Frozen Shoulder: Is Osteopathy An Effective Treatment for Quick Recovery?

Is your shoulder killing you?  Have you been able to wash your hair, have a good night sleep, pull on a sweater over your head?  Don't wait and call us at 905.660.8810.

A frozen shoulder is generally very uncomfortable and makes life very awkward with the stiffness in the shoulder. The correct name is adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The onset is normally gradual and there are a variety of possible causes. Prior problems with the neck or elbow are common as is a fall perhaps forgotten in the previous few weeks or months.

The nature of a frozen shoulder is that it progressively worsens and it is this very gradual deterioration that prevents many from realizing there is a problem until at least 3 months has passed. Often the affected arm will become painful making it difficult to sleep on that side at night time. There will also be pain in the surrounding muscle bulk commonly. The condition affects women more so than men and most frequently aged 40’s, 50’s and 60’s.

Unfortunately, the progressive nature of the condition means that it is often not seen in clinic until it is very advanced, by which time there is severe immobility of the shoulder.

On the upside, it is rare for there to be more serious complications. Treatment osteopathically is normally sufficient for the condition to improve substantially if a treatment program is completed.

For competitive sports players, a structured rehabilitation program is essential to restore mobility as well as for continued improvements in the shoulder.

At Osteoklinika we have had very good success with Frozen Shoulder patients!

Shoulder Anatomy

Of all the major joints in the human body the shoulder joint has the greatest range of movement.This is facilitated by a very shallow ball and socket which is held in place by the rotator cuff muscles – a group of 4 muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that also control the complex motion of the joint.The process leading to a frozen shoulder is not fully understood, although it is likely that damage or impingement of the rotator cuff causes inflammation and stiffness. Because the joint is likely to then be protected, the stiffness worsens gradually leading to a frozen shoulder.

Unlike the back or the knee which are weight bearing, the shoulder joints are such that you can protect them by reducing their usage. It is likely that this becomes part of a compensation pattern subconsciously meaning that the joint becomes further immobilized and the stiffness develops still further.

Osteopathic Treatment 

Once a frozen shoulder is suspected, osteopathic treatment should be started as soon as possible, if the recovery time is to be shortened as much as possible.

Medical opinion is that frozen shoulders typically take 18 – 24 months to recover if untreated. The majority of patients presented to me at Osteoklniika are not frozen solid as they are seen earlier enough to prevent that. These are then treated and recover normally within 2 to 3 months or even less!

It should be remembered that frozen shoulders are often caused by or result in problems in other areas such as the neck, back or elbow. It is therefore highly important that the cause and underlying factors are properly investigated. An osteopath will help you by looking into any underlying factors as well as posture and lifestyle. This is vital to ensure a rapid recovery as well as ensuring that the injury is not allowed to recur.

Your osteopath will use a variety of techniques in your treatment. These range from the very gentle to the rather more forceful depending upon your situation and your preference. They are likely to include treatment to the shoulder as well as to the neck and back coupled with posture and lifestyle advice. Treatment will continue over a period of weeks or months. However, we believe in Bio-Structural Integration™ at Osteoklinika and Low Intensity Laser Treatment for Frozen Shoulder.

Low Light Laser Therapy and Bio-Structural Integration™ for Frozen Shoulder

Every cell in our body works synergistically together to maintain homeostasis. When one system is disturbed the other cannot function properly. In my method of Bio-Structural Integration™, I address the dysfunction at every level. Within one treatment I use Cranial Osteopathy to release central nervous system lesions. After that I use an Osteopathic Muscle Energy Technique to correct the joints, followed by Myofascial Release of connective tissue. Neuromuscular Massage is implemented to reduce muscular tension, and Electrotherapy helps to interrupt the pain cycle. All of the above is done within a 1 hour treatment.

Laser Therapy for Frozen Shoulder

After the structure is realigned I recommend Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) to deal with inflammation as a result of the Frozen Shoulder. Healing is now stimulated at the cellular level. This session may take 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the condition being treated and the protocol selected. In an acute situation we recommend a minimum of 12 laser therapy sessions. Elimination of inflammatory process assists in structural stabilization of the joints. As a result, muscles and ligaments relax; fascia releases its tension, flexibility increases helping to bring back normal range of motion and reduction of pain for the shoulder.

