FINDING ULTRA (pgs 124-125) “It was not until 2011-long after that early Ultraman training-that I suffered my first running injury ever, preparing for the Boston Marathon. It was during a training period in which I was running far more often and intensely than ever before. A sharp pain in my lower left calf began to develop that simply wouldn’t quit. I figured nothing much could be done other than to hang up the shoes for a spell and rest. That, and maybe some ice and a compression sock to reduce inflammation. Two months went by without running, yet the pain persisted. It was suggested that I explore some proactive therapy options, but such therapies seemed like a false promise. I just need more time off, I told myself. But my friend Greg Anzalone insisted I see Dr. Shay Shani, a chiropractor in Westlake Village, near my home, who was known for working miracles. I was very reluctant to allow anyone to touch my spine. I’d never suffered back pain, and the idea of someone twisting my neck and back until it cracked just seemed like a bad idea. Besides, why would someone go to a chiropractor for a calf injury? Ultimately, though, I yielded to Greg’s urging. And X-rays of my spine proved immediately revealing. A close look at my pelvic area showed why every time I suffered any kind of pain, ache, throb, or injury-be it passing, mild, or severe-it always appeared on the left side of my body. Due to scar-tissue buildup, a mild spinal displacement known as spondylolisthesis, and slight muscular asymmetry, my left leg was actually four millimeters longer than my right. This disparity in length, compounded by years of pounding and countless hours running, was the underlying cause of the calf injury. It also helped to explain why my left hand always went numb after hours on my bike, despite an endless array of professional bike-fit adjustments undertaken to resolve the dilemma. In other words, the calf injury was merely a symptom of a more congenital infirmity. Most orthopedic or podiatry specialists would have gone no further than prescribing an insole for the right foot to even out the length differential. But that’s like treating erectile dysfunction with Viagra. It may resolve the symptom, but it ignores the root cause. Within a week after having my spine adjusted-and the scar-tissue buildup around the calf injury dispersed by laser therapy, active release therapy (“ART”), and massage-I was astonished to be running again pain-free. By maintaining this treatment protocol on a periodic basis, I got the injury to all but disappear. And with my muscle tightness alleviated and my problematic connective tissue subtly altered, my legs were once again even in length. In other words, Dr Shani treated my injury the same way I treat my body-with preventive medicine. Having learned my lesson the hard way, I now make time for what I formerly overlooked in my training: massage and electrical stimulation (to improve blood flow and expedite the repair of small muscle tears), ART (to continually correct my imbalanced musculature), chiropractic adjustments and core exercises (to maintain spinal alignment and strengthen body stability), and laser treatments combined with the consistent use of foam rollers (to break up the accumulation of scar tissue in worn muscles, which can lead to injury).” You can find out more about this amazing man and his story here on his website, and you can buy Rich Rolls new book Finding Ultra here...
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INNOVATIVE THERAPIES
NATURAL SOLUTIONS
Conditions
BACK PAIN
HERNIATED DISCS
SCIATICA
STENOSIS
POOR POSTURE
KNEE PAIN
SHOULDER PAIN
NECK PAIN
WHIPLASH
PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY
HEADACHES/MIGRAINES
ARTHRITIS
TYPE 2 DIABETES
Treatments
CHIROPRACTIC
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE
CLASS IV LASER THERAPY
SPINAL DECOMPRESSION
ACUPUNCTURE
Medical Services
PHYSICAL MEDICINE
SUPARTZ JOINT THERAPY
SARAPIN vs CORTISONE
FOOD SENSITIVITIES
MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
INJECTABLE VITAMINS
MEDICAL FOOD
INSURANCE ACCEPTED
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We accept most insurance. CONTACT US and our staff will call to determine your benefits and coverage level.



