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Natural Hip Pain Treatment: Orthotic Insoles Help

Natural Hip Pain Treatment: Orthotic Insoles Help

by | Apr 2, 2022 | Informational, Orthotics

Can Orthotic Insoles Help with Hip Pain?

Chronic and acute pain are common problems for Americans, with a staggering 126 million adults reporting some level of pain in a three-month timespan.

Many of these adults experience sharp or aching pain in their hips. Your hips are two of the most important joints in your body—they’re used when you’re standing, walking, bending, and even sitting down. As such, chronic hip pain can interfere with your ability to live a normal life and do the things you love.

If you’re experiencing discomfort from arthritis, injury, or hip flexor pain, treatment is possible. Read on to learn how your chiropractor and orthotics can help.

 

Causes and Symptoms of Hip Pain

There are countless reasons why your hips could be hurting, but there are a few conditions that we see over and over. Whether your pain is chronic or acute, here are a few things to look out for.

Chronic Hip Pain

Chronic hip pain is often the result of getting older. As we age, our cartilage wears down, meaning our joints don’t have as much cushion.

However, not all hip pain is caused by aging. Some other reasons for chronic pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Bursitis
  • Tendonitis
  • Labral tears
  • Poor body alignment
  • Tight and inflamed hip flexors or other muscles
  • Sciatica

Chronic pain tends to worsen over time. It might feel sharp and stabbing whenever you do a certain activity or dull and achy all the time. The pain may also radiate to your groin, low back, and other areas around your hip.

Acute Hip Pain

While chronic pain often worsens gradually, acute pain is sharp and sudden. Some common causes of acute hip pain include:

  • Falls or other injuries
  • Car accidents
  • Connective tissue damage
  • Tendon or muscle sprain or strain
  • Overuse injuries

Whether your hip pain comes on suddenly and without warning or you know it’s the result of an injury, call your doctor immediately. You’ll need to eliminate serious conditions like hip fractures, dislocations, and cancer to clear you for chiropractic care.

How Orthotics Can Help Hip Pain

When many people consider their options for hip pain treatment, they often think that surgery or pain medication are the only choices. Thankfully, sometimes all you need is a little extra support.

Orthotic shoe inserts for hip pain are designed to support your feet, ankles, legs, and hips when you stand. By providing the right foundation, orthotics bring the rest of your body back into alignment. This relieves extra stress on your hip joints and allows tight muscles to relax.

Some drugstore shoe inserts claim to relieve pain in your hips, but they don’t provide the exact support your body needs. If you want the best treatment for hip pain, have your chiropractor make you a set of custom orthotics that match your unique foot shape.

Aside from orthotics, your chiropractor might also suggest getting an adjustment, stretching and exercising, or using heat and ice to reduce your pain. Following their instructions can help you avoid the need for surgery and get back to living your normal life.

See Your Chiropractor for Hip Flexor Pain Treatment and Custom Orthotics

Orthotics are great for hip flexor pain treatment, and they help with several other conditions as well. If you’re interested in getting natural treatment for hip pain, talk to your chiropractor today.

Are you looking for a chiropractor in Mill Creek, WA? Check out Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. We can help you get the orthotics you need as well as other supporting treatments to relieve your hip pain.

Contact us online or give us a call to schedule your complimentary consultation.

4 Reasons To Stop Drinking Energy Drinks and Healthier Alternatives

4 Reasons To Stop Drinking Energy Drinks and Healthier Alternatives

by | Mar 23, 2022 | Diabetes, Informational, Nutrition

Did you know that a growing body of scientific evidence shows that energy drinks can create major health problems for young adults and children?

Energy drink manufacturers claim that their products can improve concentration and make you feel more alive. What they don’t tell you is that they can also rot your teeth, interrupt your sleep cycles, and increase your blood pressure.

This is why it’s so important to seek out healthier alternatives to energy drinks. If you want to find out more, read on and we’ll tell you what you need to know.

1. Bad for Your Heart

Because it’s so effective at helping people stay alert, energy drinks contain lots of caffeine. Many people don’t realize that if they consume too much caffeine in one day, they’re likely to develop health issues. This includes heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, and increased heart rates.

Since most energy drinks contain anywhere between seventy and one hundred and forty milligrams of caffeine, you only need to drink several beverages per day to do damage to your heart.

Energy drinks are particularly harmful to those who have preexisting heart conditions such as heart disease.

2. They Have Lots of Sugar

Most of these drinks have more than twenty grams of sugar per eight-ounce serving. This is more than half of the total amount of daily sugar that the American Heart Association recommends.

