Vagal Organization

It is important to guard against an overly simplistic view of things, as several past experiences have shown us how complex vagal organization is.  It is interesting to note some disappointing results following vagal neurotomies.

Ulcer Surgery
Very popular in the past, ulcer surgery is now performed less frequently due to the progress made by the pharmaceutical industry and also because of its lack of positive long-term results.

The vagus nerves were more or less resected at the level of the cardia to obtain a decrease in hydrochloric acid. Even if the effect on the pain was very rapid, such resection caused considerable digestive problems. In addition, do to the interaction of nerve filament anastomoses, the hyperacidity gradually reappeared.

In any case, surgical resection of the vagus nerve does not resolve the psycho-emotional conflicts experienced by the patient; nor does it erase the cortical representation of the organ.

Helicobacter Pylori
Two Australian researches received the Nobel Prize for proving the role of Helicobacter pylori in stomach ailments (2005).  For a long time, physicians had been noticing a reduction in gastric pain following courses of antibiotics prescribed for other reasons.

Without denying the role of Helicobacter, we might still ask the following question: Why do these bacteria appear and proliferate in certain individuals?  Simplistically, we know that some mushrooms grow in certain parts of the forest and others grow nearby.  It is certainly the same for pathogenic germs that require a particular genetic, metabolic, hormonal and emotional terrain.

We do not deny the value of medical treatment, but it is certainly not the only approach to the problem. The issue therein lies in considering the pathetic and parasympathetic systems into a stimulating or calming category.  This simplistic division is not possible, as, interestingly enough, their actions are often opposing.  For example, the sympathetic system stimulates the heart and relaxes the stomach, whereas the vagus nerve does the opposite.  However, it is through the balance of their actions that the organism is able to function harmoniously.  When one system dominates or is dominated by the other, dysfunction and sometime illness appear.

The role of DOM is not to try to have a precise effect on one or the other, but to provide information to the nervous system in order that it may self-regulator.  Doctors of Oriental Medicine turn to Andrew Taylor Still’s concept, according to which the organism is well able to care for itself.  DOMs first responsibility is to free the organism of all mechanical constraints, whether these be in the skull, the neck, the thorax, or the abdomen.  It is through the central nervous system and the reflexes which follow our treatment that our actions have an effect.

Visceral Movement, Posture, Tension Receptors

Fascia surrounds and embeds the viscera, and the organs are simply a part of the movement continuum within the body cavities.  Mobility of the organs will help promote serious fluid movement between peritoneal, dural, pericardial, and pleural membranes, as well as within the muscular and mucosal alyers of the organs themselves. As the movement passes through thte organs, the mesenteries will be slightly distorted and will stretch and accommodate this movement, as well as the shifting pressures and stretches caused by changing volumes in the hollow organs as well as respiratory movements.

The mesenteries, peritoneal ligaments and muscle walls of the organs have various receptors that are sensitive to a range of stimuli both physical and chemical.  It seems that the fascial attachments of the organs can act as tension monitors, detecting the amount and possibly direction of forces acting upon the organs.  Factors that stimulate these receptors are not completely understood but it is being recognized that they might play a role in whole-body balance mechanisms through potential links with the vestibular system.  This takes the concept of visceral movement to a level beyond mere nutrition and into general body functioning and balance.

Osteopaths incorporate these concepts into their general biomechanical assessment of the body and these theories partly underpin their approach to three- dimensional movement disorders, where asymptomatic visceral restrictions are related to musculosketal system restrictions, strains and symptoms.

Poor visceral support can lead to viscera-ptosis or organ prolapsed.  This commonly affects the pelvic organs, as it is a result of pelvic floor weakness, or the gastrointestinal organs through a weakened lower abdominal wall (herniation).

Generalized changes in body posture seem to be related to alteration in visceral support mechanisms.  Body cavity alignment and organ position do seem to change as people age, usually with the result that organs shift inferiorly over time.  A number of changes have been noted through research. Hyoid position lowers as people age, which leads to changes in position of the mandible and descent of oropharyngeal structures.  The diaphragm descends slightly, which is related to decrease in thoracic cage diameters.  Spinal changes, especially loss of lumbar lordosis, are related to pelvic organ prolapsed, and the pelvic floor lowers with age.  Organ prolapsed is known to be multifactorial, with debate about the role of collagen and the smooth muscle content of local tissues, for example.

What is Manual Manipulation Therapy?

Manual Manipulation is best described as a cross between physical therapy, massage, chiropractic-osteo therapy, and other hands-on approaches. This hands on treatment helps to restore health and function based on a thorough evaluation of the restriction patterns present in the body. The treatment is gentle and the process allows the patient to remain fully clothed. Over eight million Americans have incorporated such techniques as a primary part of their health care.

