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Graston Technique

F.A.S.T. Therapy and F.A.S.T. Therapy Tool Development

OK, for the last 12 years, I have been learning and applying fascial techniques, myofascial release, Fascial Manipulation©, trigger point dry needling, chiropractic adjusting and mobilization, instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques (like Graston© therapy) and more in unique ways to restore movement, stability and dynamic physical health.

This year (2012), I am dedicating my clinical practice to further develop a system to use these myofascial techniques and more and will work on developing a curriculum to teach this system so no matter what fascial technique you use, you can use them more efficiently and effectively. I have decided to call it Fascial-Applied Soft-Tissue TherapySM or F.A.S.T. TherapySM.

In fact, I am in the process of developing an adjunct tool to be utilized for various fascial therapies. I have been developing this tool for a while and it is going to blow the doors off of everything else out there….. stay tuned for F.A.S.T. TherapySM and the F.A.S.T. Therapy ToolSM

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Optimum Function Chiropractic, Nutrition and Hypnosis Now on RateItAll.com

Hey everyone, I am now on Rate It All.com

Click on the following link to rate me; Optimum Function: Portland, Oregon Chiopractic, Nutrition, Hypnosis and Functional Medicine on RateItAll.com

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Dr. Dan Maduff on The Graston Techniqe

Here’s a Colorado news report performed by my friend and colleague, Dr. Dan Maduff at Belmar Chiropractic. If any of you want more information about The Graston Technique in Portland, Oregon, leave a comment here or contact me by clicking on my signature below.

Here a link to the News Report on The Graston Technique: Chronic injuries may be relieved with Graston Technique

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Cortisone Injections and NSAIDs May Place Athletes at Risk

There is mounting evidence that these types of treatments may increase the risk of intracranial bleeds, tendon and ligament rupture and more.

What is the alternative to receiving these treatments? Treatments like the Graston Technique, Kinesiotape, Cold Laser, chiropractic manipulation and various soft-tissue therapies can help athletes and non-athletes alike live pain free and function optimally. There are natural substances that can help to moderate inflammation but that also allow tissues to heal without unwanted side effects. Click on the following link to learn more about these treatments and to contact me if you want more info about a supplement regimen called “Acute Phase”:

Escape pain and live the life of your dreams with Dr. Tim Irving at Optimum Function in Portland, Oregon

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Sabre, Parent Company to Travelocity CEO on Cost Effectiveness of Chiropractic

In this CNBC video, Saber CEO boasts that for every $1 spent on the company’s on-site chiropractic care, they’ve saved $3 because employees feel better.

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert, Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health
Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Jerry Rice Credits Chiropractic For Helping Him Stay in the Game.

While endorsements are fine and often scripted, I thought I’d post this video to illustrate that chiropractic care has entered a phase where it is widely accepted in the realm of the professional athlete. In my Portland, Oregon chiropractic clinic, Optimum Function, I treat a variety of athletes from the “weekend warrior” to the high-end, competitive triathlete, MMA fighter, snowboarder and more.

Being able to treat athletes and non-athletes in Portland, Oregon is a blessing; if you’re looking for a new chiropractor in Portland, Oregon or have never seen a chiropractor; contact me and I can help you make the decision on whether chiropractic can help. In addition, I also counsel my patient on their nutritional habits , perform body fat testing, evaluate lab work and more. For more information on my chiropractic clinic, Optimum Function, Click on the following link: Optimum Function: Portland, Oregon’s Premier Chiropractic and Nutrition Clinic featuring Dr. Tim Irving

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert, Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health
Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

The FDA May Restrict Acetaminophen: Find Pain Relief, Naturally….

Well, every time we turn around drugs are being scrutinized, every now and then, our “beloved” over-the-counter drugs are touted as dangerous to our health. This has been and is the case with some of the most popular over-the-counter pain medications out there. Recently, the FDA may restrict the sale of Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.

Click on the following link for more info: FDA May Restrict Acetaminophen

In fact, even Ibuprofen has its risks. Unfortunately, because these drugs are sold “over-the-counter”, (OTC) many people believe they are harmless.

Do you have alternatives for pain relief? This is a questions I am constantly asked; my answer is “Yes, in many cases, chiropractic care consisting of adjusting, Cold Laser, Kinesiotape, the Graston Technique, Percussion-assisted and manual soft-tissue techniques and more can often help to relieve pain as fast as the OTC drugs that many people “pop” like candy….. without the possible side-effect of liver damage or stomach/GI bleeding.

As an added measure, I use an acute phase packet of nutritional and herbal supplements that includes 3 days worth of pain relief and anti-inflammation without the nasty side-effects of OTC pain medications. For more information on why OTC pain medications are only to be used as a last resort, watch the video below.

Please contact me to discuss the various pain relief strategies I employ in my Portland, Oregon, Chiropractic and Nutrition clinic, Optimum Function.

