Study Confirms Neurofeedback Effective for Autism, Asperger’s
At Team Health Care Clinic in Champlin, one of our most effective therapies to help those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome is neurofeedback. For this reason we were interested in a recent study using neurofeedback to identify the brainwave pattern unique to those in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) group.
Autism spectrum disorder is a group of neurological dysfunctions ranging from hyperactivity to Asperger’s syndrome, resulting in brain imbalances that lead to challenges in thinking, talking, recognizing and expressing emotion, and social interactions.
Autism spectrum disorder and brainwave patterns
Science Daily published a study showing those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome have poorer connections in the brain. The study used neurofeedback to identify brainwave patterns unique to those with autism spectrum disorder, then showed the effectiveness of using neurofeedback training to improve connections in the brain.
The researchers reported: “The team used a quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), which measures electrical activity through 19 electrodes resting on the head during specific tasks. It allows them to see brainwaves that move at different frequencies, creating a brain map showing more or less activity in different regions of the brain.”
A QEEG compares the patient’s brainwaves to a normal control group’s brainwaves. This is the technology our providers at Team Health Care Clinic use.
The researchers also looked at the success of individuals with ASD using neurofeedback training to improve brain connections. They found that “neurofeedback training based on a QEEG-guided protocol was more effective than neurofeedback based on symptoms.”
If you know someone who has any of these conditions that fall in the autism spectrum disorder group, please tell them about this exciting technology. Want to learn more? Schedule a free consultation in our clinic.
Jay Bertsch, DC
Baseline Concussion Screening and Sports Physicals
At Team Health Care Clinic, we enjoy the opportunity to connect with our community in general but particularly our local athletes. To that end, our chiropractors, medical providers, and physical therapists created a unique sports physical not offered in other clinics.
Any local athlete who enters our clinic receives a baseline concussion tests that will be used to compare in the future should a concussion occur. Our clinic uses the Mayo associated King Devick eye test as well as a high tech medical device that precisely measures an athletes balance. 
Mayo is impressed with the King Devick test because it is an objective eye test that athletes can’t manipulate. Since at least 55% of our brain is used for eye movement, many concussions are demonstrated as eye malfunction including difficulty with reading, computer use and screen use in general. The problem is the standard eye exam in a doctor’s clinic simply isn’t able to observe subtle eye deficiency.
The King Devick does this so well that 12 of 30 National Hockey League team trainers have now switched to the King Devick test over other outdated tests. The trainers get the player’s baseline score before the season begins then retest it from the locker room after a suspected concussion. It over rides the zealous athlete who wants to return to play and convinces the trainer before they are ready.
Symptoms of Concussions
In addition to eye movement deficiency, we often see concussed athletes lose their balance and spatial awareness. Think of a boxer who gets punched too hard and staggers to the corner. Sometimes it is that obvious and everyone in the gym can see they are concussed. This is an obvious cerebellum injury and can affect all aspects of brain function even though the imbalance is what catches our eye. But how do we determine when they are fully recovered and it is safe to return?
We use balance plates, a medical device that can measure their baseline balance score and compare after the injury. It also does a comparison to others in the same age group. It is more sensitive and objective than typical balance tests.
Concussion Treatment
Last year a few local athletes did return with suspicion of a concussion. We were able to retest them with the King Devick and balance plates tests to determine if they had a concussion. In those athletes that did, we were able to incorporate our team to determine the best course of therapy.
The options may include vestibular (balance) exercises, eye exercises, light and sound therapy, interactive metronome and anti-inflammatory supplements for the brain to return the athlete to full recovery as soon as possible. In some cases, we will even do an EEG/Brain Map to determine if Neurofeedback or TMS is an option.
If you have an athlete who has not received a baseline test, schedule an appointment for a sports physical and the concussion screening is included. If your child is injured, don’t put them on the sidelines and just hope they get better with time. Consider an exam to determine the precise rehab protocol for the region of the brain injured.
Joe Bertsch, DC
4 Risk Factors for Alzheimer’s Disease
At Team Health Care Clinic, we work with people who have dementia or who are concerned and want to prevent it. I was quite interested when I found an article from a study showing decreased brain size, and therefore risk for dementia and Alzheimer’s, is related to four controllable lifestyle factors.
The study, from the Radiological Society of North America, involved over 1,600 people during the course of seven years. It measured brain size and its relationship to risk factors. Their conclusion was that decreased brain size and, therefore, dementia is related to these controllable factors.
