Monday, February 9, 2009

Compass Chiropractic Des Moines February Newsletter

Compass Chiropractic February, 2009 E-Newsletter

Partner with Youth Fundraiser!
As a part of Compass Chiropractic’s participation in the Red Flannel Run, we are excited to announce the following fundraiser:

From February 16 – 27, any new patient who donates $30 or more to the YMCA Partner with Youth Campaign will receive a complementary first visit (thorough exam, any needed spinal X-rays, and report of findings) at Compass Chiropractic. Call 515.309.1217 to schedule.

February 24 – A day for established patients at Compass Chiropractic to contribute to this fundraiser: established patients may donate $15 or more to the Partner with Youth campaign and receive any needed spinal and extremity adjustments at no charge (no Active Release Techniques treatments will be performed on this day due to time constraints). Call to schedule your appointment today.

A Story of Exceeded Expectations

January 6, 2009

I had been to chiropractors before with so-so results, but when my low-back pain landed me in urgent care, I decided to look again. (Muscle relaxers are not my idea of a solution.) As a cycling instructor and kickboxer, I don't like to sit still. I found Dr. Krohse from an online search. His testimonials sounded promising, and as an athlete himself, I thought he would understand my need to keep moving. After an extremely thorough exam, Dr. Krohse began to treat and greatly reduce my low-back pain. Not only that, but he also used the active release technique to decrease my migraines and knee pain. I'm back to kickboxing and teaching cycling class pain-free! I've recommended Dr. Krohse to many friends. He produces positive results, and he's a great guy.

Sarah Schafman
West Des Moines, IA

Read more testimonials on the website.

FAQ’s – Addiction to Chiropractic Care?
Q: I’ve been told that chiropractic care would help my neck and back pain, but I don’t want to become addicted. Do you have any suggestions?
A: It’s my goal when patients start care to fix their problems as soon as possible and give them ways to see me as little as possible after they’re feeling better. Care begins with a very thorough exam to determine all the causes of each problem.

Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of problem joints in the spine. However, muscular problems can limit the improvement made through chiropractic care. Tight muscles and scar tissue are addressed in my office with Active Release Techniques, a patented combination of doctor-applied pressure and patient-assisted stretching of problem muscles. Patients are also directed in specific exercises and stretches which stabilize the spine. Those who regularly perform their spine-stabilizing activities often experience long-term condition resolution.

I always attempt to find and minimize any sources of stress that might slow improvement and cause ongoing problems. An example of this would be resolving a hairstylist’s low back pain by convincing her to switch to low-heeled Dansko shoes rather than back-aggravating high heels.

Many patients choose to continue with periodic chiropractic care, even after they are free from pain. Some have conditions where their symptoms will return if they do not receive periodic chiropractic care. This care is maintenance, not addiction. After all, even a Mack truck needs an occasional realignment. Others know that spinal disorders are the number one cause of disability in people over age 50, and they look forward to long, active lives free from pain. They view periodic chiropractic checkups as being similar to proper dental hygiene - a healthy habit to protect something you want to use through your entire life.

At Compass Chiropractic, patients are always free to decide how long they enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care.

Condition of the Month – Low Back Pain

Sooner or later an amazing 8 out of every 10 people in the Des Moines area will suffer through an incapacitating attack of low back pain. Of people who suffer with back pain for two weeks or longer, 40 percent will end up seeing a chiropractor. Studies have shown that the decision to see a chiropractor is wise. The US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recently appointed a panel of medical experts who reviewed some 3,900 studies on care for acute low back pain. The panel rejected bedrest, surgery (except rare cases), injections into the back, and all oral prescription drugs (such as antidepressants or steroids). In contrast, they found that spinal manipulation, which usually is performed by a chiropractor, "can be helpful for patients with acute low back problems." For pain, they found over-the-counter medications (aspirin, etc.) worked as well as prescriptions but with fewer side effects.

At Compass Chiropractic, effective treatment begins with the most thorough exam in order to determine all the causes of the problem. Spinal adjustments are used to restore proper function to injured or dysfunctional joints. Dr. Krohse has acquired the training and special equipment to provide flexion distraction adjustments, which stretch out the structures of the low back and are especially effective at reducing sciatica (low back pain with pain down the leg). Scar tissue and muscle adhesions will be addressed with ART. Other therapies such as massage, electric stimulation, and ultrasound will be used as needed to reduce the pain of a new back injury. Rehabilitative exercises and stretches will be recommended as needed to keep patients stable for the long term.

