What is the McKenzie Method?

The McKenzie method is also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT). It is best described as an orthopedic and musculoskeletal pain classification and treatment system that helps clinicians to reliably assess and treat patients in their response to movement. Proper diagnosis is imperative to determine the proper treatment needed for a patient and this modernistic approach is one of most powerful systems in the world for helping doctors to effectively and efficiently understand what the patient truly needs.

 At Great Lakes Spine & Sport we see many patients that suffer from mechanical disorders that affect the soft tissues, joints of the extremities, and of the spine on a daily basis. Anything from back pain, neck pain, extremity complaints, issues commonly referred to as sciatica, disc herniations, sacroiliac joint pain, stenosis, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, tennis and golfers elbow, headaches, pinched nerves, patellofemoral tracking syndrome, shoulder impingement, IT band syndrome, TMJ pain, muscle spasms, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tear, numbness and tingling in the hands or feet, etc.. If you or anyone you may know is suffering from such issues, then getting properly assessed by a certified MDT based clinician would be an ideal start for you.

MDT was developed by a world-renowned physiotherapist by the name of Robin McKenzie in the 1950s. The method created is one of, if not the most, well-researched, evidence-based approaches of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment to any musculoskeletal condition. MDT implements a comprehensive and clinical reasoned evaluation of patients without the use of expensive diagnostic imaging. The treatment principle of MDT is to promote the body’s natural potential to repair itself and does not involve the use of medications, injections, surgery unless absolutely warranted. This modernistic approach to healthcare allows patients to learn the principles of self-treatment and this empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, ultimately reducing dependency on clinicians for often long and unnecessary treatment plans, as well as reducing the use of invasive medical interventions.

If this method is utilized correctly by a certified MDT clinician, the following goals of the McKenzie Method can be accomplished in a cost effective and timely manner.

1.) The clinician and patient will be able to accurately understand the patient’s presentation and behavior of their symptoms.

2.) Proper diagnosis and corresponding treatment will be administered to the patient.

3.) The clinician will be able to determine and create the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for the patient moving forward.

4.) The elimination of symptoms as well as the restoration of function and movement(s).

5.) Patient will be educated and empowered to self-treat and prevent future reoccurrences.

6.) The proper determination to help patients if other medical advice or intervention is needed elsewhere.

If you or anyone you know has been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal condition from the list above, or is struggling with pain and have questions about why and what they can do about it contact us at (616) 594-0214. Whether you have had horrible to mediocre experiences with other offices, have been going to care for 3x each week for months on end without much of a change, or if you have been told “there is nothing we can do” and will need to keep coming back to care for life, then you should really consider looking into a MDT based practice such as Great Lakes Spine & Sport. For a patient to get a proper assessment and diagnosis is imperative as it will allow the patient to receive proper and personalized care specific to each individual that will lead to results within a relatively short treatment plan. If you have any further questions as to what MDT is or how to get properly assessed reach out to our office at (616) 594-0214.

Written by: Dr. Christian Koch

For more info on MDT you can go to their website https://www.mckenzieinstituteusa.org.

The joint by joint approach is a concept coined by Gray Cook, which looks at the body as a whole and then breaks it down into individual regions of stability and mobility. Our bodies can be viewed as a stack of several joints, all in which have different designs (structure) that allow the body to move in specific ways and handle different demands (function). An example of this, is the joints that make up our knee in fact do not look the same or act the same as the joints in our shoulder. Each joint, or series of joints, in the body are designed to carry out certain duties specific to what it is being asked to do. With that being said, these joints are also prone to specific tendencies of dysfunction which can lead to injury and pain. Having the knowledge of how certain joints are supposed to act serves us as a guide to properly assess and treat these areas in a particular manner.

First thing we should know is that there is an alternating pattern between joints of stability and mobility. For instance, the ankle needs to be mobile, the knee needs to be stable, the hip needs to be mobile, meaning the low back needs to be….. stable and so forth all the way up the kinetic chain of joints.

 What is mobility? Mobility is how far into a range of motion a person can move but while controlling it. This can easily be seen as an equation.

Mobility = flexibility + motor control. Being flexible without the control can lead to instability and increase the risk of injury. Having motor control but no flexibility means you are stiff and cannot move as well as you could.

 What is Stability? Stability can be thought of as the ability to resist any unwanted changes to their current position or motion. It is the ability to maintain the desired position while staying still or maintaining the desired motion while moving.

