Real Stories. Real Change.

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced are low back pain, sacrum/coccyx (tailbone) pain, and loss of control of urinary bladder.

Presentation

25 year old male who is very active in many sports. He was employed at an auto plant at time of injury, which required extensive forward lumbar flexion and heavy lifting. Symptoms are due to a snowboarding incident where he landed on his sacrum/coccyx (tailbone), thus injuring his low back and pelvis. The low back pain was local (i.e. no complaints of shooting or sciatic type pain was reported). The pain was especially elicited by forward flexion of the lumbar spine (i.e. bending forward of low back).The tailbone pain (sacrum/coccyx) was elicited by sitting on hard surfaces. Incidentally, in conjunction with the injury, he started to experience frequency in urination where he felt the urge to urinate every 20 minutes or so. and woke up 6-8 times per night to relieve himself. The client is experiencing loss of bladder control (i.e. could not hold back urinating). The urination stream was weak.

The treating physician’s diagnosis via X-ray revealed a T12 compression fracture. The ultrasound was unremarkable for any urinary bladder or kidney dysfunction (i.e. everything was “normal”). Pain killers, anti-inflammatories and a back brace (belt) were prescribed, as well as taking time off work and a modified work assignment. No solution was offered in regards to the frequency of urination. The client had been receiving chiropractic treatments for two years, and was told to perform stretches for his low back with no appreciable results. No change was made to the urinary dysfunction.

Therapy Management

Low back and tailbone pain:

Functional and neural therapy and advanced manual massage techniques that included myofascial release, nerve and rib fixation release, joint mobilization, and spinal biomechanics techniques were employed.

The areas treated were the lumbar spine (low back), sacrum and ilium bones and joints (SI joints), iliofemoral joints (hip/pelvic joints), ligaments, and nerves as well as related muscles (i.e. iliopsoas, lumbar paraspinals, quadratus lumborum, gluteals including piriformis, gemelli, etc.)

Urinary bladder dysfunction:

Functional and neural manual techniques, visceral manipulation (to relieve organ fixations), and neural manipulation (to relieve nerve fixations) were employed. The areas treated were the spinal nerves, urinary bladder, kidneys and pelvic bones.

Outcome

Low back and tailbone pain:

The client was able to gradually decrease and stop taking pain medications to manage his condition, and is no longer required a back brace. The client regained full range of motion with his lumbar spine, pain-free, and was able to sit pain-free on firm surfaces. He was also able to resume both his full duties at work, as well as his active lifestyle, including all sports.

Urinary bladder dysfunction:

The client regained full control and normal function of his bladder (i.e. could hold the urge if needed, no dribbling, normal frequency and strength of stream was back to normal), and no longer had the need to wake up at night to urinate.

Symptoms

The symptoms experienced were head swelling, numbness on posterior skull, dizziness/vertigo, memory loss at times, difficulty swallowing (including liquids and frequent choking even with saliva), slurred speech at times, rib bruising with pain (anterior chest), difficulty breathing, restricted range of motion in the neck and shoulders, and limited activities of daily living (mopping, vacuuming, lifting laundry, sleeping, driving, most sports and recreational activity).

Presentation

54 year old female. Her MRI disc herniation indicated that at C4-C5, there was a small focal disc herniation in the left paramedian area. There may have been abutment of the left exiting nerve. At C5-C6, the endplate osteophytes had a moderate diffuse disc buldge. There was marked encroachment of the canal with slight flattening of the cord along its anterior aspect, and marked osteophytes at the unconvertebral joints with marked bilateral foraminal stenosis. The client was experiencing palpatory pain and tenderness of the anterior and posterior cervical musculature bilaterally, with moderate myofascial restrictions. The client was also experiencing palpatory pain and tenderness of the left shoulder region, including moderate myofascial restrictions in the rotator cuff region. There was palpatory moderate to severe pain and tenderness of the anterior chest region (especially left side), including left sternocostal and costrochondral joints (pain also noted posteriorly in the same costovertebral joints), as well as numbness and tingling in bilateral hands.

In terms of functional restrictions, the client experienced moderate difficulty performing activities of daily living, including bearing weight (i.e. carrying groceries or a large purse) and driving. The client experienced moderate to severe sleep difficulties (i.e. waking up 3-4 times per night due to chocking, rib and/or neck pain). She had a limited range of motion of the cervical spine bilaterally, including forward flexion and bilateral rotation accompanied by moderate to severe pain. The client had cervical rotation degree restrictions accompanied by pain: left 45; right 60; forward 80, right lateral 20. Using Jamar Hand Dynamometer, it was revealed that the client had weakness in her left hand grip strength of 45/57 lbs. and her right hand of 65/65 lbs. for her age category. She was experiencing moderate pain in her low back with extended standing and sitting.

The treating physician prescribed pain and anti-nausia medication with no significant change in symptoms. Physiotherapy and chiropractic were suggested and pursued but resulted in little to no change in symptoms.

Therapy Management

Functional and neural manual techniques of associated somato and visceral structures, including active myofascial release, joint mobilization, neurofunctional treatment were applied. Manual articular therapy was applied to cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine and rib fixations.