Alzheimer’s Risk Factors
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
It turns out that alcohol consumption and diabetes were associated with smaller volume of the whole brain. Smoking and obesity were linked with decreased volume of the part of the brain associated with memory retrieval as well as emotional and social behavior.
Dementia, of which Alzheimer’s Disease makes up between 50%-70% of the cases, is a growing concern. As our population ages the incidence of dementia is continuing to grow. Deaths from dementia have doubled in the last 25 years and care costs are in the hundreds of billions. Also, there is no treatment for dementia. Prevention is the key.
The above list is not exhaustive and there are other causes for dementia. However, these are the biggest offenders and they are preventable! Dementia is a slow developing, chronic condition closely tied to lifestyle choices. This means that we have the time and the ability to make changes. The prescription never changes. Eat a low starch and low sugar diet, exercise, don’t smoke and drink only in moderation.
Our clinic does provide nutritional and brain health support for all of this. However, it’s up to you to do the work and help yourself.
Tim Bertsch, DC, DABCI
Dizziness and Vertigo: The Vitamin D Connection
Each day at Team Health Care Clinic, patients come to us with symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. These may be symptoms that have been there for a matter of hours, or even years. People often experience severe bouts of dizziness, strong sensations of spinning and nausea. To help our patients get relief from these debilitating symptoms, we provide treatment and make recommendations that address the causes of dizziness and vertigo.
What Causes Dizziness
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is the most common cause of dizziness that we see in our Champlin clinic. This condition is caused by calcium crystals that become dislodged from their usual position in the inner ear.
How Vitamin D Helps
The main role of vitamin D in the body is to help maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D is responsible for absorbing calcium, which plays many roles in maintaining a healthy body, including strengthening bone and decreasing fractures. Vitamin D also helps in protecting against osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cancer, and other diseases.
We are now learning about the role vitamin D plays in helping patients with dizziness and vertigo. Past studies have shown vitamin D deficiency can lead to BPPV. Additionally, research has shown that those who have BPPV and are also deficient in vitamin D have more severe symptoms of vertigo.
This two-fold role that vitamin D deficiency plays in causing BPPV and making the symptoms more severe makes it even more important that your levels are in the proper range. If you haven’t had your vitamin D levels checked before, a simple blood test can be done to see if your levels are in a functional range.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy for Dizziness
Our chiropractors and physical therapists work with a multitude of patients who have dizziness and vertigo, including BPPV. We provide chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, nutrition support and more to help decrease symptoms and get our patients feeling better faster.
Each of the doctors and physical therapists in our clinic are trained in repositioning the crystals in the inner ear to provide relief from the vertigo that patients experience. The name of this procedure is called an Epley Maneuver. This safe, quick, and very effective maneuver can be done in just a minute or two. Patients often feel immediate relief.
Erik Starr, DC
Abdominal Pain, Diarrhea and Bloating: Is SIBO the Cause?
SIBO or Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth is an all too common condition that can have profound health effects. It is a problem that many people have, but very few have even heard of. The symptoms of SIBO include:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating and gas, especially after eating starch or sugar
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
Many of these symptoms are associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). In fact, some studies have shown that almost 80% of IBS occurs as a result of SIBO. Also associated with SIBO are the following conditions:
- 53% of people who use an acid medication
- 66% of people with celiac disease with persistent symptoms
- 15% of the elderly population
- 33% of people with chronic diarrhea
- 90% of alcoholics
So, what is SIBO?
SIBO is a condition where the bacteria that normally live in your large intestine, and are very beneficial there, have migrated into your small 
intestine. Unfortunately, they are not beneficial in the small intestine and will begin to cause digestive problems when they take up residence in that area. When we feed these bacteria the wrong foods, which include starches and sugars, it increases their metabolism and they give off various gases causing many of the symptoms that are listed above.
The treatment for SIBO requires two things. First, one must nutritionally support the small intestine and its terrain. This involves the use of nutrition supplements but, more importantly, the avoidance of certain foods, particularly refined carbohydrates.
The second thing that needs to be done is that one must address the underlying mechanisms or the causes of SIBO. Those include such things as:
- Neurodegenerative disease, particularly Parkinson’s syndrome.
- Brain trauma/concussion
- Poorly controlled diabetes
- Hypothyroid disease
- Celiac disease
- Post intestinal surgical alterations
- Immunodeficiency
As one can see, SIBO is a condition that affects many people. Unfortunately, quite often the standard gastroenterologist either doesn’t consider it or does not have a great treatment for it. It is a condition with which we are quite familiar at Team Health Care Clinic. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, bloating, constipation or diarrhea that no one seems to be addressing, please call the clinic for a consultation.
