Symptoms of Scoliosis

In our last blog, we went over the definition and common causes of scoliosis. But what does it actually LOOK like?

Signs of scoliosis can range from subtle to obvious, depending on the degree of curvature. Common symptoms include:

• Uneven shoulders or hips
• A visible curve in the spine
• One shoulder blade appearing more prominent
• Leaning to one side when standing
• Back pain or stiffness
• Fatigue from uneven muscle use

In very advanced cases, scoliosis can affect lung or heart function if the ribcage is pushed out of its natural position.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help Relieve Scoliosis

Unlike general chiropractic adjustments that focus on temporary pain relief, specific structural chiropractic care addresses the underlying spinal misalignments contributing to scoliosis. 

If you’re showing signs of scoliosis, or if you are struggling with back pain, uneven posture, or stiffness, consulting with your local Ann Arbor structural chiropractor can be a proactive step. With a personalized care plan, you may find relief from pain while addressing the structural imbalances that cause long-term discomfort.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to supporting your back and your health!

What Causes Scoliosis?

You’ve probably heard the term “scoliosis” used before, but what does it actually mean?

Scoliosis is a condition that affects the natural alignment of the spine, causing it to curve sideways. While mild scoliosis may go unnoticed, more advanced cases can lead to pain, limited mobility, and changes in posture. 

Scoliosis can have several origins:

• Idiopathic scoliosis – The most common form, typically developing in adolescence, with no clear cause.
• Congenital scoliosis – Caused by abnormal spinal development in the womb.
• Neuromuscular scoliosis – Linked to conditions like cerebral palsy or muscular dystrophy.
• Degenerative scoliosis – Often appearing later in life as a result of arthritis, spinal degeneration, or osteoporosis.

In many cases, scoliosis progresses gradually. The earlier it is identified, the easier it is to manage.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help Relieve Scoliosis

Unlike general chiropractic adjustments that focus on temporary pain relief, specific structural chiropractic care addresses the underlying spinal misalignments contributing to scoliosis. 

If you’re showing signs of scoliosis, or if you are struggling with back pain, uneven posture, or stiffness, consulting with your local Ann Arbor structural chiropractor can be a proactive step. With a personalized care plan, you may find relief from pain while addressing the structural imbalances that cause long-term discomfort.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to supporting your back and your health!

Don't immobilize a torn ligament.

Do you have a torn ligament?

Too often, a person injures a ligament and their healthcare provider tells them to wear a brace, or wraps the area to immobilize it. Research shows that “immobilization causes ligament physiology to progressively change from anabolic to a more catabolic state.” This means that the ligament tissue breaks down and is much weaker when it is immobilized. On the other hand, when the tissue is exercised, research shows that there is a direct correlation between the number of collagen fibrils, their arrangement, and their average thickness with the ligament. “In a systematic review, early mobilization was found to decrease pain, swelling and stiffness, to preserve more of the ligament’s range of motion, and to result in a quicker return to work.” This means that with movement, the ligament tissue heals faster and stronger. In the case of a major ligament rupture, surgery along with casting may be necessary in the beginning stages, but a guided exercise routine will be necessary to ensure adequate healing as time progresses. 

Learn more in our latest article.

An Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help You Recover

Along with physical rehabilitation, your Ann Arbor chiropractor can work in collaboration with your other doctors to be part of a treatment plan for ligament injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, adjustments to improve stability, mobility, reduce pain, and improved healing can be an important part of ligament damage recovery.

To get started or ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Source: Hauser, R., Dolan, E., Phillips, H., Newlin, A., R., & Woldin, B. (2013). Ligament Injury and Healing: A Review of Current Clinical Diagnostics and Therapeutics [Abstract]. The Open Rehabilitation Journal, 6(1), 20th ser. doi:10.2174/1874943701306010001

Did I tear a ligament, or is it just a pulled muscle?

Unsure if the pain is a torn ligament or pulled muscle?

A trained chiropractor or medical provider can assess if an injury resulted in a pulled muscle or sprain/tear of a ligament. This is determined through a comprehensive evaluation of the injured area. Generally, when a ligament is damaged, you will notice pain, swelling, and sometimes bruising. If the ligament is torn or ruptured, in addition to extreme pain, it may also feel loose or weak, like the joint will give out. Depending on the severity of the injury, a proper course of treatment is essential to ensuring adequate healing.

Most minor ligament sprains will heal on their own if they’re taken care of properly. In the case of a ruptured or torn ligament, surgery may be required to fix the damage along with physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion.

