Dr. Rachel LaPlant

Dr. Rachel LaPlant Doctor of Chiropractic, CCSP
The Alpha Omega Clinic in Christchurch, NZ

04/05/2026

Tape isn't just for athletes 👀

Kinesiology tape can be a simple but powerful tool to support movement, reduce discomfort, and help your body function better - whether you're dealing with pain, injury, post-surgery discomfort or everyday strain.

Common reasons I use kinesiology tape:
• Ankle sprain or instability
• Knee pain (runners knee, patella tracking, swelling)
• Low back (disc issue, general tension, posture)
• Shoulder pain (rotator cuff support)
• Tennis/golfer's elbow
• Neck & upper back tension (poor posture)
• Wrist strain (carpal tunnel)
• Plantar fasciitis
• Overuse muscles

How does it work?
✅ Improves circulation & lymphatic drainage
✅ Reduces swelling & inflammation
✅ Decrease pressure on pain receptors
✅ Improves body awareness (proprioception)
✅ Supports muscles & joints without restricting movement
✅ Encourages better posture and movement patterns

*Important*
Tape doesn't "fix" the root cause, but it's a tool. The best results usually come when combined with proper adjustments, muscle work, rehab, and addressing WHY the issue started in the first place.

24/03/2026

🧠 Your brain is the control center of your entire body 🧠

Every muscle firing, every step you take, every organ doing its job - it all comes down to communication between your brain and your body.

When that communication is disrupted (from injury, stress, concussion, headaches/migraines, etc.) the body starts to compensate.

That's when we see:
• Pain that doesn't make sense
• Injuries that won't heal fully
• Ongoing tightness or weakness
• Changes in movement or performance

In Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic, we don't just look where it hurts - we look at how your brain and body are working together 💚

Because true healing happens when the body can communicate clearly!

Your right hip isn't older than your left... So why does only one hurt?Pain isn't simply about age. In Applied Kinesiolo...
24/02/2026

Your right hip isn't older than your left... So why does only one hurt?

Pain isn't simply about age. In Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic, we assess how muscles, joints, and movement patterns are functioning together. Unilateral (one side) pain often reflects imbalance, compensation, and altered muscle activation - not just the passage of time.

Arthritis may show up on imaging, but it doesn't automatically explain your pain!

Age is a number but FUNCTION is what truly matters!! ✨

22/02/2026

Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis - stiffness & inflammation in the shoulder joint)

• this makes everyday movements painful & restricted •

With Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic, we assess the whole system - joint movement, muscles (strength and ability), neurology (nerves), and movement patterns - to create truly individualised care 💚

This patient was also diagnosed with subacromial bursitis (irritation of the fluid-filled sac aka cushion between bones in the shoulder). Through targeted adjustments, specific muscle work, and tailored rehab - her pain has decreased dramatically & range of motion continues to improve!

If your shoulder feels "stuck", painful, or weak - it's worth assessing the whole body, not just the joint.

16/02/2026

Outer hip pain? Low back pain?

It might not be your back… it could be your glute med 👀

The gluteus medius is a small but powerful muscle on the side of your hip. Its main job is to keep your pelvis level when you walk, run, or stand on one leg.

When this muscle isn’t activating properly, your body starts to compensate. Over time, this extra stress can overload the low back, SI joints, knees, and even ankles.

✨ The key thing to know ✨
Weak doesn’t always mean “not strong” — it often means “not switching on.” That’s why treatment isn’t just about stretching or strengthening.

It’s about:
• Getting the muscle firing again
• Improving pelvic stability
• Correcting movement patterns
• Supporting long-term injury prevention

If you’ve been chasing hip or back pain with no clear answer, this muscle is worth checking.

📍 The Alpha Omega Clinic
📞 03 356 2266
✉️ [email protected]

Inflammation is our body's natural response to injury, irritation, or infection. It's part of your immune system's way o...
12/02/2026

Inflammation is our body's natural response to injury, irritation, or infection. It's part of your immune system's way of healing & repairing tissues.

There are 2 main types:

• Acute inflammation: short-term & helpful (swelling after a sprained ankle). It brings blood flow, nutrients, and immune cells to repair the area.

• Chronic inflammation: long-term & keeps your body in "fight or flight" mode (affecting the nervous system). This can contribute to ongoing pain, stiffness, fatigue, headaches, gut issues, slower healing, and more.

