The Best Chiropractic Care for Hip Problems

Hip problems are often associated with aging and accidents, but they can happen to anyone and at any age. Your hips are made up of several joints, so it can cause severe discomfort and immobility when pain strikes. There are several causes of hip problems.

A Chiropractor or a Doctor of Chiropractic is one of the best healthcare providers to consult when hip pain happens. They can provide efficient methods for eliminating or reducing hip pain. They can determine what is causing hip pain by looking closely at your body's movement patterns and imaging. Chiropractic treatments use non-invasive techniques, reducing the possibility of dangerous side effects typically associated with medications and surgery. These methods help increase the patient's ability to move and reduce hip pain. 

· Chiropractic Adjustment After Hip Replacement

What is a hip replacement?

This is a surgical procedure performed by a surgeon who replaces the painful hip joint with an artificial implant fabricated from plastic or metal. This option is taken if all efforts to treat hip pain have failed and the joint is severely damaged or deteriorated due to injury or arthritis. It is expected that hip replacement will make walking easier with significant relief from pain.

After surgery, some lower back muscles along the kinematic chain or pelvis may experience pain. Thousands of people suffering from defective hip implant systems experience difficulties such as serious pain, loosening, swelling, and even dislocation of the implant.

With a new hip or knee, abnormal motor patterns are created, triggering pain each time the body moves. Chiropractic care is a vital option to take post-surgery, for it helps the body adjust to its new patterns of movement. 

A Chiropractor's assessment and treatment can help in reducing the stress and tension on the lower back muscles, helps improve the lumbopelvic biomechanics, and helps in the pain management of neurogenic inflammation of the nearby superficial peripheral nerves aggravated by the compensating movement patterns caused by the restorative joint or surgical process. After the pain is controlled, the next step would be to improve the quadriceps' control and strengthen and activate the glutes.

According to research, patients who were given chiropractic care after their hip replacement operation needed fewer pain medications, recovered faster, and felt better than patients who did not receive postoperative chiropractic treatment.

· Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery

The standard treatments for hip pain are Chiropractic Adjustments (such as hip joint adjustments and spinal adjustments) and stretching exercises.

Chiropractic adjustments can safely help reduce pain and improve mobility. 

A Chiropractor can also provide a customized set of exercises based on your body's requirements. This long-term solution strengthens the hip muscles and will make the patients stronger so their bodies can support their hips throughout the day.

Other methods for treating hip pain include yoga, resistance exercise, hip stabilization, deep-tissue massage, heat packs, nutritional counseling, and intake of joint supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine.

· Chiropractic treatments that prevent hip pain

Getting regular Chiropractic treatment will help decrease soreness, relax existing muscle cramps, improve debilitated muscles, and increase joint mobility.

For people with arthritis and autoimmune disorders such as RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), joint pain and damage may be an eventuality. However, with regular Chiropractic treatments, the progression or incidence of hip pain may be slowed down.

For patients with Sciatica, Chiropractic treatment options help eliminate the pressure on the sciatic nerve, thereby lessening the pain.

Chiropractic methods improve biomechanics in people with overuse injuries. This method promotes better muscle balance, mobility, and nerve integrity. It prevents the symptoms of this condition from becoming chronic and severe.

Why it's better to see your Chiropractor than have Hip Replacement Surgery.

It has always been said that prevention is always better than the cure. At the onset of hip pain, have yourself checked by a Chiropractor. Before they perform or recommend any treatments, they conduct a thorough examination. By providing the right assessments and treatments, hip replacement surgery may be avoided, and the pain can be successfully managed or eliminated using a customized treatment plan that addresses the patient's specific medical needs.

Even with chronic joint conditions such as hip osteoporosis and other conditions such as hip injuries, sprains, strains, bursitis, and tendinitis, a trip to the Chiropractor's clinic may help restore or maintain your flexibility, reduce the swelling or pain, strengthen your hip joints and muscles, and restore stability and alignment of the joints.

Meditrac: The Future of Traction is Movement-Based

What is lumbar traction equipment?

Traditional lumbar traction equipment comes in many shapes and sizes. The classic segmented mechanical traction tables, the traction belts for manual lumbar traction, and the fancier new automated traction tables.

These decompression devices are familiar pieces of equipment in Physical Therapy clinics and Chiropractic offices worldwide.

Disregarding the sleek modern designs of the newer systems, what do all of these lumbar traction units have in common?

