3 MORE Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Have you ever thrown your back out trying to clear your driveway or sidewalk?

Following our last blog, here are three MORE tips for keeping your body safe while shoveling!

1. Use Good Technique

Avoid bending at the waist — that’s a fast track to lower back pain. Instead:

• Bend at your knees and hips, keeping your back straight.
• Lift with your legs, not your back.
• Keep the shovel close to your body as you lift.
• Don’t overload the shovel — take smaller scoops.

This helps protect your spine and reduces the risk of muscle strains.

2. Pace Yourself and Take Breaks

Shoveling isn’t a race. Take frequent breaks, especially if the snow is heavy or wet. Working slowly and steadily gives your muscles a chance to recover and helps reduce fatigue — one of the biggest drivers of poor form and injury.

3. Watch Out for Ice and Slips

Ice hidden under the snow is a common hazard. Wear boots with good traction and consider sprinkling sand or salt for grip. Slipping and falling can lead to sprains, fractures, or worse, so take extra care when temperatures hover around freezing. 

Read more in our latest article.

Visit Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor; No Pressure, No Commitment

Dr. Gessert focuses on specific structural correction chiropractic care — meaning that adjustment don’t just mask symptoms, they help identify and correct the root causes of your pain with a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether it’s back pain, shoulder strain, or discomfort from overexertion on the job, our array of services can help you feel better and get back to your normal routine.

Contact your local Ann Arbor chiropractor here or call 734-221-0362 to set up your first appointment! Remember, you’re free to talk to Dr. Gessert without pressure or commitment. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

3 Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling

Did you know that it’s easy to hurt yourself while shoveling snow?

Here are three tips for keeping your body safe while shoveling:

1. Warm Up Like You Would Before a Workout

Shoveling snow is essentially a form of exercise — and just like you wouldn’t start lifting weights with cold muscles, you shouldn’t start shoveling without warming up. Spend a few minutes stretching your back, legs, arms, and shoulders to get your muscles ready for action. 

2. Dress in Layers and Stay Hydrated

Cold muscles are more prone to injury and tightness. Dress in warm, moisture-wicking layers so you can adjust your comfort level as you work. Staying hydrated is important too — even in winter, your body loses fluids through exertion. 

3. Choose the Right Shovel

Pick a shovel that matches your height and strength. A lightweight, ergonomic shovel can make the job much easier, especially if it allows you to push snow rather than lift it. Pushing snow reduces strain on your back and shoulders.

Read more in our latest article.

Visit Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor; No Pressure, No Commitment

Dr. Gessert focuses on specific structural correction chiropractic care — meaning that adjustment don’t just mask symptoms, they help identify and correct the root causes of your pain with a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Whether it’s back pain, shoulder strain, or discomfort from overexertion on the job, our array of services can help you feel better and get back to your normal routine.

Contact your local Ann Arbor chiropractor here or call 734-221-0362 to set up your first appointment! Remember, you’re free to talk to Dr. Gessert without pressure or commitment. We look forward to helping you feel your best!

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Elbow Tendon Pain

Did you know that Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment option?

ESWT works by delivering targeted acoustic waves to the injured tendon. These controlled pulses stimulate your body’s natural healing processes, helping break the cycle of chronic inflammation.

Benefits of ESWT for Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow:

• Stimulates collagen production needed for tendon repair
• Increases blood flow to the damaged tissue
• Breaks up calcifications or scar tissue
• Reduces pain by desensitizing nerve endings
• Improves mobility and function
• Accelerates long-term healing of chronic tendon injuries

Many patients notice improvement within a few treatments, with continued healing over several weeks.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Healing Your Elbow Pain with ESWT

You don’t have to live with chronic elbow pain. If tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Contact Dr. Gessert today to schedule an appointment and find out how Shockwave Therapy can help you get back to the activities you love—without pain.

What is Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?

Are you struggling with elbow pain day after day?

Here are two possible conditions:

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated or inflamed, typically from repetitive gripping, lifting, or overuse of the forearm muscles.

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and often develops from repetitive wrist flexion or forceful gripping.

You don’t have to play tennis or golf to develop these injuries—they're common in anyone who performs repetitive motions, including tradespeople, office workers, weightlifters, and parents who frequently lift young children.

Common symptoms include:

• Elbow pain and tenderness
• Weak grip strength
• Stiffness or achiness
• Pain that radiates into the forearm or wrist
• Difficulty lifting or gripping objects

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Healing Your Elbow Pain with ESWT

You don’t have to live with chronic elbow pain. If tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow is limiting your mobility or affecting your quality of life, shockwave therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

Contact Dr. Gessert today to schedule an appointment and find out how Shockwave Therapy can help you get back to the activities you love—without pain.

Symptoms of Torticollis

What does torticollis feel like? 

While experiences vary, common symptoms include:

• Head tilted to one side
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Muscle spasms and stiffness
• Headaches linked to neck tension
• Uneven shoulders or posture issues
• If left untreated, torticollis may become chronic or interfere with daily life.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. 

