Category: News

Why Student Athletes Need Sports Physicals

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., palpating the spine of a patient performing bird dog exercise

As a parent, you want the best for your student athlete. From ensuring they have the right gear to supporting them at games, every aspect of their athletic journey matters. But before they hit the field, court or track, there’s one crucial step that often gets overlooked: a dedicated sports physical.

Why Sports Physicals Matter

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical exam, is not just a formality — it’s a vital component of your child’s overall health and safety in sports. Conducted by a healthcare provider with expertise in sports medicine, such as Dr. Nate, these exams are designed to:

  1. Assess physical fitness: A comprehensive evaluation helps determine if your child is physically fit to participate in sports. This includes checking vital signs, assessing strength and flexibility, and evaluating any existing health conditions or previous injuries that could affect performance.
  2. Identify potential risks: Sports physicals help uncover underlying health issues or risk factors that may predispose your child to injury during athletic activities. From heart conditions to musculoskeletal problems, early detection is key to preventing serious complications on the field.
  3. Ensure safe participation: By reviewing your child’s medical history and conducting a thorough examination, Dr. Nate can provide personalized recommendations to minimize the risk of injury and promote safe participation. This may include tailored training programs, injury prevention strategies or referrals to specialists for further evaluation.
  4. Optimize performance: Beyond safety, sports physicals also focus on optimizing athletic performance. Dr. Nate can offer guidance on nutrition, hydration, sleep and other factors that contribute to peak performance, helping your child reach their full potential on the field.

The Importance of Working with a Sports Med Specialist

As a board-certified chiropractor with specialized training in sports medicine, Dr. Nate is uniquely qualified to conduct sports physicals for student athletes. With a deep understanding of the demands of various sports and the biomechanics of the human body, he provides comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and performance aspects of athletic participation.

Don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your child’s sports physical. By prioritizing their health and safety from the outset, you’re setting them up for success both on and off the field. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ensure your student athlete is ready to excel in their sport.

The Importance of Early Intervention for Childhood Scoliosis

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Picture of a chiropractor assessing a child's spine

If you’re a parent, you understand the importance of keeping an eye on your child’s health as they grow. One condition that may not be on your radar but requires attention is childhood scoliosis. Scoliosis affects the curvature of the spine and can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

Imagine your child’s spine as the backbone of their overall health. When scoliosis develops, it can affect more than just their posture. It can impact their lung capacity, heart function and even their ability to move comfortably. Severe cases, known as severe kyphosis, can interfere with breathing, digestion and cognitive function, affecting your child’s quality of life both now and in the future.

Signs of Scoliosis

As a parent, it’s essential to be vigilant for signs of scoliosis. Watch for the following signs:

  • Uneven shoulders
  • A prominent shoulder blade
  • A visibly curved spine

While some cases are mild and may not require treatment, others may progress and need intervention to prevent further complications.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care offers a gentle, non-invasive approach to managing childhood scoliosis. Through targeted adjustments and corrective exercises, chiropractors can help improve spinal alignment, reduce discomfort and slow or halt the progression of the condition.

If you notice any signs of scoliosis in your child, don’t wait to seek help. Early detection and intervention are crucial for preventing future complications. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your child gets the care they need to thrive.

Embracing Healthy Aging with Chiropractic Care

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., talking to an older male patient who is touching his arm, indicating elbow pain.

Aging is a natural process that brings about changes in your body, but it doesn’t mean you have to resign to aches, pains and decreased mobility. Chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to healthy aging, focusing on optimizing spinal health, mobility and overall well-being.

Maintains Proper Spinal Alignment

One of the key benefits of chiropractic care for healthy aging is its focus on maintaining proper spinal alignment. As you age, years of wear and tear, poor posture and injuries can lead to spinal misalignments, which contribute to a host of health issues, including chronic pain, reduced mobility and decreased quality of life. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, alleviate pressure on nerves and restore proper function to the musculoskeletal system, allowing for improved mobility and reduced pain.

Optimizes Joint Function

In addition to addressing spinal health, chiropractic care also emphasizes the importance of maintaining optimal joint function. Joint stiffness and decreased range of motion are common with age, but regular chiropractic adjustments can help keep your joints supple and mobile. By ensuring your body’s joints are functioning properly, chiropractic care can also help prevent injuries, improve balance and coordination, and support an active and independent lifestyle well into your golden years.

Promotes Overall Well-being

Chiropractic care takes a holistic approach to health, addressing not only physical ailments but also underlying factors that contribute to overall well-being. This includes lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, stress management and ergonomics. With proper guidance on healthy living habits, you can feel more empowered to take an active role in your health and make informed choices that support healthy aging.

