Chiropractic is a study and an applied technology which aims to improve human health and maintain wellness without drugs or surgery whenever possible. Chiropractic, unlike other systems of health, is rather eclectic, not all Chiropractors or their practices are alike .However, upon closer inspection all Chiropractic interventions occur in three areas. If we imagine the topic of human health as a triangle, the base would be structure and the sides comprising mental/ emotional and chemical influences.If you change, alter or impair any of these three areas you impact the function of the system as a whole. Human physiology is based upon these principles and the state of balance is called homeostasis where the human is able to successfully adapt and regulate its internal state when acted upon by changing external forces.
Where Does Dr. Chiungos Begin: He Starts With Structure; Specifically The Feet!
It has been estimated that 75% of the human nervous system capacity is occupied with taking input from the environment, analyzing it and 25 % with adjusting nervous system output to maintain homeostasis or the state of balance. The largest input of the nervous system comes from structural nervous system receptors that help to let the body know where it is in space and this information is used often in slight fractions of a second to adjust to our environment, all without us thinking about it. Some of the highest concentration of these receptors is in the feet.
Dr. Chiungos uses a known and well respected system of Chiropractic assessment called Sacral Occipital Technique. The systems is accredited to Dr. Major Bertram DeJarnett and uses practical assessments or indicators in the standing, prone or supine positions that aids Dr. Chiungos to assess what is affecting a patient’s balance and function causing pain and/or loss of function and effectively intervening.
All structural exams at A Chiropractic Wellness Place PC starts with the feet. Dr. Chiungos observes the patient’s feet and ability to walk and stand from the minute they walk into his office.
Pronation; A Problem that affects 75% of the human Population.
What is foot pronation and is it normal? Foot pronation is a natural movement that occurs when you walk or run, where the foot rolls inward slightly. Imagine standing and shifting your weight to the inside edge of your foot. This inward rolling helps absorb shock and distribute pressure evenly as your foot makes contact with the ground. It’s a normal part of the walking and running gait cycle. However, excessive pronation, where the foot rolls too far inward or stays in that position for too long, can sometimes lead to biomechanical issues or injuries, especially in the ankles, knees, and hips. Often altering the ability of the spine to maintain its proper shape and function. It is not a great stretch of the imagination to reconcile the fact that 75% of people suffer from some form of abnormal pronation and according to the U.S Department of Health that 80% of Americans will suffer from low back pain and of those a large portion of these will have repeated episodes.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Abnormal or Unequal Pronation
Abnormal foot pronation can manifest in various signs and symptoms, including:
- Flat Feet: Excessive pronation can cause the arches of the feet to collapse, resulting in flat feet or fallen arches. This may be visibly apparent when standing or walking.
- Inward Rolling of the Ankles: When observing someone walking or running, you may notice the ankles rolling excessively inward, also known as overpronation.
- Uneven Shoe Wear: Abnormal foot pronation can lead to uneven wear patterns on the soles of shoes. Wear may be more pronounced on the inner edges of the soles.
- Foot Pain: Pain in the arches, heels, ankles, knees, or even hips can result from abnormal foot pronation due to the misalignment of the lower body.
- Bunions or Bunionettes: Overpronation can contribute to the development of bunions (bony bumps at the base of the big toe) or bunionettes (similar bumps at the base of the little toe).
- Achilles Tendonitis: Excessive pronation can place increased stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to inflammation and pain in the back of the heel.
- Shin Splints: Overpronation can also contribute to shin splints, which cause pain along the shinbone (tibia) due to overuse and stress on the muscles and tendons surrounding it.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Abnormal foot pronation can lead to excessive stretching and strain on the plantar fascia, the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, resulting in heel pain, especially in the morning or after long periods of rest.
- Knee Pain: Misalignment caused by overpronation can put extra stress on the knee joints, leading to pain, particularly around the kneecap (patella).
- Lower Back Pain: The misalignment caused by abnormal foot pronation can affect the entire kinetic chain, leading to lower back pain as the body compensates for the altered gait pattern.
How Does Dr. Chiungos Support & Treat The Feet
Dr. Chiungos uses a variety of interventions to address excessive foot pronation and its associated symptoms. Some common chiropractic interventions for excessive foot pronation include:
- Orthotics: PowerStep orthotic devices provide support and realignment for the feet at a great value. These orthotics can be tailored to the individual’s foot structure and biomechanics, helping to correct pronation issues and improve both overall foot, ankle, knee, hip and spinal function.
