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Now Offering Dry Needling Muscle Trigger Point Therapy!

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a manual physical therapy technique that uses acupuncture needles to treat trigger points in muscles. Instead of leaving the needles shallow in the skin as with traditional acupuncture, the needle glides deeper into the muscle tissue in a pistoning motion to mechanically stimulate blood flow to the knotted area. This can reduce central sensitization, reduce local and referred pain, improve range of motion and muscle activation patterns, and improve the chemical environment of the area. The treatment time is quick and just takes a few moments per muscle group. Sometimes electricity is added to the needle to further stimulate the site, but not required for a successful treatment.

You can expect the treated muscle to feel fatigued and sore, similar to the feeling you get after a good workout or massage. Occassionally there will be bruising at the site that resolves in a few days. Bruising does not occur every time. Very minimal bleeding can occure during the treatment. This happens even less often than bruising.

Dry needling is a wonderful addition to chiropractic care. This allows Dr. B to give more attention to the patient’s soft tissues, improving treatment outcomes for many different neuromusculoskeletal pain patterns. Even patients who report fear of needles have done well recieving treatments. Ask to add it to your next appointment visit for just $45.

Now offering Infrared Sauna!

Infrared Sauna

Come warm up at Baltuska Chiropractic in our new infrared sauna! Sit in 150 degree dry heat for 10 to 25 minutes and sweat until you feel like melted butter. Just $40 per session. Drink plenty of extra water and bring your own towels or use ours if you’d like. Enjoy nude, in clothing or in your bathing suit.

Some of the reported benefits include:
better sleep
relaxation
detoxification
weight loss & increased metabolism
relief from sore muscles
relief from joint pain & arthritis
clearer and tighter skin
improved circulation
stress and fatigue reduction
immune system support
heart health
reduce appearance of cellulite


Always ask your doctor if using an infrared sauna is safe for you before trying it. Especially if you are taking medication or if you have been diagnosed with a disease or illness.

Dr. B has been using his infrared sauna 3-5 times each week for the past 2 years. The research of health benefits via heat exposure are well documented.

Click here to schedule your appointment

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Science Based Nutrition Blood Labs

Now offering Science Based Nutrition Blood Lab Analysis with Supplement Recommendations!

  1. Fill out a symptom survey (ask us for your personalized web link)
  2. Go to Labcorp for a blood draw
  3. Receive a comprehensive nutritional report based on your labs

When we analyse the blood, we can identify discrepancies that may be corrected with dietary changes and supplementation before they become serious health problems. Otherwise, when your blood is evaluated at a routine screening, the doctor that interprets the readings might not explain these recommendations if the results fall within a certain window deemed “normal”. There is a larger opportunity available for patients to act on lab findings before they get out of hand to become irreversible health problems.

By looking at the blood, we can more accurately choose specific supplements the body may be lacking instead of trying supplements based upon symptoms alone. We can also recommend dietary and lifestyle changes based on your specific results.

Dr. B’s office is in Lenexa, KS but can treat patients all over the United States via phone and email.

$375 HSA Health Savings Accounts, and Flexible Spending cards accepted. We do not bill health insurance. If you would like to submit for reimbursement on your own, you may forward your payment receipt to them. Call 913-283-9803 or email [email protected] to get started.

There are 50+ perameters that are measured and recorded on the report listed below. If you are interested in any other specific tests, we may be able to add it to your order for an additional cost.

Glucose, Hemoglobin A1C, Uric Acid, BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen), Creatinine, GFR Est., BUN / Creatinine Ratio, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Total Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G Ratio, Total Bilirubin, Alk. Phosphatase, Creatine Kinase, LDH, SGOT (AST), SGPT (ALT), GGT (r-GTP), Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride, HDL Cholesterol, VLDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio, TSH, T4 Thyroxine, T3 Uptake, T7 (Free T4 Index) (FTI), CRP C-Reactive Protein, Ferritin, Serum Iron, White Blood Count, Red Blood Count, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, Platelets, Polys/Neutrophils (SEGS-PMNS), Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils, Neutrophils/Polys (Absolute), Lymphs (Absolute), Monocytes (Absolute), Eosinophils (Absolute), Basophils (Absolute), Granulocytes – Immature, Granulocytes – Immature, Granulocytes – Immature (Abs), ESR-Erythrocyte Sed Rate, Westergren, Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy (total)

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I didn’t eat for 3 days

More American’s have run a full marathon than have completed a 3 day fast. I was surprised to find it easier than I’d imagined. I attribute this to my practice of intermittent fasting weekly for the past 3 years.

