Holistic Practitioner Spotlight with Chiropractor, Dr. Allen Conrad, who has Great Success Treating Post Traumatic Whiplash Injuries
We are speaking with Dr. Allen Conrad, DC, who in addition to performing chiropractic adjustments, also uses massage therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, mechanical traction and therapeutic exercises to effectively resolve whiplash injuries.
Tell Us a Story About a Patient with a Post Traumatic Whiplash Injury and How Chiropractic Rehab Helped
Rebecca, a 41-year-old receptionist had been rear-ended in an auto accident. The day after, experiencing severe unrelenting neck, shoulder and back spasm with swelling, she went to her family doctor. She left with prescriptions for pain and anti-inflammatory medications. After two weeks of taking these drugs, she had no improvement and was feeling worse. From the recommendation of a friend of hers, who was a longstanding patient of ours, Rebecca called our office for chiropractic opinion.
Upon examination, Rebecca’s initial pain levels were 8 out of 10 being the worst possible pain. She admitted that she had difficulty with lifting anything. Sitting at the computer all day at work was excruciating and there was no rest from sleeping since the pain was keeping her up most nights. An MRI of the cervical spine confirmed a herniated disc at C6 and C7. Consistent with the history of the accident, her current symptoms and test results, we were able to make a diagnosis of grade 3 post traumatic whiplash. We now had a plan of action for a 3-phase chiropractic rehabilitation program.
The Objectives for Phased Treatment of Post-Traumatic Whiplash
- Phase 1: Alleviate pain, swelling and spasm on a progressive basis.
- Phase 2: Improve range of motion
- Phase 3: Strengthen the core and return to the pre-injury status
The Treatments in Phases for Grade 3 Post-Traumatic Whiplash
First, to avoid further injury, we strongly advised Rebecca to avoid lifting anything over a few pounds. For swelling and spasm, we recommended using a towel full of ice for 10 minutes at a time at least once a day when at home or work.
Phase 1 therapies using the Croft Guidelines for post traumatic grade-3 whiplash consists of chiropractic spinal decompression therapy, adjustments, electrical muscle stimulation, therapeutic range of motion exercises, and mechanical traction.
Phase 2 could be introduced following progress achieved during Phase 1. At that point we added flexibility exercises and light weight resisted therapeutic exercises.
Phase 3 added specific therapeutic weight resisted exercises for muscle strength. We reassessed her posture as well with an ergonomic workplace evaluation.
Timelines for Each Phase of Care with the Croft Guidelines for Grade-3 Whiplash
Rebecca was committed to her chiropractic plan of treatment and not covering up her symptoms with medications. She stuck to a schedule for each phase that included 3x /week for 10 weeks, then 2x /week for 10 weeks, then 1x / week for 10 weeks. When completed, Rebecca was able to return to normal range of motion without spasm and pain and increase her strength in her upper body.
It’s been six months since Rebecca completed the three phases of treatment. Able to work comfortably full time, she now comes in for a wellness visit once a month and feels amazing that she was able to recover from whiplash injuries with chiropractic care.
Why and When Did You Choose the Holistic Path?
I was in a skiing accident in high school, and was going to physical therapy 3-4x a week for 3 months. I was still in a lot of pain, and wanted to try another form of treatment to see how my injuries would react. I decided to go see a chiropractor, mostly because a family member had recommended them. I was able to turn my body better and had some pain relief after my first visit, and was impressed at the results after just one visit. My office has developed a combination of chiropractic and exercise treatments as a result of my past experiences, and my patients appreciate our outlook on helping the muscles and the spine improve and work more efficiently.
What Lessons Have Your Work and Personal Experiences Taught You?
Over the years, I have learned that even though you have guidelines for how a patient should improve, each patient is different. There are many complicating factors that can take longer for an injury to heal correctly. It could be previous injury scar tissue, or degenerative arthritis, or a sedentary lifestyle. Each complicating factor can affect the pace a patient is able to tolerate and consequently the length of treatment. Regular re-evaluations help assess the progress.
Our long term goals are not only to help get the patient back to their pre-injury status, but also help teach them how to help prevent these types of injuries in the future. Patient education can include proper lifting, nutrition, ergonomic workplace changes, and helping the patient understand the importance of chiropractic care.
What Would You Like Your Patients to Know About Your Services that They May Not be Aware of?
I am a former rugby player. With the understanding of the game and potential injuries, I have been able to apply these skills in being the team chiropractor for the Blackthorn Rugby Team where I not only have helped with pain and spasm, but also have been able to improve sports performance. Athletes put a lot of wear and tear on their bodies, and they have noticed that with chiropractic care they can perform better, run faster, and have less residual injuries.
I have worked with players from the NBA, NFL, and also the everyday patient who just started exercising. I believe that for your body to work at its best, a combination of chiropractic care, stretching and strength training is essential to a healthy body and lifestyle.
Any Additional Comments…
We accommodate our patient’s schedules by offering office hours 7 days a week, with morning and evening hours available. We accept most insurances and work with auto and workman’s comp injuries.
Biography
Dr. Allen Conrad earned his Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) from Millersville University with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. He then got his Doctor of Chiropractic Degree (DC) from Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA where he served in the rehabilitation and sports injury department. He earned the Rehabilitation and Sports Injury Intern of the year Award at graduation.
Dr. Conrad got his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist Degree (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Dr. Conrad has worked with local sports teams including the Quad City River Bandits, and He has worked with athletes from the NBA and NFL. He currently serves as the Team Chiropractor for the Blackthorn Rugby Team.
Dr. Allen Conrad, BS, DC, CSCS
Montgomery County Chiropractic Center
1364 Welsh Road
North Wales, PA 19454
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