The common denominator is that they administer traction therapy to the lumbar spine while the patient is in a sustained, static, supine position.

Who is a candidate for lumbar traction therapy?

Patients who suffer from low back disorders like sciatica, lumbar stenosis, and lumbar herniated discs are generally candidates for lumbar decompression therapy.

When the external pressure placed on a lumbar disc overcomes the internal pressure of the disc itself, the disc can bulge and even herniate, i.e., burst. This escaped fluid exerts pressure on the nerve roots that run along both sides of the vertebrae, causing pain and dysfunction.

The herniated disc also becomes a structural weak point in the spine itself.

A healthy spine is composed of healthy discs "sandwiched" between two vertebrae. The primary role of these discs is to act as shock absorbers. The herniation of even one disc can result in a loss of normal vertebral movement and the height between consecutive vertebrae and affects the overall biomechanics in the lumbar spine.

The loss of typical movement in just one spinal segment will have a negative cascade effect on the healthy movement of the entire body.

How does traditional lumbar traction therapy work?

Lumbar traction is the traditional treatment method for herniated discs in the lumbar region. It involves the application of a strong and continuous longitudinal force to the region of the lower spine to increase the intervertebral space and relieve the pressure on the individual discs and spine itself.

When applied correctly, the desired effect reduces pain and reuptake of fluid in the disc.

However, when administered supine, the positive outcomes of lower back decompression are generally short-lived.

This ambulatory traction unit is the only of its kind.

The Vertetrac is a revolutionary lumbar traction device designed and manufactured by Meditrac, and it offers something novel: an ambulatory lumbar traction experience.

What is ambulatory lumbar traction? How is it different from standard lumbar spine traction?

Ambulatory traction is the revolutionary pairing of spinal decompression with physical activity.

Ambulatory lumbar decompression differs from standard lumbar spine traction because it allows the patient to move around during treatment freely. In contrast, traditional lumbar traction therapy requires patients to remain in a static position, usually on their backs, for an extended period of time.

How does ambulatory traction work?

Instead of being strapped down to a table for 20-30 minutes, a patient undergoing lumbar decompression treatment with the Vertetrac will be fitted with the device while in a standing position.

The patient is then free to ambulate or lightly exercise for the duration of the 30-minute treatment, during which time the Vertetrac is applying a strong and consistent 3D decompression force.

Why is ambulatory traction effective?

Traditional lumbar traction therapy results in an overall decompression of the lower spine, resulting in pain relief for the majority of patients who undergo this method of treatment.

Why is lumbar traction effective?

Patients suffering from herniated discs display decreased overall activity levels because the pain and dysfunction from a herniated disc are generally exacerbated with movement. Reduced physical activity leads to weakness and shortened muscles, leading to more pain. Pain leads to a further decrease in function and activity. This unforgiving sequence is what is commonly referred to as the pain cycle.

The main goal of any lumbar decompression therapy is to break the negative pain cycle and reintroduce movement.

When traction therapy is utilized as a form of lumbar herniated disc treatment, the negative pressure induced in the disc from the pull of the axial force also draws the escaped fluid back inside the herniated disc, thus restoring the biomechanics of the lumbar spine and enabling pain-free movement.

Ambulatory lumbar decompression is unique.

The unique design of ambulatory decompression treatment with the Vertetrac allows the patient to accomplish pain relief and return to movement simultaneously. These effects are long-lasting with regular maintenance sessions because the Vertetrac targets and treats the source of disc-related pain and not just its symptoms.

There are four key elements inherent to the proven success of ambulatory lumbar traction when compared to traditional lumbar traction:

Ambulatory lumbar traction encourages mobility.

First and foremost, modern medicine has been telling us for many years that bed rest and immobility should no longer be considered best practices when treating spinal pain.

Preventing mobility in patients who are already experiencing spinal pain will compound their loss of function and quite probably increase their pain as well.

Ambulatory lumbar traction organically promotes healing

Second, activity and muscle contraction are naturally found to increase overall circulation and facilitate the delivery of healing factors to an affected area.

In this way, ambulatory lumbar traction treats pain and directly treats the source of pain so that its recurrence rate is less.

Ambulatory lumbar traction restores confidence to the mind and body

Third, encouraging the lumbar spine to practice moving while the vertebrae are in proper alignment safely and the restored biodynamics lends increased confidence to the spine itself and promotes the body's overall return to typical movement and healthy movement patterns.