Check Yourself! – Low Back Pain caused by the Psoas Muscles

Find out if your low back pain is caused by psoas muscle tightness! The psoas muscles (silent “p”) are long muscles that come off each side of the spine in the low back and attach to the insides of the femur bones, the upper leg bones. They are your main hip flexors meaning that their job is to bring your upper leg forward. The muscle is stretched when the upper leg is extended backwards behind you. If this muscle becomes abnormally tight, it will put extra pressure into the low back whenever the leg straightens out or extends backward. You won’t feel the psoas muscle tightness. What you will feel instead is a sensation of tightness in the low back as your spine is tugged forward. If psoas muscle tightness is causing your low back pain, you will be more likely to feel low back and hip pain and tightness when standing after sitting for a while, first thing in the morning, or after walking, running, or standing for extended periods of time. In a society where so many sit (sitting shortens the psoas muscles) for many hours a day at computers or while driving, it is no surprise that the psoas muscles tighten up and begin to cause low back pain. How can you find out if the psoas muscles are involved in your low back pain? First determine whether you can perform the stretch below without falling over or hurting your knees (disclaimer – do the check at your own risk). Then…

Check yourself!

As seen in the picture below, assume the lunge position with one leg forward and the other back. Keeping your upper body upright, shift the hips forward until you feel a stretch on the front of the extended backward hip just to the side of the groin region. Don’t let the upper body lean forward! Hold this stretch for 30 seconds on each side. Stand and move your hips side to side. If your low back feels more relaxed and less painful, you have determined that the psoas muscle is a factor in your low back pain. The test for psoas muscle tightness also happens to be the main stretch to reduce it. However, if you find this stretch reduces your pain it is strongly recommended that you receive a thorough exam at Compass Chiropractic, where Dr. Krohse will determine if there are any other causes of your low back pain, or if there are problems in the low back causing the psoas muscles to be chronically tight. He is also able to treat psoas muscle tightness with Active Release Techniques, a highly effective combination of doctor-applied pressure and patient-assisted stretching.

Highly Recommended Professionals:
Renae Baker – Strawhacker and Associates LLC (Accounting Firm) – 515.223.7370
Kindra and Kevin Barber – Barber Photography – 515.321.8910

Massage and ART Compared

Community Pages

Urbandale
Waukee
Windsor Heights
West Des Moines
Grimes
Adel
Johnston
Norwalk
Beaverdale

