Drees Chiro Blog http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp Drees Family and Sports Chiropractic en-us Copyright 2008 Drees Family and Sports Chiropractic Tue, 4 Nov 2008 14:04:13 CST cory@dreeschiropractic.com (Dr. Cory Drees) jason@jasoncross.com (Jason Cross) Osteoporosis The thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.  Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease.  There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia.  Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.  Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation.  Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones.  If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.  As people age, calcium and phospate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. Both situatioins can result in brittle, fragile bones that are subject to fractures, even in the absence of trauma.  Researchers estimate that about 20% of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.  In additon, another 30% of them have osteopenia, which is abnormally low bone density that may eventuallly deteriorate into osteoporosis, if not treated.  About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra.   Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and complications associated with osteoporosis. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 and schedule a complimentary consultation with either Dr. Cory or Dr. Laura Drees. The thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.  Osteoporosis is the most common type of bone disease.  There are currently an estimated 10 million Americans suffering from osteoporosis, as well as another 18 million who have low bone mass, or osteopenia.  Osteoporosis occurs when the body fails to form enough new bone, or when too much old bone is reabsorbed by the body, or both.  Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation.  Throughout youth, the body uses these minerals to produce bones.  If calcium intake is not sufficient, or if the body does not absorb enough calcium from the diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer.  As people age, calcium and phospate may be reabsorbed back into the body from the bones, which makes the bone tissue weaker. Both situatioins can result in brittle, fragile bones that are subject to fractures, even in the absence of trauma.  Researchers estimate that about 20% of American women over the age of 50 have osteoporosis.  In additon, another 30% of them have osteopenia, which is abnormally low bone density that may eventuallly deteriorate into osteoporosis, if not treated.  About half of all women over the age of 50 will suffer a fracture of the hip, wrist, or vertebra.  

Chiropractic care works on relieving symptoms and complications associated with osteoporosis. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 and schedule a complimentary consultation with either Dr. Cory or Dr. Laura Drees.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=39 Tue, 4 Nov 2008 14:04:13 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=39 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Little League Elbow “ Little League Elbow ” is a throwing injury to the elbow commonly found among pre-teen and early-teenagers that play baseball or softball competitively. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. This can tear ligament and tendon away from the bone. Sometimes small fragments of bone are pulled away as well. The elbow can also become compressed, causing bones to rub together. Young athletes are particularly prone to this type of injury because their bones are immature. A child should stop throwing at the first sign of elbow pain, restricted range of elbow motion or locking of the elbow joint. Young pitchers are also advised against trying to throw a curve ball. The additional twisting motion used to make a pitch "break" is very hard on the immature elbow. To learn more about "Little League Elbow" and other conditions, give us a call for a complimentary consultation. “Little League Elbow” is a throwing injury to the elbow commonly found among pre-teen and early-teenagers that play baseball or softball competitively. Injury occurs when the repetitive throwing creates an excessively strong pull on elbow tendons and ligaments. This can tear ligament and tendon away from the bone. Sometimes small fragments of bone are pulled away as well. The elbow can also become compressed, causing bones to rub together. Young athletes are particularly prone to this type of injury because their bones are immature. A child should stop throwing at the first sign of elbow pain, restricted range of elbow motion or locking of the elbow joint. Young pitchers are also advised against trying to throw a curve ball. The additional twisting motion used to make a pitch "break" is very hard on the immature elbow.

To learn more about "Little League Elbow" and other conditions, give us a call for a complimentary consultation.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=38 Tue, 17 Jun 2008 16:16:29 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=38 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Tension Headaches Tension Headaches are a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.   Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.   They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.   If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.   Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.   One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety.   Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.   Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.   Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.   Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.   Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain. Tension Headaches are a condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas.  Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.  They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.  If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.  Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.  One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety.  Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.  Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.  Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.  Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffeine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.  Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=37 Thu, 29 May 2008 14:40:38 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=37 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month PATIENT APPRECIATION DAYS! PATIENT APPRECIATION DAYS March 26:   $10 Adjustments      - free food and drinks! New Patients can get in on the deal too! During the week of March 24-28 New Patients will receive a consultation, evaluation and x-rays (if needed) for only $10! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT! PATIENT APPRECIATION DAYS

March 26:  $10 Adjustments     

- free food and drinks!