For example, many patients suffering from disc bulges and herniation will tilt to compensate for pain and muscle weakness. The Vertetrac allows these patients to stand upright and re-integrate upright posture during pain-free movement.

And finally, encouraging dynamic activity while the patient is pain-free due to concurrent decompression therapy will also give the patient themselves a boost of confidence. It will motivate them to continue working hard to regain their prior strength and mobility.

Lumbar decompression methods are not all created equal

Lumbar decompression devices are widely available and clinically proven to provide effective treatments for herniated discs, among other lower back disorders.

Not all lumbar decompression devices are created equal, though. The research supporting best practices in lumbar decompression devices is available for the discerning provider or patient interested in implementing a truly effective low back pain treatment method.

What is Traction on the Move? 

Non-invasive solution for back and neck pain through the innovative "traction on the move" protocol. Meditrac devices target the source of the pain, increase the range of motion, and assist with tissue recovery, all while encouraging your patient's full freedom of movement.

85% clinically-proven success rates!

Your professional touch makes a difference in your patient's success. Based on your patient's clinical diagnosis, your manual-tuning is essential for 100% precise treatment, giving back your patient's smile.

Small devices, Big Relief! We know your clinic's space matters! Drug-free treatment, no hospitalization or surgery needed.

Since 1992, Meditrac devices have been the active choice for the world's spine clinicians.

6 Clinical Facts 

1. Traction decreases intra-discal pressure on the nerve root and dural sac.

2. Disc disorders are accompanied by muscle spasms and reduced transfer of the disc fluid.

3. Research shows that fluid transfer is essential to normal biomechanics in the disc and is possible when the Spine is in Motion.

4. Vertical traction force increases the intervertebral space simultaneously with Horizontal force, creating an effective 3D force.

5. Muscular contraction during exercise naturally helps to facilitate fluid transfer& improves range of motion.

6. Traction is traditionally administered to patients in the supine position, disregarding the importance of mobility for tissue healing and fluid reabsorption.

The Cervico2000; is not just another cervical traction unit

Neck pain is a real and serious public health concern across the globe, and unfortunately, it is here to stay.

With our smartphones, laptops, and compressed environments, only further restricted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ever-growing problem of cervical pain is not being solved anytime soon. The mean age of neck pain patients is getting younger and younger.

How are we, the healthcare providers, currently addressing the issue of cervical pain?

We would all be hard-pressed to find a single chiropractor or physical therapy clinic that did not boast at least one type of cervical decompression device. There are thousands of google searches per day on "how to treat my neck pain," "stiff neck what to do," or "what specialist can help with cervical pain."

Common practice for the treatment of acute or chronic neck pain typically consists of a combination of the following: pain medication, physical therapy, chiropractic, and in many cases, surgery. Specialists doling out these treatments are orthopedists, neurologists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and physical therapists.

Cervical traction units are freely available and come in many shapes and styles. They are popular for the treatment of cervical pain. They can be bought online, in pharmacies, and even in a doctor's or therapist's office.

Not all cervical traction equipment is created equal. While many patients report a slight improvement in neck pain while wearing or using the devices, the outcomes are generally short-lived, forcing patients to continue to pursue more effective cervical pain treatment options.

Simply put, every solution we employ to treat cervical pain is reactive.

When we consider the ever-rising trend in the prevalence of cervical pain and the unfortunate trend in lowering the average age of these patients, a reactive solution is just not sustainable in the long term.

The number of patients is growing exponentially; the number of practitioners (in many countries, already overburdened) is not growing to keep up with demand. Pain medication and spinal surgery's side effects and risks are not acceptable to many. Without critical changes to this approach, this trend will only continue to rise, and the system will fail more and more patients.

What alternatives does Meditrac offer?

At Meditrac, we believe that with awareness, education, preventive strategies, and targeted cervical traction treatment, we might be able to restore the proper curve (pun intended) and posture (couldn't help ourselves) to the trend of cervical pain.

Over the past two decades, our medical team has designed, developed, and redesigned a cervical traction unit, the Cervico2000, at the center of this novel approach to cervical pain treatment.

The Cervico2000

The Cervico2000, Meditrac's innovative cervical traction device, is designed with the simplicity of a collar but the performance of any similar automated device. Velcro straps connect the padded anterior and posterior portions. The Cervico has a unique and powerful decompression mechanism that applies a strong traction bilateral force of up to 44 pounds simply by pressing down on or "jacking" the levers on either side of the device. Traction can be customized asymmetrically to favor a disc bulge or a pinched nerve. Patients can be trained to independently don and doff the Cervico neck traction device.

