Tip 1: Earn more while working less. There are opportunities everywhere for a massage therapist to earn more money while working fewer hours. Adding a product line that you believe in and your clients will appreciate is always a good way to add revenue to your business and does not take a lot of effort on your part. Therapists that specialize can also earn a premium for their services. Sports massage and physical therapy or rehab massage are both good examples.

Tip 2: Dress for the clients you want to have. This is a no brainer, but one that sometimes is overlooked. How you present yourself will play a role in the clients you work with. High end massage therapy clients are used to expensive things and a lifestyle of luxury. If this is a clientele that you would like to have, dress for the part. Every time you are meeting someone, you are being interviewed, dress for it.

Tip 3: Work when others won’t. A therapist can earn tens of thousands of dollars more annually if they open up their schedule to accommodate working clients. If you want to work with high end clients, VIPs celebrities, or athletes, you have to be open to working outside of normal business hours. Normal business hours are when these folk are working to be able to pay you, make yourself available and charge a premium for work performed before 9 am or after 6 pm.

Tip 4: Target your market. While working with high end and recession proof clients is always a good source of income, working with personal injury or labor and industry claims is also a consistent source of revenue. No matter what the economy is doing, people will always get injured and need assistance in rehabilitation and recovery. Being a part of this client niche will ensure your financial success for years.

Tip 5: Things to do, things not to do. Do: accept credit cards, make it easy for you to get paid and make it easier for the clients. Do Not Do: Energy work or other modalities that may make your client uncomfortable, unless requested. Do not: refer to your customers as patients. Using that terminology implies that your clients are sick or that you can provide care outside your training. Do: watch the clock. This will create respect for both you and your client’s time boundaries. Don’t: use over complicated draping techniques, often clients will feel you are inexperienced if you take too much time or use techniques that require multiple steps.

Tip 6: Listen more, talk less. Listen to your clients and respect them as an individual. Learn as much as possible about your clients and their needs to best be able to serve them. Don’t: share everything you “feel” is best for them. There is a fine line between educating the client and preaching to the client. When a therapist feels the need to share their feelings is more important than the clients need to be comfortable, business can be lost.

Tip 7: Referrals – advertisements by people for people. Never underestimate the power of a referral. A referral for a single session can easily turn into a scheduled weekly appointment, which in turn can parlay into further referrals. Pay attention to where your referrals come from and reward those that refer to you. A reward can take the form of a cash benefit, gift certificates or trade for massage therapy. Just make sure that the referrer is always shown appreciation.

Tip 8: VIP Clients. A therapist doesn’t have to be located in NY or LA to have access to a top notch VIP client list. No matter where you are located there are opportunities to meet and serve VIPs. I know of several therapists that have made a good business for themselves by going to music venues or locations for movies or TV shows and giving chair massage to stage hands, grips and others that eventually lead to referrals to the VIP list. Once you’re in the door, they will remember you and call on you when they are in your area.

Tip 9: Focused deep tissue massage. Many clients feel that a massage that is harder and applies more pressure is better and is the only way to provide relief. This is often a misunderstanding of what a quality deep tissue massage entails and is mainly based on previous experiences. A quality deep tissue massage does not require more pressure than other modalities, it just has to be more focused and more accurately target the injured muscle. This difference will keep a client that has been educated properly coming back treatment after treatment.

Tip 10: Stay positive. All businesses experience rejection, be prepared for it and get used to it. Most rejections are not permanent, they just mean, not right now. Stay positive, every no you here brings you closer to the yes you want. Stay positive about taking on clients before or after “normal” business hours. Stay positive about receiving referrals and creating opportunities to gain more valuable referrals. Stay positive and those around you will appreciate it and help you grow your business.

Post by: David Fried – Custom Craftworks - www.customcraftworks.com

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

Adding Massage to Your Practice: Insurance carriers have a variety of rules when it comes to billing massage therapy. The best way to become familiar with them is to contact the insurance companies you work with already and find out what each requires. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the accepted massage coding practices of Medicare and Medicaid Services. You can find more information on coding and billing at www.cms.gov and www.ama-assn.org ,the American Medical Association website. Using the coding policy required by carriers and agencies as well as reporting time properly will greatly increase your ability to be compensated properly.

