How a NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist Treats Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

These days with all our computer usage, we are very aware of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which consists of weakness, numbness or tingling or pain in the first 3 fingers in your hand. The problem is caused by pressure on the median nerve as it travels through a “tunnel” in our wrist formed by the bones of our wrist and a ligament called the flexor retinaculum. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Carpal-Tunnel.svg) The pressure can be caused by structural collapse of the tunnel by over-extension of the wrist as in over-use of computers, hammering or usa wrench or narrowing due to arthritis or fluid in the tunnel caused by diabetes or hypothyroidism

As a Doctor of Chiropractic and an Applied Kinesiologist, I would first rule out diabetes and hypothyroid by patient history, signs & symptoms and blood and urine tests. Compression of the wrist in arthritis would make the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome worse instead of making it better.

Treatment of the syndrome involves adjustment of the wrist bones, balancing and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the wrist esp. the muscles involved in flexion. A wrist brace would be used for support and exercises for the wrist would be recommended. Nutritional support for the nerves and ligaments and a natural anti-inflammatory would be recommended to speed up the healing following the structural correction.

By utilizing applied kinesiology and chiropractic, we can balance the body’s structure and chemistry utilizing and can solve many health problems by addressing the cause. Please feel free to call  to schedule a consultation to discuss this or any other health issues you may have.

 

© 2012-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site

A NYC Applied Kinesiologist Moves Her Practice To W.23rd ST

As Of Thursday, March 1st, Dr. Vittoria Repetto
will be seeing patients at
455 W. 23rd St. #1E (between 9th & 10 Ave)
Our Phone number will be 212-431-3724
We will have closed the office at 285 West Broadway

Office hours are Mon & Thurs 2pm – 8pm and Sat 2pm – 7pm

As the building,we are  in is called London Terrace, the name of our Facebook page has been changed to London Terrace Chiropractic & Applied Kinesiology

http://www.facebook.com/pages/London-Terrace-Chiropractic-Applied-Kinesiology/109622855768202

The new site does have a flexion-distraction table which allows me to open up and relax my patient’s spine more esp great for those  w/ disc or spinal stenosis problems .

 My website: http://www.drvittoriarepetto.com

Twitter page @DrVRepetto

 

Benefits of a Rainbow of Phytonutrients on Your Plate

Lycopene

 Reduces the risk of prostate, breast, and skin cancer; reduces the risk of heart attacks

Tomato-based products (tomato juice, spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, tomato paste), watermelon, pink grapefruit, fresh tomato, guava

Anthocyanins

 Reduce the risk of cancer; powerful antioxidants; help control high blood pressure; reduce the risk of diabetes complications; reduce the risk of heart attacks, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Red raspberries, sweet cherries, strawberries, cranberries, beets, red apples (with skin), red cabbage, red onion, kidney beans, red beans

Astaxanthin

Potent antioxidant, particularly for the liver; Gastroprotective effects; Immune stimulant; Chemoprotectant.

Microalgae, yeast, salmon, trout, krill, shrimp, crayfish, crustaceans,

Orange Phtyonutrients

Beta-carotene Powerful antioxidant; boosts immunity; reduces risk for cancer; reduces risk of heart attacks; helps maintain good vision.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, butternut squash, cantaloupe, mangos, apricots, peaches

Bioflavonoids

Powerful antioxidants; Works with vitamin C to reduce the risk of heart attacks, reduce the risk of cancer, and to help maintain strong bones/teeth, healthy skin, and good vision.

Oranges, grapefruit, lemons, tangerines, clementines, peaches, papaya, apricots, nectarines, pears, pineapple, yellow raisins, yellow pepper

Yellow-Green Phytonutrients:

Lutein/Zeaxanthin Helps maintain good vision; reduces the risk of cataracts or macular degeneration.

Kale, spinach, leafy greens (turnip, collard, mustard),romaine lettuce, broccoli, green peas, kiwifruit, honeydew melon

Indoles

Reduce the risk of cancer (particularly breast and prostate cancers); reduce the risk of tumor growth in cancer patients.

Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, arugula, Swiss chard, turnips, rutabaga, watercress, cauliflower, kale

Chlorophyll

Powerful antioxidant

All green vegetables

Folate

Methylation; cell growth.

 Leafy greens

Blue/Purple Phtyonutrients:

Anthocyanins

Reduce the risk of cancer; powerful antioxidants; reduce the risk of age-related memory loss; help control high blood pressure; reduce the risk of diabetes complications; reduce the risk of heart attacks; reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Blueberries, blackberries, purple grapes, black currants, elderberries

Phenolics

Powerful antioxidants; may slow some of the effects of aging.

Dried plums (prunes), raisins, plums, eggplant

White Phytonutrients:

Allicin

Boosts immunity; helps lower high cholesterol; helps control high blood pressure; reduces the risk of heart attacks; reduces the risk for spread of cancer (particularly stomach and colon cancer)

Garlic, onions, leeks, scallions, chives

A NYC Chiropractor/Applied Kinesiologist Asks: Are Supplements Really Harmful or Was the Study Flawed?

Lately we have heard of a medical research study in the Oct 2011 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine talking about use of supplements and death rate among more than 38,000 older women enrolled in the Iowa Women’s Health Study. The study reported the possibility of a slightly increased risk of death among women who took multivitamins and other supplements, including vitamin B6, folic acid, iron, magnesium, zinc and copper. The researchers also found a reduced risk of cancer and death associated with taking calcium supplements.

First, this study was based on the recall of the women who took part. They were asked in three separate years, 1986, 1997 and 2004, to fill out a 16-page questionnaire on their supplement use and the frequency with which they ate 127 different food items. In these kinds of studies, there’s no way to verify the accuracy of participants’ recall. These types of study are observational in nature, it doesn’t tell us anything about cause and effect. Indeed, the most the researchers could say in their conclusion was that taking certain supplements “may be associated” with an increased death rate.

The strongest association seen was between iron supplements and mortality rates. This doesn’t surprise me as a daughter of someone who had iron overload. I have for years only recommended iron for menstruating women and a low dosage at that. Iron is one of the few minerals we cannot eliminate (except through blood loss or blood donation), and accumulations in the body can rise to toxic levels. Iron is an oxidizing agent that can increase the risk of cancer, diabetes, liver problems, arthritis and heart disease. Please see http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology_and_oncology/iron_overload/primary_hemochromatosis.html and http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hematology_and_oncology/iron_overload/secondary_iron_overload.html Men and post menopausal women should not take iron in their supplements unless they have had blood tests showing they are iron deficient.

And I have questions about the rest of the study’s findings. We don’t know the dosages or quality of the supplements the women took which can have different absorption rates and bioavailability in the body. Vitamins/minerals like Vitamin B6 or zinc for example can be helpful taken at the right dosages but very harmful if you take too much. And bioavailabity can be affected for example by the source of the supplement and fillers in the supplement.

What do we know? We know that between 14 to 17 percent of the women were smokers; seven to 13 percent of the women were on hormone replacement therapy  and between 35 and 38 percent had high blood pressure. So generalizing about this group is questionable since the women were not completely healthy to begin with.

So in my opinion the study was flawed and pointed to something any nutritionally knowledgeable doctor (unfortunately MD’s get very little training in nutrition) should know which is too much iron will make you sick and in time kill you.

So please talk to a doctor who has had nutritional training (that includes chiropractors, naturopaths and osteopaths or an MD who has taken additional studies in nutrition) about taking a good quality vitamin/mineral supplement that would be right for you.

© 2012-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site

Problem w/ Misuse of Neurolymphatics & Organ-Muscle Connection

As some of you may know, I get annoyed when I see a so-called healer placing a bottle on someone’s chest and claiming that they need to take this supplement because a vague muscle test proved it. (see: http://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/the-correct-way-to-do-nutritional-evaluation-by-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/ )

Well I also get annoyed when I see these same people testing a muscle and immediately claiming that there is an organic problem with the organ associated. This is a grave disservice as the so-called healer has not taken a medical history, nor do they have the diagnostic skills to evaluate either a musclo-skeletal problem or an organic problem.