- Laser Therapy: The light energy from the laser may improve blood flow, decrease inflammation by stimulating cellular activity, including the production of collagen, which is essential for tissue repair and regeneration. This can help strengthen the plantar fascia and promote healing.
- Manual Manipulation Techniques: adjustments directed to the malfunctioning bones and joints of the feet, ankles, and lower extremities. These adjustments can help restore proper alignment, reduce joint restrictions, and alleviate pain associated with excessive pronation.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Soft tissue techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) can be used to address tight or overactive muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the feet and lower legs. By releasing tension and improving flexibility, these therapies can support proper foot biomechanics and reduce strain on surrounding structures.
- Exercise: Chiropractors may prescribe specific exercises and stretches to strengthen weak muscles and improve flexibility in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. These exercises can help address muscle imbalances, improve stability, and support proper foot alignment.
- Footwear Recommendations: Guidance on appropriate footwear choices to support proper foot alignment and biomechanics. This may include recommending shoes with adequate arch support, cushioning, and stability features to help control excessive pronation and reduce strain on the feet and lower extremities.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Education and guidance on lifestyle modifications to help manage excessive foot pronation, such as avoiding high-impact activities that exacerbate symptoms, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing proper foot care and hygiene.
Benefits of Chiropractic Foot Care
Supporting and manually manipulating the feet can offer a range of benefits for overall foot health, biomechanics, and functionality. Some of these benefits include:
- Improved Foot Alignment: Manual manipulation techniques, such as adjustments and mobilizations, can help realign misaligned bones and joints in the feet, ankles, and lower legs. This can promote better foot alignment, reducing excessive pronation or supination and optimizing biomechanical function.
- Pain Relief: Supporting the feet with custom orthotic devices and applying manual therapies can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with various foot conditions, such as plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, bunions, and Achilles tendonitis. By addressing underlying biomechanical issues and reducing stress on the affected tissues, pain levels can be significantly reduced.
- Improved Stability and Balance: Manipulative techniques and supportive interventions like PowerStep Orthotics can enhance the stability and balance of the feet and lower extremities. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who experience instability or weakness in their feet, ankles, or knees, helping to reduce the risk of falls and injury both locally and further up the leg and spine .
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Supporting the feet with orthotic devices and incorporating manual therapies into a comprehensive treatment plan can benefit athletes by improving foot biomechanics, reducing the risk of overuse injuries, and optimizing performance. By promoting better alignment, stability, and shock absorption, athletes can move more efficiently and effectively during sports and physical activities.
- Prevention of Future Injuries: addressing biomechanical imbalances and weaknesses in the feet early on, supportive interventions and manual manipulations can help prevent future injuries from occurring. This proactive approach to foot care can be especially beneficial for individuals who engage in high-impact activities or have a history of foot or lower limb injuries.
- Postural Alignment: Proper alignment and function of the feet are essential for maintaining overall postural alignment throughout the body. Manipulative techniques that target the feet and lower extremities can help correct postural imbalances and alignment issues, reducing strain on the spine and other joints and muscles.
- Enhanced Comfort and Mobility: Supporting the feet with orthotic devices and addressing biomechanical issues through manual manipulation can enhance overall foot comfort and mobility. By providing proper support and reducing pain and stiffness, individuals can enjoy improved mobility and quality of life in their daily activities.
Overall, treating, supporting and manually manipulating the feet can play a crucial role in promoting foot health, optimizing biomechanical function, and enhancing overall well-being. It’s essential to work with a qualified healthcare professional, like Dr. Chiungos, to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to individual needs and goals.
Get Started in Chelmsford, MA with Dr. Mark Chiungos
Personalized Consultation with Dr. Chiungos
When you book a consultation with Dr. Chiungos, you are not just scheduling an appointment; you are setting a date with hope, relief, and a promise of a better quality of life. Dr. Chiungos approaches each patient with a personalized lens, understanding that every individual’s pain journey is unique.
