At Advantage Chiropractic, our mission is to help patients achieve long-lasting relief and restore their quality of life through safe, effective, and innovative treatments. We’re proud to offer one of the most advanced therapies available today — SoftWave Therapy. This revolutionary, non-invasive technology uses sound waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and promote tissue regeneration.

What is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is an advanced regenerative treatment that uses patented shockwave technology to activate your body’s own stem cells and accelerate recovery. Rather than simply masking pain, SoftWave Therapy addresses the root cause by enhancing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and jumpstarting the body’s repair mechanisms.

This gentle yet powerful treatment sends acoustic sound waves deep into the affected tissues to awaken dormant cells and trigger the body’s natural healing response. The result? Faster recovery, reduced pain, and improved mobility — all without surgery, injections, or medication.

How SoftWave Therapy Works

SoftWave Therapy works by delivering high-energy sound waves to injured or painful areas. These waves stimulate cell communication, improve circulation, and promote the growth of new blood vessels. Over time, the therapy helps the body heal damaged tissue naturally.

Many patients report noticeable pain relief and better range of motion after their first session. It’s a completely non-invasive procedure with no downtime, making it ideal for patients of all ages and activity levels.

SoftWave Therapy has shown proven benefits for:

• Joint pain and arthritis
  

• Sports injuries and overuse conditions
  

• Tendonitis and bursitis
  

• Plantar fasciitis
  

• Back and neck pain
  

• Post-surgical recovery
  
  

Why Choose SoftWave Therapy at Advantage Chiropractic?

At Advantage Chiropractic, we believe healing should be both natural and effective. Our SoftWave Therapy sessions are tailored to meet your individual needs, often combined with chiropractic adjustments and personalized wellness plans to ensure lasting results.

Benefits of choosing SoftWave Therapy with us include:

• Accelerated healing and recovery time
  

• Reduction in chronic pain and inflammation
  

• Improved mobility and flexibility
  

• Non-invasive, drug-free treatment
  

• Safe and effective for a variety of conditions
  

Our expert team will guide you through every step of your treatment, ensuring comfort, care, and optimal results.

Experience the Future of Pain Relief

Don’t let pain or limited mobility keep you from living your best life. Discover how SoftWave Therapy at Advantage Chiropractic can help you heal naturally and regain your strength.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and experience the power of true regenerative healing.

Living with arthritis isn’t just about sore joints—it’s about the way it can change your life. Whether it’s struggling to get out of bed, missing out on your favorite activities, or simply trying to get through the day without pain, arthritis can slowly chip away at your quality of life. The good news? You don’t have to settle for daily discomfort or a medicine cabinet full of pills. At Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato, we offer a natural, drug-free approach to managing arthritis—and it’s helping people just like you feel better every day.

Understanding Arthritis: More Than Just Joint Pain

Arthritis refers to inflammation of the joints, and there are over 100 types of it, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. It can affect any joint—knees, hips, shoulders, spine, and even fingers. Pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited movement are just some of the symptoms.

Arthritis can make simple movements painful. Over time, it can lead to joint degeneration, muscle loss, and even postural issues. Most treatments focus on pain management with medications, injections, or in more severe cases—surgery. But these options don’t always address the root cause of the problem.

That’s where chiropractic care comes in.

A Natural, Drug-Free Path to Pain Relief

At Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato, we focus on restoring joint function, reducing inflammation, and improving your overall mobility—without relying on drugs or surgery. Our approach is centered around the body’s natural ability to heal.

Through gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments, we reduce stress on your nervous system, improve spinal alignment, and help restore balance in the joints. When your spine and joints move the way they should, pressure is relieved, circulation improves, and inflammation decreases. That means less pain, more mobility, and better function.

Meet Dr. Jon Grissman: 11 Years of Compassionate Care

With over 11 years of experience helping patients across Mankato and southern Minnesota, Dr. Jon Grissman is known for his personalized approach to chiropractic care. His goal isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to restore hope and help people reclaim their lives.