 So what can happen if the joints are not functioning as they should? If our joints do not have these characteristics, they will start to function in a way different than to what that specific joint is intended for. Once this happens it can be termed as joint dysfunction. When we have some sort of dysfunction, our brain realizes it and ends up creating a compensation pattern within the body to accommodate the dysfunction in order to be able to carry out daily movements despite the fact it may be in a faulty manner. Our bodies are excellent at compensating and creating new patterns to function in order to accomplish a task without thinking about long term consequences. Our body will compensate wonderfully until it doesn’t. This is usually when we experience pain or injury. When our joints do not function the way they should, whether short term or long term, our brain realizes this as a “threat”. This can turn on a response by creating pain and/or muscle tightness “guarding” to bring awareness to the areas and to prevent further movement. This ultimately is trying to reduce the potential risk of the threat. Another way our bodies can adapt to joint dysfunction, especially in terms of long standing instability of a joint (when an area is not stable enough and does not have adequate motor control) is that it can create bony deposits in an attempt to create more stability…. This is an example of osteoarthritis.

Through this Joint by Joint approach we can see each joint’s needs and tendencies of dysfunction.

So, how does this concept even work? The easiest way to explain it is through a common example of low back pain which is all too familiar for most of us. Let’s start by looking at what the low back (lumbar spine) primary need is---- Stability. Now let’s look at the joints both above and below the lumbar spine to see what they should have----Mobility. So if we find in the assessment that the low back has a loss of function, there is likely a loss of function in the joint below and even potentially above. In the case of the lumbar spine, it’s the hips and thoracic spine. In other words, if the hips and thoracic spine are lacking mobility, the lumbar spine will compensate and move more than it is meant to. When the intended mobile joint (hips/thoracic spine) looses mobility, the stable joint (lumbar spine) is forced to move as compensation, becoming less stable and potentially painful.

Having a practitioner who knows how the body is supposed to function and understands that there usually is an underlying dysfunction in one joint that can lead to pain somewhere else. This allows the skilled physician to properly asses and figure out the root cause of the problem. There will be a more thorough examination of the site of pain, but as well as, the joints above and below. There won’t be the rabbit holing by a practitioner of chasing pain but actually treating the root cause - the “why” behind your pain.

If you are currently in pain or have experienced pain which seems to keep coming back, it’s time to get properly assessed so you can start to learn and understand why, as well as, what you can do to control and manage it on your own.

Sweat Your Way Into Health & Wellness

Benefits of Deliberate Heat Exposure via Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas have been known to have a laundry list of health benefits: improving cardiovascular health, assist in reducing blood pressure, soothing sore muscles after a tough workout or injury, reducing muscle tension, joint pain relief, neck pain, back pain, tension headaches, reducing symptoms related to chronic pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia. Saunas also have been shown to help increase relaxation, reduce symptoms related to depression, anxiety and stress, help improve quality of sleep, improve your immune system, reduce oxidative stress, improve your skin health and overall sense of wellness. The benefits of deliberate heat exposure by an infrared sauna are endless and easy to obtain, you just have to be willing to sit and spend some time in the heat as the sauna will help aid you in your journey to optimal health and wellness.

 Saunas have been around for ages as our forefathers had saunas that were heated with steam or fire. A more up-to-date approach to this concept is with heat created by infrared lamps. This allows for the sauna to operate at a lower temperature all the while providing the same therapeutic benefits. Consider it a modern twist on how our ancestors sweated their way into health and wellness. Infrared saunas have the ability to heat up to a range of 120-150 degrees which is supplied by light panels that penetrate the skin to create a heating effect rather than cranking on the heat to a traditional sauna which is usually between 150-190 degrees. This allows for you to be more comfortable while still obtaining all the benefits.

Whether you’re looking to ease joint pain, relax, or tackle other health issues, infrared saunas could be very helpful in the process. Much like traditional saunas, the risks are minimal, but this doesn’t mean infrared saunas are for everyone. Certain people should exercise caution when using any type of sauna for deliberate heat exposure. If you have medical conditions that could be exacerbated by heat such as high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis, taking medications for chronic illnesses, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, or feeling ill and run down, talk to your healthcare provider before heating up. Never enter a sauna if you’ve been drinking alcohol or taking other drugs.

Time of sessions: It has been advised for best results to start low and slow, getting acclimated to the sauna. Sessions typically range from 30-45 min, as anything more may stress the body. Everyone is a little different and their tolerance to heat varies so it may take a fee sessions to figure out what works best for you. It is also advised to not do more than 4 sessions each week.

 Tips of Sauna use: It is best to stay hydrated, drink plenty of water while in the sauna and afterwards. Electrolytes added to the water will be even better as this will help nourish the body and hydrate the cells further. Clean off afterwards with a damp towel, as this will help wipe away any impurities you may have sweated out in your session.

