The Microbiome Functions and Functional Medicine Part:1 El Paso, Texas Skip to main content

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Chiropractic Podcast

The Microbiome Functions and Functional Medicine Part:1 El Paso, Texas



The microbiomes in our bodies are fascinating. They help our various organs function correctly, helping out our immune systems battle terrible stuff. They can tell us what we are doing to our bodies when we consume food. However, the microbiomes in our gut tell us a different story as we are going to discuss what does microbiomes do as it functions in our body as well as our gut.
The relationship between the gut microbiota and its host plays a crucial role in:
  • immune system maturation
  • food digestion
  • drug metabolism
  • detoxification
  • vitamin production
  • prevention of pathogenic bacterial adhesion
Also, the composition of the microbiota is influenced by environmental factors such as diet, antibiotic therapy, and environmental exposure to microorganisms.

Why Don’t We All Have the Same Microbiome?


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Whenever we are trying to live a healthy lifestyle, our bodies will go through so many changes. When we get rid of the bad stuff that is causing us problems and the beautiful thing start taking effect in what we put in our bodies. We, as humans, have different body structures and body types that are way different. Some people lose or gain weight differently. When other people exercises, they go at their own pace, and several factors influence the bacterial composition in taxa type and abundance. These factors include:
  • host phenotype, such as age, gender, body mass index (BMI)
  • lifestyle
  • immune function
  • geographical belonging and environmental factors
  • use of antibiotics, drugs, and probiotics
  • DIET
Moreover, long-term dietary habits have been shown to play a crucial role in creating an inter-individual variation in microbiota composition.

Manipulating the Microbiome: Key Terms

Here are some key terms to remember when we are talking about the microbiome.
  • Stability: resistance to change and the ability to maintain homeostasis.
  • Resilience: capacity to return to homeostasis after disturbance.
  • Diversity: DIVERSE microbiomes are more stable and more resilient (to antibiotics); more resistant to foreign invasion (pathogens).
  • Relative Abundance: Even ‘good’ bacteria can be too abundant without balance from symbiotic species; the presence of ‘bad’ bacteria is not necessarily always harmful if enough ‘good’ are there to balance.
  • Colonization Resistance: The capacity of the microbiome communities to resist new colonization by pathogens and other transients.
    • This is a KEY factor for preventing GI infections; but also explains why probiotics are not always practical.
    • Our COMMENSAL microbiome is our first line and of defense
  • Microbial depletion: Infection; Antibiotics; Toxins/Chemicals; Stress
  • Restore balance/” reseeding”: (the term “reinoculate” is not really correct) Probiotics; Fermented foods; Prebiotics/Polyphenols.

Advantages to DNA Testing

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For many practitioners, measuring microorganism DNA allows for:
  • Detection of a more diverse collection of microorganisms, (more genus and species, particularly anaerobic species)
  • They can measure at the species and subspecies level
  • They have a much better snapshot of dysbiosis and diversity
  • Have better accuracy of results
  • Much faster turnaround time and much less expensive
  • Concept of “epigenetics.”
However, DNA is DNA-dead or alive whenever practitioners are looking at a patient’s DNA structure. Culture Technology is still considered “gold standard” but has several limitations. They are trying to culture anaerobic bacteria, but some of the most important bacteria are anaerobic commensals. There is a limited detection of several microorganisms, but it’s usually genus level only. Microorganisms can grow and/or die in transit and what’s measured in the culture dish is not always 100% indicative of the sample at the time of collection; the environment can morph while in transit to the lab and changes in pH etc.

Important Groups

These are some of the microbiomes that are very functional to our bodies and what parts do they play.

Commensals


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This microbiome provides the host with essential nutrients and contains Aerobic and Anaerobic microbiomes.
  • Aerobic (survives better in oxygenated environments; less prevalent in the colon, however, some are considered ‘obligate anaerobes’). They are:
    • Lactobacillus
    • Bifidobacterium
    • Bacillus
  • Anaerobic (more likely to be found colonizing the distal colon due to limited oxygen). They are:
    • Clostridia
    • Akkermansia

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria

These two are the most well-researched genus of bacteria. They are widely available in commercially available probiotic products.
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  • Lactobacillus are:
    • lactic-acid forming bacteria
    • Form biofilms which allow surviving harsh/low pH conditions (stomach acid)
    • Helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier
    • Abundant in probiotics/fermented foods