Dr. Grissman takes time to listen to your story, understand your symptoms, and design a care plan tailored to your needs. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of arthritis or you’ve been managing pain for years, you’ll get one-on-one attention and a clear plan for results.

How Chiropractic Helps Arthritis

Here are just a few ways chiropractic care can benefit people with arthritis:

1. Improves Joint Mobility

Restricted movement is a major challenge with arthritis. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore motion in the joints, making daily tasks easier and less painful.

2. Reduces Inflammation

Misalignments in the spine and joints create tension that can worsen inflammation. Chiropractic care reduces that tension, helping to decrease swelling and stiffness.

3. Supports Overall Body Function

Your spine houses the nervous system, which controls every function in your body—including healing. By correcting spinal misalignments, we help your body work more efficiently and heal naturally.

4. Decreases Dependency on Medications

Many patients come to us wanting to avoid or reduce their reliance on pain medications. With regular chiropractic care, many experience significant relief—naturally.

5. Prevents Further Joint Damage

Arthritis is often progressive. By improving alignment and movement early, we can slow down joint degeneration and protect your long-term health.

Advanced Technology for Better Results

At Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato, we don’t just rely on traditional methods. We invest in cutting-edge technology to help you heal faster and get the results you deserve. From SoftWave therapy and customized rehab plans, everything we do is designed with your healing in mind.

We combine hands-on chiropractic care with modern tools to assess your condition accurately and monitor your progress over time. This means you’ll get care that’s not only effective but also tailored to your unique needs.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

Your journey to arthritis relief starts with a comprehensive consultation. We’ll go over your symptoms, health history, and lifestyle. From there, we perform a full chiropractic examination and assessments to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain.

You’ll receive a personalized care plan that outlines what’s needed to get you back to living your life without limits. Whether that’s adjustments, SoftWave therapy, or supportive exercises—we’ll walk with you every step of the way.

Is Chiropractic Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with joint pain…

If you’re looking for a drug-free solution that actually works…

If you want personalized care from someone who truly listens…

Then chiropractic care at Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato could be your answer.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

You don’t have to face arthritis alone. With over a decade of experience, a commitment to advanced healing methods, and a passion for helping people, Dr. Jon Grissman and the team at Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato are here to support you.

Schedule your consultation today and discover how chiropractic can help you move better, feel better, and live better—naturally.

Advantage Chiropractic of Mankato

Serving Mankato and the surrounding communities

Dr. Jon Grissman, Chiropractor

Call to schedule: 507-387-5591

Learn more: AdvantageChiroMN.com

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering from chronic or acute knee pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Whether it’s caused by arthritis, tendonitis, or repetitive stress injuries, knee pain can drastically reduce your quality of life and limit your ability to stay active. Fortunately, a groundbreaking, non-invasive treatment is offering new hope to patients in Mankato, MN — Shockwave Therapy, available now at Advantage Chiropractic.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, also known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a cutting-edge treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. The treatment works by delivering high-energy acoustic waves to the affected area, which boosts blood flow, breaks down scar tissue, and accelerates the body’s natural healing processes.

Initially used in the treatment of kidney stones, shockwave therapy has evolved significantly over the years and is now widely used to treat musculoskeletal conditions — including knee pain.

Why Choose Shockwave Therapy for Knee Pain?

Knee pain is often the result of chronic inflammation, degeneration of cartilage or tendons, or poor blood flow to the area. Traditional treatment methods — such as pain medications, steroid injections, or even surgery — can be invasive, expensive, and require long recovery times.

Shockwave therapy, on the other hand, is non-invasive and requires no downtime. This means patients can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment. And because it stimulates your body’s own natural healing abilities, it offers long-term results rather than temporary symptom relief.

Some of the most common knee conditions that respond well to shockwave therapy include:

• Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)
• Osteoarthritis
• Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome
• Meniscus injuries
• Post-surgical scar tissue
• Chronic inflammation and stiffness 

Used by the Pros — Now Available in Mankato, MN

Shockwave therapy is no longer just a high-tech option for elite athletes. Today, 36 professional sports locker rooms across the country — including teams from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB — use this treatment to help their players recover quickly from injury and stay in peak condition.

