Welcome Ashley! WCC Now Offering Massage 5 days a Week!

July 18th, 2011

We are very excited to welcome Ashley to our wellness team at Watters Creek Chiropractic!

Ashley is a graduate of International Professional School of Bodywork in San Diego, CA and has been a licensed massage therapist since 2005.  Originally from San Diego, she moved to Texas in ’09 with her two children after taking an airline flight where she unknowingly met her future husband, the pilot, and months later fell in love and now have a busy blended family!  She enjoys spending time with her family, working out and cooking in the kitchen with her husband.  As a massage therapist she would describe herself as “eclectic,” through her years of training and continuing educations in; Swedish, Deep tissue, Sports, Pregnancy, Hot Stone, Chair Lymphatic, Myofascial and Thai massage. She uses the techniques learned to properly address the needs of her present and future clients.

We have really enjoyed getting to know her and we think you will too!  With the addition of Ashley we now offer massage appointments 5 days a week.  Ashley is available by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and Erin is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  If you haven’t experienced the benefits of a massage and chiropractic combined be sure to talk to Dr. V at your next appointment or give Tori a call and get scheduled for both!  It is truly an amazing combination that yields fantastic results.

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Getting the Most out of your Golf Game!

June 10th, 2011

Back Injury from Golf

The art of being a top-notch golfer includes proper alignment of the pelvis, shoulders and neck in order to accomplish the perfect swing. Of course, with so many different factors, things are bound to get out of place every once in a while. This is where chiropractic care can help out the avid golfer. According to Dr. Tom La Fountain, DC, who has toured with the PGA in the past, “There is a demand for our services because golf happens to be a sport where the primary injury is back-related,” he explains. “The golf swing puts an unusual demand on the body. Because the sport is growing tremendously and the majority of injuries are back-related, chiropractors who become familiar with golf and the evaluation, treatment, and rehabilitation of golf injuries can have a major impact.” One study has stated that nearly 50% of golfers develop and experience low back pain from not maintaining a proper swinging stance. Amateur golfers are routinely taught that rotation of the body at the hips is needed to maximize club-head velocity and hitting distance. However, studies have demonstrated that a shorter, more compact swinging motion is not only much more effective, but also generates far less potential for spinal injury.
The reason for these injuries is that many golfers lack the balance, flexibility and strength that is needed to develop the most efficient golf swing, where the problem comes from a loss of rotation during the swing or a blockage of hip turn through impact. Each causes a different stress on the spine and both result is lower back pain!
So, how can you keep your back and your golf game in tip top shape?

1. Make sure your clubs are the proper size for your height. Bending and straining place additional stress on the spine, so get measured by a professional to ensure the proper size.

2. Wear comfortable shoes.

3. Stretch before you hit the links, and do a cool-down routine once you finish your game.

4. Take lessons on how to achieve the proper swing from a professional.

5. Be sure to receive chiropractic care at the first sign of back pain, and maintenance care to keep you in perfect shape.

Written By: Tori Leggett

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A Solution To Back Pain During Pregnancy

January 24th, 2011

Pregnancy Pain

Can you imagine carrying a 10-30 pound backpack across the front of your body? Could you tote it around for months at a time? What a nightmare on your back! Mothers and pregnant women everywhere are screaming, “YES!” Pregnancy can be a beautiful, wonderful, life changing experience but it takes quite a toll on the woman’s body. Back pain is only one of the many side effects and it can quickly become quite a problem.

Chiropractic care during pregnancy can be a safe and effective way to relieve back pain for a pregnant woman who finds herself joining the other 70% of women who experience back pain during pregnancy. A large majority of women note a serious disruption of lifestyle including time off work, or lost sleep, due to the back pain but only one quarter of these women received any recommendations from their obstetrician. Unfortunately, all too often what you hear from your doctor when complaining about low back pain during pregnancy is a simple “that’s normal.” Read the rest of this entry »

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What is Sports Massage?

