Twilight Wish Foundation Receives Donation

January 26, 2010 – For IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Doylestown, PA – Locally-headquartered national nonprofit, Twilight Wish Foundation, was recently chosen by Vital Link Physical Therapy and Chiropractic of Doylestown to be the beneficiary of a holiday fundraiser.  For as little as $2, patients could buy a star for the Vital Link Christmas tree.  Vital Link’s goal was to raise at least $500, but thanks to the generosity of their patients, they raised $621, directly benefiting low-income, deserving elderly throughout Doylestown and beyond.

Kimberly Fahie-Moccia, DPT, Benjamin White, DPT, J. Adam Wagner, DC, with Radar Perrota, the 9 yr old Min Pin

Ben, Cassy Forkin, Gene Petrucci, Kim & Adam

Jim Hannon, Raffle Winner with Vicki Messina

“This year, we wanted to honor the aging population.  Since we often work with seniors, we thought it would be relevant to do something extra to help seniors in need,” said Vicki Messina, office manager of Vital Link.  “That’s why we teamed up with Twilight Wish, a local foundation that works to bring much needed support to seniors.”

In addition to the fundraiser, every $2 donation gave the donor a chance to win the book Twilight Wish Moments, signed by both author Stanley Bronstein and Twilight Wish founder and executive director, Cass Forkin.  The raffle winner was James Hannon of Pipersville, PA.  Vital Link also created a gift basket worth $100 that was raffled off at Twilight Wish’s recent fundraiser and gala.

Twilight Wish Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization, whose mission is to honor and enrich the lives of deserving elders through individual wish granting events that connect generations. Since our founding in 2003, Twilight Wish has granted over 1,250 individual wishes to deserving, low-income seniors, thanks to volunteers, corporate and community involvement, and donations.  Recent wishes granted include a trip to Normandy for an elderly World War II veteran, the opportunity to see real lions for a bedbound nursing home resident, and an Eagles tailgate party for an elderly football fan.  For more information on Twilight Wish Foundation, visit the website at www.twilightwish.org or call 1-215-230-8777.

At Vital Link Physical Therapy and Chiropractic, our practitioners share a common philosophy of quality one-on-one treatment.  We are committed to providing excellent care that will relieve pain, restore function, and reduce inflammation.  Our beautiful and spacious 2,400 square foot facility is located at 314 N. Broad Street, across from the Intelligencer building near downtown Doylestown.  We have convenient parking and are handicap accessible.  Convenient day and evening hours available, most insurance plans accepted.  For more information, visit our website at www.vitallinkus.com or call 215-230-8100.

Overcoming Mechanical Pain Syndrome

By J. Adam Wagner, DC, CDTP; a leading expert in integrative & multidisciplinary pain management in Central Bucks County, PA.

Often I treat patients who are living with a challenging condition known as ”MECHANICAL PAIN SYNDROME”. Some research suggests that many people actually have sufficient strength to overcome Mechanical Pain Syndromes. However, they simply lack the proper programming or sequencing of balanced muscle patterns needed to overcome this disabling condition!!! In other words… correction of faulty movement patterns using Active Therapeutic Movement  can, in many cases, restore pain free movement much faster!!! 

 

I have used a therapy known as “Form Closure” to provide additional relief from the pain and discomfort associated with Mechanical Pain Syndromes for the past 5 years. I have been performing this therapy manually with great success, but, I have found that manual Form Closure has its limitations. I recently discovered a machine, the ATM®2PRO, which takes Form Closure to a whole new level!

I am excited and proud to announce that VITAL LINK CHIROPRACTIC has brought this effective therapy to Doylestown.  More and more of my patients have discovered the amazing benefits of both affordable, and state of the art Spinal Decompression Therapy and Active Therapeutic Movement . At Vital Link, we don’t treat patients with a “cookie cutter” approach, but address each individual problem with a unique course of treatment.

 

  How the ATM®2 works:

       By combining joint repositioning, with compression, almost all movement impairments can be normalized within seconds.  

  The restoration of normal movement is an indicator that the CNS (Central Nervous System) has completely transitioned. 