Massage is generally billed in 15 or 30 minute increments after having been prescribed by a chiropractor or other healthcare provider for the treatment of a diagnosed medical condition. CPT Codes to familiarize yourself with are 97124 (massage) for basic Swedish Massage, and 97140 (Manual Therapy Techniques), which includes Myofascial Release, Manual Traction and Lymphatic Drainage. There are currently no codes to represent specific modalities.

There are other codes often used within the therapists’ scope of practice, such as whirlpool, infared heat, and electrical stimulation and paraffin baths. Be sure you know and stay within your state’s scope.

Billing for the same procedure or modality that is on your prescription and documenting it in exactly the same way are the keys to full payment without delay or denials. Not all cases are reimbursable to a massage therapist, including some worker’s compensation and disability. Knowing which are will increase your billing success rate.

Next week we will continue our discussion on “The Business of Healing”, until then be well.

Post by: David Fried – Custom Craftworks - www.customcraftworks.com

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

(NaturalNews) Our ancient ancestors grew up in a world of stress and scarcity. Food was often not available and intermittent fasting was common. This form of life left a genetic blueprint with key information pertaining to our health and well being. Intermittent fasting reduces oxidative stress, enhances cellular repair processes and appears to be a key strategy for anti-aging and longevity.

Thousands of years of food scarcity led our bodies to develop a protective mechanism to adapt to alternating phases of food abundance and scarcity. During times of food scarcity, our cell membranes become more sensitive to insulin. This is especially important when food is scarce because it ensures that every bit of food be efficiently used or stored.

During times of food abundance the body desensitizes the cells to insulin in an effort to avoid the stress of a heavy calorie intake. This results in elevated insulin levels, increased fat storage and increased oxidative stress and inflammatory conditions in the body. Insulin also enhances cellular division, which is a risk factor for cancer formation.

Today, we have a massive abundance of food sources. We can virtually eat anytime we would like. In fact, many health coaches recommend eating 5-6 small meals throughout the day. This process, however, sends the body the signal of surplus that inhibits key tissue repair hormones, which have powerful anti-aging effects.

Turning on Genetic Repair Mechanisms

Intermittent fasting acts to turn on certain genetic repair mechanisms that enhance cellular rejuvenation. This adaptation appears to allow certain cells to have a longer lifespan during times of famine. It is energetically less expensive to repair a cell than it is to divide and create new cells. This has a positive effect at shutting down cancer cell formation and proliferation.

These genetic repair mechanisms are turned on through the release of human growth hormone (HGH). HGH is known to create physiological changes in metabolism to favor fat burning and protein sparing. The proteins and amino acids are utilized to repair tissue collagen which improves the functionality and strength of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. HGH also improves skin function, reduces wrinkles & heals cuts and burns faster.

HGH and insulin are opposites in function. HGH is focused on tissue repair, efficient fuel usage and anti-inflammatory immune activity. Insulin is designed for energy storage, cellular division and pro-inflammatory immune activity. Insulin is the dominant player in this game. When conditions demand an insulin release (carbohydrate intake), HGH is inhibited.

Fasting is a Powerful Healing Modality

Intermittent fasting is one of the most powerful modalities for reducing inflammation, boosting immunity and enhancing tissue healing. This is one of the reasons why many people feel nauseated when they have infections. This innate mechanism is the body’s way of influencing us to fast so it can produce the right environment to boost natural immunity.

Researchers at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute found that men, who had fasted for 24 hours, had a 2000% increase in circulating HGH. Women who were tested had a 1300% increase in HGH. The researchers found that the fasting individuals had significantly reduced their triglycerides, boosted their HDL cholesterol and stabilized their blood sugar.

The best way to begin fasting is by giving your body 12 hours between dinner and breakfast every single day. This allows 4 hours to complete digestion and 8 hours for the liver to complete its detoxification cycle. After this is a standard part of lifestyle, try taking one day a week and extending the fast to 16-18 hours. Eventually, you may choose to do a full 24 hour fast each week.