January 10th, 2011

Sports MassageSports Massage is a special form of massage and is typically used before, during, and after athletic events. The massage was originally developed to help athletes prepare their bodies for optimal performance, recover after a big event, or function well during training. Sports massage emphasizes prevention and healing of injuries to the muscles and tendons.

Sports massage is a type of deep tissue massage that stimulates circulation of blood and lymph fluids. Some sports massage movements use trigger point therapy to break down adhesions, or trigger points (knots) in the muscles, and increase range of motion.

You don’t have to be an Olympic athlete to benefit from sports massage, weekend warriors can benefit as well. It is also good for people with injuries, chronic pain or restricted range of motion. The massage therapist generally concentrates on a specific problem area, depending on the sport. Read the rest of this entry »

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An Interview With Erin, Massage Therapist

December 4th, 2010

Watters Creek Chiropractic Massage Therapist

How did you first get in to “Massage Therapy”?

For over ten years, I was in sales and even became a top sales producer and trainer for a well known recruiting firm in IL. I always knew this was not what I wanted to do with the rest of my life and felt that there was something better out there for me. After talking to several friends about it someone suggested I consider a career in Massage Therapy; as I was told that I had, “the gift”.

I gave it serious thought and soon realized my friend was right. It was just what I needed to hear to make the leap toward my new career path, so I put the plan into motion.

In addition to enjoying my new profession I liked the idea of setting my own hours. Having flexibility accompanied with working in a professional healthcare setting would afford me the life I truly desired, which was to be a wife and mom first.

Where did you go to school?

After some research, National University of Health Sciences in Lombard, Illinois was my school of choice. I found it to offer an excellent curriculum. The IL state curriculum requires 550 hours for a Massage Therapy Certificate, but NUHS was a mandatory, 600+ hour curriculum to graduate. A National Boards exam is also mandatory to pass in order to receive licensure to practice. After two years of attending on a part time basis I graduated in April 2006 and passed the National Boards exam that July.

NUHS offered me the opportunity to work with cadavers, and although a little strange at first, it turned out to be a great experience! Classes such as: Anatomy I and II, Laboratory, and Kinesiology were the main focus with the use of the cadavers and that experience added value to the knowledge gained from those classes. The education I received was something that has been extremely effective both personally and professionally.

Why did you decide to work with a chiropractor rather than in a spa?

Personally, I felt that working with a chiropractor was a more professional choice of environment because of how much Therapeutic Massage compliments Chiropractic care and the overall outcome of wellness provided to the client/patient.

What is your favorite type of massage?

My favorite type of massage is Therapeutic Massage because it incorporates various types of massage to include: Swedish, Therapeutic and Advanced techniques. I also find that Sports Massage is another favored therapy, because it assists many of the athletes that I work with on a regular basis.

What can a client expect when receiving a massage at Watters Creek Chiropractic?

All clients can expect to feel comfortable! Each client is greeted with a warm smile and after an intake form is filled out, it is gone over verbally in a private, closed-door setting. The intake form gives me all the information I need to determine type of massage, pressure, etc. Going over what the client can expect in a session is also extremely important so they are comfortable upfront, and before the massage begins. Asking questions and listening is another key ingredient for comfort prior to a massage. Modesty and respect accompany that comfort and security as well.

Then I explain to clients I use only hypoallergenic massage crème and make suggestions regarding the importance of stretching, level of water intake, etc. in order to help a client who may be experiencing certain levels of pain. However, a LMT, or Licensed Massage Therapists, is NOT A DOCTOR, and therefore, does NOT diagnose. Suggestions are offered and discussed with the doctor, who will then handle it from there.

I truly have a passion for what I do! I feel it was my “calling”, and I feel very fortunate everyday to have the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. When a person can walk away from a massage therapy session with me, feeling “relaxed, rejuvenated and refreshed”, that’s what it’s all about!

Erin Shrupsha, LMT
Watters Creek Chiropractic

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6 Tips For Pain-Free Travel

November 20th, 2010

Tips for painless travelingThe holiday season is upon us and for many that means holiday travel. As many go by land, air and sea we have a few tips to make it through without the aches and pains hours of flying or sitting in a car for hours.