Craniosacral techniques:

Maxillofacial joint techniques (to relieve fixations between the both the upper and lower jaw and the cranial bones), neural manipulation (to relieve nerve fixations of both the cranial nerves involved), and neurofunctional medical acupuncture to address chronic pain and hypersensitivity issues were each applied. Trigger point therapy for muscles associated with the neck (cervical spine) were also treated (both anterior and posteriorly). Muscles of the shoulder (upper thoracic and scapula) were also addressed, including rib fixations, and home stretching, core strengthening, hydrotherapy, along with body awareness were addressed.

Outcome

The client’s concussion and head swelling had full recovery, and they no longer had any numbness in the back of the head. Choking happens very infrequently. The client experienced a full recovery from dizziness/vertigo, and memory loss is no longer an issue. They no longer have a constant dazed feeling, and altered voice talking/reading (especially with head flexion) is no longer an issue.

The client had marked improvement with deep breathing, and there was a 95%+ recovery of pain in ribcage even with motion (i.e. sleeping, rotation, palpation/contact, etc.). There was also a 95%+ improvement of cervical range of motion (including while driving).

The client no longer experienced any numbness and tingling in the hands, even with exercise, and regained full strength in arms and legs. The client almost regained full ability of activities of daily living.

Symptoms

The client experienced shoulder pain with decreased range of motion, depression, anxiety, irritable sleep, brain fog, and lack of creativity.

Presentation

53 year old male, working professional in project management within a top ranking company. He had recently developed what was diagnosed as adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”) in his left glenohumeral joint, that generated pain which affected many of his activities of daily living. This was the reason for seeking therapy. His range of motion was limited to 10 degrees of internal rotation, 20 degrees of external rotation, and 100 degrees of abduction.

The client experienced moderate to severe local pain, and was prescribed pain medication, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and a regime of physiotherapy and chiropractic care by his treating physician for treating the “frozen shoulder”, all of which yielded little to no appreciable results.

The client was diagnosed by his treating physician with depression many years ago, and was prescribed and taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and sleeping pills. There was a history of minor headaches yet, otherwise, he was in relatively good health. The client previously played guitar and wrote music but had lost the desire and ambition to do so.

Therapy Management

Adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”):

Functional and neural advanced manual massage techniques that included myofascial release, joint mobilization, and medical electro-acupuncture were applied. The areas treated were the cervical spine (neck) and upper body shoulder joints, ligaments, and nerves, as well as related organs.

Depression

Functional and neural manual techniques, as well as a 30-session medical electro-acupuncture treatment protocol were used. The areas treated were cranial nerves and bones, as well as spinal nerves.

Outcome

Adhesive capsulitis (“frozen shoulder”):

The client reported no pain in his shoulder or neck, and regained full range of motion and strength along with the ability to carry out all normal activities of daily living. The client’s range of motion progressed to 55 degrees of internal rotation,40 degrees of external rotation, and 120 degrees of abduction.

Depression

The client was able to gradually decrease and stop taking SSRIs and sleeping pills under the supervision of his caring physician. He was able to resume playing the guitar with greater mental clarity, and was able to start writing music once again. The client’s headaches were decreased to infrequent and mild.

Symptoms

The client’s symptoms were chest pain, irritable, poor sleep, feeling ‘blue’, low energy, and anger.

Presentation

45 year old female, working mom, caring for a husband and 3 children (ages 5-14). The client was diagnosed by her treating physician with depression many years ago, was prescribed and taking two types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). There is a history of constant headaches, chest pain, and low back pain associated with kidney stones. Otherwise, she was in relatively good health.

Therapy Management

Depression, anxiety, and low energy:

Functional and neural manual techniques, as well as a 30-session medical electro-acupuncture treatment protocol were used. The areas treated were cranial nerves and bones, as well as spinal (peripheral) nerves.

Outcome

Depression, anxiety, and low energy:

The client was able to gradually decrease and minimize taking SSRIs under the supervision of her caring physician. She no longer complains of chest pain, and has a much more positive outlook on life. She mentioned that even her husband and friends noticed her being less irritable and much happier. The client is able to deal with and cope better, even under stressful situations. Her energy levels increased, and her sleep improved as well.

Symptoms

The client was experiencing wrist pain, loss of strength, and decreased range of motion.

Presentation

58 year old female, former Registered Practical Nurse, who was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome. She complained of constant numbness and tingling in her hands, as well as pain and weakness when gripping items such as a pot or even a book. Her symptoms began as mild to infrequent and were progressively more intense and constant.

Anti-inflammatories were prescribed by her treating physician, as well as suggesting surgery. The client’s phalen’s test was positive bilaterally. Her grip strength test using a calibrated Jamar unit revealed results to be 45 lbs. on the right and 62 lbs. on the left, while the mean right is 65.8lbs and mean left is 57.3 lbs. for her age group. The client has a history of headaches, heart murmurs, and diabetes.