The program of rehabilitation could be up to 5 weeks long and provides more than 90% of success in bringing back a pain free should and life! If you have tried every possible known therapy and still have pain, you should not give up. Surgery should be the last resort.  During many years of practice I developed protocols for numerous difficult-to-treat conditions such as LLLT.

Shoulder Advice

Keep using your shoulder joint as ‘normally’ as possible.  Seek out a better pillow to ensure your sleep posture is allowing for minimal pain during the night.  Seek advice sooner rather than later. Take professional advice and make sure you follow it – there is no quick fix to treating frozen shoulder, it is a gradual process. Make sure that you carry out any prescribed exercises regularly. Avoid making the shoulder too painful as this will increase the inflammation and stiffness, slowing down the healing process.

What Do You Do If Osteopathy Does Not Work?

There are a small minority of cases where manual therapies are insufficient and surgical options need to be considered. In this situation a shoulder arthroscopy may be suggested to investigate, repair or free up the frozen shoulder. Rarely, where there is extensive damage to the joint, a replacement joint may be considered. However, it should be remembered that this is a complex joint and surgical replacement is more difficult and less common than hip or knee replacement.

Important to Note

The purpose of this article is to educate. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, its content should not be construed as definitive medical advice or health advice. It is not a substitute for professional examination and advice.  Because each individual’s health care needs are unique and because medical knowledge is always evolving, please consult a qualified health care professional to obtain the most current recommendations appropriate to your needs. Neither the author nor the publisher shall be liable for any outcome or damages resulting from reliance upon the content of this publication.

 

For more information about inflammation and pain, Andrew Subieta can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810. Also, please check our website at www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™.  You can also find us on Google +, Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter pages.   

Bio-Structural Integration™ : Sciatica and Osteopathy

According to experts 80% of North Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, this is particularly common when you reach your sixties and beyond because bones become more fragile and prone to injury. One of the most common back complaints affecting post-menopausal women is Sciatica. But it doesn't just happen to post-menopausal women - this painful and debilitating back complaint can happen at any age! 

This is when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated, leading to lower back and leg pain. For some it can be a dull ache, while others experience an ‘electric shock’ pain that can be quite debilitating. Why does it happen? The bones in our spine are cushioned by tiny sponge-like discs that help to absorb the pressure we place on our backs from daily activities like walking and running.

Sciatica is a very painful syndrome caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve runs deep through the buttock and down the leg. Sciatica can range from a dull ache to an incapacitating pain. Symptoms may be constant or intermittent, depending on activities or time of day.

Can Sciatica Be Cured?

That depends on the origin and severity of the problem. Like many pains humans experience in life, some have an immediate cause like a fall or a sports injury, while others just seem to happen to us. In the former case, we know how it happened and why it happened – we fall, we injure ourselves and we have pain that runs down the back of our legs.The second scenario is more mysterious. We wake up with pain or it comes on slowly out of nowhere or something inconsequential, like a sneeze, triggers it - and suddenly, we have a pain that runs down the back of our legs.

Osteopathy and Sciatica

There is no mystery about this – the sciatic nerve which originates in the lower back and sacrum then runs down the back of the legs becomes irritated somewhere along it’s trajectory resulting in pain. We know what’s causing the pain and with proper diagnostic testing, we can determine where along the nerve’s trajectory it is being pinched or entrapped giving us a place to start treatment.

A Simple Accident

A simple accident such as falling on your buttocks can compress the nerve root. And treatment to de-compress the lower back and sacrum usually solves the problem.

Sciatica and Posture

In this case there is a postural deficit that causes the bodies weight to fall off-center stressing the lower back which results in sciatic pain. Here it becomes necessary to dig deeper and treat the postural compensation with the aim of re-centering the body. The extent to which we are successful determines whether the sciatica can be completely healed or managed over time. In fact this is an over simplification of the situation because an accident, if severe enough, can also cause postural changes.

The story gets even more complicated because a patient’s health and pre-existing state-of-being (ie. all the various compensations that a person may be carrying, as well as congenital problems such as a scoliosis and others) also play into the severity of the injury and these things also affect prognosis for recovery. More often than not there’s a mystery to solve. But solve it we usually can and with proper treatment, recovery time and exercise, sciatica usually resolves.

