Dominoes; you tap one and away they go until one affects another which affects another. Why is an article on Ganglion Cysts and Trigger Fingers is discussing Dominoes? Fascio-kinetic chains, which work similar to dominoes in concept, are a series of joints and their surrounding fascia where the action of one joint affects another which affects then another. People develop Ganglion Cysts and Trigger fingers because a similar mechanism exists in the arms and the legs. When the fascio-kinetic chain functions poorly, each joint in succession is then affected. Fascio-kinetic chains consist of the ankle, knee, and hip, whose actions can adversely affect the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Many experts now understand that these chains are connected via the fascial system, as discussed in the book Anatomy Trains. Conventional medicine believes that Ganglion Cysts and Trigger Fingers just occur to nice people like you, and they can be corrected surgically, or with injection. If you have experienced these types of problems, you may have found out that they come back over time. The procedure may have exposed you to risks such as infection. It is also quite common for the actual mechanism behind why these problems developed will cause other problems in the arms and legs that are painful and avoidable such as foot, hand, knee, shoulder, and even lower and upper back problems. Is the Ganglion Cyst and/or Trigger Finger the problem or the symptom? A chiropractic holistic point of view suggests looking past the symptoms of ganglions and trigger fingers can help you avoid many physical problems over time by resolving or improving the mechanisms behind why they developed. One of the most common symptoms is a weak or painful handshake or weakness in part of the hand. A handshake is a great way to understand whether the lower fascio kinetic chain including the core muscles is functioning properly. A weak handshake often means there may be mechanical problems in the lower body. A poorly functioning core causes problems in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. The way we distribute these forces through the fascio-kinetic chain can result in a weak handshake, carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, Ganglion Cysts, and Trigger Fingers. The book Cheating Mother Nature, what you need to know to beat chronic pain can help you understand these mechanisms and is available on Amazon.com. A woman was referred to our office by her internist a few weeks ago to have her ganglion cyst treated. The older woman who had performed Yoga for years and was a dancer was finding it painful in her wrist which she had blamed solely on the ganglion. A holistic examination revealed she had flat feet, with a foot flare on the right, pelvic distortion with secondary distortion in the shoulders and she had a weak grip with pain. During her evaluation, her feet were taped in neutral ( levels the pelvis), which immediately improved her posture and improved her grip strength, and relieved the wrist pain. After a few sessions of chiropractic care, to improve how she functions using myofascial release, exercises, and manipulation of the spine and extremities her grip strength improved, the Ganglion resolved and her legs and hip flexibility markedly improved along with her ability to balance (very important for a dancer). Why you should see your chiropractic sports physician first for ganglion cysts and trigger finger 1. Most people who suffer from these types of problems have gait asymmetries which affect how they walk. Foot orthotics and the right types of shoes can make a huge difference in how a person feels and functions. 2. Myofascial Release Treatment (including Active Release Techniques, a trademarked style of Myofascial Release) instrument-assisted soft tissue methods such as the Graston Technique are quite helpful in resolving the restrictions found that create the trigger fingers, both in the hand and the forearm. 3. Spinal and extremity manipulation - These are methods chiropractors are known for which can help improve function and mobility and resolve many kinetic chain problems people experience. 4. Pelvic stability exercises to improve the function of the pelvis. Core stability is essential for the proper function of the lower and upper body. Combining these methods will resolve most of these problems and their underlying mechanical causes for most people. A holistic chiropractic approach can resolve the trigger finger and Ganglion cysts while also improving other areas of the body that will become problematic over time. If you suffer from numerous problems requiring visits that involve different parts of the body to different healthcare providers, a chiropractor can help you simplify your healthcare, reduce your costs and help prevent future problems. Need help Now? Book online here.