And it annoyed me greatly when these people call themselves Applied Kinesiologists.

The practice of Applied Kinesiology as defined by the International College of Applied Kinesiology (http://www.icak.com)  is used in combination with standard diagnostic tests such as orthopedic & neurological testing, physical examination and blood tests that are taught to M.D’s, D.C’s, DDS’s and D.O.’s; in fact these degrees are a requirement to take the certified post-graduate training in Applied Kinesiology.

And that being said, I’d like to present you with an interesting article by a doctor of chiropractic (D.C.), who though not an AK’er, talks about the process of diagnosis when faced w/ a weak muscle and sensitive neuro-lymphatic points. http://www.dynamicchiropractic.com/mpacms/dc/article.php?id=43497

You may also wish to read http://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2011/02/16/how-an-applied-kinesiologist-uses-neuro-lympathics-to-improve-health

 © 2011-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site.

Why Maintenance Chiropractic & AK Care?

Many people have found that after regaining their health through chiropractic care, they can maintain health by regular check-ups. And it is easier to maintain health than to regain it once lost. Chiropractic care with applied kinesiology offers the best opportunity to maintain health because it works with the triad of health: : Structure, Chemical & Mental (Emotional)

The triad of health represents three areas where health dysfunction may develop to cause health problems. Because nearly all major health problems develop for many years before symptoms appear and the problem is discovered, it is important to have a system to find dysfunction before symptoms develop. Applied kinesiology is such a system.

First, lets look at the three areas of the triad of health: Structure, Chemical & Mental (Emotional)

Structure:
Structural imbalance may occur at any time in our modern environment. For example: Rather than getting good exercise by walking to work most of us ride the subway to work. Once there, we do a lot of sitting. This can cause a weakening and very oft en an imbalance of muscle structure, in turn affects the bodys structural balance. Even those who do a lot of physical work, keeping their muscles in excellent tone, are subjected to great structural stresses throughout the day, e.g., the forklift operator who gets jarred all day.

Sometimes an injury occurs from lifting or from something as simple as bumping ones head. The pain goes away shortly but there may be residual problems causing functional imbalance.

Often a simple problem causes a weakness that sets up a distortion that allows another stress to cause an additional functional problem such as a spasm in the low back causing a weakness in the Psoas muscle which in turn may cause a problem w/ our walking or breathing via its association w/ the diaphragm muscle.

Structural imbalance creates health problems in many ways, especially through interference with normal nerve function via pressure on the nerve root at the spinal level or at the muscle spindles or golgi tendons.

Chemical: We live in a modern chemical environment. Pollution, preservatives in foods, artificial food products, and drugs put a tremendous strain on the organs and glands of our bodies.

Even if we eat organic foods, the fact that they may be picked prior to the ripening process in order to facilitate shipping across the country or that our soil is missing important nutrients compared to 50 yrs old.

Some diets such as the typical meat & potato American diet or Atkins may contain too much saturated fat or too much iron or not enough fiber; vegan or vegetarian diets may not contain enough vitamin B12; too much soy may be contributing to a sluggish thyroid or too much roughage may be decreasing your absorption of nutrients.

Or we have food allergies that affects the absorption of nutrients and allows the passage of toxic materials via an injured gut lining. All these factors may be contributing from some type of nutritional problem.

Mental (Emotional): In our distant past, most stressors were related to battling w/ the environment or producing food and fighting dangerous animals or an enemy; and these stressors were dealt w/ physical activity helping keep the body in harmony.

Today we are faced with mental problems as the kids not getting along with the neighbors, problems at work, financial worries, or conflicts with an individual. These are problems that cannot be fought physically, the effect often a hormonal imbalance, and it in turn creates a neurologic imbalance.

Fortunately applied kinesiology, in combination with other diagnostic procedures, can find health problems just beginning to develop before they cause an actual disease.

The glandular system, out of balance as a result of mental stress, can be returned to normal by nutritional supplementation and neurologic treatment via neuro-lympathic, neuro-vascular and acupressure points.

Structural stresses that accumulate from our imbalanced type of living can be restored to normal via spinal, extremity or cranial adjustments and muscle balancing.

Chemical imbalances in the form of dietary deficiencies (or overload) can be found and corrected either by supplements or a change in our diet or homeopathics.

Detrimental chemical factors can be identified and, as much as possible, eliminated from our environment.

Maintenance health care varies for different individuals. Factors that must be considered in determining the frequency of your health care visits are:
1. The current level of your health;
2. Age;
3. Congenital weaknesses such as a congenital short leg;
4. Stress that cannot be eliminated, such as living in the city.
5. Nutritional status
6. Habits

Remember what you do today will affect your health five, ten, and even twenty years from now.

@2010 – Dr Vittoria Repetto

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; visit her website at http://www.drvittoriarepetto.com  and check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the website.

A NYC Applied Kinesiologist Talks About How Chiropractic Can Reduce Chronic Inflammation

Acute inflammation is our body’s natural reaction to infection, trauma, irritants and other hurtful stimuli. Inflammation is an innate reaction that helps rmove the hurtful stimulus out and starts the healing process. The signs of inflammation are pain, heat, redness and sometimes loss of function. 

However chronic inflammation has been shown to lead to a number of diseases such as hay fever, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis, degenerative or herinated disc problems, celiac disease, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease and even cancer.

So it is important to help the body get rid of any chronic inflammation

Here’s  a study on how chiropractic adjustments are anti-inflammatory: http://fisiomtc.dominiotemporario.com/doc/Manipula%C3%A7%C3%A3o_reduz_citocina_mas_naum_subst%C3%A2ncia_P.pdf

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; visit her website at http://www.drvittoriarepetto.com  and check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the website.

Standard Blood Tests Shows Applied KinesiologyTesting for Food Allergies/Sensitivities Works

Here is a research paper  http://www.theuplink.com/Papers1/Correlation%20of%20AK%20Mucscle%20testing%20paper.pdf from the International Journal of Neuroscience correlating Applied Kinesiology  manual muscle testing for food allergies and sensitivities with serum immunoglobulin tests for food allergies and sensitivities.

In other words, the results of an AK testing for food allergies and sensitivities were proven correct by standard blood tests.

For more information on the proper way to use Applied Kinesiology manual muscle testing for food allergies and sensitivities, please click on  http://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/01/17/the-correct-way-to-do-nutritional-evaluation-by-muscle-testing-in-applied-kinesiology/ and http://drvittoriarepetto.wordpress.com/2010/05/15/it%e2%80%99s-not-a-food-allergy-maybe-it%e2%80%99s-a-food-intolerance/

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; visit her website and check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the website.

A NYC Chiropractor Recommends How to Do A Healthy Liver Detox.

A NYC Chiropractor Recommends How to Do A Healthy Liver Detox.

I have this big old liver spot on my left hand, it’s on Large Intestine point 4 and I’ve had it since I was 28 yrs old (I’m 60 now) and it is the result of a badly constructed “liver detox”

The liver detox was one involving drinking only apple juice and doing enemas for 3 days and we are still seeing this type of cleanse or detox in various reincarnations and they all involve depriving oneself of nutrients which does a lot more hurt than good.

Let me explain: the liver is the major way that our bodies remove toxins like heavy metals, industrial compounds and pollutants that can be associated w/ fatigue, muscle pain and weakness, cancer, headaches, nerve degeneration, headaches, rashes, loss of memory, etc.

The liver does this in two Phases; Phase 1 involves oxidation and Phase 2 involves conjugation.