Who Can Benefit from Manual Therapy?

Everyone from infants to adults can benefit from Manual Therapy. It is beneficial in cases of emotional or physical trauma, or chemical disturbances since these factors can weaken the body and influence the body’s overall health and well-being. Manual Therapy releases restrictions and blockages within the body which in turn helps to improve posture, circulation, and range of motion.

Manual Medicine can include rib and chest maneuveurs such as the thoracic pump to help improve respiratory function and the body’s immune response. It is useful for situations such as pneumonia, bronchitis, emphysema and asthma. Lymphatic techniques move fluids when disease causes fluid stagnation such as in the flu, a cold, the hangover or congestive heart failure. It helps gets the toxins out of the cellular areas into circulation and out the excretory system. Removing toxins at the cellular level improves how those tissues work and encourages the inherent healing power of the body to do a better job of bringing the person back to health. Splenic pump techniques get the white blood cells into circulation so they can, in larger numbers, search and destroy the bacterial and viral enemy. This immune protection process is a normal one, we just speed it up a bit.

What Can Manual Therapy Treat?

Manual Therapy helps with imbalances an pain caused from:

• Physical Trauma- accidents, sports injuries, bike falls, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, rehab, physical accidents, stroke rehabilitation, headaches, menstrual cramps, tennis elbow, whip lash, edmena, fibromyalgia, myofascial pain, osteoarthritis, neck pain, lower pack pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, breathing challenges associated with allergies, pre and post surgery and more!  Manual therapy has also been an eff3ective way to treat scoliosis and ankylosing spondylitis.  Degree of difficulty may vary.
• Emotional trauma – stress, depression
• Weakened Immune System, from chemical disturbances, viral and bacterial infections, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.

How Many Treatments Will it Take Before I feel a Change in my Body?

As each persons situation is different, the number of visits will vary.  Many people experience significant improvement within three to five therapy sessions.  Others, however, may require additional treatment. You and your practitioner will develop a plan based on your individual needs and how your body responds to treatment.

What is Osteopathy?

The body is composed of interdependent structures functioning as a whole. The slightest of misalignments– as little as 100 microns thick, the width of a sheet of paper– can cause resistance and dysfunctions within the body which in turn can accumulate over time preventing optimal function, balance, and health. It can be compared to a tiny drop of water that causes a huge ripple effect throughout a body of water. If one part of the human body is affected, it automatically influences other parts. Correcting these disturbances can alleviate illness and dysfunction. Osteopathic treatment involves a hands-on-care approach to locate and dissipate the sources of stress or misalignment. These stressors or restrictions within the body may result from physical or emotional traumas, illness, disease, toxicity, or inflammation.

Osteopaths understand that the body is always seeking to restore balance and is self correcting. Osteopathic Manual Therapy is hands-on care. It involves moving your muscles and joints using techniques such as stretching, gentle pressure and resistance.

Osteopathic Manual Therapy can help people of all ages and backgrounds. It can:

• ease pain
• promote healing
• increase mobility

Osteopathic Manual Therapy is often used to treat muscle pain. But it can also help patients with a number of other health problems such as:

•  asthma
• sinus disorder
• carpal tunnel syndrome
• migraines
• menstrual pain

When appropriate, Osteopathic Manual Treatment can complement––and even replace––drugs or surgery. In this way, it brings an important dimension to standard medical care.

 Does Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment or OMT Work?

Consider the results of a study published in a 2003 issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine. Researchers observed the effects of OMT as an added treatment for children suffering from frequent ear infections. Patients were divided into two groups. One group received routine care for the infections while the other received routine care plus OMT.

The results found a potential benefit of using OMT as an added treatment by possibly preventing or decreasing the need for surgical interventions or the overuse of antibiotics.

In addition, The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in November 1999. In the study, researchers looked at how well OMT works to treat low-back pain.

Patients were divided into two groups. One group got standard treatments, such as hot and cold packs, physical therapy, and drugs. The other group received standard care plus OMT.

Twelve weeks later, patients in both groups felt better. But those in the OMT group used less medication and less physical therapy. That meant they had fewer side effects and lower health care costs.

How Many Treatments Will it Take Before I feel a Change in my Body?

As each person’s situation is unique, the number of visits may vary. Many people experience a significant improvement within three to five therapy sessions, while others may require additional treatment.  Work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan specific to your individual needs.

Premier Hematology & Oncology – Florida Hospital Orlando

What is Hematology?

