What's Your Turning Point?

Have you ever dealt with a problem you knew had a simple solution and all you had to do was find the best person to help you? Patients come into Turning Point Chiropractic in Saratoga Springs daily saying they thought they were never going to get better. Others say they felt like they had to settle for their “new normal” of low-grade pain or discomfort or knew they would never be able to (insert activity here) again. Sometimes all you need is a little help.

Turning Point Chiropractic was opened in October 2011 by Dr. Adam Favro with the vision of providing a service to seek out the epicenter of a patients symptoms and take a comprehensive approach to care. No big healthcare system to navigate. No referrals needed. Quality time with a doctor who has extensive experience and knowledge of the human body and how to fix it.

At Turning Point Chiropractic, the doctors have additional training in diagnostics, radiology, biomechanics, rehabilitation, strength training, sports performance, and more. Our chiropractors are not only equipped to accurately diagnose your symptoms but create a treatment plan that helps you get out of pain faster and stay healthy longer.

Our chiropractors believe at the heart of every treatment plan is movement. The more you move, the better you feel. The better you feel the more you move. You didn’t get hurt by just sitting there so why should your treatment be you just sitting there? We don’t know either. When you come to Turning Point Chiropractic your exam will include movement assessments, your treatment will involve movement and your homework will be to move.

For too long the healthcare system has not encourage patients to be active in their own treatment, give feedback on how they feel, and take control of the progress. When patients and doctors are invested in a goal to not only help you feel better but improve the way you live, great things happen. That is what we believe in. That is the Turning Point!

For a free consultation with our doctors and to learn more about the Turning Point Chiropractic treatment system, call us at (518) 584-9500 or click here.

Three Exercises for Better Posture

If you are like most people, you sit the majority of your day. Whether it’s driving to work, driving for work, sitting at work or relaxing on the couch after a long day of work, sitting has become part of our life. Unfortunately, so has poor posture. Forward head carriage, rounded shoulder, and a slouching position can lead to long term health effects like chronic headaches, degenerative joint changes, and muscle strain. So sit up straight, relax your shoulders, and learn three new exercises to help improve your posture.

Proper posture can be defined as “the state of muscular and skeletal balance that protects the supporting structures of the body against injury”. Two important concepts to take from this definition are balance and protection. Our joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia are designed to work a certain way. When we put them in an optimal position this serves as protection to repetitive strain or even traumatic events. Our body is also highly adaptable, but if we continuously stress the tissues in a way that they weren’t intended, we tend to fall into an injury cycle.

This week we are excited to share 3 of our favorite exercises to avoid the aches and pains that come with non-optimal posture.

1. Thoracic Wall Extension

The first exercise is a great way to stretch out the front of our shoulders and create some extension in our mid-back. To perform, find a wall and stand an arms length away from the wall. Extend the arms so there is very little to no bend in the elbows with the fingers pointing up. Slowly push your hips back and let your upper body fall between the arms, keeping the head in a neutral position. Hold for about 3 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.

2. Chin Tucks

Our second exercise is to put the head in a better position. For every inch forward your ears go past your shoulders it adds an extra 10-12 lbs that the muscles of the upper neck and back need to support. No wonder so many people carry tension in this area! This exercise can be performed sitting or standing. To perform, attempt to pull your chin back toward your spine. Try to avoid looking down when performing this exercise. Imagine your chin is on a table and you are sliding it back. Hold for 2 seconds and perform 10 repetitions. You know you are doing it right if you give yourself a double chin.

3. Modified Brügger

Our last exercise is to strengthen muscles around our shoulder blades. This exercise can also be performed sitting or standing. Start by obtaining a neutral head position by performing a chin tuck. Next, lightly pull your shoulder blades down and back (try not to shrug). With the elbows bent and palms up, rotate your hands outward. You should feel the muscles around your shoulder blades working if you are performing this correctly. Hold for 2 seconds and perform 10 repetitions.

In the office we tell patients the best posture is the next one. In other words, keep moving! That being said, we realize there are days and time where you must sit for long periods. Try the exercises above and check out our YouTube video for more exercises and stretches to help improve your posture!

Three Things You Never Knew About Spinal Discs

Three Things you Never Knew About Spinal Discs

As a chiropractor in Saratoga, I see a variety of conditions ranging from stiff necks to cancer. It is my job to properly diagnose each patient and provide them the option that is best for them. One of the most common conditions that comes through our door is low back pain. In fact, studies show that 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their life. During my exam with the patient I am almost always asked, “What if it’s a disc?”. As a population we have been conditioned to think the disc is the most problematic part of our spine. To put your mind at ease here are three things about the spinal disc you probably never knew:

1. Degeneration is Normal

That’s right, your body is a bunch of moving parts and was designed to wear down. Our discs are made up of a fibrous cartilage with fluid inside. As we age the discs become dehydrated and get smaller. Degeneration is a normal part of the aging process and does NOT have to contribute to pain. So the next time you get an x-ray and someone tells you you have “degenerative disc disease”, don’t panic.

2. Bulging Discs are Okay

At least 30% of people are walking around right now with a bulging disc and don’t have any lower back pain. Some researchers believe the discs in our spine will bulge as part of a protective mechanism and retract shortly after. This does not mean you don’t have to take care of your spine. Doing core exercises will help protect the disc from bulging and give you a mechanical advantage when moving.

3. They never slip!

Discs bulge, age, and sometimes herniate, but they never slip. The disc is so firmly attached to the vertebrae above and below it is impossible to slip. If you experience pain from the disc, it is most likely a ligament strain - similar to spraining your ankle.

Many people are fearful of injuring the disc in their back but you are more resilient than you think. Watch just about any sporting event and know the number of disc issues is extremely rare. If you are suffering from back pain, give our office a call. We use the most current diagnostic and screening tests to determine the most effective treatment plans including rehabilitation exercises and programs designed just for you. If we feel you need x-rays, an MRI or other specialized tests, we have the ability to order the test directly from our office.