Small Business Spotlight: Bier + Brauer Chiropractic

Article by Becky Fillinger

Election aftermath got you all in knots? Here’s a surefire way to relax and feel better – schedule a visit with Dr. Chris Bierbrauer, Chiropractor. We talked to Dr. Bierbrauer about his practice and the ways he relaxes when not at work. 

Q:  Please tell us about Bier + Brauer Chiropractic. How long has your office been in the Mill District?

A:  I opened Bier + Brauer Chiropractic at its current location in the Bridgewater Lofts, 221 10th Avenue S., in the fall of 2008. Please note that the clinic provides heated indoor parking – free of charge. Call us at 612-332-4414 to set up an appointment.

          

Q:  What services do you offer?

A:  My practice focuses on not only the treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunctions through chiropractic manipulation of the joints, but also and initially, by identifying and treating dysfunction in the soft tissues (muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia) that move and support the joints. The soft tissues can become tight and tense as the result of trauma, repetitive stress and postural imbalances. When this occurs, joint motion and biomechanics become affected and limited resulting in harmful compensation patterns and stress to joints and adjacent soft tissues. I utilize two soft tissue techniques known as Active Release Technique and Graston Technique to gently mobilize the soft tissues with the intent of reducing restrictive adhesions that form between the muscular and fascial fibers reducing their ability to shorten and lengthen effectively. Once the soft tissues are "released" the joints tend to start moving better on their own and the chiropractic adjustments go more easily and last longer. 

Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) and Reflexive Performance Reset (RPR) are two neuromuscular techniques that I use to "activate" or "turn on" muscles that have been inhibited or are often times muscles tight because other muscles aren't working the way that they should. This is also a compensation pattern but it is brought on by "inhibition" or "weakness" of certain muscles. When a muscle is injured or inflamed it doesn't work as well. The nervous system then asks other muscles to help out but that causes more compensation and the muscles that are helping, in turn become symptomatic or painful. MAT is a specific technique involving range of motion assessment, muscle testing to find weakness and activation of the muscle. This is done by the practitioner to the patient. RPR is a technique that is taught to the patient enabling them to perform on themselves. Typically this is done before exercise or physical activity but it can be done anytime. Both neuromuscular techniques allow the muscles to contract more efficiently, thereby reducing compensation patterns that can affect the body's biomechanics.

Prior to moving to Minneapolis I had worked in fairly traditional practices. These practices were traditional in the way that treatment times were short and patient volume was high. That is a successful practice management style financially and in some cases it is necessary with the limited reimbursement from insurance plans but I knew that I couldn't keep practicing that way. When I opened Bierbrauer Chiropractic, I knew that I was going to incorporate soft tissue work along with chiropractic joint manipulation to provide a more complete treatment. I also knew that my treatment times were going to be longer than the typical five minute session that people often experience at more high volume clinics.

Along with chiropractic joint manipulation, soft tissue mobilization and muscle activation my practice also offers Active Release Technique for the reduction and management of pain, electric muscle stimulation and rehabilitative exercises. I also make nutritional recommendations when necessary and we also sell Hemp Derived CBD in the form of oil tinctures, balms and capsules that are produced locally by Cavan Creek. The hemp used by Cavan Creek is ethically sourced, organically farmed, laboratory tested for purity and is FDA compliant.

Q:  We've all been cooped up during the pandemic. Are there stretches you would recommend that we do at home to stay limber?

A:  Posture (or a lack of good posture) is a big problem in our society and one that has become even worse as more and more people have been working from home for longer hours at less than ergonomic workstations. I recommend taking micro breaks (5-10 seconds) hourly to just stand up and stretch. Our spine likes extension (straightening up and bending backwards a bit) but we are always in a position of flexion when we are sitting at computers, in cars or in front of the TV. A quick stretch in the opposite direction helps to break up the patterns prolonged sitting causes. I also love the use of foam rollers and other self-mobilization devices. The market has been flooded with self-mobilization tools from foam rollers to spheres (lacrosse balls, etc.) to massage guns. The intent for all are to release tight and restricted soft tissues and they are all beneficial in their own way.

Q:  Why did you become a chiropractor?

A:  Growing up, my family was very musical. My mother was a music teacher and my brother is a classically trained singer. When I went to college my focus was in the health sciences but I didn't have a clear major. What I did realize was that I missed singing so I joined a mixed choir and a men's choir. During rehearsals we had to stand and by mid semester I started to notice pain down my right leg. Before long I also began to notice weakness to the point where, when I was driving, it was difficult at times to lift my foot from back and forth from the accelerator and the brake. I told my mom about it and while I was home over spring break she made an appointment for me with a local chiropractor. He evaluated me and took x-rays and said, "I've got good news and bad news." The good news was that he knew what the problem was, but the bad news was that I had a fractured vertebra in my low back that couldn't be "fixed" with chiropractic. However, it was a sable fracture that probably occurred during adolescence and manipulating the adjacent joints could take the pressure off of it, which it did. He recommended that I see an orthopedic specialist and sent me on my way. The adjustment helped dramatically with my symptoms and I realized that becoming a chiropractor was what I wanted to do

Q:  What do you like to do when you're not at work?

A:  When I'm not at work, I spend all of my time with my wife, Missy, and my twin daughters Nola and Cassidy. This past summer was one of indulgence as far as our girls are concerned. We added a slightly larger above ground pool, a trampoline and we rescued two puppies (Buddy and Finny) to go along with our adult dog Gracie! We go on a lot of walks and bike rides and we spend a lot of time at our local park. This winter will hopefully involve some skiing, both downhill and cross country. Before I had children I was a runner and completed several marathons and half marathons. Now, I try to hop on my stationary bike a few times per week. I also still enjoy music but my singing generally only takes place in the car or the shower!