Sources for This Article Include

http://www.ajcn.org/content/86/1/7.full

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-04/imc-sfr033111.php

http://www.naturalnews.com/029298_aging_industry.html

http://www.marksdailyapple.com/fasting/

About the author:
Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com Dr. Jockers is also available for long distance phone consultations to help you beat disease and reach your health goals

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034277_fasting_longevity.html#ixzz1mvlVL8BK

Re-Post by: Bob Jones, Pivotal Health Solutions

Equine Acupuncture with Apollo Cold Laser

Spike had been a stalwart, reliable school horse in a large county owned riding program for many years. Even after he lost his right eye four years ago, he still was a favorite among the beginner riders. At 14.3 HH, the red roan Appaloosa had a pleasant, almost clown-like appearance and attitude. However, last year after his arthritic knees became so painful that he could not even participate in a walking lesson,  the school came to the decision that Spike needed to be retired to the school’s adoption program. He had also become very difficult for the blacksmith and their veterinarian had recommended medicating him with phenylbutazone. Adoption seemed highly unlikely as he became more painful and stiff. That is when Dr. Shari Silverman, a New Jersey based veterinarian focused on veterinary pain mediation entered the scene.

“The first time I saw him,” says Dr Silverman, “he walked like an old man taking tiny steps and swinging his legs to avoid bending his knees. After a few treatments, he began walking like a normal horse.” Even the volunteers at the retirement program noticed a significant change in Spike’s attitude and activity as he returned to the clownish character they had once known. “Treating Spike with laser therapy has returned him to activity and improved his chances of adoption.”

Laser therapy is far from limited to human rehabilitation medicine. Veterinary medicine has jumped on board with enthusiasm over the use of laser therapy to speed healing and alleviate pain. As in human medicine, laser therapy is also used by veterinarians for sports injuries, fracture and wound healing, chronic and acute pain issues; in short, just about anything you would use a laser for in human medicine can be duplicated in veterinary medicine.

Equine Acupuncture with Apollo Cold Laser

The Main Biological Effects of Laser Light:

•  Pain relief
•  Reduced inflammation
•  Increased blood flow to injured tissues
•  Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
•  Accelerated wound healing
•  Reduced formation of scar tissue
•  Improved nerve function

Recently one of the horses at Spring Reins of Hope in Pittstown, NJ severely cut her hind leg. Dr Silverman used laser treatment on the wound with the result that the healing time has been much faster than anticipated.

Another horse at Spring Reins of Hope is Director Christianna Carpa’s own horse Spring. After a fall on the ice last year, he had a persistent swelling over his right shoulder and was stiff on that limb. “After one treatment, the shoulder was almost normal,” reports Christianna. “I couldn’t believe what a difference. The shoulder had been a problem for almost a year. An important participant in the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy program here, Spring helps heal people suffering grief, veterans with PTSD and he even works with at-risk gang kids. How could he continue to do any of that if he was hurting? ”

Some animals respond very quickly to laser treatment and only require a few sessions to see marked improvement. Others, particularly those with chronic problems, need to be seen more often and may need a maintenance program. Initially, Dr. Silverman treated Spike once a week. After 6 sequential treatments, Dr. Silverman now only comes back once every few months to check on Spike and give him a maintenance treatment. “Now when I see him, he looks as good as he did the last time I saw him. We can’t give him new knees and we haven’t cured his arthritis, but we have gotten his pain to a very manageable level and the change in his quality of life is remarkable.”

But it is not just horses that can benefit by the use of laser therapy. Jaimie, a well-groomed sable collie, had been an active dog. Now, in her older years, arthritis was definitely affecting her quality of life. Her regular veterinarian had prescribed some pain medication but she continued to be limited by pain and weakness in her limbs.

Jaimie has been a close companion to Elaine and it broke Elaine’s heart to see her best friend in pain. She asked Dr Silverman if she could help her dog. “Elaine was so desperate. The love between these two is so special and Jaimie was suffering,” said Dr Silverman. “The first time I saw Jaimie, she had knots of pain in the muscles along her back. After I treated her back with laser therapy, the knots just disappeared and she immediately seemed more comfortable. Treating Jaimie with laser therapy improved her quality of life and relieved Elaine of her worry.”

