Dr. Jacobsohn Chiropractic

16/05/2024

Can you believe it? We’re just 5 months away from World Spine Day 2024!

Let’s start the countdown to celebrate the pillar of your body - your SPINE!

It’s never too early (or too late!) to prioritise spinal health. Let’s commit to good posture, regular exercise, and mindful movements to keep our spines strong and healthy. Join us as we raise awareness and inspire others to take care of their backs.

Together, we can make every day a celebration of spinal health!

13/05/2024

Please contact us on 010 021 0880 for any orders or you can order online at:

https://michiro.co.za/

We also have an “order now pay later” option where you can order and recieve your products immediately while paying it off monthly with no interest. 😊

Chiropractor

07/05/2024

SACRO-ILIAC JOINT PAIN

The sacroiliac joints are the joints where the lower part of the spine (sacrum) connects to the pelvis. There are two sacroiliac joints, one on each side, with ligaments in each joint that hold the bones together.

Sacroiliac joint pain is most commonly felt in the low back and buttock but can also be referred into the thigh and leg. Sacroiliac pain can be aggravated with prolonged sitting or standing, standing on one leg, stair climbing, going from sit to stand, and with running.

Potential causes of sacroiliac pain include arthritis, traumatic injury, pregnancy and post-partum, systemic inflammatory conditions, and infection. Other potential contributors include spinal scoliosis, leg length discrepancy, and previous lumbar spine fusion. Sometimes, there is no clear cause for sacroiliac pain.

The treatment of sacroiliac pain depends on your symptoms and on the underlying cause of the sacroiliac joint pain.

Manipulation or rather mobilisation of the joint is indicated if any restriction is located. Other conservative interventions include, ultrasound therapy, shockwave therapy, flexion distraction etc. Topical treatments such as heat or ice may be used. Physical therapy is often recommended as well, including stretching and strengthening exercises.

When conservative treatments are not helpful, a sacroiliac joint injection with corticosteroids may be recommended. These procedures are performed with fluoroscopic guidance with an X-ray machine. There are newer treatments being tried, including injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and/or bone marrow concentrate. These newer treatments are considered experimental.

Chiropractor

04/03/2024

POSTURE BRACE

The Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector helps to improve your overall health by improving your posture. Made from lightweight and breathable materials, this upper back support has a discrete and slim design that works under clothing or on top of clothing.

Features

Straps are designed to easily fold under the arms for superior comfort.
Elastic materials give a gentle reminder to improve posture when starting to slouch.
Double-thick padding in straps is made of high-performance synthetic fibres and sewn in place to hold shape and maintain comfort.
One strap adjustment system makes it easy to adjust and take on/off.
Lightweight and breathable material provides comfort for all-day wear.
The slim design allows you to discretely wear it under or over the clothing.

When To Use

Use the Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector while at work, at home, or during your workouts. It provides light support to the upper back while the elastic straps give gentle reminders for better posture. The ideal combination of comfort and support, the Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector features more padding, easy one-strap adjustment, and vertically sewn seams on the straps to reduce discomfort under the arm.

TextNeck™: Pain relief for mobile phone users and gamers

Application:
Slip arms through the loops.
Adjust strap length DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
Center the pad on your back.

Intended Use:
Provides light support to the upper back to encourage proper posture.

Sizing: One Size Fits Most

Measure the circumference of the Chest
73.7cm – 114.3cm

Care Instructions:
Hand wash with cold water and mild detergent.
Do not bleach
Line dry only
Do not Iron
Do not Dry Clean

The Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector helps to improve your overall health by improving your posture. Made from lightweight and breathable materials, this upper back support has […]

21/02/2024

BACK BRACE

The Actimove Back Support assists in reducing the risk of further trauma caused by repetitive activity – Intra-abdominal support. The hook and loop sensitive closure system provides a secure, adjustable positioning mechanism, permitting an easy application and removal procedure as well as, side pulls that provides a close fit and additional support in the lumbar area. The Actimove Back Support also has a pocket that allows the insertion of a thermoplastic sheet to increase the amount of regional support. The supports are washable for improved patient hygiene.

Indications:
-Acute and chronic back pain
-Lumbar strains
-Muscular insufficiency
-Provides support during sports

Features:
-Pain relief and healing supported through balanced warmth and medical compression
-Quick drying, perforated performance material provides comfort and good breathability
-Neoprene-free, made with COOLMAX® AIR technology
-Adjustable, circumferential double-layer compression
-Comfortable to wear, even when sitting, as the flexible stays maintain positioning
-Latex-free

Sizing:
-Small: 71cm – 84cm
-Medium: 84cm – 94cm
-Large: 94cm – 104cm
-X-Large: 104cm – 114cm
-XX-Large: 114cm – 124cm

https://michiro.co.za/index.php/product/actimove-sport-back-support-small/

09/02/2024

POSTURE BRACE

https://michiro.co.za/index.php/product/mueller-adjustable-posture-corrector-osfm/

The Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector helps to improve your overall health by improving your posture. Made from lightweight and breathable materials, this upper back support has a discrete and slim design that works under clothing or on top of clothing.

Features
-Straps are designed to easily fold under the arms for superior comfort.
-Elastic materials give a gentle reminder to improve posture when starting to slouch.
-Double-thick padding in straps is made of high-performance synthetic fibres and sewn in place to hold shape and maintain comfort.
-One strap adjustment system makes it easy to adjust and take on/off.
-Lightweight and breathable material provides comfort for all-day wear.
-The slim design allows you to discretely wear it under or over the clothing.

When To Use
-Use the Mueller Adjustable Posture Corrector while at work, at home, or during your workouts. -It provides light support to the upper back while the elastic straps give gentle reminders for better posture. The ideal combination of comfort and support, the Mueller Adjustable Posture -Corrector features more padding, easy one-strap adjustment, and vertically sewn seams on the straps to reduce discomfort under the arm.
-TextNeck™: Pain relief for mobile phone users and gamers

Application:
-Slip arms through the loops.
-Adjust strap length DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
-Center the pad on your back.

Chiropractor

08/02/2024

ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS/ FROZEN SHOULDER

What is frozen shoulder?
Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, is a painful condition in which the movement of the shoulder becomes limited.

Frozen shoulder occurs when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder joint (called the shoulder joint capsule) become thick, stiff, and inflamed. The joint capsule contains the ligaments that attach the top of the upper arm bone [humeral head] to the shoulder socket [glenoid], firmly holding the joint in place. This is more commonly known as the “ball and socket” joint.

The condition is called “frozen” shoulder because the more pain that is felt, the less likely the shoulder will be used. Lack of use causes the shoulder capsule to thicken and becomes tight, making the shoulder even more difficult to move – it is “frozen” in its position.

Who is at risk for developing frozen shoulder?
Age: Adults, most commonly between 40 and 80 years old.

Gender: More common in women than men.

Recent shoulder injury: Any shoulder injury or surgery that results in the need to keep the shoulder from moving (i.e., by using a shoulder brace, sling, shoulder wrap, etc.). Examples include a rotator cuff tear and fractures of the shoulder blade, collarbone or upper arm.

Diabetes: Between 10 and 20 percent of individuals with diabetes mellitus develop frozen shoulder.

Other health diseases and conditions: Includes stroke, hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), Parkinson’s disease and heart disease. Stroke is a risk factor for frozen shoulder because movement of an arm and shoulder may be limited. Why other diseases and conditions increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder is not clear.

What are the signs and symptoms of frozen shoulder?
Symptoms of frozen shoulder are divided into three stages:

The “freezing” stage:
In this stage, the shoulder becomes stiff and is painful to move. The pain slowly increases. It may worsen at night. Inability to move the shoulder increases. This stage lasts 6 weeks to 9 months.
The “frozen” stage:
In this stage, pain may lessen, but the shoulder remains stiff. This makes it more difficult to complete daily tasks and activities. This stage lasts 2 to 6 months.
The “thawing” (recovery) stage:
In this stage, pain lessens, and ability to move the shoulder slowly improves. Full or near full recovery occurs as normal strength and motion return. The stage lasts 6 months to 2 years.
How is frozen shoulder diagnosed?
To diagnose frozen shoulder, your doctor will:

Discuss your symptoms and review your medical history.
Conduct a physical exam of your arms and shoulders:
The doctor will move your shoulder in all directions to check the range of motion and if there is pain with movement. This type of exam, in which your doctor is moving your arm and not you, is called determining your “passive range of motion.”
The doctor will also watch you move your shoulder to see your “active range of motion.”
The two types of motion are compared. People with frozen shoulder have limited range of both active and passive motion.
X-rays of the shoulder are also routinely obtained to make sure the cause of the symptoms is not due to another problem with the shoulder, such as arthritis. Advanced imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound, are usually not needed to diagnose frozen shoulder. They may be taken to look for other problems, such as a rotator cuff tear.
What are the treatments for frozen shoulder?
Treatment usually involves pain relief methods until the initial phase passes. If the problem persists, therapy and surgery may be needed to regain motion if it doesn’t return on its own.

Some simple treatments include:

Hot and cold compresses. These help reduce pain and swelling.
Medicines that reduce pain and swelling. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). More severe pain and swelling may be managed by steroid injections. A corticosteroid, such as cortisone, is injected directly into the shoulder joint.
Physical therapy. Stretching and range of motion exercises taught by a physical therapist.
Home exercise program. Continue exercise program at home.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)/IFC. Use of a small battery-operated device that reduces pain by blocking nerve impulses.
Mobilisation and manipulation of the shoulder by a qualified chiropractor
Shockwave therapy to break adhesions
If these simple treatments have not relieved pain and shoulder stiffness after about a year trial, other procedures may be tried. These include:

Manipulation under anaesthesia: During this surgery, you will be put to sleep and your doctor will force movement of your shoulder. This will cause the joint capsule to stretch or tear to loosen the tightness. This will lead to an increase in the range of motion.
Shoulder arthroscopy: Your doctor will cut through the tight parts of your joint capsule (capsular release). Small pencil-sized instruments are inserted through small cuts around your shoulder.
These two procedures are often used together to get better results.

Can frozen shoulder be prevented?
The chance of a frozen shoulder can be prevented or at least lessened if physical therapy is started shortly after any shoulder injury in which shoulder movement is painful or difficult. Your orthopaedic doctor or physical therapist can develop an exercise program to meet your specific needs.

What’s the outlook for frozen shoulder?
Simple treatments, such as use of pain relievers and shoulder exercises, in combination with a cortisone injection, are often enough to restore motion and function within a year or less. Even left completely untreated, range of motion and use of the shoulder continue to get better on their own, but often over a slower course of time. Full or nearly full recovery is seen after about two years.

07/02/2024

ANKLE BRACE

Mueller Soft Ankle Brace with Straps supports your ankle with wraparound straps and secured stirrup straps. Mueller® Soft Ankle Brace with Straps is designed to conform to your ankle without the expense or hassle of taping. The stirrup straps and stabilizing criss-cross straps help provide tape-like support during the competition.

Features:
-Non-stretch criss-cross straps imitate the effects of taping.
-Secured stirrup straps provide support and are easy to apply.
-Antimicrobial treatment helps control odours.

Intended Use:
Provides advanced support and protection for weak, injured, or unstable ankles. Helps protect from injury or re-injury.

https://michiro.co.za/index.php/product/mueller-soft-ankle-brace-with-straps-large/

06/02/2024

Achilles tendinitis

INTRODUCTION
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor’s supervision. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.

SYMPTOMS
The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.

You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity.

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of a tendon in response to injury or disease of that tissue. Thus, tendonitis of the Achilles tendon refers to inflammation of this tendon, which lies at the back of the ankle and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This inflammation causes pain, irritation, and swelling in the area of the Achilles tendon, especially following periods of activity. This can range from mild to severe Achilles tendonitis pain. Other symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

Thickening of the tendon
Formation of a bone spur
Stiffness of the tendon in the morning
Limited strength and range of motion for the ankle


CAUSES
Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.

The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people who may participate in sports only on the weekends or who have suddenly increased the intensity of their running programs.

Achilles tendonitis pain typically comes on gradually as a result of overuse of the Achilles tendon, which results in tiny tears. These tiny tears often stem from a sudden increase in physical activity—in duration or intensity—or from a sport that involves a lot of pushing off and stop-and-go motions (think basketball). If the damaging activity involves both legs (e.g., jumping or squatting exercises) bilateral Achilles tendonitis can form. Achilles tendonitis heel pain is most common middle-aged men; the tendon weakens with age. But Achilles tendonitis in children can also occur as their involvement in activities such as dance, gymnastics, track, and field, etc. can lead to injury of the tendon.

Some other causes of Achilles tendonitis include:

-Non-supportive shoes
-Training on hard surfaces
-Foot shape or alignment abnormalities
-Obesity
-Medical conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure)
-Some medications

RISK FACTORS
A number of factors may increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis, including:

-Your sex.Achilles tendinitis occurs most commonly in men.
-Achilles tendinitis is more common as you age.
-Physical problems.A naturally flat arch in your foot can put more strain on the Achilles tendon. -Obesity and tight calf muscles also can increase tendon strain.
-Training choices.Running in worn-out shoes can increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis. -Tendon pain occurs more frequently in cold weather than in warm weather, and running on hill-like terrain also can predispose you to Achilles injury.
-Medical conditions.People who have psoriasis or high blood pressure are at higher risk of developing Achilles tendinitis.
-Certain types of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, have been associated with higher rates of Achilles tendinitis.

COMPLICATIONS
Achilles tendinitis can weaken the tendon, making it more vulnerable to a tear (rupture) — a painful injury that usually requires surgical repair.