Now, thanks to Advantage Chiropractic in Mankato, MN, you don’t have to be a professional athlete to access this world-class treatment. Dr. Jon Grissman and his team are proud to offer this advanced therapy to local residents seeking real, lasting relief from knee pain.

The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy

The sound waves used in shockwave therapy penetrate deep into the tissue to trigger biological responses. These include:

• Neovascularization: The formation of new blood vessels, which improves circulation and helps nutrients reach the damaged tissue.
• Stimulation of collagen production: Collagen is vital for healing and rebuilding damaged ligaments and tendons.
• Breakdown of calcifications: If calcium deposits are causing joint stiffness or pain, shockwaves help dissolve them.
• Reduction in inflammation: Shockwave therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that reduce swelling and pressure on nerves.

These effects collectively reduce pain, improve mobility, and speed up the recovery process without the need for medications or surgical intervention.

What to Expect During a Session

When you visit Advantage Chiropractic in Mankato for shockwave therapy, you’ll first undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment. Most patients with chronic or recurrent knee pain qualify.

The procedure itself is quick and straightforward:

1. Target Area Marking: The chiropractor identifies and marks the specific area to be treated.
2. Gel Application: A small amount of gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves.
3. Shockwave Delivery: A handheld device delivers controlled pulses to the knee joint and surrounding tissue.
4. Duration: The session typically lasts 10–15 minutes.
5. Post-Treatment: There is no downtime. You may feel mild soreness, similar to a deep tissue massage, which usually resolves in 24-48 hours.

For best results, patients typically require 6-8 sessions spaced about a week apart. Many begin to feel noticeable relief after the second treatment.

Why Advantage Chiropractic?

Advantage Chiropractic, led by Dr. Jon Grissman, has become a trusted name in Mankato for holistic, evidence-based treatment of musculoskeletal issues. The clinic is equipped with the latest technologies and offers personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Here’s why local residents are choosing Advantage Chiropractic for shockwave therapy:

• Expertise in non-invasive pain relief
• State-of-the-art equipment
• Comfortable, patient-centered environment
• Convenient location in Mankato
• Real results without medication or surgery

 Dr. Grissman and his team are passionate about helping patients return to doing what they love — whether that’s walking pain-free, playing with their grandkids, or getting back on the golf course.

 Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

 Shockwave therapy is an excellent option for many individuals suffering from knee pain, especially those who have tried other conservative treatments without success. It’s also ideal for people who want to avoid surgery or prolonged use of medications.

However, it may not be suitable for everyone — such as individuals with pacemakers, blood clotting disorders, or certain infections. That’s why it’s important to consult with the experienced team at Advantage Chiropractic for a thorough evaluation.

 Ready to Take the First Step?

 If you’re tired of living with knee pain and want a proven, non-invasive solution used by professional athletes, it’s time to explore shockwave therapy. And the best part? You don’t need to travel to a big city or a sports clinic — this innovative treatment is available right here in Mankato, MN, at Advantage Chiropractic.

 Call Advantage Chiropractic today to schedule your consultation and find out if shockwave therapy is the right choice for your knee pain. Let our team help you get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.

Call us at 507-387-5591 or schedule online at AdvantageChiroMN.com to try SoftWave Therapy for just $49!

If you're dealing with frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tendinitis, bursitis, or general shoulder pain, keep reading to learn how SoftWave might be the relief you've been searching for.

What Is SoftWave Therapy?

SoftWave Therapy is a non-invasive shockwave treatment that uses broad-focused acoustic waves to stimulate cellular healing. Unlike traditional focused shockwave therapies, which concentrate energy on a very small point, SoftWave spreads the healing energy across a wider area. This makes the treatment gentler and ideal for large joints like the shoulder.

During a SoftWave session, we apply a handheld device to the skin. Pulses of energy penetrate deep into the tissue, reaching damaged or inflamed areas. Most patients feel a tapping or pulsing sensation, but no needles, surgery, or medications are involved.