Schedule your session today by either calling our office 616.594.0214 or online at www.greatlakesspineandsport.com.

Are you a VOMIT?

Are you a VOMIT? VOMIT in this case stands for “victim of medical imaging technology”. Not sure how to answer this question? Have you ever been told you need to have an x-ray on your first visit to an office despite how you are clinically presenting as this is a “specific” protocol that every new patient must go through, been told you need your x-rays “updated”, or getting an x-ray is considered a part of their new patient “special” implying that it is going to be adding to your care. Far too often we hear that people have to go through these processes just to hear that they are broken, out of alignment, have scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, disc herniations, stenosis, tendon tears, etc. Then stating that the doctor would like to see you 3 times a week for months or maybe even come back weekly for life in order to correct or manage these issues at best. This structure of care ultimately makes you lose independence of yourself and the issue at hand, and to build reliance on the doctor to do all the work to “fix” you and to keep you pain free. What if you found out that a large majority of the population of people have these very same “abnormal” findings but without pain, yes the same “abnormal” findings that you are being told are the reasons you are having pain and why you need to keep being seen to “fix” your pain.

As we dive deeper into this issue, there are a few major key points that people deserve to know. First and foremost, you can NOT image pain. Pain does not show up on an x-ray, MRI, or CT scan. Yes, abnormal findings do, but these are not always the sources of pain. When someone tells you, you have “ this or that”, it is not always the answer to your pain. It is impossible for someone to point to an image and say “that’s where the pain is”. An easy example is osteoarthritis. Many people think degenerative changes such as arthritis = DEATH SENTENCE TO PAIN. However, this is false and if anyone tells you otherwise they are misinformed. This is actually a normal response by the body in order to create more stability to a joint or region that was moving too much in the first place. Our bodies are designed to function in a proper manner and if not, our bodies will find ways to adapt. Another example is blaming pain on disc bulges, degenerative disc disease, or degenerative joint disease. Just because you have degrative changes on an image does not always mean you will have pain. Degenerative changes are actually a normal process as we age, starting at 20 years old!

There have been many studies that prove these things to be true. Examples from studies stating facts such as:

1.)   In the lumbar spine (low back), 40% of individuals under the age of 30 years old have disc degeneration and over 90% of people aged 50-55 years old have the same findings all without pain.

2.)   Another study has shown that 48% of people between 20-22 years old had at least one degenerated disc and 25% had a bulging disc, all without pain.

3.)   In the cervical spine (neck), 98% of all men and women without neck pain have evidence of “degenerative changes”.

4.)   In the shoulder, 20% of adults have partial rotator cuff tears, 15% have full tears, and in those older than 60 years old, 50% have rotator cuff tears, all in which do not have pain.

5.)   In the knee, up to 85% of adults without pain had x-rays that showed arthritis, meaning there is little correlation between the degree of arthritis and pain.

6.)   One study showed that 48% of professional basketball players had meniscal damage on an MRI, but were not experiencing any symptoms.

7.)   In the foot and ankle, a study had shown that 32% of people without pain had heel spurs that were visible on their x-ray.

8.)   In the hip, a study of hockey players showed that 77% of them had hip and groin abnormalities on their MRI, yet none of them were having any pain.

Medical imaging procedures such as MRI, X-ray, CT scans do have a time and place and can be very valuable for identifying conditions such as tears, fractures, dislocations, spinal cord and nerve related injuries, cancers, etc. They can help a clinician obtain more imperative information to a case. However, it is unnecessary to image a patient without a warranted reason, such as a history of trauma, accident, fall, red flags like a history of cancer, any neurological findings such as muscle weakness that is progressively getting worse, if a trial of conservative care either has no effect or is worsening the condition, etc. The majority of time, minor findings on images such as degenerative changes, arthritis, disc bulges, and tendon tears have little to no value in explaining the reason behind someone’s pain. The image itself (X-ray, MRI, CT) is not the issue, the issue is the education of the image and how it is described to the patient which can unfortunately at times create a lot of fear and have adverse psychological effects. Those who have been inappropriately managed in this sense usually end up having more doctor visits, longer lasting pain, greater disability, and an overall lower sense of health and wellbeing.

 Again while images can be very crucial in specific cases, finding a trained clinician that knows when an image is warranted and when it is not will be of the best service to a patient. A clinician that also knows the truth about abnormal findings and their correlation to pain will also help further search and understand the root cause of the pain rather than treating what they see on an image. If you or anyone you know can relate to this topic or have further questions concerning this issue, Great Lakes Spine & Sport would be happy to discuss this further and give you more information.

 So again, are you a VOMIT?

