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High Amplitude Health

The chiropractic blog

Tips, insights, and health advice from Dr. John Blenio — helping San Mateo stay pain-free and performing at their best.

✓ Written by Dr. John Blenio, DC
✓ Evidence-Based Chiropractic
✓ San Mateo's Top-Rated Chiropractor
Latest Articles

Insights for a pain-free life

Practical advice on chiropractic care, injury prevention, and recovery — from Dr. John's 16+ years treating San Mateo patients.

Knee
Kids & Teens

Osgood-Schlatter, Sinding-Larsen-Johansson, or Jumper's Knee? Which Knee Pain Does Your Child Have?

Three unfamiliar names for one sore knee. A one-finger check at home usually tells you which it is, and why all three trace back to tight muscles pulling from the hip down.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Heel
Kids & Teens

Is It Sever's Disease or Plantar Fasciitis? Why Your Child's Heel Hurts

If your child is still growing and the back of the heel hurts after sports, it's most likely Sever's, a temporary growth plate inflammation, not a disease. Dr. Blenio explains how to tell the two apart and what actually helps.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Hip
Hip Pain

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Sleep on My Side?

That deep ache on the outside of your hip after a night on your side usually isn't your mattress — it's the bursa and the muscles around it. Dr. Blenio explains what's really going on and what actually helps.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Sci
Back Pain

Does Sciatica Go Away on Its Own?

Often, yes — especially early on. But whether it fully resolves or keeps coming back usually comes down to one thing most people never think to check. Dr. Blenio breaks down what actually determines the outcome.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Brace
Elbow Pain

Does a Tennis Elbow Brace Actually Fix the Problem?

A counterforce brace can genuinely ease your pain within minutes — but it doesn't heal the tendon damage causing it. Dr. Blenio explains what a brace actually does, what it doesn't, and what it takes to resolve tennis elbow for good.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Cuff
Shoulder & Rotator Cuff

Rotator Cuff Tear vs. Shoulder Impingement — How to Tell the Difference

Same shoulder, two very different injuries. Dr. Blenio breaks down the pain patterns, the weakness, and the warning signs that separate a tear from impingement — and why getting it right changes your recovery.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Heel
Foot & Heel Pain

Why Does Plantar Fasciitis Hurt Worse in the Morning?

That first-step heel pain isn't your imagination. Dr. Blenio explains what's actually happening in the fascia overnight, and what helps before your feet even hit the floor.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Auto
Auto Accident Injuries

Whiplash After a Car Accident: What to Expect and How to Heal

Why does whiplash pain often show up two or three days later? Dr. Blenio explains what's actually injured, how long healing takes, and what speeds up recovery.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Move
Back Pain

Is It Safe to Exercise With Sciatica?

Wondering if movement will make your sciatica worse? Here's what actually helps, what to avoid during a flare-up, and why pairing exercise with hands-on treatment gets you pain-free faster.

Dr. John Blenio · September 2026 Read Article →
Leg
Lower Leg Injuries

Calf, Achilles, Knee & Ankle Pain That Keeps Coming Back

Stubborn calf strains, Achilles tightness, or knee pain that won't fully resolve? Active Release Therapy targets the muscle and fascia restrictions that rest and stretching alone can't reach.

Dr. John Blenio · August 2026 Read Article →
Sci
Back Pain

Sciatica vs. Lower Back Pain — How to Tell the Difference

Shooting pain down your leg? Or just a nagging ache in your lower back? Here's how to distinguish sciatica from a simple back strain — and why it matters for your treatment.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
ART
Soft Tissue Therapy

What Is Active Release Therapy — And Is It Right for You?

ART is one of the most effective treatments for muscle pain, scar tissue, and nerve entrapment. Here's exactly how it works and what to expect during your first session.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
Run
Sports Injuries

5 Reasons Your Sports Injury Keeps Coming Back

If your knee, shoulder, or back pain keeps returning after treatment, there's usually an underlying cause being missed. Here are the five most common reasons — and how to fix them.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
Neck
Neck Pain

Tech Neck Is Real — Here's What's Actually Happening to Your Spine

Hours of looking down at your phone or laptop are reshaping your cervical spine. Learn what tech neck really does to your muscles and joints, and what you can do about it today.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
vs
Chiropractic Care

Chiropractor vs. Physical Therapist — Which Do You Actually Need?

Both treat pain and movement problems — but they take very different approaches. Here's an honest breakdown of when to see a chiropractor, when to see a PT, and when both at once is best.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
Head
Headaches

The Surprising Muscle Triggers Behind Your Chronic Headaches

Most chronic headaches don't start in your head — they start in your neck and upper back. Here's how tight muscles and joint dysfunction create the headache cycle, and how to break it.

Dr. John Blenio · May 2026 Read Article →
Browse by Topic

Find what you're looking for

🔙
Back Pain & Sciatica
Lower back pain, sciatica, herniated discs, and spinal health.
🏃
Sports Injuries
Recovery, prevention, and performance for athletes of all levels.
💆
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Tech neck, rotator cuff, upper back tension, and posture.
🧠
Headaches & Migraines
Cervicogenic headaches, tension headaches, and migraine triggers.
🚗
Auto Injury Recovery
Whiplash, soft tissue damage, and insurance guidance.
💪
Chiropractic Care
What to expect, how ART works, and building lasting results.

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