Osteopathy Can Relieve the Symptoms of Sciatica

An osteopathic manual practitioner will usually conduct a full musculoskeletal and orthopaedic examination to find the true underlying cause of the Sciatica and will treat the related joints, muscles, ligaments or tendons to reduce the pressure on the sciatic nerve. Sciatica will often resolve quickly with the appropriate treatment as well as self-care.

Symptoms of sciatica may include the following:

• pain in the buttock or down the leg
• numbness
• muscular weakness
• pins and needles or tingling
• difficulty moving or controlling the leg
• 
  

The pain associated with sciatica can be caused by a number of underlying conditions. These may include:

• herniated (bulging) disc in the lower back
• bony growths on the spine
• arthritis in the low back or hip
• tight muscles in the buttock or trauma to the lower back
• pregnancy, due to changes in the pelvis and lower back.

If you feel any of the symptoms, DO NOT DELAY in finding appropriate and safe treatment!

Tips for Managing Sciatica

• Engage in low impact exercise such as swimming, Yoga or Pilates or Tai Chi, to increase flexibility and back strength
• Sit and stand with good posture
• Use ergonomic furniture such as chairs with lumbar support 

Other Tips for Managing Sciatica

Symptoms of sciatica might to go away on their own, but it can take months before you’re feeling back to normal.

We do not recommend taking painkiller medication as it is unlikely that it will solve Sciatica; it can only temporarily help the painful symptoms.

If you’re in the early days of a flare-up, your doctor GP will likely suggest over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), to reduce inflammation around the spine and ease the pressure on the sciatic nerve. (Please refer to my blog article “Warning:  Pain Killer and Addiction”.)

Keep moving! In the past, doctors believed bed rest was the best cure for a bad back.  However, new research shows that lying down could actually make matters worse  because when you stay still, your muscles become stiff and tight. 

You could try Heat Hydrotherapy; combining the relaxing benefits of a hot bath with Epsom Salt or baking soda together with a low-impact work-out, can be a great help for soothing a sore back.  Heated to around 34°C, the warm water helps to relieve pressure on your joints and muscles so they can work more effectively.  Hydrotherapy is a great way to improve blood flow and muscle strength while relieving sciatic pain. 

If Sciatica is getting you down, acupuncture could get to the heart of the problem. Many osteopathy clinics provide a treatment called dry needling – a form of acupuncture that taps into the “trigger points” of pain to ease symptoms. A dry needle is placed directly into tightness or knots in your back muscles to loosen them up and take pressure off the sciatic nerve. Depending on how you respond to treatment, symptoms can subside within a few sessions.

Spinal traction therapy lasts just a few minutes and the relief can be instant. Traction is a process that’s performed by an osteopath and involves manually stretching out the legs while you lie down to lengthen and take pressure off the spine. If this process is performed early on, it can correct a slipped disc and stop sciatica from getting worse.

Without Osteopathy and as a Last Resort

If symptoms persist for longer than six weeks, a doctor may suggest a corticosteroid injection for targeted pain relief. Typically, you will only get a few weeks of pain relief from one injection. As a last resort, surgery can offer relief for chronic sciatica. It tends to stop symptoms for most patients, but flare-ups can recur in rare cases. 

Bio-Structural Integration™ at Osteoklinika

Every cell in our body works synergistically together to maintain homeostasis. When one system is disturbed the other cannot function properly. In my method of Bio-Structural Integration™, I address the dysfunction at every level. Within one treatment I use Cranial Osteopathy to release central nervous system lesions. After that I use an Osteopathic Muscle Energy Technique to correct the joints, followed by Myofascial Release of connective tissue. Neuromuscular Massage is implemented to reduce muscular tension, and electrotherapy helps to interrupt the pain cycle. All of the above is done within a 1 hour treatment.

After the structure is realigned I might recommend BioFlex Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) to deal with inflammation. Healing is now stimulated at the cellular level. This session may take 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the condition being treated and the protocol selected. Elimination of inflammatory process assists in structural stabilization of the joints. As a result, muscles and ligaments relax; fascia releases its tension, flexibility increases bringing back normal range of motion and reduction of pain.

The program of rehabilitation could be up to 5 weeks long and provides more than 90% of success in bringing back a pain free life. If you have tried every possible known therapy and still have pain, you should not give up!  Surgery should be the last resort!  During many years of practice I developed protocols for numerous difficult-to-treat conditions.