  1. Lumbar Support

    2. Whether you are flying or driving for long periods of time make sure your back is fully supported. A pillow or blanket can help straiten the spine saving you pain later.

  2. Move around

    3. If you are driving in a car it is recommended to stop every hour to move around and stretch the muscles. If this is not possible or you are flying it is important to switch positions every half hour and flex as many muscles as possible.

  3. Drink water

    4. Drink lots of water during the journey, particularly if you are taking back pain medication. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol as these only dehydrate you further. Also try to eat healthy nutritious snacks.

  4. Empty your pockets

    5. Do not carry your cell phone or wallet in your back pocket. If you do it can create an abnormal sitting position tilting one hip higher which may cause you to have problems. Read the rest of this entry »

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Could Subluxations Be The Answer?

November 12th, 2010

What is a subluxation?Dr. Daniel David Palmer was a distinguished natural healer in Iowa at the turn of the century. He examined a deaf man and found a vertebra slightly out of position. After adjusting the vertebra the man’s hearing returned! Dr. Palmer had several other similar cases with heart problems fixed just by examining and fixing any displaced vertebra. Dr. Palmer’s discovery is now known as subluxation.

In simple terms, a subluxation is when one or more of the bones of your spine or vertebrae move out of position and create pressure on, or irritate spinal nerves. Spinal nerves are the nerves that come out from between each of the bones in your spine. This pressure or irritation on the nerves then causes malfunction and interfere with the signals traveling over those nerves, which may result in pain, dysfunction in muscle, lymphatic and organ tissue, as well as a neurological imbalance. Your nervous system controls and coordinates all the functions of your body. Read the rest of this entry »

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Find Relief From Migraines

November 6th, 2010

What is a migraine?Chiropractic for migraines

Migraines are chronic headaches that can cause significant pain for hours or even days. Some migraines are preceded or accompanied by sensory warning symptoms or signs, such as flashes of light, blind spots or tingling in your arm or leg. A migraine is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.

How do you treat a migraine?

The treatment for a headache depends on what has caused it. A headache arising from visual problems can most often be cured by eyeglasses. The most common headaches are usually treated with painkillers. This does not get to the cause of the problem but only addresses the symptoms. Read the rest of this entry »

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Accidents Happen

October 29th, 2010

Car Accident Injury and chiropracticOne thing is for sure, car accidents can happen to anyone at anytime. Whether it is your fault or not, car accidents can cause serious injuries. So let’s say you have been hurt in a car accident; what are you supposed to do?

It is important to know you have options. Did you know your Personal Injury Protection through your car insurance can be applied to your care? You can use it for chiropractic care, massage therapy and much more. Watters Creek Chiropractic specializes in helping you get back to normal after a car accident injury. We work with you to treat your injury as well as help you understand how to continue your care from home.

We have helped many patients who are suffering from neck and back pain, whiplash or other injuries from car accidents alone. Using their PIP they have received chiropractic care, physiotherapy and massage therapy all covered by their auto insurance. Call our office to see how we can help you apply your insurance to your personal care.

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Can You Avoid A Headache?

September 27th, 2010

How to get rid of a headacheApproximately nine out of ten Americans suffer from headaches. They can range from occasional to frequent or dull and throbbing to debilitating pain and nausea. Did you know there are ways you can prevent the onset of a headache?

Muscle-tension headaches can often be avoided by removing some bad habits that are all too easy to form. Here are some quick tips:

  • Avoid slouching while sitting or standing.
  • Keep your computer monitor at eye level.
  • Take frequent breaks from reading and working on the computer.
  • Avoid consuming large amounts of sugar in one sitting.
  • Get a recommended seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
  • Drink eight glasses of water per day and avoid sodas and energy drinks.
  • Try and relax…stress can trigger headaches

If you suffer from chronic headaches call our office today to hear more about how chiropractic care can help you live a headache-free life.

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