Recovering from Hamstring Strains

Hamstring strains can be extremely debilitating, affecting both your daily life and athletic performance. While at Great Lakes Spine & Sport we have recently seen many clients and athletes with this injury as they have been training for races and/or participating in athletics throughout the year. Unfortunately, of all the gait-related muscle injuries, hamstring strains tend to have the highest rate of recurrence, which can lead people to months or years of not being able to participate in sports, activities, or everyday hobbies. For a swift and proper recovery, it is imperative to take the correct steps in which our doctors  will be able to offer you services of chiropractic care, manual therapy, rehabilitative exercises, and self-treatment strategies. This blog post will help outline the recovery process and highlight the benefits of treatment at Great Lakes Spine & Sport

Hamstring strains occur when the muscles at the back of your thigh are overloaded, stretched beyond its capabilities or even torn. Causes generally include sudden movements, overuse/over-training, underlying dysfunction movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and inadequate warm-ups. 

The hamstrings consist of 4 different muscles and strains generally occur within the outer muscle called the biceps femoris, even though strains can occur within other muscles of the hamstring or different areas within the muscle/tendon.​​ Location can vary based on the sport or activity being performed. The classic presentation is of sudden onset pain in the lower buttock or back of the thigh, and at times a popping noise can be heard. Many patients experience trouble walking, difficulty straightening out your leg, bending forward, or any other movements that elongate the hamstring itself, bruising may also be seen within a few days.

 Treatment Options:

Conservative care like chiropractic and physical therapy is essential to expedite your recovery and prevent future injuries. Generally, full recovery is expected to take around 4 months as long as you are taking the proper steps and have a correct rehab protocol in place.

The injured hamstring muscle tends to be weaker and more vulnerable to reinjury after initial injury, with recurrence rates being one of the most common within the first few weeks at approximately 33%. This is why having a trained professional help you understand what your hamstring is capable of handling at the moment, how to progress you and also implement a proper rehab plan are so imperative to your recovery. Ultimately, getting you to return to your favorite activity like running, lifting, jiu-jitsu, soccer, football, etc. without fear of getting hurt again.

 The treatment process for a hamstring injury looks like the following:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: A proper workup and diagnosis need to be in place. If you don't have the correct diagnosis then you may be receiving the wrong type of treatment. Your clinician at Great Lakes Spine & Sport will be able to properly evaluate your injury's severity, find the root cause, and create a tailored treatment plan for you.

• Adjustments: Treatment may include adjustments to restore joint motion, reduce pain, and support functional transferring of forces through the lower extremity. 

• Soft Tissue Techniques: Includes methods like myofascial release and massage to reduce muscle tension, inflammation, and promote organized collagen fiber orientation of the injured tissues.

• Rehabilitative Exercises: While this treatment strategy is of the utmost importance when it comes to hamstring strains, proper progressive loading strategies, and exercises are needed to remodel the tissue and to make your hamstring more resilient than its pre-injured state.

• Trunk stabilization and agility drills: While we can treat the site of pain, those who only treat that area are usually lost. Current research shows that incorporating trunk stability exercises and agility drills helps you recover faster and prevent reinjury in the long run when compared to traditional rehab programs. 

• Nerve Mobilization: In chronic, lingering, recurring injuries, this treatment may be necessary when previously injured tissue becomes adhesive to the sciatic nerve underneath the hamstring muscles.

 Besides having an individually tailored treatment and rehabilitation plan, our office outlines what you should be doing at home to recover.

 This includes Self-Treatment Techniques like:

• Tentative Rest- Movement is your friend, get as much as you can without flaring symptoms.

• Natural Analgesic Options- NSAIDs like Ibuprofen andTylenol may help with pain, but will actually slow down or even halt tissue healing. 

• Proper Nutrition- A few options to note for tissue recovery is adequate protein intake, amino acids, vitamin C and collagen supplementation.

• Heat and Cold Therapy- Ice is helpful for pain, but again slows down the tissue healing process.

• Compression Bands- We like this for reducing inflammation even more than ice at times.

• Stretching and Foam Rolling- Note to be careful with aggressively stretching any sort of strain/sprain as this could make injury worse and slow down recovery.

• Strength Exercises/Agility/ Plyometrics- Follow an appropriate plan tailored to your hamstring’s capacity and slowly bridge the gap back to “return to sport”.

• Kinesiology Taping- This can be useful to reduce swelling and bruising after the initial injury as well as increasing proprioception (awareness) of the area to the brain.

 Swift recovery from a hamstring strain is possible with proper chiropractic care, exercises, and self-treatment strategies. If you or anyone you know is suffering from such an injury, consult with Dr. Christian or Dr. Rob and they will be able to help guide you in this process. Don't let hamstring strains hold you back from doing what you love! Our team is equipped and educated to get you back out there and leave you better than before!

