Running & Chiropractic Care

Running & Chiropractic CareHappy New Year! As we enter the new year, we know many of you may have some exciting new year’s resolutions you are ready to jump into. Upping your exercise routine is a common new year’s promise but can also be a common cause of injury and pain on your body. Fortunately, we are here to help you. For those of you who are thinking of running this new year, read on to learn how chiropractic care can transform you into a better, stronger, runner.

Importance of Good Posture

Your form is crucial to helping you run fast and efficiently. When you run in proper form, your body should be relaxed as you move and lessen the risk of injury and pain.

If your arms are tense while you run or you find yourself slouching during your exercise, your shoulders, neck, and lower back may become fatigued, achy, strained, and tender.

Aside from preventing muscle aches and soreness while running, your posture also affects your propulsion off the ground and the amount of impact your bones absorb when you land. In some cases, poor posture may cause you to round your shoulders and tighten the chest, preventing you from taking full, easy breaths while running.

Various factors can affect your posture and cause misalignment. These factors can include running in the same direction on the same course, not replacing shoes as often as you should, or frequently running on uneven surfaces. Even the way you relax at home may impact your posture, for instance, if you sit in the same position every day, your muscles may become tight which can lead to strain and pain during exercise.

How Can Chiropractic Care Help You?

Check Your Posture
When your body is misaligned, your running stride and form can become uneven as well. It can also increase your risk of pain and injury. Misalignments can lead to joint dysfunction and cause unnecessary tension in other areas of the body. When you visit a chiropractor, we can check your body for any misalignments that may be causing tension or affecting your form and ability to run as efficiently as possible.

If we notice anything we can use manual manipulation, massage, or machine-assisted manipulation to realign your body and correct your form. If we don’t check for misalignments and correct them at the source, certain areas of the body may experience continuous wear and tear and muscle strain.

Reduce Risk of Injury
When your body is out of alignment, your core may not be engaged properly causing other muscles to compensate. To compensate our body uses muscles, joints, and other soft tissues the wrong way which can lead to pain and injury.

Common injuries seen in runners from misalignment, improper form, or overuse can include ankle sprains, hip pain, knee pain, shin splints, and plantar fasciitis.

With regular visitors to our office, we can conduct functional examinations and posture evaluations to check for any misalignments in the musculoskeletal system that may be causing pain or leading to future injury.

Assist in Recovery
If you are currently in pain, we may be able to help you as well. Pain in your feet, legs, lower back, shoulder, and neck may be caused by strained muscles, inflamed joints, or pinched nerves. Massage, stretching, rest, and the correction of any misalignments or joint dysfunctions can help you recover faster, relieve pain, and get back on track.

We can also recommend exercises to help strengthen muscles and joints to help you regain full mobility and function.

Our #1 Tip

Whether you are a marathon runner or trying to pick up a new habit, don’t forget to stretch before and after your exercise. During your warm-ups, move dynamically, and be sure to include every part of your body–especially your calves and hip flexors to strengthen your form. Your warm-up routine should last at least 5 minutes. Warm up longer if needed. Stretching after your workout is important too, to prevent muscle strain, relax muscles, and reduce the accumulation of lactic acid in your muscles.

If you are a runner experiencing pain, wanting to improve your run, or starting a new year’s resolution be sure to visit our office so that we can help guide you into a healthy and happy new year pain-free! For more information on how we can help you run more efficiently or to schedule an appointment, contact Anderson Integrated Health Center today.

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Dr. Theresa Anderson DC, DABCI

An experienced doctor of chiropractic with a diplomate as a chiropractic internist, I offer natural solutions to chronic health conditions by implementing a strategic and individualized treatment plan for each patient. I’ve had the privilege of helping patients heal from chronic conditions to live a happier, healthier life.

Anatomy and Physiology teacher who is passionate about health and wellness and hopes to ignite that same respect and awe of the human body into her pupils.

I’m dedicated, loyal and always seeking to improve my science and craft, learn new discoveries in my field, and embrace new challenges.

