How often can I use Biofreeze?

• While Biofreeze is made of natural ingredients, it's use should be limited to approximately 4x/day

Where can I purchase Biofreeze?

• You can purchase Biofreeze conveniently at Align Chiropractic which is located near both 390 and 490.  Biofreeze can only be sold by licensed professionals so you are unable to buy this product at local grocery or health stores.  

Can I obtain a sample to use before purchasing?

• Yes.  Just stop in to Align Chiropractic during normal business hours and we would be happy to provide you with a sample.  

Can Biofreeze be used before doing exercise in a pool (aerobics or swimming)?

• It is recommended that Biofreeze be applied 10-15 minutes prior to swimming to get the maximum effect.  Like sunscreen, it needs time to penetrate your skin and to dry before entering water.  After aquatic activity, Biofreeze may be applied after showering and stretching for maximum benefit. 

Can I use Biofreeze in conjunction with ice and heat therapy?

• Biofreeze may be used in conjunction with ice packs to enhance the analgesic (pain relieving) effects.  The general rule of thumb for application of ice is to use for a maximum of 15-20 minutes and should not be performed more frequently than once per hour.  See the facts below regarding patient preference of Biofreeze over the use of ice packs only.
• Biofreeze should NOT be used in conjunction with heat therapy (hot packs, hot pads, etc.).  

Can I use Biofreeze if I am pregnant or nursing?

• As always you should contact your obstetrician before trying any new topical or oral remedy for pain.  The general rule of thumb is to not use anything that would overly cool or heat the growing baby.  Therefore Biofreeze should never be used over the belly but is often approved physicians to be used in unrelated areas such as your neck, back or joints of the extremities (arms and legs).  

Neck pain

• While both ice and Biofreeze significantly decrease pain levels, Biofreeze decreased pain my nearly 2x the amount that ice did and was reported to last longer 90% of the time.

Knee Pain with Osteoarthritis  

• Menthol intervention (Biofreeze) demonstrates short term decreased levels of pain which improves compliance with activity* in patients with osteoarthritis.  
• *Activity is very important in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis to prevent loss of ranges of motion.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (or 'Post-exercise soreness')

• Biofreeze may reduce the pain felt in muscles in the days following a rigorous workout or activity.

Biofreeze versus TENS Unit (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) in Low Back Pain

• The two therapies are considered to have similar positive effects on reducing low back pain.  Since Biofreeze is the more cost-effective of the two, it is advisable to try Biofreeze initially.

Many patients ask us what they can do at home to maintain their level of comfort after leaving the office.  Biofreeze is a great option for most patients.  Biofreeze's main active ingredient, natural menthol, provides a cooling effect over the area of application.  It is very easy to apply (we sell both a 360* spray bottle as well as a colorless gel) and the best part about it is that if you don't like it you can simply wash it off!  Unlike medications you do not have to worry about overdosing with Biofreeze since it is applied topically and made of natural ingredients.

If you are someone who enjoys knowing how things works keep reading or watch a video on the Biofreeze website here.  The process is explained by the Gate Control Theory of Pain.  

• The perception of pain is regulated by different types of nerve cells, neurons
• Peripheral nerves carry information from receptors in the skin to the spinal cord, which eventually reach the brain.  These nerve signals are perceived as pain once inside the brain
• Pain (nerve) fibers, are known as C-fibers.  
• A-delta fibers are other nerve fibers, which carry sensory information from the skin to the spinal cord
• When Biofreeze (or other topical analgesics) are applied to the area over the pain, the cooling sensation is picked up (sensed) by the A-delta fiber which causes an inhibitory (or blocking) nerve to be stimulated and blocks the perception of pain (from the C-fibers).    

If you or someone you know could benefit from the cooling effects of Biofreeze, stop by our office to learn more.

May is a great time to get on track!  Whether your goal is to lose weight before the summer begins or to better your health, you should consider the 21 day Standard Process Purification Program.  21 days is a great amount of time to get yourself back on track and remembering how great eating clean and nutritionally wholesome foods feels.  Many patients report feeling more energetic, having better digestion, having less aches and pains, weight loss, and decreases in cholesterol and fasting glucose levels.  Read more about the purification program (also referred to as "the Cleanse") here or download a summary below.  