If done correctly, there is little or no sensation during laser therapy. Most patients seem to genuinely enjoy their treatments and no patient sedation or restraint is needed. “Jaimie is so excited to see Dr Silverman,” says Elaine. “She loves her treatments and often dozes off while she is getting treated.”

Laser Therapy is a non-invasive and extremely gentle form of treatment with virtually no side-effects. However, the use of a laser as a medical device should be done by veterinary medical practitioners to ensure that an adequate diagnosis has been obtained prior to treatment so that the use of the laser does not inhibit healing and more effective medical treatment is not being overlooked.

Reposted from Dr. Silvermans Blog on Feb. 25, 2012

Meet the Doc
Shari C. Silverman, VMD, provides veterinary exercise and rehabilitation consultations along with supplemental therapeutic medical practices to serve as a complement to traditional western-based veterinary healthcare.  For an injured horse, chronically painful horse, or equine athlete, these treatment plans and wellness programs including acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, laser therapy, and myofascial release, restore structural integrity and equilibrium allowing the body to better preserve health, or in cases of injury or illness, heal itself.  The concepts are simple – good horse management leads to a healthier, happier, sounder horse.

Dr. Silverman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School of Medicine and Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians in Colorado, the only scientific based acupuncture course in the U.S. available to veterinarians.  Her practices are based on research and fact based medical techniques blending a scientific modern approach with the ancient medical practice developed centuries ago in China.

To contact Dr. Silverman call 908-963-6904 or click www.simplysoundhorse.com

Learn More About Apollo Cold Laser Therapy

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

Introduction: Adding massage to your practice can be richly rewarding for you and your patients. Large numbers of professionals are realizing the results of combining these complimentary methods. According to a recent survey conducted by The Doyle Group, publishers of Chiropractic Economics and Massage Magazine, 50.8% of chiropractors already offer massage to their patients and many more are adding massage every day. Practices that offer massage can accommodate more appointments each day and even generate profit when you are out of the office! Pivotal Health Solutions has been providing products and services to the massage and chiropractic professions for over two decades. We can supply all of the products and information needed to successfully integrate Massage Therapy into your practice.

Combining chiropractic and massage forms an effective and profitable alliance. Where chiropractic address pain and dysfunction through spinal adjustments, massage therapy applies pressure to muscle and other soft tissue to achieve therapeutic and relaxation results.

Together, these two approaches form the basis of a comprehensive care system designed for the well being of your patients. The result is adjustments that are more effective – and hold. In addition, massage adds another profit center to your business, which may continue producing even when you are not present.

As Pivotal Health Solutions is an industry leader in manufacturing both massage therapy and chiropractic equipment we are uniquely suited to provide both the knowledge and tools your practice will need to grow and succeed. We at Pivotal Health Solutions very well understand that our success stems from your practices success.

Next week we will continue our discussion on the Business of Healing, until then, be well.

Post by: David Fried – Custom Craftworks – www.customcraftworks.com

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

(NaturalNews) Parkinson’s disease is the second most common degenerative disorder of the central nervous system after Alzheimer’s disease. It is estimated that 1% of individuals over the age of 65 are diagnosed with this disorder. Natural lifestyle interventions can prevent and reverse Parkinson’s disease.

Parkinson’s particularly affects a region of the basal ganglia called the substantia nigra. The basal ganglia are a group of brain structures that utilize dopamine as their primary neurotransmitter. Neuronal loss in these regions is associated with brain cell inflammation and the formation of cross-linked proteins called Lewy bodies in the remaining nerve cells. Lewy bodies are protein aggregates that form and block normal cellular activity.

The most common symptoms of Parkinson’s include movement related disorders such as shaking, rigidity, difficulty walking and slowness of movement. As the disease progresses, it leads to cognitive and behavioral problems such as dementia, insomnia and irritability.

Type II Diabetes Dramatically Increases Parkinson Disease Risk
Researchers in Finland have found that individuals with type II diabetes have an 83% greater risk of developing Parkinson’s. Elevated blood sugar is known to link with protein structures in a process called glycation. This reaction of reducing sugars connecting to amino acids creates advanced glycolytic enzymes (AGE’s). AGE’s are especially dangerous and create massive amounts of free radicals.