If a ligament injury is minor then there are a few things you can do on your own to ensure proper healing. Check them out in our latest article.

An Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help You Recover

Along with physical rehabilitation, your Ann Arbor chiropractor can work in collaboration with your other doctors to be part of a treatment plan for ligament injuries. Depending on the severity of the injury, adjustments to improve stability, mobility, reduce pain, and improved healing can be an important part of ligament damage recovery.

To get started or ask a question, call (734) 221-0362 or submit a contact form here.

Source: Hauser, R., Dolan, E., Phillips, H., Newlin, A., R., & Woldin, B. (2013). Ligament Injury and Healing: A Review of Current Clinical Diagnostics and Therapeutics [Abstract]. The Open Rehabilitation Journal, 6(1), 20th ser. doi:10.2174/1874943701306010001

Health Benefits of Cold Showers

Have you noticed that your skin or hair feel dry after a hot shower?

As it turns out, cold showers are actually much better for the body than hot showers. Here are three ways that cold showers can improve your physical health: 

Healthy Skin and Hair

Hot water strips moisture from your skin and hair almost instantly. To avoid moisture loss, turn down the temperature when you jump in the shower—your hair and skin will look and feel a lot better in the long run.

Increased Testosterone for Men

Prolonged exposure to cold water has been shown to increase testosterone production in men, enhancing overall strength and energy.

Better Circulation

Good cardiovascular health depends on getting enough blood pumping through your veins. Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower is an easy way to boost circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move towards your organs to conserve heat, and warm water brings it to the surface of your skin.

Improve Your Wellbeing with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

There’s much more to cardiovascular health than taking a cold shower! Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves. If you are looking for a holistic Ann Arbor chiropractor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!

The Magic of Cold Showers

Are you looking for easy tweaks to improve your overall wellbeing?

If you’re tuned into the fitness world, you may have been recently hearing about the benefits of cold plunges: reduced inflammation, improved immune system, improved sleep, better mood, etc. Well, you can get very similar benefits by simply taking a cold shower!

To enjoy a boost to your health and energy that lasts all day, start off with hot water and slowly adjust the temperature until it’s cold but tolerable. Spend at least five minutes under the water before getting out.

Increased Energy

Stepping into a cold shower instantly ramps up your heart rate, and the rush of blood through your body will quickly wake you up. You might even find that a few minutes under cold water is just as effective as a piping hot cup of coffee.

Natural Depression Treatment

Research from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine revealed that short, cold showers can activate the “blue spot” in a person’s brain. This area is the brain’s main source of nor-adrenaline, a feel-good chemical known for relieving feelings of depression.

Faster Recovery for Athletes

After a strenuous workout, it’s common for athletes to relax in an ice bath. Not only does this numb them to any post-workout pain, but the cold water reduces inflammation and speeds up the recovery process. You can get similar benefits from taking a chilly shower after intense training sessions.

Improve Your Wellbeing with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

There’s much more to cardiovascular health than taking a cold shower! Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves. If you are looking for a holistic Ann Arbor chiropractor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!

Why Treating the Cause Rather Than the Symptom Matters

Want to up your health and wellness game this year?

Tired of fad diets and viral workout trends that don’t help with mobility or flexibility?

If you want to go back to basics and get your health journey back on track, consider incorporating chiropractic care into your routine.

If you pluck a dandelion flower from your garden, the weed seems to be gone for a few weeks, only to return again. However, if you dig up the dandelion’s root, it does not come back. It is the same for issues caused by an underlying structural problem. If you want lasting relief, you need to treat the root cause. Why try to patch something when you can fix it?

If you’re tired of treating the same symptoms, give something new a try. Sit down with a professional at Pivotal Chiropractic and tell them about your conditions. After an examination, you may learn that a real solution is not as far as you might think and chiropractic care could be what you’ve been looking for.

Read more on our website!

Get Started with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor Today

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options for chiropractic care in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

What’s the Difference Between Structural Chiropractic Care and Conventional Chiropractic Care?

Most chiropractors you’ll find on your typical Google search are conventional chiropractors. They focus on reducing pain, inflammation, muscle spasms and increasing range of motion in joints.

They manage these health concerns with the use of general manipulations of the neck and spine. This is what most chiropractors offer in the way of care, and we believe that most of them do a great job.

As a Specific Structural Corrective Chiropractor, Dr. Gessert is dedicated to diagnosing and correcting the underlying cause of your condition. Through a comprehensive examination consisting of four tests, problem areas called Segmental Displacements are found and connected as the cause of your secondary conditions.

