Chiropractic is the science, philosophy, and art of finding and correcting subluxations. Defined by a chiropractor, a subluxation is a slight misalignment of bones within the joints of the spinal column and/or the extremities. These misalignments cause differentiation to the nervous system, meaning there is poor communication within the nervous system (i.e. from the brain to body or vice versa). Because the nervous system is the master control system for our entire body, poor communication can lead to a variety of health concerns, including but not limited to: joint degeneration, muscular atrophy and imbalance, organ and gland dysfunction, headaches, and increased pain. Thus, removing subluxations is very important.
A subluxation is removed by a chiropractor via an adjustment, during which the chiropractor gently induces movement into the restricted areas in the spine, in the natural biomechanical direction of the joint. Occasionally a sound is heard when the restricted joint (the subluxation) is released. It is the same sound as when someone cracks his or her knuckles. It is simply the release of built-up gases within the fluid of the joint.
An adjustment is safe for all ages and every member of your family. However, it needs to be delivered by the skilled hands of a chiropractor. Dr. Konrad or Dr. Madison will determine the best way to adjust your individual spine in a safe and effective manner to help your body function at its fullest potential.
Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a holistic diagnostic system that uses manual muscle testing to evaluate a person’s health structurally, chemically (example: diet), and mentally/emotionally. Both Dr. Konrad and Dr. Madison are certified in Applied Kinesiology.
An AK doctor seeks to find the cause of dis-ease, and not simply treat a symptom. Treatments may include, but are not limited to chiropractic adjustments (joint mobilization), muscle/myofascial therapies, acupuncture relations, nutritional and dietary advice, cranial-sacral work, and various reflex points on the body. See the following link for more information about AK. http://www.icakusa.com/what-is-icak-usa/what-is-AK.cfm
Utilizing the diagnostic system of Applied Kinesiology (see previous tab) and clinical knowledge, our holistic doctors are able to recommend dietary changes and whole food supplements/herbs to improve the patient’s overall health. These recommendations are customized to each patient’s specific needs. “You are what you eat.” Or what you absorb from your gut, to be more specific. Finding the diet and supplements that are right for each patient, along with the other benefits of alternative medicine, can drastically change the lives of those with chronic illnesses that have been unresponsive to traditional Western medicine.
Why might there be a need for supplementation in addition to dietary changes? In today’s society, our farmlands are overused, depleting even organic fruits/vegetables of necessary vitamins, minerals, and more. Therefore, condensed whole-food supplements can aid in supplying these vital nutrients to help your body heal.
Inflammation is found in EVERY disease process known today. Physical/emotional stress as well as consuming highly refined/acidic foods drives a pro-inflammatory state in the body. To reduce inflammation, one can alkalinize the body by increasing oxygenation, reducing highly refined/acidic foods, and implementing stress-relief coping mechanisms. Drs. Madison and Konrad are able to recommend the most appropriate method(s) of reducing stressors that drive the pro-inflammatory state.
Both of our holistic doctors utilize a mind-body technique call Neuro-Emotional Technique (NET). This emotional pain management technique addresses the neurological imbalances that are manifested in the body due to unresolved emotional/mental stress.
Just as Pavlov’s dog was conditioned to relate the sound of the bell with food, which produced physiological changes, people can become conditioned to link emotions and feelings to events/situations. If these links to the original emotional event remain unaddressed, and the body does not let go of emotions such as fear, anger, grief, etc., similar events will continue to trigger these emotional pathways, causing destructive actions, self-sabotaging behaviors, phobias, and even chronic physical problems.
N.E.T. allows the doctor to help guide the patient toward full body healing by finding and removing these neurological imbalances. N.E.T. does not cure a patient; it helps the patient let go of “stuck” emotional patterns that are manifesting themselves physiologically. This allows the patient’s body a better chance to heal from within, and function at optimal capacity. Take the wellness check by clicking the link below to see if and where stress may be affecting your body.
http://www.netmindbody.com/ Click on “Get a free wellness check.”
Click on the link for a brief video introducing NET, muscle testing, and homeopathy. https://youtu.be/SWZ9uOTQ11w
Dr. Madison is certified in Webster Technique—a gentle adjusting style specifically designed for pregnancy. The purpose of this specialized adjusting style is to reduce the effects of sacroiliac joint subluxations (pelvic bone misalignments). Helping to keep the mom free of low back and pelvic dysfunction allows for optimal room for growth of the baby, proper nerve signaling, and decreased pain.
