The problem: It's not uncommon for people with recurrent episodes of back pain to become fearful and to start avoiding activities in life. They begin to associate pain with the activity and that the activity is doing harm. Thus, in their minds, pain equals harm and any activity that causes pain avoided. The problem becomes that as this the list of ...
Rethinking Shoulder Pain Treatment
Our approach to working with shoulder pain or injuries is very unique in that we really don't work around shoulder injuries when properly indicated. The majority of the time, we don't force someone to rest for several days while inflammation quiets down. Yes, it can be necessary in rare circumstances. However, rest and traditional methods of ice an...
Solving Movement Problems: Social Media Entertainment vs Effective Therapy
The value of movement is undeniable. But the industry of movement has become a bit of a circus. I have seen some doctors, therapists, and trainers using the label of "movement provider" lately and while I'm not quite sure what that means, I can speculate as to what they are trying to communicate. Yes there are many universal truths when it comes to...
Ultimate Runner's Guide to Injury Prevention
Running season is fast approaching. Spring and summer have a host of events from marathons, to half marathons, to triathlons, to various course races. Many have likely already started their training. And then of course we can't forget those who will simply take up running in hopes of shedding unwanted body weight for the summer. Whether you are tak...
Conquer Chronic Pain
Pain is incredibly complex, making the treatment and management of chronic or persistent pain a unique challenge. After reading this article, the hope is that you have a better understanding of the complexities of pain and how treatment must be directed if one is truly to overcome chronic pain.Pain has a nasty habit of getting in the way of activit...
Resetting the Body's Function Post-Injury
"After an injury tissues heal, but muscles learn. They readily develop habits of guarding that outlast the injury" - Janet Travell, MDGuarding after an injury is normal and it is to be expected. However, when left unidentified and untreated, guarding or protective patterns can become common reasons for chronicity and why someone "hasn't got better"...
2 Exercises for Groin & Knee Pain
In this post we feature a short video addressing common reasons why ground and/or knee pain develops and two exercises to get to the root of the problem. Addressing muscular dysfunction through therapeutic exercise continues to prove to be the most effective and evidence-based intervention for common musculoskeletal conditions such as tendinitis, b...
How Do You Build An Athlete?
In this video we discuss the necessary steps it takes to optimize athletic development and "build an athlete". Key points discussed are: The importance of practicing your sport skills and practicing with intentTaking the necessary steps to stay healthy in a strength & conditioning programUnderstanding the process of long-term adaptations in ath...
How DNS Solves Pain & Improves Performance
Short video on the principles of dynamic neuromuscular stabilization (DNS) and the role it plays in our office with chiropractic patients, rehabilitation and in our personal and sports performance training program design. In this video you will learn: What DNS is and why it's importance for getting someone out of pain and improving performanceHow w...
When Should I See a Chiropractor?
In this video we discuss some important points to consider when to see chiropractor or why to see a chiropractor, especially one that has a sports injury and rehab specialization and practices in a functional movement model. Some points to consider: How important is your health to you? Health is an investment and requires a proactive approach rathe...
3 Exercises for Athletic & Mobile Hips
In this video, we discuss exercises aimed at training proper hip dissociation - an often overlooked and undertrained function of the hips. Poor hip dissociation is commonly a reason for pain and poor performance. Some key points discussed in this video: What hip dissociation means. Hip dissociation is the ability to independently move the hips with...
Scoliosis Treatment for Children & Teenagers
Scoliosis. The diagnosis can make anyone uneasy and it can become even more unnerving for parents when they hear that diagnosis for a child. Scoliosis in children between the ages of 10-18 years of age is termed adolescent scoliosis and can be due to many causes. But the most common type of scoliosis in the adolescent period is one in which the cau...
5 Simple Strategies for Healing Tendon Pain
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzgQdT5KcI0[/embed] Based on updated modern knowledge of tendinopathy, tendinitis, or tendon pain, let's shed some light on the best ways to rehabilitate for complete recovery. Part of this discussion will bust several "myths" or "misconceptions" that have existed about the treatment and management of tendon p...
Busting Chiropractic Myths & Misconceptions
The chiropractic profession is an interesting one to be a part of. For some, they more than accept the role chiropractic can play in not only getting them out of pain, but also elevating their overall sense of health and well-being. For others, they remain skeptical and dismissive for reasons that simply come down to myths and misconceptions that h...
Exercise Hacks Ep. 4 - The Dumbbell Press
[embed]https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcsrzr2jLxq/?taken-by=gallagherperformance[/embed] In this video, we discuss the dumbbell press and how the position of the wrist impacts pressing strength and shoulder stability. Wrist position is often overlooked during the dumbbell press but is a critical part of ideal mechanics. The wrist should maintain a neu...
Exercise Hacks Ep. 5 - Shoulder External Rotation
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIIQ_DLv6kw[/embed] In this video, we discuss shoulder external rotation commonly performed on a cable column machine. This exercise is also frequently performed with the use of bands. Regardless of whether you use the cable column or bands, these pointers will still apply. The quality of shoulder external rot...
Exercise Hacks Ep. 6 - Deadlift Variations for a Functional Core
In this video we discuss two deadlift variations that will build rock solid functional core strength - the suitcase deadlift and pitchfork deadlift.The suitcase deadlift and pitchfork deadlift are two deadlift variations that will expose energy leaks and strength imbalances real quick. Building a functional core often requires unconventional method...
Dynamic Duo - Chiropractic & Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization
When it comes to Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), those that are familiar with the method will often ask me, "How do I find the time to treat my patients with chiropractic, rehab methods, and DNS?" The reasons for the question is simple - DNS is seen as very time consuming. The challenge with DNS is incorporating the method into a busy pr...
3 Common Fixes for Low Back Pain
According to research conducted by Dr. Stuart McGill, "People with back pain actually have stronger backs than people without back pain, so weakness is not the culprit." In our experience in both treating and training individuals suffering from low back pain, there are three common factors that seems to play a central role:1) Breathing Pattern - of...
Exercise Hacks Ep. 8 - Breathing and Bracing
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHRCCRmeznQ[/embed]Ideal movement and optimal strength development first begins with using the diaphragm as the primary muscle for respiration and for Intra-abdominal Pressure (IAP) or what is also known as the abdominal brace.A frequent piece of feedback we receive at GP is that much of what we coach is the o...