Our goals here at Worthington Optimal Wellness are to help you feel better, function better, and live better.

Taking X-rays is one big way we help you do just that! X-rays tells us so much about the body as we can visualize structures, identify potential issues like fractures or degenerative changes, we can also monitor progress this way. These x-rays determine misalignment needs and what types of adjustments are indicated or contraindicated.

Let’s run through a couple scenarios, all of which we can help!

Male, age 62, grandfather to 7, wants to keep up with all his grandkid’s activities.

His goal is to increase his steps to 7500 a day, but his bulging disc in his lower back bothers him. Returning to an active lifestyle for him has caused tight calf muscles and knee pain. Our patient may be walking on his toes, causing the tight calf muscles. An exam allows us to form a care plan for him including chiropractic adjustments and functional movement sessions.

Female, age 40, mom of 2, is training for a marathon.

While she is already living an active lifestyle, she is pushing her body daily to train for this marathon and has developed plantar fasciitis. This scenario may be due to the amount of strain she is putting on her unsupported feet as she trains due to her arches falling after having children. Her care plan could include adjustments and custom orthotics to get her to the finish line.

Male, age 14, multi-sport athlete, has slight scoliosis and flat feet.

X-rays on the young athlete assess the scoliosis, chiropractic adjustments will allow us to monitor and maintain proper alignment through his spine, which could then be supported through custom orthotics.

All of these issues are due to improper biomechanics and here’s how we can help!

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care focuses on spinal health and nervous system function, using manual adjustments to address misalignments (also known as subluxations) in the spine and other joints, like the multiple joints of the foot and ankle. The goal of chiropractic care is to:

1. Improve Spinal Alignment: Chiropractic adjustments can help align the spine and improve posture, reducing pain and promoting better movement patterns.
2. Enhance Mobility: Chiropractic treatments can improve joint mobility and reduce restrictions, improving overall flexibility and movement efficiency.
3. Address Musculoskeletal Pain: Chiropractors treat various musculoskeletal issues, including neck pain, back pain, headaches, and joint discomfort.
4. Restore Function: Chiropractic care can also help restore normal function to the nervous system, which controls movement and sensation, aiding in overall well-being.

Graston Technique

To help those aching feet and calves of course we offer massages here at the office, but we also offer Graston. The Graston Technique is a form of soft tissue mobilization that involves using specialized stainless-steel instruments to massage and scrape the skin. Here are some of the main benefits of Graston:

1. Improved Range of Motion: Graston helps break down scar tissue and adhesions, which can increase flexibility and range of motion in the affected area.
2. Faster Healing: The technique stimulates blood flow to the injured area, which can promote faster tissue repair and healing.
3. Pain Reduction: By targeting areas of tension and stiffness, Graston can help reduce chronic pain, muscle tightness, and discomfort.
4. Decreased Scar Tissue Formation: It can help to prevent or break down excess scar tissue that may form after an injury, ensuring better tissue quality as it heals.
5. Increased Circulation: The process increases blood circulation in the affected area, helping to bring oxygen and nutrients necessary for healing.
6. Treats a Variety of Conditions: Graston is commonly used to treat conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, IT band syndrome, and muscle strains.
7. Non-invasive: Compared to surgical options, Graston is a non-invasive treatment that can be used as an alternative to more invasive procedures.

Chronic Pain Relief: It is particularly effective for individuals who have chronic pain or have not found relief with other therapies

After an adjustment and having a massage or Graston done, the key to staying pain free is to support the therapy you’ve just had done. There are many ways you can do that and custom orthotics are one of them!

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics are specially designed shoe inserts made to fit the unique shape of your feet. These are created based on a thorough assessment of your posture, gait, and foot structure. The goal of custom orthotics is to:

1. Improve Foot Alignment: Custom orthotics help correct imbalances in your feet that could lead to pain or discomfort. They can address conditions like flat feet, high arches, or overpronation (when your feet roll inward).
2. Support Proper Posture: Since your feet serve as the foundation for the rest of your body, orthotics can improve overall alignment, which can reduce strain on other areas, like your knees, hips, and spine.
3. Relieve Pain: For those with foot-related pain, such as plantar fasciitis or metatarsalgia, custom orthotics provide cushioning and support to relieve pressure on specific areas.
4. Prevent Injury: Orthotics can help prevent injuries caused by poor foot mechanics, especially in athletes or people who stand for long periods.

Give the office a call for your FREE foot scan! We have fully flexible orthotics for every type of shoe! Our orthotics allow your foot and ankle to go through the full natural movement of the joints. Allowing for an optimal kinetic chain connection.

Get to stepping

Whether or not you’re trying to keep up with your grandchildren, training for a marathon, or just stay in shape, walking is great way to stay active and improve your overall health!

Here are some tips and strategies to help you hit your daily step goals and make walking a regular part of your routine:

1. Set Realistic Goals

• Start Small: If you’re just beginning, aim for a manageable target like 5,000 steps a day, then gradually increase it to 7,500 or 10,000 steps as you get used to the routine.
• Track Progress: Use a pedometer, fitness tracker, or smartphone app to keep track of your steps. This can be motivating and help you stay on track.

2. Incorporate Walking Into Daily Activities

• Take the Stairs: Skip the elevator and take the stairs whenever possible to add extra steps.
• Park Further Away: When you’re going to the store or work, park at the far end of the parking lot to get a few more steps in.
• Walk While You Talk: If you need to take phone calls or have a chat with someone, do it while walking around your home or office.
• Walk During Breaks: If you’re working from home or at the office, take a quick walk during lunch or short breaks to keep your step count up.

3. Make Walking Social

• Walk with Friends or Family: Take a walk with a friend or family member. It makes the activity more enjoyable, and you’re more likely to stick with it.
• Join Walking Groups: Many communities have walking clubs or groups you can join to stay motivated.

4. Explore New Places

• Walk in Different Locations: Change up your walking routes to keep things interesting. Parks, nature trails, and even urban areas can provide a new experience every time.
• Discover New Spots: If you’re traveling, take time to explore the area on foot. It’s a great way to see a new place and get your steps in.

5. Break It Up

• Short Walks Throughout the Day: If you can’t do a long walk all at once, break your steps up throughout the day. Try to take a 10-minute walk every couple of hours to accumulate your daily steps.
• Walk at Home: If the weather’s bad or you can’t get outside, walk in place while watching TV, or walk around your home.

6. Use a Fitness Tracker

• Stay Motivated: Fitness trackers, like Fitbit or Apple Watch, give you real-time feedback on your steps and encourage you to hit your daily targets with reminders or challenges.
• Compete with Friends: Some fitness trackers have social features where you can compete with friends or join walking challenges for extra motivation. We We use the StepUp Pedometer!

7. Make Walking Fun

• Listen to Music or Podcasts: Bring headphones and listen to your favorite music, podcasts, or audiobooks while walking. It can make the experience more enjoyable.

8. Set Time for Regular Walks

• Walk After Meals: A short walk after lunch or dinner can help with digestion and add steps to your day.
• Morning or Evening Walks: Consider walking in the morning to start your day with energy or take a relaxing evening walk to unwind.

9. Track Your Health Progress

• Notice Improvements: As you get more consistent with walking, you’ll likely start to notice improved mood, energy, and even weight management. Keeping track of these benefits can motivate you to continue.

Give us a call today to get started on your chiropractic journey at 614-848-5211!

We look forward to seeing you soon,

Dr. Hughes, Dr. Shannan, Dr. Harris