What truly sets the Cervico2000 apart from the other traction devices in its field is that the wearer is not confined to a static position for the duration of the decompression treatment. They can exercise and are encouraged to participate in light physical activity during the session.

Why is mobility during cervical disc decompression so important?

At Meditrac, we believe, and science agrees, that bed-rest and activity restriction are antiquated approaches to pain treatment and cause more harm to patients suffering from chronic or acute spinal pain. To truly start down the road to recovery, the patient needs activity modification, proper spinal alignment, and pain-free mobility.

In a previous blog entry, we discussed the fundamental importance of mobility to the overall healing process. Muscle contraction naturally results in increased blood flow, which optimizes the delivery of oxygen and healing factors to an injured area.

When you start to think about this, it seems counter-intuitive to employ a treatment for back and neck pain that forces patients in pain to sustain seated or supine positions for 15-20 minutes or more.

When properly fitted, the Cervico2000 applies a solid and effective traction force while simultaneously allowing the complete wearer freedom of movement and the ability to ambulate slowly or exercise gently.

The strong traction from the Cervico, coupled with pain-free mobility, has multiple holistic and positive effects on the patient:

1. Increased physical confidence in their mobility

2. Positive feelings of encouragement and empowerment in their pain journey

3. Increase fluid reuptake in the disc, restored biomechanics

4. Development of correct mobility habits with proper spinal positioning

In short, the Cervico2000 by Meditrac is like none of the cervical traction equipment that you have already come across. It combines mobility with decompression to target cervical disc pain at the source.

Who is a candidate for cervical pain treatment with the Cervico2000?

Anyone suffering from neck pain, acute or chronic, can be a candidate for treatment with the Cervico2000. The Cervico is designed to target the source of pain related to whiplash injuries, disc disease, torticollis, work-related neck soreness, sports injuries, and osteoarthritic or degenerative changes to the cervical spine.

Some contraindications for using the Cervico2000 include localized skin irritation, recent mandibular, cervical, or clavicular fractures, active bone cancer, active bone infections, poor bone integrity, and disorders of the blood vessels of the neck.

A typical treatment with the Cervico starts with proper imaging and diagnosis by a Doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, severity, and chronicity of the pain, a treatment program with daily or tri-weekly sessions will begin. After 2-3 weeks, a reassessment will determine whether the patient continues the current program for another 2-3 weeks or moves into a maintenance program. The Cervico maintenance program typically comprises weekly or bi-monthly sessions to maintain the progress made during the treatment program.

Meditrac boasts an over 85% success rate in patients suffering from acute or chronic pain. To date, thousands of patients have improved their quality of life after being treated with the Cervico2000.

70% of patients report a noticeable improvement after just eight sessions with the Cervico2000. 75% of patients report a total return to function after 12 sessions with the Cervico. They have no mobility or activity restrictions. These patients have successfully avoided prescription pain meds and costly surgeries.

What advice can Meditrac offer?

Neck pain can be avoided or improved with simple lifestyle modifications.

- In the workplace: lift or prop your screen, so it is at eye level. Invest in a comfortable chair that causes minimal arching in the lower back and positions your hips and knees at 90-degree angles under your desk. Don't forget to take breaks every hour or two to do simple neck stretches or loosening exercises.

- At home: try to minimize children's screen time, or invest in phone or tablet kickstands to position the devices at eye level. Teach them the same gentle neck exercises, and encourage them to listen to their bodies throughout the day.

Together we can try to get ahead of this problem.

During treatment, patients are entirely mobile, encouraged to perform light activities and exercise for active rehabilitation with 3D forces.

Compact, Customizable, and cost-effective treatment; no drugs, hospitalization, or surgery needed.

Vertical traction force increases the intervertebral space simultaneously with Horizontal force, creating an effective 3D force.

Combining motion with traction > simultaneously decreases pressure, enables fluid exchange, improves Range of Motion, and promotes recovery.

Cervico2000 enables the application of distraction force directly to the cervical spine alongside the cervical lordosis while retaining patient mobility

Case Study

Traction treatment restores chronic back patients with a severely herniated disc recover in record time!

Innovative non-invasive Vertetrac treatment delivers pain relief and complete recovery for herniated disc patients following 12 years of suffering, eliminating hospitalization, drugs, and surgery.

