Hydragun – Massage Therapy At Your Fingertips

Are you looking for the perfect massage gun? We have done the research for you so you make the right choice.

Most of the people deal with sore muscles, due to the thrashing they take from running and find ourselves in need of a massage therapist from time to time. Possibly you even get consistent massages to keep those sore muscles under control. Perhaps you’ve had your eye on a massage gun to help manage the muscle spasms and pain. If that’s the case, let me introduce you to the Hydragun, a tool which is best for your muscle recovery needs.

Why Do You Need One?

For professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, a massage therapy gun should be part of your tool kit. They’re mainly power drill-looking movable appliances that provide speedy bursts of targeted pressure into one’s muscle tissue, increasing blood flow to a specific area which can help reduce muscle tension and aching sensations. So for the easy and perfect recovery tool, you should choose Hydragun which is quite user friendly and at the best price point compared to the Theragun. 

Percussive Massage At A Whim

The Hydragun comes in a handy, travel-friendly set that’s as smooth looking as the product inside. The Hydragun kit consists of the Hydragun body, six swappable attachment heads (6 to target various areas of the body with a handy fine manual explaining each head and its benefits), a charger and a travel adapter. An instruction guidebook is also included itemizing everything in the bag as well as tips on how to maximize use.

There are different factors and characteristics which differentiate the Hydragun to the other top brand devices in the market.

Device Amplitude – is the distance the device head travels from the gun measured in millimetres. The lengthier the amplitude, the deeper the heads can push into the muscle. Hydragun’s amplitude usually sits at 12mm; a little higher than other top brands in the market, most of which usually sit at 10mm.

Hydragun Sound Level – The sound level is how loud a device sounds measured in decibel units. Muscle therapy devices are powered by electric motors when they turned on, they make a lot of noise. The bigger the electric motor, the louder the sound. Hydragun’s loudness level in decibel is at 50db compared to TheraGun’s 75db or Hypervolt’s 60db.

Almost all people reviews show that the Hydragun device in action is the quietest ever massage gun that they’ve used, even on it s highest setting

Speed of Hydragun:  RPM is the abbreviation of revolutions per minute and the speed in RPM means how much revolutions the motor makes in a minute. The more revolutions, the faster the device motors so the head percusses your muscles fastly – resulting in an even more penetrating massage. Hydragun’s speed is at 3200 RPM.

Stall force of Hydragun – Stall force is the maximum level of force use that will stop the motor from running. A good muscle therapy gun should be motorized by a high-torque motor, which means if you’re using it in an optional way, it should not stall easily but with the Hydragun, this hardly ever e happens unless you’re deliberately applying excessive pressure on the head to try and stop the motor.

Battery Life – this needs no further explanation as to its pretty good. Nowadays, in this modern digital age, any electrically powered machine should have good battery life if not exceptional battery life. The Hydragun battery life boasts an impressive 6-8 hours of battery life. This quality makes it a notable device in the market for customers.

The Hydragun set comes with its own global adapter so should you be travelling between various countries, you will always be able to use it.

Weight – The weight of the device plays an important role in his market significance so Hydragun weighs in at 2.3lbs. Even though it is not the lightest of massage guns, however, it definitely is not the heaviest either. Everyone wants a massage gun that is properly easy to maneuver especially when anyone trying to get to those hard to reach areas like your back.

When Do You Use The Hydragun?

You can use it after a forceful workout: especially one where you test your physical barriers, or you experience heavy exercise-induced muscle stress. After 24 to 48 hours, you may feel muscle soreness this is known as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS.

When you use HYDRAGUN after your workout, any time before or during DOMS, its high-torque motor delivers a powerful, pounding action of 3200 RPM which increases blood flow in muscles and minimize DOMS. This increase in blood flow carries more oxygen and nutrients that are essential in repairing muscle fibers, thereby relieving muscle pains and speeding up your muscle recovery.

3 Ways To Use Your Hydragun

Warm-Up of Muscles

When: Before your gym exercise or workout.

Duration: 30 to 40 seconds per muscle group.

During Exercise.

When: Use HYDRAGUN device on muscle groups that you’re training while you’re resting in between sets to make the most of efficiency. This will help relieve muscle fatigue.

Duration: 15 to 20 seconds per muscle group.

DOMS Prevention

When: After your gym workout.

Duration: 2 minutes per muscle group.

This will help to minimize DOMS and muscle soreness.

After enjoying their time at local gyms, active people may experience muscle soreness. Consequently, they may choose to frequent massage therapy clinics, and spend way too much on these therapies. Hydragun massages the muscles and minimize the soreness and body pain at the convenience of your home and much lesser price point. If you have tight muscles, you’re going for a workout, or playing a high impact sport, this might be for you.

Continue reading about why this one San Francisco Sports Chiropractor swears by his cutting-edge recovery tool.

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Robert Pirritano

Supreet Shah

Chiropractor

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Acupuncture For Fertility

Although one of the main objectives that human beings have in life is to procreate and leave offspring, nowadays, a large part of the population cannot or has problems in doing so. Fertility problems affecting both men and women are increasing as genetic, environmental, and pathological factors become worse and more difficult to prevent and/or treat.

