Jenna Boren, 32, St. Paul, has been a runner for 12 years, becoming one of the top female runners in the midwest. She recently won The Sporting Life's Hennepin-Lake Classic 5K, after winning the St Patrick's Day Human Race 8K in March. In between she won the Green Bay (Wisc.) Half-Marathon in May, and was the seventh female finsher (and first Minnesotan) at Grandma's Marathon in June. When she's not running, she is a chiropractor in the Twin Cities, and practices ART (Active Release Technique). TJ Dwyer caught up with Jenna and found out more about her work and ART.
How and when did you decide to attend Northwestern Health Sciences University?
"I taught 7th grade Science for a couple years after [graduating from St.] Olaf. Although I really enjoyed teaching, I knew I wanted to do something in health care. I ended up seeing a chiropractor for a couple different running injuries and decided to head down the chiropractic path.
Why did you choose to become a chiropractor?
"Chiropractic was a pretty open field in terms of the direction I could take. I often feel like I am more of a health care consultant because I like the soft tissue, chiropractic, rehab, nutrition, learning about health in general. So, I felt like I had the most freedom to do it in chiropractic.
How did you decide to pursue ART?
"I have always been interested in soft tissue injuries, repetitive/overuse injuries which led me to Active Release Technique. I am not even certain how I initially found out about it. I started my certification while I was a student.
Can you describe what ART is?
"It is a patented soft tissue technique that actively stretches tissue under a contact point.
How is it different from traditional chiropractic?
"Chiropractic alone deals with the skeletal system and its influence on the nervous system and muscular system around it. As a chiropractor, I assess and adjust patients as needed. As an ART provider, I focus on the soft tissue. Often, the two work together.
What types of injuries/chronic or acute conditions does ART work well for?
"Tib posterior/anterior issues 'shin splints,' foot pain plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, hip/glute/pelvis pain, hamstring strains, psoas (hip flexor) strains, achilles injuries, shoulder injuries.
How does ART relate to physical therapy or other forms of injury rehab/chronic or acute conditions therapy?
"I believe they all work together. Often with an acute injury, it has to settle down first before it can be rehabbed. The idea behind ART is to break up scar tissue, improve range of motion, stretch a restricted area. When it settles, often the area needs to be strengthened or at least a possible imbalance/weak area needs to be assessed/addressed.
Do you do 'traditional' chiropractic adjustments - skeletal manipulations?
"Yes! I primarily use manual adjustments but also use the drop table and activator when appropriate.
Can you share any patient response/success stories (without breaking patient confidentiality, of course!)?
"Nothing earth shattering. Lots of people in their mid-marathon training who have tweaked their hamstring/achilles/psoas/hip. They often come in very worried about their race and usually can get under control or come up with a plan to maintain fitness while getting better quickly. It is hardest telling someone that it is not a good idea to do a race they have been training for. I have also worked regularly with someone who has had major plantar problems. We have stayed ahead of it so that he can train for various tris, Ironman, etc. Many of the people I see will come in for an injury during their training and then I won't see them again for a few months when something else 'acts up.'
What kinds of patients/injuries, etc. do you work with?
"I have worked with swimmers, triathletes, runners, rowers, skiers, canoers, hockey players, dancers, broadway cast/crew, etc. Some are injuries (common injury names like shin splints, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, sacroiliac joint imbalances). Some are maintenance. People get tight and need to be loosened up or have problematic areas they need to stay on top of.
Can ART be used as a maintenance program? In other words, when people aren't necessarily injured but have a 'problem area' does it make sense to see you before there is a problem?
"Definitely. I have many people who have decided to make it part of their training. Some come in once per month, some weekly, it really depends on what and when their big goal is.
What do you enjoy about your career choice?
"I love helping people achieve their goals whether it is finishing a 5K, breaking 3 hours in the marathon, rowing, doing an Ironman, losing weight, etc. I love the active lifestyle and feel very fulfilled when I can help others live the active lifestyle in their respective ways.
What kinds of continuing education do you pursue? Are you required to keep up-to-date on ART?
"We are required to renew yearly in ART and I have remained certified since I began the process. I am also taking a functional screening course to help assess injuries and imbalances. They aren't really that helpful in my chiropractic continuing ed but I feel like they make me a better provider. My continuing ed for chiropractic varies each year, kinesiotaping, radiology, etc.
Where are you practicing?
"I am practicing at Bass Lake Chiropractic in Crystal. I also see people in St Paul in a more informal setting.
Are you taking new patients?
"Yes!
How can people contact you?
"The easiest way is by phone: 651-261-4424 or to schedule an appointment at Bass Lake: 783-537-8070." |