AGE damage in the basal ganglia region is associated with Lewy body formation. These structures are created and aggregate in the basal ganglia due to excessive oxidative stress within the sensitive neuronal tissues. Oxidative stress in the brain is most commonly associated with blood sugar imbalances and environmental toxins (such as heavy metals and organic toxins like pesticides and herbicides).

British studies have linked users of conventional herbicide weed killers and pesticide fly killers to be almost twice as likely to form Parkinson’s disease. Many of these products kill weeds and bugs by affecting protein chemistry within the organism. This seems to clearly have deleterious effects on humans as well. The greatest potential sources of exposure include crop spraying, weed killers, pesticides and insecticides used in the garden, and fly sprays and ant powders used in the home.

The key to preventing and reversing Parkinson’s disease is to begin with an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle. This includes lots of clean water and phytonutrient rich raw and lightly cooked vegetables. Good fats such as avocados, olive oil, nuts/seeds and coconut products should be strongly encouraged. Healthy animal products such as grass-fed beef, bison, lamb, antelope, deer and free-range chicken, turkey and eggs are also good sources.

Sugar and food sources that metabolize into sugar such as grains and fruits should be used minimally. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, and rosemary among others should be used at every possible chance.

High quality omega-3 fatty acids with astaxanthin are especially important for stabilizing neuronal cell membranes. Astaxanthin has very strong anti-oxidant effects that are especially good at protecting against lipid peroxidation, which damages cell membranes.

It is very important for individuals, who are suffering from Parkinson’s or are susceptible to the disease, to boost intracellular glutathione levels. Glutathione (GSH) is a very special peptide molecule that provides the greatest anti-oxidant protection and recharges other anti-oxidants within the body. Non-denatured, grass-fed whey protein is the best natural food source for glutathione precursors such as cysteine and glutamic acid.

Glutathione helps the cells eliminate wastes from the intracellular environment and into the bloodstream. In order to prevent retoxification it is essential to use a binding agent such as activated charcoal. Activated charcoal has been shown to be extremely effective at binding and eliminating organic toxins from the system.

Sources For This Article Include:
Parkinson:
Advanced glycation end products induce in vitro cross-linking of alpha-synuclein and accelerate the process of intracellular inclusion body formation.:
Pesticides dramatically increase risk of Parkinson’s:
Glutathione is the master super antioxidant of the body  Learn more: 

About the author: Dr. David Jockers owns and operates Exodus Health Center in Kennesaw, Ga. He is a Maximized Living doctor. His expertise is in weight loss, customized nutrition & exercise, & structural corrective chiropractic care. For more information go to www.exodushc.com To find a Maximized Living doctor near you go to www.maximizedliving.com 

Re-Post by: Bob Jones, Pivotal Health Solutions

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

In a randomized blinded trial, 63 patients with chronic Myofascial pain were treated and assessed for pain before and after treatment.

Laser provided significantly more improvement both during activity and at rest when compared to ultrasound (p<0.05). This study concludes that laser and ultrasound are both effective. But, on all parameters, laser provided more relief and was described as as “the preferred treatment(s) of myofascial pain syndrome in (the) shoulder.”

Eur J Phys Rehabil Med. 2011 Sep;47(3):381-9.Comparison of the effects of low energy laser and ultrasound in treatment of shoulder myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized single-blinded clinical trial. Rayegani S, et al.

Curtis Turchin, M.A., D.C. has been a doctor of chiropractic using lasers for the treatment of acute and chronic pain for more than 25 years.  He has published 3 books, more than 20 journal articles, and has been extensively interviewed on radio and television.  Dr. Turchin is the author of the text, Light and Laser Therapy:  Clinical Procedures, described as the authoritative text on clinical laser treatment as well as Treating Addictions with Laser Therapy, the only book published on this unique subject. He has a bachelor’s degree in pre-medical studies and psychology from the University of Southern California., a master’s degree in education from San Francisco State University, and a doctor of chiropractic from Palmer College West. He can be contacted at: 650-224-8789 or dr.turchin@yahoo.com. His address is 950 Woodside Rd., Suite 6, Redwood City, CA 94061