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  • Bifidobacteria are:
    • One of the first bacteria to colonize the gut after birth
    • Aids in digestion, reducing inflammation, and stimulation of immune cells

Bacillus


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These are spore-forming bacteria. They form spores in harsh environments which makes them more resilient, heat-stable, and have better viability in the gastric environment. But they may have better efficacy as probiotic therapy in SIBO population. These are in another category of commercially-produced probiotics beyond the standard Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium.
In the health world, known as “Soil Based Probiotics.” They are very prominent in the environment and their primary role in immunomodulation; stimulation of the immune system. They are a production of GALT-Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue and are known to be significant players in the production of B Vitamins and Vitamin K2 in the gut known as Bacillus subtilis

Clostridia


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These are a major anaerobic group of commensals. They comprise 10% to >50% of the microbiome and are critical for the health of the gut barrier and intestinal lining, and barrier integrity. These are essential producers of butyrate (SCFA) and secondary bile acids. They also thrive on a high and diverse fiber diet, grape, and red wine polyphenols such as Blautia, Butyrivibrio, Eubacterium, Faecalibacterium prausnitizi, Roseburia, Ruminococcus, etc. However, there are usually no probiotic supplements to directly increase the abundance of clostridia.

Akkermansia



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These microbiomes make up 1-3% of a healthy microbiome, and they help maintain the health and integrity of the mucosal barrier.
  • Akkermansia muciniphila = mucin lover
They also help with reducing inflammation and may impart protection of inflammatory bowel diseases. These microbiomes are keystone species that are highly correlated with higher microbiome diversity.

Proteobacteria


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This is a PHYLUM category of bacteria. This microbiome contains gram-negative and all bacteria that carries an LPS. This group includes plenty of beneficial bacteria but also contains several pathogens that tend to thrive in pro-inflammatory condition.

Gram (+) vs Gram (-) Bacteria



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These two types of bacteria are in our bodies as they have very different functions that can either protect or disrupt our gut.
  • Gram-Positive (+) contains:
    • Peptidoglycan
    • Lipoteichoic acid
  • Gram-Negative (-) contains:
    • LPS as a component of their cell wall
    • LPS is a very powerful ENDOTOXIN- a known contributor to induce significant inflammation and potent immune response
    • LPS antibodies are measured on Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer/Intestinal Permeability Panel
However we can’t generalize Gram (-) as “bad” or Gram (+) as “good” or vice-versa, but we can control it with the Zoomers test.

LPS(Lipopolysaccharide)



lps

In the last article, we mentioned them briefly, but here is a refresher on what theses microbes do. They are a fat/sugar molecule that lines the gram-negative bacteria inside the gut, and they protect those bacteria from bile salts. They are present inside the gut lumen under normal physiological conditions, and they usually should not enter the bloodstream. But if it does open in the blood then…
  • 1) LPS antibodies are created-tagged as “non-self.”
  • 2) Indication of intestinal permeability.
  • 3) triggers multiple inflammatory cascades = ENDOTOXEMIA
  • 4) Can help differentiate if leaky gut is happening between cells or through cells (or both), which are Transcellular vs. Paracellular pathways

Conclusion

These are the microbiomes that are in our body and how each of them plays a role to make our bodies healthy. We here at Injury Medical Clinic, do talk with our patients about what goes on in their bodies. We inform them on how to take care of themselves through the means of functional medicine. This is part one of a three-part series since tomorrow we will be discussing the roles of polyphenols in the Microbiome balance.

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Staff Ethics
These canons of professional ethics are based upon fundamental principles of moral and professional behavior and recommended for all doctors of chiropractic and chiropractic assistants. The following basic principles should be guiding factors in the practice of chiropractic and upheld at all times:
Consider the well-being of the patient. The primary effort and ultimate goal is for the greatest good of our patients.
  • Direct Access to Dr. Jimenez
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    Treating Severe Pain, Sciatica, Neck & Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Joint Injuries, Sports Injuries, Degenerative Arthritis. Advanced therapies focused on mobility recovery, structural conditioning, health, nutrition, wellness, and optimal fitness.

