Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic

Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic has been using low level (cold) laser for almost 10 years to treat pain symptoms in our patients.  It is commonly accepted that the photons of energy from this intense form of light penetrate the tissues and provide energy into a part of the cell called the mitochondria.  The cell uses this energy to produce a molecule called ATP.  ATP is then used by the cell to promote cell division and repair.

A number of randomized controlled studies have confirmed the effectiveness of light therapy to reduce pain.  The most comprehensive review was published in the prestigious journal Lancet in 2009.  The weight of evidence demonstrates that laser therapy is effective even when used alone.  At our clinic, we have found that laser therapy combined with chiropractic care provides a powerful 1-2 punch against pain.

Dr. John Lenhart has been invited to join University Hospitals Accountable Care Organization.  The goals of this University Hospitals program are

* Enhanced quality of care through application of care protocols and clinical pathways developed from evidence-based best practices.

*Use of patient clinical and population health data to facilitate patient’ appropriate treatment throughout their continuum of care.

This new concept in health care delivery is an important force that will help lower costs while insuring the best possible health and wellness care to patients.  As we continue to debate health care reform, Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic is striving to partner with others looking for inovative answers to our difficult health care questions.

Terrific news for those suffering from back pain with sciatica.  A new randomized, prospective studied patient’s who had already failed under traditional medical care for low back pain that radiated down the leg.  The patient’s were randomly assigned to either surgery or chiropractic care.

The researchers found that 12 weeks of chiropractic care was as effective as the more invasive and costly microsurgery.  When one considers the possible complications from surgery and anesthesia, the choice between the two is a no brainer!

Speeking of no brainers, a study is to be published in December reviewed the costs of treating low back pain using medical care versus chiropractic care.  The study included patients enrolled in a large Blue Cross/Blue Shield plan.  The results weren’t even close.  Chiropractic care was 40% less expensive than care initiated by a medical doctor.   This study confirms the findings of a study published in the journal Spine.  The Spine study found that health plans that included chiropractic as an option had lower costs that plans that didn’t.

These studies are extremely important as we discuss how to lower the cost of health care.  It is important that the decision makers in Government understant that chiropractic care if both effective as well as less expensive that medical care for many problems.  I am asking my readers to register at www.chirovoice.org and protect your right to receive this cost effective health care approach.

A patient once told me that if I could help her with her hot flashes she would flood my office with patients.  Now I know what to do!  Recent study from the UK found that treating women with traditional acupuncture was as effective as standard medical care.  The study found that treating the acupoints significantly reduced the frequency of hot flashes and night sweats (HF&NS).  In addition to reduced HF&NS, women enjoyed improved physical and emotional well-being with improved sexual behavior.

Of interest was that the study found that the effects of the either acupuncture or meridian therapy lasted for over 12 weeks following the course of care as opposed to only 2 weeks for the standard medical approach.  Finally, the study found few side effects for the patient’s undergoing acupuncture or meridian therapy.

At Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, we utilize meridian therapy (stimulation of acupuncture point with laser) combined with upper cervical chiropractic care and nutritional advice to get great results for patient’s with hot flashes.  Of interest, I used the same combination of treatment approaches on men going through prostate cancer treatment and got the same great reduction in their hot flashes and night sweats.

While getting my diplomate certification in acupuncture, I was trained in the use of needles to stimulate the acupoints.  I was also introduced to the use of laser to stimulate the acupoints (laser meridian therapy).  I was initially skeptical but after trying the meridian therapy on some of my more challenging cases, I stopped using needles.  It was a no brainer.  Laser allowed me to get better results without the risk of infection or bleeding from needles.

My experience was borne out in a recent research study published in the BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders journal.  A meta-analysis of all of the randomized placebo-controlled studies concerning conservative management of osteoarthritis of the knee found that laser worked significantly better than needle acupuncture with electrical stimulation.  Noted lecturer on acupuncture, John Amaro, states in his book that laser seems to be 2-3 times more effective than any other method of acupoint stimulation.