Oxidation involves using oxygen and enzymes to turn a toxin (most toxins are fat-soluble) into a water-soluble substance so they can be more easily executed by the liver or kidneys. Foods that can help Phase 1 do its job are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, oranges, caraway seeds; nutrients that help are Vitamin C  & E , zinc, selenium and cooper

However the product of this Phase 1 can be even more toxic so the liver needs to process the Phase 1 via a Phase 2 process called conjugation. Conjugation involves combining the oxidized compounds w/ sulfur, amino acids (building block of protein) and organic acids  and  methylation  via Vitamin B12, choline & folic acid and generation of glutathione via N-acetylcysteine so  toxic products can be executed in the bile which then leaves the body via the large intestine.

Phase 2 is helped by adequate protein  as found in nuts, seeds, beans, meat, fish , eggs and dairy, alliums  as found in garlic, onions, citrus, cruciferous vegetables, bioflavonoids as found in peppers, celery, carrots oregano, rosemary, olive oil, pomegranates, milk thistle and cruciferous vegetables.

Medium chain triglycerides, mono-unsaturated fats, Vitamin B1, B2, niacin, B5 and magnesium help with the energy production needed to perform these tasks

And of course, the body needs to have adequate fiber in order to move these toxins out of the body quickly before they are reabsorbed.

So you can see that water or juice fasts are harmful to the body as they deplete the body of the nutrients need for a healthy detoxification.

I now do  a “spring cleaning –liver detox” week in which only foods that are organic /glass fed, etc are eaten  and I add a liver support program that has all the Phase 1 and Phase nutrients (from Metagenics http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/UltraClear ) that my liver needs for detoxification.

For patients who have altered detoxification function may be due to genetic predisposition, a history of chronic nutrient insufficiency, and/or toxin overload, which can result in a build-up of stored toxins and a subsequent increase in symptoms and/or tissue damage, I recommend http://www.metagenics.com/products/a-z-products-list/UltraClear-PLUS .

And I know that I (or my patients) will not be getting any more big old liver spots from a badly constructed liver detox.

 © 2011-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site.

How a NYC Applied Kinesiologist Uses Neurovascular Pts for Better Physical and Emotional Wellbeing.

First what are neurovascular points?

Neurovascular points are points discovered in the 1930’s by chiropractor Dr. Terence Bennett. He had found via x-ray fluoroscope that stimulating these points would increase blood circulation to the organs that were associated with these points. The increased blood flow would increase the flow of nutrients and O2 to the associated organ and have the positive effect of improving the function of the associated organ.

Dr. George Goodheart who founded Applied Kinesiology took up Bennett’s work and noticed that the points could also turn weak muscles on. Dr. Goodheart then observed that many internal organs had reflex connections in the muscles and joints and along with a cross reference via the Chinese acupuncture system that certain muscles were associated w/ certain organs

Neurovascular points are mainly located on the face and head; they are stimulated by lightly pressing on the point until you feel a pulse and as most of these points have a right and left side on the head (or face).you would keep on pressing until the pulses matched each other.

One of the most well known points is used in Emotional Release Technique. These points are associated with the Pectoralis Major muscle and the Stomach. These associations are interesting as in our culture we talk about getting our stomach in a knot or about having chest tightness when we are upset. The points are the first two bumps on our forehead; see PMC at http://backintoit.com/tag/goodheart/  

The technique is simple: think about what is bothering you as you hold these points and then make a statement as how you will solve the problem. For example, if you have anxiety about talking to someone who always makes you angry; think about why they make you angry and then make a statement such as “I will not let “name” make me angry, his issues are his and not mine” or something simpler. Say the statement out loud as you hold the pulse and keep on repeating the phase until you feel the pulses becoming equal.

Try it and let me know!

 

 © 2011-Dr. Vittoria Repetto

 

Want more information on Dr. Vittoria Repetto and her NYC Applied Kinesiology/Chiropractic practice; please go to www.drvittoriarepetto.com.

And please check out the Patient Testimonials at the “Our Practice” page at the web site.