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Shoulder Pain

Shoulder injuries can take a long time to heal—especially if blood flow is limited or scar tissue is involved. That’s where SoftWave Therapy makes a real difference. The acoustic waves help by:

• Increasing blood circulation to the affected area
  
  

• Stimulating stem cell activity and the body’s repair mechanisms
  
  

• Breaking up scar tissue that restricts movement
  
  

• Reducing inflammation and pain
  
  

These effects often result in faster healing, greater range of motion, and less dependence on medications or injections.

What Conditions Can It Treat?

At Advantage Chiropractic, we often recommend SoftWave Therapy to patients with:

• Rotator cuff injuries
  
  

• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
  
  

• Shoulder impingement
  
  

• Calcific tendinitis
  
  

• Shoulder bursitis
  
  

• Post-surgical shoulder pain
  
  

If your shoulder pain hasn’t responded to physical therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or other conservative treatments, SoftWave may be a game-changer.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most sessions take less than 20 minutes, and patients typically require 3 to 6 visits for full benefit. Some experience pain relief after just one or two treatments, while others notice gradual improvement as inflammation subsides and tissue regenerates.

There’s no downtime, no recovery period, and no restriction on your daily activity after treatment—making it a smart option for busy professionals, athletes, and active families.

Why Patients Choose SoftWave at Advantage Chiropractic

We take pride in offering state-of-the-art therapies in a supportive, compassionate environment. SoftWave Therapy fits right into our holistic approach to care—treating the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms. Patients love that it’s:

• Drug-free
  
  

• Needle-free
  
  

• FDA-cleared
  
  

• Backed by science
  
  

And because it’s part of a broader plan tailored to your specific condition and goals, we see outstanding results in many cases.

Learn More About Shoulder Pain Relief

For a deeper dive into how SoftWave can help different types of shoulder pain, visit our detailed shoulder Pain Treatment page. It breaks down the conditions, causes, and treatment options available.

Find Out If SoftWave Is Right for You

If shoulder pain is holding you back, let’s talk. At Advantage Chiropractic, we’re here to help you recover naturally and regain full shoulder function—without surgery, medication, or lengthy downtime. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and explore how SoftWave Therapy can help you move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.

Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis is an umbrella term for conditions that cause inflammation in the joints. It can result from aging, injury, or autoimmune disorders, leading to symptoms such as:

• Persistent joint pain

• Swelling and tenderness

• Reduced range of motion

• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity

Traditional treatments often include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. However, for those seeking an alternative or complementary approach, shockwave therapy offers a promising solution.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. The therapy promotes increased blood flow, tissue regeneration, and pain relief, making it an excellent option for managing arthritis-related discomfort.

During a session, a handheld device delivers low-intensity shockwaves to the affected joint. These waves penetrate deep into the tissue, breaking down calcifications, reducing inflammation, and enhancing circulation. Over time, this process can help improve mobility and reduce pain.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Arthritis

At Advantage Chiropractic, we have seen firsthand the positive impact of shockwave therapy on arthritis sufferers. Some of the key benefits include:

• Pain Reduction: Many patients experience significant pain relief after just a few sessions.

• Improved Mobility: Increased blood flow and tissue regeneration help restore joint function.

• Non-Invasive Treatment: No surgery, injections, or medications are required.

• Quick Sessions: Each treatment takes about 15-30 minutes, with no downtime required.

• Long-Lasting Results: The effects of shockwave therapy can continue improving joint health over time.

What to Expect During Treatment

Shockwave therapy sessions at Advantage Chiropractic are straightforward and comfortable. Our trained specialists will assess your condition and tailor the treatment to meet your specific needs. Most patients report mild tingling or pressure during the session, with little to no discomfort afterward. A typical treatment plan consists of 3-5 sessions spaced one week apart.

Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?

If you're experiencing chronic arthritis pain and looking for an effective, drug-free solution, shockwave therapy may be an excellent fit. It is especially beneficial for individuals who:

• Have not found relief with traditional treatments

• Want to avoid invasive procedures

• Are seeking to improve their quality of life naturally

Learn More About Shockwave Therapy for Arthritis

At Advantage Chiropractic, we are committed to providing the latest advancements in non-invasive arthritis treatment. If you'd like to explore whether shockwave therapy is right for you,learn more about how it can help with arthritis here.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better joint health and improved quality of life.