Through this examination process Dr. Gessert creates an individualized plan to correct these displacements of the spine which cause a myriad of secondary conditions (symptoms).  It is very common to find the cause of neck pain, back pain, sciatica, numbness and tingling and even headaches as a structural problem in the spine.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care

1. Improved Function: When your car is out of alignment, performance will suffer.  The vehicle will not handle properly and thus it will not perform optimally.  Our body is the same way. When our structure is displaced (out of balance), our body will not function at its optimal level.   When our body is not functioning optimally, we may experience one or more secondary conditions or symptoms like headaches, neck pain, back pain, sciatica, or pain in the extremities.
2. Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Consistent chiropractic adjustments can enhance joint mobility and flexibility. By addressing restrictions in the spine and other joints, you’ll experience an increased range of motion, allowing for better flexibility and improved overall mobility.

Read more on our website!

Get Started with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor Today

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options for chiropractic care in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Why Treating the Cause Rather Than the Symptom Matters

If you pluck a dandelion flower from your garden, the weed seems to be gone for a few weeks, only to return again. However, if you dig up the dandelion’s root, it does not come back. It is the same for issues caused by an underlying structural problem. If you want lasting relief, you need to treat the root cause. Why try to patch something when you can fix it?

If you’re tired of treating the same symptoms, give something new a try. Sit down with a professional at Pivotal Chiropractic and tell them about your conditions. After an examination, you may learn that a real solution is not as far as you might think and chiropractic care could be what you’ve been looking for.

What’s the Difference Between Structural Chiropractic Care and Conventional Chiropractic Care?

Most Chiropractors you’ll find on your typical Google search are conventional chiropractors. They focus on reducing pain, inflammation, muscle spasms and increasing range of motion in joints.

They manage these health concerns with the use of general manipulations of the neck and spine. This is what most chiropractors offer in the way of care, and we believe that most of them do a great job at it.

As a Specific Structural Corrective Chiropractor, Dr. Gessert is dedicated to diagnosing and correcting the underlying cause of your condition.

Learn more on our website!

Come to Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor for a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options for a chiropractor in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Chiropractic Care for an Active Lifestyle

Do you like to go on long walks, exercise, do yoga, or play sports? 

Are you hoping to continue doing these activities for years to come?

Aches and pains as we age are normal, but if you’ve noticed a lack of mobility, you may be frustrated that you can’t do some of the activities you love. 

That’s where we come in!

“I started seeing Dr. Andrew last summer after my Cross Fit coach listened to my complaints about my body and urged me to get a consultation. It’s now been almost a full year, and not only do I feel so much better physically—much less chronic pain—but I feel much more in touch and in tune with my body, due to the treatment he provides, and also the at-home stretching that he prescribed. Dr. Andrew is friendly and always takes the time to listen to how I’m feeling, and he never fails to amaze me at how he can assess my physical problems and use his training to correct them. I would recommend him to anyone who has pain and wants to feel better!” – Google Review

Many people suffering from neck or back pain understand the frustration of searching for the correct treatment. Many solutions offered by health-care providers are only temporary patches to ease pain, without properly addressing the real underlying issue. Though offering momentary relief, many find that their pain returns after a short time. This is because these options are not a corrective approach to their condition.

Learn more on our website!

Come to Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor for a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options for a chiropractor in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

Tired of Hip Pain? Consider Chiropractic Care

Do you struggle with hip pain?

Are you tired of dealing with intense pain every time you walk, or even when you’re just sitting?

Hip mobility is essential for everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting down comfortably. When something isn’t right in your hips, you’ll probably notice it quickly. 

Common causes of hip pain include:

1. Inflammation
2. Osteoarthritis and inflammatory diseases
3. Overuse injuries
4. Trauma

Many studies have found that chiropractic adjustments are effective in relieving sciatica, a common cause of hip pain. Manipulative therapy to the spine, knee, ankle, or foot when appropriate have been proven to help patients experiencing hip pain.

Read more on our website! 

Come to Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor for a Chiropractor Who Puts You First!

We understand that healthcare choices are critical decisions and that you have many different options in Ann Arbor and the surrounding communities. If you have hip pain, back pain, neck pain, or tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, it’s time to see a chiropractor in Ann Arbor. To schedule a complimentary consultation, where a conversation is never a commitment, contact us at 734-221-0362.

How Does a Specific Structural Correction Chiropractor Treat Hip Pain?