The patient, a 43-year-old lawyer, was no stranger to extreme back pain.

For over 12 years, she experienced attacks that often left her incapable of sitting at a desk and in tears. The patient testifies:

"I was not able to walk beyond 20 meters. I couldn't even drive. I resorted to meeting my clients while lying on the office floor. I was dependent on drugs. I moved like a homeless, pausing on each bench in my neighborhood."

The condition deteriorated when the patient experienced stronger pain with radiation in her left leg earlier in the year, compelling her to seek hospitalization and IV medical treatment at Ichilov Hospital, Tel Aviv.

The treatment offered partial and temporary pain relief. The next step proposed, a high-risk back operation, was an outcome the patient refused to accept.

History

• The patient endured a history of severe pain attacks for over 12 years with radiation to the legs.

• An MRI revealed a vast herniated disc on the right at L4 – L5 and a massive disc on the left at L5-S1.

• The patient could not stand for more than 15 minutes, could barely walk, and could not sit upright in an office chair during severe attacks.

• The bone scans produced negative results.

Diagnosis

The Meditrac post-hospital tests revealed the patient had a positive leg in the right of 40 degrees, weakness of EHL 3/5 from the right, positive leg in the left of 50 degrees, yet her sensation test was normal.

Treatment

The patient began a daily treatment with Meditrac's Vertetrac dynamic traction device encompassing walking on a treadmill for 10-to-15 minutes while in traction.

The traction treatment was gradually increased to 30 minutes a day. In the early stage of treatment, she still needed two doses of morphine and an anti-inflammatory drug once a day.

Post-treatment

• The MRI on E and F show the disc herniation on level L4-5 is completely normal

• Level 5 S1 still shows a disc herniation to the left (MRI results recorded on June 19, 2015)

Outcome

Today the patient has fully restored her health and accomplishes her daily activities pain free

• Following a week of intensive treatment, the patient could walk for 30 minutes without breaks and no longer needed anti-inflammatory medication.

• By the end of the second week, she stopped taking nightly morphine treatments.

• Following 12-to-15 sessions, the patient was able to reduce her treatment frequency to every second day

• After a month, she returned to full-time office work in a sitting position.

• She exercises preventative treatment that involves walking on the treadmill for half an hour once a week while wearing the Vertetrac device to maintain progress and recovery

About Vertetrac Dynamic Traction

Vertetrac's lumber ambulatory decompression solution delivers an innovative, mobile, and cost-effective treatment of lower back pain. It offers relief to lumbar spine-related injuries and disorders, including herniated discs and Sciatica, an alternative to surgery, body braces, or decompression table treatments.

Vertetrac compared to traditional traction:

Vertetrac outperforms traditional traction by combining decompression with horizontal force, making simultaneous 3D decompressed traction therapy possible. This unique combination provides concurrent 3D treatment with asymmetrical traction options.

Vertetrac's "traction-on-the-move" not only encourages patients to be active during treatment but also accelerates recovery.

Being a compact, the one-size-fits-all device makes it possible for a group of patients to be treated simultaneously within a clinical environment. Patient feedback to back treatment achieved in a group environment validated the positive impact of group work on the individual healing process.

A portable and maintenance-free unit, Vertetrac requires little storage space and fits conveniently into a travel bag. Patients needing long-term care can rent or purchase the device and can be guided to administer self-treatment in their own homes.

The treatment sessions, averaging 30 minutes, are significantly shorter than traditional traction and are completed with minimal interruption to the patient's routine. Patients wearing the device can move freely and walk. They can also stand or sit during treatment.

All Meditrac treatment devices are FDA listed and practiced by recognized medical authorities.

For more on Meditrac Vertetrac treatment: www.meditrac.co.il or contact us at: USA Toll Free Number: 1-866-732-0170 or info@meditrac.co.il

A conversation about the benefits of Traction on the move with Dr. Arieh Grober and Dr. Steven Horwitz.

NovoPulse- Where Recovery Meets Performance

We are all familiar with the 80 – 10 – 10 Rule in clinical practice: 80% of our patients meet our recovery expectations, 10% of our patients may meet only a partial recovery, and the other 10% of our patients we may either have referred them out upon detecting a red flag on their examination, or they just did not respond to care. After decades of experience in providing clinical care to patients and talking to other colleagues, overall, these statistics bear out true. 

