There's Always a Silver Lining....

They say that even in disaster you should look for the positive in everything.  Last year, Bob, the manager of Bally’s and a longtime friend called me.  In classic Bob-style - he said that he had the most amazing dream for us both.  He thought if we came to Bally’s again - we could bring a renewal to the gym and we would be even more wildly  successful and Bally’s would be amazing and revitalized.

I politely told him that we were doing awesome on our own - and just moved into our own building.  He persisted relentlessly.  And the rest was history.

We moved in June and things were great.  Until Bob died suddenly a month later. 

Devastated, I wondered what to make of Bob’s dream.   What it meant.  Why we were called back to Bally’s?  We pondered closing.  I mean - without Bob, why were we there?

We went on and did extremely well at Bally’s.  Maybe it was Bob’s vision for the gym and for us.  We still felt we were meant to be there.  And it was great.

And then in December, LA Fitness took over Bally’s and out we went.  No notice.  Nothing.

We were so lucky in a sense that it wasn’t our main office - as it had been for many chiropractic centers and physical therapists.  

People asked how we handled the financial devastation of opening an office in June.  Investing in it.   Staffing it.   And having it shut down in a matter of 5 months.

And I say to them this.....

The cost of Bally’s pales in comparison to the friendships we have made and one in particular.

Robby Schwartz.

When I came back to Bally’s it had been 10 years since I had my old office there.  I had been 29.  I was young, vibrant, and energetic.  

Over 10 years - it wore hard on me - despite our office being a success - but over the years - I stopped taking care of myself.  We had another child and the business was booming.   The 80lbs. I lost prior to starting practice at Gold’s and Bally’s started to creep back on - and I found myself not recognizing myself.  I was tired.  I was weak.

I found myself gravitating more and more away from a love of sports chiropractic - because I wasn’t congruent.  I mean - how do you answer a patient that asks you, “Hey Dr. Brandie - what exercise do you, uh I mean, would you do if you did exercise?”  Ouch.

So Robby.  Robby offered to train me.  I thought he was nuts.  Me?  Despite my feeling that I was washed up - I took to him.   I trusted him.  I can’t afford to be hurt.  I can’t afford a lot of time and he worked with me.  I told him I couldn’t do it.  He said I could.

From September to December - I trained twice a week with Robby.   It was amazing.  He helped me understand what I was doing in my life that was not helping me get to where I want.  In October - I started texting and emailing him what I ate, exactly as he taught me - and I dropped 25 lbs. in 10 weeks.  Boom.  But it wasn’t about the weight.

I started feeling alive again.  

I started feeling strong again.

I started feeling not only like the old me - but a new me.  

He helped me understand that putting myself last served no one.  

And he was right.

After the hiatus to see the future of what was to come with the gym - I picked right back up with him.   The first session was tough - but quickly I got back up to speed.

He urged me to try HYPE.  I was terrified.  I think if you asked me to go on a cliff dive - I would have been less scared.  

And I did it.  And it was amazing.

There is something deeply spiritual about HYPE-ing.

I couldn’t put my finger on what it was that drew so many people and the enormous energy - but I think it comes down to this.

Robby Schwartz is THE BEST trainer who walks this Earth.

It is not the moves that he makes us do.

It isn’t the soundtrack.

It is this.  Robby puts his soul into his class.  Pours it.  Dumps it.  All over you.

He believes in every person in that room and sees them for what they CAN be - not where they are....even if they can’t see it themselves.

A coach once told me in my practice - that if I was on fire - people would come from all around - just to watch me burn.  People come to HYPE to watch Robby burn - and he does.

Robby took me - someone who thought they were a far gone, old washed up doctor, and mom to a teenaged girl (who also loves HYPE) to someone who feels so damn strong, vibrant, and alive!   I didn’t think it was possible.  He knew it was.  And he was right.

He gave my kids a happier, stronger, more energetic mom.

He gave my husband someone to finally workout with, instead of sitting at home.

He gave my patients a role model who is showing them it isn’t too late and it is possible to turn back time.

It has affected all facets of my life.

And no one can take that away from me.  

So yeah, despite all the perceived loss from the Bally’s experience and the whole emotional toll from Bob and losing the office - it was hard.  I’m not gonna lie.

But our office is doing better than ever, I made friends for life, and Robby Schwartz gave me back me.  What else is there?


 Dr. Brandie 

P.S.  If anyone is interested in hearing about HYPE or having Robby train them - there is NO one I would trust more than he with our patients or friends.   If you are interested in changing your life and getting YOU back - let me know and I'll pass along his info.  drbrandie@gmail.com or "like" his Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/HYPE/215578421847674

Similarities from the Dentist

So I have a confession to make.  I hadn't been to the dentist in 5 years.

Why would any sane individual with a great dental plan stay away.

Plain unadulterated fear.

To be brief - I had a dentist do something accidently 5 years ago that resulted in me becoming deathly ill and I missed a month of work and to this day still have pain every time it rains.

GOING TO THE DENTIST has been on my to-do list for the last 2  years.  I decided with the New Year coming - it was smart to get checked out.  I chose my new dentist off my insurance plan and by internet reviews.  I called the staff at his office to "feel" them out.  They were super nice and supportive when I confessed my absence and explained why.


The dentist's staff told me that they would only do what I wanted and if I was uncomfortable, tell them, and they would stop.  My staff tells patients that all the time.  We never force you to do anything that doesn't feel right.  There are always other things we can do to get the results you want.