New Patients can get in on the deal too!

During the week of March 24-28 New Patients will receive a consultation, evaluation and x-rays (if needed) for only $10!

CALL TODAY FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT!

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=36 Tue, 4 Mar 2008 16:12:24 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=36 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Whiplash An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head.   This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.   Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind.   Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward – including passengers.   A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck.   In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken.   (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome).

An injury to the soft tissues of the neck that occurs from a sudden jerking or “whipping” of the head.  This type of motion strains the muscles and the ligaments of the neck beyond their normal range of motion.  Whiplash often occurs when a vehicle stops suddenly in a car crash or is struck from behind.  Either of these two actions causes things in the vehicle to be thrown forward – including passengers.  A seat belt will keep a person's body from being thrown forward, but the head may snap forward, then backward, causing a whiplash injury in the neck.  In addition to car accidents, whiplash can be caused by roller coasters and other amusement park rides, sports injuries, or being punched or shaken.  (Whiplash is one of the hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome).

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=16 Tue, 8 Jan 2008 16:15:50 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=16 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Knights of Columbus Scholarship The annual Knights of Columbus scholarship applications are due by March 31st.  Download your application below and get it filled out ASAP.  Applicants must be entering or in college, and must be a child of an active Knight from Indianola. | There are additional files attached to the blog entry. View actual web-based blog entry at http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=29 to see attachments.
Attachments:

2008_KC_Scholarship_Application.pdf
Indianola Knights of Columbus Scholarship Application

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=29 Tue, 1 Jan 2008 08:58:14 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=29 dr.cory@dreeschiropractic.com (Dr. Cory) Around Indianola Scoliosis Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine.  Scoliosis affects boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.  It is more common with girls.  There are several causes  of scoliosis, the two most common are congenital and habitual.  Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine.  Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual.  Carrying backpacks improperly can contribute to a spinal distortion.  Poor sitting habits and practicing poor posture can also affect spinal development in children.  Signs of scoliosis are a high hip (uneven hips), a high shoulder, the head being off center, head tilt, back and leg pain. Chiropractic care works on correcting scoliosis and relieving symptoms and complications associated with scoliosis.  To see if chiropractic can help you or someone you know with scoliosis, contact Dr. Drees for a complimentary consultation.  Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine.  Scoliosis affects boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 18.  It is more common with girls.  There are several causes  of scoliosis, the two most common are congenital and habitual.  Congenital scoliosis occurs when someone is born with a lateral curvature of the spine.  Habitual causes are environmental or situational depending on the habits of the individual.  Carrying backpacks improperly can contribute to a spinal distortion.  Poor sitting habits and practicing poor posture can also affect spinal development in children.  Signs of scoliosis are a high hip (uneven hips), a high shoulder, the head being off center, head tilt, back and leg pain.

Chiropractic care works on correcting scoliosis and relieving symptoms and complications associated with scoliosis.  To see if chiropractic can help you or someone you know with scoliosis, contact Dr. Drees for a complimentary consultation. 

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=14 Tue, 2 Oct 2007 14:45:14 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=14 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Migraines Common migraine is a disorder involving recurrent headaches, which may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but which rarely include a preliminary warning (called an aura).  Migraine headaches affect about 6 out of 100 people.  They are a common type of chronic headache.  They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46.  In some cases, they appear to run in families.  Migraines occur when blood vessels of the head and neck spasm or constrict, which decreases blood flow to the brain.  Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in a severe headache.  Inflammation around the blood vessels also occurs in some cases.  Common migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other that headache but only rarely includes any preceding symptoms (aura).  Migraines may also appear as classic migraine (a migraine preceded by other symptoms) and other rare forms.  Multiple mechanisms trigger the spasm and subsequent blood vessel dilation. Symptoms Include: throbbing, pulsating pain, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and neck pain. Chriopractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (515) 961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation. Common migraine is a disorder involving recurrent headaches, which may be accompanied by symptoms other than headache but which rarely include a preliminary warning (called an aura).  Migraine headaches affect about 6 out of 100 people.  They are a common type of chronic headache.  They most commonly occur in women and usually begin between the ages of 10 and 46.  In some cases, they appear to run in families.  Migraines occur when blood vessels of the head and neck spasm or constrict, which decreases blood flow to the brain.  Minutes to hours later, the blood vessels dilate (enlarge), resulting in a severe headache.  Inflammation around the blood vessels also occurs in some cases.  Common migraine may be accompanied by symptoms other that headache but only rarely includes any preceding symptoms (aura).  Migraines may also appear as classic migraine (a migraine preceded by other symptoms) and other rare forms.  Multiple mechanisms trigger the spasm and subsequent blood vessel dilation.

