The Bemer is a device that uses magnetic field therapy to improve healthy circulation and increase blood flow. This, in turn, can optimize performance and help the body to heal itself. Magnetic field therapy is a well-established form of treatment that has been used for centuries to relieve pain and promote healing. The Bemer uses a unique frequency that is said to be particularly effective in improving circulation. The device is a big mat that you just lay on or a smaller piece that can be placed in a specific part of the body, and the magnetic fields help to improve blood flow and oxygenation of cells. In addition, the Bemer is said to help reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. The device is FDA cleared and has been shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials. You can rent the Bemer mat at Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic, in Indianapolis, IN.
 Lymphatic drainage has been used in the past to treat swelling in patients with lymphedema. Now, it is recommended by plastic surgeons after liposuction, tummy tucks, and BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) to accelerate the recuperation period. Lymphatic drainage expedites recovery, reduces swelling, and reduces bruising. Finding a massage therapist that you're comfortable with is important. At the Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic, Quinn and Dr. Starsiak will treat post-op clients with care and attention.
Benefits of Lymphatic Drainage after Surgery:
Liposuction removes unwanted fat cells in the body. Using liposuction to remove fat damages blood and lymphatic vessels, while also destroying fascia and blood cells. This causes blood and lymph to accumulate and creates a pooling of fluid in the area, which results in pain and swelling. So, while you don't have to spend months dieting and hours on hours in the gym, the procedure will cause trauma in the body. Combining the use of compression garments and lymphatic massage will really help aid in post- op swelling. Lymphatic drainage helps stimulate the flow of fluid which relieves swelling. Toxins and stagnant fluid are manually moved away from the site of the surgery and towards the lymph nodes. There are a few places in the body where lymph nodes are found in groups. That is near your armpit, neck, and groin area. The post- surgical healing process is different for everyone because of many factors including: the type of liposuction performed, overall physical health, age, smoking habits, and sometimes complications. Well known plastic surgeon, Dr. Wolf suggest starting lymphatic massages as soon as the day after surgery. The amount of sessions after that depends on the location of the body and how much liposuction was performed. For the arms, he suggests 1-3 sessions over a 2 week period. For the thighs, 3-5 sessions within 2 weeks. For the abdomen or if you were to get multiple body parts treated, he suggests 5 or more sessions over a 2 week period. He also says that having as many sessions as possible will optimize your results. During a lymphatic drainage session, the massage therapist uses extremely light pressure and guides the fluid to the lymph nodes closest to that area and towards the heart. It is painless and should be extremely relaxing! Communicate with the massage therapist and let them know if you have any discomfort so that they can adjust make it a good and healing experience for you. At the clinic we are fully stocked with herbs that will help your body heal post surgery as well. They are available for purchase at your appointment or online. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a lymphatic drainage massage you can call the Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic at 317-410-9978 or send us an email at info@drstarsiak.com.  What is Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?
Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is an all-encompassing evaluation of the body using specific techniques. OMT aims to provide a hand on, holistic approach to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of an injury or illness. Osteopathic medicine focuses on the interdependence of the body systems, emotions, mentality, and spirituality and understanding how the parts impact the whole and vice versa. When performing OMT, a physician will manipulate, or apply manual pressure to, specific muscles, tissue, and joints. OMT works with the inherent motions in the body to release restrictions and re-synchronize all elements of the body, resolving pain and dysfunction. OMT provides patients with relief and, generally, resolution from pain, while encouraging self-healing of the body and an improvement in function and mobility. OMT can also be paired with certain medications or surgery to aid in a safer and stronger recovery. This full person approach is beneficial to the patient as it creates a comprehensive and effective treatment. Who Does OMT Benefit? OMT can be beneficial to all ages, from infants to the elderly. OMT is specifically designed to be easily adjusted to meet the needs of each individual patient, regardless of their condition. There have been a wide variety of health problems, which will be discussed in further detail later, that OMT has been known to treat. These range from muscle pain to menstrual pain or asthma. Where to Receive OMT OMT is practiced by Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs). DOs are licensed physicians that have both traditional medical training and special hands-on training for techniques involving manipulation of the musculoskeletal system. DOs focus on utilizing a holistic approach when addressing any medical problems to help patients maintain peak health of the mind, body, and spirit. The combination of conventional medical training and OMT allows DOs to accomplish this goal. Specific Applications of OMT OMT can be used for a wide range of injuries and illnesses. Below are just a few of the many uses of OMT. This treatment is also beneficial to restore muscle balance, improve blood flow in the body, and relieve joint misalignment. OMT is also often used to address sports injuries or other chronic issues. Lower Back Pain Chronic lower back pain is a disability impacting millions of Americans each year. At any one point in time, it is estimated that 2% of the US population is disabled as a result of back issues. DOs use osteopathic techniques for spinal manipulation to relieve lower back pain. A controlled trial determined that compared to the control subjects, those that received OMT reported back greater improvement in the level of back pain and better functioning overtime. Another stratified analysis determined a decrease in pain when OMT was applied compared to a placebo or no treatment control group, in both the United States and the United Kingdom. Through OMT techniques, muscle tension decreases and joint movement is increased. Through palpation the underlying affected areas are determined, which allows DOs to relieve pain via kneading, applying pressure, stretching, and activating certain muscles. During pregnancy, lower back pain is a common complaint that can impact daily activities and quality of life. OMT targeted for the lumbar region can be used to alleviate some of this back pain. In a randomized, placebo-controlled trial of women in their 3rd trimester of pregnancy the results indicated that OMT decreased back pain. While further research is needed in a clinical setting to determine the direct benefits of OMT, present research suggests that OMT creates positive results in patients. Migraines In the US, it has been reported that approximately 36 million Americans (18% of women and 6% of men) suffer from migraines. Migraines are recurring headaches that can cause a range of pain in either a throbbing or pulsing manner. Many times, conventional methods do not result in pain relief for those suffering from chronic migraines. OMT provides a non-invasive, low risk, holistic treatment for migraines. There are several ways that OMT can be applied to provide relief from migraines. One way is thought correcting somatic dysfunctions that are based on the head or neck region of the body. Manipulation of the fascia around cranial bones could provide relief, as the nervous and nervous tissue in their area faces fewer restrictions and gains function. It has also been theorized that OMT improves lymphatic flow, blood flow, and fluid drainage in the face, neck, and cranium which could result in increased oxygen and nutrients to these specific areas and relieve pain, as pressure decreases. By addressing issues that may result in headaches or migraine, such as sinusitis, OMT can be utilized to combat the root source of this pain. The aforementioned strategies of improving blood and lymphatic flow can reduce tension in the muscles of the head and neck, which are often the cause of tension headaches. A study conducted in 2011 determined that OMT as a migraine treatment produced decreased pain intensity and decreased the amount of time the migraine persisted when compared to a control which was not treated using osteopathic manipulation. Asthma Many pediatric patients have the chronic condition of asthma. OMT is used as a non-invasive treatment for pediatric patients. The therapeutic effects of OMT were shown in a randomized controlled trial, which showed statistical significance when comparing pediatric patients that participated in OMT and those that did not. OMT techniques are able to increase vital capacity in patients and increase rib cage mobility. By focusing on these areas of the body, these techniques can be used to increase the effectiveness of the respiratory cycle which in turn improves ability to breath. It is also important to note that the traditional treatment through pharmacological therapy does not take into consideration the musculoskeletal aspects of breathing, whereas OMT focuses on this component.  What is BPC-157 and Why Do People Take It?
Body Protein Compound 157 (BPC-157) is a peptide made of 15 amino acids. This peptide has healing properties in the stomach, intestinal linings, bones, joints, and other areas with bodily injuries. It has become increasingly popular in the United States due to its vast range of healing properties. It is especially appealing to those with joint issues, and athletes that partake in intense training. In terms of healing, current preliminary research suggests that BPC-157 boosts growth hormone receptors in injured tissue and stimulates the growth of blood vessels (also known as angiogenesis), which leads to an overall faster recovery period and general cellular regrowth. Furthermore, soft tissue is often degraded via corticosteroids, and research has suggested that BPC-157 is able to reverse this damage, creating stronger soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When these repairing qualities of BPC-157 are applied to strengthen this soft tissue, it simultaneously helps stabilize joints and simulate overall joint health since strengthened muscle can better support and align joints and bones. This endothelium protection was also noted to help with skin burn and nerve healing in studies utilizing animal models. From the digestive perspective, BPC-157 has been shown to repair damage caused by stomach ulcers, often a result of overuse of over-the-counter painkillers (known as NSAID drugs). Furthermore, BPC-157 has indicated an ability to improve general gut health and irritable bowel syndrome. Some studies in animal models have shown that it can result in improved brain health and cognition. BPC-157 has gained attention in the sporting world as many athletes benefit from the properties of BPC-157. Athletes use BPC-157 to recover from and heal injuries faster, as well as heal muscles and joints for lifting or bodybuilding at a more frequent rate. Currently, BPC-157 is legal for professional use in sports according to the World-Anti Doping Agency, provided that it has been obtained via a physician's prescription. Issues With BPC-157 It is important to note that most of the studies conducted on the healing properties of BPC-157 have been restricted to lab animals. There has not been extensive research regarding BPC-157 in humans. While many websites advertise BPC-157 as a performance enhancing drug or wellness treatment for humans, these claims have not been supported by medical research or literature. Despite this, the combination of its continued advertisement as a supplement and easy availability online (without a prescription) at low prices has led some consumers to believe that purchasing this peptide via the internet is safe for unregulated human consumption, despite the high risk of counterfeit products. Many consumers do not realize that these cheaper, affordable tablets or vials of BPC-157 are only for chemical research purposes, with most of these products indicating that they are not for human consumption on their labels. The accessibility of BPC-157 allows individuals to purchase it on their own terms, without knowing the correct dosage for their particular circumstance and without knowing how to properly administer this peptide. The dosage will vary depending on the users fitness level, weight, age, and reason for using BPC-157. Without talking to a physician first, individuals might take incorrect dosages of BPC-157 or buy it from an unreputable source that may not have the purest or safest product. The benefits of BPC-157 include reducing inflammation, healing tendons or other wounds, and protecting organs, making BPC a unique peptide with many helpful characteristics. BPC-157 is legal in the US, however it should only be used with a prescription. BPC-157 is safe to take if it has been prescribed by a medical professional with instructions on specific dosage and usage. It is imperative that patients discuss their interest in using BPC-157 with their physicians prior to making any purchases.
Absorption pathway of vitamin C When taken orally Vitamin C must follow a specific path to be absorbed into the bloodstream. First it must be digested in the stomach, then it will travel to the small intestine where it is digested further and it will be absorbed in the large intestine. From here the vitamin will be transported to the lover and be processed and detoxified to be delivered into the blood vessels. From this point the vitamin can be absorbed into tissues and cells. This process shows that there are many steps in the final absorption of Vitamin C causing approximately 18% of the vitamin C consumed to actually be absorbed. This can be even more tricky for those with gastrointestinal issues or a leaky gut. At high doses, oral vitamin C can cause intestinal issues, abdominal cramps, and/or diarrhea. Intravenous Vitamin C is able to avoid this absorption process as it is delivered directly to the bloodstream. This allows for 100% of the vitamin C to be absorbed and used in the body. Intravenous (IV) Vitamin C vs Oral Vitamin C According to a study conducted in 2004 regarding the comparison of oral and intravenous use of Vitamin C, it was found that at low doses both oral and IV administration showed similar levels of plasma vitamin C concentrations. At doses of approximately 1 gram, oral administration indicated a vitamin C concentration of 100-200 μmol/L in plasma, while IV administration had a concentration of approximately 300-400 μmol/L. These results suggest that vitamin C IV’s are not necessary when administered at low dosages as they produce the similar blood levels of vitamin C as oral intake. It is also less expensive to use oral vitamin C when in need of low doses rather than an IV supplement. However, there is a large distinction when dosage is increased as oral administration does not exceed vitamin C levels of approximately 220 μmol per liter of blood (even when administered at 3 gram doses 6 times each day). Vitamin C, on the other hand, exceeds this level of plasma concentration (by 1500 μmol/L) when administered at a dose of 3 grams. Furthermore, IV vitamin C has shown that it can reach maximum plasma concentration levels of 15000 μmol/L which is up to 50 times greater than oral intake can reach. These high levels of vitamin C are not possible to achieve orally as only the IV can bypass specific transport mechanisms and intestinal absorption mentioned above that is involved in the intake of nutrients. High doses of intravenous vitamin C have most often been used in combination with chemotherapy for cancer patients. Studies have indicated that the use of high dose IV vitamin C can extend the median survival of cancer patients that are simultaneously being treated via radiation and chemotherapy when compared to patients that do not intake high doses of IV vitamin C. It is important to note that the same results were not reflected in a study that provided high oral doses of vitamin C (instead of the IV administration). Dosages The recommended daily allowance of vitamin C for adult males is 90 mg with a tolerable upper intake level of 2000 mg. The recommended daily allowance for adult females is 75 mg with a tolerable upper intake level of 2000 mg. A meta analysis of 29 trials studied the impact of doses from 200 mg to 2 g per day for a range of 2 weeks to 6 months. This study determined that those taking Vitamin C supplements at this low dose were 4% less likely to get a cold than those who weren’t. As these doses were fairly low and taken orally, it is possible that higher doses would have prevented colds more effectively. High doses of IV Vitamin C, used in conjunction with cancer treatments, combat scurvy, or for an immune boost, typically ranges from 35 to 100 grams depending on the severity and necessity for a supplement. At this high dosage the peak plasma level can reach up to 15 mmol/L, which allows the Vitamin C to be toxic to cancer cells. Further Benefits of IV VItamin C Studies using animal models have determined that IV Vitamin C (when taken with other chemotherapeutic agents) showed a decrease in xenograft tumor growth, specifically showing that this occurred in a chemotherapy-resistant pancreatic tumor model. Furthermore, studies have determined that IV Vitamin C lowered the toxic side effects of certain chemotherapy drugs, such as paclitaxel and doxorubicin, while allowing these drugs to continue their function. As an antioxidant, Vitamin C has also been found to be beneficial in the treatment of Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease with patients that typically present high oxidative stress. A study conducted on rheumatoid arthritis patients concluded that the administration of IV vitamin C resulted in lowered pain levels and inflammation as measured by C-reactive protein levels (which showed a 44% reduction). On a similar note, IV vitamin C has been acknowledged to aid in the treatment of chronic pain. As mentioned earlier, vitamin C is very important in joint, tissue, and bone health, which is why a Vitamin C deficiency can cause significant musculoskeletal pain. This, and the anti-inflammatory effects of vitamin C, are likely the reason that studies, such as one conducted on patients with nerve tissue damage due to herpes zoster, found that IV vitamin C significantly lowered pain levels. While much research still needs to be conducted regarding the direct roles of vitamin C in pain relief, these studies indicate that this nutrient is very important and essential in the treatment of many conditions. Overall it is important to understand the distinction between oral and IV supplements. Oral supplements are useful adjunct treatments when in need of a low dose of Vitamin C, while IV administration is best for high dosages. 5 Benefits of Effectively Combining Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) and Addiction Counseling8/23/2020
What is Addiction Counseling?
Addiction counseling helps addicts manage obstacles in their lives without dependence on substances and better understand the factors that led to their addiction. After and during detox, individuals are at high risk of relapse especially when faced with triggers in their social or physical environments. Counseling allows individuals to learn how to recognize and cope with these stressors in healthy ways to facilitate long-term recovery and prevention. There are several types of therapy including group therapy, individual therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, maintenance therapy. Since counseling is not a one size fits all treatment, the type of therapy needs to be personalized and specific to each individual person. Benefits of Creating a Well Rounded Treatment Plan Research has shown that MAT is most effective for Opioid use disorder (OUD) when used in combination with counseling and/or behavioral therapy. This combination creates a well-rounded comprehensive treatment plan for individuals to have a sustainable recovery. Listed below are five major benefits of treating OUD with both counseling and MAT:
At the Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic we are taking COVID very seriously. We are taking extra caution in keeping things sanitary and staying up to date with the governors orders and the ABMPs suggestions for a safe practice. As of right now the ABMP states there is no known way to eliminate the risk of transmission and infection and there is no risk- free environment in which to conduct business today. With that being said, here are some of the ways we are making sure we all stay safe while keeping the business open.
All patients are to stay 6 feet apart, only one patient in the waiting area at a time, windows will be opened in between sessions for ventilation, hands thoroughly washed and sanitized up to the elbows before and after a massage, gloves can be worn if that feels safest to the client, minimal contact during check in and check out, all areas will be sanitized between patients. The only way to not get Coronavirus is to not be exposed, which means staying at home with 0 contact with anyone else. However, there are ways to protect your body and strengthen your immune system. One major thing that weakens the immune system is stress. This pandemic has definitely caused a lot of stress on our bodies. Some ways to get rid of stress are massage, yoga, meditation, supplements, etc. We offer massage, private yoga sessions, and many supplements that can help decrease stress and boost your immune system so that you can still enjoy life. When I first began practicing yoga I was very intimidated. I began by watching youtube videos in my little apartment. After some time I got the courage to go to an actual class. It was terrifying! Soccer moms with perfect yoga clothes performing amazing vinyasas while I’m there in my baggy T hardly following along. It took me a while to find a studio I felt comfortable in. It’s kind of scary when the teacher is calling out poses in sanskrit if you’ve never heard these words before. If I had known I could take private lessons with a yoga teacher I would have been so into it. But I didn’t. I did however, continue practicing alone, in classes, and ended up in teacher training. Now I am offering private sessions at Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic!
With a pandemic going on, even though the state is opening up, private yoga sessions would be much safer than a class. Also in a private session, your practice would be tailored to your needs and concerns. You would be able to track your progress much easier and dive much deeper into your practice. A private yoga session takes away all the pressures of a class setting and helps you to get the most out of your yoga. Private classes can allow someone to take their practice to the next level. You can be advanced or beginner and unlike group settings, be challenged while having a class planned around what you can do. Specific health concerns also make classes impractical. Health concerns like pregnancy, diabetes, heart disease, etc require special attention from a teacher. In a private session the teacher can work around the problem and avoid any more complications. At Dr. Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic a private 1 hour yoga session is $60 and Quinn or Tatiana will be your yoga teacher! - I think there is no doubt that if you are reading this you have experienced or do experience stress. Short term stress is normal and needed for our survival. Our bodies have systems in place to help us deal with stressors, physical and mental.
When our bodies experience stress our heart rate and blood pressure may increase, breathing speeds up, knots in our stomach appear, etc. While these defenses are great in the face of actual danger.. Do we really need to feel this way on a daily or weekly basis because of things like work, children, money, relationships? Chronic stress contributes to a multitude of health conditions including: anxiety, depression, heart disease, cancer, chronic fatigue, insomnia, adrenal dysfunction, and so much more. All of these cause more issues in your life and it is like a never ending stressful cycle. The APA’s Stress in America Survey findings show that stress is interfering with our ability to function and is becoming a public health crisis. What if there was something that could help your body adapt to stress better? So that you can save the increased heart rate and panic for actual dangerous situations and feel more at ease with the everyday stresses of life.. Guess what! There is. These plants are called adaptogens. I love these guys. “Adaptogen” defines herbs that help “protect the body against physical, mental, and emotional stress by strengthening the immune system” (Medicinal Herbs 61). These amazing plants strengthen the body and create a healthier stress response. Some of the effects of adaptogens include:
In addition to adaptogenic properties, most adaptogens have other helpful effects. Some of the common adaptogens stocked and used by Dr. Starsiak are:
-Quinn  From how the media portrays drug use, to wrong knowledge picked up here and there, it isn't hard to misunderstand addiction. It's not a topic that's spoken of openly and frequently enough to really come to grips with it.