When I went into the dentist's office, I was greeted politely, and saw the dentist going back and forth hugging patients and bantering with them.  I got a good feeling because he was "normal" with his patients.  He spoke their language and wasn't stiff or pompous.  Old school blues music was playing and I tried to relax.

I was taken back to the chair and was met by the EFDA (assistant to the dentist) who started to clean my teeth.  I hadn't had any pain in starting the exam - but she identified some sore spots.   Sometimes, when patients come in for their exam, they comment that areas I examine they didn't even know were sore.  Places that are sore and stuck in the back are much like cavities.  They are areas that are stuck and fixed.  As a result, the spine that loves to move and bend, becomes less mobile and that makes the muscles mad.

Eventually, your body, much like a cavity, will deform or erode the bone and make it jaggedy (arthritis).

In this case, I had two bad areas.

And then she started the scraping.  Darn, I forgot my earphones!  There is not a sound that drives me more nuts that that!  Ask my brothers who used to scrap those stone plates with a fork.  My hair is on end just thinking about it.   Had to do some self-hypnosis to get through that.  Deep breaths.  Why did I let her do something that clearly made me crazy?  I know the benefit of it.  Some of our patients do not like the popping from an adjustment - so we use devices like the Arthro-Stim or Activator.  I wish dental assistants could come up with that but I knew my teeth needed it.

It was uncomfortable but tolerable and my hygenist was receptive to my pain.

When she was done - she shot some x-rays.   Dentists have the ability to "see" cavities, and yet, they still do x-rays.  We order x-rays in the office to see things we can't see in the spine.  We can generally guess from feeling the motion in your spine or how pliable (squooshy) it is - but ultimately x-rays are a good idea.

So I got those.

The doctor came in - introduced himself and explained what was wrong with me.  It turns out I have to go to an endodontist for a root canal for one tooth and the other he would fix within the next 6 months. I am to see him every six months for "maintenance."  We recommend wellness in our office because "cavities" can develop with activities, holding kids, or just working at a desk repetitively for hours, day after day.

With a high-five - I was out the door, happy that I went.  Who knew you could have a great time at the dentist?  I'm sold!

If you haven't been adjusted in a long time, maybe its time.  Call us today to make an appointment today.  You'll be happy that you did!

BTW - My dentist was Dr. Joseph Spina and staff in Wayne, Pa.  They rock!  http://drspina.com/

Have You Ever Had an Amazing Dream?



Have you ever had an amazing dream?

Here is Dr. Arthur’s secret dream…. We want to make this happen for him for
his birthday and 10 years in practice anniversary this week – shh, it’s a HUGE
surprise.



For those who have known Dr. Arthur Nemchenko for any period of time – you
know he is one of the most humble, quiet, and gentle people on this Earth. Many
don’t know the struggles Dr. Arthur has endured. He rarely talks about them and
is very private.

So why share this? We are asking for help in making a personal dream come true.
Dr. Arthur came to America in 1992 from Russia. In Russia, he was a medical
doctor for 7 years. To get here – he had to work in factories and chicken farms in
Poland. 

When he arrived in the US as a tourist, he arrived through Boston and
immediately went to New York. To support himself, he lived with a family friend
and began work on the Birge. For those who don’t know what that is – Dr. Arthur
would show up on the streets of Seagate in Brighton Beach around 5am with
other men. People would drive by looking for very strong men. They were paid
minimal cash for the day and had to do such back-breaking jobs as painting,
lifting, or moving furniture. In doing this job, he had many jobs that he moved
people into Park Avenue homes. He was inspired by the beauty of New York, and
has always loved the city. It was the kind of life beyond his wildest dreams.

Ah, but Dr. Arthur met Dr. Brandie – who is a self- described city-phobe - so King
of Prussia is where they made their home after Dr. Brandie was stationed here
for a job. If you ask Dr. Arthur about New York – his face lights up. He loves the
lights, Park Avenue, and the museums.

Many of you do know that after an inspiring professional seminar in Vegas (Parker) he began running last January with our first running club put together by our intern, Cordelia.  


 A Pop-Tart addict with his most strenuous sporting activity being chess, to
say he was not athletic was an understatement. But then running bit him badly
– he was hooked. In a year – he competed in 3 races and finished the year with
the Philadelphia Marathon - more amazing that he was 48 and just started running!

He now co-manages a class through Upper Merion Township to help others feel the joy of running and finishing races.

At the beginning of this year he saw an ad for the New York Marathon. He
contacted a charity, Team for Kids, and offered to run on their behalf. For Dr.
Arthur – this race means so much to him. It is where he got his first job – and
started all over. To return here after almost 20 years is deeply spiritual and has
incredible meaning to him.

He has committed to running the marathon and raising $2500. Here’s how you
can help...

If Dr. Arthur has touched your life over the years of knowing him,
whether it be through the office or as a friend in the community, please feel
inclined to donate anything in honor of his birthday which is this Friday, July 15.
Ideally, we would like to surprise him on Friday with a showing of your support of
his secret and deeply personal dream.

Please remember – This is a complete surprise to him so please don’t say a word
to him at all!!!!!

Here is the link to Dr. Arthur’s personal page: http://www.runwithtfk.org/Member/PublicPage/4180

We all think it would make his day!