To help you along on your journey to wellness, check out Dr. Fleming's January 2015 blog posts which are a diary of her experience on the program.  You can also find an abundance of cleanse-worthy recipes on our Pinterest page.  

Are you noticing a decrease in your flexibility? Aging is not a valid excuse! Chiropractic care aims to increase your range of motion which in turn may help improve your athletic performance and decrease your risk of injury.

Decreased flexibility and range of motion due to an injury or medical condition can take a serious toll on your mental and physical health.  Studies have shown that chiropractic treatments significantly improve range of motion*.  

To further your flexibility it is imperative that you stretch regularly.  Part of your chiropractic visit will be discussing stretches and home exercises that you can do yourself.  For more stretching tips, check out the Mayo Clinic's advice here.  

*Reference:
J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2001;24:552-5

What is a weekend warrior?  A weekend warrior is either defined as a person who participates in strenuous activity only on weekends (or part-time) or as a homeowner who attempts major improvement projects on weekends.


With the beautiful weather we had this past weekend, it is likely that many of us fit this definition.  The doctors at Align Chiropractic would like to provide you with some tips on how to prevent injury when you are a weekend warrior.  If you experience any soreness or pain after partaking in your weekend warrior activity of choice, contact our office to schedule an appointment to get yourself back into alignment.  


9 Tips for Preventing Injury:

1. Check with your chiropractor.  Before beginning any time of exercise you should check with your chiropractor (or medical doctor) to ensure that you are healthy enough to perform such an activity.  The doctors at Align chiropractic will also ensure that you are aligned so that you can optimally perform your exercise.  Imbalances within your muscles, joints, and spine can cause injury by altering your biomechanics.  
2. Use and wear proper equipment.  Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the activity that you are performing.  If you are biking, make sure your bike is tuned up and fitted to your body size.   If you are gardening, wear gloves and use a kneeling pad or knee pads to protect yourself.  This also includes wearing sunscreen or protective garments to protect your skin from the sun and preventing sunburn.  
3. Pay attention to your form and posture.  This applies to all activities.  Stand tall while running.  If you are slouched over performing a task such as gardening or household chores, take routine breaks to stretch.   If you are unsure of proper lifting techniques ask your chiropractor at your next visit.  
4. Hydrate!  Make sure you not only hydrate after a vigorous workout but before and during.  Exercising while dehydrated can lead to dangerous consequences and will certainly leave you more sore the next day.
5. Warm up and stretch.  Simply performing 20 jumping jacks or jogging once around the block will warm up your muscles and make for an effective stretch.  Don't skimp on either of these activities.  Be sure to stretch the muscles of your neck and low back with gentle range of motion exercises as well as the muscles that you will be focusing on during your activity.
6. Start slow.  You know your body better than anyone else.  Pushing yourself beyond your limits will not only leave you sore in the days to come, it may also set you up for injury.  Gradually increase your activity over weeks, rather than days.  
7. Exercise during the week.  Don't forget about your health Monday through Friday!  A little bit of cardiovascular and strength training during the week will do wonders for your health and help prevent injuries when you do extend yourself on the weekends.  
8. Take breaks.  It is important to take water, food, and stretching breaks when performing an activity for a long period of time.  Overuse injuries occur when you perform the same motion, over and over again.  Breaks will help to prevent such injuries.  
9. Cool down and stretch.  Just like warming up is essential, so is cooling down.  Take a short stroll after activity and stretch out all of those muscles you just worked.   Hold each stretch for 30 seconds and avoid bouncing while performing stretches.  

This article discusses two very common causes of low back pain, repetitive faulty movements and poor posture. Read the article to learn about proper bending techniques and then give Align Chiropractic a call to get your spine aligned. 
Good posture is an essential proponent to ensure that your adjustments provide pain relief for as long as possible.

With warm weather approaching, we would like to remind our patients to stay hydrated. Don't forget that on days that you are getting adjusted you need to consume extra water as chiropractic adjustments act on your muscles. If you are someone who needs flavor in their water try adding some fresh citrus slices or juice to your water. The extra vitamin C will give you an immune and energy boost among many other health benefits.

Ten signs that you need more hydration