Recovery Meets Performance with NovoPulse

So, the question becomes this: How do we help the 80% group of patients not only recover from their condition and but also improve their performance in life – and – how do we help the 10% of our "partial-recovery" patients reach a full recovery and hopefully move them more towards a higher level of performance as well?

Helping patients first achieve recovery is a massive step for them – this means they are mostly out of pain and have regained some of the lost functions in their life (i.e., walking, standing, sitting, etc.). But as we know, this doesn't necessarily translate into them achieving previous performance levels in how they may participate in life activities.

Whether you are treating an athlete for a sports injury or a grandparent for a chronic low back complaint, both need the same type of intense focus on striving to achieve recovery first and then optimize performance second to improve their level of participation in meaningful life activities.

How to asses the impact of pain and address recovery.

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) considers the following concepts are relevant to defining the impact of chronic pain (i.e., pain extending longer than three months):

1. Impairments (physical or structural findings detected upon examination)

2. Activities and Activity limitations (lost function of activities of daily living)

3. Participation and Participation restrictions (inability to engage in participation of meaningful life activity)

Achieving pain reduction by addressing physical and structural findings is a key aspect of helping a patient move towards recovery – which begins with reducing inflammation in the joint and tissues identified as the patient's origin of pain. The patient's clinical diagnosis and degree of severity correlate with the functional and participatory impact on the patient's life and are essential considerations in the care planning process. 

Goal setting with the patient enables both the clinician and the patient to re-engage key functions and meaningful activities that are currently limited but valued in the patient's life. 

Recovery of the patient's condition is marked by making consistent improvements and progress towards these meaningful goals. However, in complex cases, achieving recovery may require more aggressively addressing the inflammatory status of the condition. When bringing the patient through the recovery process, we can often help them through the initial acute pain stage, but their progress stalls in the subacute or rehabilitative phase of recovery.

Reaching a state of maximum therapeutic improvement, which only represents a partial recovery that has fallen short of expectations, causes us as clinicians to consider seeking other treatment strategies for the patient. Although these patients improved from what they were when they first started treatment, they still may not be able to enjoy participating in meaningful activities like they were able to do before. 

Transitioning from Recovery to Performance

For example, I am sure in your practice you have patients that love to play golf. Think of the patient who can only play nine holes when they are used to playing 18 – but cannot because of the pain returning by the time they have played nine holes. What can you do to help them "get over the hump?" In other words, how do we move our patients – who have achieved a maximum therapeutic benefit/recovery to go on from this level of healing to achieve a higher level of performance? 

Improve function and then move towards improving participation in activities.

The clinical questions to ask ourselves are these: "What are some of the barriers our patients may face as they move towards improving their performance?" "Are there objective clinical findings that may be preventing the patient from moving forward to a higher level of performance?"

As mentioned, inflammation can be a key clinical finding as to why the patient cannot move forward with improving performance in activities, restricting them from participating and enjoying life. For example, osteoarthritis is a common underlying problem for patients.

As we know, osteoarthritis is a chronic disorder associated with damage to the articular cartilage and surrounding tissues and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and loss of function. Mediated by inflammation, the natural history of osteoarthritis is manifested by a steady decline of cartilage cellularity, degradation of cartilage matrix and surrounding tissues – leading to chronic pain. We also know that immune cells produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, creating a persistent state of inflammation in the joint. This inflammation modifies the operation of the chondrocytes by blocking mitosis, inhibiting the production of new cartilage, catabolizing extracellular cartilage matrix to produce a 4-5-fold increase in apoptosis.

And if that wasn't enough, this cascade of processes enhances the secretion of the Prostaglandin E2 pain mediator. As a result, this joint inflammation leads to pain and Osteoarthritis, preventing normal cartilage restoration and promoting the destruction of the joint architecture. 

The physical limitations of the inflammation from OA inhibit proper range of motion to occur in a joint, making it difficult to move towards improving the affected region's balance, strength, conditioning, and function. Therein lies our clinical dilemma.

This is what led me to search for different solutions for pain management. I was introduced to a new technology, NovoPulse®, that provides an answer for long-term pain relief and promotes cartilage regeneration while improving function and performance. Two key studies caught my eye.