Warmly,

Team KOP Wellness

Nomination for BEST Philadelphia Chiropractor! MyFoxPhilly Awards has informed us of our nomination based on our positive customer reviews! Help us attain this honor and vote by July 2nd! Just click the link below. Thank you so much!
http://ping.fm/Ysb2I

So Maybe it Wasn't Daily...and That's Not Ok

Anyone who has known me since at least the beginning of the year - has seen our office make literal leaps and bounds.  I'm just hanging on for the ride, making things happen - choosing the best options for our business - moving our office to its own gorgeous building and then having the opportunity to open at Bally's King of Prussia.  A lot of work goes into that, organizing, decorating, and the admin.  Our office as a whole has been working to make it all happen - and we did, but not without a detrimental effect on my health.

It was insidious.  I had been doing Boot Camp up until February and began to have cardiac symptoms.  Chest pain.  High blood pressure.  I'm a pretty calm and happy person - but the stress of moving and getting everything done obviously was getting to me.  First warning sign:  IGNORED.

I could blame that - and quit.  And that's what I did.  It was uncomfortable to workout without getting chest pain.  Because I stopped exercising consistently - my choices of foods swayed towards things that weren't good for me - and resultantly my kids.

When we talked in the office about health - I began to make excuses about how I had no time to eat right.  In defense of myself - and everyone else - when you don't exercise, or eat foods that are in harmony with your body, you crave pure crap.  Carbs.  Processed foods.   Even Diet Soda (gasp!)  When you start to crave crap 24/7: Warning!  Warning!  IGNORED.

I didn't gain weight (probably because all the muscle I put on over the last few months atropied - but I started to "look" different.  I started to feel different.  And it wasn't just physical.
BIG WARNING:  IGNORED.

When I'd look in the mirror - which I don't do a lot - I noticed I looked tired all.the.time.  I had bags under my eyes for the first time in my life.  My skin was dull.  Makeup wouldn't cover it.  I was tired all day.  I justified it by saying - I'm 38, what do you expect?  My 20 year reunion is this year.  When I was 18 - I thought my parents were old when they went to theirs.

By 8:30 at night, I was exhausted - my 4 year old would be running around the yard shrieking, "Play with me, mama!" and knowing what's ahead with my 13 year old not doing that anymore - I wanted desperately to have the energy to savor these moments with her because who knows when it's gone.  I bought comfy chairs to park my butt - so I didn't have to "play with her" but instead watch.  I would drink a glass of wine and read - and thought, "I'm out here with her - that should make her happy!"  I honestly didn't have the energy to get up and run around kicking a ball or even make chalk drawings on the driveway.  HUGE WARNING:  IGNORED!!!!!

In my office, I talk a lot about divine intervention.  Sometimes your body plays into that - and in it's wisdom - will shut you down if you are on a road that isn't good for you.  I have seen time after time - people who refuse to heed the lessons from their body and in return - after time - their body rebels and shuts down saying, "I warned you if you didn't stop - I'd stop you" - whether that be popping out a rib that feels like it is stabbing you to the point where nothing else matters, your back going out - or for me - feeling like I was dying.

For the last month - Dr. Arthur and I have been working our office hours and on top of that - working at Bally's 6-8 in the morning and night.  It has been fun, but exhausting.  The weekends we usually recoup - but had a busy Saturday seeing patients and then Julie and I were invited by the o.m.g. most beautiful clothes I've ever seen, Piazza Sempione at the King of Prussia Mall to talk about Stress.  My talk was about not just the stress that one thinks of immediately, which is psychological - it was about the stress we put our bodies through nutritionally. (How IRONIC! :) )    They served Godiva truffles and champagne.  Due to the nature of the event and how gracious the staff was - we stayed longer - and drank more champagne than I would ever drink along with a ratio of about 2 truffles an hour.

I worked out at Bally's to compensate for that after it - and came home to my husband making steaks, with crusty Italian bread.  I was starving for real food - and slathered my bread with butter and salt.  From a suggestion from a patient on how to make steak - I put a tablespoon of butter on my steaming steak to make it "more flavorful."  And what is steak without wine?

This combination awoke me at 4am with searing stomach pain like I've never experienced.  While I never had the classic food poisoning sequelae - I felt like I had been poisoned.  And I had.

I poisoned myself. Day after day after day for the last few months.

It was like some of my patients - who wail, "Why now?  Why me?" when something that didn't bother them for so long and then **SNAP** it is now a problem.

I felt like I could die.  Other than seeing an emergency patient in the office that morning - where I felt slightly sick - I came home and collapsed -  sleeping the entire day.  My joints ached.  I had a fever.   I felt like someone stole all my energy.  My eyes burned.  I was absolutely incapacitated.  It was sheer, scary hell. And I did it to myself.  It made me mad at myself.

I get one body and I feed it complete junk.  I stress it out.  It is all I have and I made it crash.

I have the power to heal or hurt.  And I'm done with hurting me.  My health is one of the most precious things and I took it for granted - that my body would cover for me and take the abuse. No more.

For the next two days - I decided all that I would feed my body was things from the Earth.  I dug out our juicer.  Made myself salads with no cheese or dressing - just veggies.

And you know what - I feel better.  I look better.  I was awake last night at 9pm after getting home from work and a board meeting - easily having the energy to chase a shrieking giggling imp and her little pup.  I feel like me again.

So - over the next few days - I'll be progressing to our First Line Therapy detox - with a similar vein.  Its a  whole food medical grade detox to heal my liver from all the damage I've done.  I hadn't realized how sick I had gotten and out of control - and I'm taking the control back.

