Menu

Location

Lines of Force

Most chronic joint-related problems involving the hip, knee, and ankle1,2 can be successfully managed with conservative treatment. Surgery for such conditions is typically a last resort and frequently does not work out well. Revision (repeat) procedures are common and represent a failure of appropriate patient selection. Severe, unrelenting, intractable pain is a suitable indication for procedures such as total joint replacement. But the best solution, of course, is to never get to such a set of circumstances in the first place. Chronic joint-related pain is often the result of faulty biomechanics. Abnormal mechanical stresses cause pain. The biggest part of the solution of such problems is learning how to correctly use your personal machine, that is, your own body.

We almost never think of what it takes for our body to work properly until something goes wrong. Usually what's going on physiologically is a seamless process, hidden from our conscious mind. However if we're experiencing chronic joint pain (or, better, at the first sign of such pain), it's time to become proactive.

Mechanical problems involving joints may be conceived as "crossing energies." Mechanical loads (such as forces of gravity) are best opposed by forces arrayed in parallel to, or perpendicular to, the force being supported. Such parallel or perpendicular forces may be thought of as "straight energies." Forces that are not "straight", that is, forces deployed at an acute angle, will cause mechanical stress to a joint over time. Such ongoing stress will damage muscles, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in strains and sprains. If these injuries are not corrected and become chronic, one may begin to experience a great deal of misery.3

Employing "straight" lines of force does not involve actually doing anything physically. Rather, such "straight energies" are activated by a process of visualization. You "see" the straight lines in your mind. To do this, you visualize a straight line running from your hip socket, through the center of your knee, across the center of your ankle, and down to the space between your first and second toes. The straight-line visualization connects your hip socket, knee, ankle, and first/second toe in both standing and bent-knee positions. Your mental image of these straight lines causes specialized nerve endings (proprioceptors) in your hip, knee, ankle, and foot to align these joints and align the mechanical actions of associated muscle-tendon groups. The result is balanced mechanical forces traversing these joints and, over time, reduction in pain. Time may be required for injured soft tissues to heal, but the typical long-term result is decreased pain and improved function.

The "straight" lines of force solution is low-tech and simple. Practice and consistency will go a long way toward successful management of chronic joint-related pain.

1Fox AS, et al: What is normal? Female lower limb kinematic profiles during athletic tasks used to examine anterior cruciate ligament injury risk: a systematic review. Sports Med 44(6):815-832, 2014
2Calatayud J, et al: Exercise and ankle sprain injuries: a comprehensive review. Phys Sportsmed 42(1):88-93, 2014
3Sidorkewicz N, et al: Examining the effects of altering hip orientation on gluteus medius and tensor fascae latae interplay during common non-weight-bearing hip rehabilitation exercises. Clin Biomech 2014 Sep 15. pii: S0268-0033(14)00213-7. doi: 10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2014.09.002. [Epub ahead of print]

Locations

Find us on the map

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

10:30 AM

07:00 PM

Tuesday:

By Appointment only

Wednesday:

10:30 AM

07:00 PM

Thursday:

By Appointment Only

Friday:

10:30 AM

02:00 PM

Saturday:

9:00 AM

02:00 PM

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Reviews By Our Satisfied Patients

  • "We have been coming here for years. They are attentive to our pains and ailments. John and Maggie have helped to keep me and my wife's maintain active lifestyles."
    Russ Q.
  • "I have met Dr. Maggie through the Dance Fitness world and Her and Dr. John are amazing. I started going to their practice from time to time for a few years now to get an alignment. I always walk out feeling better, especially when I am sitting all day at work and all that hip action I do while teaching dance fitness classes. Check them out."
    Anthony C.
  • "Awesome service, have been coming here for years. Dr. John and staff are the best. Every time I come here I am treated like royalty. My needs and expectations are met. Keep up the good work!!!"
    Mark R.
  • "Wow. I've been dealing with sciatic nerve pain for 8 months already and after seeing multiple chiropractors (one even sent me to the ER twice), PCP, orthopedic surgeon, and multiple acupuncturists FINALLY found relief with Dr. McHaney. He took the time to really listen and figure out what the root cause was. After just one treatment with him, I was able to walk outside and play with my toddler for the first time in almost a month. After being bedridden, doped up on all kinds of pain meds and still be in excruciating pain from the slightest movement for what felt like an eternity, I can tell you-- it made me extremely emotional and so grateful for Dr. McHaney. Finally a doctor who doesn't just use a one-size-fits-all approach and truly cares about his patients. Five starts just isn't enough."
    Michelle L.
  • "Love your services. Thank you for fixing me up. I'm telling everyone that you all totally rock. I can't wait to come back again."
    Hovito F.
  • "Great therapy and the staff is so professional I recommend this to anyone who needs a chiropractor I feel so much better when I leave there"
    Elvia R.