For the vast majority of my career, many physical therapists have criticized the practice of chiropractics and some other integrated medicines. I've always believed that if the patient is feeling better by the time they leave your practice then you are doing something right. PTs are skeptical bunch and so I took it upon myself to stop criticizing and get involved with a chiropractic facility in hopes to learn and educate chiropractors on what I did as a PT. The combination has since been a success. Bridging the gap is truly an important step in medicine so that the patient can get the best care possible.
The following is an interview with Dr. Sam Rowan, a chiropractor in Chantilly,Virginia. Dr. Rowan comes to this interview with great first hand knowledge on chiropractic care. Please read on to learn more about the role of chiropractics in today's burgeoning health field.
About Dr. Sam Rowan:
Dr. Rowan comes from Arthurdale, West Virginia. He has been adjusting and educating patients to good health through chiropractic care since 2001. He has practiced chiropractic in Iowa, Illinois, Arizona andVirginia.
Dr. Rowan went to West Virginia University for undergraduate school and two Masters Degrees. While in West Virginia he served his country in the Army National Guard for eight years. From WVU he went to Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, IA.
He was a scholarship rugby player at Palmer and is still active in the rugby community. Dr. Rowan has been working with athletes and athletic teams since he started school. He was nationally certified in Personal Training and Sports Nutrition. Dr. Rowan also does Safety and Ergonomic consulting and training.
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Let's see what Dr. Rowan has to tell us.
WR101: What helped you to choose chiropractics as a career?
Dr. Rowan: I had just finished my second masters and was headed to medical school when I met a crazy Chiropractor that changed my life. I follow him around his office for 2 days and left for Chiropractic School two months later.
WR101: Describe chiropractics in terms of the health care continuum and your place in it.
Dr. Rowan: The main focus of chiropractics is the nervous system. The nervous system is the communication system for the body. Everything is controlled by the nerves system. When the nervous system has interference in it, either from the brain to the body or from the body to the brain, the tissue cannot properly heal itself. It only takes the pressure of a dime to cut nerve flow by 70%. My place is to adjust and educate as many people as possible to good health through
chiropractic care.
WR101: What would you say your specialties are?
Dr. Rowan: Sports injuries and low back conditions.
WR101: What is the best part of your job?
Dr. Rowan: I see miracles everyday. I enjoy educating patients on how to take care of themselves. I view myself more as a coach. I can teach you everything you need to know to take care of your condition. However,you must do the work. You are responsible the end result.
WR101: As a health care professional, what concerns do you foresee about the future with patients?
Dr. Rowan: I am encouraged about the future. Patients coming in are sick and tired of being sick and tired. The days of solving everything with a pill, potion or lotion are over. The body has everything it needs to heal itself. "The doctor of the future will give no medicine but will interest his patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and prevention of disease." Attributed to Thomas Edison.
WR101: How does exercise play a role in what you do?
Dr. Rowan: Exercise is the key. Once a joint is realigned it must be strengthened in that position in order to reduce the chance of that injury returning. If the right musculature is not strengthened, the problem will not go away. Rehab is a journey that takes time and dedication.
WR101: Which exercise in your mind would you say is the best for someone that has low back pain?
Dr. Rowan: To correct low back pain you HAVE to strength the core. I love bridging or plank exercises. This should be performed on a stable surface working up to unstable surfaces.
WR101: Which exercise would you say is the best for neck pain?
Dr. Rowan: Retraction exercises. Our culture is geared toward anterior head carriage from long hours at the desk. This breaks down the cervical spine and strains the cervical musculature.
WR101: If you could say, what are one or two of the best or most common professional recommendations for preventing injury and or disease?
Dr. Rowan: 1. Hydration: Your body needs water for everything; and 2. Warm Up: Many injuries could be prevented with a proper warm up.
WR101: What would a site like Wellness Revolution 101, do for your patients?
Dr. Rowan: Wellness is about taking responsibility for you own health. The more you educate yourself on health and wellness, the easier it is to maintain health and wellness. Wellness Revolution 101 is part of the education process.
WR101: Please list your email address and/or website.
Dr. Rowan: www.novapainandrehab.com and drrowan@novapainandrehab.com
WR101:: Your work location and phone number if anyone wants to seek your help and advice?
Dr. Rowan: 14290 Sullyfield Circle, suite 100, Chantilly, VA 20151WR101: Thanks for your time Dr Rowan.
Dr. Rowan: My pleasure Wellness Revolution 101!