Art of Function Chiropractic PLLC

04/09/2026

Have you had Sciatica before? Are you sure it was true sciatica? Follow along if you have had sciatica or think you might have it!

“Sciatica” refers to pain that travels along the sciatic nerve, often from the low back or hip into the glute and down the leg. This nerve is the largest in the body and plays a key role in sensation and muscle function of the lower limb.

Important: not all leg pain is true sciatica.
Similar symptoms can come from:
• Lumbar disc issues
• SI joint or facet irritation
• Hip conditions

How do we tell the difference?
Through movement testing and a neurological exam (strength, sensation, reflexes).

What helps?
• Stay moving
• Use repeated movements that reduce symptoms
• Gradually return to activity

Treatment may include:
Targeted exercise, manual therapy, and education to guide recovery.

Centralization = good.
If pain moves out of the leg and toward the spine, you’re likely on the right track.

🚩 Red flags:
• Progressive weakness
• Worsening numbness
• Changes in bowel/bladder

03/20/2026

💪 INJURY PREVENTION 👨‍⚕️

It sounds amazing but unfortunately it is not as straightforward as it seems. In fact, there is no way to specifically PREVENT injuries. That sounds awfully pessimistic doesn't it?

BUT what we can do it help REDUCE the likelihood of injury. And the good news? Many of these factors are all within your own power! What key factors are we talking about?

- Sleep
- Nutrition - both getting enough calories and eating the good foods
- Stress or activity volume - know when you are doing too much too often
- Daily habits - time spend sitting, certain postures, repetitive activities, etc.

If you are actively dealing with an injury or small "tweak" reach out and we can help.

03/18/2026

03/17/2026

Dr. Heesch recently attended his first USA Gymnastics event this past weekend near Salt Lake City, UT. He was able to work with some amazing Team USA athletes and alongside a world class medical staff that included Athletic Trainers, Physical Therapists, Osteopathic Doctors, and Sports Psychologists. Keep your eye out for more of his travel experiences with USA Gymnastics throughout the year.

03/11/2026

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) is a condition that occurs when the nerves or blood vessels traveling from the neck into the arm become compressed in the space between the collarbone and first rib (the thoracic outlet). This compression can lead to symptoms such as shoulder and neck pain, numbness or tingling in the arm or hand, weakness, swelling, or changes in arm color or temperature.

There are two primary types of TOS:
• Neurogenic TOS – the most common form, caused by compression of the brachial plexus (the network of nerves that controls the shoulder, arm, and hand).
• Vascular TOS – less common but more serious, involving compression of the subclavian artery or vein, which can affect blood flow to and from the arm.

While symptoms may begin gradually, untreated TOS can significantly impact daily function, athletic performance, and overall quality of life. The condition is most often seen in overhead athletes, weightlifters, manual laborers, and individuals with prolonged postural stress (such as desk work or frequent computer use).

At Art of Function Chiropractic, our evidence-based approach focuses on identifying the underlying cause of compression. Treatment may include targeted chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy, mobility work, and progressive exercise to restore normal movement and reduce pressure on the affected nerves or vessels.

If you’re experiencing persistent shoulder, neck, or arm symptoms, don’t ignore them.

Schedule an evaluation with Art of Function Chiropractic and let’s get you back to moving at your best.

03/05/2026

Do you have a new or nagging injury you can't seem to get passed?

As clinicians, we have seen a lot of different approaches to dealing with an injury. One of the major conversation points we hear from patients is "I took some time off and felt better, but when I started exercising again, it came back worse than before!" And this is where we want to help clear up confusion...

The old R.I.C.E model (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) was always the first line of treatment for any injury. And while this can help injuries feel better in the short term, it is not the best path back to your best life. The passive approach will usually remove the trigger activity but does not prepare someone to return to their daily life.

This is where PEACE & LOVE come in to play. While there is some initial crossover in the early stages, what it promotes is gradually returning back to normal activity. The best way to achieve this is through progressive movements (think sitting in a chair to start) and then eventually back to exercise or activity (getting someone back to a barbell back squat). This allows your body to get used to the movement again while also building tolerance both in the area of injury and - equally as important - in your mind, so you don't become fear avoidant.

Of course there are some exceptions to this rule but, generally speaking, if you have muscle or joint aches and pains, some basic movements might be just the thing to get you feeling better.

For official guidance from professionals, reach out to us to help us guide you back from your injury!

03/04/2026

We wanted to make a small correction to our most recent Concussion post!

We used the phrase "brain bruise" which is an older, slightly outdated terminology that doesn't most accurately describe what happens during the injury.

Why does it matter to use the most accurate information? We strive to be as evidence-based and forward-thinking as possible. By following the latest research, we can rest assured that we are aligned with best practices and that includes our hands-on treatment and the language we use to describe concepts.

We are continually learning to be able to provide the same high-level Chiropractic care we can for all of you!

02/28/2026

Concussion isn’t just a “ding, getting your bell rung, or getting shaken up”... It’s a brain injury.

A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration of the brain inside the skull. In simple terms? The brain shifts from the force of impact and that matters.

How it happens:
Often through a coup–contrecoup mechanism — the brain impacts one side of the skull and then rebounds to the opposite side. This can occur in contact and collision sports like football, hockey, soccer, wrestling, lacrosse, and beyond — but also in falls, car accidents, and everyday life.

Where recovery starts:
Proper care begins with a thorough evaluation. From there, recovery isn’t just “rest until you feel better.” Evidence supports:
• Guided, progressive return to activity
• Strategic cognitive and physical loading
• Quality sleep
• Adequate protein intake and overall nutrition
• Close monitoring of symptoms

Recovery should be individualized — not rushed.

Why it matters:
Improper management increases the risk of serious complications like Second Impact Syndrome and long-term neurodegenerative concerns such as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). Persistent symptoms can include confusion, memory changes, weakness, mood changes, and more.

Concussion management is about protecting the athlete today and their brain decades from now.

If you or your athlete has sustained a head injury, don’t guess. Get evaluated.

02/15/2026

Violets are blue,
Your spine works hard…
So show it some love too ❤️

This Valentine’s Day, remember: love your partner, love your spine.

Whether you're lifting your kids, training for your next competition, grinding through workouts together, or just trying to survive long days at a desk - your spine is the backbone (literally 😉) of everything you do.

Healthy relationships thrive on support… and so does your body.
Good movement. Strong posture. Smart training. Consistent care.

02/06/2026

Head & Neck Injuries: What We Commonly See in Clinic

At our clinic, we focus on identifying why symptoms are occurring—not just where they hurt—so care can be targeted, progressive, and evidence-based.

Head and neck complaints are some of the most common reasons people seek care—and they rarely come from just one thing. Here’s a quick breakdown 👇

Common Injuries
• Cervical muscle strains & joint irritation
• Whiplash-associated disorders
• Headaches, migraines, and concussions
• Vertigo

Common Causes
• Prolonged desk or screen time
• Sudden acceleration/deceleration (car accidents, sports contact)
• Compensation patterns
• Repetitive or sustained postures
• Inadequate recovery from training or daily stress

Common Symptoms
• Neck stiffness or limited range of motion
• Headaches or pressure at the base of the skull
• Pain radiating into the shoulders or upper back
• Fatigue, tension, or difficulty concentrating

📍Have questions or want us to dive deeper into any of these? We’re always happy to educate.

01/11/2026

01/09/2026

Results are in and Gobble Gait set an incredible new record of generosity in 2025 with the Thanksgiving race raising $150,000 to support Hastings Family Service!