The Archives

Archive for January, 2012

Pictures from the Open House.

Posted in: Blog, Dr. Gina by chirocare on January 31, 2012

We had an Open House a little while ago to Welcome Dr. Spath and Joy as well as say “Good-bye” to Dr. Tushaus.

                                                   

Manta Member

Posted in: Blog, Dr. Gina, Massage Therapy, Sports Rehab by chirocare on January 25, 2012

Fitness Trends of 2012

Posted in: Blog, Dr. Gina, Fitness, Health Tips, Sports Rehab by chirocare on January 24, 2012

Here is a link to an article about the Top 10 Fitness Trends of 2012.

What are your fitness goals this year? Do you have a favorite new exercise?

How can we help you help yourself?

Please call (314) 439-5548 to set-up an appointment

 

Effects of Poor Posture

Posted in: Blog, Dr. Gina by chirocare on January 23, 2012

For every inch that the head moves forward in posture, it increases the weight of the head on the neck by 10 pounds! 

Poor Posture leads to Forward Head Posture (FHP), which is one of the most common cause of neck pain, upper back pain and headaches. This can be a result of injuries like sprains and strains of the neck leading to weak and overworked muscles. In addition, long hours in front of the computer may greatly contribute to forward head posture, thus increasing the likelihood of pain and headaches.

The extra pressure on the neck from improper posture flattens the normal curve of the cervical spine (neck) resulting in abnormal strain of the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck causing the joints to deteriorate faster than normal. This can result in degenerative joint disease or arthritis.

According to the Mayo Clinic (March 2000) the effects of long term forward neck posture leads to “long-term muscle strain, disc herniation and pinched nerves.” 

The international journal, Cephalalgia (2009) states ”We found concerning association between neck pain and high number of hours of computing”.  

How many hours do you spend at the computer each day? Does your neck hurt? Is your upper back stiff or do you have headaches?  

Chiropractic care has been proven to b effective in treating neck and upper back pain as well as headaches associated with poor posture.

If you have good posture, it means your bones and joints are aligned properly and proper alignment is necessary if you want your muscles, ligaments and joints to work properly.  

If you are concerned with your posture or have aches or pains, please don’t hesitate to call our office (314) 439-5548.  Good posture feels good and it’s good looking too. 

Dr. Gina is a Certified Chiropractic Posture Therapy Specialist and Dr. Spath has been treating posture problems for many years.

The Joys (and challenges) of Motherhood

Posted in: Blog by chirocare on January 17, 2012

When I became a new mom almost 11 months ago, I was very surprised at just how much my upper back and neck began HURTING from spending so much time holding our baby!  Thankfully I knew how to manage this, but I have often wondered since then how many new moms are out there feeling the same aches and pains and unaware that chiropractic care can help.

If you know a new mom who is suffering from aches and pains due to caring for her baby, let her know there is someone who can help. Remind her it is very important for her to take care of herself as well….and give her our office phone number (314) 439-5548!

Dr. Spath

First “real” Massage? Info for New Clients

Posted in: Blog, Massage Therapy by chirocare on January 16, 2012

I have been lucky enough to be the first professional, license Massage Therapist to work on some new clients lately.  I came across this article on the American Massage Therapy Association website and thought it was great.  If you have had many massages or have never had one before this might be helpful. 

Please feel free to email or call me if you have any questions about Massage or our office. chirocare2009@hotmail.com and (314) 439-5548.

Here’s the link for the AMTA article :

Good Communication Improves Understanding Between Massage Therapists, Clients

Thank you and have a great day.

-MollieShea Stephens, LMT

Friends of Kids with Cancer Trivia Night this Month

Posted in: Blog by chirocare on January 10, 2012

Upcoming events! Friends of Kids with Cancer, Helping kids with cancer… be kids.

10th Annual Trivia Night, “Minute to Win it” at CBC High School on January 27th.

1850 De La Salle Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.  Doors Open at 6p.m. and Trivia Begina at 7p.m.

Come share your useless knowledge while supporting a useful cause!

please vist www.friendsofkids.com or call (314) 275-7440 for more information.

Friends of Kids with Cancer is a nonprofit organization devoted solely towards enriching the daily lives of children fighting cancer in the St. Louis area. Our mission is to provide these special kids and their families with the recreational, educational and emotional support needed throughout their chemotherapy, illness and isolation. “

Fitness Goals for 2012

Posted in: Blog, Fitness, Health Tips by chirocare on January 6, 2012

Many of you who have met me have probably heard me talk about the races that I have completed.  But don’t let me fool you into thinking that I have always been a runner.  I have not!  I will be the first to tell you that I am not a natural runner, but I have learned to be one.  So let me tell you a little bit about my personal running evolution.  Remember the physical fitness assessment in grade school and high school?  I always did great on the tests in all aspects, except running.  I actually vomited a couple of times from trying to run just the first half mile of the one-mile assessment.  So I thought that I was just not made for running.

In undergrad, I gained the “freshman 15″ and then some, so by my junior year I started working on getting healthier.  I changed my diet and began walking regularly.  Walking got boring and too easy, so I started incorporating some running intervals into my running.  Before I knew it, I was able to run 2 miles without walking.  That first 2 mile run was a HUGE accomplishment for me, and I felt like I could climb a mountain!  I continued learning about nutrition and continued working out, but it wasn’t until 2008 when I was approaching graduating from chiropractic school that I decided to take things to the next level.  A classmate of mine talked me into signing up for a triathlon, and I registered myself for a half marathon.  A HALF MARATHON!!  What was I thinking?  But it was a goal that I set for myself, just to see if I could do it.  Since then I have completed 4 half marathons, an 8-hour adventure race, and a sprint triathlon along with numerous 5 and 10Ks.  I even completed a 10K, a half marathon, and a sprint triathlon while pregnant (yes my doctor ok’d these)! In the last 10 months since my daughter was born, I have ran two 5K races, one half marathon, and raced in the Urban Assault Ride.

This year, I plan to improve on my half marathon times in the April GO! St. Louis race and then one later in the year as well.  I also plan to improve on my Urban Assault Ride time.  So, if you see me running down Olive Blvd or biking at Creve Coeur park, give me a high five!  If you see me limping in the office, chalk it up to my training.  Thankfully I have Dr. Gina, MollieShae, and Joy here to help me combat any injuries I face along the way this year!

I have worked with track, cross country, triathlon and marathon athletes for a few years now.  My previous experience with patients and my personal experience as a runner allow me to confidently answer questions you have about running, biking, training for races,how to find good coaches and personal trainers, and injuries associated with these activities.  All you have to do is THINK that you CAN transform yourself into a runner, and half the battle is won.

Happy 2012!

Dr. Spath

Pregnant with Twins at 26 weeks.

Posted in: Blog, Dr. Gina, Fitness by chirocare on January 5, 2012

Well, I’m over half way through an amazing experience that is still a shock to me.  For those who didn’t know I found out we are having twins at my 18 weeks ultrasound.  So one of our little girls was hiding.  My brothers are twins and my cousin had twins so I guess it was always a possibility.  Things are going great so far.  I’m still seeing patients and chasing around my daughter, but I have slowed down some at the gym.  There just isn’t a lot of room in my 4 ft. 11 in frame for two babies :) .  I plan on continuing to workout throughout this pregnancy, but will just make modifications.  I worked out until I gave birth to my first daughter without any restrictions.  If anybody has any questions on activity or exercising while pregnant please contact me.

Imporve Your Posture

Posted in: Blog, Health Tips by chirocare on

Dr. Spath found this great article about New Year Resolutions and good ideas for Imporving Your Posture.

HuffPostHealthyLiving