6Degrees Sports Chiropractic

In the past year, I’ve gone through somewhat of a strenuous time in my life in terms of my running. Went and got my RRCA coaching certification and went nuts trying out different shoes, running styles, etc all in the name of bettering myself with a wider base and more profound knowledge.
In doing so, I also induced all kinds of injuries to my legs. I can’t pin all the blame on the techniques or the shoes — all they did was highlight the fact that I have weaknesses in various parts of my body (hips, achilles tendons) that need work. I’ve gone to two physical therapists, two MD’s, (including one ranked by Big D magazine as one of the best sports doctors in Dallas) and one other chiropractor.
The MD’s were useless — I expected the sport specific one to help or find the root problem, but other than the cortisone shot and the significant bill they stuck me with, it was no better than the treatment from my general MD — RICE. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) Oh, and ibuprofen to relieve swelling.
The PT’s were more helpful — they isolated what they thought was the cause of my issue. Gave me exercises to work on it. Given my tendency to go go go, it would probably go a long ways in resolving my long term issue, but nothing in the short term.
My first chiro performed Graston on my right IT band. Helpful and somewhat painful. Fixed my issue and allowed me to run the OKC marathon. Then my left IT band kicked in, or what felt like it. I quickly realized after asking him to work on my other one that he didn’t care what the root cause was — he just worked on the problem, not giving me a solution. Get in, get out, come back again later this week.
That philosophy bugged the hell out of me… which was the same way my MD’s treated me. Finally, I met Dr. Brian Riggs of 6Degrees Chiropractic at the Heels and Hills Half Marathon. (Formerly at SVC) I was supposed to pace the 2:00 hour group but pulled up lame within a half mile — my first ever DNF. He performed a quick diagnosis on me, and isolated the main causes of my injury — piriformis and my hip flexors.
He is certified in ART — Active Release Technique. Essentially a myofascial release technique to break up scar tissue and smooth out the tissue.
Within my first session he performed ART on my ITB and left quad, and gave me a set of specific exercises and stretches to help with my issue. I hit the ground the next morning running with minimal to no discomfort. I can truly say I was impressed with the results through just that first initial treatment.
Brian has been working with me ever since via ART and various tests to see the progression. He’s put in a lot of time and effort in getting me better — it’s nice to see a doctor who actually cares about his patients for once, not just another number that they’re trying to get in and out as quickly as possible.
In addition to chiropractic care, they also offer massage therapy, acupuncture, personal training, and hair styling services in the same building. It’s great to finally find a place run by athletes for athletes that get the mindset that we function and run in. Obviously, we can’t run through the pain of every injury — rest plays an important part as does traditional medicine, but for everything else, 6Degrees can help.

Dr. Riggs helped relieve my knee pain so that I could ride in the Lone Star Ride last September. He’s also a great personal trainer and I’ve bulked up significantly since working out with him.