Studies Supporting PEMF and NovoPulse Technology

Study #1:

Clin Interv Aging. 2013; 8: 1289–1293. Published online 2013 Sep 26. DOI: 10.2147/CIA.S35926. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the management of osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and physical function: clinical experience in the elderly Tommaso Iannitti, Gregorio Fistetto, Anna Esposito, Valentina Rottigni, and Beniamino Palmieri

The Iannitti study highlights pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) improvement in pain, stiffness, and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Clinically significant improvements were made in both pain and function. The VAS was used for pain assessment, and the WOMAC outcome assessment tool was used to provide objective evidence of functional improvement.

Study #2:

Lad D, Karnatzikos G, Gobbi A (2013) Is there any Role for Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in the Treatment of Early Osteoarthritis of the Knee? J Osteopor Phys Act 1: 106. doi:10.4172/2329-9509.1000106

Clinically significant improvements were made in both pain and function. The VAS was used for pain assessment, and the Tegner outcome assessment tool was used to provide objective evidence of functional improvement at one year and two-year follow-up. At a 2-year follow-up, 80% of patients were satisfied with the results.

Considering the evidence behind this device, the real impact is on an actual patient's experience. Here are a few testimonials I think you will find interesting.

Real Recovery and Performance Stories from NovoPulse Users

Testimonial #1:

"I am a 57-year-old Plastic Surgeon. I sustained a torn rotator cuff (complete tear of the supraspinatus tendon) and underwent surgical repair in early February of 2021. The recovery was very painful, which is typical for this surgery. When I was eight weeks post-op, I still had significant amounts of pain and had minimal shoulder motion. I was doing my stretching exercises daily but was making minimal progress. My physical therapist was very concerned that I was developing a frozen shoulder. This was especially troubling, as I was scheduled to return to work in just another two weeks, including performing surgeries.

At this point, I had the opportunity to try the NovoPulse for my shoulder. I did not know very much about electromagnetic field treatments, but I was willing to try anything to help my shoulder recover function. I began using the NovoPulse for 30 minutes per day, combined with the stretching exercises recommended by my physical therapist. Within one week, I noted less pain in the shoulder and significant improvements in range of motion. These improvements continued steadily, and I was able to resume working and performing surgeries as scheduled. I continued to use the NovoPulse daily for about six weeks, noting steady improvements throughout this period. My Physical Therapist and Orthopedic Surgeon were very impressed with the improvements in function that I developed during this time. I am definitely a fan of the NovoPulse. I believe that this treatment was a major contributor to the successful rehab of my shoulder."

Testimonial #2:

"I'm 66 years old with arthritis in both knees, both hips, and left shoulder. I've had five torn ligaments and five arthroscopic surgeries, starting with my first skiing accident at age 12 in the days of bear-trap bindings.

About six years ago, my knees and hips began to suffer significantly higher levels of pain after strenuous physical activity. With physical activity, my body started protective reactions that caused sharp pain and swelling and made my joints less mobile. The orthopedic surgeon tried cortisone shots without effect and then recommended replacing both knees. The pain was so bad I could seldom sleep for more than an hour without the pain waking me up with painful, stiff, swollen, immobile knees.

I scheduled the knee replacement surgery, and while waiting, I tried a low-carb diet to reduce inflammation. Within about four weeks, the diet helped so much that I canceled the surgery since I could now sleep through the night. Nevertheless, my joints were still less agile than I would have liked, and I was generally in constant pain during the day and had a pronounced limp.

I tried the NovoPulse about nine months ago and got additional significant relief in pain and increased joint agility comparable to what I got from the anti-inflammation diet. I use the NovoPulse every day, generally on both knees, both hips, and sometimes on shoulders and back.

I still get sore after vigorous physical activity, but the NovoPulse soothes the nerve pain and restores mobility to my joints. Since I started using NovoPulse, people no longer comment that I am limping. The NovoPulse has been a miracle for me. It hasn't restored me to 16-year-old joints, but it has made it possible to reduce pain and recover joint mobility quickly after strenuous activity. I still feel the need to continue the anti-inflammation diet and my personal training for strength, but the NovoPulse is indispensable for me to continue the kind of activity levels I want to maintain."

Testimonial #3:

"As a 66-year-old male, I had an opportunity recently to use a NovoPulse for 2-3 treatments a week for about eight weeks. I have had lower back pain for twelve years due to degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, and arthritis, among other things. Routine daily activities were not so routine and were painful. I found the therapy very helpful in reducing my overall pain and lessening my reliance on over-the-counter pain medicine. Routine activities were more routine, and pain was minimized. A great outcome!"

Incorporating Research and NovoPulse Into Your Practice.

