Tuesday, August 10, 2010

August Blog

Chiropractic and Personal News
  • Website:  http://www.drjohnriggs.com/ for more information about the practice.
  • The Joint Commission recently recognized chiropractors as physicians (ACA News, August 2010).  This status has also apparently been extended to optometrists as well.  Such recognition, although being fought by certain medical organizations, has an impact on health care and how other players view chiropractic.  This as well as the phased in license parity of chiropractic doctors in the new health care legislation will make participation easier in future health care policies and programs.
  • Personal News:  Dr. Riggs has recently been named president of the board of directors of the newly formed Suginami Aikido Association and is the technical director for the organization.  He holds a 4th degree black belt and teaches seminars 1-2 times a year in Texas.  He recently taught a seminar in Victoria TX and prior to that San Antonio TX.  He is the senior student (rank wise) of Hiroshi Kato, 8th dan with a planned visit by him to Midland next spring. Dr. Riggs also teaches Aikido as adjunct faculty at Midland College and participates in the MISD PE credit program.  He has been a chief instructor (dojo cho) for 15 years teaching at schools in Memphis, TN, Austin, TX, Waco, TX and Midland.  Aikido of Midland is recognized by the World Headquarters Aikikai Foundation and Hombu dojo through Suginami Aikikai (Kato sensei's organization).  All black belt rank is certified in Japan.
Health News
  • Swimming may be one of the best exercises for lifelong health.
  • Short periods of exercise protect telomeres from stress (telomeres play a role in cellular aging).
  • Increased intake of B6 and B12 linked to less depression.
  • Omega 3s (fish oils):  may help delay age-related hearing loss.  It may also increase brain volume. 
Sports Injuries

School is soon to start and with it school sports.  Dr. Riggs performs sports physicals for students at a nominal cost.  He also serves as the chiropractor for athletes at Midland College and has treated baseball, softball, soccer and basketball athletes.  He has trained with Dr. Jeff Spencer on laser therapy as used with the Tour De France athletes and is planning advanced laser training in Denver in October.  Dr. Riggs offers the following services for athletes (whether weekend or team sports):
  • Examination and treatment of injuries to the neuromusculoskeletal system (neck, back, joints, shoulders, knees, etc.).
  • Treatment of repetitive stress and acute injuries (strains/sprains, tendinosis/tendinitis, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, golfer's elbow), repetitive stress injuries, biomechanical problems (pronation), trigger points, etc.
  • Laser therapy for injury prevention and treatment.
  • Physiotherapy modalities (electrical stim, interferential, ultrasound, etc.) for injury repair and treatment.
  • Kinesiotaping and Graston deep tissue instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization for injuries and scar tissue.
Laser Therapy

Dr. Riggs has been using low level laser therapy (3LT) or what is sometimes referred to as cold laser since April.  Clinically, he has successfully treated the following conditions:
  • Neck and back pain.
  • Sciatica
  • Nausea (2 years duration resolved in 2 treatments)
  • Headaches and TMJ problems
  • Ankle, knee and wrist pain
  • Carpal tunnel
  • Plantar fasciitis/heel spurs
  • Shoulder impingement syndrome/rotator cuff strains
  • Tendinitis (Knees/Hips)
  • Arthritis/Cartilage pain
  • Sprains/Strains
  • Sports Injuries
  • Muscle weakness