Number one

Assessment Chart

Problem

Possible Cause

Possible Solution

Sore feet first thing in the morning or after periods of rest

Poor gait mechanics. Collapsed arches. Plantar fasciitis.

Chiropractic evaluation would look for and correct pelvic or lower limb dysfunction to allow normal gait patterns. Massage therapy would evaluate and treat the underlying tight muscles and tissue inflammation.

Waking with a headache that lingers throughout the day

Poor pillow support. Poor sleep position. Vertebral subluxations in the neck or upper back. Tight supporting musculature of the cervical spine.

Chiropractic evaluation and correction of the neck and upper back spinal range of motion. Discussion of possible changes to sleep position and work station set up. Massage therapy to the supporting muscles and soft tissue of the head and neck region.

Pelvic and/or back pain in pregnancy

Change of centre of gravity and weight gain from fetal development. Increased Relaxin hormone.

Chiropractic correction of the misaligned spine and pelvis to correct joint dysfunction and decrease joint inflammation and pain. (It has also been shown to decrease the length and severity of labour as well!) Gentle exercises like yoga will help train postural muscles. Massage therapy to areas of chronic tightness will decrease postural strain.

Infant Colic

Musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction from in utero constraint and/or birth trauma.

Gentle and specific spinal adjustments from a chiropractor trained in infant techniques. Gentle massage therapy to areas of increased muscle tone or spasm.

Growing Pains

Nerve root irritation from inflammation of spinal joints that have become misaligned through poor posture, rough and tumble play or seemingly minor accidents. Inadequate amounts of calcium and magnesium in the diet during a growth spurt. Increased muscle tone due to poor posture, inactivity or improper warm up before activities.

Chiropractic evaluation and treatment aimed at improving posture and range of motion and decreasing nerve root irritation. Massage evaluation and treatment aimed at assessing any muscle imbalances and corrected them. Naturopathic evaluation of the diet and possible supplementation of deficiencies.

Old injury that isn’t healing. Decreased range of motion after injury or surgery

Myofascial adhesions (areas where the connective tissue and muscle have become “stuck” together). Fascial restrictions (tension of the connective tissue) related to the surgery or previous trauma. Joint restrictions with painful inflammation and protective spasm of related muscles. Insufficient intake of nutrients necessary for wound healing or excessive intake of pro-inflammatory foods.

Deep tissue massage and/or fascial stripping to break the adhesions between tissue layers. Craniosacral therapy to release fascial tension. Gentle and specific chiropractic adjustments to restore proper joint mobility and decrease nerve root irritation. Acupuncture to normalize muscle tone. Nutritional counselling to promote healing and decrease inflammation.