Therapy Management

Carpal tunnel syndrome:

Functional and neural advanced manual massage techniques that included myofascial release and joint mobilization were applied. The areas treated were the neck (cervical spine and related muscles), upper body shoulder joints (glenohumeral joint), ligaments, and nerves, as well as related organs, including the elbow and wrist joint and related carpal bones, ligaments, and nerves.

Outcome

Carpal tunnel syndrome:

The client no longer had numbness or tingling, nor pain in her hands within four treatments. Her assessed grip strength was improved to 66 lbs. on the right, and 66lbs. on the left. She was able to resume full use of her hands and, one year later, is still symptom-free.

Symptoms

The client was experiencing chest pain, and was not able to take full breath (i.e. lungs could not fill to normal capacity).

Presentation

7 year old male, very active and complained of stomach pain, chest pain, and wheezing, commonly after playing sports. The client expressed that his lips would turn blue, and that he frequently experienced shortness of breath. He was diagnosed with asthma by his treating physician.

Both blue (reliever) and orange (preventer) colored puffers (inhalers) were prescribed by his treating physician. There is also a history of lack of urinary bladder control with above average frequency to urinate.

Therapy Management

*With parental consent and presence during treatment

Asthma:

Functional and neural advanced manual massage techniques that included myofascial release and joint mobilization were applied. The areas treated were the anterior chest/sternum area, lungs and diaphragm, ligaments and nerves, as well as related organs, including the rib cage.

Outcome

Asthma:

The client no longer complained of stomach pain, chest pain, and wheezing. His lips no longer turned blue, and he no longer experienced shortness of breath. Both blue (reliever) and orange (preventer) colored puffers (inhalers) were discontinued within 10 treatments.

Symptoms

The client was experiencing panic attacks and nightmares.

Presentation

42 year old working female, diagnosed by her treating physician with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She experienced constant panic attacks and shortness of breath for several years.

Therapy Management

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

Viscero-emotional technique and functional and neural manual techniques were applied. The areas treated were cranial nerves and bones, and intracranial structures, as well as the cervical spine and spinal (peripheral) nerves.

Outcome

Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

The client no longer experienced random panic attacks and no longer complained of having any nightmares after six treatments.

Symptoms

The client experienced jaw pain with or without chewing, frequent headaches, jaw popping noises, chest pain, and tenderness that prevented her full active lifestyle potential.

Presentation

23 year old female, pharmacy technician with a 6-year history of jaw pain. She tried physiotherapy and acupuncture for pain relief over the history of her pain, and was prescribed a mouth guard by her treating physician.

The client reports frequent clenching due to stress, and expressed that applying heat and massaging the outside of the jaw seemed to help decrease some of the symptoms. The client’s range of motion test revealed that she was able to place three vertical fingers between her teeth (within a normal range), but with pain at the end range.

Therapy Management

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and rib fixations:

Functional & neural manual techniques and craniosacral techniques were applied to relieve jaw bone, cranial bones and suture fixations. Maxillofacial joint techniques were applied to relieve fixations between the both the upper and lower jaw and the cranial bones. Neural manipulation was applied to relieve nerve fixations of both the cranial nerves involved, namely the trigeminal nerve and facial nerve.

Manual articular therapy was applied to rib fixations. Muscles associated with the neck (cervical spine) were also treated, both anteriorly and posteriorly. Muscles of the shoulder (upper thoracic and scapula) were also addressed, including rib fixations.

Outcome

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction and rib fixations:

The client no longer had jaw pain, but the popping noise remained. The client’s headache frequency was reduced to rarely experiencing any, and chest pain and tenderness were no longer reported. The client was able to return to full active lifestyle.

Symptoms

The client experienced constant groin pain and knee pain after running 5 km or swimming a short distance.

Presentation

38 year old female, triathlete (recreational). Her symptoms of groin and pelvic pain had a gradual onset whereby the pain became constant. Her knee pain had a sudden onset due to a fall, and pain was localized to the site of the injury. The client was not able to run nor swim without moderate pain, and cycling brought out mild to moderate pain.

The client’s treating physician diagnosed a muscle strain in the groin area. Anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxants were prescribed. Weakness and groin pain was noted with both hip flexion and adduction.

Therapy Management

Groin pain:

Functional & Neural therapy and advanced manual massage techniques that included myofascial/GTO release, joint mobilization, strain/counter-strain, and trigger point therapy were applied. The areas treated were pelvic bones including the sacrum and related joints (SI joints and pubic symphysis), as well as related muscles (ie. pectineus, iliopsoas, etc.).

Knee pain:

Manual articular manipulation (to relieve joint fixations), joint mobilization, and neural manipulation (to relieve nerve fixations) were employed. The areas treated were the patella (knee cap), tibiofibular joint, tibiofemoral joint, knee related muscles and ligaments including the popliteus, IT-band, and adductor magnus, and the subtalar joint (ankle joints).

Outcome

Groin pain:

The client was able to stop taking medication to manage her condition, and she regained full strength with hip flexion and adduction.

Knee pain:

The client was symptom-free. Knee pain was no longer a complaint, even with activity, and she was able to resume being a triathlete without symptoms. The client’s performance increased, as she was able to reduce her overall marathon time by over 10 minutes.