"I had no idea how much more I could improve my game until I met my chiropractor. Since discovering chiropractic I’ve improved dramatically both mentally and physically “". Michael Jordan's words, a former American basketball player who, like other famous people around the world, is a great admirer of chiropractic. For former US President Barack Obama "“ doctors of chiropractic need to have a fundamental role in health and prevention of diseases that plague our society “.
What is meant by chiropractic?
Chiropractic, from the Greek "xeir" (hand) and "praxis" (to act), or treatment with the hands, is a primary health profession - legally recognized also in Italy since 2007 - which has ancient origins: it was born in the United States in 1895 from Daniel David Palmer which supported a close connection between the spine and the nerves that affect the state of our health.
To find out more we interviewed Giovanni Bisanti, chiropractor specialist in functional Neurology and medical director of Chiropractic Neurology Center Dubai
Giovanni Bisanti answered some questions
What are the benefits?
Understanding the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the vertebral column. The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord which are the areas where vital energy flows throughout the body and they are protected by bone, the skull and vertebral column, respectively. Because of the numerous activities that we perform throughout the day the vertebrae’s may lose their normal mobility causing dysfunction of the vertebral motor unit further irritating the spinal nerve and ultimately the nervous system diminishing its ability to function properly. Chiropractic adjustments help remove the irritation of the nervous system by correcting subluxations ( spinal misalignments ) this can improve many health problems by restoring communication to the central nervous system. There are many benefits that chiropractic care provides such as improved posture, neurological function, blood pressure, immune system, breathing and general well-being. It can resolve headaches, neck and back pain and prevent injuries. Many athletes trust chiropractic to minimise the risk of injury and increase athletic performance.
What does the chiropractor do?
Chiropractors don’t cure, they simply assist the body in healing itself by correcting spinal misalignments that can create nerve irritation and dysfunction called subluxations. By utilizing specific chiropractic adjustments manually they can re establish the vital communication to the central nervous system. When the vertebral column is functioning properly then the central nervous system can also function properly allowing the body to perform at its optimal level.
What are the phases of treatment?
There are three treatment phases: the first works to improve the patient's acute pain from the first day and for the next ten. The second phase, the most important, is that of rehabilitation, where the chiropractor works on the functional potential of the patient from a neurological point of view to find a balance. During this phase the patient usually does not complain of pain, is more stable, has more energy and has a sense of general well-being. This phase, depending on the patient's condition, can last up to 1 month. The third and last is that of maintenance. Once the patient has achieved equilibrium and maximized neurological functional potential, i.e. when all nerve impulses respond to 100%, periodic checks will follow.
Can chiropractic offer good outcomes? Is it indicated even for post surgical patients?
Yes, chiropractic can offer post surgical patients excellent results but like with all patients a thorough evaluation is necessary to determine if the treatment is appropriate. If it’s deemed that the patient is better served by another health care professional then the appropriate referral will be given. If the chiropractic treatment is indicated then the success rate is roughly 90%.
How do we know if we’re in expert hands?
It’s important to place your trust in an expert for evaluation and treatment. A chiropractor goes through a rigorous course of study to achieve the degree“ Doctor of Chiropractic “becoming a primary health care provider.
What was your course of study?
I studied and specialized in functional neurological chiropractic in the United States: the pre-chiropractic course at Westfield State University and the doctorate of specialization al Life Chiropractic College West in California. I completed a 315-hour doctoral program in chiropractic neurology, another 315-hour post doctoral program in functional neurology, and a third of 200 hours on neurological developmental delays. I have also taken many certification courses in sports injury management.
Giovanni Bisanti carries out his profession in Dubai and is in charge of the Chiropractic Neurology Center.
What are the activities of the center?
I originally came to the UAE in 2014 to attend the formula one race and fell in love with dubai. My first two years in Dubai I worked for a clinic but I quickly realized that no one offered chiropractic Neurology and I decided to open the clinic with the help of my two colleagues, Dr. Daniel Rigel and Dr. Aris Allais. The clinic specialises in chiropractic Neurology where we use the latest in technology not only to evaluate but also to treat the neurological system in a functional way allowing us to focus on the cause of various health conditions and not merely the consequences.
Chiropractic Neurology / functional Neurology can you explain what that is? How does it differ from traditional chiropractic?
Functional neurology combined with chiropractic treatments has much more specific and profound benefits, it is a new way to use the nerve stimulation of chiropractic treatments. In this way, chiropractic treatment becomes a real precision tool to stimulate neurons. A chiropractor specializing in functional neurology acts on the neuro-plasticity of the nervous system. Neuro-plasticity is the brain's ability to interact with stimuli by forming new nerve connections and changing its structure in response to experience. Neurons, which make up the brain, can change their connections and the way they communicate in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage or dysfunction. The rapid change or reorganization of nerve synapses in the brain can occur in many different forms and circumstances. The goal of the functional neurologist is to understand which stimuli can improve and optimize the functionality of these synapses. Hence the name of "functional" neurology
Chiropractor, osteopath and physiotherapist, three professionals who are often confused. What are the characteristics that distinguish them?
A chiropractor is a primary health care provider, they are the only ones to use the specific chiropractic adjustment to correct vertebral subluxations to either stimulate or inhibit neurological pathways specifically to improve neurological function. A physiotherapist works on stretching, strengthening and uses other modalities for palliative benefits. An osteopath focuses on the vascular system and works with the organ function by general manipulations of the effected organ. Understanding the intimate relationship between the nervous system and the vertebral column. The central nervous system is comprised of the brain and spinal cord which are the areas where vital energy flows throughout the body and they are protected by bone, the skull and vertebral column, respectively. Because of the numerous activities that we perform throughout the day the vertebrae’s may lose their normal mobility causing dysfunction of the vertebral motor unit further irritating the spinal nerve and ultimately the nervous system diminishing its ability to function properly. Chiropractic adjustments help remove the irritation of the nervous system by correcting subluxations ( spinal misalignments ) this can improve many health problems by restoring communication to the central nervous system. There are many benefits that chiropractic care provides such as improved posture, neurological function, blood pressure, immune system, breathing and general well-being. It can resolve headaches, neck and back pain and prevent injuries. Many athletes trust chiropractic to minimise the risk of injury and increase athletic performance.
What is your message?
To stay healthy we need a body that works optimally and this is possible thanks to a balance between the brain and the nervous system. This is an aspect that should not be underestimated, which is why it is advisable to undergo an assessment of the functionality of the body, the nervous system and the spine and then proceed with treatments aimed at restoring the right balance. The activity of our center in Dubai is precisely that of evaluating the patient at 360 degrees: his lifestyle, physical condition and neurological function to understand which is the most suitable approach in order to improve his health and physical condition.
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