Healing with Chiropractic
REHABILITATION
Dr. Eric Kaplan
Dr Perry Bard
Dr. Jason Kaplan
Dr. Devin Bard
DC, FIAMA,
DC,
DC,
DC
Types of Injuries
Chiropractic care is not a quick fix or an overnight miracle. We believe the patient must be educated about why they need more than one visit because tissue healing takes time.
If a patient’s system is currently out of balance, then other issues likely have been present for a long time, leading to the development of the condition currently being experienced. Although miracles do happen in our offices on a daily basis, we know that healing takes time.
We teach our Disc Centers of America (DCOA) doctors — 250 clinics in 47 states — to follow the guides to healing, especially when dealing with disease and disc issues. Talking with Dr. Norman Shealy, he said fully healing usually runs between 20 and 30 visits, so you need to practice patience and devotion.
Recovery Timeline for Tissue Types
Tissues are categorized by muscle, tendon, ligament, and bone, and each tissue comprises collagen, elastin, proteoglycans, and cells. Each tissue has specific properties — strength, extensibility (ability to stretch), elasticity (ability to recoil once stretched), and overall structure. Furthermore, knowing what type of tissue is injured is essential to appropriately estimate a period for healing and set appropriate rehabilitation expectations.
Tissue Types
1. Muscle: Over 400 muscles allow an individual to maintain their posture, move, and absorb shock while moving. At times, these muscles become overstressed, causing an injury to the muscle known as muscle strain. A muscle strain is categorized from grade one to three based on how severe the tissue damage is.
Healing Timeline: Two weeks to six months. Minor injuries may take only two weeks to heal, while severe injuries need three months or more.
2. Tendon: Tendons connect muscles to bones and transmit forces generated by the muscles, allowing motion to occur. Tendon damage results from a direct cut, bruise, or overloading (too much pressure on the tendon), causing it to fail. Tendon injuries are categorized as strains and have similar healing times as muscles.
If too much stress is put on the tendon, it can worsen the problem or even rupture again. During rehab, attending physical therapy is crucial so that optimal stress and motion levels are applied, and the tissue can re-form properly.
Healing Timeline: Three weeks to a year.
• Tendonitis: Three to seven weeks
• Tendinosis: Three to seven months
• Laceration: Five weeks to six months
If surgical treatment is required, recovery time varies from four months to a year. Tendons enter the final stage of healing at seven weeks, but this process can take up to one year to complete.
3 . Ligament: Ligaments connect bones to bones, providing stability to joints. They direct our motions and also prevent extreme movements that could cause injury. For example, the ACL is a familiar ligament prone to damage, especially in football, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics. ACL injuries may require surgery, but less severe ones do not.
Healing Timeline: Two weeks to one year. Mild ligament sprains can take two to four weeks to heal, and moderate sprains may take more than 10 weeks. If surgery is needed, healing time increases from six months to a year.
4 . Bone: Bones support the body and serve as attachment points for ligaments and tendons. Breaking a bone is a fairly common injury, and it can occur in any of the body’s over 200 bones.
A fracture in larger bones can take up to 12 weeks to heal and up to a year for recovery. Interventions typically consist of surgery, immobilization in a cast, or time spent in a boot. Time and rest must be taken to reduce stress and allow the bone to heal correctly.
Healing Timeline: Five weeks to three months. A fracture in larger bones can take up to three months to heal and may not completely recover for up to a year. Healing time depends on the tissues involved and the severity of the injury.
Decrease Recovery Time with Chiropractic Care and Therapy
Doctors of chiropractic are trained to treat movement limitations. Decompression recovery helps speed up healing because it:
• Facilitates healthy healing and reduces the risk of complications.
• Decreases pain.
• Increases strength.
• Increases mobility and flexibility.
• Educates patients and encourages healthy habits and movement techniques.
At DCOA, we love utilizing laser, shockwave, and electroanalgesia, along with spinal decompression.
Phases of Healing
Stage 1: The Intense Inflammatory Phase
During this phase, people are encouraged to pay more attention to their health and seek expert help. It could be with conventional medicine or by alternative means, and most forms of pain experienced in this phase are governed by discomfort.
Chiropractic methods are not painful. The sensation of pain is triggered by your system’s reaction to the state of sore tissue and muscles or pinched nerves, signaling pain through the body when the chiropractor works on them. If your body has been subjected to inflammation, pain, or other health issues for a prolonged period, it may be more sensitive to pain.