Compass Chiropractic Des Moines February Newsletter

Compass Chiropractic February, 2009 E-Newsletter Partner with Youth Fundraiser! As a part of Compass Chiropractic’s participation in the Red Flannel Run, we are excited to announce the following fundraiser: From February 16 – 27, any new patient who donates $30 or more to the YMCA Partner with Youth Campaign will receive a complementary first visit (thorough exam, any needed spinal X-rays, and report of findings) at Compass Chiropractic. Call 515.309.1217 to schedule. February 24 – A day for established patients at Compass Chiropractic to contribute to this fundraiser: established patients may donate $15 or more to the Partner with Youth campaign and receive any needed spinal and extremity adjustments at no charge (no Active Release Techniques treatments will be performed on this day due to time constraints). Call to schedule your appointment today. A Story of Exceeded Expectations
January 6, 2009
I had been to chiropractors before with so-so results, but when my low-back pain landed me in urgent care, I decided to look again. (Muscle relaxers are not my idea of a solution.) As a cycling instructor and kickboxer, I don't like to sit still. I found Dr. Krohse from an online search. His testimonials sounded promising, and as an athlete himself, I thought he would understand my need to keep moving. After an extremely thorough exam, Dr. Krohse began to treat and greatly reduce my low-back pain. Not only that, but he also used the active release technique to decrease my migraines and knee pain. I'm back to kickboxing and teaching cycling class pain-free! I've recommended Dr. Krohse to many friends. He produces positive results, and he's a great guy.
Sarah SchafmanWest Des Moines, IA Read more testimonials on the website. FAQ’s – Addiction to Chiropractic Care? Q: I’ve been told that chiropractic care would help my neck and back pain, but I don’t want to become addicted. Do you have any suggestions? A: It’s my goal when patients start care to fix their problems as soon as possible and give them ways to see me as little as possible after they’re feeling better. Care begins with a very thorough exam to determine all the causes of each problem. Chiropractic adjustments improve the function of problem joints in the spine. However, muscular problems can limit the improvement made through chiropractic care. Tight muscles and scar tissue are addressed in my office with Active Release Techniques, a patented combination of doctor-applied pressure and patient-assisted stretching of problem muscles. Patients are also directed in specific exercises and stretches which stabilize the spine. Those who regularly perform their spine-stabilizing activities often experience long-term condition resolution. I always attempt to find and minimize any sources of stress that might slow improvement and cause ongoing problems. An example of this would be resolving a hairstylist’s low back pain by convincing her to switch to low-heeled Dansko shoes rather than back-aggravating high heels. Many patients choose to continue with periodic chiropractic care, even after they are free from pain. Some have conditions where their symptoms will return if they do not receive periodic chiropractic care. This care is maintenance, not addiction. After all, even a Mack truck needs an occasional realignment. Others know that spinal disorders are the number one cause of disability in people over age 50, and they look forward to long, active lives free from pain. They view periodic chiropractic checkups as being similar to proper dental hygiene - a healthy habit to protect something you want to use through your entire life. At Compass Chiropractic, patients are always free to decide how long they enjoy the benefits of chiropractic care. Condition of the Month – Low Back Pain Sooner or later an amazing 8 out of every 10 people in the Des Moines area will suffer through an incapacitating attack of low back pain. Of people who suffer with back pain for two weeks or longer, 40 percent will end up seeing a chiropractor. Studies have shown that the decision to see a chiropractor is wise. The US Agency for Health Care Policy and Research recently appointed a panel of medical experts who reviewed some 3,900 studies on care for acute low back pain. The panel rejected bedrest, surgery (except rare cases), injections into the back, and all oral prescription drugs (such as antidepressants or steroids). In contrast, they found that spinal manipulation, which usually is performed by a chiropractor, "can be helpful for patients with acute low back problems." For pain, they found over-the-counter medications (aspirin, etc.) worked as well as prescriptions but with fewer side effects. At Compass Chiropractic, effective treatment begins with the most thorough exam in order to determine all the causes of the problem. Spinal adjustments are used to restore proper function to injured or dysfunctional joints. Dr. Krohse has acquired the training and special equipment to provide flexion distraction adjustments, which stretch out the structures of the low back and are especially effective at reducing sciatica (low back pain with pain down the leg). Scar tissue and muscle adhesions will be addressed with ART. Other therapies such as massage, electric stimulation, and ultrasound will be used as needed to reduce the pain of a new back injury. Rehabilitative exercises and stretches will be recommended as needed to keep patients stable for the long term. Check Yourself! – Low Back Pain caused by the Psoas Muscles Find out if your low back pain is caused by psoas muscle tightness! The psoas muscles (silent “p”) are long muscles that come off each side of the spine in the low back and attach to the insides of the femur bones, the upper leg bones. They are your main hip flexors meaning that their job is to bring your upper leg forward. The muscle is stretched when the upper leg is extended backwards behind you. If this muscle becomes abnormally tight, it will put extra pressure into the low back whenever the leg straightens out or extends backward. You won’t feel the psoas muscle tightness. What you will feel instead is a sensation of tightness in the low back as your spine is tugged forward. If psoas muscle tightness is causing your low back pain, you will be more likely to feel low back and hip pain and tightness when standing after sitting for a while, first thing in the morning, or after walking, running, or standing for extended periods of time. In a society where so many sit (sitting shortens the psoas muscles) for many hours a day at computers or while driving, it is no surprise that the psoas muscles tighten up and begin to cause low back pain. How can you find out if the psoas muscles are involved in your low back pain? First determine whether you can perform the stretch below without falling over or hurting your knees (disclaimer – do the check at your own risk). Then… Check yourself! As seen in the picture below, assume the lunge position with one leg forward and the other back. Keeping your upper body upright, shift the hips forward until you feel a stretch on the front of the extended backward hip just to the side of the groin region. Don’t let the upper body lean forward! Hold this stretch for 30 seconds on each side. Stand and move your hips side to side. If your low back feels more relaxed and less painful, you have determined that the psoas muscle is a factor in your low back pain. The test for psoas muscle tightness also happens to be the main stretch to reduce it. However, if you find this stretch reduces your pain it is strongly recommended that you receive a thorough exam at Compass Chiropractic, where Dr. Krohse will determine if there are any other causes of your low back pain, or if there are problems in the low back causing the psoas muscles to be chronically tight. He is also able to treat psoas muscle tightness with Active Release Techniques, a highly effective combination of doctor-applied pressure and patient-assisted stretching.
Calendar February 13/14 Red Flannel Run Spinal Screening at Packet Pickup and Race February 16-27 - Partner with Youth Promotion for New Patients February 24 – Partner with Youth Established Patient Day Every Wednesday at 6 PM – How to Stay Young the First 100 Years, A Half Hour to Health – Spinal Care Class 1st Tues each Month – Kid's Day – Children under 13 receive ANY needed services (exams, adjustments, ART) at no charge 2nd Tues each Month – Athletes Day – Athletes any age bring a team picture or action picture and receive 1st day services (exam and any needed X-rays) at no charge Highly Recommended Professionals: Renae Baker – Strawhacker and Associates LLC (Accounting Firm) – 515.223.7370Kindra and Kevin Barber – Barber Photography – 515.321.8910
Massage and ART Compared

Community Pages
UrbandaleWaukeeWindsor HeightsWest Des MoinesGrimesAdelJohnstonNorwalkBeaverdale