But, if you take a little bit of time to learn more about addiction and the reasons behind it, you can become more understanding and compassionate towards people suffering from it. To help you learn more about addiction, check out these common myths about why people take drugs that definitely aren't true. 1. All Addicts First Started Taking Drugs to Get High Despite what a lot of people think, not everyone who's addicted to drugs started taking them because they wanted to get high. In fact, doctors are prescribing very addictive medication every day. These are called opioids, and they're fueling a drug crisis in America. In 2017, it was found that there were over 190 million opioid prescriptions. To put that in perspective, if everyone received a prescription, including children, over half of our population would be taking opioids. These opioids are so addictive that up to 12% of people taking them start abusing them. By the way, 80% of heroin users started with an opioid prescription. It's a reason for using drugs that people often don't know about, but it's a huge problem in the US. The problem here isn't with the addict, but with the medical industry. Make sure you know the signs of prescription drug abuse to keep your loved ones safe. 2. They Don't Want to Stop The idea that addicts don't want to stop using or aren't trying hard enough is one of the most harmful myths out there. cOf course, there are some people who don't want to stop, but it definitely isn't always true. The fact is that coming off of drugs is incredibly hard, even when you want to. This is because addiction changes the way a brain works. Over time, the brain and body become reliant on the drug to function close to normal. When you stop using it, everything in your body is shouting at you to start again. Some withdrawal symptoms addiction sufferers have when coming off of drugs include:
3. They Have a Bad Past When people think of drug addicts, they often think of people with bad, troubled pasts. They imagine someone having grown up in poverty, from a broken home, and surrounded by other troubled people. The truth is that addicts come from all walks of life and there's never a straight answer for why people use drugs. When people come in for addiction treatments, their pasts are all completely different from one another. They can be rich or poor, young or old; it doesn't matter. Drug addiction doesn't discriminate - that's the truth. 4. They Chose to Become Addicted Although they may have chosen to take the drug in the first place - although that isn't always the case - no one really plans on becoming addicted. Why would they choose that? The reality is that these drugs have a huge recreational appeal. From helping with social anxiety to relieving stress, there are tons of reasons why people might start using. But they're so highly addictive that before they know it, they're reliant on it. People usually think they're in control, but the reality is that drugs take that control from them. The fact that even prescribed opioid users can become addicts is proof it's not as simple as a typical choice. Make sure to keep an eye for signs of drug use in men and women to make sure those around you aren't suffering. 5. They Have Character Flaws A lot of people think addiction is a character flaw, and that people with addictions are abnormal or outcasts. The truth is so far from that. Everyone has some character flaws whether or not they have an addiction. The National Institute of Alcohol and Alcoholism found that almost 20% of alcoholics lead functioning, normal lives. Drug users can have families, go out with friends, and have jobs. It's often when their addiction takes over that their lives begin to all apart, and the idea of character flaws is presented. In reality, anyone can become an addict and it's not a character flaw, it's a disease. 6. Why People Take Drugs? They're Bored A lot of people imagine that addiction begins when people are bored. They don't work and they have nothing better to do. Whilst boredom can be a cause, it's one of so many. Here are just a few of the reasons why people do drugs:
When addicts receive treatment, they often receive therapy too. There's a cause behind drug use that often runs deeper than we can see. Understanding why people take drugs is crucial to understanding anyone who might be suffering from an addiction. If you know someone with a substance abuse problem, make sure they get the help they need. Get in touch with our team to find out more about our addiction services. |
AuthorDr. William Starsiak owner and physician at Starsiak Osteopathic Clinic and former associate professor at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Archives
January 2021
Categories |
RSS Feed