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The Effectiveness of Muscle Flossing in Reducing Knee Inflammation

Muscle flossing, also known as tissue flossing or Voodoo flossing, is an emerging technique used by physical therapists, chiropractors, and athletes to improve mobility, reduce pain, and decrease inflammation. It involves tightly wrapping an elastic band around a joint or muscle group while performing specific movements to create compression and tension, which may aid in healing and recovery—especially in the knees.

Recent research supports the potential benefits of muscle flossing for knee inflammation. A study published in Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology demonstrated that a three-minute flossing protocol significantly reduced chronic knee pain and improved muscle strength and stability in boxers with long-term knee issues (Kocur et al., 2024). Another pilot study showed a reduction in perceived knee pain and improved jump performance in recreational athletes after a short muscle flossing session (Rai et al., 2020).

The mechanism behind these benefits lies in improved circulation and decreased muscle stiffness. According to a systematic review in Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, the compression from flossing may help flush out inflammatory by-products while increasing localized blood flow, contributing to reduced inflammation and enhanced range of motion (Patel et al., 2024). Additionally, muscle flossing is believed to stimulate mechanoreceptors, enhancing proprioception and pain modulation (Driller & Overmayer, 2017).

While promising, muscle flossing should be applied cautiously and under guidance. Overall, current evidence suggests it can be a beneficial, non-invasive addition to knee inflammation management protocols.

Works Cited

• Kocur, P., et al. “Effects of Tissue Flossing on Chronic Knee Pain in Boxers.” Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2024.

• Rai, M., et al. “The Effects of Tissue Flossing on Perceived Knee Pain and Jump Performance.” ResearchGate, 2020.

• Patel, R., et al. “Tissue Flossing for Joint Mobility: A Systematic Review.” Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 2024.

• Driller, M. W., & Overmayer, R. G. “The Effects of Voodoo Flossing on Muscle Performance and Recovery.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2017.

You can find Soda City Chiropractic | A Columbia Chiropractor at:

2205 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Email: dcarr@sodacitychiro.com

Phone: 803-966-7689

Schedule now!

Why a Wide Toe Box Matters & Top 3 Picks

A wide toe box in footwear allows your toes to spread naturally, supporting gait, balance, and overall foot health. Here's why it’s important, followed by the top three shoes that embody this design.

Benefits of a Wide Toe Box

1. Natural toe splay and alignment. Allowing toes to spread stabilizes your foundation and promotes proper foot alignment from the ankles to the hips.

2. Balances and protects joints. A natural toe spread improves balance and reduces strain on smaller foot joints, helping prevent issues like bunions and hammertoes .

3. Reduces overuse injuries. Wider toe spaces in neutral shoes are linked to lower rates of plantar fasciitis and stress fractures, particularly among runners.

4. Enhances comfort and circulation. Less crowding means fewer blisters, better air flow, and reduced nerve compression—critical for diabetic or neuropathic feet.

Conclusion

Prioritizing a wide toe box supports natural foot biomechanics, reduces risk of common foot problems, and improves overall comfort. Whether you're hitting the gym, running errands, or attending a formal event, Altra trailrunners, Go Rucks, NoBull, and Cole Haan dress shoes are top choices that blend health, performance, and style. If you're more into the barefoot lifestyle Vivobarefoot are a great brand to get. Again, I am not affiliated with any of these brands.

Works Cited

Costa, Salvador M., et al. “Effect of Spinal Manipulative Therapy with Stretching Compared with Stretching Alone on Full‑Swing Performance of Golf Players.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, vol. 8, no. 4, 2009, pp. 165–70. reddit.com+10xeroshoes.com+10runrepeat.com+10amazon.comtopoathletic.se

Movement Mantra PT. “The Science Behind a Wide Toe Box & Neutral Shoe.” Movement Mantra, 2023. movementmantrapt.com

Pinnacle Hill Chiropractic. “Wide Toe Box Shoe Benefits.” 2023. topoathletic.com+15pinnaclehillchiropractic.com+15ozbarefoot.com.au+15

Groundz. “6 Reasons Wide Toe Box Shoes Improve Gait, Posture and Foot Health.” 2021. reddit.com+3groundz.com+3runrepeat.com+3

RunRepeat. “7 Best Running Shoes With A Wide Toebox in 2025.” 2025. people.com+2runrepeat.com+2realsimple.com+2

Topo Athletic. “Why a Wide Toe Box Is Crucial for Runners.” 2023. topoathletic.se+1anyasreviews.com+1

You can find Soda City Chiropractic | A Columbia Chiropractor at:

2205 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Email: dcarr@sodacitychiro.com

Phone: 803-966-7689

Schedule now!

Soda City Chiropractic | A Columbia Chiropractor at:

2205 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Email: dcarr@sodacitychiro.com

Phone: 803-966-7689

Schedule now!

Top chiropractic journals and authors

Sometimes you just want to know who the leading authors are that contribute to the chiropractic world. These are some of those leaders and the journals that they publish their efforts in.