 Schedule an appointment today with our experienced clinicians to start your journey to a pain-free, active life. Your recovery begins now! 

What is Chiropractic Care?

What is it NOT?

There are a lot of differing opinions and misconceptions that surround medicine, in particular the field of chiropractic medicine. This so-called “fake news” and misinformation derived from social media, people, and providers (unfortunately many other chiropractors as well) can lead to a lot of confusion for patients, making it difficult to trust chiropractors and or find one that is worth their money and time. These difficulties alongside a poor standard of care have unfortunately tainted the field of Chiropractic as a whole and created a bad reputation for those few quality providers that exist in their respective fields.

Hence why memes like this exist…

What Chiropractic Care is Not!

Chiropractic care is a profession, not a technique. 

It is not the adjustment, manipulation, bone-cracking, or whatever you may call it. Granted, while manipulation is an amazing tool to have as a provider, it should not be utilized on every single person or case that walks through the door.

Traditionally chiropractic care was defined by using spinal manipulation with the intent of creating “alignment” in the spine or body. Research since then has disproved this “bone out of place” theory. Chiropractic adjustments are creating motion in joints that are limited or restricted in a plane of motion, with the goal of increasing movement, improving joint function, and decreasing pain.

As the saying goes “If all you have is a hammer, everything is a nail.” If your chiropractor only treats you with chiropractic adjustments, it is most likely because they don't have any other treatment tools in their tool belt or they are electing to chase a quick 5-minute service and collect your $30-$50 payment. Your chiropractor should have an array of treatment strategies and choose the right one for each individual.

It is not becoming dependent on a Doctor to fix you. 

A great doctor of any sort in the medical field should have the focus on educating and empowering patients to self-manage and self-treat. Those who do this best are usually the ones who know more than the bare minimum on a topic. Patient education is a form of treatment and you deserve to understand what is going on with your own body and also what you can do for yourself. You should not have to feel as if you’re relying on someone else to fix you or instill the idea that you're broken and fragile and need their special care to help cure you. Side note: You do not always need X-rays, MRIs, INSIGHT scans, or any other images on your first visit. This is usually a tactic to get you to buy into a plan. People like to see visuals to understand the point of what the doctor is trying to do, but those resources have unfortunately been used improperly to get patients to buy into a trial of care.

It is not passive care. 

Passive care is lying on the table and doing nothing other than letting the provider do the work for you. It includes cold packs and heat packs, E-Stim, roller tables, massages, and adjustments. While sure these things have a time and place, if that is all you are doing, you are becoming dependent on those things, In all honesty, most of those things feel nice and relaxing, but they are not the things that will fix you or the root cause of your symptoms. Those things are a service, and if you are looking for long-term fixes and results then most of those things will not do you justice. You need to become an active participant on your road to recovery and that is where the magic happens. Not only will you get better, but you will also know how to do it for yourself!  In fact, insurance companies are trending towards no longer wanting to reimburse for such passive treatments and research also shows that passive treatments are not the best model of care for musculoskeletal pain.

It is not a one-size-fits-all practice model. 

Every single person is different, pain is complex and multifactorial. Some people have back pain due to mobility issues, some people have back pain due to stability issues, some people have back pain due to trauma/injury, some have back pain from repetitive movements and sustained postures, or their central nervous system is more sensitive than normal, etc.. All these people can present with the same low back pain but the root cause is very different. You deserve to be treated as an individual and be given the time to figure out what you individually need. 

It is not resetting bones or putting things back “in place”.

Granted you may feel like this is the cause or that you're “out of place” due to being told these things in the past, but feel and real are not the same thing. Joints become dysfunctional whether they move too little or too much. When joint dysfunction occurs, your brain will perceive this as not normal or even a threat. When this occurs, it’s a normal response to let you know with stiffness, muscle tightness, spasm or guarding, trigger points, and pain. If your bones were truly out of place, that is termed a dislocation. (You’ve all seen the person have their shoulder dislocation reduced…) If your bones are dislocated then the Emergency Room is the place for you, not the chiropractic office. Do not let people tell you you are out of place, or that your bones are twisted and that’s why you’re having pain.

It is not a fake Doctor. 

To become a Chiropractic Physician you need to obtain a Doctorate Degree which is approximately another 4 years beyond undergrad. The curriculum consists of 250 credit hours of courses in Foundational sciences just as in medical school, then 2 years of Clinical Sciences and Clinical Practice in clinics or internships. Upon graduating, each person can pick and choose how they’d like to treat patients and what treatment styles they want to utilize as the scope of practice varies from state to state. Not everyone is the same and not all treatment styles are actually proven to be of any benefit. That's why we follow the research and implement evidence-based care, as they have been proven to work.