Study Shows Moderate to Substantial Improvement with Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic manipulation, which may involve moving joints back into place, massaging soft tissue and helping you relax stressed muscles, was recently found to reduce chronic low back pain in a study of 455 people!  

For more information about inflammation and pain, Andrew Subieta can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810. Also, please check our website at www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™, or our Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter pages.   

Acne and Low Intensity Laser Therapy

"When I was in high school and I had acne, I spent a lot of time sulking in my room. I was depressed. I was not happy. High school is hard enough, but having this problem and knowing that everyone is looking at you in the hallways ..." Adam Levine, Maroon 5

Acne Vulgaris

Acne vulgaris is a very prevalent skin disorder, affecting 35% to over 90% of adolescents and often continuing into adulthood. The disorder is not a serious and contagious situation but affects the patient's social and emotional aspect of life.

There is no shortage of acne treatments. People around the world are going to bed tonight with faces covered in toothpaste, antibiotics, salicylic acid, lemon slices and any number of other proven and unproven substances. And no wonder: Acne can affect practically anyone, from infants to adults. While it affects some people more than others and is most common during puberty, most people will have to deal with it at some point - or many points - in their lives.

One common (and sometimes effective) way to battle acne is with antibiotics, either in a pill or applied to the skin. Antibiotics work by destroying bacteria that have accumulated in the hair follicle to the point of damaging it. The drugs also calm the body's immune system response, reducing redness and swelling.

However, the bacteria that multiplies and grows in clogged follicles is a common skin bacteria, Propionibacterium acnes (or P. acnes), that's always present. Since its home is your skin, it doesn't like it when an invasive force comes on the scene to wipe it out. And, occasionally, the bacterium puts up a fight and builds resistance to the effects of antibiotics. People who use topical antibiotics irregularly - less than twice daily, every day - are at the highest risk of developing resistance to antibiotics.

Common over-the-counter treatments - such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid (often mixed together into one product) - can be effective, but they don't work for everyone. Benzoyl peroxide isn't an antibacterial, but in addition to drying the face, it helps reduce bacteria by oxygenating pores. It isn't without its downsides, though. It can cause extreme dryness and peeling, as can salicylic acid, which helps the follicles clear themselves of dead skin cells.

Low Intensity Laser Therapy

Another treatment has emerged in recent years, but this one battles acne with advanced technology: laser treatment.

Low Intensity Laser (light) therapy (LILT) is a fast-growing technology used to treat a multitude of conditions that require stimulation of healing, relief of pain and inflammation, and restoration of function. Although skin is naturally exposed to light more than any other organ, it still responds well to red and near-infrared wavelengths. The photons are absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores in skin cells. Consequently, electron transport, adenosine triphosphate nitric oxide release, blood flow, reactive oxygen species increase, and diverse signaling pathways are activated. Stem cells can be activated, allowing increased tissue repair and healing. In dermatology, LILT has beneficial effects on wrinkles, acne scars, hypertrophic scars, and healing of burns. LILT can reduce UV damage both as a treatment and as a prophylactic measure. In pigmentary disorders such as vitiligo, LILT can increase pigmentation by stimulating melanocyte proliferation and reduce depigmentation by inhibiting autoimmunity. Inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and acne can also be managed. The non-invasive nature and almost complete absence of side effects encourage further testing in dermatology.

Study Shows How LILT Can Reduce Acne Breakouts and Scarring

There is evidence that low light intensity laser therapy (LILT) has a beneficial effect in the treatment of acne lesions. In this study, two different wavelengths of LILT (630 and 890 nm) were evaluated in treatment of acne vulgaris.

This very significant study was a single-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients with mild to moderate acne vulgaris and age above 18 years and included were treated with red LILT (630 nm) and infrared LILT (890 nm) on the right and left sides of the face respectively, twice in a week for 12 sessions, and clinically assessed at baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8.

Twenty-eight patients participated in this study. Ten weeks after treatment, acne lesions were significantly decreased in the side treated by 630 nm LILT.

The study showed that LILT using 630-nm laser (red spectrum) significantly reduces active acne lesions after 12 sessions of treatment during 10 weeks follow-up. It seems that LILT in red spectrum is a safe therapeutic modality in treating facial acne vulgaris without any complication. The study concluded that red wavelength is safe and effective to be used to treat acne vulgaris by LILT.