The health club industry rakes in more than $81 billion per year. The average gym membership has a monthly fee of $58, and you also have to invest in comfortable tennis shoes and workout clothes. Some gyms even require members to bring a towel and spray bottle so they can clean off equipment after each use. If you decide to join fitness classes or hire a personal trainer, your costs are going to be even higher. You don’t want a cash shortage to sabotage your fitness goals, so keep your budget in check by trying the ideas below. 

Enroll During a Promotional Period

If you’re planning to join a gym, look for deals during January. Gyms often offer special rates during this time to attract folks who made New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. Depending on the climate in your area, you may also find reduced gym rates during the summer when it’s warm enough for people to exercise outside.

Group fitness classes also offer promotional rates, and sometimes you can even score free classes as a perk of your paid gym membership. If that’s not an option, check local newspapers and coupon inserts for deals. You may find deals for fitness classes sandwiched between promotions for restaurants and cleaning services.

Request to Waive Registration Fees

Many gyms and classes charge a registration fee, but this fee isn’t always set in stone. Ask if you can waive or reduce the fee, but be prepared to offer a reason why you feel you deserve this request. If the owner denies your request, ask if you can divide the registration fee into monthly payments so you don’t have to dole out a large sum of money at once.

If you qualify for food stamps or other types of federal aid, ask about scholarships. Chain gyms generally don’t have these, but you might find scholarships at a YMCA or local community center.

Ask for a Free Trial

Sometimes a class sounds amazing before you attend, but then you go and realize it’s stressful, boring, or beyond your skill level. The same goes for gyms; just because your loved ones rave about a specific gym doesn’t mean it will suit your needs. Before you lock yourself into a monthly - or worse, yearly - commitment, ask if you can do a trial run at the facility. Many large gyms, such as Gold’s Gym and Club Fitness, regularly offer free trials.

You can also find free trials at fitness centers that focus on group classes. Keep in mind that the instructor may ask you to observe, rather than participate, during your free trial. If that’s the case, you may want to try the moves at home so you can see how you feel about the class.

Pay Per Class

When you register for a fitness class, you might notice that you have the option to pay per class or pay in advance for several months. Paying in advance often gives you a discounted rate, but it’s not worth it unless you know you’ll attend the class regularly. If your work schedule varies or you find it difficult to get a babysitter for your kids, pay for each class you attend instead of forking over funds in advance.

Start a Fitness-Boosting Side Gig

There are lots of ways to get fit while making some cash. And with the rise of the sharing economy, it’s easier than ever before for you to offer your services and get clients. Great options include becoming a dog walker or tasker. Both gigs involve physical activity so that you can make money while getting closer to your goals. Babysitting is another great option. Ask any parent and they’ll tell you that running around after young ones can be exhausting. Help some parents in need get some rest by looking after their kids a few times a month. The trick, of course, is making sure the money you make from these gigs doesn’t get swallowed up by other expenses. So, be sure you’re setting it aside in a special fund (or other area of safe-keeping) so the cash will be there when you’re ready to put it towards a fitness activity.

Join With a Friend

Working out with a friend is fun, but it may also save you money. Some fitness centers let you add friends to a family plan, which lets both of you pay a reduced rate. If the two of you choose to work out with a personal trainer, you can ask if he or she offers a group discount. Another option is to join a club or class that pays referral fees when you get a friend to enroll.

It’s difficult to commit to your fitness goals when you’re short on cash. Luckily, the tips above can help you cut costs when you’re ready to get in shape.

The health club industry rakes in more than $81 billion per year. The average gym membership has a monthly fee of $58, and you also have to invest in comfortable tennis shoes and workout clothes. Some gyms even require members to bring a towel and spray bottle so they can clean off equipment after each use. If you decide to join fitness classes or hire a personal trainer, your costs are going to be even higher. You don’t want a cash shortage to sabotage your fitness goals, so keep your budget in check by trying the ideas below. 

