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Archive for September, 2011

Core Laser Featured in The American Chiropractor

Titled “Laser Gym Zaps Back Pain at Its Core” a featured article in the “What’s Hot” Products, Services & News section of the August 2011 issue of The American Chiropractor publication (pg. 76)  The Core Laser is an excellent addition to any physical therapy facility, providing patients with a therapeutic device that helps increase their range of motion, core strength, improved balance and coordination.  “I appreciate the ability to objectively measure my patient’s improvements using this system,” says Deanne Turner, a licensed PT primarily working with the geriatric population.

Study: Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain have Distinct Components

This was an interesting study that was conducted by the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine which demonstrated that acute and chronic low back pain have distinct components.

“According to new research reported in the Journal of Pain, acute and chronic low back pain have distinct components that may help physicians predict which acute pain patients will develop chronic pain (2011;12:792-800).

Currently, there is limited information regarding differences in the clinical features of chronic and acute back pain. To help distinguish between the two categories, researchers from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine recruited 40 patients with acute back pain and 37 with chronic back pain. The subjects rated their pain and completed several different questionnaires designed to assess pain intensity, medication use and evidence of affective disorders, such as depression.

The researchers investigated differences in pain characteristics between sub acute back pain and chronic back pain and their relationship to pain intensity. They divided low back pain into three distinct categories: acute pain lasting less than six weeks, sub acute pain lasting seven to 12 weeks and chronic pain of at least three months. Patients with chronic low back reported significantly higher pain intensity than subjects with sub acute pain. Regarding pain location, patients with sub acute pain had a higher incidence of unilateral radiating pain, whereas patients with chronic pain experienced mostly bilateral pain. Surprisingly, the researchers found only a slight increase in depression in those with longer pain duration, which they thought derived from greater pain intensity. Overall, the researchers concluded that pain intensity and pain location can predict chronic low back pain.”

Article Source: PainMedicineNews.com

Laser Gym Exhibiting at The ACA House of Delegates Conference in Oregon

Laser Gym To Exhibit at The 2011 ACA House of Delegates Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon

Laser Gym will be featuring their revolutionary therapeutic/fitness product the Core Laser™ to the chiropractic community at the ACA House of Delegates Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon, September 15th – 18th, 2011.  This conference is co-hosted by a chiropractic college, a state association, and a national association.  This event is the first of its kind for the chiropractic profession and should be a great event for the Laser Gym team to show off the Core Laser.

“This type of collaborative effort within the chiropractic profession is exactly what we need to reach our full potential,” said ACA President Rick McMichael, DC. “This level of teamwork will create a unique meeting with important offerings to attendees from all facets of the profession. We welcome doctors, students, staff members and chiropractic supporters to join us in Portland for this special event.”

For more information about this event you can visit the ACA online.

Creating a Fitness Plan that Works

Fitness plans are developed to help achieve long term success.  Creating a fitness plan that will keep you on track and help you reach your goals can be very difficult.  If you plan your workout ahead of time, you are more likely to workout rather than just deciding that day on a workout.  Developing a fitness plan can enhance your level of motivation, accountability and knowledge of appropriate fitness strategies, eating habits and cardiovascular activities.  Listed below are some important things to consider when developing your fitness plan:

  • Identify and set attainable goals
  • Use a calendar to set workout times/dates
  • Decide where you will be working out (Gym, home, outside, etc.)
  • Include what you will be focusing on each time (Cardio/Strength)
  • Schedule days off for resting
  • Create milestones and reward yourself when completing them
  • Incorporate a healthy diet into your plan
  • Set new goals when you complete old ones
  • Monitor your progress and adjust if necessary
  • Tell a friend or family member what your goals are (keeps you accountable)
  • Go at your own pace
  • Build activities into your daily routine (ie) everyday on your lunch break
  • Create a balanced routine
  • Have fun and you will feel better

Labor Day Fitness Tips

Labor Day is a US federal holiday that celebrates the economic and social contributions of workers.  It is also a great day to get out and exercise with your family or friends!  Here are some great tips and ways you can enjoy your holiday:

  • Go for a family walk after your meal time
  • Try to ALWAYS use the stairs
  • Put on some music and DANCE
  • BBQ outdoors and bring some sports gear to play with while cooking
  • Take the dog for a walk
  • Give every family member a role in family fitness time by taking turns selecting activities
  • Go to the beach and take a swim or jog
  • Park your car as far away from your destination in the parking lot
  • Try some new activity
  • Use your bike to run your errands
  • Participate in the activities your kids are involved in rather than just watching them
  • Pick activities/exercises that you enjoy doing.  This will help you stay motivated and easier to attain your fitness goals