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Aligned Modern Health: Helps Restore Joint Health Holistically

Aug 27, 2018 ● By Carrie Jackson

Photo credits: Aligned Modern Health

With an integrated approach that strives to help patients eliminate the root cause of pain and live life to the fullest, the team at Aligned Modern Health can help restore both acute and chronic joint health issues. Whether the pain is caused by traumatic injury, repetitive stress, unhealthy diet and lifestyle or genetic predisposition, Aligned works to eliminate the trigger and get patients back on their feet. With more than a dozen locations in Chicago and the suburbs and doctors that specialize in modern laboratory testing and diagnostic techniques to correct fundamental imbalances, their commitment to quality care helps patients get back to what they love doing as quickly as possible. 

        Aligned addresses joint pain with a holistic philosophy and prescribes treatments that complement each patient’s individual body, mind and lifestyle. “We are unique because we bring experts from multiple specialties of complementary care under one roof. Our team of experts work closely together throughout the patient’s health journey to look at the person as a whole, rather than a segmented series of issues or symptoms,” says Dr. Laura Cayce, Aligned’s director of provider partnerships. 

        A comprehensive approach to joint pain relief offers long-lasting preventive and therapeutic benefits, and Aligned utilizes methods that traditional medical doctors often do not. “Our services can supplement or replace the usual medications and interventions for joint pain relief depending on your particular history, issues and preferences. We complement conventional medicine with natural, evidence-based methods such as acupuncture, chiropractic, functional medicine, soft tissue therapy, physical rehabilitation and therapeutic massage. Because there are so many causes and aggravating factors for joint pain, we help you reduce your pain using many different strategies,” says Cayce. 

        Acupuncture addresses joint health by supplying more blood flow and healing ability to the area of concern, which reduces inflammation and allows the joint to heal more quickly. As with any injury, starting a treatment early is key. “An acute condition can become more chronic by there being less and less blood flow to the area. This means that there will be a lessening of nourishment and mobility of the joint. Over time, this begins to decrease the ability of the joint to recover,” says Joseph Kay, a licensed clinical acupuncturist at Aligned.

        Raqaq Alebiosu is a doctor of chiropractic at Aligned who says that chiropractic treatments can help people resume their normal activities of daily living. “Joint pain can cause disruption of simple things like cooking, cleaning and getting dressed. Everything becomes more laborious, and people are often inhibited from participating in recreational activities and exercise. Chiropractic adjustments can provide proper biomechanical function through joint manipulation and corrective and functional exercises to strengthen the muscles that support joints,” explains Alebiosu.

        Functional medicine and clinical nutrition work to find the underlying cause for an inflammatory reaction that leads to join paint, and at Aligned, that starts with a thorough clinical assessment. Cindy Howard is a doctor of chiropractic and the director of functional medicine at Aligned. “We do a comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s lifestyle, habits, food sensitivities and condition, then diagnostic testing to assess their individual biochemistry. This gives us the tools to make behavioral recommendations and a roadmap for further healing,” says Howard. Functional medicine also incorporates factors such as proper sleep, emotional stress and hormone levels.

        We are what we eat, and diet plays an integral role in proper joint health. Any modality of treatment that Aligned recommends will utilize this. “We look for any potential nutrient deficiencies that could lead to increased risk of injury and suggest avoiding foods with additives, chemicals and sugars. In general, I recommend eating nutrient-dense foods that contain calcium, magnesium and vitamin D. Nuts, beans and dark, leafy vegetables are all great sources,” says Howard.

        Alebisou notes that an anti-inflammatory diet works well for many patients. “Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, ginger and green tea can all help reduce swelling and sensitivity,” he says.

        Although exercise can be difficult for someone experiencing constant pain, activity can actually help alleviate symptoms. “Staying mobile helps to keep bones and joints strong, and there is value to the use-it-or-lose-it approach. At the same time, for someone who may have chronic joint pain, they want to be mindful of overuse,” says Howard.

        “The exercise doesn’t have to be vigorous. Walking can increase blood flow, and it helps lubricates the joints of the knees, hips and upper limbs,” says Kay.

        Whether joint pain is the result of arthritis, overuse, postsurgical changes or a new or old sports injury, the goal at Aligned is the same. They strive to help the patient attain relief so that they can return to optimal function as soon as possible and restore their lifestyle. “Instead of simply prescribing medicines, we help you design a plan to return to optimum health,” says Cayce.

Aligned Modern Health has 15 locations throughout Chicagoland. For more information, call 773-453-6566, email Info@AlignedModernHealth or visit AlignedModernHealth.com.

Carrie Jackson is an Evanston-based writer and frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazine. Connect at CarrieJacksonWrites.com.