As you age, it’s essential to prioritize your health and well-being. Whether you’re looking to alleviate pain, improve mobility or enhance your overall wellness, chiropractic care can be a valuable tool. Schedule an appointment today and discover how chiropractic care can help you embrace aging with vitality and vigor.

Exploring Emotion Code/Body Code Work: Healing Beyond the Physical

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By: Nate Wiechmann, D.C.

In the journey toward optimal health and well-being, we often focus on addressing physical symptoms and ailments. However, what if I told you that many of our health challenges are rooted in deeper, emotional imbalances that go beyond the surface? Enter Emotion Code and Body Code work – holistic healing modalities that delve into the profound connection between our emotional well-being and physical health.

What is Emotion Code/Body Code Work?

Emotion Code and Body Code work are energy healing techniques developed by Dr. Bradley Nelson, aimed at identifying and releasing trapped emotions and imbalances in the body’s energy field. These modalities operate on the principle that unresolved emotional baggage and energetic imbalances can manifest as physical symptoms and health issues.

How Does it Work?

Emotion Code/Body Code practitioners use muscle testing or applied kinesiology to communicate with the body’s innate intelligence and identify areas of imbalance. Through a series of targeted questions, they uncover trapped emotions – unresolved feelings from past experiences – and release them using magnetic energy.

Trapped emotions can disrupt the body’s natural energy flow, leading to physical discomfort, illness and emotional distress. By releasing these trapped emotions, Emotion Code/Body Code work aims to restore energetic balance, promote healing and alleviate symptoms.

How Can it Help You?

Emotion Code/Body Code work can offer profound benefits for individuals struggling with a range of health issues, including chronic pain, anxiety, depression and unresolved trauma. By addressing the root cause of symptoms – often buried deep within the subconscious mind – these modalities facilitate healing on a holistic level.

Moreover, Emotion Code/Body Code work is not limited by time or space. It can address inherited emotional imprints and ancestral trauma passed down through generations, offering liberation and healing for individuals and their lineage.

Embracing Emotion Code/Body Code work as part of your holistic healing journey can empower you to release emotional baggage, break free from limiting beliefs and cultivate greater emotional resilience and well-being. By honoring the profound connection between our emotional and physical health, we can unlock the door to true healing and vitality.

Are you ready to explore the transformative power of Emotion Code/Body Code work? Contact us to learn more about how these modalities can support your journey toward optimal health and emotional well-being. Or, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for PTSD Relief

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. Traditional treatments often provide limited relief, leaving many searching for alternative therapies. Among these, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) has emerged as a promising option, offering hope for those struggling with PTSD. In this blog post, we’ll explore how HBOT works and its potential benefits in alleviating PTSD symptoms.

Understanding PTSD

Before delving into HBOT’s benefits, it’s essential to understand PTSD. This condition can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, hyper-vigilance and mood disturbances. PTSD can significantly impair daily functioning and diminish overall well-being, making effective treatment crucial for recovery.

How HBOT Works

HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, allowing the lungs to absorb a higher amount of oxygen than usual. This increased oxygen concentration in the bloodstream promotes healing by enhancing oxygen delivery to tissues throughout the body, including the brain.

Benefits of HBOT for PTSD Relief

  1. Reduces anxiety and depression: HBOT has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression commonly associated with PTSD. The increased oxygen levels in the brain help regulate neurotransmitter function, promoting a sense of calm and emotional stability.
  2. Enhances cognitive function: PTSD often impairs cognitive function, leading to difficulties with memory, concentration and decision-making. HBOT supports brain health by improving blood flow and oxygenation, thereby enhancing cognitive abilities.
  3. Alleviates of sleep disturbances: Many individuals with PTSD struggle with sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares. HBOT can help regulate sleep patterns by promoting relaxation and reducing hyperarousal, leading to improved sleep quality and duration.
  4. Reduces PTSD symptoms: Studies have shown that HBOT may reduce the severity of PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, avoidance behaviors and heightened reactivity. By addressing the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of PTSD, HBOT offers holistic symptom relief.
  5. Promotes of neuroplasticity: HBOT stimulates neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. This process is essential for overcoming trauma-related changes in the brain and fostering resilience in individuals with PTSD.
  6. Accelerates healing of trauma-related injuries: In addition to its psychological benefits, HBOT promotes physical healing by accelerating tissue repair and reducing inflammation. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with PTSD who have sustained physical injuries during traumatic events.