Learn More About Apollo Cold Laser Therapy

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

www.pivotalhealthsolutions.com

In his article “Re-framing the idea of referring new clients to other LMTs” Cary Bayer says and I agree, that the therapist being referred to may become that client’s therapist for years to come and therefore could be lost revenue to the referrer into the thousands of dollars. I agree with Mr. Bayer that we don’t want to see therapists become over worked, hurt or injure themselves or over schedule to the point of burnout, none of these outcomes are good. However, by taking the time to implement a business plan that includes a referral partner or partners that will compensate you for each session you referred to them; you are passing up a valuable revenue stream. In the same regard, if your practice is quickly becoming over referred to it may make sense to expand your practice, higher other therapists that share your particular style and passion for healing and thrive. Your client’s, employees and community would be positively affected by your expansion and that is what all healers and therapists strive for; the positive effect of your healing power on those around you.

Now of course there is always a lot to consider when implementing a new business plan, but I strongly feel that with the extra effort success will follow.

David Fried, Custom Craftworks   customcraftworks.com

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

9. New and effective tool for you to help your patients with:
Let’s be honest here. If someone comes in with a severe disc pathology that is causing radiculopathy, weakness, and a host of other extremity issues. There is not a lot that general adjusting can do. I know I know, I’m a Chiropractor too and I know the power of the body’s ability to heal itself without interference. I also know from visiting and teaching literally hundreds of other chiropractors that severe disc pathology just doesn’t respond as well and they usually end up losing the patient to the pain management clinics or surgeons. The ones that are implementing decompression therapy as an adjunct to their Chiropractic care (not a replacement) are able to help these cases more effectively than without this in their practice.

8. Non age dependant. Virtually any age person with disc pathology can benefit:
I have heard so many cases where the surgeon has told the patient that they are too old for surgery and they are just going to have to live with the pain or “enroll in lifelong pain management”. NOT so with decompression therapy! You can offer your elderly patient populations hope that they never would have found by offering decompression therapy.

7. Viable alternative to invasive /risky back surgery:
I have been doing decompression therapy for well over a decade and individual sessions into the tens of thousands, as well as consulted, coached several hundreds of doctors. Not once have I run across a “decompression fatality! On the other hand, the national average of spinal surgery deaths is 2.4 deaths out of every 100 operations (1). Other things to consider, 80,000 new cases of failed back surgeries per year in US (2). Of these the percentage that will go on to lead a productive working lifestyle is less than stellar. 71% to 95% of lumbar fusion patients will never return to work (3). Why would you not want to help these patients with another option?

6. Another revenue stream for your office:
Let’s face it. Times are tough for everyone. In the average office I go in to assess and run a statistical report on, the revenue streams are steadily decreasing while at the same time the overhead, and other expenses are steadily increasing. It is only a matter of time when the office will reach what I call a “financial titration point”.  What we need to be looking at is other resources that are already in demand, that are accepted, and that our patients need. Ones that we can easily implement in our clinic without disrupting flow.

5. Allows you to keep your share of the market:
I have seen several times where there is one doctor in a town who is contemplating adding decompression but her/she just wants to sleep on it. Well before you know it another person just down the street is already putting up bill boards, running ads in the paper and advertising their new decompression table. All of a sudden you start seeing gaps in your schedule book. Guess where your patients with disc problems are going. Don’t be that person who “coulda, shoulda, woulda!”

4. Gives you more credibility than others:
Keeping you office up with times and technology is paramount in attracting new patients. Not only that the recognition you will get from your peers and others in the healthcare community in your town is enhanced by adding decompression to your clinic.

3. Will bring in patients that wouldn’t come see you otherwise:
Even in my own personal clinic. I will have patients that will come in that never have been to a Chiropractor, and never would have come unless we offered state of the art decompression therapy. This is direct from their mouths! Remember this…not all Chiropractic patients will become decompression patients BUT ALL decompression patients will become Chiropractic patients. What a great Chiropractic practice builder.

