Dog Agility, Training and Nutrition - Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi everyone. Here's a reminder of the importance of nutrition and exercise for our canine athletes!

Dog Agility competitions have become extremely popular and widely followed throughout the world. Dog agility courses are complex and the challenges increase as the level of competition advances. Agility dogs may be required to run, jump, climb, start and stop, and change direction suddenly. Because of these demands, these canine athletes require strength, endurance, speed and flexibility to ensure maximum performance. Appropriate and comprehensive training is fundamental. Training increases bone mass, red blood cell turnover, maximal oxygen consumption, reduces lactic acid production and reduces risk of injury. It is important to remember that the type of training appropriate and required for your pet will vary by age, breed, condition and type of event. Additionally, most dogs sleep for a good part of the day, and should not be expected to compete and perform on the weekends without appropriate conditioning. As with humans, an appropriate and high-quality nutrition protocol is paramount when considering any canine athletic competition. Protein is an essential part of the diet, and is particularly important for those dogs that are continually active for over 30 minutes. Diets high in protein would be most suitable for endurance training. Fats provide an extraordinary source of energy, and dogs can utilize this form of energy very easily and productively. However the appropriate amount of fat to feed your dog depends on the factors mentioned earlier. Other energy requirements and considerations include carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, and, of course, water! Water is critically important for your agility dog. It is essential for thermoregulation, and should always be made available. Dogs maintain their body temperature by panting, and this increases their water requirements. The heat that is generated during agility competitions can limit stamina, affect performance and impact health. These are just some of the reminders to consider when preparing your dog athlete for agility. And don’t forget to see your animal chiropractor. A healthy and vibrant nervous system will resonate everywhere in the body! Have a comment? Join in, and Happy Training!

Autumnal Detox! Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

It’s DETOX Time!

Well everyone, it’s that time of year….Fall! And, as the planet cleanses, it’s also time to think about cleansing our bodies. Though often thought of as depriving the body, a detox is just the opposite…it’s an opportunity to give your body exactly what it needs, free of anything destructive.

Why detox? We live in a world flooded with toxins and pollution, and with the advent of synthetic chemicals in our foods, such as herbicides and pesticides which destroy the microbiotic activity in the soil and diminish the nutrients in our food, impurities and contaminants collect inside our body. The cumulative affect of these toxins adversely impacts the functioning of our biological systems. As a result, our bodies have to work a lot harder to effectively rid waste and congestion. And when we don’t provide our bodies with proper and appropriate nutrition, organ function becomes burdened. Sooo, some form of detoxifying cleanse is a good idea for most of us. Some of the many signs suggesting that it might be a good time for a detoxifying cleanse may include allergies, headaches, poor digestion, depression, irritability, memory loss and even joint pain.

A well-planned and successful detox can provide incredible benefits, including improved immunity, greater energy, clearer skin, weight loss, and greater mental capacity. Additionally, it can promote healthy eating, transform lifestyle dependency and improve the overall functioning of the vital systems of the body! Detoxing and cleansing the body can be simple and straight-forward, however if you are new to this, talk to your health care practitioner to get started. Have a comment? Join the conversation, and happy detoxing!

Brain Fitness - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi all! I know it’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from me, but I’ve been busy. Most recently, I was backpacking in the Montana wilderness, exercising my body and my brain. That’s right, my brain! In order for our brains to perform efficiently, they require a regular fitness program, just like the rest of our bodies. Our brains function optimally when they are in a balanced state. This includes a balance between neurotransmitters like Glutamate and GABA, balanced calcium ions and cellular stability. As we age, some of our brains’ processes can become less active, resulting in loss of memory function and mental disorganization. So, here are a few things we can do to maintain optimal brain fitness:

1.      EXERCISE. According to Harvard Psychiatry Professor John Ratey, author of  Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain, ‘nothing beats exercise for promoting brain health’.

2.      DIET and NUTRITION: James Joseph, neuroscientist at the Agricultural Research Service writes: ‘vitamins and minerals in plant foods provide protective antioxidants, but fruits vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains contain thousands of other types of compounds that contribute significantly to the overall dietary intake of antioxidants.’ Antioxidants help to provide energy for brain cell activity. And avoid smoking and excessive alcohol intake, as toxins can build up and break down cellular integrity.

3.      KEEP YOUR MIND SHARP: Read, learn a new language or learn to play a musical instrument. Increased focus can improve brain fitness by promoting concentration, alertness and blood flow to the brain.

So, when you’re thinking about your fitness, don’t forget about your brain. And by the way, what goes for us, goes for our pets. Maintaining a strong, dependable and healthy brain will ensure years of productivity and health! Have a comment? Join the conversation.

Sciatica - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

"Sciatica" is a condition caused by compression, irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which is the longest and largest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve is made up of five smaller nerve roots which extend from the lower portion of the spine near the pelvis and join together to branch out on both sides of the body traveling down each leg. It then divides into smaller nerves which drape into the thighs, knees, legs and toes.

Individuals suffering from sciatica may experience an assortment of symptoms. It generally manifests as a distracting pain originating in the low back or buttocks, and involves symptoms of numbness, tingling, burning, cramping and an achy soreness which can appear anywhere along the sciatic nerve path. Pain may be constant or intermittent. For some, the pain can be an intense "shooting pain," firing down one or both legs. Others may experience only a dull ache or numbness traveling into the back of the thighs.

Since the roots of the sciatic nerve emanate from the low back, any compromised structure in the low back can impose pressure on these nerve roots. While sciatica is often the result of spinal misalignment or bulging discs, other disorders known to cause sciatic nerve pain include inflammation, degeneration, or spinal canal stenosis, a condition in which the canal housing the spinal cord becomes narrowed.

