West Des Moines Chiropractic Newsletter July

Compass Chiropractic July, 2009 E-NewsletterTake A Tour

Patient Appreciation Day for A Special Fundraiser – July 23, 2009

We have set aside July 23 as a day when our established patients can help us raise money for Special Olympics Iowa. On that day, patients may donate $20 or more to Special Olympics and receive any needed services (adjustments, Active Release Techniques, muscle stim, and table massage) at no charge. Call 515-309-1217 today to reserve a time.

A Special Fundraiser

Through July 31, any new patient who donates $50 or more to Special Olympics Iowa will receive a complementary first visit (exam and any needed spinal X-rays up to $300 value).

Help us spread the word on this great opportunity for Special Olympics and people putting up with problems we have the solution for.

Call (515) 309-1217 to schedule an appointment!

Condition of the Month – Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a major problem in Des Moines residents' lives of repetitive motions and computer work. Many search for a solution for the pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome without results. We are thrilled to offer Active Release Techniques (ART) which often permanently resolves cases of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Nerve cells are very different from all the other cells in the body. While all other cells are microscopic and relatively round, individual nerve cells extend all the way from the spine to the tips of the fingers and toes. Millions of these individual cells extend out from the spine in the thicker tube-like structures known as nerves. Nerves are responsible for carrying sensation, muscle control, and organ control messages to the entire body.

Because of nerve cells’ length, they function a bit like a hose coming out of a house. If someone steps on the hose near the house, it may not cut off the flow of the water. However it will then take less pressure by someone further out to cut off the flow entirely.

Similarly, when a person experiences nerve symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, or burning/pulling/shocking pain in the arm or hand, there may be multiple spots between the spine and the tips of the fingers where the nerve is being “pinched.” It is imperative to start with a very thorough exam to determine exactly where this is happening.

Active Release Techniques certified providers learn nerve entrapment protocols to free up the spots where nerves are being pinched. These protocols combine specific doctor-applied pressure into the problem spots with patient-assisted stretching of the nerves. Often patients experience immediate reduction in nerve symptoms after treatment. Stretches are recommended to keep nerve problems from returning. In my practice, I have seen multiple patients avoid surgery through Active Release Techniques care.

Many health insurances cover Active Release Techniques as a manual therapy performed by a doctor. A complimentary consultation is always available, where you can share what you’re experiencing and learn how Active Release Techniques may be able to resolve the condition.

Perform the self checks below and schedule an appointment to see Dr. Krohse if you are dealing with any nerve conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Check Yourself – Do I have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or a peripheral nerve condition like it?

First consider whether you have the symptoms: numbness, tingling, and/or sharp pains in the fingers, hands, and up into the forearms.

Perform this functional test to see if you have weakness related to carpal tunnel syndrome or a peripheral nerve condition: Try to hold your thumb to your littlest finger while a friend tries to pull them apart. Check both sides and compare. If one side is much weaker this could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Try Phalen’s Test: Raise your arms and bend your elbows to that your hands are in front of your chest. Put the backs of your hands together so that your fingers are pointing toward the floor. Hold this position for a minute and see if you start to experience numbness and tingling.

If any of these tests cause increased symptoms or weakness is found, it would be wise to have a thorough exam performed at Compass Chiropractic.

A Story of Exceeded Expectations

Dr. David Krohse,

I want you to know that I appreciate very much the outstanding results achieved within the short period of time since I've been a patient of yours. I would like to share my positive experience with others who may also be suffering as I was.

I came to see Dr. David Krohse specifically with hopes of getting some relief from a pinched nerve in my neck. I had been experiencing numbness and tingling in my right arm, hand and fingers for several months. After a few visits and discussions about some other existing symptoms (lower back, hip, knee and ankle pain), Dr. Krohse thought we should scan my feet. Well, to my surprise we discovered that I have flat feet! Dr. Krohse then went on to explain how I might benefit from custom orthotics. I placed my order and within less than a week I was wearing my new custom orthotics.

I have been wearing these now for about six weeks or so and my hip, knee and ankle pain is pretty much gone and my lower back pain has been significantly reduced. I feel much better and I look forward to mowing the lawn, hiking the trails and playing golf, confident that I am not going to suffer the painful ramifications experienced in the past. Oh, the issue of numbness and tingling caused by the pinched nerve are now totally gone. Thank you Dr. Krohse.

Sincerely,
Carl Stam

Dr. Krohse’s Favorite Websites – Part 1

www.pandora.com

Pandora lets you type in the name of an artist or song you like. It will then create a station with uninterrupted music based on that song. Applications are available to use this site on your iPhone or Blackberry Phone. Some of our favorite seeds at Compass Chiropractic include Michael Buble and Norah Jones.

www.howstuffworks.com

Everything you need to know about… pretty much everything. I have this set to update daily on my myyahoo home page and always learn some interesting facts which vary from useless to useful.

wilbor.lib.overdrive.com

I just started using this one yesterday, but I’m pretty excited about it. This site offers free downloadable audiobooks for local library users.

Calendar

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

Massage and ART Compared
Community Pages
UrbandaleWaukeeWindsor HeightsWest Des MoinesGrimesAdelJohnstonNorwalkBeaverdale
Runner's Lounge Podcast
Dr. Krohse was recently interviewed for Runner's Lounge. He explains Active Release Techniques and how it can help a variety of conditions that plague runners such as hip pain, knee pain, IT Band syndrome, shin splints, Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, numbness and tingling, and low back pain.
Click here to listen

Visit the Runner's Lounge Blog Posting