When too much sugar is in the body, it starts to become inflamed, a condition that is linked to many chronic diseases. Too much sugar can also increase the risk of obesity, type II diabetes, and liver disease.

3. Don’t Ever Mix With Alcohol

Did you know that mixing energy drinks with alcohol can alter your intoxication levels? This often makes people feel less sensitive to the effects of alcohol even though they are still intoxicated. This can make people think that they’re able to do things that they shouldn’t be doing while drinking.

People who mix these drinks with alcohol are also more likely to binge drink. Since binge drinking can create problems such as liver disease and memory problems, it’s important to seek out healthier alternatives when you’re consuming alcoholic beverages.

4. Energy Drinks Can Be Harmful to Young People

Youth and adolescents are still growing, and their bodies are not always ready to handle the effects of these drinks. Teens and youth who consume these drinks put themselves at risk of developing conditions such as cognitive under-development, difficulty sleeping, and an increased risk of developing mental health conditions.

How to Stop Drinking Energy Drinks

If you want to stop drinking energy drinks, the best thing you can do is find healthy alternatives. Instead of reaching for an energy drink before you start your day, consider making yourself a cup of green tea.

Another healthy alternative is ginkgo balboa. Though this species of tree has been used in China for many centuries, only recently has it gained popularity in the West. The plant will boost your energy. It also treats circulatory problems and issues related to respiration.

It will also be easier to stop drinking energy drinks if you change your diet. It’s a great idea to limit the amount of sugar and processed foods you consume. Instead, start consuming plenty of green juices, smoothies, and whole grains.

Avoid Energy Drinks and Seek Healthier Alternatives

There are many reasons why you should avoid energy drinks and choose healthier alternatives. They are bad for your heart. Since they contain so much sugar, they increase the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes.

Do you need help to treat health conditions related to consuming energy drinks? Make the change and switch to healthier alternatives.

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

4 Ways to Fix Your Posture For A Healthier Back

by | Mar 17, 2022 | Informational, Injury

There are a lot of reasons back pain can occur. Bad posture and the negative effects of bad posture are some of the biggest ones. Fixing your posture can be the first step for correcting back pain.

Recent studies have shown that at least 58.9% of American adults are living with back pain. Back pain can make going about our daily lives difficult. It can even make laying down uncomfortable, and no one likes that!

But, how do you fix your posture for a healthier back? Keep reading, and we’ll help you fix your back and live a more comfortable and amazing life!

1. Fix Your Seated Posture

For many people, the reason their posture is bad is that they work on a computer all day. Our screens might be too low and we arch our necks downward to look at them, like when we use our phone, tablet, or laptop. Or, because we get tired, we relax and embrace a slouched position for hours.

Our spines will develop a curvature to them, like a shrimp. Our necks might be more forward than they should be naturally. Some people even experience pinching along their spine or shoulder blades.

Developing correct sitting posture can alleviate back pain. A correct sitting posture has your back straightened and your shoulders back. Your buttocks touch the back of your chair and, if possible, you have a pillow to support the lumbar curve in your back.

One way to do this is by creating a desk set up that has your computer or monitor high enough so you don’t have to slouch to see it. While working, you can also try to keep your ears lined up with your shoulders.

2. Learning to Stand

Instead of sitting, you can always get a standing desk. But, you need to understand what makes a good standing posture. Standing posture is important for anyone who performs manual labor or is on their feet all day.

Correct standing posture will once again have your shoulders back, just like when you’re sitting. Your head should be in line with your body like a pole is going from your head to your toes. Then, bring in your stomach and keep your feet shoulder-width apart without locking your knees.

The weight of your standing position should be on the balls of your feet. But, if you need to stand for a long time, shift your weight from one foot to another. This can help make standing for prolonged periods easier.

3. Stretching and Exercising

Another way to improve your posture is by taking a break from technology. Stepping away from your computer and taking a walk can stretch out your muscles, plus it gives your eyes a break. You can also do upper body stretches.

To do this, face a corner with your arms raised, elbows and shoulder height, and hands flat against the wall. Place one foot in front of the other and bend forward with your knees, exhaling as you lean into the corner. With your back straight and head up, there will be a stretching sensation across your chest. Stay in this position for 30 seconds, then relax your body. 

4. Visiting a Chiropractor

When you’ve experienced poor posture for a long time, or begin to feel pain in your back, the best thing you can do is visit a chiropractor. These trained professionals can ease back pain. They can even help you find ways to maintain a correct posture all day.

For example, Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness has a chiropractor in Mill Creek that specializes in providing pain relief. Professional chiropractors will use their hands to manipulate your spine and other back muscles. This can help realign your spine or end any pinching you might feel.