It is not endless care and stretched-out treatment plans.

People in pain need guidance and a plan in place to fix the root cause of their issues. There is a normal progression from reducing pain, improving function, and meeting their goals. There has to be a clear plan in place to properly progress a patient from pain to performance. It doesn't happen overnight but it should happen usually within the traditional timeline of what each condition needs. Some conditions like joint-based injuries usually take days to weeks to recover and some other tendon/ligament-based injuries may take months of rehab. The traditional model is a trial of care of at least 4-6 weeks before jumping ship. Fun Fact: Most disc-related issues self-resolve within 6-8 weeks. If your pain and function don’t change within the timeframe, then the treatment you were getting was not fixing anything. There needs to be consistent assessment, intervention, and re-assessment to deliver the proper treatment needed. Each visit should not be the same thing over and over. If you are not making progress then a different alternative needs to be initiated. 

What should I do then?

If you are struggling with pain or injury, you want to find an office or provider who is focused on getting you better. But how do you identify a good office or doctor? Look for several things:

• A thorough history of your problem and your overall health.

• A cause-and-effect assessment based on your symptoms and movement to identify what makes you better or worse

• Education about what is wrong and what you can do to help yourself

• Home exercise and stretches to treat yourself in addition to passive care, like adjustments, and manual therapy.

• If imaging is necessary, it’s not used as a scare/sales tactic to sell you a long-term treatment plan, but rather as gathering more clinically important information so you can be treated properly.

If you need help with your pain and are struggling to find the right provider, reach out to our office. Dr. Christian and Dr. Rob will thoroughly assess to find the root cause and teach you how to treat yourself in addition to chiropractic care. They are able to help the vast majority of people and will refer you in a timely fashion if they can’t help.

Physical Therapy Vs Chiropractic Care?

What’s the Difference?

Our team at Great Lakes Spine & Sport has heard this question almost daily over the last several months, so we figured we would take some time to explain. 

 There seems to be the idea that Chiropractic care is only good for adjustments and for managing low back or neck pain, while Physical Therapy is ideal for all other conditions. Full disclaimer: this is not true! 

 Have you ever bounced around from office to office, trying different styles of treatments and different types of providers in hopes of healing and feeling better? Both PTs and Chiropractors have had clients who have been to one or the other prior and have not seen the results they were hoping for. Our office was designed to help try and break the mold of traditional Chiropractic care.

 Not to stereotype either the profession of Physical Therapy or Chiropractic, but if you take a look at the individual provider, the best Physical Therapists in the world, and the best Chiropractors in the world look and practice the same!

They are not contained to one treatment style or one type of condition.

 We at Great Lakes Spine & Sport believe in having many tools in our toolbelt. Not everyone’s pain is the same and there are hundreds of different conditions that can drive pain. So it is our job to have the tools to treat each condition. We offer an advanced integrated approach utilizing both Rehab/Physical Therapy and Chiropractic care to offer the highest standard of nonsurgical care. 

Tools in our toolbelt:

Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) McKenzie Method

Joint Mobilization/ Manipulation (Adjustments)

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS)

Active Release Technique (ART)

IASTM (Graston, Guasha, muscle scrapping)

Blood flow restriction training

Neurodynamics

Strength and Condition Principles

Kinesiology Taping

Functional Performance Rehabilitation

RacquetFit (Tennis/Pickleball Performance)

TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) Golf Performance

SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)

Massage Therapy

Cupping

Deliberate Heat Therapy (Sauna)

 While all these terms may go in one ear and out the other, it is easier to say we combine the principles of Chiropractic care and Physical Therapy!

In fact, Dr. Rob and Dr. Christian both elected to take the Physical Therapy Board Exam for Chiropractors. Our team at Great Lakes Spine & Sport is more than equipped to help you get out of pain whether it be a muscle strain, sprained ligament, irritated tendon, wrist pain, vertigo, TMJ pain, disc issues, neuropathies, IT band syndrome, sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc..

Our goal is not to only help you feel better but to solve your problem and empower you to live a pain-free life.

Elevate Your Golf Performance
Get Treated Like the Pros!

Calling all golfers! Have you ever dealt with nagging pain that limits you on the golf course or do you simply wish you could perform better but don’t know how to get there? Dr. Christian Koch at Great Lakes Spine & Sport in Holland, MI is a certified Titleist Performance Institute Level 3 Medical Provider who is equipped to not only get you out of pain and back on the course, but will help you play better and for longer!