Hematology is the medical specialty that involves the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood. Doctors of Hematology treat various blood diseases ranging from anemia, blood clotting disorders or other disorders of the blood or blood-forming organs. In fact, a hematologist will often diagnose and treat cancers of the blood, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Hematology is separate from but overlapping with the subspecialty of medical oncology. This is why hematology and oncology are mentioned together. Doctors of Hematology and Oncology have completed a specialized residency program after finishing medical school and a residency in internal medicine.

How hematology and primary care doctors differ

Beyond ordering a hematology panel and perhaps reading hematology results, your general doctor will not practice much hematology. While your primary care physician is excellent for most illnesses that you are likely to encounter, he will likely refer you to a hematologist if your hematology results are abnormal. Because doctors of hematology complete extensive additional training, they are the premier hematology specialists. In central Florida, many of the hematology referrals that are made come to the specialists at Premier Hematology & Oncology.

Why you might need a doctor of hematology?

Most often, your doctor will be the one to make a referral to a hematologist for a full or specialized hematology panel and workup. Some patients visit a hematologist directly, however. Patients that have been previously been diagnosed with anemia, blood clotting disorders or other disorders of the blood or blood-forming organs may want to contact a hematologist directly for treatment and follow up.  These diseases can be challenging to and treat, a premier hematology provider can offer answers where others have failed.

If you need a hematologist

Before your hematology appointment, it is helpful to understand your hematology results so that you can have an informed discussion. For example, RBC stands for red blood cells, which are the cells that carry oxygen. If this value is low, it could indicate anemia. WBC, on the other hand, stands for white blood cells. White blood cells are the immune system cells that attack infections in the body. This number goes up in infection, but abnormalities could mean a number of different things. The third component of a hematology panel (CBC) is platelet number. Platelets help the blood form clots. If platelets are too low, it could mean that the blood will not clot as effectively.

If you are in Central Florida and want to speak with a hematology or oncology provider, contact Premier Hematology & Oncology.

Premier Hematology Doctors

• Dr. Ricardo Crisostomo, MD
• Dr. David Robinson, MD

Premier Hematology & Oncology
400 Celebration Place, Suite A270
Celebration, Florida 34747
Phone: (407) 303-4078
Fax: (407) 303-4083

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute of Kissimmee
1300 West Oak Street
Kissimmee, FL 34741
407-944-5240
Fax: 407-944-5251

Neuro-oncology Orlando: Florida Hospital

Neuro-oncology Orlando: Florida Hospital

When it comes to brain cancer, it takes a village—a village of specialized physicians, that is. Brain cancer is a complex problem and brain cancer treatments are rarely provided by just one doctor. Not only does it take many physicians and surgeons working as a single  neuro-oncology team, but each of these individuals should be specially trained to treat every unique group of people.

One model of how neuro-oncology in Orlando should be practiced can be found at the Florida Hospital Neuro-Oncology Center. The oncology group at Florida Hospital employs a staff of leading physicians specifically trained to provide effective brain cancer treatments, and in many cases, brain cancer cures. Their oncology group has experts in medical oncology and radiation oncology. The experts in medical oncology provide chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and other medical brain cancer treatments. Likewise, specialists in radiation oncology deliver internal and external radiation treatment when appropriate.

Another part of a neuro-oncology team is the surgeon. Florida Hospital Neuro-Oncology Center has dedicated neurosurgeons on staff remove solid brain tumors. They use the latest surgical, and minimally invasive procedures to provide the best chance of experiencing brain cancer cures. Not only do all of these medical and surgical professionals work in the same hospital, they work as a multidisciplinary team to provide their patients with the best possible brain cancer treatments.

Florida Hospital Neuro-Oncology Center
2501 North Orange Avenue Suite 249
Orlando, FL  32804

Florida Hospital For Children – Pediatric Hematology

Florida Hospital For Children Pediatric Hematology

We often take our blood for granted. When we develop a disorder of the blood like cancer, however, we begin to appreciate how important the blood really is. When blood cancer strikes a child, as it does too often, effective treatment becomes the singular focus. Fortunately Florida Hospital for Children doctors of pediatric hematology and the children’s oncology group are experts in fighting these diseases.

Blood disorders usually start in the bone marrow, which is the soft tissue in the center of the long bones of the body. Bone marrow is the place where blood cells are born but also the place where cancers of the blood come from as well. Many diseases of the blood can be cured with a procedure called a bone marrow transplant. While, cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma are particularly suited for treatment with a bone marrow transplant, non-cancerous blood diseases like sickle cell anemia and congenital neutropenia (low white blood cells) can be treated with the procedure, too.