I'm amazed how good and clear minded I feel.  It's almost like someone who didn't realize their vision had slipped so badly - until you put on glasses and see the world perfectly clear.

It is easy to get off course - but it only matters if you get back on the horse.

You can heal yourself with food.  What do you have to lose?  Do it - before you have a wake up call like me.  Now, who is with me?! :)

Exercising: Long-term.

Exercising Long Term

 

by: Dr. Brandie Nemchenko

 

Many of us will be out walking the streets after the mountains of snow melt to get exercise - walking or running.  Ever experience pain after your power walk or run to the point you just can't continue, thwarting your plans overall of not being able to exercise at all?

Let's make this year different! 

Wrong Intention

We've all been there.  It's a gorgeous day, the birds are singing, the wind is gently blowing, and you think - "Hey, I can take on one more hill - I haven't been out all winter and I've already run a mile, let's jog up one of the General's hills."  The next day, you can't walk.  Hobbling around - you wonder "Why do I always get hurt every.time.I.exercise.?"  

Research before going out.  Running seems simple, but it is a science.  Get a game plan of how to train.  I recommend the Couch to 5K program to my patients (www.coolrunning.com) which is a series of walking/running intervals to slowly and safely get you moving.  This provides a plan of attack with getting in shape, not only cardiovascularly, but also on your muscles and tendons.  

So how do you know what is the difference between the strain of getting back in the saddle an hurting yourself?  Sharp pain that hits and and reproduces consistently after when you "push it" means you are pushing your body past what it can take, leading to microtears or stress reactions in the bone leading to stress fractures.  If you have such pain - stop.  RICE when you get home.  If it happens consistently, seek out a sports medicine specialist chiropractor, physical therapist, or orthopedic.

A great way to ice your shins is to prepare by taking your kid's Dixie cups and filling them 3/4 of the way.  Freeze them and when you get back from a run - peel them around the top, and viola! You have a deep chill for your aching shins!  (Use only less than 5 minutes moving quickly up and down the shin.)

Wrong Equipment

Did you know there are three types of sneakers?  And it is not Nike, Adidas, and New Balance!

Shoe manufacturers make different types of sneakers to address different foot types. (www.runningshoetypes.com) The majority of people are pronators, which means your foot is flatter, or rolls in.  This puts tremendous stress on the middle of your shin, knee and hip.   This stress may be ok when you are just walking around - but add a little jog - and your feet and  knees start to scream.  

The opposite foot type is a supinator - or someone who has high arches.  That type of foot has it's own shoe type as well.

I used to buy shoes because I liked the color or design and wonder why they had no arch support.  If you plan on running more than just around your neighborhood and entering a 5K of more - seek a running store out to get fitted.  At least then you will know your foot type and can get the appropriate type of shoe for your foot type.

In going with that - be very careful shopping for sneakers in an outlet.  I used to buy my sneakers in Lancaster at the Nike outlet - and would be thrilled getting a cute pair for $39.  The material they make the shoes out of degrades over time.  If the shoes have sat and now are at an outlet - you could have one shoe degrade faster or they are in an outlet because they are slightly defective.

Before purchasing the shoes - put them up on a counter and get eye-level with them.  Look to see that the back of the shoe is the same height - or you may inadvertently buy one with a virtual heel lift on one - making your foundation off-balance.

Wrong Foundation

If you get hurt every time you exercise, it is a good thing to get evaluated by a sports-focused and trained PT or chiro who takes a structural approach.  Because just like your car, if you are unbalanced, you will wear down unevenly and that is what leads to injury.  How many of you have heard of a parent or friend needing a knee replacement because of "old age?" 

Here's a question....how old is the other knee and why is nothing wrong with it?

Our arches are held together by ligaments, the plantar fascia.  Over time (and kids!), these arches stretch.  Ligaments are like plastic fruit bags.  If you stretch a plastic bag - it doesn't rebound, like a rubber band (which is more like a muscle).  Most times, these arches stretch inconsistently - leading you to have one flatter foot on one side. 

This leads to having an unbalanced foundation without you even knowing it!  If any of you have been to chiropractors, they may talk about one leg being shorter (which is caused by either a prior break in that leg or a misalignment of their pelvis which causes their gluteal muscles to be too tight - drawing the leg up and making it "appear" shorter.  If your chiropractor is not checking your feet to see if that is that is making your one hip lower - they are missing the boat.  If something is wrong with your feet and they just adjust your pelvis - as soon as you step away from the table, the pelvis is not supported and your adjustment doesn't last.

Some of my patients upon learning they have a short leg exclaim, "I knew it!  My pants never fit right - one side was always longer." or "I always feel as though I was putting more pressure on my right leg."  

A balanced body has less injury and less stress than one that is unbalanced. 

Getting outside and getting active are great ways to improve your health.  Think more longterm instead of quick fix this year - and your longevity with a program will expand.  You'll be less injury-prone and be able to reach the goals you set, pain-free.

Are You Skinny Fat?

Ah, spring time…time to clean up your closet, clean up your diet, and most importantly clean up your health. For many of my patients, I see them launch into a crash diet.  To be honest, I did the same.  But what happens when you are done?  You gain it back….but why?

Perhaps  you’ve gained weight from eating more of what you didn’t before.  But it goes deeper than that.  For those that have lost over 20 lbs. and put it back on quickly, it has more to do with how you took it off.