    Combining active movements in the neutral range in a functional, weight-bearing position, against an isometric resistance, causes the CNS to memorize the normal muscle activation pattern.

       Almost all patients will feel an immediate, significant and long-lasting reduction, if not elimination of pain for back, neck, pelvis, shoulder, hip, and knee movement impairments. 1

 

 

Who Benefits From ATM2?

·         Active Therapeutic Movements provide immediate and long-lasting benefits to many back, neck, shoulder, pelvis, hip, and knee sufferers.

·         ATMs aim to immediately alter symptoms, by affecting the Central Nervous System control.  

·         If you have received Form Closure therapy, you are likely to be a candidate for the ATM.

·         If you have been a Spinal Decompression Therapy patient, you may also benefit from this complimentary treatment.

·         If traditional chiropractic care has not addressed your specific needs, ATM may be the answer. 

·         If you are an athlete seeking to enhance your performance, ATM may help you improve your swing, serve, strength and symmetry. 

 

VITAL LINK CHIROPRACTIC is successfully using the ATM®2PRO for the treatment of Mechanical Pain Syndromes as an integral part of  many of my patient’s care. This amazing therapy is not only allowing me to achieve even faster results for you, the patient, but I can also address a wider spectrum of difficult and challenging conditions with this new technology. The ATM®2PRO allows me to bridge the gap between passive and active care in a more effective manner that delivers relief faster.

*The ATM®2PRO will have a special benefit for patients who are already, or will soon be in Vital Link Physical Therapy & Chiropractic’s unique “PASSIVE TO ACTIVE PAIN RELIEF PROGRAM”, with Dr. Kim Fahie Moccia and Dr. Benjamin White.

 

To find out if this therapy is right for you or someone you know, call the office and make an appointment for a complete evaluation, or re-evaluation today!

215-230-8100

                                   

 

1 Some of the information in this article was gleaned from www.bryanne.com/ATM.htm.

14,000 Americans Choose Chiropractic for Relief of an Aching Back

Dr. J. Adam Wagner, DC  

In addition to spinal manipulation, spinal decompression therapy can be extremely effective in the treatment of chronic and acute back pain. Remember that the treating doctor is the key to success! No matter which therapy or combination of therapies is appropriate for you, it is your doctor’s ability to diagnose and qualify a patient for treatment, that gives you the best possible chance for a positive outcome. Chiropractic therapies won’t help everyone, but many patients do benefit, and it is NON-INVASIVE. Get the facts from Dr. Wagner and find out if your back pain can be alleviated by chiropractic care like so many other Americans.

Chiropractic Manipulation Best Option For Low Back Pain, According to Patient Survey  

In light of a new survey showing that chiropractic spinal manipulation is the top-rated treatment for people suffering with back pain, patients should consider a consultation with a doctor of chiropractic, says the American Chiropractic Association.

A leading consumer product rating and survey publisher released the survey results of more than 14,000 Americans on April 6.

The survey rated doctors of chiropractic as the top practitioner, with survey respondents noting that they were more likely to be “highly satisfied” with the care received from their doctor of chiropractic (59 percent) than their primary care physician (34 percent).

“For the treatment of back pain, few options are better than chiropractic,” says ACA President Glenn Manceaux, DC. “As shown in this latest survey, chiropractic spinal manipulation is an evidence-based and effective treatment for low-back pain and other musculoskeletal injuries. Coupled with the high levels of patient satisfaction, patients should turn to chiropractic as their first choice.” 

To compare which treatments helped most, survey respondents were asked to rate a comprehensive list of potential remedies as well as their satisfaction with the health care professionals they visited. Most survey respondents had tried five or six different treatments on average, and many found that their back pain interfered with their daily activities, including sleep and their sex life.

 A significant amount of evidence has shown that the use of chiropractic care for certain conditions can be more effective than traditional medical care, with many patients feeling improvement shortly after their first chiropractic visit.

American Chiropractic Association

To read the whole article as reported in REUTERS – Press Release; Arlington, VA, April 7, 2009, follow the link at the right.