What Causes Torticollis?

Have you ever woken up with your neck “stuck” to one side? 

This condition, called torticollis, can affect people of all ages. Some common causes include:

• Muscle strain from sleep or sudden movement
• Spinal misalignments in the upper cervical spine
• Congenital muscle tightness in infants
• Degenerative changes like arthritis

In some cases, torticollis resolves quickly, but recurring episodes may point to a deeper spinal issue.

Learn more in our latest article.

How Your Local Ann Arbor Chiropractor Can Help with Torticollis

Specific structural chiropractic care is different from general chiropractic adjustments. Rather than focusing only on short-term pain relief, it targets spinal misalignments that may contribute to torticollis.

If you or your child struggles with torticollis, a consultation with your Ann Arbor chiropractor can be the first step toward relief and prevention of future episodes.

Contact Dr. Gessert’s office at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form.

Who Can Benefit from ESWT?

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy isn’t just for athletes—it can help anyone dealing with stubborn pain or injuries. 

We recommend ESWT for:

• Plantar fasciitis (heel pain)
• Tendon injuries like rotator cuff issues or Achilles tendinitis
• Overuse injuries such as tennis or golfer’s elbow
• Chronic pain that hasn’t responded to rest, stretching, or medication

Because ESWT stimulates your body’s natural repair process, it’s a safe way to improve healing without surgery.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get ESWT in Ann Arbor!

If you’re tired of living with pain or limited movement, we’d be happy to talk with you about whether ESWT in Ann Arbor could be part of your path forward. Contact us for a consultation—no pressure, just a chance to explore what might help you feel better, move easier, and regain more of what you love doing.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?

Have you heard of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) but aren’t sure what it means?

“Extracorporeal” simply means “outside the body,” while “shockwave” refers to the gentle sound waves used during treatment. These sound waves are applied directly to the problem area to stimulate healing, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Because it’s non-invasive, ESWT often provides faster recovery and fewer risks than surgery or long-term medication. Many patients find relief after just a few sessions.

Learn more in our latest article.

Get ESWT in Ann Arbor!

If you’re tired of living with pain or limited movement, we’d be happy to talk with you about whether ESWT in Ann Arbor could be part of your path forward. Contact us for a consultation—no pressure, just a chance to explore what might help you feel better, move easier, and regain more of what you love doing.

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!

How Chiropractic Adjustments May Support Immune Health

How can a chiropractor help support your immune system?

While chiropractic care doesn’t “treat” the immune system directly, clinical studies suggest that it can contribute to improved immune function by:

• Reducing Nervous System Stress: Chronic stress weakens the immune response. Chiropractic care helps reduce physical and neurological stress, allowing your body to recover and adapt better.
• Promoting Better Sleep: Good sleep is essential for immune resilience. Many patients report improved sleep quality after chiropractic adjustments.
• Encouraging Healthy Circulation: When your nervous system is functioning properly, your body can better regulate blood flow, which supports immune cell transport.
• Supporting a Balanced Inflammatory Response: The nervous system plays a big role in how your body manages inflammation. Chiropractic care may help your body maintain a healthy inflammatory balance, an important part of immune defense.

Learn more in our latest article.

Support Your Health Goals with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

At Pivotal Chiropractic, care is always individualized. Dr. Gessert takes the time to understand the full picture of your health, not just your symptoms. 

If you’ve been feeling run down, stressed, or like your immune system just isn’t as strong as it could be, consider getting your spine checked. A properly functioning nervous system is essential for whole-body health. 

Ready to learn more about how chiropractic can fit into your wellness routine? Contact your local Ann Arbor chiropractor at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to supporting you and your health!

The Spine, Nervous System, and Immune Function

Do you feel like your immune system isn’t as responsive as it used to be?

When you think of chiropractic care, your mind probably goes straight to back pain relief or better posture. But did you know that your spine and nervous system also play a vital role in how your immune system functions? At Pivotal Chiropractic, the focus is on optimizing the body's natural ability to heal and protect itself—without drugs or surgery. Supporting immune health is one important piece of that puzzle.

Your nervous system is the master control center of your body. It communicates with every cell, organ, and system—including your immune system—through the spinal cord and its network of nerves. If spinal misalignments interfere with this communication, your body may struggle to respond efficiently to infections, inflammation, or chronic stress.

Specific structural chiropractors (like Dr. Gessert) focus on finding and correcting these misalignments. By improving spinal alignment and removing nerve obstruction, chiropractic adjustments help restore clear communication between the brain and body. This can lead to better overall health, including a more responsive immune system.

Learn more in our latest article.

Support Your Health Goals with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

At Pivotal Chiropractic, care is always individualized. Dr. Gessert takes the time to understand the full picture of your health, not just your symptoms. 