In 2001, I weighed 265.  I blamed it on having a baby – but I had her in 1998.  Admittedly, I’m tall – but 265 is pushing it.  My body hurt.  I wore a size 22.  After Christmas of 2000, my sister got cute little workout clothes, and I got kitchen equipment and mumu’s.   I had had enough!  Nearing the clinic in chiropractic school, I didn’t see any overweight chiropractors and said, “I don’t want to be the only overweight chiropractor.”  (Since then, I’ve seen many :) – but I used that as a mantra.  

Using Weight Watchers, over the course of a year, I lost 80lbs.  Sometimes I would fast if I ate too many points and eat a head of broccoli for dinner or their Cheese Soup that was 1 point.  I didn’t really change what I ate – only the amount.

When I lost the 80^th pound, I stood up and bragged how I never had exercised ONCE.  Not one single time in the entire year and I still lost weight.  How stupid I was.

After keeping the weight off – I looked great.  I wore a size 12 (I’m 5’11) so that was great for me!  

My first job was at Gold’s gym in King of Prussia.  People thought I looked fit and invited me to the circuit class.  

Again – thinking because I’m thinner – I am in shape, right?  The circuit class was held in the middle of the floor for all to see working out.  Within 2 stations, I was ready to puke.  With sheer embarrassment, I shook off to the bathroom and could not get out of the stall for an hour!

So embarrassing!

So here is what happened.  I lost 80 lbs. in 7 months.  I burned off the fat, along with lean muscle.  Lean muscle is an indicator of health and vitality. Because I burned off my lean muscle, lack of exercise resulted in rapid weight gain.  When you crash diet you take away the bad and the good.  Even if you exercise and diet – if you do it too fast (which is what everyone wants!) – you‘re setting yourself up for future failure.

When you diet to lose weight, your goal should be to maintain your lean muscle while losing the fat.  How do you monitor this?  We use a device called a Bioimpedance Analysis . A BIA evaluates your body fat, lean body mass, and calculates your fat content.  This is the most accurate, short of a DEXA scan.  People think the underwater body testing is accurate, but the BIA is just as effective, as you cannot express the oxygen out of your lungs which occupies mass and space.

How should you do it?

1.    Incorporate an exercise program, even if it is just walking.  For us women over 35, you should include a weight-bearing exercise program with weights.  Women will NOT bulk up using this.  If you need help, ask your sports medicine doc, chiro, or PT.  Perhaps you have a trainer at the gym and have never used your free sessions.

2.    Don’t push it.  It took time to put the weight on, and long-term, do you want to just lose it now, only to gain it back?

3.    Make sure you are eating whole foods that are nutrient-dense.  The more ingredients something has – typically the less healthy it is. 

If you ever have any questions, please ask.  I took off 18lbs. last year – and I know each one of them is off for good!  Losing weight is simple science, but it is important to understand the why’s to gain long-term weight loss.

Breech Babies

Me and my new niece, Quinnie - March 2011

One of the most spiritual moments in practice was in April of 2007.  I had a mom who was on her third pregnancy - and she had a transverse breech baby.  At 38 weeks, she was so nervous because her other two came early and she didn’t want a c-section.  On the second visit I saw her, I could feel the baby playing with me with her feet on the left side of mom’s abdomen.  I myself was 7 months pregnant - so we joked that our girls were playing together.  I adjusted her lower back gently and turned her over.  As we chatted - I applied a gentle pressure on a trigger point in her round ligament near her lower abdomen.  Her baby began to kick on the right side.  I talked softly to the baby - and all of a sudden, I felt the baby’s head which was on the right side poking out to the right side of mom come down and pass under my thumb like a Skee Ball just rolling down and RELIEF.  We both knew that her baby had moved right into position to be delivered.  It was incredible.  3 days later, she delivered a healthy happy little girl.

Many of you have heard me say that around 4 times per year - 85% of my entire practice is pregnant.  They come in crops.  :) I love, love, love seeing moms.  Especially first time ones.  They have NO idea what they are in for....the good (and sometimes the sleeplessness, etc) but overall - the amazing experience of having a baby.

If someone were to ask me what my favorite type of patient I see, it is a breech presentation mom.  They come to me by their trusted OB, midwife, or by doing a desperate search on the internet.  I can’t even imagine - a pregnancy that has been humming along so perfect and then **BAM** you find out the baby is breech.  Everything stops.  The priority is now turning the baby.  Before that - a woman is already dealing with the impending obvious that the end is near - and “How am I gonna give birth?”  (to which I always recommend gently for them to go to the mall and sit down - and watch the hundreds of people walking by - each coming out somehow and ok! :)

So breech.   There are a few types of breech.  Footling breech (meaning the feet are presenting first), frank breech (where the bum is presenting first) and my favorite (although not a favorite for a pregnant mom), the transverse lie.  Carrying a baby should look like a watermelon standing on end.  A transverse just looks painful, in that it looks like the “watermelon” went sideways - stretching, stretching, stretching.

Why does breech happen?  No one knows for sure.  I see about 100 cases a year.  Babies naturally should start to get into a head down position around 32 weeks.  Definitely by 36 weeks. Some moms can feel that the baby changed position - or in some cases can feel the kicking down below.  Ouch.

To a chiropractor - breech happens most times because of improper alignment/biomechanics or the structure of the mother.  Think of this.  If your pelvis is two moving pieces held together by ligaments (like plastic fruit bags that stretch and don’t come back to their normal shape, called plastic deformity) and one side of your pelvis is malpositioned - it pulls or puts an unequal stress on another part.  