Our golf performance assessment starts with the TPI philosophy which values efficiency rather than style. This means every golfer’s swing is and should look a little different because it pairs to what our bodies can and cannot do. Your swing most likely won’t look like Tiger Woods or Scottie Scheffler, but that doesn't mean it should. 

Golf is a game of precision, power, and finesse. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or an aspiring pro, optimizing your performance is essential to lowering your scores and enhancing your enjoyment of the game. At Great Lakes Spine & Sport, we offer a comprehensive approach to golf performance that includes physical screening, video analysis, and 3D motion capture. Let’s dive into how these services can help you reach your full potential on the course.

1. Physical Screening: The Foundation of Performance

Before getting into swing mechanics, it’s crucial to understand your body’s capabilities. Our physical screening evaluates your flexibility, strength, and mobility. We assess critical areas that influence your swing, such as hip rotation, core stability, and lower body strength. Identifying any physical limitations allows us to tailor a plan that addresses your unique needs. Just like the pros, your physical health sets the stage for peak performance.

2. Video Analysis: Fine-Tuning Your Mechanics

Once we understand your physical capabilities, we utilize cutting-edge video analysis to break down your swing mechanics. This high-speed equipment captures your swing from multiple angles, allowing our experts to pinpoint areas for improvement. We analyze your grip, stance, and follow-through, providing you with visual feedback that’s easy to understand. This detailed breakdown is similar to how professional golfers review their swings with coaches, giving you insights that can lead to immediate improvements on the course.

3. 3D Motion Capture: The Science Behind Your Swing

When it comes to assessing the golf swing, we prioritize efficiency. We can measure this with 3D motion analysis - specifically called the kinematic sequence. This will tell us how well you can create force and transfer it through your body and into the golf ball. There can be insufficiencies in the data, which can either be a body problem or a conceptual one. To take your performance to the next level this sophisticated system tracks the movement of your body in real-time, providing an in-depth analysis of your swing dynamics. By examining the biomechanics of your motion, we can identify inefficiencies and areas of potential power loss. This data-driven approach is what elite athletes rely on to enhance their skills, and now it’s available to you.

4. Personalized Plans: Your Roadmap to Success

With insights gained from the physical screening, video analysis, and 3D motion capture, we create a customized training plan just for you. Your plan will include specific exercises to improve strength and flexibility, drills to refine your swing mechanics, and strategies to address any physical limitations. This individualized approach ensures that you’re not just practicing but making meaningful progress toward your goals.

Treat Yourself Like a Pro

Imagine stepping onto the course with the confidence that comes from understanding your body and swing. By leveraging our comprehensive golf performance services, you’ll be equipped to elevate your game and play like the pros. Don’t leave your performance to chance—take control of your golf game today!

Are you ready to improve your game? Contact us at 616-594-0214 or go to our website https://greatlakesspineandsport.janeapp.com/#/golf-performance-assessment-titleist-performance-institute to schedule your golf performance screening and get started on the path to becoming the best golfer you can be!

Medical Massage Therapist vs.
Licensed Massage Therapist?
What’s the Difference?

Stay Injury-Free While Shoveling Snow:

Winter in West Michigan brings beautiful snow-covered landscapes—but with it comes the less glamorous task of snow shoveling. While clearing your driveway may be necessary, it’s also a common cause of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly to the back, shoulders, and knees. At Great Lakes Spine and Sport, we’re here to help you stay safe and pain-free this winter.

Why Shoveling Snow Can Be Risky

Shoveling snow is a physically demanding activity that combines heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and awkward body mechanics. Add cold temperatures that tighten muscles and slippery surfaces, and it’s a recipe for injury.
Common issues we see include:

• Low back strain from poor body mechanics or lifting too much weight.

• Shoulder injuries from overuse or poor technique.

• Knee pain from twisting or overloading the joints.

• Slips and falls on icy surfaces.

The good news? With proper preparation and technique, you can minimize your risk.

Snow Shoveling Tips

1. Warm Up First - Before heading out, take 5-10 minutes to warm up your muscles. Do some air squats, arm circles, and brisk walking to increase circulation and reduce stiffness. 

2. Use the Right Equipment - Choose an ergonomic snow shovel with a curved handle to reduce the need to bend forward. Lightweight plastic shovels are easier to maneuver than heavy metal ones.

3. Dress Appropriately - Choose non-slip boots to maintain good traction on icy surfaces.

4. Practice Proper Lifting Technique

   • Bend more at your knees, less at your waist.

   • Keep your back straight and your core engaged.

   • Lift small amounts of snow at a time—don’t overload your shovel.

   • Avoid twisting your torso; instead, turn your entire body to throw the snow.

5. Push Instead of Lift - Whenever possible, push the snow to the side rather than lifting it. This reduces strain on your back and shoulders.

6. Take Frequent Breaks - Shoveling snow is a workout. Take breaks every 15-20 minutes to rest and hydrate. Listen to your body and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

7. Know Your Limits - If you have a history of repeated back injuries, heart issues, or other health concerns, consider hiring someone to do the job for you or investing in a snowblower.

What to Do If You Get Hurt

Even with the best precautions, injuries can happen. If you experience pain during or after shoveling, don’t ignore it. Here’s what you can do:

• Alternate heat and ice to reduce swelling and inflammation.

• Temporarily avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.

• Don’t rest completely except for severe injuries. Light activity and mid-range movement usually are more helpful.

• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.

If you are experiencing pain and injury, schedule an appointment with Dr. Christian or Dr. Rob at Great Lakes Spine and Sport. Our doctors can evaluate your condition, provide targeted treatment, and help you recover faster with the best of chiropractic and physical therapy.

Preventive Care for a Healthier Winter

Have you ever seen the construction site where one guy digs the hole, while the other workers eat lunch? The poor guy digging gets overworked!

The same thing happens in our bodies. Some areas don’t move well, so other parts of the body have to work overtime. A common example is tightness in the upper back and hips causing your lower back to be overworked.

Our doctors can identify body limitations that lead to pain and reduced ability. We can improve your body’s movement patterns so you are more resilient and have less risk of injury. At Great Lakes Spine and Sport, we specialize in keeping your spine, muscles, and joints in peak condition so you can enjoy winter activities without worry.

Stay Connected with Us

We’re here to support your musculoskeletal health year-round. Whether you’re a current patient or someone looking for expert care, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.

Don’t forget to share this guide with friends and family who might benefit from these tips. Stay safe, and let’s tackle winter together!

Discover The Power Of Acoustic Wave Therapy

Are you struggling with chronic pain that hasn’t improved with traditional treatments? At Great Lakes Spine and Sport, we’re thrilled to introduce Acoustic Wave Therapy (aka Shockwave Therapy) to our suite of advanced services. This cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment is designed to help patients overcome stubborn conditions and return to their active lives faster.

What Is Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Acoustic Wave Therapy uses sound, or pressure waves, to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Though new to many, this technology has been widely used in the medical field for over 40 years to address a variety of musculoskeletal issues. From breaking down kidney stones to treating tendon problems, it is proven to be highly effective.

Now, Acoustic Wave Therapy is revolutionizing the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Plantar fasciitis

• Achilles tendonitis

• Patellar tendinopathy

• Tennis and golfer’s elbow

• Trigger finger

• Calf and Hamstring Strains

• Biceps Tendinopathy

• Gluteal Tendinopathy

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

How Does It Work?

Acoustic Wave Therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to targeted areas of the body. These waves trigger a cascade of beneficial effects:

1. Stimulates Collagen Repair: Collagen is essential for strong and healthy tendons and muscles. Acoustic waves encourage the production and remodeling of collagen to promote tissue repair.

2. Increases Blood Flow: Improved circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, speeding up the healing process.

3. Reduces Inflammation and Pain: Acoustic waves break down inflammatory molecules and promote the release of natural pain-relieving substances, offering relief from chronic discomfort.

4. Promotes Long-Term Healing: By jump starting the body’s remodeling process, Acoustic Wave Therapy sets the stage for lasting recovery.

Why Choose Acoustic Wave Therapy?

Many patients with chronic tendon issues or persistent pain feel stuck after trying various treatments without success. Acoustic Wave Therapy offers hope for these cases by targeting the problem at its source. It is:

• Non-Invasive: No surgery or downtime required.

• Quick: Sessions typically last 10-20 minutes.

• Safe: Proven over decades of clinical use.

• Effective: Especially for conditions that haven’t responded to physical therapy or chiropractic care.

Our Comprehensive Approach

At Great Lakes Spine and Sport, we pair Acoustic Wave Therapy with a personalized rehabilitation plan to maximize results. By combining this advanced technology with targeted exercises and manual therapies, we ensure that your chronic issues not only improve but stay better for the long term.

Is Acoustic Wave Therapy Right for You?

If you’re dealing with chronic pain, tendon problems, or other stubborn musculoskeletal conditions, Acoustic Wave Therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Don’t let pain hold you back any longer.
 

Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Call us at 616-594-0214 or visit https://greatlakesspineandsport.com to book your appointment and learn how Acoustic Wave Therapy can help you feel your best again.