During the consultation, Dr. Chiungos will assess your medical history, understanding the nuances of your condition to craft a treatment plan that is tailored to meet your specific needs. It is a collaborative process, where your insights and experiences are valued, forming the bedrock of a therapy plan designed with you at its center.
Dr. Chiungos encourages you to call now and start the process towards a healthier future without unnecessary drugs or invasive procedures. Under the guidance of Dr. Chiungos at A Chiropractic Wellness Place in Chelmsford, MA, you will embark on a therapy pathway grounded in understanding, empathy, and expertise.
Contact us to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a pain-free life. It is time to reclaim your life, to embrace each day with vigor and joy, guided by the expert care of Dr. Chiungos in the serene surroundings of Chelmsford.
FAQ
Chiropractic
Most insurance policies offer some chiropractic coverage. Dr. Chiungos works with Blue Cross-Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim Healthcare, Tufts Health Plan, Unicare/GIC, and Medicare. See the No Surprises Act for more information.
Absolutely. Chiropractic as a profession is more than 100 years old. We follow industry guidelines during our new patient induction process to minimize risk and maximize benefit. Chiropractic malpractice insurance is considered by many to be the least costly professional insurance in the healthcare industry because chiropractic is generally considered a safe, manual therapy.
It depends on your mechanism of injury and your current state of health. You might start feeling better as soon as your adjustment is finished. You might need to go home and ice (Dr. Chiungos will advise you). If your injury is serious, it may take several visits. But your healing has begun from the first adjustment. Your personal care plan is designed to take you from where you are today to your best possible outcome. Dr. Chiungos will keep you updated on your progress at each visit.
SpineMED®
Decompression treatment is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care. You will receive informed consent.
Spinal Disc Decompression with the SpineMED® Table has shown to be safe and generally without major side effects or complications once abnormal conditions have been ruled out. The process is so safe and comfortable, it’s not uncommon for patients to fall asleep!
Specific situations that are not suited for decompression therapy include:
- Patients under 12 years old
- If you had spinal surgery that involved clips, mesh or fusion
- If you have fractures, tumors or infections
- If you have osteoporosis or spondylolisthesis where there’s been a fracture or non-union defect in the spine, where that segment that we want to traction is unstable
Damaged intervertebral discs seldom heal as the discs are constantly under pressure from muscular spasm—during normal activities, and even while sleeping! SpineMED is designed to reduce the pressure in the discs, promoting the influx of vital fluids, nutrients and oxygen back into the discs to assist the body’s natural rebuilding process. This process may speed up the natural repair and could eventually heal damaged spinal discs.
Sessions are typically 30 minutes long. It could take 15 to 25 sessions or more to see some relief from your discomfort. That’s variable based on your status and the condition we’re treating. Ideally, the sessions are performed daily with rest on the weekend.
Aspen Laser
Laser treatment, as used in chiropractic offices, is not currently covered by health insurance. If Dr. Chiungos believes this is an integral part of your treatment plan, he will discuss all costs and potential discounts before the start of care.
Laser therapy has been in use for over thirty years with almost no side effects reported. Aspen Laser is FDA-registered and passes all safety compliance requirements. The treatments are not painful; in fact, laser is warm and comfortable to your skin. Dr. Chiungos will check in with you regularly to make sure the temperature feels right, and you can always speak up if it starts to feel too warm. The main safety concern is for the eyes, which is why Dr. Chiungos will provide protective glasses for both patient and doctor at each session.
Laser is effective on most parts of the body; however, there are times when laser is not appropriate:
- during pregnancy
- within twelve months of cancer treatments
- during the use of photo-sensitizing medications
- over recent steroid injections (seven days)
- over growth plates or reproductive glands
- over tattoos or skin infections
Laser therapy promotes energy production supporting cellular repair, increased blood flow, increased red blood cell oxygen-carrying capacity, and decrease of inflammation. When used in conjunction with traditional chiropractic, laser can reduce pain and healing time, and promote a deeper, more complete healing to the area of concern.
Sessions typically last 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. They generally start longer and reduce in length as you heal. Most acute conditions require only 10 – 12 treatment sessions. If you have a chronic condition, you may need 12 – 20 treatments and one or two follow-up sessions every month. The amount and frequency of treatments are determined through assessment of your condition combined with Dr. Chiungos’s experience treating patients with laser. You will likely start to feel better after your first 5 sessions.