So let’s say someone’s sacrum (part of that complex) is sticking too far back on the right.  It is in the wrong position and could have been for years without symptoms - the compensatory way your body deals with that being all the way back there is to tighten the other side as a counterbalance.  

It is more complicated and medical-esed that that - but I digress.  

The ligament that takes the brunt of that backward pull on the front - is the round ligament - which in a pregnant stomach is around the bottom underside of the belly.  If you were like me - a few times I thought I was being stabbed with my first there - because of the rapid expansion.  Anyway - that ligament gets too tight and causes what we pregnancy chiropractors call, “Interuterine constraint.”  I call it not enough room on the one side for your baby to “spin.”

How does a chiropractor assess if someone for Webster protocol?  In my office - I put them on comfy pillows on their belly.  I find out which side is “stuck” in the sacrum.  I adjust that side and nothing else.  That helps take the “slack” out of the tension in the front.  I turn them over (telling her to tell me if she gets dizzy because we are only going to be on the back for 2 minutes - when you lay on your back in a hospital bed for hours on your back it’s safe) and in a specific spot - find a trigger point that the mom and I can both feel - and I hold light pressure until that knot lets go a bit.  It is unbelievably gentle compared to a medical inversion.

Also helpful is acupuncture with moxibuxtion, I’ve seen.  

So the next time you hear of someone who has a breech baby, tell them not to fret.  Chiropractors have great results with Breech babies, the national average is around 85%.  My average over almost 10 years is around 92% which is awesome.   It’s gentle and safe!

How do you find a chiropractor who does this and is certified?  www.icpa4kids.com is a great resource for finding docs with that certification.

Until next time, if anyone has any questions about health or chiropractic, please feel free to get a no pressure answer email me at drbrandie@gmail.com.  Or I could write about it for next month! 

Breech
By: Dr. Brandie

One of the most spiritual moments in practice was in April of 2007. I had a mom who was on her third pregnancy - and she had a transverse breech baby. At 38 weeks, she was so nervous because her other two came early and she didn’t want a c-section. On the second visit I saw her, I could feel the baby playing with me with her feet on the left side of mom’s abdomen. I myself was 7 months pregnant - so we joked that our girls were playing together. I adjusted her lower back gently and turned her over. As we chatted - I applied a gentle pressure on a trigger point in her round ligament near her lower abdomen. Her baby began to kick on the right side. I talked softly to the baby - and all of a sudden, I felt the baby’s head which was on the right side poking out to the right side of mom come down and pass under my thumb like a Skee Ball just rolling down and RELIEF. We both knew that her baby had moved right into position to be delivered. It was incredible. 3 days later, she delivered a healthy happy little girl.

Many of you who attended the UMMC Fit Fest in my office heard me say that around 4 times per year - 85% of my entire practice is pregnant. They come in crops. :) I love, love, love seeing moms. Especially first time ones. They have NO idea what they are in for....the good (and sometimes the sleeplessness, etc) but overall - the amazing experience of having a baby.

If someone were to ask me what my favorite type of patient I see, it is a breech presentation mom. They come to me by their trusted OB, midwife, or by doing a desperate search on the internet. I can’t even imagine - a pregnancy that has been humming along so perfect and then **BAM** you find out the baby is breech. Everything stops. The priority is now turning the baby. Before that - a woman is already dealing with the impending obvious that the end is near - and “How am I gonna give birth?” (to which I always recommend gently for them to go to the mall and sit down - and watch the hundreds of people walking by - each coming out somehow and ok! :)

So breech. There are a few types of breech. Footling breech (meaning the feet are presenting first), frank breech (where the bum is presenting first) and my favorite (although not a favorite for a pregnant mom), the transverse lie. Carrying a baby should look like a watermelon standing on end. A transverse just looks painful, in that it looks like the “watermelon” went sideways - stretching, stretching, stretching.

Why does breech happen? No one knows for sure. I see about 100 cases a year. Babies naturally should start to get into a head down position around 32 weeks. Definitely by 36 weeks. Some moms can feel that the baby changed position - or in some cases can feel the kicking down below. Ouch.

To a chiropractor - breech happens most times because of improper alignment/biomechanics or the structure of the mother. Think of this. If your pelvis is two moving pieces held together by ligaments (like plastic fruit bags that stretch and don’t come back to their normal shape, called plastic deformity) and one side of your pelvis is malpositioned - it pulls or puts an unequal stress on another part.

So let’s say someone’s sacrum (part of that complex) is sticking too far back on the right. It is in the wrong position and could have been for years without symptoms - the compensatory way your body deals with that being all the way back there is to tighten the other side as a counterbalance.

It is more complicated and medical-esed that that - but I digress.

The ligament that takes the brunt of that backward pull on the front - is the round ligament - which in a pregnant stomach is around the bottom underside of the belly. If you were like me - a few times I thought I was being stabbed with my first there - because of the rapid expansion. Anyway - that ligament gets too tight and causes what we pregnancy chiropractors call, “Interuterine constraint.” I call it not enough room on the one side for your baby to “spin.”

How does a chiropractor assess if someone for Webster protocol? In my office - I put them on comfy pillows on their belly. I find out which side is “stuck” in the sacrum. I adjust that side and nothing else. That helps take the “slack” out of the tension in the front. I turn them over (telling her to tell me if she gets dizzy because we are only going to be on the back for 2 minutes - when you lay on your back in a hospital bed for hours on your back it’s safe) and in a specific spot - find a trigger point that the mom and I can both feel - and I hold light pressure until that knot lets go a bit. It is unbelievably gentle compared to a medical inversion.