Enroll During a Promotional Period

If you’re planning to join a gym, look for deals during January. Gyms often offer special rates during this time to attract folks who made New Year’s resolutions to get in shape. Depending on the climate in your area, you may also find reduced gym rates during the summer when it’s warm enough for people to exercise outside.

Group fitness classes also offer promotional rates, and sometimes you can even score free classes as a perk of your paid gym membership. If that’s not an option, check local newspapers and coupon inserts for deals. You may find deals for fitness classes sandwiched between promotions for restaurants and cleaning services.

Request to Waive Registration Fees

Many gyms and classes charge a registration fee, but this fee isn’t always set in stone. Ask if you can waive or reduce the fee, but be prepared to offer a reason why you feel you deserve this request. If the owner denies your request, ask if you can divide the registration fee into monthly payments so you don’t have to dole out a large sum of money at once.

If you qualify for food stamps or other types of federal aid, ask about scholarships. Chain gyms generally don’t have these, but you might find scholarships at a YMCA or local community center.

Ask for a Free Trial

Sometimes a class sounds amazing before you attend, but then you go and realize it’s stressful, boring, or beyond your skill level. The same goes for gyms; just because your loved ones rave about a specific gym doesn’t mean it will suit your needs. Before you lock yourself into a monthly - or worse, yearly - commitment, ask if you can do a trial run at the facility. Many large gyms, such as Gold’s Gym and Club Fitness, regularly offer free trials.

You can also find free trials at fitness centers that focus on group classes. Keep in mind that the instructor may ask you to observe, rather than participate, during your free trial. If that’s the case, you may want to try the moves at home so you can see how you feel about the class.

Pay Per Class

When you register for a fitness class, you might notice that you have the option to pay per class or pay in advance for several months. Paying in advance often gives you a discounted rate, but it’s not worth it unless you know you’ll attend the class regularly. If your work schedule varies or you find it difficult to get a babysitter for your kids, pay for each class you attend instead of forking over funds in advance.

Start a Fitness-Boosting Side Gig

There are lots of ways to get fit while making some cash. And with the rise of the sharing economy, it’s easier than ever before for you to offer your services and get clients. Great options include becoming a dog walker or tasker. Both gigs involve physical activity so that you can make money while getting closer to your goals. Babysitting is another great option. Ask any parent and they’ll tell you that running around after young ones can be exhausting. Help some parents in need get some rest by looking after their kids a few times a month. The trick, of course, is making sure the money you make from these gigs doesn’t get swallowed up by other expenses. So, be sure you’re setting it aside in a special fund (or other area of safe-keeping) so the cash will be there when you’re ready to put it towards a fitness activity.

Join With a Friend

Working out with a friend is fun, but it may also save you money. Some fitness centers let you add friends to a family plan, which lets both of you pay a reduced rate. If the two of you choose to work out with a personal trainer, you can ask if he or she offers a group discount. Another option is to join a club or class that pays referral fees when you get a friend to enroll.

It’s difficult to commit to your fitness goals when you’re short on cash. Luckily, the tips above can help you cut costs when you’re ready to get in shape.

Chiropractic Care for Whiplash

Chiropractic care can provide significant relief to patients who have suffered from whiplash. Whiplash is a generic term used to describe an injury that occurs when the neck is abruptly and/or forcefully jolted in a whip-like motion. It can take place in the backward/forward direction or in a side to side movement. Whiplash is most commonly seen in individuals who have been involved in a car accident, but can also be caused by sports injuries, falls, slips, or work incidents.

Whiplash injuries involve a combination of nervous system, muscle, and connective tissue disturbance. Neck sprains and strains are the most common result of whiplash. Ligaments that help protect and support the vertebrae are torn by the excessive movement, known as a sprain. The muscle and tendons in the neck are extended beyond their limits, known as a strain. Other injuries that can be seen with whiplash include herniated discs, stretched and inflamed nerve roots, and dislocated or fractured vertebrae.