Sciatica can also occur as a result of faulty postural mechanics - spending excessive time in a seated position in front of the computer or driving, insufficient stretching and exercise, heavy lifting, bending, twisting or inappropriate sleeping patterns. Sciatica has also been linked to a variety of non-mechanical conditions such as arthritis, tumors, vitamin deficiencies and even diabetes.

The good news is that most cases of sciatica can be treated successfully. Because of its diverse causes, treatment for sciatica differs from patient to patient, and varies according to the cause and severity. Sciatica can usually be managed effectively with chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, acupuncture or massage therapy, in addition to modifying activities. The main goal in the treatment of sciatica is to decrease pain, increase mobility and restore normal functioning.

Whatever the cause, it is important to seek treatment swiftly to avoid long-term damage. See your healthcare professional when the pain first begins. Our bodies never stop communicating with us. Listen closely, and revitalize your health. Have a comment? Join the conversation and happy reading!

What is Animal Chiropractic? Animal Chiropractor in Billings Montana

What is Animal Chiropractic?

Hi all! I thought it was time for a reminder about the benefits of animal chiropractic. Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Nerves control everything that happens in your animals, and anything affecting the nervous system will resonate throughout the entire body. This can interfere with the performance of the nerves branching off of the spinal cord which transit to the all of the muscles and organs. As this occurs, your animal can lose mobility; resulting in stiffness, tension, pain and even organ dysfunction. Additionally, when normal movement is affected it can impact your animal’s wellbeing and quality of life.

The goal of an animal chiropractor is to restore function and mobility to compromised spinal vertebra in an effort to re-establish neurologic communication. This allows the body to perform at its optimum potential. Animal chiropractors use their hands to identify areas of restriction and apply a precise thrust on the immobile vertebrae in an effort to restore motion and remove nerve interference. When nerves efficiently communicate with all the structures in your animals’ bodies, healing and recovery results.

Animal Chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary care. It is not an alternative treatment, but rather an integrative method that, when used in conjunction with good traditional veterinary care, will provide years of healthy living. This is the beginning of a contemporary, comprehensive approach to your animal’s healthcare. It is an effective and valuable means of restoring and maintaining strength, vigor and well-being. By exploring and treating the root causes of your animal’s aches, pains and illnesses, you will ensure maximum improvement, top performance and an exceptional quality of life for the animal companions we love. If you have any questions or would like further information on animal chiropractic, contact me anytime! I am a board-certified animal chiropractor in Billings, Montana, and I can be reached at drpholl@gmail.com .

Importance of Water - Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Let’s face it, water is vital to your health. It is the main component of the human body, and every cell requires it. Water assists metabolism, and helps remove toxins, particularly from the digestive tract. It cushions and lubes joints and muscles, and transports nutrients and oxygen into cells. It regulates body temperature, and reduces risk of disease and infection. Researchers at Loma Linda University in California found that people who drank more than 5 glasses of water a day were less likely to die from a heart attach or heart disease. When your body becomes dehydrated, harmful effects can ensue. Chronic cellular dehydration leaves the body in a weakened state, leading to vulnerability and imbalances. These may include fatigue, migraines, muscle cramps, dry skin, exhaustion and poor metabolism. Benefits of drinking water may include weight loss, as drinking water reduces hunger. It is a natural remedy for headache pain, as dehydration is a common headache contributor. It relieves fatigue, as your body works harder when dehydrated to pump out oxygenated blood to cells, Also some studies show that drinking appropriate amounts of water may reduce the risks of bladder and colon cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in the urine. And how much water should we be drinking? 8 glasses a day? AT LEAST! Try half your body weight in ounces! You can’t have too much water. It is the single most important element for cellular integrity. Oh, and what goes for us, goes for our pets, however they tend to be smarter than us regarding water. Just leave them plenty of clean water, and they’ll be sure to drink it. Have a comment? Send me an email at drpholl@gmail.com and join the conversation. Have a great weekend!

Movement, Degeneration, and the Importance of Chiropractic Care! Horse Chiropractor, Dog Chiropractor in Billings Montana

Hi guys! Sorry I missed you last week, but I was down in Kansas instructing at Options for Animals College of Animal Chiropractic. It was a great week, with a focus on the cervical spine (the neck) and the importance of movement and chiropractic care. Here are some takeaway points that are relevant, not only for us, but for the health of our horses, dogs and cats (and any other 4-legged variety of pet):

Movement is a critical aspect of health, as our bodies rely on movement to function. Daily movement promotes chemical changes in the body and fires up neural pathways, which stimulate the body’s healing capacity and boost immunity to ward off disease.

Subluxations refer to the occurrence of a bone in the spine moving out of position, thus irritating the spinal nerves and stressing ligaments and tendons. This is damaging for the body because the destination tissue for those nerves lose their nutrient supply, leading to degeneration. The first stage of degeneration is dehydration of the tissue. As this occurs, the tissue becomes hypermobile. With further breakdown, the tissue become hypomobile, and begins to mineralize. Any elastic soft tissue under stress can mineralize. Proprioceptive input (the ability of the body to orient itself without visual clues) from the intrinsic muscles of the spine starts to diminish. As a result, core stability becomes vulnerable. Other systems then become involved, affecting everything from immunity to circulation to digestion. And what goes for us goes for our animals. What’s the solution? Take the stress off of the tissues, you take the stress off of the disease process. Chiropractic removes neurologic interference, improves immunity, promotes circulation and enhances overall health. So if you feel that you’re a little sluggish, or you notice your pup’s ‘dragging’ a bit, or maybe your horse is avoiding the bit, it may be time to see your chiropractor. Have a comment? Join in! See you next week!