2. Bridges the gap between Chiropractors and Medical doctors:
When we started implementing decompression several years ago we noticed that we started getting more referrals from the local MDs. We also started ordering more MRIs and other studies that help when identifying disc pathology. This brought us together even closer. Now every medical office has our prescription pads and knows that we offer state of the art decompression therapy. So if they have a patient with disc pathology that is a non surgical candidate they call on us! Without decompression in our clinic this would not be possible.

1. It’s in demand!
Patients are getting more technical savvy and are starting (slowly) to question their MDs before hopping on the surgical table or ingesting a lifetime of pain meds. Instead they are on the internet gathering research. Just think if you were up all night with back pain and were on the net looking for solutions how much information could someone gather on back pain procedures. Of that information how much would be on decompression therapy. A LOT! Which one do you think is more appealing to the educated patient? Decompression of course! They are out there right now looking for you, of not you then I guarantee it will be your fellow colleague down the street that will help them. Now is the time to consider adding decompression to your practice.

References:

1.  Medicare Records Reveal Troubling Trail of Surgeries By JOHN CARREYROU And TOM MCGINTY

2. Ragab A and Deshazo RD, Management of back pain in patients with previous back surgery, The American Journal of Medicine, 2008; 121:272-8.

3. Ragab A and Deshazo RD, Management of back pain in patients with previous back surgery, The American Journal of Medicine, 2008; 121:272-8

Dr. Bryan Hawley is an international speaker and author with expertise on the subject of decompression therapy. He is founder of the International Laser and Spinal Decompression Association, and medical Advisor for Pivotal Health Solutions. He can be reached at info@drbryanhawley.com

This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.

Laser Therapy is a method of treatment where laser light is applied to tissues with a low light intensity so that heating is negligible and a therapeutic influence is produced. The effect achieved is produced by the light creating a photobiostimulation in the tissues at a cellular level – modulating cellular function.

The minimal heat produced by the laser light is a negligible contribution to the therapeutic effect. This is quite different from surgical lasers where a strong laser light is used and the subsequent heat produced creates a cutting, evaporating or coagulating effect. The benefits in low level laser therapy are seen in improved healing time, pain relief, reduced swelling, increased circulation and increased range of motion. Numerous studies have been conducted in human medicine lending support to its use as a therapeutic medical device to improve healing time, decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

The Main Biological Effects of Laser Light:
• Pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Increased blood flow to injured tissues
• Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
• Accelerated wound healing
• Reduced formation of scar tissue
• Improved nerve function

Laser therapy is gaining in popularity in human rehabilitation medicine as well as in veterinary medicine. It is particularly attractive for the treatment of athletes–human, canine, and equine– due to the potential of a shortened recovery time and the effectiveness of lasers in treating musculoskeletal disorders. But while laser therapy is very useful for injuries, it is far from limited to sports medicine. It has proven to be effective in decreasing the amount of time needed for wound and fracture healing

Conditions treatable with Laser Therapy include:
• Arthritis
• Neck and back pain
• Joint pain
• Muscle strain or injury
• Tendon injuries
• Ligament Sprains
• Hoof pain
• Post-surgical pain and healing
• Fracture healing
• Edema (swelling)
• Wound Healing
• Burns
• Neurologic conditions
• Rehabilitation

How does it work? 
The laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level by increasing metabolic activity. This leads to an increase in the production of ATP (cellular fuel) and thereby a cascade of events leading to increased cellular reproduction, function and health.

On a systemic level, the laser energy increases circulation by inciting vasodilation (increasing the diameter of blood vessels leading to increased blood flow to the tissues). This serves to increase the transportation of specific healing enzymes, oxygen and nutrition to damaged tissues while increasing the removal of cellular debris and toxins. As a result, all cells and thereby all tissues, are repaired faster. In addition, the laser light increases the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue (angiogenesis) and fibrous tissue; contributing to the speeding up of healing as well as reducing the formation of scar tissue. The laser light also activates lymphatic drainage helping to reduce inflammation.

Damaged nerve cells are particularly slow to heal and this can lead to neurologic deficits such as numbness and impaired function. Laser light can help speed up the cellular regeneration of the nerve axons and help improve recovery time. It also seems to be helpful in slowing down the progression of some degenerative nerve diseases – possibly by increasing the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.