Top chiropractic & manual-therapy journals

• Journal of Manipulative & Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT) — Elsevier/ACA official research journal. ScienceDirectJMT Online

• Chiropractic & Manual Therapies (Chiromt) — BMC open-access journal with 2024 JIF 2.3. BioMed Central+1

• Journal of Chiropractic Medicine (JCM) — peer-reviewed, practice-oriented research. PMC

• Index to Chiropractic Literature (ICL) — directory of active/archived chiropractic journals. Index to Chiropractic Literature |

10 widely cited contributors to chiropractic research

1. Jan Hartvigsen, DC, PhD — Professor, University of Southern Denmark; musculoskeletal epidemiology and low back pain. Profile. Syddansk Universitetsdu

2. Christine Goertz, DC, PhD — Health services research; pragmatic LBP trials (Duke/PCORI). Duke profile • PCORI. Duke University School of MedicinePCORI

3. Pierre Côté, DC, PhD — Epidemiology of spine pain; Ontario Tech University. Faculty page. Health Sciences Ontario Tech UniversityOntario Tech University

4. Iben Axén, DC, PhD — Karolinska Institutet; spine pain prognosis & maintenance care. KI profile. Karolinska Institutet

5. Sidney Rubinstein, DC, PhD — Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam; effectiveness & systematic reviews. VU profile. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

6. Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, DC, MPH, PhD — Epidemiology & practice-based research (SDU). University profile. Syddansk Universitet

7. Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD — RCTs/pragmatic trials in back/neck pain (UMN/NWHSU). UMN profile • NIH RePORTER. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healingreporter.nih.gov

8. Andreas Eklund, DC, PhD — Karolinska Institutet; maintenance care & LBP outcomes. KI profile. Karolinska Institutet

9. Simon D. French, DC, PhD — Implementation science & spine pain; Macquarie University. Macquarie profile. Macquarie UniversityPMC

10. Greg N. Kawchuk, DC, PhD — Mechanisms of spinal disorders; University of Alberta. UAlberta news/profile • Biographical note. University of AlbertaPMC

Myofascial Release, Chiropractic Care, and Safety in Columbia, SC

Myofascial release (MFR) is a powerful technique that helps restore soft tissue health by targeting restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and joints. When fascia becomes tight or develops adhesions from injury, poor posture, or repetitive stress, it can lead to pain and limited mobility. Research shows that MFR improves flexibility, reduces pain, and promotes healing by reducing tension and increasing blood flow (Ajimsha et al., 2015; Beardsley & Škarabot, 2015). For patients seeking relief, pairing MFR with expert care from a Columbia chiropractor can make a significant difference.

At Soda City Chiropractic, located at 2205 Main Street, Columbia, we often combine chiropractic adjustments with myofascial release. Chiropractic care addresses spinal and joint misalignments, while MFR works on the surrounding soft tissues. This integrative approach not only enhances recovery but also helps athletes, workers, and families move better, recover faster, and prevent future injuries. Whether you’re searching for a chiropractor near me, need sports injury care, or are looking for long-term wellness, our Columbia clinic provides safe and effective options.

Safety is always our top priority. Chiropractors are trained to identify red flags such as unexplained swelling, severe neurological symptoms, vascular conditions, or infections (Bussières et al., 2008; WHO, 2005). Recognizing these signs ensures patients are referred for additional care when needed. By blending chiropractic adjustments with MFR, Soda City Chiropractic supports pain relief, performance, and lifelong wellness.

Works Cited

• Ajimsha, M. S., Al-Mudahka, N. R., & Al-Madzhar, J. A. (2015). Effectiveness of myofascial release: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(1), 102–112.

• Beardsley, C., & Škarabot, J. (2015). Effects of self-myofascial release: A systematic review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(4), 747–758.

• Bussières, A. E., Taylor, J. A., & Peterson, C. (2008). Diagnostic imaging practice guidelines for musculoskeletal complaints in adults. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(1), 33–88.

• Vining, R., et al. (2020). Chiropractic care and patient-reported outcomes for musculoskeletal pain. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 26(6), 529–536.

• World Health Organization (2005). WHO guidelines on basic training and safety in chiropractic.

Soda City Chiropractic | A Columbia Chiropractor at:

2205 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Email: dcarr@sodacitychiro.com

Phone: 803-966-7689

Schedule now!

Chiropractic Care and Stroke Patients

Chiropractic care has shown potential in aiding stroke recovery by enhancing motor function and muscle strength. A study published in Brain Sciences investigated the effects of chiropractic spinal adjustments on chronic stroke patients. The research found that combining chiropractic care with physical therapy led to significant improvements in motor function, particularly in lower limb strength, compared to a sham treatment group. PMC

Further supporting these findings, another study highlighted that a single chiropractic adjustment could increase plantar flexor muscle strength in stroke survivors, suggesting that chiropractic interventions may modulate neural pathways to improve muscle performance. MDPI

Additionally, chiropractic care may contribute to stroke recovery by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation, which are crucial for healing and rehabilitation. Accident Care Chiropractic

At Soda City Chiropractic in Columbia, SC, we specialize in providing chiropractic care tailored to individuals recovering from stroke. Our approach focuses on restoring spinal alignment and enhancing nervous system function to support motor recovery. If you or a loved one is experiencing post-stroke symptoms such as muscle weakness, coordination issues, or balance difficulties, contact us today to learn how chiropractic care can aid in your recovery journey.

Works Cited

1. Holt, K., et al. (2021). The Effects of Four Weeks of Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments on Blood Biomarkers in Adults with Chronic Stroke: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sciences, 11(24), 7493. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/24/7493

2. Haavik, H., et al. (2022). The Effects of Four Weeks of Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments on Blood Biomarkers in Adults with Chronic Stroke: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sciences, 11(24), 7493. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/24/7493

3. Accident Care Chiropractic. (2022). How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Stroke Recovery. https://accidentcarechiropractic.com/chiropractic-care-after-stroke/

4. Haavik, H., et al. (2022). The Effects of Four Weeks of Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments on Blood Biomarkers in Adults with Chronic Stroke: Secondary Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Brain Sciences, 11(24), 7493. https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/11/24/7493

5. Moore Life Chiropractic. (2018). Can Chiropractic Care Help Stroke Patients? https://moorelifehealth.com/can-chiropractic-care-help-stroke-patients/

Soda City Chiropractic | A Columbia Chiropractor at:

2205 Main Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Email: dcarr@sodacitychiro.com

Phone: 803-966-7689

Schedule now!