Structural chiropractic focuses on the relationship between the spine, joints, discs, nerves and nervous system recognizing that displacements in the spine and pelvic structures impact various areas of the body including the hips.  

1. Accurate diagnosis: A comprehensive structural correction chiropractic examination will identify the root cause of your hip pain. During this examination we will assess your condition with orthopedic and neurological testing as well as your posture, range of motion and spinal alignment. In some cases, additional diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans may be ordered to gather more information. 

2. Spinal Corrections: During the initial phase of care, spinal corrections including hip and extremity adjustments are used to correct displacements of the spine and pelvis. These corrections relieve pressure on the nerves, hip joints and spinal discs thus improving overall joint function which reduces hip pain.

3. Lifestyle Recommendations: In addition to hands-on spinal corrections, specific structural corrective chiropractic provides lifestyle recommendations to support the initial phase of care and to prevent future hip problems.  These may include in-office spinal remodeling exercises or a home stretching and strengthen program for the hip and spinal muscles.

Read more on our website!

Certain forms of hip pain may not be treatable with Structural Chiropractic care from a chiropractor in Ann Arbor. Some causes of hip pain may need further evaluation by an orthopedist or physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor. 

If you’re tired of never-ending hip pain, consider seeing Dr. Gessert for relief through specific structural chiropractic care! Contact us today.

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Cold Showers

Do you prefer taking hot showers?

If the idea of taking a cold shower is unappealing, you’re not alone; most people prefer warm showers. But despite how unpleasant they can feel, cold showers have more cardiovascular benefits than hot ones.

Here are three major health benefits to cold showers:

Faster recovery for athletes
After a strenuous workout, it’s common for athletes to relax in an ice bath. Not only does this numb them to any post-workout pain, but the cold water reduces inflammation and speeds up the recovery process. You can get similar benefits from taking a chilly shower after intense training sessions.

Healthy skin and hair
Does your hair or skin feel extra dry after a hot shower? Hot water strips moisture from your skin and hair almost instantly. To avoid moisture loss, turn down the temperature when you jump in the shower—your hair and skin will look and feel a lot better in the long run.

Better circulation
Good cardiovascular health depends on getting enough blood pumping through your veins. Alternating between hot and cold water in the shower is an easy way to boost circulation. Cold water causes your blood to move towards your organs to conserve heat, and warm water brings it to the surface of your skin.

Learn more surprising benefits of cold showers here.

Work Towards a Healthy Heart with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor

There’s much more to cardiovascular health than taking a cold shower! Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves If you are looking for outstanding chiropractic care in Ann Arbor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!

Lift Your Spirits with a Cold Shower

Did you know that cold showers can benefit your mood?

Along with cardiovascular benefits, taking a cold shower can boost your energy and help ease depression.

To enjoy a boost to your health and energy that lasts all day, start off with hot water and slowly adjust the temperature until it’s cold but tolerable. Spend at least five minutes under the water before getting out.

Increased energy
Stepping into a cold shower instantly ramps up your heart rate, and the rush of blood through your body will quickly wake you up. You might even find that a few minutes under cold water is just as effective as a piping hot cup of coffee.

Natural Depression Treatment
Research from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine revealed that short, cold showers can activate the “blue spot” in a person’s brain. This area is the brain’s main source of nor-adrenaline, a feel-good chemical known for relieving feelings of depression.

Read more about the surprising benefits of cold showers here.

Feel Good with Chiropractic Care in Ann Arbor

A healthy heart is an immediate boost your energy and mood. Regular visits to a chiropractor can help support a healthy lifestyle and recovery from injury by protecting your joints, spinal discs and nerves. If you are looking for outstanding chiropractic care in Ann Arbor, call Pivotal Chiropractic at (734) 221-0362 or schedule a complimentary consultation!
 

Seeing a Chiropractor Can Help Improve Gut Health

Do you struggle with digestive issues?

Are you tired of making excuses to stay home from parties, vacations, or even missing work due to gut problems?

Millions of Americans struggle with digestive issues that impact their day-to-day lives. If you've tried everything with no relief, have you considered seeing a chiropractor in Ann Arbor?

Many people think of a chiropractor as just a doctor that can help with back or neck pain, but a chiropractor can also help relieve bloating and other issues due to digestion.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “our gut microbiome describes the microbes and their genetic material found in our gastrointestinal tract. And we know the bacteria in our gut affect everything from our digestion to our mental health.”

A normal digestive process is crucial to our survival. If interferes with this bodily function, it could create a cascading effect of declining health. If we can’t extract the vital nutrients our body needs from our food, then our health and ability to function properly is compromised.