By addressing the physiological and psychological aspects of trauma, HBOT offers a comprehensive approach to healing that complements traditional therapies. As research continues to uncover the therapeutic potential of HBOT, it remains a beacon of hope for those seeking relief from the debilitating effects of PTSD. If you or a loved one are experiencing PTSD symptoms, consider exploring HBOT as part of a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Supporting Mental Health: Our Comprehensive Approach to Healing

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Picture of Nate Wiechmann, D.C., laughing with a patient at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic

At Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic, we understand the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. That’s why we offer a range of services designed to support mental health and holistic healing.

Here’s how our comprehensive approach can benefit you:

  1. Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic adjustments play a crucial role in supporting mental health by promoting alignment and balance in the nervous system. Misalignments in the spine can interfere with nerve function and disrupt the body’s ability to cope with stress. Through gentle and precise adjustments, we realign the spine, alleviate nerve interference and restore harmony to the nervous system. This can help individuals experience greater emotional stability, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being.
  2. Autonomic Response Testing: Autonomic Response Testing, or ART, is a non-invasive assessment technique that evaluates the body’s response to various stressors. By identifying imbalances in the autonomic nervous system, ART helps uncover underlying factors contributing to mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression and trauma. With ART, we can personalize treatment plans to address your unique needs and promote emotional balance.
  3. Emotion/Body Code Work: Emotion and body code work focuses on releasing trapped emotions and restoring energetic balance within the body. Through gentle yet powerful techniques, we can identify and release emotional baggage that may be contributing to mental health challenges. By addressing emotional imbalances, we support overall well-being and promote a greater sense of inner peace and resilience.
  4. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, promoting oxygenation of tissues throughout the body, including the brain. By delivering concentrated oxygen to the body’s tissues, HBOT promotes cellular repair and regeneration, reduces inflammation and enhances cognitive function. Research suggests that HBOT may also be beneficial for individuals struggling with conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD and other mental health conditions.

We’re committed to providing holistic care that addresses the root causes of mental health concerns. Whether you’re seeking relief from anxiety, depression or trauma-related symptoms, we are here to support you on your healing journey. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve optimal mental health and well-being. Or, use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

Meet the Weston A. Price Foundation Chapter Leaders for Western Iowa

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We are thrilled to share some exciting news — Dr. Nate and Melissa are now Weston A. Price Foundation chapter leaders for Western Iowa!

What is the Weston A. Price Foundation?

The Weston A. Price Foundation is named after Dr. Weston A. Price, a pioneering dentist who traveled the world in the early 20th century studying traditional diets and their impact on health. The foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism.

Mission and Goals

As chapter leaders, Dr. Nate and Melissa will help connect our community with the principles of nutrition that Dr. Price advocated. These principles include promoting organic and sustainable farming, supporting pasture-feeding of livestock, and advocating for community-supported agriculture. They’ll share these principles through:

  1. Education and outreach: Dr. Nate and his wife will host regular meetings and events aimed at educating the community about the benefits of nutrient-dense foods. These gatherings will serve as opportunities to discuss sustainable farming practices, the importance of local food sources and the healing arts.
  2. Food resource compilation: Dr. Nate and Melissa are in the process of compiling a comprehensive food resource list. The list will include local farms, farmers’ markets and other resources where you can find nutrient-dense foods in our area. (Know someone or something that should be included on the list? Reach out!)
  3. Advocacy and support: Dr. Nate and his wife are committed to advocating for policies that support organic farming, truthful food labeling and access to clean, certified raw milk. Supporting these initiatives promotes a healthier food system that benefits both individuals and the environment.

Get Involved

You’re invited to join Dr. Nate and Melissa on this journey! Whether you’re passionate about health, nutrition or sustainable living, there are several ways to get involved:

  • Attend events: Keep an eye out for announcements about upcoming meetings and educational events. These gatherings will be open to anyone interested in learning more about nutrient-dense foods and holistic health.
  • Spread the word: Share our blog posts, social media updates and event announcements with your friends, family and colleagues — anyone who may be interested in joining our efforts.
  • Support local farmers: Consider shopping at local farmers’ markets or joining community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs to support local farmers and access nutrient-dense foods.

Together, we can all make a positive impact in our community’s health and well-being.

For more information, call Dr. Nate at 712-249-8231.

The Ripple Effect of Pediatric Adjustments: Benefits for the Whole Family

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In recent years, pediatric chiropractic care has gained recognition for its ability to support children’s health and well-being. But did you know that the benefits of pediatric adjustments extend beyond the child receiving care?

