coming at them, the ability to react quickly and get their body in position is critical. When a player’s feet don’t work, the rest of the body follows. This can put a player out of proper position to make the play.

Imbalances in the feet also impact a player’s speed and accuracy when throwing a ball. Pitching is all about balance and mechanics. If a pitcher does not have the proper balance, his mechanics can be thrown off, leading to an errant throw due to a lack of power and control.

Baseball players stand around a lot, but need to be able to have explosive bursts and movements when running bases or reacting in the field. Players that are flat-footed are less capable of generating the explosive power to propel the body forward quickly. This can be the difference in beating the throw or being in position and making the play.

Reducing stress, improving results

Imbalances in the feet due to pronation or supination can greatly impact a player’s swing, throw, movement and reaction time. Having the proper balance and support helps prevent injury and improve performance. Custom pro orthotics provide proper balance and support for the whole body, help correct imbalances in the feet, and include advanced materials that support shock absorption at heel strike and propulsion at toe-off during the gait cycle.

With our team, we have used custom pro orthotics to make sure our players have the proper support and balance, which has resulted in reduced stress on their bodies, fewer injuries, and improvement in performance. Almost every player or staff member who has custom orthotics has ordered additional pairs so they can have the proper balance and support in all their shoes, on and off the field. 

PAUL HARKER is the former assistant athletic trainer for the MLB Tampa Bay Rays; he currently serves as the team’s medical coordinator. He has served with the Rays organization for 23 years and represents footlevelers.com.

Did You Know That Drinking Plenty of Water Can Help You Feel Better?

Chiro Health USA reports:

Summer is that time of year filled with exciting outdoor activities and highly anticipated family vacations that usually take place in the blistering summer sun.  With the hot summer months rapidly approaching, you may be wondering how you and your loved ones can stay properly hydrated this year. While drinking water is the best way to stay hydrated, it’s not the only way.  Maintaining the right levels of electrolytes and carbohydrates, and consuming the right foods, can also aid in proper hydration.

Water is Key

The human body is made up of approximately 60% water and needs to be properly hydrated throughout the day to reach its maximum potential.  A few hours before bed you should drink plenty of water so that the eight hours spent sleeping and not drinking anything won’t leave you waking up in a dehydrated state.  Upon waking, be sure to drink a glass or two to start off your day.  If you are planning to participate in any energy-demanding activity, drink plenty of water during and rehydrate after it’s over.

Electrolytes to the Rescue     

Electrolytes play an important role in keeping the body hydrated during the summer months.  Electrolytes (as well as carbohydrates) help the body absorb whatever fluids you drink.  Sodium, chloride, magnesium, calcium, and potassium, are essential to healthy nerve and muscle function.  These nutrients keep the body going when it has to exert excess energy.

 What You Eat Is Important Too

 Did you know that food accounts for approximately 20 percent of your daily fluid intake making it a major contributor to hydration status?  Nutrition News states “Luckily, many foods that are in season in the hot summer months, such as melon, tomatoes, and strawberries, are naturally rich in water, carbohydrates, and minerals, including those all-important electrolytes. In addition, infusing water with fresh fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers can give your ordinary bottle of water an extraordinary and healthy dose of flavor.”  So, if you enjoy fresh fruits and veggies, summer is the best time to load up on them.

Watch for Clues

 One of the best indicators that the body is properly hydrated is the color of your urine.  If your urine is a light color, you are more than likely properly hydrated.  If your urine is darker than apple juice, that usually signals dehydration and a need for immediate rehydration.

How To Use Hot Or Cold Therapy To Beat The Pain

One of the most common and effective treatments against pain and inflammation is the use of hot or cold topical methods. This treatment has the added bonus of being easy for patients to do at home between office visits. In fact, most patients are probably already familiar with the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation) treatment plan for pain, particularly following a fall resulting in bruising and swelling. Other situations, however, may call for topical application of heat.