With the risks so significantly reduced, I feel much more confident attempting to treat the full range of conditions presenting to me.  I have been successful treating conditions ranging from excessive perspiration to side effects of cancer treatment.  It is also very nice to have the patient less anxious about undergoing treatment.

An award winning research study nearly 1000 patients who suffered from osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee.  The study, Published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that low back pain was a strong predictor of future leg pain and arthritis.

More importantly, the study found that patient’s who received chiropractic care addressing the mechanics of the low back (lumbar spine and pelvis) had significantly better results than those treated solely for the hip and knee pain.

At Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, we have been successfully treating hip and knee problems using chiropractic adjustments to the spine as well as specialized adjusting techniques for the joints of the extremities.  This approach, sometimes combined with laser meridian therapy and massotherapy, has helped many of our patient’s avoid the need for surgery.

A study was recently published that reviewed patients who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder.  The children were treated with chiropractic care.   Improvements were measured using the 15 item Parent/Teacher Questionnaire.  All of the patients in this study demonstrated improvement in their ADHD symptoms (hyperactivity, impulsivity, inatttentiveness, behavioral, social or emotional difficulties.

At Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, we have been effectively treating children, teens and adults for ADHD symptoms for quite some times.  Usimg a combination of traditional chiropractic, upper cervical (neck) adjusting and nutritional support, we have helped a great number of patients improve their quality of life.

I have always enjoyed providing chiropractic care for children.  I have aways believed that by correcting problems early in life, the rest of the children’s lives would be improved.

A newly published study demonstrates just how true that is.  A British study followed 117 children 2-3 years after they had been treated for colic using chiropractic care.  These toddlers were compared to 111 non-treated colicky children.  The study found that those treated with chiropractic care were significantly less likely to exibit negative behavioral and sleep problems later in life.

At Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, we utilize specialized pediatric techniques to safely treat children.  I have been able to treat children as young as a few days old with very good outcomes.  Because childrens’ bodies are constantly changing and adapting, correcting problems is important to prevent more significant problems later in life.

Temporomandibular joint (Jaw) disorders (TMJD) effect an estimated 35 million Americans each year.  The symptoms include: Pain in the jaw or surrounding muscles during chewing, radiating pain to the face, neck and ear, limited movement or locking of the jaw, painful clicking or grinding of the jaw when opening or closing the mouth, changes in the way the upper and lower teeth fit together.

At Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, we have been helping people with TMJ conditions for quite some time.  Very often, patients are completely asymptomatic following treatment.  A resently published case study confirmed that chiropractic care can be helpful in reducing pain and improving the motion of the jaw joints and surrounding musculature.

Our treatment procedures for TMJD include gentle adjusting of the jaw and upper cervical (neck) region using an arthrostim instrument.  The arthrostim instrument allows Dr. Lenhart to adjust the jaw using a series of small impuses at a specific frequency with less discomfort.  Adjusting is followed by utilizing light therapy (therapeutic laser) over the TMJ and effected muscles.  Laser stimulation of the acupuncture points  Meridian Therapy)for the jaw may also be utilized.

In the latest edition of the journal, Integrative Medicine, there is a comprehensive review of the use of acupuncture in the treatment of cancer pain.  Between 50% and 90% of patients undergoing cancer treatment experience pain either as the result of the treatment of due to the cancer itself.  Standard treatment has been narcotic pain relievers.

The journal review found that treatment of acupuncture meridians was effective in reducing or eliminating the pain symptoms.  This effect reduces the necessity for narcotics to be administered and thus reduces side effects. 

Since patients experience a suppression of their immune system while undergoing most cancer therapies, care must be taken to avoid exposing them to infection. Meridian therapy, such as that performed at Lenhart Chiropractic Clinic, would be especially helpful.  By using laser to stimulate the acupunture meridian points instead of needles, there is virtually no chance for infection.  Thus the patient can be treated with meridian therapy while they are still undergoing cancer treatment.