In stage one, patients often see the chiropractor with complaints of pain or signs of discomfort, such as swelling, soreness, aches, stiffness, or a loss of balance. Often, patients at this stage do not see chiropractors because they want to improve their health.
Their main concern is to reduce their pain and seek relief, not the underlying mechanics, which may be the cause of their issue. The body only arrives at this stage after a period of time, often taking years to reach such a painful state — years of mishandling and inappropriate movement, stress, and strain.
Therefore, healing during this initial stage may also require some time, and a patient might have to visit their chiropractor’s office once or twice a week initially. Although this may sound a bit exaggerated to the average person seeking a quick fix, it is a small investment in long-term health.
It should be noted that therapy can vary regarding power and frequency, based on the following factors:
• Sex
• Age
• Height
• Weight
• Length of time the patient has suffered with the health issue (i.e., is it acute or chronic?)
• Amount of pain the patient can tolerate
• Whether the patient is experiencing other health problems
With your initial consultation, you will assess all of these parameters and any other relevant aspects of the patient’s problem to design a personalized plan for your care. Their personal needs and challenges are also considered.
Stage 2: The Restorative and Corrective Stage
During this phase, their pain should become more tolerable, and although they may not feel as if they are progressing at lightning speed, they will experience much less discomfort and have a more positive attitude toward their health. If it is a chronic problem, remember that much degeneration and probable scar tissue have to resolve, so it may be helpful to use alternative therapies, such as electroanalgesia, laser, or shockwave.
We rely on this phase to rehabilitate strength and integrity and stabilize the patient. This is an excellent stage because the patient begins to experience betterment. Energy levels increase, discomfort is greatly minimized, and the range of motion is restored.
However, we need to pay extra attention to one aspect during this phase to avoid pushing or forcing the patient too much. When most people begin to feel better under treatment, they might mistakenly do much more than they really can. The dilemma is in pushing yourself too hard, too early, and causing strain or inappropriate stress, which can result in renewed damage or setbacks.
During this phase, our aim in chiropractic is to focus on boosting spinal mobility so that healthy physiological function is restored to your spine and nerves. You might still have to visit your chiropractor once a week, but it all depends on the intensity of your condition.
Keep in mind that this corrective stage is not usually brief, and other parameters and factors affect the speed of healing. For example, a patient coming to the office after having suffered multiple car accidents in a row will most likely require more time for the treatments to have a noticeable effect, compared to the average patient simply dealing with poor posture.
The following issues can affect treatment and slow progress:
1. Poor diet or lacking quality nutrition
2. Smoking
3. Stress
4. Improper ergonomics
5. Negative mindset
Stage 3: The Maintenance Stage
Arriving at this stage means that patients have followed the treatment directions and are doing what they can to restore their health and well-being. Pain is minimized at this stage or at least managed.
Once the body achieves a state of good health, it is necessary to maintain it, and keeping the body healthy is much easier at this phase. Remember that a state of perfect health does not just imply a lack of pain and disease; it is a state of optimal physical, mental, and personal well-being.
Another advantage of the body arriving at this stage is that the body be able to recover better if the patient incurs any accidents in the future, and intense treatment won’t be necessary. When a highly practiced and fit athlete experiences an injury, they can usually recover faster than the average person because they are used to conditioning practice. Their system is at an optimal state of health, so recovery is much faster.
Consider kids and the rate at which they often recover from injuries. Our system is designed to recover and restore health quickly, from a young age. As we grow older, the rate of recovery deteriorates, and we are often less resistant and less able to fight off health issues.
Lifelong habits and health patterns are important. This is where people may experience a certain degree of discomfort as they transition to a healthier diet, exercise more, and build a positive, stress-free mindset.
Nathaniel Branden, an inspiring psychologist who has written several books on confidence and self-esteem, believes we try to improve things we have already realized are flawed, while we neglect to work on areas that we feel are beyond our control. That also applies to our health. You must work on it every day, and you will become able to efficiently work toward its achievement once you have the necessary means.
People tend to make this step overly complicated, but here are a few questions you can use to help improve your health:
1. How can I enjoy eating properly today and working out?
2. What foods can I eat that are healthy and delicious?
3. What type of exercise or activity can I do that I enjoy?
4. How can I fuel my system with the right food?
5. Why do I have to eat better-quality foods?
6. Why should I exercise today?
Nine Key Habits of Healthy People
Healthy people practice nine daily habits that are vital for their health. Starting these habits will change your lifestyle one step at a time. It is essential to take a gradual and slow approach when implementing major changes in your life so you don’t bum out and give up, convincing yourself that the change was a bad idea.
1. Water and Hydration: We drink coffee and soda daily but tend to be negligent when it comes to drinking enough water. Water is vital to our health — after all, 95% of our system is composed of water, not coffee or carbonated drinks.
Furthermore, water can expel toxins from our system. Various studies have confirmed that drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can substantially impact the system’s power to preserve health and fight off illness.
2. Vegetables: Some people may think vegetables are unappetizing, but our parents were not wrong when they made us eat them, especially green ones full of vitamins, like spinach and broccoli. Increasing your daily consumption of greens is one of the wisest nutritional choices you can make for your health.
3. Antioxidant Nutrients: Antioxidants are the key to handling destructive “free radicals,” which are oxygen-containing molecules that can cause cell damage and certain chemical reactions, such as oxidation. An excessive amount of free radicals has been connected to many forms of illness and disease, such as cancer.
Free radicals are triggered by the natural aging process and factors such as stress, injuries, or a diet rich in processed and chemical-loaded foods. Green vegetables, fruits, and nuts are naturally fortified with antioxidants and nutrients.
A nutritious diet composed of powerful antioxidants makes the body more capable of fighting off and eradicating inflammatory diseases and issues, such as heart problems, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Antioxidants may even prevent some forms of cancer.
However, only 7% of Americans eat enough antioxidant nutrients daily, even though antioxidants are readily available in fruits, vegetables, tea, and many other sources. It is recommended to eat five portions of fruits or vegetables per day, and it can be an easy addition to your diet that will pay off in the long run.
4. Healthy Oils: We tend to lack essential fatty acids in our daily lives, which could benefit our health. Based on studies, the average individual suffers from a lack of vital fatty acids of about 90%. An insufficient intake of essential fatty acids is connected to heart and brain problems, along with many types of inflammatory disorders. Only certain fats and oils are healthy, including fish and flaxseed oil.
5. Proper Oxygenation: It is essential to allow for proper oxygenation of body tissues through mindful breathing methods supported by cardio exercise. In reality, very few of us ever learn how to breathe correctly!
6. A Good Posture: We cannot breathe properly if we are also dealing with bad posture. The way we stand or sit can put a strain on how well we breathe, and bad posture can lead to other issues. It puts stress on the spinal curve, which in turn causes problems with the nervous system.
7. Physical Activity/Exercise: We know this point can be a challenge, especially if exercise is not a part of your daily regimen, but exercise and physical activity are vital to your health. Your system needs a complete cardio workout plan that activates the vital muscles in your body, such as the heart. You have to challenge it to have it pump more blood and oxygen throughout your body.
8. Adequate Sleep: It’s no surprise that the average American lacks sufficient sleep. The issue is that insufficient sleep is a known culprit in poor health. People who don’t sleep enough have a higher risk of suffering from the consequences of a poor immune system. So, besides inducing tiredness and fatigue, lack of sleep can also lead to other issues due to suppressed immunity.
9. Positive Mindset: It is possible to be “overly positive,” but there is a valid point to having a positive mindset. If you catch a cold, complaining and moaning about it will only make you feel worse. However, if you approach it with a positive outlook and focus on getting better, you will likely recover more quickly.
If your patients practice these nine lifestyle habits, it is much more likely they will create a healthier, happier reality for themselves.
We must always follow the paradigm, “The power that creates the body has the power to heal the body.” Creating any type of treatment program for any type of case, the patient must understand the phases of healing, and it’s your job to educate them.
Dr. Eric Kaplan and Dr. Perry Bard, are business partners of over 32 years. They have developed Disc Centers of America & Con-cierge Coaches, now in the eleventh year, as well as the first and largest Nation-al Certification Program for Non-Surgical Spinal Decom pression. Currently, they have over 150 clinics using their Disc Centers of America brand and lead ongoing success training events throughout the year. For more information on coaching, spinal decompression, or seminars, visit www.TheChiroEvent.com or www.DecompressionCerti-fied.org, or call the Chiropractic Q&A Hotline at 888-990-9660.