Tim Bertsch, DC, DABCI
Physical Therapy and Joint Replacement
A joint replacement (arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where an arthritic, injured, or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint can be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Joint replacements are done in the knee, hip, and shoulder to name a few. Replacing a joint that is painful and not functioning helps to restore the movement like a healthy joint. Physical therapists play a large role in the joint replacement process.
Physical Therapy Before Replacement
- Education:
You will be educated about your joint replacement procedure, what to expect at the hospital, and aftercare at home. Your doctor may even have an education class they require you to take prior to your procedure.
- Exercises:
Often times, people physical therapy to start strength exercises before surgery. You will also become familiar and confident with your exercises, and will be able to resume them right after surgery. Increasing strength in the muscles around the joint will improve your recovery and decrease the level of therapy services needed after surgery.
- Assistive device preparation:
If your joint replacement is in the hip or the knee you will be using a cane or a walker initially after your surgery. Physical therapists fit your device and help you practice walking and climbing stairs.
Physical Therapy After Replacement
Patients will continue with therapy after their surgery for several weeks.
After joint replacement our goal is to decrease pain and swelling, monitor healing, start strength exercises, and walking.
- Pain and swelling:
This can make it difficulty and uncomfortable to perform your therapy exercises. We monitor the swelling, incision healing and help with techniques to decrease the pain.
- Exercises:
We will teach you range of motion exercises that are safe to perform with your new joint. We will also work on exercises to gain strength in the muscles around your new joint to provide support with movement. Over a brief time of doing your exercise routine you will gain better function of your joint.
- Gait training and balance:
If you have a hip or a knee replacement, our Champlin physical therapy providers will guide you in walking with your assistive device and progress to walking without it. We will work on balance and agility with you movements, so you feel confident walking on uneven surfaces such as grass or stepping off a curb.
We continue to progress your tailored therapy program to meet your needs and, returning you to your activity level the injured joint was limiting you from.
Andrea Newport, PT
Neurofeedback: Natural Treatment for ADHD and Brain Based Disorders
Parents of children with ADD, ADHD and other brain based disorders are increasingly searching for non drug treatment options for their children. They are right to be concerned. For over 20 years, researchers have studied the long term effects of drugs used to treat the symptoms of these conditions. Several years ago, our search for ADD ADHD non drug treatments led the doctors at Team Health Care Clinic to Neurofeedback.
Neurofeedback therapy has proven to be safe and effective for individuals with brain based disorders like ADD, ADHD and Autism. At our Champlin, MN clinic, we have successfully used neurofeedback training to address the cause of these brain based disorders.
Understanding the ADHD Brain
To determine if Neurofeedback training is an appropriate course of action, we use an EEG test to understand the electrical activity of the brain. An EEG test is conducted when electrodes are attached to scalp to measure brainwaves in 19 different locations. The electrodes only receive information and do not put electricity into the brain. People with brain based disorders have commonalities in their EEG test results that help us to understand when a treatment protocol using Neurofeedback is necessary.
Neurofeedback: ADD ADHD Non Drug Treatments
Think of neurofeedback training like a brain that has a mirror to itself. When the brain receives cues about itself, it is able to self correct. It is not magic. The self correction happens through a visual or auditory feedback in the form of a TV screen or music. When the brain does the correct thing, the patient is rewarded with watching a movie or listening to music. There is no medication used and nothing introduced into the body.
Although it’s a few years old now, this CNN news story does a good job of explaining how neurofeedback works.
Neurofeedback is Effective
- A search of the Pubmed website (National Institute of Health) revealed 152 medical studies for neurofeedback ADHD and 54 for neurofeedback and anxiety. These are just two of the more common symptoms of a brain not functioning as it should.
- Neurofeedback trains the brain and doesn’t treat symptoms, so it can potentially have a benefit to most abnormal brain symptoms.
- Incredibly, there were 830 medical studies on neurofeedback and its effect for a wide variety of brain conditions.
Neurofeedback brain training is just one of the methods we use at Team Health Care Clinic to help the brains of patients of all ages to function better. I have been fortunate enough to see some remarkable changes in my patients with ADD ADHD non drug treatments and I encourage anyone looking for a natural treatment option to check out Neurofeedback.
In our clinic, we offer a free consultation to those who are interested in learning more about brain based therapies for the treatment of Anxiety, ADD, ADHD, Autism, and other conditions. Click here to request an appointment.