Also helpful is acupuncture with moxibuxtion, I’ve seen.

So the next time you hear of someone who has a breech baby, tell them not to fret. Chiropractors have great results with Breech babies, the national average is around 85%. My average over almost 10 years is around 92% which is awesome. It’s gentle and safe!

How do you find a chiropractor who does this and is certified? www.icpa4kids.com is a great resource for finding docs with that certification.

Until next time, if anyone has any questions about health or chiropractic, please feel free to get a no pressure answer email me at drbrandie@gmail.com. Or I could write about it for next month! Have a great April!

Are You Fixed? http://ping.fm/bXYRG

Are You Fixed?

Most people who seek out our office want to be better.  They want to feel better, look better, function better.  They want to not limp anymore, play with their kids without pain, or be able to read a book without suffering from debilitating migraines.  We get great results in getting them to their goals.  And then what?

Just like the end of a great chick flick - everything comes together and then what?  The End!  You are cured?  Fixed?

Hmmm....chiropractors are notorious for "Once you go to a chiropractor - you go for life!"  

Yup - hear that about 5-10 times a week with our new patients and being goal-focused - it has always bothered me and bothered me a lot.   Arthur and I get adjusted every two weeks.  My kids get checked at least the same.  Our staff is the same.

I don't have any financial gain to get adjusted or adjust my kids - I just want them to be the healthiest they can be.

Early in practice - I wanted to be better than that with my patients.  I mean - they were paying so I wanted to "FIX" my patients - thinking they could.be.fixed.  So why was I not fixable?  Why did I and my family continue to get adjusted?

I knew they would never be fixed.  But on a daily basis - that's what I heard them say again and again.

"Dr. Brandie, I want to fix this.  I want to come in 2 times and fix this."  "You didn't FIX this last time - so I had to come back."

But what on Earth gets "fixed"?

I'm a mechanic - I fix your car.  Now your car will never breakdown again?

I'm a contractor.  I fix your house.  Now your house will never need repair?

I'm a diet plan.  I lose 50 lbs.  Now I will never gain the weight back?

I'm a dentist.  I fill your teeth and clean them.  Now I'll never have to go back?  And if I get a cavity - "Man, that dentist didn't work - my problem came back!"

I could go on and on....

What doctor doesn't have you come back for checkups?  Optometrist - GYN - Family Doc?

Here is a news flash...no one can fix you.  Not any chiropractor, physical therapist, or doctor.  It doesn't happen.  

The body is a living organism that is subjected to so many stresses in a day.  Slouching on the computer, bad food, and chemicals.  You don't live in a sterile, non-weight bearing environment where everything is going to stay perfect!

People are living longer.  If you feel bad now - how will you feel with 40 more years????  

Your structure - your spine - your feet, knees, and hips will determine how enjoyable your Golden years are.  If you can no longer walk well - what is your quality of life?  

If you are a 40 year old coming into my office - I send out many times for x-rays - because it is a mixed bag.  Some will have gorgeous spines - aligned - without arthritis - and normal curves.  And some are a train wreck - the product of a life of neglect.  How you use it and have taken care of your body - will show and will determine how well you respond to care are not up to me.  It is up to what you came in with - how much degeneration you've had.  How much adhesions and gristle and muscle spasm you have.  It has to do with how you follow what we recommend.

Many think they are above that.  "He said to come in 3x/week (just like PT) but I can't make it/don't have the money/don't have the time/mercury is in retrograde - so I'm going to make my own schedule and whatever happens is a reflection of him as a doctor."  And if you dieted once or twice a week - how much weight would you lose?

"She recommended for me to come in to get checked monthly - but I am too busy, and I feel great, and my insurance doesn't cover it - so I'll see how it goes."   Well, let me come back in when my teeth hurt and have cavities - because up until then - I was golden.  No pain, everything's fine right?  What I can't see - won't hurt me!

Just like my home that was built in '73 - I, too, am seeing that I am needing all kinds of  maintenance, even if I don't have the money for it.  I have money to get my nails done, have a cleaning lady, and a large SUV.  But I don't have money to maintain my health?  Oof. 

Like physical strength maintenance.  I used to work out solely to lose weight.  That is it.  I hate working out.  Hate it!  For the last three months - I go three times a week and run on Sundays because I FEEL better.  I function better.  Small things like having energy at the end of a 12 hour day, or being able to get out of bed by not literally pushing myself out of bed - are priceless.  

I am taking responsibility for my health and am proactive with my health.  There is a cost for that.  A cost of money and of time.  Sure I'd like to be sleeping on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturdays at 5:30am - but I head to bootcamp - and at the end - I feel better.  Happy.  More balanced.  Stronger.  Leaner.

Oh, and about "fixing things..." while we are on that - imagine if I told my trainers, Mike and Jen Brango from Great Valley Adventure Bootcamp - that they had 2-4 visits to "fix me" because "you know, you trainers - once you go - you go for life!"

Fix my bad habits.  My neglect on my weight.  Fix all my weaknesses in less than a month.  And I'm fixed.  I'm done.

My trainers do Groupon (website) deals for a deep discount - much like we take all insurances.  Many clients of theirs find them that way.   Imagine a Groupon customer saying to them - "Hey guys - I have 12 sessions with you under Groupon - and after that I have to pay out of my own pocket.  So let's just do the 12 sessions - and by the way - you need to get me to have 40 lbs. off in that time.  After that, I'll wait a few months until the new year when you run Groupon again to pay less so I get a great deal because I don't want to pay for my health anything more than I have to."