    Our chiropractors, nutritionists, doctors, nurse practitioners and clinical staff are ready to help you. We focus with functional medicine treatment care plans that bring true care and health to our patients. We offer injury care, sports wellness, nutritional treatment protocols that bring optional health to you.
  • Dr. Alexander D. Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST
    Chief Clinical Director
    Phone:   9155408444
    Email:     doctorback@gmail.com

    Specializing in Severe Pain: Sciatica, Neck-Back Pain, Whiplash, Headaches, Knee Injuries, Sports Injuries, Dizziness, Poor Sleep, Arthritis. We use advanced, proven therapies focused on optimal mobility, health, fitness, and structural conditioning. We use Patient-Focused Diet Plans | Specialized Chiropractic Techniques | Mobility-Agility Training | Cross-Fit Protocols | Functional Medicine Protocols* | Wellness Nutrition and the "PUSHasRx System" to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems.
    ( Licensed: Texas & New Mexico )*

    Message from: Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN

    ( Biography and my promise to you )

    Hello-Bienvenido's,
    My name is Dr. Alex Jimenez, and I am a Chiropractic Doctor specializing in advanced therapies focused on total joint health, strength training, and complete fitness conditioning. We use patient-focused diet plans, Advanced Chiropractic Techniques, Agility Training, Cross-Fit, and the PUSH System to treat patients suffering from various injuries and health problems. Our goal, too, is to help your body heal itself naturally. When your body is truly healthy, you will effortlessly arrive at your fitness level and proper weight. We want to help educate you on living a new and improved lifestyle. Our doctors have spent over 25+ years researching and testing methods with thousands of patients. We strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and complete programs.

    My goal, too, is to help the body heal itself naturally. When your body is truly healthy and balanced, you will move pain-free and ultimately arrive effortlessly at optimal fitness levels and proper weight. We want to help educate you on living a new and improved lifestyle. Our doctors have spent over 25 years researching and testing methods with thousands of patients. We strive to create fitness and better body health through researched methods and complete programs. These programs are natural and use the body's ability to achieve improvement goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs. We were hoping you could live a fulfilled life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight, and education on maintaining this way of life.

    The focus on spinal and skeletal adjustments makes doctors of chiropractic unique in their approach to treating patients with spinal complaints. However, this hallmark chiropractic adjustment is not the only procedure a chiropractor may employ in managing a patient's care. I am proud to bring my patients various treatment options beyond a typical chiropractic center's scope of responsibility. With the advances in physical therapies and modalities, we bring El Paso options that better aid in the rehabilitation process. Tissue healing is a beautiful process that begins the moment an injury occurs. How the damage is managed determines the outcome concerning healing. We must implement immediate procedures as soon as possible to gain optimal recovery. The old day of letting it rest until it gets better is not the only option.

    Letting it rest may be irresponsible, considering what we now know. Implementing active and movement-based treatments has clearly shown increased and improved outcomes in many instances.

    As doctors focus on the greater good, we must assess each patient individually and apply the appropriate protocols. It is also essential to denote that El Paso has fine doctors in many specialties of healing and repair. The direct relationship with the specialists in these disciplines clearly allows us to bring our patients the highest quality of care.

    My promise to my patients is stated for all to read here. With God's help, I will do whatever it takes to assist you in your recovery. I, too, will draw upon all the specialists in this town to find you the required collaborative care with the disorders being tended to.

    Warm Regards to you.

    Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, CIFM, IFMCP, ATN
    Licensed: Texas & New Mexico *
    Scope of Practice Governed By Each Licensing Board & State Scope of Practice *
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    Education:
    • Doctor
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • Texas Chiropractic Association
    Services Provided:
    • Chiropractic Care
    • Physical Therapy
    • Rehabiliation
    • Strength Training
    • Crossfit Doctor
    • Return to Competition Rehabilitation
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  • Kenna Lee Vaughn
    Senior Health Coach
    Phone:   915-613-5303
    Email:     coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

    My passion is for people. When they thrive- I thrive. I strive to make a positive and memorable impact on each person’s life I come into. My passion for people and health began at a young age. Starting with competitive sports as a child and into high school, I was truly amazed at what the human body was capable of.

    In 2010, at the age of 13, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. From here, my passion for the healthcare world blossomed. I became very familiar with doctors, blood work, and patient care. In turn, I got to learn more about not only my body but how much work truly goes into maintaining the body’s fragile systems and how precise our hormone levels have to be. When it came time to decide on a major and what college to go to, I proudly chose Grand Canyon University.

