She came to see me for headaches and neck pain.  Somehow we begin to talk about hot flashes associated with menopause.  I mention that I just completed some training on Low Level Laser Therapy, and the instructor/doctor talked about using it for menopause symptoms.  So, we give it  a try.  This time I have to change the settings and we point the laser at several different endocrine organs.  We found that if we followed this protocol once every couple of weeks, she would remain free from the hot flashes. *  A miracle?  Perhaps.

Low Level Laser, or 3LT for short, has been around for many years now.  They have used it quite a bit over in Europe.  The Erchonia laser, which we have at Camas Chiropractic Center, was the first of it’s kind to get FDA clearance.  In that study people got better 60% faster.   There are lots of variations of these lasers out there.  Let me just say that we did not skimp–ours cost us as much as a small car.

It works like this:   The laser stimulates a structure within the cell, called the mitochondria, nicknamed the “powerhouse”, to produce more ATP, which is our molecular energy.  So with more energy at the cell level the tissues heal faster.   There are no known harmful effects to the body (it is also called “cold laser”, as opposed to “hot laser” which is used in surgical procedures to cut tissue).  It can stimulate blood flow and tissue remodeling and reset the nervous system.  I have used it on bruises, scars, neck pain, headaches, carpal tunnel, arthritis, burns, TMJ, children, old folks, and everything in between.

There are lots more details about how it works.  If you want I can email a powerpoint presentation to you.  Just know this:  it works, and it is safe.  Oh, and by the way, it is cheap–at least right now.  Normally it is $300 for 12 treatments, or $30 each.  We typically will use it on the same visit as an adjustment.  To celebrate this blog post, you can now purchase a series of 12 applications for just $150.   I think you ought to give it a try.  Just call (360-834-3434) or send me a message and tell me that you read this.  Feel free to tell others.

*results not typical, but what a great story.  This kind of stuff happens all the time.

My wife, Jessica, is also one of my regular patients–she and I both understand the importance of maintenance adjustments to make sure her body is working at it’s best.  We have four kids–2 boys and 2 girls.  They also get adjusted regularly.  In fact, at th first sign of illness we check them for subluxations.  We want to be sure that their nervous system is in top form to identify and fix whatever is going on.
Kenneth S. Albrechtson, DC – Palmer ‘78, introduced me to chiropractic care when he married my mother many years ago.  I chose to follow in his footsteps and we have practiced together at Camas Chiropractic Center since 2003.

I enjoy hiking, spending time with my children, reading (both fiction and non-fiction), and getting people healthier.

Here are some ideas on how to shovel smarter:

• warm up first.  See my video on lower back stretches.
• switch sides.  Most of us tend to use our dominant side when doing a strenuous activity.  Let other muscles and joints take turns.  Alternate your stance every few minutes with one foot in front of the other.
• layer your clothing.  That way your muscles can start warm, but you can shed a layer once things get heated up.
• spray your snow shovel with teflon.  If the snow doesn’t stick, it won’t be so darn heavy.
• use a shovel that is about chest high.  This will help you keep your back straighter when shoveling.  Bend your knees.
• don’t throw snow, walk it over to your pile.  Avoid twisting.
• If you can help hit, shovel when it is later in the day.  Spinal disc injuries usually occur in the mornings because there is more fluid pressure in the discs after resting.
• A regular adjustment to the spine from your chiropractor can keep everything moving well and miniminze discomfort too.