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert., Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR, 97214
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Low Back Pain Guidelines Applicable in Portland, Oregon at Optimum Function

Low back pain is incredibly common and, at times, is incredibly disabling. In Scandinavia, non-specific low back pain (low back pain that can not be explained by one distinct injury, disease or problem) is the largest cause for sick leave. As such, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published a guideline for dealing with non-specific low back pain.

Here are the recommendations:

  • Offer a tailored exercise program lasting 12 weeks with an 8 session maximum
  • Offer Spinal Manipulation (chiropractic adjusting) lasting 12 weeks with a 9 session maximum
  • Offer acupuncture lasting for 12 weeks with a 10 session maximum
  • Do NOT offer injections in the back
  • Consider referral for physical and psychological treatment comprised of 100 hours lasting 8 weeks
  • Do NOT offer x-ray for non-specific low back pain
  • Offer MRI only in context of referral for spinal fusion

As a chiropractor in Portland, Oregon, many patients come to Optimum Function with back pain. Some have mild pain, and others very severe and they are in a great deal of pain. On a clinical and experiential level, I whole-heartedly agree with the recommendations put forth by the authors of this paper.
Often, chiropractic adjustments work immediately to help the patients with back pain function on a pain-free level. When adjusting is not the “magic bullet”, I often combine it with cold laser, the Graston Technique, kinesiotape, Arthrostim adjusting and Vibracussor percussion-assisted soft-tissue work. These treatments are often referred to as “passive care” because you (the patient) are having “stuff” done to you; even if you may be somewhat active in the treatments.

Exercise, stability and rehabilitation activities will be incorporated as soon as indicated (often when your pain is reduced to the point where you can function). At my chiropractic and nutrition clinic in Portland, Oregon, I utilize the TRX suspension system, kettlebells , body weight exercises, active stretching and mobilization and band work to help you low back heal healthy and strong.
Lastly, I will talk with you about certain nutritional avenues in which to help support your healing process and create health and wellness long-term.

If you are experiencing low back pain, I encourage you to give chiropractic manipulation a trial therapy. Manipulation is very safe, and very cost effective.

Yours in Health
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert, Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97214
Optimum Function = Optimum Health
Resource:
Savigny P, Kuntze S, Watson P, Underwood M, Ritchie G , Cotterell M, Hill D, Browne N, Buchanan E, Coffey P, Dixon P, Drummond C, Flanagan M, Greenough,C, Griffiths M, Halliday-Bell J, Hettinga D, Vogel S, Walsh D. Low Back Pain: early management of persistent non-specific low back pain. London: National Collaborating Centre for Primary Care and Royal College of General Practitioners.
Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate!!!

OK, those of you who know me personally know that I LOVE CHOCOLATE!

There have been many studies and a plethora of experts touting the benefits of chocolate…. good, pure chocolate not laden with TONS of sugar. The cocoa bean can infuse it’s flavor in so many things. I’m getting a craving just thinking about it.

Click on the following link for a Precision Nutrition Blog entry on the antioxidant benefits of chocolate and tea: Chocolate & Tea – Antioxidant Benefits.

The Next Link will bring you to a Precision Nutrition Blog entry on how to make your own, healthy, delicious chocolate: Make Your Own Chocolate.

Would you like to learn more about how the Precision Nutrition program is utilized at Optimum Function in Portland, Oregon? Click on the following link: Optimum Function: Portland, Oregon Nutrition utilizing the Precision Nutrition Program.

Click on the following link to learn more about all my health and chiropractic programs in Portland, Oregon: Optimum Function: Portland, Oregon’s Premier Chiropractic, Nutrition, Hypnotherapy and Health Clinic .

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert., Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR, 97214
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health

Using the Graston Technique in Portland, Oregon to Treat Scars

After a number of patients have been treated successfully in my office for scarring (usually post-surgical) using a combination of the Graston Technique and Cold Laser, I thought I’d write a blog about it. The premise behind the Graston Technique is one of controlled inflammation and the stimulation of important healing processes in addition to some combination of  stretching, strengthening and nutrition. Cold laser is theorized to work on a cellular level to help clear scarred areas of non-functional tissue and cells released during the Graston Therapy and stimulate functional cell activity.

The combination works beautifully! I have seen some pretty fibrotic, unsightly and restricted scars become more mobile, extensible, less granular, more smooth and less restrictive. For more information on the Graston Technique in Portland, Oregon, click on the following link: Portland, Oregon Graston Technique at Optimum Function

For more information on all of the programs and treatments at Optimum Function in Portland, Oregon, click on the following link: Optimum Function: Portland, Oregon Chiropractic, Nutrition, Functional Medicine, Hypnotherapy and Body Fat Analysis.

Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT, CKTP, GSTM cert. Nutritionist, Hypnotherapist
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97214
Optimum Function = Optimum Health
Yours in Health,
Tim Irving DC, MS, LMT
Optimum Function: 819 SE Morrison St. ste. 215, Portland, OR, 97215
Optimum Function = Optimum Health