Perhaps most importantly, laser therapy has an analgesic effect by attacking pain on different levels. The laser light has an effect on nerve cells by blocking pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and decreasing nerve sensitivity. The laser therapy decreases inflammation – this also helps decrease the pain being caused by the edema.  At the same time, the laser light stimulates the central nervous system to signal the brain to release pain blocking chemicals such as endorphins, enkephalins, and opioids. In addition to the analgesic effect, these chemicals have a relaxing, sedative effect on the patient. If done correctly, there is little or no sensation during laser therapy.

Most patients seem to genuinely enjoy their treatments and no patient sedation or restraint is needed.

Laser light can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points. This non-invasive technique is especially useful for animals that do not take to being needled. This can be used for all the same syndromes as acupuncture but is especially effective for muscle trigger points and providing musculoskeletal pain relief.

How is treatment done?
Treatment time varies depending on the size of the area being treated, the size and thickness of the animal being treated, the type of tissue being targeted, and the type of machine being utilized. Typically, treatment time is 3 to 8 minutes. The more powerful machines are quicker in dispersing the treatment dose but because of the increase in energy being utilized, they should only be used by trained medical or veterinary medical personnel. Misused, these more powerful laser therapy machines can actually burn tissue and/or inhibit healing.

Initially, treatment for some acute conditions may be performed daily. More chronic conditions should initially be treated 2-3 times a week. This will be tapered down as improvement occurs – usually to once or twice a week.

Some conditions, may display immediate improvement and only require 1-2 total treatments while others may require 6-12 treatments. Treatments are cumulative when done over a short time period and in some cases, it may take 3-4 sessions before a change is notable in the condition. Some chronic conditions may require ongoing treatment or a maintenance program in which treatment occurs periodically as needed.

Treatment programs and plans need to be tailored to the individual animal and that animal’s issue. It is critical to have a correct veterinary diagnosis and treatment plan to avoid inhibiting healing.

Take home message
The use of therapeutic lasers in small and large veterinary practices is becoming more and more popular as veterinarians recognize its use as a painless and effective means of reducing pain and improving healing. The simple means of application and safety in use allow for a tool to treat many types of injuries and medical conditions. This is useful as an adjunct to traditional medicine or when medication may not be ideal.  Many animals resist taking medication, their owners are not comfortable in delivering medication, or the animal is fractious and resistant to rehabilitative treatment. In addition, there are many patients for whom analgesic (pain) medication is ineffective or who may not be able to take analgesic medications. Laser Therapy is an easy and effective alternative.

Laser Therapy is a non-invasive and extremely gentle form of treatment with virtually no side-effects. However, the use of a laser as a medical device should be done by veterinary medical practitioners to ensure that an adequate diagnosis has been obtained prior to treatment so that the use of the laser does not inhibit healing and more effective medical treatment is not being overlooked.

Depending on the initial condition, effects from laser therapy may be seen immediately. Some cases even resolve after one or two treatments while other chronic conditions, such as arthritis, continue to be seen on a regular basis to maintain the animal’s comfort.

Meet the Doc
Shari C. Silverman, VMD, provides veterinary exercise and rehabilitation consultations along with supplemental therapeutic medical practices to serve as a complement to traditional western-based veterinary healthcare.  For an injured horse, chronically painful horse, or equine athlete, these treatment plans and wellness programs including acupuncture, osteopathic manipulation, laser therapy, and myofascial release, restore structural integrity and equilibrium allowing the body to better preserve health, or in cases of injury or illness, heal itself.  The concepts are simple – good horse management leads to a healthier, happier, sounder horse.

Dr. Silverman is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School of Medicine and Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians in Colorado, the only scientific based acupuncture course in the U.S. available to veterinarians.  Her practices are based on research and fact based medical techniques blending a scientific modern approach with the ancient medical practice developed centuries ago in China.

To contact Dr. Silverman call 908-963-6904 or click www.simplysoundhorse.com

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This research is a review of the literature and is not a claim about the function or performance of any products sold by Pivotal Health solutions.