Jay Bertsch, DC
Trigger Point Injections FAQ’s
Trigger Point Injections have become a popular treatment option for those with pain, numbness, muscle tenderness and decreased range of motion. I have seen great success with the use of Trigger Point Injections to help patients recover more quickly and improve healing outcomes. If you’re interested in learning more about this treatment option, continue reading as I answer some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is a Trigger Point?
Trigger points, also known as “muscle knots” or “myofascial muscle pain” commonly occur in the neck and back. They can also occur in other muscles including those in the shoulders, arms, legs, and buttocks. They are hypersensitive, contracted muscles that cause a person pain and tenderness. Trigger points often form as the result of overuse or an injury. Sometimes trigger points can cause something called referred pain. This occurs when the taut muscle fibers compress or irritate a nerve causing pain in other regions of the body.
What is a Trigger Point Injection? What medications may be used in a Trigger Point Injection?
A Trigger Point Injection (TPI) is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the painful trigger point to help break up the taut muscle fibers that have caused the trigger point to occur. Medications used in a TPI procedure usually include lidocaine and bupivacaine, which are both local anesthetics. These medications help to provide a numbing sensation to the injected region and provide pain relief for a short time. It is the needling procedure that actually helps to break up and alleviate the myofascial muscle pain over time, though. Corticosteroids are not used in TPI’s at Team Health Care Clinic.
When/why is a Trigger Point Injection used?
Trigger Point Injections are most often used in conjunction with physical therapy (PT) or massage therapy. Trigger Point Injections are usually performed prior to PT or massage therapy because we have found that the combination of these therapies allows us to work as a team to provide our patients with a better outcome from their myofascial muscle pain. After a Trigger Point Injection has been administered, the taut muscle fibers begin to break apart, then muscle work performed in either PT or massage helps to loosen the painful “knots” even more, giving our patients greater relief of pain.
What is the benefit to the patient?
There are a number of benefits that patients can achieve from TPI’s. Trigger Point Injections can help to alleviate pain by relaxing tight muscles, improve flexibility, improve range of motion, alleviate stiffness and weakness from the affected muscle, and alleviate referred pain.
What are complications and side effects of Trigger Point Injections?
The most common side effects of Trigger Point Injections include a “pinching” pain during the injection, numbness at the injection site for a few hours from the local anesthetic, mild bruising, and increased soreness for the first 24 to 48 hours. The soreness should then subside and benefit from the injection should be noticed after that time period. It is important to stay well hydrated prior to and for the first 24 hours after your Trigger Point Injection.
How frequently do Trigger Point Injections need to be administered?
Trigger Point Injections are usually administered one time per week for 3-4 weeks in conjunction with physical therapy or massage therapy appointments. The series of injections is necessary as positive results continue to build with additional injections to provide patients with the most benefit.
Tiffany Watson, CNP
Understanding Numbness and Nerve Pain
A patient and I were discussing today how nice it would be if we could diagnose our health problems in a similar way to car problems. When we have problems with our car, our mechanic connects it to a machine that generates a diagnostic code. Unfortunately, with people, it’s not always easy to understand the source of pain or the cause of our limited mobility. In healthcare we do have a variety of different testing or diagnostic tools but it still can be challenging to get to the root of the cause for what is going on when someone is having pain.
What if you are experiencing numbness, tingling and/or pain in your fingers or hands? As medical providers, we understand that this could be caused by issues stemming all the way to your neck. It could also be coming from issues in your shoulder, elbow or wrist.
You may have what we call radiating symptoms, which include pain or a feeling that is not just in one area but moves to another area. Sometimes it will follow in a line that you can feel numbness from your shoulder blade into your forearm or you might feel tingling only in your fingertips. When there is degeneration in your neck or cervical spine this can cause damage or irritation to the nerves which travel all the way down to your fingers.
There are 3 main branches of nerves:
- Median Nerve: This nerve runs along the inside of the arm and travels through into the 1st through 3rd fingers or thumb to middle finger.
- Ulnar Nerve: Runs along the inside of the arm and elbow and into the outer part of the hand and 5th digit or little finger.
- Radial Nerve: Runs along the back of the arm and into the 1st through 4th digits or thumb to ring finger.
There can be many causes but there are also a wide variety of treatments for these very uncomfortable symptoms. Because our bodies are so complex, we often need to address several areas to stimulate healing and help you feel better. Finding a well rounded team of providers will help you achieve the best outcomes from any necessary treatment. In our Champlin, MN clinic, we have medical, physical therapy and chiropractic providers that work together to understand the cause of pain and recommend the appropriate plan of action.