As the healing miracles continue to be revealed in the research of fasting, I had to try it out myself. Most attractive to me was the promise of DNA repair, cellular autophagy (consuming damaged cells), and creating my own stem cells. Some people spend up to $30,000 on stem cell therapy. We have our own internal, built-in pharmacy and can use fasting to regenerate stem cells for free! See geeked out research article excerpts below.

From Thursday night to Sunday night, I drank only water and black coffee. I took a couple capsules of magnesium and potassium each day as well as a small amount of pink himalayan sea salt. Nothing else!

I felt my worst end of day 2 and felt my best end of day 3. I kept up with my daily routine of hot and cold exposure by way of infrared sauna and cold plunge ice bath. My breathwork routine felt wonderful as always and really took the edge off if I started to feel like a headache might be coming. I treated 45 patients over the first 2 days of fasting. I was worried about running out of gas at the office on day 2 and felt that if I could make it past that point, the home stretch on a lazy Sunday would be fine.

The most trying temptations came during the cutting of the pizza for my children on Friday night, and the peeling of apples for them on Saturday afternoon. I slept great night 1 and poorly night 2. I was tossing and turning through the nightmare that I’d eaten one of those beautiful apples, ruining the 3-day streak early. I felt ashamed and upset with myself for not making it as long as I had targeted. What a relief to find upon waking that it wasn’t true.

I tried a urinalysis on Sunday night and found ketones as predicted. This told me that my body had successfully adapted to ketosis to burn fat as fuel instead of carbs. I weighed in on Sunday night down 6 pounds and again on Monday night back up 10 pounds! Now I have a only a slight idea of what my MMA patients have to go through regularly during weight cuts in preparation for fights. 

After a glorious meal Sunday evening, I woke up Monday feeling pretty groggy. After the fog lifted, I felt refreshed, motivated, excited and proud to have accomplished the challenge. One of my favorite osteopaths, Dr. Joseph Mercola, practices prolonged fasting once every quarter to reap the amazing benefits.

The challenge of fasting can be described as “homeodynamic eustress” or good stress. Similar to the good stress that is induced when we exercise. By exposing the human body to these challenges, it becomes stronger. We can sometimes over-train with exercise and cause more harm than good. The same is true of fasting.

Some benefits of prolonged fasting include:

1. Promotes Blood Sugar Control by Reducing Insulin Resistance

2. Promotes Better Health by Fighting Inflammation

3. Enhance Heart Health by Improving Blood Pressure, Triglycerides and Cholesterol Levels

4. Boost Brain Function and Prevent Neurodegenerative Disorders

5. Aids Weight Loss by Limiting Calorie Intake and Boosting Metabolism

6. Increases Growth Hormone 

7. Delay Aging and Extend Longevity

8. Aid in Cancer Prevention and Increase the Effectiveness of Chemotherapy

Fasting is not recommended for everyone! Consult your doctor and proceed at your own risk. 

Side effects of fasting include dizziness, headaches, low blood sugar, muscle aches, weakness, dehydration and fatigue. Prolonged fasting can lead to anemia, a weakened immune system, liver and kidney problems, and irregular heartbeat. Fasting can also result in vitamin and mineral deficiencies, muscle breakdown, and diarrhea. The risks get more complicated and severe the longer you stay on a fast, or if you repeatedly go on fasts.

Individuals who are underweight, struggling with weight gain, under 18 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid prolonged fasting. People with comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease should consult a professional before attempting prolonged fasting.

Geeked-out research:

“72 hours of food restriction can induce widespread upregulation of autophagy in CNS neurons. Disruption of autophagy can cause neurodegenerative disease, and the converse also may hold true: upregulation of autophagy may have a neuroprotective effect. Starvation in neuronal cell lines can remove toxic molecules and damaged mitochondria from neurons.”  

Cheng, Adams, Perin, et al. Prolonged Fasting reduces IGF-1/PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression

“Our results indicate that cycles of an extreme dietary intervention represent a powerful mean to modulate key regulators of cellular protection and tissue regeneration but also provide a potential therapy to reverse or alleviate the immunosuppression or immunosenescence caused by chemotherapy treatment and aging, respectively, and possibly by a variety of diseases affecting the hematopoietic system and other systems and organs. Prolonged fasting reduces damage in bone marrow stem cells.”