It is important for patients to understand which type of treatment is best for which type of pain. As a general guideline, cold therapy is better for acute injuries or pain, while heat therapy works better for chronic muscle pain and stiffness.Read further to find out more about each type of therapy and which conditions they best treat.

Heat therapy

Heat applied topically improves circulation and blood flow to stiff and sore muscles and joints, increasing flexibility. Topical heat can also heal damaged tissue, making it an excellent option for your patients with chronic pain, including arthritis and tendonitis. Minor stiffness and tension usually requires about 15 to 20 minutes of heat therapy, while moderate to severe pain can benefit from extended periods, depending on the type of heat application. Heating pads, for example, should only be used for 10 minutes at a time, while a warm bath (92°F to 100°F) could extend up to two hours.

There are two types of heat therapy that can be used at home. Dry heat includes modalities such as heating pads, capsaicin-based topical analgesics, or hot rice packs. Moist heat involves warm towels or baths. A 2013 article in the Journal of Clinical Medical Research compared dry versus moist chemical hot packs following exercise.⁴ A group of 100 subjects were assigned to use either the dry or moist heat pack both immediately after 15 minutes of squat exercises and again, 24 hours later. Strength, muscle soreness, tissue resistance, and force required to move the knee were measured before the exercise and for three days following exercise. The moist heat pack had the same amount of pain reduction as the dry pack, but over a shorter period of time (two hours versus eight hours).

Cold therapy

Cold therapy, sometimes called cryotherapy, reduces blood flow to an affected area, significantly reducing inflammation, swelling and pain. As mentioned previously, this makes it ideal for acute injuries, such as sprains or soft tissue damage resulting from slipping and falling. There are a number of topical cold therapies that can be used, including ice packs or frozen gel packs, or coolant sprays, gels or creams.

Any ice or gel packs should be wrapped in a thin washcloth before being applied to the affected area to prevent damage to the skin. Leave the pack on for only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and reapply several times a day for up to 48 hours after the initial injury. If the initial pain, swelling and bruising from the injury does not subside by that time, your patient should call you or their regular doctor.

Read more HERE.

Increased Chiropractic Care Bill For Medicare Recipients Enters U.S. House

Earlier this month, an important bill was pushed forth by U.S. legislators which could affect the strategy Americans use when deciding to implement a heavier dose of chiropractic care into their lives.

Chiroeco reports:

Medicare recipients will receive increased coverage of chiropractic care if a bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives today goes on to become law.

The bipartisan legislation would enable Medicare beneficiaries to more easily access the chiropractic profession’s broad-based, non-drug approach to pain management such as manual manipulation of the spine and extremities, evaluation and management services, diagnostic imaging and utilization of other non-drug approaches.

The Chiropractic Medicare Coverage Modernization Act of 2019 would align Medicare’s coverage of chiropractic services with that of other federal health care providers as well as many private health plans.

Chiropractic care has become an important strategy in national efforts to stem the epidemic of prescription opioid overuse and abuse. The legislation was introduced by Reps. Brian Higgins (D-N.Y.) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.).

“The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) is encouraged that this bill would finally give Medicare beneficiaries access to the same safe and effective chiropractic services that members of our military, veterans, and federal employees now enjoy,” said ACA President Robert C. Jones, DC.

Since 1972, Medicare beneficiaries have been covered for only one chiropractic service — manual manipulation of the spine — forcing them to access additional medically-necessary care from other types of providers, or to pay out of pocket for the services from their chiropractor. Chiropractors are the only physician-level providers in the Medicare program whose services are restricted in this manner.

Read more HERE.

The Science Of Chiropractic: The Natural Remedy To Feel Better

One of the biggest fears people have is the idea of letting a Chiropractor touch their back. The advancement of this alternative approach to healing depends on the public becoming less afraid.

Did you know that if you struggle with migraine headaches, there are studies which have found spinal manipulation is helpful in improving symptoms associated with this sometimes-debilitating type of head pain?