Final Result:

• No acute or chronic lesions
• Skin relatively normal in appearance and smooth to touch
• Patients extremely gratified with result

Can Acne Be Prevented?

Acne affects 90 per cent of adolescents, but the important thing to realise is that it isn't just a teenage disease, it's a disease that can span right the way through to adult life. Most sufferers get acne in their teens or early 20s, with the peak risk years between 16 and 20. 

The majority get over it within a few years, but for some the problem is life long, and as many as one person in 25 over the age of 40 still has acne.

Acne can be made worse by emotional stress, fatigue, and the use of some cosmetics. 

Although acne cannot be prevented, its impact can be reduced by:

• not wearing headbands or chinstraps
• not using oil based soaps and cosmetics
• not constantly touching the face and thereby spreading infection, and
• not getting sunburnt can all help.

Oily and humid environments are best avoided, and so, too, is the teenage habit of squeezing the spots.

"At Osteoklinika we have had recent, significant progress in the management of acne vulgaris." - Andrew Subieta 

At Osteoklinika we use the *BioFlex Low Intensity Laser Therapy system, the most advanced and sophisticated laser system on the global market today. 
We treat a number of dermatological conditions such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Herpes (Post-herpetic Neuralgia)
• Burns
• Acne

*Laser Therapy is an accepted modality by Health Canada and the BioFlex system has a Medical Device License, meaning Health Canada has approved it for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com LinkedIn, Twitter and Google+ for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™.  

Sun Damages the Skin: Healthy Sunburn Treatment

The truth is that the sun damages the skin!  Sunburn is caused by over-exposure to ultraviolet light.

How can you healthily heal an unhealthy sunburn? No need for commercial products with chemicals and toxins. The focus of treatment for sunburns centers on reducing inflammation and pain. Natural treatments also protect the skin from further damage and replenish vital nutrients in the skin. Apple cider vinegar, aloe vera and coconut oil are among the best treatment options.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. When applied to a sunburn, the substance naturally soothes the skin and reduces pain. The vitamins and minerals in apple cider vinegar also help replenish lost nutrients in the skin to speed recovery.






Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera is an especially effective treatment for sunburn. The substance contains a variety of vitamins, including A, C and E as well as folic acid and choline, which replenish and rejuvenate the skin. The substance also contains several amino acids and fatty acids that function to relieve inflammation and redness.

Coconut Oil

Coconut is effective for treating a variety of health conditions including sunburn. Coconut oil contains a unique combination of fatty acids that relieve inflammation and revitalize the skin. The moisture that coconut oil offers also prevents peeling that commonly results from sunburns.

Sunburns are often painful and can cause additional peeling of the skin, future wrinkles and other unhealthy skin conditions. However, natural treatment options relieve the pain associated with burns and prevent further damage.

When the biggest organ of your body is compromised, don't put chemicals or toxins on it. Many commercial products simply will not either work or help to repair with the necessary vitamins.  So try this:  

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

2 Tablespoons Aloe Vera Gel

Directions

Place both ingredients in a small jar or bowl and mix thoroughly together.  Apply to affected area(s) of sun burn as needed.

If you are able to purchase Vitamin E oil, adding a few drops to this mixture will help as an extra healing agent.

Feel free to make larger quantities of this recipe, depending on how large the sun burnt area is. Make sure you apply this mixture to your skin every hour and it is quite possible your skin will not even peel!  

Place both ingredients in a small jar or bowl and mix thoroughly together.  Keep a lid on it and keep in fridge. Apply to affected area(s) of sun burn as needed. Keep a lid on it and store in fridge. 

Of course, the best recipe I can offer is STAY OUT OF THE SUN ... AND USE SUNSCREEN.  

 #osteoklinika www.osteoklinika.com  

Bio-Structural Integration™: Chronic Lower Back Pain

It has been estimated that 80 percent of North Americans will suffer from chronic back pain at some point during their lives.

Nearly 30 percent may be struggling with back pain right now, which can cause debilitating symptoms, leading many to resign themselves to a lifetime of taking prescription painkillers, receiving expensive steroid shots or even opting for surgery.

But before trying these conventional options, which have questionable effectiveness and more than their fair share of side effects, why not try a safe alternative treatment that many have not yet heard of? 

Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic Manipulation Helps Relieve Lower Back Pain

If you have chronic lower back pain, you may want to consult an osteopathic manual practitioner or DOMP. As many of you know the Osteopathic practice considers the "whole person" approach to medicine, treating the entire person rather than just symptoms.  An osteopathic practitioner received additional training in adjusting the musculoskeletal system - your body's interconnected system of nerves, muscles and bones that make up two-thirds of your body mass. Osteopathic manipulative medicine provides osteopaths with a better understanding of how an injury or illness in one part of your body can affect another.  At Osteoklinika we call this approach Bio-Structural Integration™. 



Osteoklinika's Bio-Structural Integration™

Every cell in our body works synergistically together to maintain homeostasis. When one system is disturbed the other cannot function properly. In my method of Bio-Structural Integration™, I address the dysfunction at every level. Within one treatment I use Cranial Osteopathy to release central nervous system lesions. After that I use an Osteopathic Muscle Energy Technique to correct the joints, followed by Myofascial Release of connective tissue. Neuromuscular Massage is implemented to reduce muscular tension, and electrotherapy helps to interrupt the pain cycle. All of the above is done within a 1 hour treatment.

After the structure is realigned I might recommend BioFlex Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT) to deal with inflammation. Healing is now stimulated at the cellular level. This session may take 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the condition being treated and the protocol selected. Elimination of inflammatory process assists in structural stabilization of the joints. As a result, muscles and ligaments relax; fascia releases its tension, flexibility increases bringing back normal range of motion and reduction of pain.

The program of rehabilitation could be up to 5 weeks long and provides more than 90% of success in bringing back a pain free life. If you have tried every possible known therapy and still have pain, you should not give up!  Surgery should be the last resort!  During many years of practice I developed protocols for numerous difficult-to-treat conditions.

Study Shows Moderate to Substantial Improvement with Osteopathic Manipulation

Osteopathic manipulation, which may involve moving joints back into place, massaging soft tissue and helping you relax stressed muscles, was recently found to reduce chronic low back pain in a study of 455 people.

Participants received eight weeks of either osteopathic manipulation, a ‘sham’ treatment, or ultrasound therapy. Sixty-three percent of those who had osteopathic manipulation reported a moderate improvement in their pain, while half said they had a substantial improvement.

This is a safe “alternative” treatment that should actually be regarded as a preferable treatment choice to drugs, steroids and surgery.

Chronic Lower Back Pain Posture, Depression

Poor posture while sitting, or long hours spent sitting in any position, is one of the key reasons why people develop chronic back pain in the first place. 

If you ignore the signs of back pain this can develop into other forms of referred pain around the body, such as neck, shoulder or leg pain. Longer term this can have deep psychological ramifications which makes it harder for a patient to accept recovery as an achievable goal and like most long term health conditions can lead to depression.

We provide professional osteopathic care; relieving pain, reducing stiffness and increasing mobility, so you may feel better as soon as possible.  Please call us to book your consultation at 905.660.8810. - Andrew Subieta, M.Sc., R.M.T., C.L.T. andrew@osteoklinika.com 

Also, please check our website at www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™, or our Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter pages.

Bio-Structural Integration™: Chest Congestion Home Remedies

This Spring, I have seen many clients with chest congestion!  By the way, you don't have to refer to a doctor if you are suffering with chest congestion. It is important to know that some ingredients, present in your kitchen, could work so well! 

Do You Need Antibiotics with Congested Chest?

You might have heard that yellow or green mucus is a clear sign that you have an infection, but despite that common misperception, the yellow or green hue isn't due to bacteria.

When you have a cold, your immune system sends white blood cells called neutrophils rushing to the area. These cells contain a greenish-colored enzyme, and in large numbers they can turn the mucus the same colour. However, you can still have perfectly clear mucous and have a terrible ear and sinus infection, for example! If you do have an infection, you'll likely also have other symptoms, such as congestion, fever, and pressure in your face, overlying the sinuses; call your doctor. Here are some home remedies you can try before you call the doctor for antibiotics!  

Sea Salt Water Gargle

One of the mostly used home remedies for chest congestion is salt water gargle. Gargling with saline water helps in removing mucus from respiratory tube. Put one glass of water to boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of salt in it. Stir it well and add a pinch of turmeric powder to it. Take a swig of warm water and gargle for 1-2 minutes. Repeat the process, four or five times a day to experience a soothing effect.