Cheng, Adams, Perin, et al. Prolonged Fasting reduces IGF-1/PKA to promote hematopoietic stem cell-based regeneration and reverse immunosuppression

“It is now understood that fasting can switch the metabolism from using glucose as fuel to using fatty acids. This shift seems to trigger our stem cells to become more active and regenerative. Prolonged fasting can activate pathways that enhance immune system regulation improving cellular resistance to toxins and stress. Stem cells drastically increased their rate of regeneration in subjects who were in a fasted state.”

Louis A. Cona, MD Medical Director of DVC Stem cell therapy clinic in Grand Cayman https://www.dvcstem.com/post/fasting-and-stem-cells

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Now Offering BrainTap Headset!

BrainTap Headset

Braintapping is a quick and easy way to relax, reboot and revitalize by optimizing your brain’s peak potential. Backed by neuroscience and research, braintapping is proven to help people who experience high stress, difficulty sleeping, low energy, and other lifestyle challenges. Braintapping guides your mind from an awake, reactionary mind into an intuitive, creative state, then to a place where super-learning and healing can occur, with the outcome being a heightened state of consciousness with crystal clear focus. 

Braintapping creates a symphony of brainwave activity, a feeling of calm focus that’s just right for learning and productivity. Each session is designed with brainwave balance in mind.

Unlike guided audio meditation programs, BrainTap’s exclusive neuro-algorithms gently and naturally guide your brain through a broad range of brainwave patterns, instead of just the Alpha state. The result is a complete spectrum of brainwave activity.

The calming, rejuvenating effects of just 10 to 20 minutes of braintapping serves to balance your nervous system and inoculate you against the stressors of everyday life. Daily braintapping trains your brain to be resilient and creative, and it activates the right mental states at the right time. In other words, you become your best version of you!

The BrainTap Headset brings a whole new dimension by adding the restorative power of light frequency therapy. In addition to the sonic effect from the audio speakers, the headset also delivers gentle light pulses that travel through the ear meridians and the retina, sending direct signals to the brain and guiding you into extraordinary brain states that would otherwise take years of disciplined effort to achieve.

When two different tones, separated in frequency by only a few Hertz, are introduced — one in each ear — the brain perceives a third, unique tone. Binaural beats work by creating this phantom frequency, which the brain then mimics. For example, if we play a 220 Hz carrier tone into the left ear and a 226.5 Hz carrier tone into the right ear, your brain perceives the difference between the two, which is a subtle beat frequency of 6.5 Hz, the same frequency associated with deep, meditative states. Your brain naturally follows this frequency, and you experience this deeply relaxed state.

Pulsing light, in the correct pattern and intensity, can produce levels of deep relaxation known to affect serotonin and endorphin levels, with an average increase of 21 percent in one study. These increases not only can calm and relax the mind but also produce powerful effects in maintaining a positive outlook and optimistic thinking.

We invite you to try the BrainTap Headset at your next visit to Baltuska Chiropractic for just an additional $10 added to your acupuncture treatment or therapy bed or $20 to simply experience BrainTap itself  Schedule your appointment online now using this link

BrainTap Logo

Read more about the BrainTap headset here www.braintap.com

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Halotherapy: Why So Salty?

 

Salt Room HalotherapyWe enjoyed trying out another alternative therapy last weekend. This time it was simply relaxing in a salt room for 30 minutes. These salt therapy rooms try to reproduce the unique microclimate found in natural salt caves or while sitting on the beach near the ocean. They use ultra-dry pharmaceutical grade salt diffused in the room air to help treat a variety of upper and lower respiratory tract disorders and skin conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, cystic fibrosis, eczema, and psoriasis.
During the treatment, microscopic salt particles enter the airways and reach down deep to the cellular level. At this level, particles stimulate airway linings, improve mucous clearance and enable a better immune response to pathogens.
The effects of salt therapy on your sinuses, skin and lungs is vastly different from what you might experience when using nasal sprays and is actually much more effective than what you may experience from a walk on the beach. That is: salt therapy not only alleviates symptoms, but also helps prevent against symptoms recurring. Thus, it helps ward off sickness and reduce dependence on medications. People with psoriasis and eczema may experience dramatic improvement in their skin condition. Other wellness benefits promoted by salt therapy include: less stress, lowered blood pressure, better sleep, and faster recovery from cold and flu symptoms.
We enjoyed our first experience! My wife fell asleep right away and had a 20 minute nap. I practiced the Wim Hof breathing and meditation technique and felt an extra level of relaxation from the salt room atmosphere. We will try to keep this alternative therapy in mind the next time we feel like we want to take the edge off of the listed respiratory symptoms. The business that we went to was in Overland Park, KS and also offered sensory deprivation chambers.