In a bone marrow transplant, a doctor of oncology or of pediatric hematology infuses drugs into the bloodstream which target and kill the cancer and disease causing cells. Virtually all of the bone marrow is killed at the same time. Since people must have bone marrow in order to live a normal life, this is where the “transplant” of a bone marrow transplant comes into play.

In an allogenic bone marrow transplant (for humans, allogenic means tissue or cells that come from another human), bone marrow that people have generously donated is purified and made ready for transplant. The children’s oncology physician or nurse infuses the donor bone marrow into the bloodstream of the patient. The marrow cells make their way to the bones and begin to make new, healthy blood cells.

While allogenic bone marrow transplant and autologous bone marrow transplant are performed routinely, it is still a specialized treatment and not available at every hospital. If your child needs this lifesaving treatment, you will be referred to one of a number of bone marrow transplant hospitals. In central Florida, the Florida Hospital for Children is the home of expert oncology and pediatric hematology physicians. Their children’s oncology group specializes in the treatment of blood diseases and cancer, but also in the care of children. After all, each patient is a person and when it comes to pediatric hematology, each person is a child.

David N. Robinson, MD – Hematology & Oncology

David N. Robinson, MD – Hematology & Oncology

 

Board certified in oncology and internal medicine, Dr. Robinson brings more than 15 years of clinical
experience in the treatment of cancer and blood diseases.  Appointments may be scheduled now by calling 407- 303-4078.

Specializing In:

• Diagnosis and treatment service of all cancers
• Administration of inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy
• Controlling symptoms and pain associated with cancer
• Blood disorders
• Access to clinical trials

Profile:

• Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology , Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA
• Residency in Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond, VA
• Doctor of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
  Board Certification, American Board of Oncology and American Board of Internal Medicine
• Medical Director, Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, Osceola Division
• Volunteer Faculty, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, Orlando, FL

Ricardo H. Crisostomo, MD – Hematology & Oncology

 

Ricardo H. Crisostomo, MD – Hematology & Oncology

 

Ricardo H. Crisostomo, MD has joined David N. Robinson, MD on the medical staff of Premier Hematology & Oncology. Board certified in Medical Oncology and Internal Medicine, Dr. Crisostomo is dedicated to promoting cancer awareness and prevention through a Christian-based approach. Appointments may be scheduled now by calling 407- 303-4078.

Specializing In:

• Diagnosis and treatment service of all cancers
• Administration of inpatient and outpatient chemotherapy
• Controlling symptoms and pain associated with cancer
• Blood disorders
• Access to clinical trials

Profile:

• Fellowship in Hematology – Medical Oncology, VA Medical Center, San Juan, PR
• Residency in Internal Medicine, San Juan City Hospital, San Juan, PR
• Doctor of Medicine, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal da Bahía, Brazil
• Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine – Medical Oncology
• Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine

Building Muscle Without Weights

Many men and women are trying to get in shape and tone up their bodies. Naturally a major part of this is eating right and adopting a fitness regimen that is suitable for you and what you wish to accomplish. What many individuals do not realize is that you can begin building muscle without weights. Although weight lifting, whether it is with free weights or machines, is a great way to build lean muscle mass, there are alternative ways to pack on a little extra muscle.

One of the most common approaches to building muscle without weights is calisthenics. Both men and women embrace these practices in order to tone up their bodies and/or build some real muscle mass. Now, in order to get started, you should first understand what calisthenics are. If you do not already know, these are essentially exercises that incorporate resistance. By imposing resistance on your muscles, you cause them to work harder and tear to some degree. This is turn causes them to heal larger than they were before. Put simply, this is building muscle without weights.

At this point, we should go over several of the basic muscle building exercises that do not involve weights. Some of these calisthenics are push ups, crunches, dips, leg raises, sit ups, calf raises, air squats, and pull ups. Generally the most difficult of all these exercises is pull ups. If you do not work out and are not used to doing pull ups, do not expect to just start reeling them off like they are no big thing. The reality is that you may not even be able to do one, but that is okay and totally normal. Pull ups work the lateral muscles under your arms. So basically that muscle has to be able to lift your entire body. Well, along with your back and shoulder muscles anyway.

The key with building muscle without weights is routine. You must adopt a routine or regimen and beef it up as time moves forward. This means if you begin doing pull ups for your lats, push ups for your chest and shoulders, sit ups for your abdominals, and dips for your triceps, you need to increase the number of reps as you are able to accomplish more. This only makes sense when trying to start building muscle without weights. Even weight lifters increase the amount of weight they use, as well as the number of reps. In the end, the key is to be consistent and really challenge your muscles. By mixing things up and putting strain on your different muscle groups, you can really begin to build lean muscle mass, but without utilizing free weights and weight lifting machines.

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