Emily Franklin, PTA
Text Neck, Computer Neck, or Forward Head Posture? Here’s Your Solution
Do you find yourself on your tablet, computer, cell phone or other hand held device more and more? Have you noticed, or even worse, have others noticed that your posture has gotten worse over the years? At Team Health Care Clinic, we have seen an incredible increase in injuries and pain from what is commonly called “Text Neck,” “Computer Neck,” or Forward Head Posture. If not corrected, it leads to stubborn neck pain, upper and lower back pain, headaches, shoulder pain and even poor breathing. It later can lead to bulging and eventually degenerative disc disease. How can a forward head posture create all of these conditions?
The problem with Forward Head Posture
We first need to consider that the head is a 10-pound weight sitting on the top of the spine if one has ideal, perfect posture. However, for every inch one’s head moves forward, we add 10 pounds of adjusted weight to the neck and back. So a patient with one-inch forward head posture is applying 20 pounds of weight to the neck and back musculature, vertebra and discs. Two inches forward is 30 pounds of weight and so forth.
Hour after hour, day after day, this extra strain creates an accumulative injury. Vertebral misalignment, knotted muscles and damaged discs eventually develop. The body tries to compensate by altering posture and kinetics, resulting in injuries in the low back, shoulders and arms as well.
This has become an epidemic due to our increasingly sedentary lifestyles and poor posture. Fortunately, at Team Health Care Clinic, our combination of providers developed a unique Forward Head Posture (FHP) rehab program that has proven success.
How does it work?
The FHP program incorporates principles from The Pettibon System, the experience of our chiropractors, and the expertise of our physical therapists. In addition to regular chiropractic adjustments, the patient is engaged in rehab “stations” each time they come in. These stations may include, forward head posture supine traction, standing traction, an innovative rehab chair with a weighted head band, and more. The 20-30 minute treatments are pleasant and not particularly strenuous, just precise for this condition.
Are you a candidate?
The success is high due to our patient selection process. A patient starts with neck x-rays to determine if they have a forward head posture. This requires the doctor to make a series of measurements that is reviewed with the patient. If the measurements confirm the condition, a second x-ray is taken while wearing a rehab, weighted head band.
This x-ray determines if the patient’s neck responds well to the procedure. If the x-ray demonstrates some immediate improvement, it gives the doctor more certainty that the patient will respond permanently with the full FHP program. Approximately 5-10% of patients will be screened out. Midpoint and final x-rays are performed to determine the patients progress.
If you suspect you have worsening posture, start with neck x-rays and determine if you are even a candidate for the program. If you are already a patient, we may be able to use your previous x-rays as a starting point. Don’t wait until there are signs of damage from years of strain to your neck and back.
Joe Bertsch, DC
Allergy Relief with NAET
Many people are plagued by the symptoms of allergies which include sinus problems, rashes, headaches, joint pain and more. Over the counter and prescription treatments often have undesired side effects. For those looking for an effective way to eliminate the cause of your allergies, I suggest you look into NAET.
What is NAET?
NAET stands for Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Technique and is named after the doctor who developed it.
NAET combines healing techniques from various medical disciplines including allopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic, kinesiology and nutrition. It is a completely natural, non-invasive and drug free holistic treatment. The NAET protocol allows practitioners, with incredible accuracy, to test a patient to determine sensitivities. This includes substances that promote an immediate allergic response in a patient as well as substances that cause a delayed immune response (hypersensitivities).
Once a patient’s allergies have been identified, NAET allows the practitioner to assist the patient so that the body will no longer identify that substance as an “allergen,” thereby eliminating the body’s immune response to that item. In other words, patients can now safely consume the food or come into contact with the substance without getting sick from it! Up until NAET, avoidance and drug therapy were the primary choices for treatment for those suffering from allergies.
How does it work?
Allergies are identified by the doctor using kinesiology in the form of muscle response testing (MRT.) MRT works as follows: any given muscle will display weakness in the presence of an allergen (incompatible energy), thereby indicating the allergen is adversely affecting the body. Conversely, a strong muscle response indicates the substance is compatible with the body and there is no allergy present.
If the muscle response is weak, the patient will then be treated holding the allergen in his or her hand, while the nervous system is stimulated up and down the spine by a series of gentle pressures. The patient will then be tested using MRT after the treatment. A strong muscle test in the presence of the allergen indicates that the substance has now been accepted by the brain as compatible.
The fact that a person’s allergies can be eliminated has already changed the lives of many of those who have taken NAET treatments. We have numerous examples of patients in our Champlin, MN clinic who have gotten rid of their allergies and been able to resume a more normal life.
Jay Bertsch, DC