Getting checked by a specialist such as Dr. Madison during pregnancy is vital for both mom and baby. Please take into consideration that Dr. Madison is also a doula, and has assisted at several births. She provides chiropractic care for the mother during the intense parts of labor, easing the mother’s discomfort. She will also adjust the baby when he/she is born to make sure the spine is properly aligned after traveling through the birth canal if the birth is traumatic in any way (see the following tab on Pediatric Care).
Benefits of Chiropractic Care During Pregnancy:
- Decreases low back pain caused by postural changes.
- Decreases muscle imbalances caused by postural changes.
- Decreases physical fatigue.
- Contributes to relaxation.
- Contributes to easier labor by proper pelvic bone positioning.
- Promotes optimal room and nerve function to the uterus for growth of the baby.
More information about the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association at http://icpa4kids.com
An estimated 60-90 pounds of force is applied to a baby’s neck during a “normal” delivery! This can potentially cause trauma to an infant’s spine. The number of times a child falls or runs into something every day can have an effect on a quickly-developing nervous and skeletal system.
To know if your child’s spine is properly aligned, or if chiropractic care is right for your baby/child, a specialized pediatric chiropractor like Dr. Madison is the preferred choice. Dr. Madison has adjusted hundreds of children and babies (as young as five minutes old). Because of her commitment to pediatric care, she continues to add to her knowledge through classes and international seminars.
She uses a very gentle style of adjusting for young ones, and explains everything in detail to the parents. She has personally witnessed children under her chiropractic care see improvements with the following:
- Colic
- Scoliosis
- Common colds
- Breast-feeding problems
- Balance issues
- Ear infections
- Asthma
- Food allergies
- Bed-wetting
- Behavioral problems
Our doctors do not claim to heal or cure patients of these aliments; they simply help promote optimal function of the body by removing nerve interference and providing other alternative health care options. The following links provide further information of interest:
http://www.retainedneonatalreflexes.com.au/
http://icpa4kids.com
Decreased activity from a sedentary lifestyle creates muscle imbalances that may lead to muscular dysfunction, and ultimately to injury. These muscle imbalances result in poor posture and improper movement patterns. These improper movement patterns reduce endurance and create chronic injuries. Over-training may lead to compensations, muscle imbalances, and muscular dysfunction leading to injury.
Dr. Konrad is a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES) and Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), specialties recognized by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). Dr. Konrad’s combination of gymnastics-coaching experience, personal training background, and application of Applied Kinesiology allows him to quickly assess functional movement and gait. Upon finding the compensations and deficiencies in movement, he is able to provide appropriate treatment and corrective exercises to retrain proper motor patterns.
Dr. Konrad also specializes in performance enhancement by testing balance, strength, endurance, and agility. He has assisted many athletes, from people training for their first marathon to elite gymnasts. His expertise will boost any athlete’s ability to perform and accomplish his/her goals, whether it’s running a charity 5k, fun mud run, Spartan Race, Ninja Warrior training, or preparing to complete his/her triathlon.
The use of kinesiology tape can have many effects on an individual, both immediately and long-term. Kinesiology taping is a commonly used method to treat various conditions and aid in rehabilitation. The tape must be applied properly to receive the full benefits. Dr. Konrad is certified in the application and use of kinesiology tape.
Kinesiology differs from using standard white athletic tape. It contains elasticity and can be stretched up to 180% of its original length before applying to the skin. The tape then provides a constant pull or shear force to the skin. This shear force lifts the skin and allows the fascia (muscle connective tissue covering) and skin to glide across each other more easily. It also sends constant input into the brain to help retrain proper movement patterns and posture.
Benefits of taping include:
- Decreased pain
- Improved functional movement
- Increased circulation/lymph movement
- Increased joint movement/range of motion
- Increased muscle tone
- Increased endurance
- Decreased swelling/bruising
- Quicker recovery time from an injury
Below is a link to Dr. Konrad’s published paper on his very own style of applying Kinesiology Tape. This style has profound improvements on functional movement patterns and increases athletic performances.
http://www.ccptr.org/articles/peer-reviewed/functional-taping-and-muscle-dysfunction/