On this episode of the Omega Sports Show, Dr. Clay Sankey with TruMotion Therapy is back and discussed his thriving chiropractic business, how he adjusted to covid, and some key essentials with chiropractic care. Dr. Sankey also answered some customer questions on chiropractic and mobility needs. We are always excited to welcome Dr. Sankey to the show as he is always willing to drop the knowledge and share helpful useful tips!
The team at Omega Sports was first introduced to Dr. Clay Sankey through his Instagram. Being HUGE fans of Dr. Sankey’s Instagram, the team at Omega Sports just knew they had to share his expertise and knowledge. His content is inspired by his patient’s needs, everyday mobility struggles, and even issues that he may be personally working on himself. Dr. Sankey’s goal is to get people moving and feeling better.
Meet Dr. Clay Sankey
Dr. Clay Sankey was born outside of Cleveland and moved to Charlotte, NC right before high school. He found his passion for running during that time and participated in track & field and cross country throughout high school and college as well. After completing college, Dr. Sankey happily returned to Charlotte, NC where he resides with his wife and 2 small children to begin practicing and opened TruMotion Therapy.
At TruMotion Therapy, Dr. Sankey wanted to provide a different service than what he had experienced during past chiropractic visits himself. Dr. Sankey’s goal is to provide exceptional care to patients by providing longer treatment times, more one-on-one time, and true, individualized care. “It’s about more than just the snap, crackle, and pop”, says Dr. Sankey. While there’s certainly nothing wrong with that approach, Dr. Sankey believes that there are so many techniques and therapies to chiropractic care as a whole. Along with adjustments, TruMotion Therapy also offers soft tissue work, massage, scraping, cupping, needling, acupuncture, rehab, exercise, and more. You will also find an anti-gravity treadmill, which allows a safe, effective way to rehab runners from injuries. A customized gym is also available to get patients moving again. While Dr. Sankey treats patients that are recovering from injuries, chiropractic care is also an excellent tool to condition and maintain the body to help prevent future injuries.
3 Stretches To Help Prevent Neck Pain
Summer’s almost here and we’re starting to return to life before the pandemic. We’re sure that many people are starting to travel more and are taking long trips again. Our producer, Mary is taking a road trip to the Grand Canyon and wants to know what exercises she can do to help with travel aches and pains. We’re sure this is a common question for all the soon-to-be travelers too!
Dr. Sankey agrees that neck pain is a very common occurrence, especially when driving. For example, when sitting behind the wheel of a car with your arms stretched out in front of you, it can cause your pectoral muscles to tighten. A great stretch to help prevent neck pain is called the “corner stretch.” This stretch will help loosen up the pectoral muscle and loosen up the chest area thus taking the stress off the shoulders. See Dr. Sankey’s instructions on how to properly perform the “corner stretch” and some other helpful stretches below.
Just a friendly reminder that prevention is key to preventing pain and if you’re already experiencing pain please see your medical provider.
Corner Stretch
- Face the corner of a room.
- Position your feet in a staggered position, about 2 feet away from the corner.
- Place a forearm on each wall with the elbows slightly below shoulder height at a 90-degree angle.
- Lean forward until a good stretch is felt across the chest and shoulders. If any pain is felt, the stretch can be reduced or stopped altogether.
- Hold the stretch for 30 to 60 seconds.
Foam Roller Stretch
- Lay on your back, with your knees up and feet on the floor or mat (similar to a sit-up position).
- Place the foam roller under your upper back and lay back.
- Place your hands behind your head and arch your back over the roller. This will immobilize the upper back which takes a great deal of stress off the neck. Make sure to keep the roller in the upper back area, avoiding the lower back. This stretch is a great way to help with stress caused by slouching.
Levator Scapulae Muscle Stretch
- Sit up straight in a chair with both hands at your sides.
- To stretch the left levator scapulae muscle, sit on your left palm. Bring your right hand to the base of the left side of the skull.
- Gently pull down for a little stretch for 10 to 20 seconds. Repeat as needed.
Remember, these stretches are for prevention only and are not designed to treat neck pain, which can actually worsen your condition. Please contact your medical provider if you’re experiencing neck pain.
Dr. Sankey Answers Viewer Questions
Q: I have a 14-year-old rising soccer star. Should I proactively seek out a chiropractor for her or is she too young?
A: She’s certainly not too young and this is actually a great time to start with chiropractic care or some sort of movement-based therapy. Young athletes definitely benefit from developing a good stretching routine and habits of good preventative work. This can help prevent future injuries too. Dr. Sankey treats patients ages 10 and up at TruMotion Therapy.
Q: Do you recommend pregnant women getting adjustments and is there a special certification needed?
A: Yes! We definitely recommend pregnant women be treated by a chiropractor. We regularly see pregnant women at the practice due to the biomechanic changes women experience during this time. Increased pressure on the spine and changes in the abdominal muscles causes tremendous stress on the body during pregnancy. Post-partum is also an important time to seek out additional support and care. There are some certifications tailored specifically to pregnant patients. Dr. Sankey highly recommends seeking referrals from your O.B or midwife. Don’t be hesitant to ask if the provider is comfortable and has experience working with pregnant patients.
Q: Can you share how you work with patients with TMJ?
A: Everyone has a Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects the jawbone and the skull. When you have pain in that area it’s called TMJ syndrome. First, it’s important to work with your dentist to make sure your occlusion (bite) is correct or to address any recent dental work that may be causing stress. There’s a huge musculoskeletal component with TMJ syndrome which includes tension, poor biomechanics within the jaw, and even mobility issues in the neck. Soft tissue work and needling are great ways to address TMJ disorder. Issues within the trapezius muscles can commonly cause pain to the jaw as well.
Q: What are some fundamentals everyone needs to consider before starting a new exercise routine like running?
A: Anytime you start something new, it’s important to ease your body into it. Running is a stress on the body so it’s important to pair it with the appropriate recovery. A base level of strength is also great to help with running, so Dr. Sankey recommends runners do more strength training. Don’t forget the importance of properly fitted running shoes.
Q: I was in a car accident and went through physical therapy to recover. What do I need to consider before seeking chiropractic help?
A: It’s first recommended to recognize your goals and what you hope to achieve. For example, are you looking for general wellness or more of an exercise-based prescription? This will help narrow down the specialized care that will help you reach your goals. It’s a great idea to speak with a chiropractor about your goals and see if it’s a good fit.
Visit TruMotion Therapy for more information, including online scheduling and a description of the services they provide.