Onion and Natural Honey

Onion has anti-inflammatory properties. It is an effective remedy for curing chest congestion, when used with honey. Place a slice of onion in a bowl and cover it with honey. Let it stay for overnight. The next day, remove onion from it and consume this onion soaked honey, 4 times a day. Take one teaspoon of honey at a time.

You can also have raw, baked, or cooked onions to help mucus flow easily.

Bay Leaf

Bay leaf is a very beneficial herb, which is a natural remedy for several health problems, including chest congestion. For curing chest congestion, one can have tea prepared from bay leaves. For this, you are required to take fresh bay leaves and put them into a cup of boiling water. Let it soak for some time. Drink it warm.

You can also use bay leaves as a hot compress. Put some bay leaves in hot water. Boil it for some time. Then, strain it. Now, dip a clean cloth in the strained water and place it on the chest to get relief from chest congestion.

Fresh Lemons

To get rid of mucus-forming bacteria in the respiratory system, lemons are the best remedy. You are advised to add some grated lemon rind or a lemon wedge in a cup of hot water. Let it steep for five minutes. Drink the water after straining it. You can also this solution for gargling.

Fresh Ginger

Ginger is very soothing for throat as well as a natural remedy for chest congestion relief. Add one small piece of ginger in hot water. Add two or three black pepper in the water and strain it in a glass. Stir it well adding one tablespoon of honey to it. Drink it twice or thrice a day to relieve congestion as well as cough from chest.

Another way to use ginger is to add one teaspoon of ginger in a glass of hot water. Put a pinch of ground cloves and cinnamon in it. Let it soak for some time. After filtering, drink it. You can also consume raw ginger.

Thyme (Dry or Fresh)

To get relief in chest congestion, thyme is an effective natural remedy. This natural herb makes lungs so strong to fight against the mucus-causing bacteria. Thyme acts as a protecting shield against bacteria. For usage of thyme, prepare tea by adding one-fourth of half teaspoon of thyme in one cup of boiling water. Soak it for five minutes and add a little honey to make it sweet. Drink this herbal tea.

You can also use diluted thyme oil for chest congestion. Mix olive oil or corn oil with thyme oil in 1:1 proportion. Rub it gently on the chest to relieve discomfort.

Hot Tea with Lemon and Honey

One of the simplest home remedies for chest congestion is hot tea with lemon and honey. To get relief in sore throat, prepare black tea and add a little honey and lemon juice in it. Drink it to get a calming relief in the throat and chest.

Boiled Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the essential old remedies for various ailments. It is also beneficial against chest congestion. Boil some vinegar and use it for inhaling its vapours.  Caution: White vinegar is "caustic" and highly acidic, and overuse can cause caustic burns to the esophagus and stomach.  

Black Coffee

Black coffee is also an effective remedy against chest congestion. When you suffer with shortness of breath and cough, consume two or three cups of black coffee. Caffeine present in coffee acts like a medication against shortness of breath and clears mucus.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is an effective remedy against chest congestion. Vinegar helps in killing bacteria, which causes mucus in the chest and throat. It relieves congestion and helps in breathing better than before. It is awful in taste but is effective. Swig down a shot of apple cider vinegar. For best results, follow this method after every eight hours.

Note- If you over drink it; your stomach will get upset.

Steam Inhaling

To loosen mucus in your airways, inhaling steam can be beneficial. Inhaling steam is helpful in clearing chest congestion. All you are required to do is to boil some water in a large bowl. Bend over the bowl and cover your head with a clean towel. Now, inhale the vapours coming out from hot water. For best results, add a few drops of essential oil (peppermint or eucalyptus oil) in the boiling water. This will help in loosening hardened phlegm.

You can also use a humidifier or nebulizer machine to inhale steam.

Note: Do not forget to close your eyes when you breathe in eucalyptus and peppermint oil vapours as it may irritate your eyes, badly.

Herbal Tea

What can be good for chest congestion? Yes, herbal teas are very helpful in providing relief in chest congestion. Tea prepared from various herbs, like chamomile, ginger, etc. is very effective. Anti-inflammatory properties of herbal tea deal with the bacteria that cause congestion.

Hot Pack

To soothe chest congestion, hot pack can work effectively. Roast some cloves, carom seeds or fenugreek for 2-3 minutes. Put them in a thin cloth and pack them together. Put this cloth on your throat and chest for a few seconds. It will give you immense relief from chest congestion.