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Wim Hof Breathing Method

WimHofBreathing

Wim Hof Breathing Method

How we breathe has a powerful effect on our physiology. We can alter our breathing technique to significantly improve energy levels, detox the body, relieve stress and tension, and strengthen the immune system. Alternatively, many people suffer daily from shallow, anxious breathing that creates a toxic and acidic body chemistry. With a small amount of guidance and practice, you will quickly understand how easy it is to manipulate your body chemistry on the spot with your breathing. Below is a 10 minute introduction video from Wim Hof himself. Then under that is another video that will guide you through the breathing technique. And below that is a third video of Dr. B practicing one round of breathwork.

The official Wim Hof website warns not to practice this method if you are dealing with epilepsy, uncontrolled high blood pressure, pregnancy, a history of heart disease or stroke. First consult a healthcare professional if you have questions about a serious medical condition.

You can expect instant benefits as quick as your first session. These benefits can also become more pronounced with practice and commitment. Some of these may include:

  • Stress reduction
  • Faster recovery from physical exertion
  • Better sleep
  • Improved sports performance
  • Enhanced creativity
  • More focus and mental clarity

BE WARNED! If you are following along correctly, this will make you feel uncomfortable at first. As he recommends, only practice in a safe and stable environment. (not in a pool or a vehicle) It definitely feels much more comfortable on an empty stomach.

Video in summary:

  • Lay on your back comfortably and breathe 30 inhalations
  • Pull the air deep. First fill the lower abdomen, then chest, then pull air into your head
  • Do not force the exhale and do not exhale completely, simply allow the breathe to leave the lungs naturally
  • After these 30 deep breaths, exhale the last breathe and then do not inhale again for as long as you comfortably can. This length of time will vary for everyone, and will also get longer with practice.
  • As soon as you feel the urge to inhale, go ahead and pull a long, full breath in and then hold it at the peak of full inhale for around 15 seconds. Bear down and increase your abdominal and chest pressure to force the blood into your head.
  • Repeat 1 to 5 times
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DOT Exam & Medical Card $75 at Baltuska Chiropractic in Lenexa, KS

DOT & CDL Physical Exam & Medical Card

$75 at Baltuska Chiropractic 

Call 913-283-9803 OR

Schedule Your Own Appointment Online Now Below:


Stick around after your exam for a Chiropractic Adjustment for just $45 extra!

ATTENTION COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE DRIVERS

Effective May 21, 2014, interstate commercial vehicle (CMV) drivers can no longer get a valid medical certificate from just any healthcare provider. Instead, CMV driver examinations can only be completed by Certified Medical Examiners (CMEs) listed on FMCSA’s National Registry.
The National Registry provides CMV drivers and carriers with a convenient list of medical examiners in their area who have been certified as having the knowledge to determine if a driver can safely handle the medical demands of driving a CMV.

You can find Dr. Baltuska’s listing as a Certified Medical Examiner on the National Registry at this link:

National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners

In preparation for your exam, please bring your driver’s license, an up to date list of your medications, and be prepared to provide a urine sample. (This is not a drug test) Your exam will take approximately 20 minutes. If you get the chance, you can print and begin filling out the first 2 pages of your intake paperwork using this link.

Call 913-283-9803 to schedule your DOT Exam at Baltuska Chiropractic in Lenexa, KS.

Dr. Kelly Baltuska, DC, CME

CME DOT ExamDr. Kelly Baltuska, DC Lenexa Chiropractor

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Now offering Custom Fit Orthotics at Baltuska Chiropractic!

Foot Levelers custom orthotics support all 3 arches of the foot, which make up the plantar vault. They’re made by hand, based on a digital scan of your unique ankle and foot anatomy. Just as no two bodies are alike, no two pairs of Foot Levelers custom orthotics are alike.
Once the foot hits the floor, everything changes. The biomechanics of the body respond and adapt to the ergonomics of the feet. Over-pronation and flat feet are common culprits of many different health problems. Research demonstrates how custom fit orthotics help to alleviate back pain, neck pain, foot pain, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, achilles tendonitis, shin splints, headaches, and fatigue.

Dr. B has enjoyed the benefits of Foot Levelers custom orthotics since 2010 after having a custom scan at Chiropractic College. Now he is very excited to have the technology available at his practice to offer this same service and product to his patients for $319+tax. Tell us you want a pair at your next visit and it will take just a few extra minutes to digitally scan your feet. Then your custom fit orthotics will be shipped and ready to pick up in 1-2 weeks.