Spinal Decompression – Is your Doctor Certified?

By J. Adam Wagner, DC

 

Dr. Wagner, DTS and Kennedy Technique Training Make the Difference

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal Decompression Therapy is FDA cleared and has been clinically proven with up to an 86% success rate for pain associated with herniated, bulging or degenerative discs… even after failed surgery. It is a non-surgical, traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

What can this vacuum effect do?

The most important thing this vacuum like effect accomplishes is to decrease IDP (intra discal pressure) From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has migrated, protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the of normal disc fibers may, in fact, cause pain. Compression of the intervertebral disc may occur more easily with increased mechanical stress, degenerative processes which can lead to tears and desiccation. Decreased disc pressure from -Y axis translation (decompression) means the compressed disc can possibly rehydrate itself with water and nutrients through the vertebrae.

Not just vacuum effect…what else?             

Researchers speculate numerous biochemical and neurological events are affected by decompression that ultimately leads to pain relief. Decompression (- Y axis translation) to a disc may stimulate blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response, activate I-III mechanoreceptors to block pain impulses at the spinal cord, and increase disc volume (imbibition). It is very important to note that research shows even when the status of the disc does not change on MRI/CT that relief can still be achieved many cases.

What machine is used for this purpose?

5 years of research and previous spinal decompression experience led Vital Link to choose the Chattanooga Triton DTS table. This machine was redesigned this year with added features for positioning and securing patients with various needs and disabilities. We can position a patient prone, supine or even side lying with our new belting system. Decompression research shows that proper patient selection and positioning are the top 2 most important factors for an effective outcome. There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in the United States which only offer ONE position! Chattanooga is a leader in therapy equipment and known as the best of the best.

How is Spinal Decompression Therapy Different from Regular Traction?The DTS computer is the key.

It controls the variations in the traction allowing for spinal decompression and eliminating muscle guarding and subsequent compression that is typical in conventional traction devices. The preprogrammed patterns for ramping up and down the amount of axial distraction allows for higher levels of spinal decompression and disc rehydration.

How many sessions will be necessary, what is the cost and are the treatments painful?

The specific treatment plan will be determined by the doctor after your examination and evaluation. Based on CURRENT RESEARCH, results have been achieved utilizing a protocol of anywhere from 6-12 sessions but length of treatment can vary. There are some exceptions to this. Most insurance companies will cover the treatment. In almost all cases, the treatments are completely painless. In fact, some patients fall asleep during the spinal decompression session.

A decompression machine is not a magic wand!                                                                                                                                                            
Remember that the treating doctor is the key to success! It is his or her ability to diagnose and qualify the patient for this treatment and ascertain the correct parameters. Not everyone will benefit from this therapy but many do and it is NON-INVASIVE.  There is a lot of myth, hyperbole, and just plain deception going on in regards to decompression. Get the facts from Dr. Wagner and find out if you are a candidate.

Is your doctor certified in spinal decompression? Dr. Wagner is certified by Dr. Jay Kennedy progenitor of the renowned Kennedy decompression technique.

This treatment program, which may include 2-4 other modalities, is many times covered by most, but not all, insurance companies; and if not covered, should be reasonable and commensurate to insurance company reimbursement rates. Some practices are charging astronomical cash fees for this service. Vital Link’s philosophy strives to give a patient a chance to improve their condition and do it in an ethical manner. Visit www.kennedytechnique.com for more information about the Kennedy difference. 215-230-8100

Dr. J. Adam Wagner with the Triton DTS

Why Omega-6, can make you Omega-“Sick”

 

by J. Adam Wagner, DC

Essential Fatty acids, Omega-3 & Omega-6, what’s the difference ?

Simply put, the body has the ability to make many things but some things it cannot. As far as fatty acids are concerned, there are a few the body cannot make but needs to get externally from food or supplemental sources. If we don’t get these fatty acids we fail to thrive. Dwindling nutritional value from whole foods, secondary to agricultural practices, plus increased processed foods in our diets, is giving us an UNHEALTHY BALANCE.

The two essential fatty acids (EFA’s) we are concerned about are Omega-3 and Omega-6 (EFA’s). Let’s talk chemistry (just a little). These acids are called Omega because the first double bond (all unsaturated fatty acids must contain at least one double bond) which occurs at the 3^rd or 6^th carbon from the end (carbon next to terminal methyl) or (the Omega carbon). We would love to have the optimum balance of 1:1 ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 EFA’s, but our dietary habits in the USA realistically give us an average of 25 to 50:1 ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3! OUCH!! Essentially too much Omega-6 compared to Omega-3 EFA’s is not good.

 

Omega-6 or Omega “Sick”?

Omega-6 EFA’s are Linley, Homo-Gamma linoleic and Arachidonic acids which are polyunsaturated fats found in palm, soybean, rapeseed and sunflower oils, and almost every processed food. The Omega-6 fats are essential but too much is not good. Why? Because pro-inflammatory mediators, (which cause inflammation), such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, are made from these Omega-6 fats. Inflammation uncontrolled is not good! The latest research information is leading researchers to blame chronic inflammation, a source of cell mutation, on diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, auto immune disorders, asthma and many other disease entities!

 

Omega-3’s to the rescue!

Michael Gross M.D., researcher and founder of OmegaArtho Health, LLC, makers of LifeGuard Health Omega-3 products, has termed the lack of Omega-3s and too much Omega-6 as “Omeganemia” the disease deficiency of the 21^st century!

 

Omega-3 EFA’s are derived from several plant and fish sources. These EFA,s are: EPA/Eicosopentanoic (20 carbon 5 unsaturated bonds) and DHA/Docosahexanoic (22 carbon 6 unsaturated bonds) acids. The best source is cold water high yield fish and some mollusks such as perna caniculus/New Zealand green mussel from unpolluted sources. Common knowledge in the nutritional field dictates that only marine sources give the highest concentration and absorbability of Omega-3s available…up to 300% more absorbable than ethyl ester formulas (chemically manipulated synthetic)!! Plant sources of EPA/DHA are not bio-available to any effective degree, and synthetically manipulated sources containing ethyl esters are shown to be 50 times more resistant to being digested by pancreatic and intestinal enzymes among other problems. I know that inflammation causes chronic pain in the joints and backs of the patients I treat every day. That’s why I recommend high quality Omega-3’s to anyone suffering with pain caused by inflammation. But Omega-3 supplements are not all alike.

 

 

READ YOUR LABELS FOLKS.

Vital Link Chiropractic can provide the research and absorbability cost analysis data for you to show why we only recommend LifeGuard HEALTH™, Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals.    

   

Why Omega-3s and Why LifeGuard HEALTH™?

Omega-3s cause our own bodies to divert effective inflammatory agents to become very INEFFECTIVE and thus cause REDUCED inflammation, INCREASED HDL (good Cholesterol) and reduce the unwarranted effects of too much inflammation! This can mean less NSAIDs, less pain, better quality and quantity of life. LifeGuard HEALTH™, Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals are the highest in quality and its sources come from COLD WATER FISH high in Omega-3 EFAs. LifeGuard HEALTH™ capsules and liquids don’t repeat on you with that unpleasant fishy taste. Instead, they have a pleasant citrus taste. LifeGuard HEALTH™ Physician Recommended Nutriceuticals are number 1 in absorption, concentration and price per capsule! I only recommend LifeGuard HEALTH™ Omega-3 products to my patients, friends and colleagues for the treatment of inflammation, a problem affecting almost all of my patients suffering from chronic joint and back pain. Flex™ and Purna-Flex™ are formulas specifically for chronic joint pain, but the Omega Cardio Benefits™ and Omega Essentials™ products provide additional support for people suffering with high cholesterol and other health problems. There are even formulas just for mom’s and kids.

 

WANT MORE INFORMATION?

Call me at 215-230-8100, and I can recommend which product is right for you, or go to my website, www.vitallinkus.com to learn more about my practice.

 

READY TO PURCHASE?  

Visit www.lifeguardforlife.com and use JAdamWagner10 for a 10% discount. Choose the Autoship option for even greater savings.

 

 

What Does spinal Decompression Mean to You?

 

Experience the Pain Relief

Combining Decompression Therapy With Core Strength Training

Tim Roach, 28 years old, Single, Roofer, Artist, Snowboarder & Yoga Instructor….

Tim Roach is a 28 year old who has worked for his dad’s company, Roach Contractors, for 13 years. He is also an avid snow boarder, surfer & skateboarder. His many other interests include painting, sculpting, woodworking, riding motorcycles and ATVs. Tim has suffered with low back pain for as many as 20 years, experiencing a dull ache, and also had pain in his right hip. He visited many different practitioners in the past, but the “roller coastering” pain was debilitating, and led Tim on a journey to find sustainable results.   

Acupuncture was something new, and luckily Tim found our good friend, Donald Goldstein, Ra-C, long time friend and colleague of Dr. Adam Wagner. After treating him several times, Don referred Tim to Dr. Wagner for further evaluation, and everything began to change.   After a thorough exam, Dr. Wagner found that Tim was suffering from bulging discs (disc compression syndrome) and a suspected partially separated vertebrae (spondylolisthesis), confirmed by an MRI,  and was a perfect candidate for Spinal Decompression Therapy. Tim received SDT and results were immediate. “After my 2nd decompression, I walked pain free for the first time in 2 years,” Tim told us. Then after several weeks of treatment, Tim’s pain and flexibility started to stabilize. That’s when Dr. Wagner felt he was ready to pursue “active treatment”.  

Benjamin White, DPT, next assessed Tim. “Tim was an example of a very fit person who had never learned how to strengthen his core. He also has hyper mobility syndrome, which contributed to his injuries. Tim needed to stabilize his core to prevent the torqueing of his spine, which caused some of his problems. A lot of people do not learn correct techniques when they work out, and they can experience the kinds of problems Tim has had as a result,” Dr. White explained.   

It’s been several months since Tim completed his therapies at Vital Link, and since then, he has surfed in Tropical Storm Hannah, is back to work, is snowboarding, and is even pursuing a National Rating in the sport. “I’m back to doing all the things I love about life!”, said Tim, “thanks to Adam, Ben & The Vital Link team
approach”.            Thanks Tim

Can Just a Small Disc Bulge Cause Pain?

 

by J. Adam Wagner, DC

Absolutely!! A disc is made of tough crisscrossed collagen fibers called the anulus. These fibers surround a “jelly like” substance called the nucleus pulposus. The posterior one third of the intervertebral disc (anulus) is innervated by a nerve called the sinu-vertebral nerve. This nerve can send impulses to the spinal cord/brain as pain and this pain is commonly called discogenic pain. This type of pain can be mild to severe,sometimes poorly localized and can also refer to an extremity, shoulder blade, buttocks, in the form mild to severe “tooth ache”,”hot poker like” or “pressure” like pain. Therefore, any disruption , inflammation or improper distortion of the disc anulus has the potential to generate discogenic pain. The common misnomer is to think that a disc must be herniated and touching a nerve to cause pain…absolutely NOT. Disruption of the anulus, even microscopically, can cause pain via the sinu-vertebral nerve (discogenic) and also the disc bulge can cause local pro immune/inflammatory mediators to coalesce and “chemically irritate” a nerve root that is adjacent to the disc without the disc actually touching it!. This second form of irritation may cause something called “radicular” (nerve root pain) pain such as “sciatica”. It is common to have both of these or just one. Key factors to short circuit this phenomenon are decreasing inflammation (anti-inflammatories, Epidural, ice etc) and decreasing the intradiscal pressure thus decreasing inflammatory coalescence and mechanical disruption. How can we decrease disc pressure? One of the most effective non surgical methods is to “decompress” the area using a spinal decompression machine. I use the Triton DTS at Vitallink. I must also point out that studies also show many of us have herniated or bulging discs with no pain whatsoever! Wow!! We don’t know exactly why this is so but have good working models to help us explore and understand and explain. Did you know that the exact cause of mechanical low back pain is 85% unknown? Wow!!