Turmeric, Honey, and Black Pepper-added Milk

According to Ayurveda, turmeric is a natural antioxidant and is considered as the king of all spices. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is helpful in curing several internal and external problems of the body. You just have to add half teaspoon of turmeric powder in one cup of hot milk. Add two teaspoons of honey and a pinch of black pepper to it. Stir the solution well and drink it hot.

Turmeric can also be used in tea. Add two tablespoons of turmeric powder and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in tea. Drink this soothing tea for relieving chest congestion.

Steamy Shower

Bathing with hot water helps in loosening of mucus that is stuck in the throat and lungs. You might try adding a little eucalyptus oil for added loosening! This method works similar to drinking hot water. It treats chest congestion fast.

Mustard Plaster

Along with chest congestion, mustard plaster is effective against several respiratory infections, like bronchitis. For preparing a mustard plaster, you are required to mix 1 tbsp of dry mustard with 4 tbsp of flour. Add a little water to make a runny paste. Before coating mustard plaster on the chest, apply some olive oil. Spread mustard paste on a clean muslin cloth and place it onto the chest. Leave it until it cools down.

Note- Remove the plaster if it causes a burning sensation.

Radish

Radish is a good source for skin hydration. It not only acts a natural exfoliator, but also fights against chest congestion. It is effective in clearing congestion related to bronchitis, allergies, and cold. Take one radish and chop it. Put some lemon juice on it and consume it every morning.

You can also have juice prepared from radish. Wash some radishes and chop them. Put them in a juicer to extract fresh juice. Drink radish juice on a regular basis.

Radish oil is also effective for chest congestion and can be used as an expectorant.

Onion Paste, Water and Honey

Onion is a best remedy for chest congestion. Grind one onion into a thin paste. Extract its juice by pressing the paste. Add two tablespoons of water in it. Now, add four tablespoons of lemon juice and two tablespoons of honey in the mixture. Stir it well and heat it until it turns lukewarm. Have it three times a day.

Oregano Oil

Oregano oil is good for reliving the symptoms of the chest congestion. Apply it on the chest and throat. You can also consume oregano by adding 5-10 drops under your tongue.  Hold for as long as possible then swallow.  Or take oil capsules.

Fennel and Curry

As a herb, fennel is used for treating stomach ache, preventing cancer, etc. Fennel is also a natural remedy to remove mucus from the lungs. For the treatment of chest congestion, have sautéed fennel. Adding some curry powder to fennel also helps to clear the chest congestion.

The Neti Pot

Here is an alternative for removing mucus.  It is called 'nasal irrigation'. The neti pot, a little teapot-shaped device, is one form of nasal irrigation. Others include the bulb syringe or squeeze bottle.

I believe that my method of Bio-Structural Integration™ developed for the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions is going to change the face of Alternative Therapy.

All of us know about physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture or massage therapy. Unfortunately these modalities are used in isolation and do not address the problem at multiple levels. Therapy that is centered around only one system simply doesn’t work.

The body functions as a unit. When we get injured the central nervous system may be affected, the joints will develop misalignment, the muscles will be in spasm, connective tissue and fascia become tight, the inflammatory process sets in, even internal organs can be affected. Every cell in our body works synergetically together to maintain homeostasis. When one system is disturbed the other cannot function properly. In my method of Bio-Structural Integration™ I address the dysfunction at every level. Within one treatment I use Cranial Osteopathy to release central nervous system lesions. After that I use Osteopathic Structural Adjustments to correct the joints, followed by Myofascial Release of connective tissue. Neuromuscular Massage is implemented to reduce muscular tension, and electrotherapy helps to interrupt the pain cycle. All of the above is done within a 1 hour treatment. 

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The program of rehabilitation is around 5 weeks long and provides more than 90% of success in bringing back a pain free life. If you have tried every possible known therapy and still have pain, you shouldn’t give up! During many years of practice I developed protocols for numerous difficult to treat conditions.

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We provide professional osteopathic care; relieving pain, reducing stiffness and increasing mobility, so you may feel better as soon as possible.  Please call us to book your consultation at 905.660.8810. - Andrew Subieta, M.Sc., R.M.T., C.L.T. andrew@osteoklinika.com 

Also, please check our website at www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™, or our Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter pages.