Correct Your Bad Posture Today!

The negative effects of bad posture include back pain, neck pain, and spinal damage. Bad posture can make living life uncomfortable. These tips for fixing your posture can help you develop positive posture habits in any environment!

If you’re experiencing back pain or have tried to fix your posture on your own and failed, reach out to our team at Amazing Life Chiropractic and Wellness. Located in Mill Creek, WA, we want to help you live a more comfortable life. Don’t let back pain stop you from doing what you want.

Contact us today to make an appointment!

Red Light for Skin Treatment

Red Light for Skin Treatment

by | Nov 4, 2021 | Advice, Informational, Red Light Therapy

Benefits of Red Light Therapy for Your Skin

Maybe you’ve heard of red light therapy — or by one of its other names:  bio-stimulation, low level light therapy (LLLT), or photobiomodulation (PBM)? Perhaps you’ve heard about an interesting new therapeutic procedure that can treat and reduce scars and promote wound healing to your skin through red light? You may have even heard about its amazing results in weight reduction? Read on to see what Red Light Therapy is and how red light can help the skin.

What is Red Light Therapy?

In the 1990’s NASA Scientists discovered that Red Light Therapy, or RLT, helped plants grown on space flights. Specifically, they discovered that red LEDs produced an intense light that promoted photosynthesis leading to growth in plants.

It wasn’t long until scientists made the leap to healthcare where they wanted to know if RLT would increase the energy within human cells that could stimulate growth and regeneration. 

Explaining the Red Light Therapy Process

It’s believed that by penetrating about five millimeters below the skin’s surface, RLT stimulates and strengthens the mitochondria which powers individual cells through an energy-supporting molecule called adenosine triphosphate. 

This stimulation causes the cell to repair and rejuvenate itself leading to noticeable skin improvements. And since there is no damage to the skin like is experienced with laser therapy or pulsed light therapy, skin shows immediate progress.

Red Light Therapy Benefits and Your Skin

While studies are numerous and ongoing, there seem to be promising results evident on the benefits of red light therapy when focused on repairing skin tissue. RLT has shown benefits when treating the following skin issues:

  • Diminishes scars and stretch marks
  • Promotes tissue repair and wound regeneration
  • Stimulates healing in diabetic wounds
  • Greatly improves acne scars
  • Improves psoriasis
  • Alleviates some side effects from treatments for cancer
  • Helps in weight loss
  • Diminishes wrinkles and improves the skin’s texture
  • Reduces pain and stiffness in people with rheumatoid arthritis
  • Helps to repair damage from the sun

Are There Side Effects of Red Light Therapy?

No, as long as you are working with a knowledgeable, experienced healthcare provider, you shouldn’t experience any discomfort or side effects when being treated with red light therapy.

In fact, you may find that red light therapy addresses multiple issues in addition to the initial treatment sought. For example, treatment for a facial scar may also help to reduce fine lines, age spots, or signs of aging.

Red Light Therapy Near Me in Mill Creek, Washington

While there are non-traditional businesses advertising red light therapy, like day spas and tanning salons, it is best to obtain care from a licensed healthcare professional. Not only can they recommend treatment based on your overall health, but they are also trained in what works best for your specific health issue and what to watch out for overall. Contact us for more information!

How Red Light Therapy Targets Fat Cells

How Red Light Therapy Targets Fat Cells

by | Oct 13, 2021 | Advice, Informational, Red Light Therapy, Weight-Loss

Using Red Light Therapy to Targets Fat Cells

In weight loss, targeting fat cells is crucial, and red light therapy is particularly effective in this regard. At a wavelength of 635 nm, red light therapy activates the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase, which opens the pores in fat cells, causing them to deflate like a water balloon. The released fat then enters the bloodstream and can be burned for energy through exercise and a proper diet, leading to fat loss through fat cells.

To maximize results, it’s important to avoid counteracting these benefits with high-sugar or high-glycemic index foods. Studies have shown that combining red light therapy with exercise can enhance peak performance by 15%, compared to 10% with exercise alone. This synergy illustrates how working with your body can improve overall wellness.

How Many Inches Could You Lose with Red Light Therapy?

Other researchers revealed startling evidence from their study that red light therapy sessions at 635 nm with the light six inches away from the body three times a week for six weeks caused a 5 inch reduction in hips, abdominals, waistlines, and thighs, targeting the fat cells.