Symptoms Include: throbbing, pulsating pain, vertigo, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and neck pain.

Chriopractic care works on correcting the underlying causes of headaches and relieving symptoms associated with migraines.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call (515) 961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=12 Tue, 14 Aug 2007 15:21:29 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=12 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Warren Co. Fair Come out to the Warren Co. Fair from July 25th-30th.  Dr. Laura and myself will be at our booth in the Lester building.  Stop by say hi or ask the questions that you may have.  Also sign up for our drawing. Dr. Cory Drees Come out to the Warren Co. Fair from July 25th-30th.  Dr. Laura and myself will be at our booth in the Lester building.  Stop by say hi or ask the questions that you may have.  Also sign up for our drawing.

Dr. Cory Drees

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=35 Wed, 25 Jul 2007 07:01:27 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=35 dr.cory@dreeschiropractic.com (Dr. Cory) Around Indianola Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers.   Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing.   When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn't enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.   Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist.   The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the ring finger.   It also supplies movement to part of the hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament).   This space is called the carpal tunnel.   Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).     Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is the compression of the median nerve at the wrist, which may result in numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle atrophy in the hand and fingers.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is common in people who perform repetitive motions of the hand and wrist, such as typing.  When the wrist is poorly positioned, there isn't enough space for the median nerve to travel to the hand.  Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused by pressure exerted on the median nerve at the point where it passes through the wrist.  The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb-side of the ring finger.  It also supplies movement to part of the hand. The nerve enters the hand between the wrist bones (called the carpal bones) and the tough membrane that holds the bones together (the transverse carpal ligament).  This space is called the carpal tunnel.  Since the passageway is rigid, any swelling in this area can cause compression of the nerve (this is also called entrapment of the nerve).    

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=24 Fri, 29 Jun 2007 13:29:24 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=24 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Thank You The Staff and doctors want to thank our patients for making us winners for best Chiropractors in Warren County.  We take great pride in taking care of our patients.  Thank you again for all who voted for us. The Staff and doctors want to thank our patients for making us winners for best Chiropractors in Warren County.  We take great pride in taking care of our patients.  Thank you again for all who voted for us.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=34 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 06:56:06 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=34 dr.cory@dreeschiropractic.com (Dr. Cory) Around Indianola Tension Headache A condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.  They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.  If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.  Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.  One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.  Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.  Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.  Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.  Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain. Chiropractic care works on correctiong misalignments that cause headaches and relieving symptoms associated with tension headaches. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation. A condition involving pain or discomfort in the head, scalp, or neck, usually associated with muscle tightness in these areas. Tension headaches are one of the most common forms of headache.  They can occur at any age, but are most common in adults and adolescents.  If a headache occurs two or more times weekly for several months or longer, the condition is considered chronic.  Tension headaches result from the contraction of neck and scalp muscles.  One cause of this muscle contraction is a response to stress, depression or anxiety. Any activity that causes the head to be held in one position for a long time without moving can cause a headache.  Such activities include typing or use of computers, fine work with the hands, and use of a microscope.  Sleeping in a cold room or sleeping with the neck in an abnormal position can also trigger this type of headache.  Other causes include spinal misalignment, eye strain, fatigue, alcohol use, excessive smoking, excessive caffine use, sinus infection, nasal congestion, overexertion, colds, and influenza.  Tension headaches are not associated with structural lesions in the brain.