Learn more on our website.

Complimentary Consultations – Always a Conversation, but Never a Commitment

We offer complimentary consultations to sit down and talk with the doctor about your condition, about our unique approach to treating patients, and how we’re different from other chiropractors in the Ann Arbor, Saline, or Dexter communities.

If Dr. Gessert determines that you’re a candidate for care, he will build a customized care plan for you. The plan will focus on the structural and neurological correction of your spine and address the causes of your condition.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us today!

How Chiropractic Care Can Improve Digestion

Did you know that your digestive health can impact your entire body?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “our gut microbiome describes the microbes and their genetic material found in our gastrointestinal tract. And we know the bacteria in our gut affect everything from our digestion to our mental health.”

A normal digestive process is crucial to our survival. If interferes with this bodily function, it could create a cascading effect of declining health. If we can’t extract the vital nutrients our body needs from our food, then our health and ability to function properly is compromised.
Digestive Tract

When we eat a meal, our body immediately begins the process of digestion. This starts in the mouth where chewing breaks down food. The process continues when food is swallowed, travels down the esophagus, and enters the stomach. When food hits the stomach, hydrochloric acid further breaks down the meal. After the food is broken down it travels into the small intestine. Throughout its length it has many folds, which helps to maximize its surface area for nutrient absorption.

In this stage of digestion, the liver and gallbladder produce and secrete bile into the small intestine to breakdown fat. The liver also processes and regulates many nutrients as they enter the blood stream. In addition to nutrient regulation, the liver produces cholesterol, and filters the blood of toxins. The Pancreas, located just below the liver and behind the stomach, secretes additional enzymes to further aid in digestive breakdown. The pancreas is crucial in the regulation of blood sugar. It secretes insulin when blood sugar levels rise after a meal. Insulin binds to receptors on muscle and fat cells to initiate the uptake of sugar. Sugar is then used as energy or stored in the form of fat.

Once food has passed through this portion of the lower digestive tract, roughly 90% of the nutrients have been absorbed. At this point the digested food moves into the large intestine. The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and is the home of many bacteria that aid in the final stages of digestion. These bacteria extract the remaining amounts of nutrients from the digested food producing waste.

Learn more about how a chiropractor in Ann Arbor can help with your digestive issues on our website. 

Complimentary Consultations – Always a Conversation, but Never a Commitment

We offer complimentary consultations to sit down and talk with the doctor about your condition, about our unique approach to treating patients, and how we’re different from other chiropractors in the Ann Arbor, Saline, or Dexter communities.

If Dr. Gessert determines that you’re a candidate for care, he will build a customized care plan for you. The plan will focus on the structural and neurological correction of your spine and address the causes of your condition.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us today!

How to Start Getting Healthier in 2023

Do you want to get healthier this year?

One of the biggest misconceptions in health and wellness is that all types of fats in our diet are bad. The truth is, healthy fats can actually help you lose weight!

The first thing you can do to get healthier in the new year is to replace all the damaged fats in your pantry with healthy ones. In addition, make sure you’re eating the right foods at the right time! Here are our recommendations:

• Breakfast: A good breakfast to start your day is crucial! Dr. Gessert recommends a few eggs cooked with coconut oil. The protein and fat will help keep you full. Pair it with a good source of carbs like organic oats.
• Lunch: Have a lunch of quinoa with broccoli, and add fish or, for a vegan approach, try tempeh, which is high in protein and healthy fat.
• Dinner: Wild salmon is high in healthy fat. Pair it with a salad of dark leafy greens like kale or spinach.
• Snacks: Instead of sweet and salty snacks, sustain your energy throughout the day with nuts or seeds as alternatives. Choose almonds, or add flaxseed to your trail mix. 

Read more on our website!

Start Your Health Journey with a Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

By making a few simple changes to the types of fats you eat you can turn your body from a fat storing machine into a fat burning machine.

Talk to a chiropractor in Ann Arbor to complete your health journey! Dr. Gessert can work with your established team of doctors, dentists, and other health professionals to help you get healthier this year.

Contact Pivotal Chiropractic today for a free consultation!

What’s the Difference between Healthy Fats and Damaged Fats?

Healthy fats are ones that provide our body with vital nutrients. They build cell membranes, absorb vitamins, cushion organs, and build hormones. Sources of healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, coconut oil, full fat yogurt, grass-fed beef, and wild fish.