You may be wondering, "How does this device work?" NovoPulse is the first technology that has been learned through PEMF research to combine electric field with thermal stimulation. It penetrates to a depth of 7 cm, which allows the source of the inflammation to be directly targeted. In addition, it provides a full 360-degree joint coverage. This technology can be adapted to treat either the spine or the extremities. 

Research has also guided the recommended treatment plan. This has been very effective in helping patients achieve the desired meaningful performance in their lives - enjoying their daily lives without the constant constraints of pain.

If your practice has a focus on recovery and performance, click here to learn more about how NovoPulse could benefit your patients as well as your practice. 

5 Tips to Work Smarter, Not Harder with Jane.

Smarter. Faster. We’re Stronger Together.

Jane isn’t just your admin... Jane is a powerhouse. We've compiled 5 of our favorite tips to help you increase the efficiency of your common tasks such as: taking payment, reminding patients about their visits, charting, and more!

For a full list of "how-to" guide documents to put these tips into action, please take a look at our blog post 5 Tips for working smarter, not harder with Jane -- created just for you.

Learn more about Jane today at jane.app/chiro

Learn more and schedule a demo at jane.app/chiro

Ready to take your practice to the next? Use the code ‘evidencebased2021’ for a 30 day grace period as you get started.

The Jane Team

5 Chiropractic Email Marketing Tips That'll Keep You Out of the Spam Folder

5 Chiropractic Email Marketing Tips That'll Keep You Out of the Spam Folder

When done correctly, an automated chiropractic email marketing strategy can be a insanely effective way to connect with your patients and attract more business to your practice.

Get a FREE Email Template (That CRUSHES!)

However, most chiropractors are not doing email marketing correctly. The average email 'open rate' for marketing emails in America currently hovers at around 22%.

This means that 78% of all marketing emails are never even being opened by users at all.

If you want to avoid your carefully-crafted communique ending up in the spam folder, make sure to follow these essential email marketing tips at your practice.  

1. Grab Them with a Cliffhanger in the Subject Line

The first thing you should be focusing on in your email marketing campaign is the subject line. This is your once chance to real them in and convince them to open your email, so make it good.

Do not opt for generic subject headers such as "we missed you" or "adjustments only $29!."

Instead, opt for a cliffhanger than intrigues them and leaves them wanting to know more. Something like "the secret to no more back pain..." should be enough to keep them reading.

2. Format to Avoid Spam Filters

A significant chunk of all marketing emails ends up in users' spam folders, meaning that they will likely never be seen. To avoid this, you will need to format your email in a way that doesn't trigger spam filters. (ChiroEmails, built into The Smart Chiropractor has crazy high deliverability rates!)

That means avoiding spelling mistakes and using a recognizable, 'normal' sender name. It also means using a reliable email service provider like Outlook and avoiding sending too many emails to the same person.

When in doubt, test your email by sending it to yourself or a friend.

3. Remember to Write for Mobile Devices

The vast majority of people are going to be reading your emails via their mobile devices. Therefore, you need to make sure that your email is written and formatted so that it is easily readable on the phone.

Avoid large, high-resolution images at all costs. Keep your sentences short and concise, with a large font.

Make use of numbers, symbols, and emojis whenever possible. These simple tactics will make your emails more mobile-friendly and more likely to be read.

4. Personalize Every Step of the Way

One of the best email marketing tips you should take is to personalize your email so that your client pays attention and feels like you are speaking directly to them.

Always use a Mail Merge to ensure that your opening line uses the name of each subscriber you are sending an email to. (If you’re a Smart Chiropractor member, we mail merge first names into all of your outgoing emails- done for you!)

Include recommendations for each user by taking advantage of personalization software. Avoid your messaging coming off as generic or cold. 

5. Build Trust

Finally, it is essential to build trust with your subscriber list. This is one of the golden email marketing best practices to take away with you. Do not spam your subscribers with constant communications.

Always respect those who unsubscribe and do not relentlessly attempt to claw them back onto your email list. Avoid using manipulative or overly emotional appeals in your email communications.

All of this will let your subscribers know that they can trust you, making them more likely to engage. 

Get a FREE Email Template (That CRUSHES!)

Email Marketing Tips Can Bring You Closer to the Patients You Want 

With these email marketing tips, you will be able to connect with the clients that you want and generate meaningful leads.

To learn more about how to attract the clients that your practice needs, make sure to consult our Free Resources for all chiropractors looking to bring their business to the next level.