One of the areas where chiropractic has traditionally struggled is public perception.

In the past, it’s not been uncommon to hear people say that this type of methodology and treatment is “quackery,” or that it’s just not as effective as it professes to be.

However, there are many scientific studies which support the benefits patients can receive by engaging in this type of care.

Science equals fact

One of the reasons people love science is because it is based on fact. Fact that is realized only after researchers and scientists go through a painstaking process which Oxford Dictionaries refers to as “the systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.”

In other words, if there is enough science to say the sky is blue, people will believe that it is blue. Conversely, if science finds that the color is different, the same people are now put in a position where they must consider this new alternative. And if several more studies back up the different color theory, society as a whole would be forced to sit up and listen.

"Chiropractic is a science of healing without the drugs." - DD Palmer

The Benefits Of A Chiropractor: Why It Is Better Than Going Under The Knife

Earlier this year, an article posted via Chironexus site on the true value of people opting for alternative medical help that really does a good job at breaking down the benefits of using a Chiropractor:

Low back pain is an expensive and frustrating problem for many adults. Nearly 80% of adults suffer from some kind of back problem and the total cost of this common health condition is about $240 billion a year in healthcare costs and lost productivity.

Many patients get frustrated by medical care for their pain. Most medical doctors simply don’t have the time to work with a patient with musculoskeletal complaints, and the most common treatments are medications and maybe some home exercises.

Millions of people use chiropractic care to help themselves stay pain-free. Chiropractic uses spinal adjustments to restore your back’s natural function and flexibility, and is a fantastic choice for relieving and preventing back pain.

Here are eight reasons why chiropractic is a great solution for back pain:

1. Chiropractic patients are less likely to use medications. The opiate epidemic in the US takes 150,000 lives every year, and many people are first exposed to these dangerous drugs after being prescribed them for back pain. Research shows that patients who see chiropractors are less likely to use drugs for their pain. That means fewer side-effects from medications and a dramatically reduced chance of getting addicted to pain medications.¹
2. Chiropractic is effective for acute pain. It is well-established in the scientific literature that chiropractic adjustments are an effective way to relieve new episodes of back pain. In fact, a review study² by the AMA has found that chiropractic was an effective option for new episodes of back pain.
3. Chiropractic is effective for chronic back pain. Research shows³ that chiropractic is also useful for patients who have been suffering from back pain for months or even years.
4. Chiropractic is safe. Every intervention is going to have some risk, and this is true of chiropractic, as well. But the research⁴ shows that the vast majority of negative effects from chiropractic involve muscle soreness or pain that lasts a few hours after the adjustment. Compared to the ill effects of drugs or surgery, chiropractic is a much safer and effective approach to musculoskeletal pain. Research also shows that chiropractic care is safe for children.
5. Chiropractic helps prevent future episodes of back pain. The philosophy of chiropractic is not to treat the symptoms, but to restore the body’s balance and function so that you can avoid future pain. The research⁵ backs this up, showing that regular chiropractic maintenance adjustments are effective at preventing future back problems.
6. Chiropractic is less expensive than medical care. We’re all aware of the outrageous costs of medical care, and we all want to have health care that’s effective and affordable. Chiropractic fits the bill in both regards. A number of studies⁶ have found that chiropractic for back pain costs less than medical care.
7. Chiropractic can help prevent back surgery. Conservative, non-surgical care is always the preferred first step when dealing with low back pain, and even the American Medical Association⁷ has admitted that chiropractic adjustments are a good first line of treatment.
8. Chiropractic is a whole-body approach. Most chiropractors don’t just adjust your spine and send you on your way. Chiropractic is about maintaining your body’s wellness, and that includes exercises and stretches that will help you be stronger, more flexible, and help prevent later episodes of back pain.

You don’t have to suffer from low back pain. Chiropractic is a natural, non-drug treatment that’s proven to be safe and effective.