Schedule your next Adjustment online now using this link

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No Gym? No Problem! Dr. B’s 5 Favorite Exercises Against Gravity

bodyweightExercise

We don’t need a gym membership or fancy equipment to have a great exercise routine. Simply pushing against and resisting the forces of body weight and gravity are all we need to stay fit. Some experts argue that these exercises are safer and more efficient than using equipment. Try it for yourself! Beginners should start with just 10 repetitions, 3 times per week.
Pushups
Pushups are a classic body weight exercise that are simple and effective. They must be done with proper form to reduce potential injury at your shoulder, wrist or lower back. Common mistakes may be corrected by paying attention to the position of your arms, elbows and shoulders and by activating your core muscles.
Your hands should be shoulder-width apart and slightly behind your shoulders, toward your feet. Fingers are facing forward. Your elbows bend to approximately a 45-degree angle with your fingers widely spaced for balance and to increase the work of your lower arms, accessing more strength to lower and raise your body. Keep your elbows close to your body as you move through the exercise to give you more leverage.
Imagine squeezing something between your armpits and your body to keep your elbows aligned. Your elbows should stay above your wrists at the bottom of the movement, making a 45-degree angle at the elbows. If your elbows go past your wrists or flare to the outside, it increases your potential for experiencing an elbow overuse injury. Beginners modify pushups to reduce your effort by doing pushups from your knees instead of on your toes.

  1. Begin laying on your stomach on the floor, knees and hands shoulder-width apart and palms flat to the floor.
  2. Rise on your toes, elbows straight but not locked. Knees, hips, back and shoulders should be in a straight line. Hands remain palms to the floor with fingers pointing forward.
  3. Bend your elbows until your chest is an inch or so from the ground. Keep your head in a neutral position, looking no more than 6 inches in front of your body with your chin tucked.
  4. Straighten your elbows, pushing your body back into the start position without locking your elbows, all while keeping your knees, hips and back aligned and straight.

Triceps Dips
Your triceps are the muscles that run down the backside of your upper arm and may jiggle when you raise your arm to wave. These exercises can be done on a stable chair, bench or on a set of stairs. While sitting on the chair or step, place your hands shoulder-width apart on a chair or step with your fingers pointing toward your legs. Slide your bottom off, keeping your legs straight and place your weight over the heel of your hand.
Straighten your arms without locking your elbows to reduce strain on the elbow joints. Bend your elbows to lower your bottom until your elbow is at 90 degrees. Keep your back close to the chair and elbows in to your body as you raise and lower yourself. This is one repetition. Do not go past 90 degrees to reduce strain on the elbow joint. You can make the movement easier by bending your knees to 90 degrees and more difficult by raising your heels off the ground on a bench or chair.
Plank Ups
This is a simple exercise that is highly effective and more tiring than you might think. Start out in a plank position, identical to the starting position of a pushup. Instead of raising and lowering your body by bending both elbows simultaneously, you’ll be shifting your weight first to your right arm while bending your elbow on your left arm and placing your left arm on the floor with your elbow directly under your shoulder.
Moving your weight to your left arm, place your right arm with elbow bent on the floor, hand facing forward and elbow under your shoulder. Next shift your weight back to your right arm, straighten your left arm and push up on your left arm. Straighten your right arm with both hands directly under your shoulders. This up and down action is one repetition.
Bodyweight Squats
This simple squat maneuver works your core, quadriceps, calf muscles and glutes. Done correctly your knees will not go over your toes as this places undue stress on your knee joints. Begin in a standing position, feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing straight forward and shoulders relaxed. Start the squat by bending at your hips, extending your bottom back as if you were getting ready to sit in a chair.
This protects your knee joints from excess stress. At first you may aim to get your knees to 90 degrees while sinking your weight into your heels and not over your toes. Use your arms for balance. Stay in the position for a second or two before rising.
Walking Lunges
These exercises help your balance, coordination, leg, glutes and core strength. Start in a standing position. Take one step forward, placing your foot slightly in front of your body without overextending. Sink down until your front knee is at a 90-degree angle without your knee crossing in front of your toes. Keep your weight balanced in the middle of the movement without shifting forward or back.
Push forward with your back leg as you drive your weight through the heel of your forward foot, using your quadriceps and glutes to raise your body. Swing the back leg forward as if taking a step and repeat. This describes one repetition.

Enjoy this 1 minute video below to help instruct you through each exercise: