Preventative Care
We owe our bodies a lot because of what we demand from them on a daily basis. Eating clean, sleeping well, managing stresses in your life, etc., these are things that we can take upon ourselves to live a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes you need to seek help or advice from other professionals like a masseuse, physician, or chiropractor. These individual are specialized at what they do. For us it might seem like a luxury, but sometimes it is important. Just like a Ferrari needs maintenance work, so does your body. I like to think of the body as a European sports car, not a beater.
To get ready for the CrossFit Regional in May, our team had to do a lot of extra work to be ready, and with that extra work came more stress and an increase potential for injury. I was introduced to two chiropractors, Dr. Josh Akin and Dr. Jon Sebby, about four months ago, who came highly recommended by my brother Al Montoya, goalie for the New York Islanders. I knew these guys had to be legit because my brother is pretty picky about who he works with.
Jon has been working with me for two months now and I have already seen a tremendous difference in the way I feel and how I’m performing in the gym. Jon has also made me more aware of my body and what areas I need to focus on when I am in the gym. He is a great educator. Believe me, I always thought that receiving this kind of attention was a luxury, but now I consider it a necessary maintenance.
Carlos Montoya, Owner of CrossFit Impact
Shoulder Rehabilitation
As a fellow chiropractor and patient of Dr. Josh Akin, I am pleased to say that Dr. Akin is an exceptional chiropractor and a great asset to the chiropractic field. After shoulder surgery in April, 2010, I worked with a physical therapist for approximately two months and several chiropractors for 3 months but reached a plateau in my progress that still caused significant limitations in my activities of daily living and participation in sports. It was at this time that a colleague of mine referred me to Josh.
Once I stared working with Josh my recovery progressed drastically. Josh has an extraordinary touch to his technique and an ability to significantly improve recovery time. Josh does a great job in integrating an effective home exercise program. I believe his impressive technique has allowed me to get to where I am today.
Josh is respectful, courteous, and very appreciative of other people’s time. I am very thankful that I have discovered Josh.
Dr. Gregg Bradford, Chiropractic Physician
Sports Performance
I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Dr. Jon Sebby in the weeks leading up to our CrossFit Regional competition. In preparation for the Regionals, our team significantly increased the intensity of our training, many times pushing our bodies to the breaking point. Jon took the time to understand the sport of Crossfit and the subsequent stresses we were placing on our bodies. He was able to provide specific treatment for some of our weaknesses and pain points. For example, I was having difficulty with the bottom of my low squat position. John was able to focus on loosening the hip, calf, and Achilles; not only did my low squat position improve, but a lingering tightness in my knee was relieved. Jon played an important role in our preparation and allowed us to show well during competition. I look forward to working again with Jon as we begin our 2013 preparations.
Nick, CrossFit Athlete
Elbow Bursitis
It literally only took two sessions with Dr. Jon Sebby to start feeling the pain in my elbow inflicted with bursitis ease and eventually not give me anymore problems. For 8 years my elbow caused me grief. I visited three other doctors before seeing Jon. All of them prescribed PT and anti-inflammatories; none of which provided me any long-term relief.
I’m a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach at Poliquin Performance. Therefore it is crucial that I demonstrate basic lifts to my clients throughout the day. Before seeing Jon I couldn’t even do a barbell bench press. Now because of Jon I’m performing barbell movements and I haven’t felt this strong since my collegiate football days.
Jon is an exceptional doctor, and is extremely skilled and knowledgeable in Active Release Techniques. I trust Jon. He took the time to diagnose and correct my problem. I never felt rushed with Jon and he has genuine care for me, as well as every patient.
I will continue to see Jon for my lower back, neck and hip structure that are all out of whack from playing football. Thanks to Jon the pain in my elbow has subsided and I have better overall strength and conditioning in my upper body.
Brian, Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach at Poliquin Performance
Shoulder Pain
Dr. Josh Akin is the “man”. He is the best. I came to see Dr. Akin during my senior year in high school when I developed shoulder pain from baseball. Within just a couple of visits, my shoulder was a 100% better. Dr. Akin is so easy going, easy to talk to and the atmosphere is terrific.
Good thing I landed at Northwestern to play baseball. It is great to be able to see Dr. Akin on a regular basis. Anytime my shoulder gets a little tight, I visit Dr. Akin and he gets my shoulder going again and loosens it up. I recommend Dr. Akin to all my baseball buddies.
Kyle, Baseball Player at Northwestern University
Neck Injury
Thank you Dr. Jon. I had been seeing a chiropractor for the past 15 years and have received a lot of help, but my neck motion and pain was not alleviated until I saw Dr. Sebby. An old car accident in which I suffered whiplash has caused me to have neck pain and limited my neck motion and flexibility. A few months ago, Dr. Jon started to do ART on my neck. Now, I am able to fully turn my neck without pain when I need to look behind me. What’s more, my neck no longer makes “snap, crackle, pop” noises when I turn it. Dr. Sebby also gave me exercises to do for my neck and upper back that are really helpful. Another wonderful thing is since I’ve started receiving the ART treatments, I rarely get any more migraine headaches. It has really improved my quality of life. The pain use to drain my energy, but every day is brighter now. Thanks again Dr. Jon!
Kim, Patient for 2 Months
Arm and Nerve Pain
For more than 15 years I’ve tried various techniques to relieve the pain in my arms caused by chronic muscle tightness compressing the nerves. I’ve traveled all over the world seeking various treatments, including acupuncture, acupressure and traction; none of which provided me any permanent relief. Paul Matthews was the first person that successfully treated me with a holistic approach. He truly understands the body and the interconnections between the muscular and nervous systems.
Paul has a unique skill set and a deep understanding of the muscle and nervous systems. He approached my symptoms not just by fixating on my arms but by looking at my whole musculoskeletal system and fixing muscle misalignment, contraction and tension in my back and neck that was a contributing factor to my arm pain. Dr. Akin’s nerve release techniques have also contributed to reducing the chronic arm pain. I’m thankful to have discovered Paul and Dr. Akin. Each of them has played an important role in providing a path toward my ultimate goal of being pain free when no one else could even determine what was causing the pain.
Mike, Attorney
Herniated Discs
I started seeing Paul Matthews about a year ago to try something new for my back pain. I knew about Rolfing, because my wife’s friend is a Rolfer, so I was excited to give it a try. Before seeing Paul, playing hockey more than two days in a row would due me in. Now, in large part due to Paul’s Rolfing treatments, I play hockey and lift weights 5-6 times a week with no problems. I haven’t felt this good in years.
Paul is phenomenal and incredibly passionate. He has a tremendous touch and is very knowledgeable of my aches and problems. Paul is very conscientious and senses my pain threshold; he knows just the right amount of pressure to apply with his elbows or hands to be highly effective.
I’m a huge fan of Paul and I will continue to see Paul once a week for a very long time. I have also encouraged my wife and children to see Paul on a regular basis.
Jack, Member of the ’88 and ’92 USA Olympic Rowing Team
Neck Pain
A fellow competitive cyclist suggested I see Dr. Josh Akin after my neck was so stiff that I could not even look over my shoulder. My neck pain progressively became so bad that I was hurting and having difficulties getting through my everyday routine. I tried quick fixes; stretches and massages to help alleviate the pain. However, nothing seemed to rid the pain for more than just a couple of days. It was amazing, just after a few sessions with Dr. Akin, my neck pain subsided and after a month, I was pain free and regained complete range of motion in my neck.
Dr. Akin is knowledgeable, professional and has such a passion for what he does. At my first visit, Dr. Akin was thorough in his evaluation of me, and he took the time to explain the cause of my problem; he was empathetic and did not rush our appointment.
Not only did Dr. Akin take the time in the office to fully address my needs, but he also provided me with a personalized strengthening program to help speed up my recovery. Thanks to Dr. Akin’s diligent care, I can now race pain free, and most importantly, I can look over my shoulder!
Debbie, Bike Racer at the National Level
Headaches
Dr. Akin is an excellent doctor and he knows what he is doing. I go to Dr. Akin once a week for my migraines and for whatever other problems I might be having from yoga. I would die if I missed my weekly adjustment with Dr. Akin. Because of him my migraines have improved drastically and it has had a positive affect on my overall well being.
Amy, Patient for 3 Years
Foot Pain
Dr. Akin has helped my whole body feel so much better. I started seeing Dr. Akin about a year ago when the pain in my foot was affecting my skating for hockey. Dr. Akin is a great doctor; he is nice, funny, and very knowledgeable. He took the time to explain to me what was causing my pain. He told me that my legs and feet are like puzzle pieces and that if one piece is missing or not fitting together, the puzzle won’t come together. That’s why Dr. Akin takes the time at each visit to work my calves and feet. Thanks to Dr. Akin, I now can stride longer for skating and my legs and feet don’t hurt anymore.
Jeremy, 14 year old Hockey Player
Back Pain and Fibromyalgia
I’ve led an active lifestyle from being a runner for 40 years, a collegiate athlete, a wilderness trip leader to now where I work as an Adventure Educator Instructor, a Consultant in Education, participate in yoga classes and swim.
In the last 10 years I developed extreme pain in my back and neck and in the last three years I developed Fibromyalgia, which is throughout my body. Because of the many different types of challenges I have had through the years, I have seen 5 different Chiropractors in the last 10 years. It wasn’t until I discovered Paul Matthewsand Rolfing did I start seeing a different type of relief.
I followed Paul to Dr. Josh Akins’ office. From the beginning I found a wonderful combination of the two–and a great amount of relief. With Paul’s Rolfing and Doc Josh’s work on my bone structure, I have been given a new hope.
From the start I found Paul to be very personable, at ease, and honest about the direction he can take me. In addition, Paul has helped me find specific exercises that no one has offered before to get myself back to a more “normal” me. I will continue to see Paul and Dr. Josh for a lifetime of support in keeping my health in check. Thanks Paul & Doc Josh!!
mO
Lower Back Pain
I was referred to Dr. Akin by my physical therapist at my pilates studio, Body Evolve. My back problem which partially stemmed from a riding injury was causing severe discomfort for 4 months during which time I was seeing the physical therapist and trying other medical solutions including injections – the physical therapy was providing some relief, the injections and pain medicine provided none. My back issue definitely impacted my career – I had client meetings, presentations and out of town responsibilities – and literally could not sit – not an ideal situation to have to stand for hours in a client meeting or be in pain during a plane flight. We were at the point of installing a standing desk in my office. And, of course, I was not riding, playing golf or working out during this time.
I came to Dr. Akin having never sought out the help of a chiropractor – and I am very grateful that my physical therapist directed me to him.
Dr Akin’s insight and immediate recognition of the primary problem, a pinched nerve, quickly led to significant improvement and within several months recovery to full mobility (no need for the standing desk!).
I appreciate Dr. Akin’s holistic approach to his patients. When I was physically able, he recommended supplementing my fitness regimen to continue to strengthen areas of weakness and continues to monitor the progress we’ve made.
I began seeing Dr. Akin several years ago and continue to see him on a maintenance schedule – he is definitely part of the team in ensuring that I continue to properly strengthen weak areas, enhance all physical activity and avoid recurrence of problems.
I have recommended Dr. Akin to many people who have incurred sports injuries or experienced back problems.
Vickie, Advertising Executive
Back Pain, Dislocated Shoulder, Hip Surgery Recovery
My story involves myself, and my two children. My kids are both hockey goalies; my daughter plays for the Women’s U18 USA Hockey Team and will play for Boston College, and my son plays in the USHL. I have had chronic bad back pain for over three years. I’ve tried PT, acupuncture, multiple rounds of chiropractic treatments, and specific weight training. Nothing seemed to help, that is, until I started seeing Paul Matthews for Rolfing treatments. I can’t begin to tell you how much difference Paul has made in my life. I have had pain with much of life’s normal activity. After a few treatments, Paul’s Rolfing technique has helped in every aspect – I sleep better, breath more easily as I move throughout the day and have more energy. I am not in pain every second of every day anymore!
With his intrinsic knowledge and with his competency, Paul has taken the Rolfing technique and built upon it to produce a method that provides remarkable results.
My two children are also treated by Paul. My Daughter dislocated her shoulder playing hockey. Paul’s treatment has helped her regain both range of motion and strength. She is still a work in progress, but she feels that Paul has made a crucial difference in her life. My son has had four surgeries in fourteen months. Paul has quickly helped with his mobility and functionality. After missing most of the last two seasons, he is confident in getting back to play.
Amy, Mom
Chronic Back Pain
I feel extremely fortunate to have found Paul Matthews. I have chronic back pain from scoliosis and herniated discs. The pain has been debilitating and has interfered with my preference for a more active lifestyle. I’ve literally tried everything before I was referred to Paul! I’ve seen chiropractors (with some success), acupuncture, massage, Thai bodywork, injections, pain medications, physical therapy, biofeedback, and meditation. None of these modalities brought me much relief from the chronic pain.
Paul’s empathetic, understanding and he’s very passionate about what he does. Having seen a lot of therapists and doctors, I have a pretty good sense of when someone is feeding me a line. With Paul, I immediately trusted him and felt like he knew what he was talking about. He took a lot of time to explain Rolfing to me. I like that he listens to me — REALLY listens — and adjusts the treatments accordingly.
Paul is incredibly gifted and special. Although I’m not (yet) totally pain-free, I have experienced a significant decrease in pain and increase in strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance. Paul was upfront with me about how ingrained some of the patterns of my scoliosis were, and how I might not see results overnight. So the process has been gradual, but I definitely am so much better than I was when I first started seeing him.
Julia, Book Editor and Writer
Chronic Ankle Pain
Over the last couple of years, I’ve sprained my ankle twice which led to the development of chronic pain in my ankle. I visited three doctors and had a couple rounds of injections to help ease the pain. Unfortunately, no one and nothing was able to help reduce the pain in my foot.
While I was waiting 8 weeks to see the third doctor for the second time, a girlfriend suggested that I make an appointment with a chiropractor that performs ART – Active Release Technique. I had never thought about visiting a chiropractor to address my chronic pain. That’s when I decided to try the chiropractic-approach and I made an appointment to see Dr. Akin.
Just after one session with Dr. Akin that included ART, I noticed that the pain was drastically reduced. Dr. Akin is straightforward, confident, optimistic and knows his stuff. Instantly, he was able to pinpoint the problem that was causing my foot pain. With the combination of Dr. Akin’s adjustments ART, and exercises, I’m finally on my road to recovery.
Debbie, Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
To schedule an appointment, call 847.881.2861 or email us at info@chicagochirosports.com.
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