PREVENTION
While it may not be possible to prevent Achilles tendinitis, you can take measures to reduce your risk:

-Increase your activity level gradually.If you’re just beginning an exercise regimen, start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the training.
-Take it easy.Avoid activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, such as hill running. If you participate in a strenuous activity, warm up first by exercising at a slower pace. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest.
-Choose your shoes carefully.The shoes you wear while exercising should provide adequate cushioning for your heel and should have a firm arch support to help reduce the tension in the Achilles tendon. Replace your worn-out shoes. If your shoes are in good condition but don’t support your feet, try arch supports in both shoes.
-Stretch daily.Take the time to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning, before exercise and after exercise to maintain flexibility. This is especially important to avoid a recurrence of Achilles tendinitis.
-Strengthen your calf muscles.Strong calf muscles enable the calf and Achilles tendon to better handle the stresses they encounter with activity and exercise.
-Cross-train.Alternate high-impact activities, such as running and jumping, with low-impact activities, such as cycling and swimming.
-Home remedies for Achilles tendonitis go by an easy-to-remember acronym: RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation). It is important to take time off from exercise or at the very least, switch to one that puts less strain on the Achilles tendon. After an activity or whenever pain flares up, you should ice the ankle/heel region for about 15 minutes. Compression wraps and bandages reduce swelling and restrain movement. Elevating the foot, especially while sleeping, can also help reduce swelling.

05/02/2024

PAIN PATCHES

The Fit Therapy Universal Patch is a safe and effective way to relieve pain and muscle stiffness in any part of the body. The patch is not a drug and does not contain any harmful chemicals. It is also non-habit-forming and can be used as often as needed. The patch was also shown to improve the range of motion and reduce inflammation. The Fit Therapy Patch technology produces an analgesic effect thanks to the reduction of the inflammatory response, also favoring a rapid recovery of functional mobility. There are no particular contraindications to using FIT Therapy Patch. The products are made with high quality materials, do not produce thermal shocks, do not release pharmacological substances or heat, and do not contain nano-materials or substances which can be absorbed by the human body.

The plasters are recommended:

For relieving situations of muscular-skeletal discomfort caused by the excessive build-up of tissue acidosis from overloading the muscular fibers through quicker disposal of lactic acid.

In functional recovery processes of the muscle tissues affected by contraction due to overload, antalgic contraction, and strength deficit from over-stress syndromes as they promote relief of the painful symptoms and bring about a myo-relaxing action on the muscle area in question.

The effects vary according to each person’s state of health. You may start feeling the beneficial effects after a few minutes or, at most, within the first 24 hours. In the case of chronic diseases, at least two consecutive applications are recommended.

How Does the Fit Therapy Patch Work?

Apply the FIT Therapy Patch to the areas shown and wait two minutes for your body heat to activate the acrylic adhesive mass, ensuring a more secure bond.

At this point, FIT Therapy Patch transforms into what is best described as a mirror that reflects the bioenergy produced by our own body, producing an analgesic effect as it penetrates deep down.

Features:

-No use of medicines and no thermal shock
-Water-resistant
-No contraindications
-Ergonomic design for each pathology
-Can be applied by anyone
-Made with top-quality materials
-Does not irritate the skin

Chiropractor

22/01/2024

So what does Chiropractors actually treat? 🤔

12/12/2023

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that connects the heel bone to the toes, supporting the arch of the foot. This condition typically causes stabbing pain near the heel, especially when taking the first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.

Here are key points about plantar fasciitis:

Symptoms: The most common symptom is pain near the heel, often described as a stabbing sensation. The pain can also be present after long periods of standing or getting up from sitting.

Causes: Plantar fasciitis usually occurs due to repetitive strain or excessive stress on the plantar fascia. Factors like overuse, high-impact activities (such as running or dancing), obesity, tight calf muscles, poor foot mechanics, or improper footwear can contribute to its development.

Diagnosis: Doctors often diagnose plantar fasciitis based on a physical examination, medical history, and the reported symptoms. Imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other foot issues or fractures.

Treatment: Treatment options for plantar fasciitis include rest, ice, stretching exercises, shockwave therapy, orthotic devices (such as arch supports or night splints), anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, and in severe cases, surgery (rarely needed).

Prevention: To prevent plantar fasciitis, it's essential to wear supportive footwear, maintain a healthy weight, gradually increase physical activity intensity, stretch the calf muscles regularly, and avoid prolonged periods of standing or walking on hard surfaces.

Managing plantar fasciitis often involves a combination of treatments tailored to the individual. Recovery time can vary, and it's crucial to follow the prescribed treatment plan and seek medical advice if the pain persists or worsens.