People who suffer from whiplash can experience a variety of painful, debilitating symptoms. Pain and stiffness in the neck is one of the most common symptoms, which can extend into the shoulders, arms, and upper back. Headaches are also commonly noted in whiplash sufferers, especially at the base of the neck. Other symptoms include dizziness, nausea, blurred vision, low back pain, ringing in the ears, and difficulty swallowing. It is important to note that the signs and symptoms of whiplash often do not present themselves until 2 to 48 hours after the whiplash event.

In order to diagnose whiplash, your Mankato Chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to analyze factors such as posture, muscle tenderness and tightness, flexibility, range of motion, and muscle weakness. Depending on the result of the examination and extent of the injury, X-rays of the spine may be performed as well. An individualized treatment plan will then be developed by the Chiropractor to help facilitate healing and pain relief. Treatment may include a combination of spinal adjustments and manipulations to help restore normal position and movement of the vertebrae, electrical stimulation, trigger point therapy, rest, ice/heat, and stretching and strengthening exercises.  If you have been involved in a car accident or other whiplash injury, give your Mankato Chiropractor a call today to see how Chiropractic care can help you start healing today!

The Not So Sweet Truth About Sugar from your Mankato Chiropractor

When we think of sugar, we often think of cookies, cake, chocolate, and candy. Who doesn’t have a sweet tooth now and again? Advantage Chiropractic wants you to know the not so sweet truth about sugar! According to Dr. Mark Hyman, author of “The Blood Sugar Solution,” the average American consumes roughly 152 pounds of sugar a year. Sugar in all of its forms is the root cause behind obesity and chronic disease including type 2 diabetes, cancer, dementia, depression, and more. Cutting back on sugar will not only help decrease your waistline, but lead to a longer, healthier life. Here are the top 8 reasons to avoid sugar:

1.)   Sugar is addictive. According to Dr. Hyman, sugar is 8 times more addictive that cocaine.  It stimulates the release of the feel-good chemical dopamine in the brain.

2.)   Sugar contains no essential nutrients, and actually robs your body of vital minerals. It causes minerals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium to seep out out of the body.

3.)   Sugar may increase your risk of cancer. Too much sugar causes elevated insulin levels in the body and this insulin stimulates cell growth. Cancer is characterized by uncontrolled growth and multiplication of cells, and insulin is a key hormone in regulating this sort of growth.

4.)   Sugar can overload the liver. When you ingest sugar, the body breaks it down into glucose and fructose. Fructose can only be metabolized in the liver, and when it is overloaded, it turns that fructose into fat. This may result in fatty liver and other diseases.

5.)   Sugar causes insulin resistance. Insulin is an important hormone that allows glucose to enter your body’s cells from the bloodstream. When you ingest excess amount of sugar, this causes elevated levels of this glucose in the bloodstream. This is toxic to the body and the pancreas in turn secretes insulin to remove it from the blood. The end result is insulin resistance and improper function of the pancreas.

6.)   Sugar can lead to Type 2 Diabetes. As described in #5, insulin resistance causes improper function of the pancreas. When the body’s cells become resistant, the pancreas creates more insulin to compensate. Eventually when the pancreas cannot keep up, blood sugar levels drastically climb and Type 2 Diabetes is the result.

7.)   Sugar affects your mood. Sugar causes inflammation, which is associated with depression. Also, the body’s response to the elevated insulin results in a too rapid reduction of blood glucose, causing the sugar “crash” feeling that most are familiar with. The body will release adrenaline to compensate, causing feelings of anxiety and irritability.

8.)   Sugar affects your cholesterol. High sugar levels actually lower your good cholesterol (HDL), which help remove the bad cholesterol (LDL) from artery walls. This poses an increased risk for coronary artery disease.

Visit our Mankato Chiropractic office today to borrow a copy of the documentary “Fed up.” It’s a very interesting film focusing on the causes of obesity in America, one of which is sugar!

Hyman, Mark. “Top 10 Big Ideas: How to Detox from Sugar.” Dr Hyman. Yakadadanda. 16 January 2015.

Web. 19 June 2015.