Damaged fats are altered in the process of extracting them from their source. Because our bodies don’t recognize them, they can’t break down naturally, which ultimately contributes to weight gain. These types of damaged fats include trans fats (hydrogenated oils), vegetable, soybean, corn, safflower, cottonseed, and canola oils.

Do you want to get healthier this year?

One of the biggest misconceptions in health and wellness is that all types of fats in our diet are bad. The truth is, healthy fats can actually help you lose weight!

To learn more, read the full article on our website!

Start Your Health Journey with a Chiropractor in Ann Arbor

By making a few simple changes to the types of fats you eat you can turn your body from a fat storing machine into a fat burning machine.

Talk to a chiropractor in Ann Arbor to complete your health journey! Dr. Gessert can work with your established team of doctors, dentists, and other health professionals to help you get healthier this year.

Contact Pivotal Chiropractic today for a free consultation!

How to Keep Cool While Exercising Outdoors

From Dr. Gessert: From time to time I meet members of the community who are just as excited about helping people as I am. They’re knowledgeable in their field and do a great job at helping people to change their life. On occasion I invite these folks to share vital health information. At Pivotal, we believe that chiropractic care can work hand-in-hand with other types of healthcare to help people.

This month, we hear from Nicola Gerrett, who has researching human body temperature regulation for more than 10 years. 

When you exercise, your body produces heat and the body is able to keep its core temperature within safe boundaries through two key mechanisms; behavioral and autonomic regulation. Behavior is our first line of defense, and some obvious examples include seeking shade, turning on/off air conditioners and how we dress.

The most effective autonomic response that humans possess is the evaporation of sweat from the skin surface, which helps cool the skin and the blood below the skin surface, sending cooler blood back to the core. Sweating is a highly effective strategy and is almost unique to humans. The only other mammals that sweat across their entire skin surface are horses, camels and some cattle.
Sweating is extremely important for controlling our body temperature but if we do not replace the water we lose via sweating then we increase the risk of dehydration.

Some final tips for safe summer outdoor exercise:

• Hydrate with cold fluids containing some sodium and carbohydrates at least 4 hours before you exercise
• Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day (12-4pm)
• Wear loose fitting and light colored clothes
• Re-hydrate after exercise with cold fluids, containing some sodium and carbohydrates

Learn more about preventing heat-related illness while exercising on our website!

Choose Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

Pivotal Chiropractic is a a Specific Structural Correction chiropractic office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where we focus on correcting the cause of your condition rather than just treating the symptoms. We’ll work with you to create a plan of care specifically customized for you and your condition.

Complimentary Consultations – Always a Conversation, Never a Commitment

We offer complimentary consultations to sit down and talk with the doctor about your condition, about our unique approach to treating patients, and how we’re different from other chiropractic practices in the Ann Arbor, Saline or Dexter communities.

If Dr. Gessert determines that you’re a candidate for care, he will build a customized care plan for you. The plan will focus on the structural and neurological correction of your spine and address the causes of your condition.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us today!

 

How to Prevent Heat-Related Illness

From Nicola Gerrett, our August guest blogger! Nicola has been researching human body temperature regulation for more than 10 years.

 Summertime provides us with more opportunities to enjoy sports and exercise outside, but as air temperature rises, so does the risk of heat related incidences, such as heat syncope (fainting), heat cramps, heat strain, and heat stroke. This is exacerbated if there is little cloud cover (i.e., increased radiation from the sun) and if the relative humidity is high. But there are a few guiding principles to protect yourself from heat related incidences, and any reductions in exercise performance or recovery.

When you exercise your body produces heat and the body is able to keep its core temperature within safe boundaries through two key mechanisms; behavioral and autonomic regulation. Behavior is our first line of defense, and some obvious examples include seeking shade, turning on/off air conditioners and how we dress.

Find out how to prevent heat-related illness on our website!

Choose Pivotal Chiropractic in Ann Arbor

Pivotal Chiropractic is a a Specific Structural Correction chiropractic office in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where we focus on correcting the cause of your condition rather than just treating the symptoms. We’ll work with you to create a plan of care specifically customized for you and your condition.

Complimentary Consultations – Always a Conversation, Never a Commitment

We offer complimentary consultations to sit down and talk with the doctor about your condition, about our unique approach to treating patients, and how we’re different from other chiropractic practices in the Ann Arbor, Saline or Dexter communities.

If Dr. Gessert determines that you’re a candidate for care, he will build a customized care plan for you. The plan will focus on the structural and neurological correction of your spine and address the causes of your condition.

To schedule a complimentary consultation, please contact us today!