Chiropractic care works on correctiong misalignments that cause headaches and relieving symptoms associated with tension headaches. To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=33 Fri, 1 Jun 2007 13:46:38 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=33 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia is a common conditon characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.  Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia inculde fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.  Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rhumatiod arthritis, or systemic lupus.  Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in a least 11 of 18 tender-point sites.  These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back, Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows) and Buttocks.  The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points.  Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.)  Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis.  The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe.  Fibromyalgia sufferes tend to waken with body aches and stiffness. Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation. Fibromyalgia is a common conditon characterized by widespread pain in joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues.  Some other problems commonly linked with fibromyalgia inculde fatigue, morning stiffness, sleep problems, headaches, numbness in hands and feet, depression, and anxiety.  Fibromyalgia can develop on its own, or secondary to other musculoskeletal conditions, such as rhumatiod arthritis, or systemic lupus.  Diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a history of at least three months of widespread pain, and pain and tenderness in a least 11 of 18 tender-point sites.  These tender-point sites include fibrous tissue or muscles of the Neck, Shoulders, Chest, Rib Cage, Lower Back, Thighs, Knees, Arms (elbows) and Buttocks.  The overwhelming characteristic of fibromyalgia is long-standing, body-wide pain with defined tender points.  Tender points are distinct from trigger points seen in other pain syndromes. (Unlike tender points, trigger points can occur in isolation and represent a source of radiating pain, even in the absence of direct pressure.)  Fibromyalgia pain can mimic the pain experienced by people with various types of arthritis.  The soft-tissue pain of fibromyalgia is described as deep-aching, radiating, gnawing, shooting or burning, and ranges from mild to severe.  Fibromyalgia sufferes tend to waken with body aches and stiffness.

Chiropractic care works on relieving pain and symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.  To see if chiropractic may be able to help you call 515-961-5202 today for a complimentary consultation.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=32 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:56:12 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=32 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Oh My Blooming Back! As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety. Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb. A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity. Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness. To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden. When the Bulbs are Planted ... If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care. Garden Fitness Stretches • Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful. • While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg. • Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg. • While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times. • Do the "Hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times. Finally, be aware of your body technique, form and posture while gardening. Kneel, don't bend, and alternate your stance and movements frequently. As springtime approaches, weather warms up and leaves turn green, many people will spend more time outside planting bulbs, mowing the lawn and pulling weeds. Gardening can provide a great workout, but with all the bending, twisting, reaching and pulling, your body may not be ready for exercise of the garden variety. Gardening can be enjoyable, but it is important to stretch your muscles before reaching for your gardening tools. The back, upper legs, shoulders, and wrists are all major muscle groups affected when using your green thumb. A warm-up and cool-down period is as important in gardening as it is for any other physical activity. Performing simple stretches during these periods will help alleviate injuries, pain and stiffness. To make gardening as fun and enjoyable as possible, it is important to prepare your body for this type of physical activity. The following stretches will help to alleviate muscle pain after a day spent in your garden.

When the Bulbs are Planted... If you already feel muscle aches and pains and did not complete the warm-up and cool-down stretches, there are ways to alleviate the discomfort. Apply a cold pack on the area of pain for the first 48 hours or apply a heat pack after 48 hours, and consider chiropractic care.

Garden Fitness Stretches


• Before stretching for any activity, breathe in and out, slowly and rhythmically; do not bounce or jerk your body, and stretch as far and as comfortably as you can. Do not follow the no pain, no gain rule. Stretching should not be painful.

• While sitting, prop your heel on a stool or step, keeping the knees straight. Lean forward until you feel a stretch in the back of the thigh, or the hamstring muscle. Hold this position for 15 seconds. Do this once more and repeat with the other leg.

• Stand up, balance yourself, and grab the front of your ankle from behind. Pull your heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for 15 seconds. Do this again and repeat with the other leg.

• While standing, weave your fingers together above your head with the palms up. Lean to one side for 10 seconds, then to the other. Repeat this stretch three times.

• Do the "Hug your best friend." Wrap your arms around yourself and rotate to one side, stretching as far as you can comfortably go. Hold for 10 seconds and reverse. Repeat two or three times. Finally, be aware of your body technique, form and posture while gardening. Kneel, don't bend, and alternate your stance and movements frequently.

]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=21 Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:37:19 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=21 brittiang@yahoo.com (Britt) Condition of the Month Patient Appreciaition Big Hit     Drs. Cory and Laura want to thank all the patients that came out for the Patient Appreciation Event last week.  With your help we raised over $600.00 for the Boosters.  This money helps with all the athletics in Indianola. ]]> http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=31 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 07:40:21 CST http://www.dreeschiropractic.com/about/blog.asp?blogID=31 dr.cory@dreeschiropractic.com (Dr. Cory) Around Indianola