But just as the causal factors are increasingly present, so are the health professionals and experts in the field who spend hours and hours of their days searching for alternatives and better therapeutic methods to solve this serious problem capable of affecting the life of an individual in every way. With this in mind, acupuncture has shown great results in promoting fertility health over the years.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese form of therapy based on the insertion of thin sterile needles into specific points on people’s bodies at various depths. Experts explain that health is found when our complementary extremes, “yin and yang”, are in total balance, and when these two forces present an unbalance, illness appears.

These forces belong to our life force, “qi”, which travels through our bodies following certain pathways. Professionals on the matter say that there are 350 points in the human body to access this energy. Acupuncture takes advantage of these points to achieve the proper balance of the forces.

Traditional Chinese medicine explains that infertility indeed occurs due to a disrupted balance of the forces and the blockage of the vital energy and blood circulation flow, negatively affecting the sexual and reproductive functions both in men and women. Having said this, applying acupuncture to a person can produce a wide range of positive effects, including:

• Hormonal balance.
• Decrease in stress levels.
• Stronger immune system.
• Energy and blood flow regulation.
• Removal of organic stasis and phlegm.
• Nervous system stimulation.

Even if acupuncture and other alternative medicines have proven to enhance diverse infertility symptoms, it is recommended that patients consult with other fertility professionals to get a better picture of the treatment plan and to obtain the best possible results.

So, if you live or work near the San Francisco Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and feel you would be a good candidate for our fertility acupuncture treatments, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Acupuncturist, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Acupuncture For Immunity

In the past decades, due to the increasing interest in the study of the human immune system, experts have found out its numerous repercussions on all of the organism’s economy. It has been demonstrated that this system’s functioning is capable of affecting, positively and/or negatively, the maintenance of a disease-free homeostasis due to its capacity of interacting with most, if not all, of the body’s organs and systems.

With this in mind, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has provided a ton of knowledge over the years, being able to improve and support the immune system through multiple methods and techniques. Acupuncture is an excellent example of this.

Acupuncture is an ancient therapy that originated in China, which involves the application of needles into specific points on the body to treat disease and promote health. Its techniques are based on the idea that the body is composed of energy accumulated in various regions that are called meridians. If the flow of energy in these meridians is unbalanced it causes pathological processes in the body, causing symptoms, such as pain, tiredness, weakness, among others.

Therefore, the objective of the treatment with acupuncture is to establish the balance of the body, facilitating the circulation of energy, triggering analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

More specifically, acupuncture has shown to provide incredible physiological effects aimed to promote correct immune function, being able to produce mechanisms, such as:

• Regulation of the effects produced by cellular and humoral immunity.
• Increase in the immune response through the production of antibodies.
• Control over the secretion of cytokines and other substances that attack pathogens.

However, this type of treatment must be performed by trained professionals and under the guidance of a physician. To increase safety, the FDA created certain norms and regulations for the use of needles and licensed practitioners who apply them, making acupuncture a very secure method to promote healing.

So, if you live or work near the San Francisco Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and feel you would be a good candidate for our immunity boosting acupuncture treatments, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Acupuncturist, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Dry Needling For Migraines

Dry needling for migraine pain might be the right treatment option for you, yet you may need to do some investigative work to find out what is causing the migraine pain in any case.

There are numerous reasons for migraine pain. This may feel overwhelming for you as you attempt to make sense of what the root cause is. However, one of the most widely recognized reasons for migraine pain is an imbalance of the muscles surrounding the head.

Known to be a debilitating neurological condition represented by moderate to intense headaches, it is more than obvious that if you suffer from migraines you may be in constant search for treatment options that could reduce and even prevent them from happening. Being an alternative to drug-based therapies, dry needling has shown great results over the years.

Also known as intramuscular stimulation or myofascial trigger point dry needling, this is an alternative medicine therapy that has much in common with acupuncture due to its involvement in the use of both solid stainless steel, filiform needles or hollow-core ones in order to treat muscular pain, primarily.

The “dry” aspect of this therapy appears because the needles used in the technique do not inject any fluid into the body.

Dry needling consists in placing the needles directly inside or around trigger points, which are hyper-irritable tissue areas of knotted or hard muscle that can produce muscular pain or spasms, with the aim of helping to release the discomfort in a safe and effective way. These needles remain inside the skin for a period of time decided by the health practitioner.

As per migraines, this therapy can help treat these neurological conditions due to its capacity of releasing trigger points specifically located in muscles, such as the temporalis, masseters, sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, levator scapulae, among others muscles groups, by producing some physiological effects, including:

• Decrease of pain threshold.
• Deactivation of nociceptors.
• Release of endogenous opioids.
• Increase in blood flow.

With these factors in mind, if practiced by properly trained professionals, dry needling is an extremely safe treatment option for migraines. If non-sterile needles are used, you may be at risk for contracting blood-borne illnesses, infection, and diseases. You must ensure your SF acupuncturist uses sterile needles and disposes of them after each use. The existing side effects are very rare and mild, including minor bruising or bleeding and pain at the needling site, usually on needle withdrawal.

What Other Types of Conditions Can It Help With?

• Neck Pain or Back Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow
• Tension Headaches
• Hip and Gluteal Pain
• Knee Pain
• Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis
• Foot Pain and Plantar Fasciitis
• Sciatica
• Muscular Strains/Ligament Sprains
• Athletic Performance

So, if you live or work near the San Francisco Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and feel you would be a good candidate for our trigger point dry needling treatments, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Acupuncturist, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Acupuncture For Anxiety

Normally, anxiety is presented to us naturally when we face difficult situations. This is based on the principle that certain level of anxiety results appropriately in some dangerous and stressful scenarios, helping us maintain our focus and motivating us to face whatever is in front of us.