While acute inflammation is beneficial, chronic inflammation can keep the body stressed and prevent proper healing.

💚 This is where Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic comes in 💚

We can help reduce the signals that keep the inflammation switch on. This helps balance the body again to heal more efficiently, move better, and experience less pain naturally!

📍 The Alpha Omega Clinic
✉️ [email protected]
📞 03 356 2266

26/01/2026

💥 CHIROPRACTIC MYTHS BUSTED 💥

Let's clear things up:

✔️ MYTH #1: Chiropractors only treat back pain
• Chiropractors are musculoskeletal professionals. We assess, diagnose, treat, and help prevent issues related to the muscles, joints, and nervous system. That means we work with the spine AND extremities (head, jaw, shoulders, arms, hips, knees, ankles, and feet).

✔️ MYTH #2: There's no evidence chiropractic works
• Chiropractic Care is well researched. Studies show joint manipulation (adjustments) can be effective for acute and chronic pain to improve mobility and function.
• In applied kinesiology chiropractic, we also assess structural (body mechanics & movement), chemical (nutritional & organ stress), and mental/emotional factors. All three influence how the nervous system and body function together.

✔️ MYTH #3: Chiropractors only do adjustments
• Adjustments are just ONE tool. Treatment may also include soft tissue therapy (muscle, tendon, ligament work), dry needling/acupuncture, tailored stretches & exercises (movement retraining), nutritional guidance, stress management, and patient education.
• Treatment is always based on you and your goals

Chiropractic Care is about helping your body function better - not just cracking backs.

22/01/2026

Jaw pain isn't always a jaw problem

If you're dealing with jaw tension, clicking, headaches, or clenching - there's usually more going on than just tight muscles.

In Applied Kinesiology Chiropractic, we look at the body in 3 key ways:

🧠 Mentally / Emotionally
The jaw is one of the first places we hold stress, anxiety, and unresolved trauma/grief. Clenching or grinding is often your nervous system staying in "fight or flight", even when you're resting.

🧪 Chemically / Nutritionally
The jaw can be influenced by organ stress, especially the stomach and liver. Digestive issues, reflux, food intolerances, or poor detox pathways can refer tension and pain into the jaw, face, and temples.

🦴 Structurally / Physically
Jaw pain often shows up as:
• Tight jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles
• Clicking or locking of the TMJ (temporomandibular joint aka jaw joint)
• Headaches or migraines
• Neck (cervical) & skull (occiput) misalignment
• Neck tension and poor posture

*** This reel covers the structural component of jaw pain only.

Your jaw is talking.
We help you understand what it's saying.

📍 The Alpha Omega Clinic
📞 03 356 2266
✉️ [email protected]

Applied Kinesiology-Focused Chiropractic CareWhole-body assessment. Individualised care.📍 Christchurch, NZ📞 Contact deta...
20/01/2026

Applied Kinesiology-Focused Chiropractic Care

Whole-body assessment. Individualised care.

📍 Christchurch, NZ
📞 Contact details above
🔗 Scan the QR code to learn more

15/01/2026

🦶 Pigeon toed (feet pointing in)

It's not just a foot issue - it's a movement pattern.

When the feet turn in while standing or walking, we often see inactive or weak outer hip muscles (crucial hip stabilizers). The body then compensates by changing how the ankles, knees, and hips load EVERY step.

What this leads to:
• Outer hip or glute pain
• Knee tracking issues (knee pain)
• Ankle/calf stiffness (shin splints) or arch collapse
• Low back pain
• Inefficient gait (walking) mechanics

What needs to change?
✔️ Activate & strengthen outer hips
✔️ Bone & joint alignment throughout foot, ankle, knee, hips, and low back
✔️ Retrain the feet and ankles for correct function
✔️ Improve knee tracking
✔️ Restore hip control
✔️ Re-educate gait (how you walk every day matters!)

This isn't about "standing straight once". Your nervous system learns movement through repetition, context, and awareness!

Corrective care isn't just strengthening - it's reprogramming movement 💚

📍 The Alpha Omega Clinic
📞 03 356 2266
✉️ [email protected]

Address

154 Leinster Road
Christchurch
8014

Opening Hours

Monday 7:30am - 11:30am
1:30pm - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 12pm
1:30pm - 6pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 1pm
Thursday 9:30am - 12pm
1:30pm - 6pm
Friday 7:30am - 12pm

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