It doesn't work that way.  How would I look after not working out for months after only working out 12 times?  That's like paying someone to mow your grass half the summer looking pretty only to wait until next year to cut it again.  Life happens.  Degeneration happens.  It's your body.  It's your health.  It's your responsibility!

It makes no sense to think otherwise.  So why do we - as a collective - think that it is effortless and doesn't need our attention?

Just like every other part of your body - you need maintenance.  Your spine and nervous system are the keys to a happy and enjoyable life.   Sounds crazy - but it's 100% true.  If they don't work properly - you aren't going anywhere.  Your quality of life is compromised.

So if you haven't been back to your chiropractor in months or years - go get checked.   Get on a regular program to get checked to stay flexible.  Stay movable.  Less fixed!  More movement! Your body in 40 years will thank you!

Maintenance doesn't mean living at your chiropractor, but like anything worth preserving - it takes some effort on a regular basis - just like everything else - your car, your house....Isn't your body more important?  Do something - Today!

Dr. Brandie

Why Massage Therapy?

Massage therapy and manual therapy are key components to optimizing benefits of chiropracticcare. Massage addresses soft tissue problems, lengthening contracted muscles and fascia.The increased circulation which massage facilitates reduces pain, swelling and inflammation,removes waste products and brings blood, oxygen and nutrients to the soft tissue helping the healing process.

But why is it important to utilize massage with chiropractic care? Firstly, adjustments proceedmore easily and with less discomfort after the muscles and soft tissue are relaxed throughmassage. Chiropractic treatments have a better effect when muscle tension is released. Also,when one area of the body is injured, the protective muscles tighten in the surrounding area.Trigger points can develop and pain or tingling can be referred to other areas in the body.Basically, massage handles soft tissue manipulation while chiropractic deals with structuralissues. Muscles move joints. Ligaments and fascia support them. If a joint is adjusted withoutaddressing the related soft tissue problems, the patient could still experience pain. Also,muscles have memory and will revert to the accustomed tension. Repeated massage andmanual therapy helps re-educate the muscles enhancing the corrected structural adjustment.

Therapeutic massage and manual therapy differ greatly from general spa massage. Therapeutic massage is injury and condition specific, applied over a period of time to illicit correction of the condition vs. momentary relief.The physical benefits of therapeutic massage are:

- reduces pain and swelling
- reduces formation of scar tissue- improves circulation of blood and lymph fluids
- relieves tension related to injury, headache, strain- strengthens the immune system
- facilitates deeper, easier breathing

King of Prussia Wellness is dedicated to the complete wellness of our patients, not just theinjured. Massage and manual therapy are key components to any wellness program. I amexcited to be part of the team here at King of Prussia Wellness, working with the doctors,nutrition counselor and other massage therapists.

Betsy Hackman LMT

A little bit about me!

I will start in present day. I love to run. I started running last year.

I was a couch potato. After working, I would come home and watch TV and eat cookies. I knew this wasn't good for me, but it was what I liked to do and what I was used to doing.

One day, I woke up and decided to run a marathon! I knew I would have to train, so I created a running team. We ran Valley Forge Park every Sunday morning. VF park is a five mile trail. It sounds crazy, but I did it. After Valley Forge, I ran the Broad Street Marathon and felt great. I was hooked. Next, I ran the Health Marathon in Philadelphia. I knew if I could run five miles and half marathons, I could run a full marathon. With little training, I ran the full marathon in Philadelphia a couple of weeks ago. It is so empowering. I get such a high from running.

Stay tuned to see what's next for me and a couple of secret weapons I use that I know help make me a better runner.

Dr. Arthur

Welcome!

Ah, King of Prussia Family Wellness Center, PC.

Welcome.  Many of our patients say we should have our own reality show - and this is about as close as we will come.  We've invited each of our 11 team members to collaborate on a blog.  Each person with special gifts, writing styles,....but a common thread of a unwavering desire to be the best at what we do.  We are stepping it up - to educate, empower, and relay information that can help you with your life in small, quick, soundbytes.   You all know - our philosophy is to help you improve one day at a time.  Change can happen in a moment.  But even small changes can accumulate to become life-shifters.

Stay tuned for advice, opinions, and education.  Education is power.  One of the best parts of our practice over the last 8 years is our down-to-Earth way of relaying information coupled with the latest and best techniques and technology.

2010 was great!   Because of the results we get and the different approach we take, our practice nearly grew by 35% this year.  Thank you to our loyal patients, orthopedic and family doctors, and awesome midwives to help get the word out and help us grow, grow, grow!

There are many exciting changes coming in 2011.  A new huge family-friendly location (STAY TUNED! :) - so exciting!), new services (Restore Associates, LLC - Physical Therapy with an onsite Physical Therapist) and acupuncture, and many more classes and clubs to help you reach your goals.

Our goal is to be THE center of wellness and restorative services in King of Prussia to help our community be more healthy, more happy, and a better place for all.  A lofty goal....but we know we can get there.  

We want to continue to be here for you.  If you have questions, feel free to ask them - and we'll answer them here.    We want to help you with your health which impacts literally every facet of your life.  Without health, you have nothing.  We want to teach you and help you learn how to live your best life!

So follow us - and see the trail we blaze. :)

Dr. Brandie

Trying out Ping.fm to see if it works!