Another study, this time for only 2 weeks with 67 volunteers and 3 sessions of red light therapy per week led to a 1-inch loss in the waistline, 1-inch loss in the hips, and 0.65 inches from the thighs. You might be thinking that’s not much, but actually it’s not too bad for those who aren’t dieting, aren’t altering their diet in any way, and aren’t exercising. 

Red Light Therapy Targets the Reasons Why You Gained Weight 

The most common reasons why people gain weight include:

  • They are under too much stress.
  • They don’t sleep well at night or long enough.
  • They aren’t particularly happy and run to comfort foods.
  • Their body is inflamed.
  • They continue eating during the day beyond regular meals due to appetite. 
  • Their metabolism has slowed down. 

Red light therapy works on every one of these reasons. 

When you’re under stress, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline. These two hormones cause the production of belly fat. Red light therapy decreases levels of these two hormones.

Red light therapy stimulates the production of melatonin. This is the hormone that is released while you sleep. It causes regeneration to occur in your body.

Red light is part of the full spectrum light therapy that is used to treat patients with seasonal affective disorder. However, recently red light therapy has been used with excellent success. The treatment helps bring the patients out of their acute depressive state faster than any other treatment plan, one psychologist from the UCLA Medical School stated. 

Red light therapy is well known in the studies to decrease inflammation. When you have inflammation, you have blockages in the energy circuits of the body. Red light therapy clears out the inflammation.

Red light therapy also increases leptin levels while lowering ghrelin levels. This ends up causing a reduction in hunger. And with less hunger, there’s no reason to eat. 

And if you want to know how red light therapy affects metabolism, it does so by increasing circulation to the cells of the body. Greater circulation means more cells are working at high capacity. 

If you would like more information about Red Light Therapy, contact us and we would be happy to help!

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy at 635 Nanometers

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy at 635 Nanometers

by | Oct 13, 2021 | Informational, Red Light Therapy

The Benefits of Red Light Therapy at 635 Nanometers

Are you curious about how red light therapy actually breaks down the fat cells? Are you wondering how something like light can possibly make a difference in the fat cells and whether or not there are other effects that contribute to fat loss? Firstly, this whole field of health is called photobiomodulation, which means the use of light to affect the body’s cells. Light vibrates at a certain frequency and when it activates the cells, it’s called photobiomodulation. Read on to see why wavelengths around 635-660 nanometers matter.

What is Light Therapy?

In essence, light therapy consists of using different colored light for different health and wellness conditions and desired effects. Each color of the rainbow has its own wavelength, and the wavelength is even different for each band of color. Red light therapy could be various shades of red, and thus different wavelengths. 

Here’s a chart of the colors of the rainbow and their different frequencies:

Color Wavelength
Red (end of the rainbow) 700
Red 650
Orange 600
Yellow 580
Green 550
Cyan 500
Blue 450
Violet (end of the rainbow) 400

Once you understand that red light is right around 650 nanometers, you can find out what happened in the research studies when different wavelengths were studied.

Why 635 nm -660 nm?

To illustrate, there have been two different red wavelengths that have been studied:

  1. 660 nm – This wavelength has been found to be effective for healing of burns, cosmetic issues, scars, and dermatological conditions.
  2. 635 nm – This wavelength doesn’t penetrate the skin too deep and is excellent for the breakdown of scar tissue and deep fat at the level of 6 cm. 

The key fact to remember here if you are trying to lose weight is that the 635 nm wavelength goes right after fat cells and breaks them down. 

Specifically, red light therapy at 635 nm activates an enzyme called cytochrome c oxidase, which opens the pores in fat cells. The fat cells then deflate like a balloon. Now that the fat is circulating around in the bloodstream, your goal is to burn the fat. It’s at this point that exercise or a keto diet will burn the fat and it will be gone permanently.   

Cytochrome c oxidase is an enzyme that is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates for energy from the foods that you eat. It’s not used until the end of the Krebs cycle pathway when the end products arrive at the mitochondria of the cell. In this final stretch of energy production, there’s a chain of events that occur, highly dependent on cytochrome c oxidase. 

Other Effects of Red Light Therapy on the Body

Red light therapy has several other positive benefits on the body. It modulates inflammation, increases nitric oxide production which increases circulation, enhances relaxation and improves sleep. It lowers stress as well, and when stress hormones are low, that’s when you can get the best results with weight loss.  Red light therapy also helps reset the circadian rhythms in the body so you can feel more in charge of your life.

Red light therapy has been gaining popularity in the last few years because it’s a type of therapy that doesn’t take long, doesn’t make you sweat yet offers exercise benefits, and isn’t very costly. Sessions are usually 10 to 20 minutes long. 

For more information about Red Light Therapy, please contact us and we would be happy to help!