Here’s a look at how pediatric adjustments can have a positive ripple effect on your family:

  1. Stronger immune function: Pediatric adjustments help optimize the function of the nervous system, which plays a crucial role in immune function. By removing interference in the nervous system, adjustments help enhance the body’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses, keeping the whole family healthier.
  2. Better sleep: Many parents report that their children experience improved sleep after receiving chiropractic adjustments. By addressing spinal misalignments and tension, adjustments help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality for both children and parents.
  3. Easier feeds: For infants struggling with feeding difficulties, pediatric adjustments can offer relief. By ensuring proper alignment in the spine and nervous system, adjustments may help alleviate tension that can interfere with feeding, making feeding sessions easier and more comfortable for both baby and parent.
  4. Optimal digestion: The nervous system plays a significant role in digestion, regulating processes like peristalsis and enzyme production. Pediatric adjustments help optimize nervous system function, leading to improved digestion and nutrient absorption for the whole family.
  5. Overall ease and comfort: When children experience discomfort or tension due to spinal misalignments, it can impact the entire family dynamic. Pediatric adjustments promote proper alignment and balance in the body, resulting in greater ease and comfort for children and parents alike.

In conclusion, pediatric chiropractic care offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the child receiving care. By addressing spinal misalignments and optimizing nervous system function, pediatric adjustments can have a positive ripple effect on the whole family, promoting better health and well-being for everyone. Contact us to learn more, or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

What to Expect During Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

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Curious about hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Here’s what you can expect during a typical session at our Council Bluffs clinic.

You’ll lay in our HBOT chamber while breathing in pressurized oxygen — up to 3x the amount in the everyday environment. This helps pump oxygen to your body’s tissues, promoting healing, reducing inflammation and supporting overall wellness.

Once inside the chamber, you’ll hear air beginning to circulate. There are two windows at the top of the chamber — one on each end — where you’ll be able to see and talk to us. And we’ll communicate with you the whole time so you know what to expect.

As the chamber fills with air, you may experience a full sensation in your ears, similar to changing altitudes in an airplane or driving up a mountain. Once the chamber reaches its prescribed pressure, the fullness in your ears should subside.

You can take items inside the chamber with you, so you can listen to music or your favorite podcast, catch up on some reading, or just use the time to relax.

Near the end of your session, we’ll gradually decrease the pressure. This is the decompression phase, which usually lasts about 5-10 minutes. During decompression, you may experience an automatic “popping” sensation in your ears as a result of the decreasing pressure — again, just like you’d feel on an airplane.

After that, you’re free to go about your day or stick around for an adjustment. Either way, you’ll continue reaping benefits from the chamber long after your session ends. (But depending on your situation, you may want or need a few more.)

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition or simply looking to optimize your health, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is where it’s at!

In particular, it can help provide relief fo:

  • Anemia
  • Brain abscesses
  • Bubbles of air in blood vessels (arterial gas embolism)
  • Burns
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning
  • Crushing injuries
  • Deafness
  • Decompression sickness
  • Gangrene
  • Infections
  • Lung issues
  • Nonhealing wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers
  • Radiation injuries and skin grafts
  • Sports injuries, including medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries and concussions

Contact us to learn more or use our online scheduling tool to book a session. (New patients get $25 their first one! Available in Council Bluffs only.)

What to Expect at Your First Visit as a New Patient

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Picture of Dr. Nate Wiechmann checking in a patient at Pott. County Sports & Family Chiropractic

Embarking on your journey with us? Here’s what you can expect during your initial visit as a new patient:

Patient History Questionnaire
We’ll start by getting to know you and your health concerns through a detailed patient history questionnaire. This helps us understand your symptoms, conditions, and any relevant medical history.

During this assessment, we’ll delve into details like:

  • When your pain or condition started
  • The location and nature of your condition
  • Factors that worsen or improve your symptoms

Physical Assessment

We will perform a comprehensive physical assessment to evaluate your condition and identify areas of concern.

Treatment Plan
We prioritize personalized care over one-size-fits-all approaches. Unlike some practices, we don’t believe in pushing big treatment plans or maxing out insurance visits. Instead, we tailor our protocol to your unique needs and continuously assess your progress along the way.

Our goal is to provide you with effective, efficient care that supports your health and wellness journey. Your well-being is our top priority, and we’re committed to partnering with you to achieve your goals. Contact us to learn more, or use our online scheduling tool to book an appointment today.