However, in certain opportunities, and especially in susceptible people, the level of anxiety experienced can be totally disproportionate and excessive compared to the actual situation lived. Sometimes, you may experience it in the absence of any danger at all.

When anxiety starts to compromise the psychosocial and physiological aspects for you, interfering with daily activities, this can be considered pathological, making this an excellent time for you to seek professional help. With this in mind, acupuncture may turn out to be a valid option for you to cope with your anxiety symptoms.

Acupuncture is a form of therapy and alternative medicine based on the insertion of thin and specific needles into specific points on people’s bodies at various depths. Being a key component of traditional Chinese medicine is based on different philosophies and techniques. It is commonly used combined with other types of treatments to relieve people from pain and boost their wellbeing, but its benefits are not limited to these.

It is known that acupuncture acts, among other things, on the autonomic nervous system by having effect on your blood pressure, pupil size, skin temperature, heart rate, etc.

This therapy also activates different parts of your brain in diverse conditions caused by an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic activities, being able to modulate the neurotransmitter response, which helps your body to improve the suffered symptomatology.

Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners apply acupuncture to treat anxiety based on the belief that this is not perceived as a disorder of the brain, but as a malfunction your internal organs due to their intimate connection. Organs can be affected by changes in your diet, environment, lifestyle, or hereditary factors. Therefore, acupuncture links your worry and excessive mental work to an organic disorder, specifically with the spleen and the heart.

Acupuncture classifies the cause of disorders according to the degree to which your organs demonstrate signs and symptoms and the degree to which their vital energy is affected, continuing with a minimally invasive and secure form of therapy. Having said this, it is totally advisable to follow a good medical control of the condition to be treated, independently of the use in conjunction with acupuncture.

If you have anxiety and would like to find out if you are a candidate for our treatment we would like to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Acupuncture, please call 415–415–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Top 5 Back Exercises

According to the American Chiropractic Association, up to 80% of the population will experience low back pain at least once in their lifetimes. Therefore, finding specialized back exercises can diminish the suffered symptomatology. The following exercises are most recommended for people with debilitating back pain. However, for people with moderate or severe back pain, we recommend a San Francisco Chiropractor‘s assessment first.

1. Upper Back Stretch

Stretching your back is always important. Sit on the floor and extend your legs. Loop a resistance band around your feet. Grab both sides of the band with your hands, making an X with both sides of the resistance band. Curl your back and pull the band towards the back of the room. Hold for 15-30 seconds, creating tension and contracting your core.

2. The McGill Curl Up

Similar to an abdominal crunch, this move preserves normal lordosis of the lumbar spine while performing it. On a firm surface, lie on your back. With one leg completely straight and attached to the floor, bend the other one, placing the foot down. Your arms and hands must be positioned under your low back, preserving the lumbar lordosis. Head, shoulders, and upper back must be elevated uniformly, holding the position for 10 seconds for then slowly returning down. Repeat with the other leg.

3. The Side Bridge

An excellent exercise to increase lateral stability and strength. On a firm surface, lie on your side, placing your forearm on the floor, whit the elbow under the shoulder. The other arm should remain attached to the opposite side to stabilize the torso. With your legs, one over the other, bend your knees at a 90° angle or keep them straight. By pushing down with the forearm and knees, raise your body off the floor until forming a straight line with your body. Hold this position for 10 seconds and return down. Repeat on the other side.

4. The Bird Dog (4-Point Kneeling)

Performed in a quadruped position, this is an excellent move to achieve midsection strength. Assuming a hands-and-knees position on the floor, your neck should remain straight while looking at a middle point between your hands. At the same time, lift the right arm in front of you and the left leg behind you. Both have to remain straight and parallel to the floor. By keeping the whole body in a straight line, hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly return down. Repeat with the other arm and leg.

5.  Cat-Cow Pose

Ideal for those who want to perform back pain exercises, this relaxes the body and provides flexibility to the spine. In a hands-and-knees position on the floor, take a neutral spine position. While exhaling, round your spine up to the ceiling and engage your abs. Then, while inhaling, relax your abdomen and arch your back, while lifting your head and tailbone to the ceiling. Repeat these positions for at least 10 rounds.

These at-home back exercises have helped our patients greatly. If you are still having trouble finding back pain pain relief, you may be a good candidate for our treatments. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Chiropractor, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Custom Chiropractic Care

For many individuals suffering from musculoskeletal issues, such as spinal, knee, hip, or shoulder problems, currently accepted treatments are based on anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, opiate pain drugs, and surgery. However, for many cases, these options come with multiple associated risks and side effects.

Fortunately, the use of custom chiropractic care as a treatment method can improve these and many more medical conditions by providing a personalized therapeutic plan for each patient.

This therapy is based on several joint manipulations performed by a chiropractor, which are performed to restore joint functionality and give the body the capacity to heal itself back. Custom chiropractic care can help solve those factors related to the main condition, such as pain, inflammation, reduced range of motion, decreased strength, among others.

Experts on the matter have demonstrated that it is also recommended for pre-surgery preparation because incorporating strengthening programs is able to prepare the body for the upcoming surgical procedure. In addition, as the inflammation process decreases, both the surgery and the recovery’s success rates increase.

Another factor to take into consideration is the mind because mentally preparing a person for surgery is fundamental for obtaining a positive outcome, which can be achieved through chiropractic.

As per the rehabilitation process, typically indicated for patients submitted to orthopedic surgery or that have suffered some accident, custom chiropractic care goals are directed to minimize the adverse effects that can appear in this period and restore normal movement, flexibility, and functionality.

Basically, the main objective of this therapy is to return the patient to his pre-injury activity level. To do so, the chiropractor creates a therapeutic plan based on all the factors that make individuals different from each other, including:

• Strengthening exercises to restore weakened muscles.
• Flexibility exercises to increase range of motion.
• Posture, coordination, and balance training.
• March analysis and training.
• Massage therapy techniques.
• Home exercise instructions.
• Self-care training, if needed.

Our success rates are very high. If you are looking for custom chiropractic care and you are in the Telegraph Hill – North Beach area, we would like to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco chiropractor, please call 415–415–1115 or book an appointment online.

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The Only Chiropractor Open In San Francisco

Relying on guidance from governmental agencies, national and state chiropractic associations and local health departments to direct its action, including the International Chiropractors Association, Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards, Truspine views chiropractic care as an essential healthcare service that can be used by patients with a wide array of health conditions in times of urgent need.

The Federation of Chiropractic Licensing Boards (FCLB) affirms doctors of chiropractic are essential healthcare providers ready to serve their communities with both daily care and in times of urgent needs. Consistent with this we will remain open with modified hours during this period to offer our services to a community greatly in need. ⁣We also ask that if you have an appointment and have flu-like symptoms to refrain from coming in.⁣ We want to remind you we are taking every measure to keep our offices extremely clean and safe.⁣ ⁣

• We wipe down surfaces after every human encounter.⁣
• We wash our hands with soap and water for over 30 seconds after each encounter. ⁣
• We are keeping our doors open so you can avoid touching door handles upon entering our facility.⁣
• We have changed our schedule to ensure our office has very limited interactions at any given time.⁣
• Our waiting room will have only one person waiting at any given time to comply with social distancing guidelines of staying 6 feet apart. ⁣
• We are asking our clients to come alone to their appointment and keep their cell phone in their car or purse.⁣

We are here to help and serve you in every way possible. In these unprecedented times, we encourage you to remember, you are powerful and your body is strong.

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Should You Wear A Mask?

We’ve heard good questions about wearing masks in public and want to share some information so you and your family can stay safe.

Masks are an additional precaution, not a replacement for social distancing and hand washing.

The safest way to avoid infection and slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus is social distancing or simply to stay home as much as possible. If you must be in public, maintain a 6-foot distance from other people. It’s still important to wash your hands with soap and water.

Wear a mask to protect others.

Masks are most helpful in keeping sick people from infecting others. Because there’s some risk that people who are infected with the virus don’t know they have it, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone uses a cloth face mask if they need to go out in public. Masks may also help prevent people from touching their faces, which should be avoided with unwashed hands. Learn more about using masks effectively.

You can make your own.

You can make your own mask at home that is suitable for wearing outside. It should have multiple layers of fabric and allow you to breathe easily. Don’t use cloth masks with children younger than 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing or is unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The Front Line Workers thank you in advance for leaving medical-grade masks for the health care workers who need them to provide patient care safely.

Thank you for all you do to protect yourself and others. If you or someone you know has symptoms that resemble the Coronavirus and would like to learn more please call 415–415–1115.

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Social Distancing During The Pandemic

Our clinic has been getting a lot of questions from patients about what is safe and not safe to do within the boundaries of the current social distancing guidelines and the stay-at-home order. As a public health expert, I want to reaffirm what our Mayor and Governor have been saying to the public.

The bottom line: staying home is always better if you can do it.

The more you stay home, the less chance you’ll have of infecting people or getting infected yourself during coronavirus pandemic. Stay home for the people who can’t: nurses and doctors, grocery store workers and pharmacy technicians, custodial staff and other frontline workers.

I know this is a tough pill to swallow because getting outside is pretty crucial for most people’s mental health (mine included). And while it’s okay to take walks in less crowded areas of your neighborhood where you can remain six feet apart from anyone you pass, it’s best to avoid going to crowded parks, beaches, and other public places when you practice social distancing.

As Mayor Breed tweeted the other day:

“This is not the time to be hanging out at the park. This is not the time to be visiting friends. You can go outside for essential needs or to get some quick exercise, but then you need to return home. Simply put, go outside as little as possible. Stay home. Save lives.”

Due to increased crowds at beaches and parks last weekend, Governor Newsom has closed parking lots at state parks, beaches, and other recreational areas. Local governments are also closing some of these areas to ensure they don’t crowd.

What Should You Avoid Socially?

If your friend or family member (someone you do not live with) invites you over — even if it’s for a small dinner, movie night or a picnic — say no, and explain why. We need to hold each other accountable to stop the spread of the virus. They may not be as well informed about social distancing guidelines.

If you don’t live with someone, you should not be seeing them socially or otherwise. If you must see someone, you need to maintain six feet of distance between you.

If you want to go for a hike, find less crowded trails. And if you are hiking and people are coming towards you on a trail, give them ample space to pass you. The same goes for a walk to the beach or the park.

Commercial areas are generally more crowded, so avoid them if possible and take walks in residential areas that are quieter.

If you can walk, bike or drive an individual vehicle somewhere, you should do that instead of taking an Uber or Lyft or taking transit.

Grocery stores are pharmacies are some of the busiest places one can encounter right now when you’re trying to socially distance. Try to do large, comprehensive grocery shops so you are not frequenting stores. And if you are immunocompromised, elderly, or showing any symptoms of COVID-19, do not go to the store if at all possible. Have someone help you — get delivery, or call a friend or family.

What Can You Do While Distancing?

Exercise indoors whenever possible! Online yoga, core, and bodyweight classes and very easy to find, and there are many free options.

It’s ok to leave your home for groceries or to get some exercise. But be careful and mindful of other people. Try to stay in your neighborhood if you can.

If you want to go hiking or for a bike ride, try to find the least crowded areas and trails. It’s important to turn around if a place you thought would be empty is crowded.

Hang out with your friends and family virtually through FaceTime or Zoom calls. Maybe even become pen pals. There are great ways to connect for times when you can’t in person. I know this is the hardest part for so many. It’s certainly been tough on me.

I know this is a hard time, and these guidelines are tough. But it’s also been inspiring to see how people are taking this seriously, staying inside, and helping flatten the curve. If you or someone you know has any coronavirus symptoms please read best practices for beating the coronavirus.

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Coronavirus Defense: Part 2

As an Integrative Physician, I have cultivated and become proficient using holistic approaches to treating viral upper respiratory infections that have routinely demonstrated to be synergistic to the traditional approach. There is no cure for the common cold or the Coronavirus, to date, but the following nutritional approaches have consistently shortened or eliminated viral syndromes within days as opposed to weeks in my practice.

Usually, the combination of Viracid and high doses of Vitamin D3 does the trick for upper respiratory infections. Covid-19 is more lethal than the flu and I would not expect it to be as easy to treat as the usual common cold. The next most important therapies are listed below.

Vitamin C 3 grams 3 times a day if you are sick and 3 grams 1-2 times per day as a preventative.

You want vitamin C in the ascorbate form rather than ascorbic acid. Vitamin C can help diminish the Cytokine storm that is from your body’s immune response to the virus and which causes much of the destruction in the lungs.

Another more potent therapy using primarily Vitamin C is an Intravenous drip. In Shanghai, they have been effectively treating Covid-19 using high doses.

IV Vitamin C (15-30 grams 1-2 times/day for only a few days in a row). If oral supplements were not working then this would be my next step up. This is not safe for patients with Sickle Cell or a G6PD deficiency.

Zinc 1 tab /day Zinc is

Reacted Zinc by Orthomolecular is essential for your body to mount an immune response. I often find patients who have recurrent or chronic infections to be deficient in zinc and adding this can make all the difference at preventing the next infection or effectively treating the current one.

Silver Hydrosol Follow the instructions on the bottle for how to take this.

Silver Hydrosol has anti-viral properties because it carries oxygen free radicals that work much like hydrogen peroxide or bleach but it is safe for human consumption. Argentyn 23 or the less potent Sovereign Silver are the only types of Silver Hydrosol that I would recommend as other forms of colloidal silver can contain contaminants that can permanently stain skin blue.

Astragalus (Gaia makes a good Astragalus product)
This can help reduce the binding of the virus to the lung tissue and it also helps to support the immune system.

Beta-Glucans from medicinal mushrooms such as Chaga, Turkey tail, Reishi and Shitake mushrooms. Orthomolecular Products makes a good extract version called Wholeimmune and Host Defense is another brand that makes a great blend called My Community. Beta-Glucans increase Natural Killer cells that are a key part of the immune system that helps fight viruses. This would be a good preventative herbal medicine as well as a good inclusion in treatment. Some brands of medicinal mushrooms can have fungal contaminants or be contaminated with the fungicides that are used to prevent this. That is why for these products I would only stick with the two recommended brands listed above.

Vitamin A – 100,000 IU per day for 3 days. This is not safe for pregnant women and is not safe to continue for longer periods of time because it is a fat-soluble vitamin that will build up in your body. Incorporating orange vegetables such as sweet potato or carrots can help increase your Vitamin A (1 sweet potato may contain about 20,000 IU of Vitamin A).

Oregano Oil and Thyme Oil – These have anti-viral properties and one preparation that I have used in the past is called Candibactin AR by Metagenics or Candicid Forte.

Berberine or Goldenseal – Candibactin BR by Metagenics contains berberine, which has anti-viral properties and helps to reduce inflammation and improves detoxification pathways.

If you or someone you know has symptoms that resemble the Coronavirus and would like to learn more please call 415–415–1115.

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The Coronavirus Defense

As an Integrative Physician, I have cultivated and become proficient using holistic approaches to treating viral upper respiratory infections that have routinely demonstrated to be synergistic to the traditional approach. There is no cure for the common cold or the Coronavirus, to date, but the following nutritional approaches have consistently shortened or eliminated viral syndromes within days as opposed to weeks in my practice.

Some of these therapies have statistically significant evidence to support their use in viral upper respiratory tract infections and others do not but they all have a long history of clinical use and have been shown to be safe in common viral upper respiratory infections. Though we cannot know for sure that the Coronavirus will be similar, it is in all likelihood very similar in how it will respond to these therapies.

That being said, the following cannot be interpreted as specific medical advice and should not be considered a substitute for seeing a doctor who can evaluate your specific condition. There may be interactions with other medications that you are taking or specific conditions that you may have that would make following these recommendations contraindicated. You should consult with your doctor if you feel you have the Coronavirus and determine with their guidance whether it is safe for you to use any of these therapies.

Here is the simplest approach that has worked the most often in my practice for shortening viral upper respiratory infections.

Vitamin D3 100,000 IU daily for 3 days only. You can find a liquid Vitamin D 1000 IU and take 100 drops or high potency capsules with 50,000 IU and take 2 daily.

Vitamin D does build up in your system and taking high doses for prolonged times can cause liver failure. This can be additive with other medications that affect the liver so it is important to take this into consideration.

Viracid by Orthomolecular
2 tab every hour for 6 hours repeat daily until symptoms are gone (usually 1-3 days).

Viracid contains the following nutraceuticals which, if this were on backorder, I would recommend purchasing separately.

Black Elderberry by Sambucol. 2 teaspoons 4 times a day.

Sambucol brand is one that I have used in the past. This both boosts your immune system and is directly anti-viral.

L-Lysine is an amino acid that inhibits viral replication. Take 6 grams per day.

Andrographis is anti-viral and boosts your immune system.
Take this at the recommended dosage on the brand that you get.

Echinacea Purpura, which works by boosting your immune system.
Follow the directions on the label for the recommended dosage depending on the brand.

Usually, the combination of Viracid and high doses of Vitamin D3 does the trick for upper respiratory infections. Covid-19 is more lethal than the flu and I would not expect it to be as easy to treat as the usual common cold.

If you or someone you know has symptoms that resemble the Coronavirus and would like to learn more please call 415–415–1115.

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5 Facts About CBD Health

So many people are “modernizing” their medicine cabinets with the revolutionary healing powers of CBD for chronic pain, insomnia, addiction, cancer, epilepsy, anxiety, PTSD, diabetes, skin issues, MS, Alzheimer’s and other health conditions!

Here are 5 facts you may not know about this wondrous plant and oil:

1. Is it legal?

YES! CBD has been approved for general use in the US since late 2018, via the 2018 Farm Bill, allowing the use of CBD hemp oil.

2. Does it really help with pain?

YES! Your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) has been described as the most important physiologic system involved in establishing and maintaining human health. The goal of this system is to maintain balance (homeostasis) and regulate a biochemical “steady state” within the ranges required for healthy body functionality. So pain is literally something it tries to solve.

3. Does CBD get you high?

NO! Hemp-based cannabinoids (which contain no THC) interact with your endocannabinoid system throughout the body-brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells — to promote homeostasis by promoting communication and coordination between different cell types, without any possibility of getting high, side effects, or impairment. CBD is not a recreational drug and doesn’t offer the psychoactive effects of THC.

4. Is it addictive?

NO! According to a report from the World Health Organization (WHO), “In humans, CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential.”

5. Is it safe?

YES! CBD is generally considered safe, but you must know where it has been sourced to obtain a quality product free from toxins, parabens, synthetic chemicals, and artificial fragrances — these all-natural products are good for you (and for the planet).  

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Prolotherapy with Shockwave Therapy

Prolotherapy injections are used for more mild or acute injuries. This is a Dextrose and Lidocaine mixture used as an irritant to stimulate mild inflammation which causes the body to think the area is injured. This response “tricks” the body and makes the natural healing process begin. The injection encourages the growth of new ligament or tendon fibers that will strengthen the damaged or weakened structure. This can help stimulate and repair injured and painful joints, ligaments, and tendons.

Some providers prefer to do 2-4 Prolo injections, depending on the case, in order to allow a gradual build-up of tissue to restore strength back to the area. Most providers will perform the first injection and follow-up with you in a few weeks to re-evaluate and determine if another injection is needed. If another injection is needed you will repeat the same process as before. In most cases, your provider will dispense or prescribe an over the counter rigid brace from a certified rehab service company or inserts for your shoes to wear if your feet were treated. Please follow your provider’s directions regarding consistency with the brace during this Prolotherapy series for the best results. During this time, your only restrictions are no running, no jumping, and avoiding anti-inflammatory drugs (such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve).

Once you have finished your series of injections, it is important to follow-up with Piezoelectric Wave Therapy which is performed at our clinic in San Francisco. Piezoelectric Impulse Therapy is the most advanced shockwave system available today. Piezo is an electromagnetic impulse that stimulates the damaged tissue. This system has the capability to help your body recover from acute or chronic injuries. The impulses from the Piezo system are delivered directly to the injured tissue which will help reduce inflammation and pain to the region. Ultimately, this will promote more aggressive healing. Usually after 4 to 6 weeks, you will have your follow-up appointment with your doctor who administered the treatment to discuss the next steps in your treatment plan. At this stage, we can anticipate beginning to transition out of the bracing or inserts and beginning to return to regular activity.

What to expect after the injection: Most people do experience mild pain, sensitivity and swelling to the injection area for a few days after the injection. This can last up to 10 days, and then will start to calm down. Just remember- the idea is to try to cause an inflammatory response, so these symptoms are completely normal!

During this time, please refrain from icing the injection/injury site, and do not use any anti-inflammatories including Aspirin, Aleve, or Ibuprofen. Refrain from running or jumping during this process (unless cleared by your provider). If you are having persistent pain, you may take 600mg over the counter Tylenol to relieve pain. If that is not enough, consult your doctor for a stronger prescription.

If you live or work near the SF Telegraph Hill – North Beach – Financial District and feel you would be a good candidate for our Shockwave Therapy treatments, we would love to meet you. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Sports Chiropractor, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Top 5 Treatments For Arthritis

Arthritis is undoubtedly not a single infection; instead, it is a method of referring to joint agony or illness. There are more than 100 different sorts of arthritis and related conditions, with the two most regular kinds being osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid joint inflammation (RA). It is a remarkably consistent condition; around 1 of every five grown-ups in the United States are influenced by it. 

Causes for Arthritis 

The reason for your arthritis relies upon the type you have. Osteoarthritis is brought about by the wear and tear to your joint’s ligament (the hard coating on the parts of the bones). Enough harm to your cartilage can bring about your bones directly granulating on each other, causing pain and confined development. Rheumatoid arthritis, in any case, is brought about by your body’s immune system assaulting the lining of your joint capsule(an intense membrane that encases the majority of the joint parts). The synovial membrane, or coating, at that point, ends up aggravated and swollen, and can eventually destroy cartilage and bone inside your joint. 

Since your genes can make you progressively vulnerable to ecological components that may trigger arthritis, you might be bound to build up specific types if they keep running in your family. Also, your age and weight can put you at an expanded risk for developing arthritis.

Best Treatments to Help Arthritis 

Notwithstanding what kind of arthritis you are experiencing, you don’t need to give joint discomfort and solidness a chance to meddle on your regular daily existence. Depending upon the type you have and your therapeutic history, your doctor will propose the best strategy for your body. A portion of the top medications for arthritis include: 

1. Physical Therapy 

A functioning way of life is essential to remaining healthy, and very frequently, the weakening pain of arthritis can hinder your dynamic way of life. With physical therapy, your physical advisor will think of a redid treatment plan that will enable you to reach your objectives. During your physical therapy sessions, you will do practices that will reinforce the muscles around your affected joint. Another primary type of therapy that can help decrease your arthritis pain incorporates word related treatment. 

2. Medication

An assortment of medication can help treat the pain and solidness that arthritis causes. You might be recommended pain executives medication, similar to an analgesics or acetaminophen, or a no steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs) to help control both pain and irritation. Some of the time, a menthol or capsaicin cream is expected to hinder the transmission of pain signals from your joints. 

3. Surgery

Most commonly performed in the hips and knees, it is now and again a possibility for patients to replace their joint with an artificial one. If you experience the ill effects of extreme arthritis in your fingers or wrists, you might be a contender for joint fusion. In this strategy, the parts of the bargains are combined until they mend and become one. 

4. Alternative Medicine 

Alternative medication can help diminish the painful indications you are encountering. The most evidence-based palliative cares include: 

Acupuncture: This treatment embeds fine needles are specific points on your skin lessen pain. 

Yoga: With its moderate and extending developments, yoga can be practiced to help improve joint adaptability and scope of movement. 

Back rub: The light stroking and massaging of your muscles enables increment to the bloodstream and warm certain joints, which can briefly relieve your pain. Ensure your back rub specialist knows which zones of your body are influenced by arthritis. 

5. Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy has potential in reducing pain and improving joint function, and the therapeutic effects may peak at 8 weeks after the completion of treatment. Further research is needed to see the added benefits when coupled with prolotherapy.

These top five arthritis treatments have helped our patients greatly. If you are still having trouble finding arthritic pain relief, you may be a good candidate for our treatments. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Chiropractor, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Top 5 Knee Exercises

Knee pain happens when something turns out badly with your knee joints and muscles surrounding the knee. As a rule, this happens due to meniscus damage or tendonitis with possible overuse. Exercising is important for any person’s overall good health. However, for people with moderate or severe Knee pain, we recommend an SF chiropractor’s assessment first.

CALF SMASH WITH LACROSSE BALL

This move enables you to work out tension in both your calf and your hamstring. Sit on the ground and pull your right foot near your butt, so your knee is bowed. Wedge a lacrosse ball (or yoga/massage ball) underneath your right knee, sandwiching it between your calf and hamstring. Make a “pressure power” by pulling your shin toward you, at that point, turn your foot in alternating round movements to help make space in your knee joint. Proceed until you feel tightness in these territories being relieved, at that point switch legs.

HALF-KNEEL HIP & QUAD STRETCH

This stretch feels astonishing, yet it additionally double-duty for your hip and quad muscles. Kneel on one knee (don’t hesitate to put down a towel or mat) with your other foot planted level on the ground before you. Make near a 90-degree edge with both of your legs. Lean forward toward your front leg, extending the front of your hip descending. Next, grab the ankle of your leg planted on the ground, and force it toward your back for a profound hamstring and hip stretch down the front leg, right to your knee. Move all through this stretch for 10 to 15 reps or more.

QUAD FOAM ROLLER STRETCH

Lie face down and with a foam roller under your right leg, directly under your quad. Put most of your body weight on your leg, and roll gradually. Rather than basically moving here and there, run your leg from side to side as well, concentrating pressure on the more tightly spots of your muscles. Switch legs. Keep moving until this feeling is no more pain. It might be impossible (as it may be for some runners!), do it for five minutes.

WALL HAMSTRING STRETCH

Lie faceup with your left leg level on the ground, foot flexed. Take your right leg and prop it up on a wall or table, or utilize an obstruction band. This stretch should radiate down the back of your leg, starting in your knee. When you locate the most profound purpose of the time, exchange in five-second groupings among contracting and loosening up the foot of your right leg if you have more noteworthy adaptability, hold the ankle of your right leg and force it toward you. Go for 10 to 15 rounds of five-second holds, and Rehash with your left leg.

STRAIGHT LEG RAISE

Simple strengthening activities, similar to leg raises, put next to no strain on your knee yet, also, activate and reinforce quadriceps. Lie faceup with one knee bent and the other leg the ground before you. Lift your straight leg around one foot, pivoting your leg outward (the whole leg turns outward, so toes point on an oblique rather than straight up to the roof). Complete three arrangements of 10 to 15 reps, substituting legs. As you get stronger, add ankle loads as much as 10 pounds.

These do-it-yourself knee exercises have helped our patients greatly. If you are still having trouble finding knee pain relief, you may be a good candidate for our treatments. To schedule an appointment with our San Francisco Chiropractor, please call 415–421–1115 or book an appointment online.

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Top 5 TMJ Exercises

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

What is Thoracic Outlet Syndrome?

The term thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is given to a group of disorders that occur when blood vessels or nerves in that space are compressed. The thoracic outlet is what occupies the space between the ribs and the collarbone. Depending on which structure is affected, it can lead to pain, swelling, numbness, blood clots, or skin discoloration in the neck, shoulder, arm, or hand.

And although, this condition is not life-threatening, if left untreated, it can lead to complications, such as progressive nerve damage, and surgery may be needed.

Why Does It Occur and What Are The Risk Factors?

Common causes of narrowing the thoracic outlet include physical trauma, repetitive injuries, certain congenital defects (for example having an extra rib), and in some cases, pregnancy. 

TOS can affect both men and women, and can happen at any age, but it is more likely to be diagnosed in females than in men, and is more common between 20 and 40 years old.

Several risk factors that seem to increase the risk of thoracic outlet syndrome, include:

• Playing a sport with repetitive motions (swimming, handball, volleyball, baseball, etc.)
• Stress from repetitive tasks
• A history of trauma to your cervical spine or neck
• Poor posture
• Obesity 
• Carrying around an oversized bag or backpack.
• Pregnancy

What Are The Symptoms?

Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome vary, depending on which structures are compressed. It can affect the arteries, veins, or nerves, and according to that, there are three types of thoracic outlet syndrome:

• Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome – affects the artery that brings blood to the arm, and is usually caused by abnormal or extra first rib. Symptoms include:
  • Pain, coldness, or change of color in the hand
  • Cramping when using the arm
• Venous thoracic outlet syndrome – affects the vein that brings blood from the arm back to the heart and may be caused by repeated use of the shoulder. Symptoms include:
  • Swelling and dark coloring in the arm
  • Pain
  • Feeling of heaviness in the arm
  • Dilated chest wall veins
• Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome – syndrome is the most common type of the condition, previous injury or trauma, or repeated motions can lead to compression of the nerves. Symptoms include:
  • Muscle waste
  • Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers
  • Pain or aches in the neck, shoulder or hand
  • Weakening grip
  • Shoulder and arm fatigue
  • Headaches at the back of the head

How Is It Diagnosed?

Diagnosing thoracic outlet syndrome can be difficult because the symptoms and their severity can vary greatly among people with the disorder. Diagnostic procedures include:

• Complete medical history asking for explanation of the symptoms 
• Physical maneuvers to provoke symptoms
• Imaging and nerve study tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), angiography, arteriography and venography, electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction study.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment?

Most people improve with conservative approaches, such as physical therapy and medications, but in some cases, surgery is recommended.

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Lifestyle and home remedies have the biggest impact on the outcome of the treatment. If you are diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome you should start doing exercises at home to strengthen and support the muscles surrounding your thoracic outlet. And in order to avoid unnecessary stress on your shoulders and muscles surrounding the thoracic outlet, be aware of the following:

• Always maintain good posture
• Take frequent breaks to move and stretch
• Eat healthy and maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid carrying heavy bags 
• Avoid activities that worsen symptoms
• Avoid repetitive motions in the shoulder joint

Physical Therapy

In most of the cases physical therapy is the first line of treatment. This is true especially in the cases of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Your physical therapist will teach you how to do exercises that strengthen and stretch your shoulder, and improve your range of motion and your posture. These exercises, after a prolonged period of time, may take off the pressure from your blood vessels and nerves in the thoracic outlet, and reduce the symptoms.

Medications

Medications such as pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs – ibuprophen, acetaminophen), or muscle relaxants are used to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and encourage muscle relaxation.

Other medications used in venous or arterial thoracic outlet syndrome, include thrombolytics and anticoagulants, which are used to dissolve blood clots or prevent their forming.

Surgical Options

If other treatment hasn’t been effective, if the symptoms are worsening or if you have progressive neurological problems, the doctor may recommend you surgery.

Chiropractic adjustments to the thoracic region can also be beneficial. Chiropractors have a wide range of treatment options for treating these conditions, so if you are diagnosed with TOS be sure to contact one.

Prevention

If left untreated for years, thoracic outlet syndrome can cause permanent neurological damage, so it’s important to have your symptoms evaluated and treated early, and to take steps to prevent this condition. In order to do that:

• avoid repetitive movements 
• avoid carrying heavy bags over your shoulder
• avoid lifting heavy objects
• if you are overweight, reduce the weight
• stretch daily
• perform exercises that keep your shoulder muscles strong

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Top 5 Plantar Fasciitis Exercises