Americans Are Flocking to Alternative Therapies

Most Americans believe that prescription medications are the most effective treatments for many common illnesses, but a Consumer Reports survey of more than 45,000 people finds that three-fourths of us are turning to alternative therapies like yoga and acupuncture.

The new report says 38 million adults make more than 300 million visits per year to acupuncturists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and other practitioners of alternative and complementary techniques.

"Despite the hoopla over alternative therapies, when we asked respondents how well the therapies they used worked for 12 common health problems, results showed that they were usually deemed far less helpful than prescription medicine for most of the conditions," Consumer Reports Health says in its September issue.

Also, over-the-counter medications in many cases are more popular among consumers than widely used dietary supplements, according to the survey.

Most Popular Alternative Therapies

Chiropractic, deep-tissue massage, and mind-body practices like yoga dominated the list of alternative treatments that respondents said were helpful for back pain, neck pain, and the aches of osteoarthritis.

And though meditation is widely touted as an effective way to relieve anxiety, insomnia, and depression, the survey says prescription antidepressants are used by more people.

Among key findings of the survey:

• Consumers ranked prescription drugs as most effective for nine of 12 conditions -- allergies, cold and flu, depression, anxiety, digestive problems, headache and migraine, insomnia, irritable bowel syndrome, and osteoarthritis.
• Of the 46% of respondents who used prescription drugs for osteoarthritis pain, 53% said it helped a lot; 54% of respondents used glucosamine/chondroitin for osteoarthritis symptoms, and 25% said it helped a lot.
• Of the 27% of respondents who used meditation, 42% said it helped "a lot" with anxiety.
• 43% of respondents used deep-breathing exercises for anxiety, and 34% found it helped a lot.
• Chiropractic care was ranked as the most effective treatment for back pain.
• Pilates, yoga, and deep-tissue massage all rated about the same as prescription medication for back pain.
• Vitamins and minerals were the most commonly used alternative treatments for general health, with 73% of respondents taking them.
• A majority of people who said they used alternative therapies had told their doctors about it.

Respondents were online subscribers of Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports recommends that people who decide to try alternative treatments talk to their doctor first to set realistic expectations for improvement.

Sports Injury Prevention in Children in Wayzata, Minnetonka, and Plymouth MN from a Chiropractor's Perspective

Great article from the American Chiropractic Association...

Keep Young Athletes Healthy and Fit

Chiropractic and Active Release helpful for athletes in Wayzata, Plymouth, MN and Minnetonka and for the Giants and Patriots

Article from the American Chiropractic Association:

As the New England Patriots and New York Giants prepare to play on the biggest stage of all for football fans – the XLVI Super Bowl, February 5, 2012, Indianapolis,Ind. — the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about the value of chiropractic care, points to the role of the team Doctors of Chiropractic (DCs) in optimizing functionality, endurance and overall conditioning.

Dr. Michael Miller of the Patriots and Dr. Robert DeStefano of the Giants explain that chiropractic is fundamental to the consequences of jarring impacts, enhancing body mechanics and joint motion while improving structural balance vital to preventing and addressing many common injuries.

“Professional athletes rely greatly on the coordinated efforts of the entire healthcare team, comprised of athletic trainers, rehabilitation specialists, physical therapists, orthopedists and chiropractors,” says Dr. DeStefano. “With the exception of 24/7 availability, preparing for Super Bowl is no different than the regular season. As injuries present themselves, we work systematically to provide the athlete with the care needed. In the end, we hope for quick recovery and high-level performance.”

Dr. Miller, who notes that the Patriots have dedicated their season and championship wins to Myra Kraft, the late wife of the team’s owner Robert Kraft, adds, “Most of our players will get adjusted prior to games to adequately prepare their bodies for battle. Several times during the playoffs, incidents occurred that required chiropractic care and, subsequent to sideline treatment, players were able to return to action the following play. We expect to have the same efficiency going into and during the Super Bowl.”
Viewed by both teams as a valuable healthcare component, chiropractic care is commonly used to address neuromusculoskeletal strain injuries, including neck pain, low back pain, strains to the hamstring and quadriceps, and certain whiplash injuries. Additionally, it provides treatment for other extremity problems, such as temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), carpal and tarsal tunnel misalignments, and shoulder, elbow, knee and ankle tribulations.

Being involved with the Patriots for over 30 years, Dr. Miller knows first-hand that the players appreciate the service he provides, and he is excited to enter another Super Bowl together, sharing, “As we get closer, I’m reminded of a mantra from head coach Bill Belichick who says, Do your job. If done well, it will reap rewards.. I wish both teams health through this next game and may the best team WIN!”

To learn more about professional football and chiropractic, visit the Professional Football Chiropractic Society, an organization that encompasses chiropractors from all 32 NFL teams, including Dr. Miller and Dr. DeStefano, which provide the highest quality chiropractic to the elite athletes.

Active Release Chiropractor  for the Giants

Great video showing an Active Release Technique Certified Chirorpactor who is on the staff of the New York Giants.  If having those credentials is good enough for the Giants shouldn't it be good enough for the athletes of Wayzata, Plymouth MN, and Minnetonka. Dr. Dave Freidson is one of about 10 individuals in the state who is full body certified in Active Release Technique.

Shrugging of the shoulders causes neck pain and shoulder pain for our patients in Wayzata, Plymouth MN, and Minnetonka.

I’ve noticed that subconsciously in the winter, people shrug their shoulders when they’re outside due to the cold weather. When they get inside, their shoulders are often still shrugged. If this is you, please make a conscious effort to drop your shoulders down. And if you are one that shrugs your shoulders during the day when you are at the computer, or are stressed, please consciously remember to lower your shoulders. Shrugging of the shoulders for a prolonged duration can do a lot to cause neck pain and shoulder pain.