If you’ve been feeling run down, stressed, or like your immune system just isn’t as strong as it could be, consider getting your spine checked. A properly functioning nervous system is essential for whole-body health. 

Ready to learn more about how chiropractic can fit into your wellness routine? Contact your local Ann Arbor chiropractor at (734) 221-0362 or by submitting a contact form. We look forward to supporting you and your health!

Chiropractic Care for Degenerative Joint Disease

Are you considering chiropractic care for your arthritis? Here’s what you need to know!

Chiropractic treatment is a non-invasive, drug-free option that can play a significant role in managing DJD. Chiropractors focus on spinal and joint alignment, which helps improve movement patterns, reduce pain, and support overall joint function.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for DJD Include:

• Pain Relief: Gentle adjustments can help reduce joint pressure and nerve irritation, easing discomfort.
• Improved Joint Mobility: Restoring proper joint alignment enhances range of motion and flexibility.
• Decreased Inflammation: Chiropractic care may help lower inflammation in and around the joints.
• Enhanced Posture and Balance: Proper alignment supports better biomechanics, helping to reduce wear on affected joints.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Feeling Better with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. To get started with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease

Did you know that arthritis is actually Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)?

Degenerative Joint Disease can develop due to a combination of factors, including:

• Aging: Cartilage naturally deteriorates with age.
• Joint Overuse: Repetitive motion or long-term physical stress on joints, such as from manual labor or sports, can accelerate cartilage breakdown.
• Injury: Previous joint injuries or trauma (e.g. fractures or ligament tears) increase the risk of DJD.
• Obesity: Excess body weight puts added stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
• Genetics: A family history of osteoarthritis can increase susceptibility.
• Poor Posture or Biomechanics: Misaligned joints and abnormal movement patterns can hasten joint wear.

Learn more in our latest article.

Start Feeling Better with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor

Chiropractic work can help you manage degenerative disc disease, as well as many other secondary conditions. To get started with an Ann Arbor Chiropractor, schedule a no-commitment consultation by calling 734-221-0362 or submitting a contact form here.

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

Intro to Healing Ligaments

When a ligament is injured, how does it heal?

There is much knowledge on the structure and function of normal ligament tissue, but there is still limited research on ligament injuries and the complicated nature of ligament healing. 

Healing within an injured ligament is a complex dance of cellular processes, which “cause alterations in the biology and biomechanics of the injured ligament, leading to inadequate healing and tissue formation that is inferior to the tissue it has replaced” according to the Open Rehabilitation Journal. “The incomplete healing and lower integrity of the new ligament tissue results in ligament laxity, predisposing the joint to further injury.  The cycle of injury and laxity causes joint instability which, leads to chronic pain, diminished function, and ultimately, to osteoarthritis (OA) of the affected joint.”

Ligaments take a long time to fully heal, and this occurs in three phases: the acute inflammatory phase, the proliferative or regenerative/repair phase, and the tissue-remodeling phase.

Read more in our latest article.

How can an Ann Arbor Can Chiropractor Help with Ligament Injuries?

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

Intro to Ligaments and Ligament Injuries

What are ligaments?

What happens when they’re injured?

Ligaments are made up of dense connective tissue that hold bones together, supporting every joint in your body. They act to stabilize your joints while at rest and during normal range of motion. Ligaments are important for both stability and mobility in a joint. When a ligament is injured, it disrupts the balance between those two qualities.  

This imbalance will lead to an abnormal transmission of forces, which can lead to injury in other tissues around the joint.  The most common joints that suffer from ligament injuries are the shoulder, hip, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist.  Research has shown that spinal ligament injuries account for a majority of auto accident injuries, and just like other major joints in the body, they are susceptible to similar outcomes when injured.    

Just like muscles, ligaments can stretch, however, they’re not as forgiving as muscles.  When you stretch a muscle, it’s like stretching a pair of yoga pants – they expand then contract back to their normal size.  Ligaments, on the other hand, are like a pair of denim jeans – it takes much more force to stretch them, but when it does happen, you notice tears or fraying in the fibers.

When a ligament is stretched past its physical limitations, the fibers will tear. If the trauma is severe enough, the ligament can rupture all the way through.  Damage to the ligament causes a permanent change in the ligamentous fibers. 

Read more in our latest article.

How can an Ann Arbor Can Chiropractor Help with Ligament Injuries?

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

Help After a Car Accident with a Specific Structural Chiropractor

Have you been in a car accident recently? Struggling to get relief for pain?

Were you in a car accident that happened months or even years ago? Still have a lingering injury?

Have you considered chiropractic care to help relieve your pain?

According to a 2012 study on the Epidemiology of Whiplash, “manual therapy (i.e., cervical mobilization and or manipulation), together with exercise appear to be the most effective noninvasive treatments for patients with acute whiplash related neck pain.”

The reason so many people choose to use chiropractic during their recovery process is because of its unique advantages in treating soft tissue injuries such ligament sprains and muscle strains of the spine.

Choose 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 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.