  • 2023 Diplomate American Board Chiropractic Internist (DABCI)

  • 2018 Certified Medical Examiner (CME)

  • 2000 Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)

  • 1996 Bachelor of Liberal Arts, Elementary Education K-8
  • Adjunct Faculty: Anatomy & Physiology I lecture and lab (2023 – Present)
    Chattahoochee Technical College, North Metro Campus, Acworth, Ga

  • Teacher: Anatomy & Physiology On-level and Honors, High School Seniors (2017 – Present)
    Science Department Head (2023)
    Cornerstone Preparatory Academy, Acworth, Ga 30101

I enjoy any outdoor sports and activities such as hiking and
gardening.

I’m also an animal lover who has a heart for stray animals.

Beginner with Norwegian language

Dr. Micheal Anderson DC, DABCI

Dr. Anderson is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic, practicing in Dallas, GA. He has received extensive post-doctorate training in Specific Upper Cervical adjusting procedures and is certified through Knee Chest Upper Cervical Specific (K.C.U.C.S.).

After 10 years of competing in the sport of powerlifting at the state and national level, reaching Collegiate first team All-American status, and competing on the US National Team at the World Championships in the Czech Republic in 1997, I suffered severe back pain and was only 24 years old. I was told I had disc problems and would need to stop competing. I found a chiropractor in Baltimore, Maryland and began care with fantastic results. As my body healed, I continued my PL career, and decided I wanted to help others receive health naturally through chiropractic care.

I was able to continue my PL career, but still had occasional pain, as well as digestive issues, stomach pain, and skin problems. While in school, I came across an amazing chiropractic procedure called Upper Cervical Specific Chiropractic. After experiencing this type of care, my health went to the next level, and my symptoms completely resolved over the next 3 years. By now I was 30 years old, extremely healthy, and looking to share my Upper Cervical chiropractic health knowledge with all.

Dr. Anderson did his undergraduate studies at Towson State University in Baltimore Maryland and graduated with a degree in Marketing and Sports Management. Then he graduated in 1995 from Logan College of Chiropractic in Chesterfield, Missouri. Dr. Anderson continued his education with postgraduate work in upper cervical care getting certified from Michael Kale in 1996. He earned master certification in KCUCS Upper Cervical procedure in 2001. Since then, he has been teaching doctors around the world KCUCS Upper Cervical procedure. Dr. Anderson also has DABCI functional health training and certification.

  • Clinical Vision Research: Kessinger Clinic, 1996.

  • Clinical Respiration Research: Kessinger Clinic, 1996

  • Incidence of Symptomatic Reactions to Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care and their Effects on Satisfaction and Clinical Outcomes: Participating Field Doctor March 2008

  • Improvement in Pattern Analysis, Heart Rate Variability & Symptoms Following Upper Cervical Chiropractic Care 2013

  • Pulse pressure findings following upper cervical care: a practice-based observational study 2019

The goal of Anderson Integrated Health Center’s upper cervical specific chiropractic care is to remove interference to the nervous system by making a correction that allows the body to heal itself. The procedure utilized by Anderson Integrated Health Center works with the body’s innate capacity to heal itself when the nervous system is free from interference. This procedure is gentle and effective for infants to the elderly. Computerized diagnostic instrumentation is utilized to determine if a person can be helped with this procedure. Helping patients who have suffered for years with no relief is very rewarding. But probably what Dr. Anderson enjoys the most is seeing young children recover from health problems that prevents them from having to suffer for a lifetime.

Dr. Anderson resides in metro Atlanta with his wife Theresa and two children, Jeremiah and Hope. He enjoys family time, his children’s sports, coaching his son’s basketball team, racquetball, and staying active in a challenging race like the Tough Mudder. Dr. Mike met his wife at chiropractic school in Chesterfield, Missouri and Dr. Theresa went on to become an upper cervical doctor herself. She paused her career to be a full-time home-school mother, and has returned to practice alongside her husband. Dr. Mike Anderson also has strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and enjoys being a long-time member at Westridge Church in Dallas, Georgia.

In addition to staying physically active, Dr. Anderson understands the importance of excellent nutrition to achieve great health. He and his family have achieved a healthy lifestyle without the use of pharmaceuticals, including vaccines, and he has been drug-free since 1993. He thanks God for the health his family enjoys, knowing that God gave us natural ways to live a healthy life!