Dr. Konicki and Dr. Schumacher
are thorough, personable, answer all your questions, and get results. Their exceptional chiropractic techniques restored a normal range of motion to both my (rigid) shoulder and upper-back, which reduced and eliminated extreme pain after traditional physical therapy and use of strong pain killers failed. Their positive attitude and encouragement was a constant support. I must also comment on how professional and accommodating their Office Assistants and Therapists are.
I will continue to recommend them to my friends and family with the highest praise possible.
Ted Simmons
Centerville, OH
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"Ask the Chiropractor"
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Tips On Using Ice As I had my right leg submerged in ice water, I had an epiphany. I should write an article for ORRRC about proper use of ice. Most injuries that accompany running are from overuse or repetitive use. (Occasionally, you will have trauma, such as a sprained ankle). When used properly, ice is extremely effective in treating these types of running complaints. As a chiropractor, I rely heavily on home use of ice with my patients. The key to getting results with ice is simple repetition. You cannot do just one or two ice treatments and get rid of your pain – especially with an acute injury or a long-standing problem. I often recommend applying ice 4-10 times a day for several days, aggressively reducing inflammation and allowing the body to move to recovery. I use ice 20 minutes at a time, with a 40-minute rest and then reapply. At most, you can use ice 30 minutes on, 30 minutes off and then back on again etc. The only exception to this rule would be taking an ice bath after your long run. You would only do this once and not repeatedly. When you first use ice, it can be uncomfortable and cause aching and pain. If you can hang in there, after 5-10 minutes the area will start to numb and you will have pain relief. It doesn’t matter what you use to make the area cold. You can use ice cubes, gel packs, frozen peas or corn. You could make your own with rubbing alcohol (1/2 cup) combined with 3 cups of water. Place this in a zip lock and double bag it, as one will always leak on you. Put it in the freezer and you will have something like a frozen daiquiri, which is very cold and slushy. It easily molds around body parts, such as shoulders and knees. Protect your skin from burning with a thin dish towel or paper towel. Ice water is a much better way to ice the smaller joints, such as feet, hands and elbows. This completely envelopes and penetrates the area, leaving no area untreated. The best way to take an ice bath is to start with cool water and place the body part in the tub. Now start adding ice cubes and gradually ice the area down with the water. This will be much more comfortable and tolerable and you will actually be able to leave your body in this freezing water. I have found that jumping into icy water is too painful and I can’t stay in as long for a 20 minute treatment. If you find that it is too painful, make the water warmer. I looked on several websites concerning ice baths that many runners are now doing. This can be done in a trash can, standing in icy water or simply sitting in a bathtub. There are different temperature ranges recommended, some as low as 45 degrees and some as high as 60 degrees. Some advocate only being in the water for a few minutes, while others recommend up to 20 minutes. I measured the water temperature while icing my leg, which was 50 degrees. I couldn’t take it any colder and I had to take a couple of breaks during my 20 minute session. I recommend using warmer water to get a 20 minute treatment. I am like all other runners – I want to keep on running. Using ice properly is a natural, safe and healthy way to keep going without the use of drugs or surgery. Dr. Tom Konicki, a board certified chiropractic orthopedist, has practiced for 22 years in South Dayton . Copyright © 2009 - Konicki Schumacher Chiropractic. All rights reserved. |