Dr. Jason Kaplan is a graduate of PARKER University. Along with his wife Dr. Stephanie Kaplan, they practice in Wel-lington Florida. Jason is an Instructor for Disc Centers of America. He has been recognized and honored by the International Disc Education Association and serves on the Medical Advisory Board for Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression. He teaches technique at the National Certification Program at Life University and is considered a Master on Non Surgical Spinal Decompression. www.WellinqtonDisccenter.com.
Dr. Devin Bard is an Adjunct Faculty to LIFE University. An author of the University Edition of the Ultimate Spinal Decompression Book. He opened one of the FASTEST Growing Record Setting DISC Centers of America Practices in the Country. His email is: drdevinbard@gmail. com.
References
1. Nakamura SI, Takahashi K, Takahashi Y, Yamagata M, Moriya H. The afferent pathways of discogenic low-back pain. Evaluation of L2 spinal nerve infiltration. J Bone Joint SurgBr. 1996 Jul;78(4):606-12. PMID: 8682829.
2. Bailey IF, Liebenberg E, Degmetich S, Lotz JC. Innervation patterns of PGP 9.5-positive nerve fibers within the human lumbar vertebra. J Anat. 2011 Mar;218(3):263-70. doi: 10.1111/j.l469-7580.2010.01332.x. Epub 2011 Jan 12. PMID: 21223256; PMCID: PMC3058212.
3. Bogduk N, Tynan W, Wilson AS. The nerve supply to the human lumbar intervertebral discs. J Anat. 1981 Jan;132(Pt l):39-56. PMID: 7275791; PMCID: PMC1233394.
4. Bogduk et al. The nerve supply to the human lumbar spine
5. Fras C, Kravetz P, Mody DR, Heggeness MH. Substance P-containing nerves within the human vertebral body: an immunohistochemical study of the basivertebral nerve. Spine J. 2003 Jan-Feb;3(l):63-7. doi: 10.1016/81529-9430(02)00455-2. PMID: 14589248.
6. Nakamura S, Takahashi K, Takahashi Y, Morinaga T, Shimada Y, Moriya H. Origin of nerves supplying the posterior portion of lumbar intervertebral discs in rats. Spine (PhilaPa 1976). 1996 Apr 15;21(8):91724. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199604150-00003. PMID: 8726193.
7. Goran GJ et al. The Human Sinuvertebral Nerves
8. Groen GJ, Baljet B, Drukker J. Nerves and nerve plexuses of the human vertebral column. Am J Anat. 1990 Jul;188(3):282-96. doi: 10.1002/aja.l001880307. PMID: 2371968.
9. Nakamura SI, Takahashi K, Takahashi Y, Yamagata M, Moriya H. The afferent pathways of discogenic low-back pain. Evaluation of L2 spinal nerve infiltration. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1996 Jul;78(4):606-12. PMID: 8682829.
10. Bailey JF, Liebenberg E, Degmetich S, Lotz JC. Innervation patterns of PGP 9.5-positive nerve fibers within the human lumbar vertebra. J Anat. 2011 Mar;218(3):263-70. doi: 10.1111/j.l469-7580.2010.01332.x. Epub 2011 Jan 12. PMID: 21223256; PMCID: PMC3058212.
11. Bogduk N, Tynan W, Wilson AS. The nerve supply to the human lumbar intervertebral discs. J Anat. 1981 Jan;132(Pt l):39-56. PMID: 7275791; PMCID: PMC1233394.
12. Bogduk et al. The nerve supply to the human lumbar spine
13. Fras C, Kravetz P, Mody DR, Heggeness MH. Substance P-containing nerves within the human vertebral body: an immunohistochemical study of the basivertebral nerve. Spine J. 2003 Jan-Feb;3(l):63-7. doi: 10.1016/81529-9430(02)00455-2. PMID: 14589248.
14. Nakamura S, Takahashi K, Takahashi Y, Morinaga T, Shimada Y, Moriya H. Origin of nerves supplying the posterior portion of lumbar intervertebral discs in rats. Spine (PhilaPa 1976). 1996 Apr 15;21(8):91724. doi: 10.1097/00007632-199604150-00003. PMID: 8726193.
15. Goran GJ et al. The Human Sinuvertebral Nerves
16. Groen GJ, Baljet B, Drukker J. Nerves and nerve plexuses of the human vertebral column. Am J Anat. 1990 Jul;188(3):282-96. doi: 10.1002/aja.l001880307. PMID: 2371968.