    The strong ethics they have and prestigious healthcare majors were right up my alley! I graduated from Grand Canyon University in 3.5 years with a bachelors of science in Exercise Science with an emphasis in Health Education.

    After graduation, I continued to get my Exercise Physiologist Certification from the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). As previously mentioned, I am truly fascinated by how amazing the human body is. One thing I love specifically about it is the ability it has to heal itself. With the proper supplementation, diet, and knowledge, the body can make incredible changes. This is where Functional Medicine comes in. Functional medicine is treating the body and the cause of an issue the individual is having at the root cause, not just covering up the symptoms. When a patient comes in, we start with a very detailed history.

    This history typically takes about 45 minutes to complete but allows us to gain a new perspective on what is occurring in the body. After this is completed, it is assessed at a one-on-one appointment with Dr. Jimenez, myself (Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach) and the patient. At this appointment, we will decide what labs to run to give us a better direction and understanding of the levels that are currently in the body. The labs we use give us extensive results and information.

    The importance of these labs is patient health, so we use over 12 different companies to ensure we are getting the best quality of results per patient. Every plan we create is individualized and personalized per patient. We understand that the human body is not a one plan fixes all. What works best for one person will not work best for the next. One of my favorite parts of creating these personalized plans and working with patients is the nutraceutical and coaching aspect. The nutraceuticals we use are free of wheat, gluten, corn, yeast, soy, animal or dairy products, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, egg, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, or artificial preservatives.

    The certain nutraceuticals we recommended per patient depends on their blood work and the specific health goals we have created together as a team. Part of being a team means having people to keep you accountable. As a health coach, I personally stick by the patient’s side every step of the way. Technology today really helps us take our patients to the next level.

    The clinic has an app, “Dr. J Today” that allows me to view the daily food and supplement intake of our patients. In addition to this, it pairs with a smartwatch that tracks activity and steps. Not only does it pair with a watch, but it pairs with a scale as well. This scale does not measure just weight, but water weight, body fat change, lean mass change, BMI and BMR. Having all of these components together truly allows me to have an inside view on progress and keep individuals motivated.

    I also have the ability to instant message patients through the app to answer any quick questions they have outside of their weekly video chat check-ins, also performed through the app. Lastly, a critical part of the body that is often overlooked is the feet. In the office, a scan of each patient’s feet is taken and carefully assessed. From here, I am able to tell the pressure they are putting on their feet and the differences they have in their arches.

    This allows a comprehensive alignment of their ankles, knees, hips, and spine. The body is a chain reaction and all works together. If the feet are causing problems, added stress and strain is being put on the body. I have the ability to order custom 3-D printed orthotics to help get patients back on the right foot!
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    Education:
    • Exercise Physiology & Nutrition
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  • Ana Paola Rodriguez Arciniega
    Clinical Nutritionist
    Phone:   915-850-0900
    Email:     coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

    I am a nutritionist with a strong research background and experience in the nutritional management of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Through my nutritional career, I have been able to provide help through personalized diets and nutritional education to people with food allergies, gestational diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and patients in need of enteral or parenteral nutrition. My objective is to pursue the improvement of my community´s health through the application of nutritional education.

    NUTRITIONAL PRIVATE PRACTICE
    Star Médica/2015- present.

    Provide dietetic guidance through nutritional assessment, biochemical, dietetic, and body composition monitoring. Actively with pediatricians, internal medicine physicians, and gastric surgeons we try to improve the patient’s health by providing a patient-centered integral treatment.

    • Create personalized menu plans for patients with food allergies (mostly kids) and work for hand in hand with their parents by providing current information about adequate products for this kind of diet therapy.
    • Provide nutritional and dietetic information for newly diagnosed diabetic patients.
    • Perioperative nutrition management for patients of elective gastric surgery.
    • Nutritional management of overweight and obesity.
    • Management of FODMAP´s for patients with chronic colitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

    CLINICAL RESEARCH (Master´s degree)
    National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán/2014-2016
    During my two years of graduate school, I was able to assist and participate in multiple topics of investigation in the department of Nutritional Biochemistry and Animal Nutrition.
    • The identification through ELISA of adiponectin isoforms in the blood plasma of patients with different BMI´s.
    • Quantification of Trimethylamine in different species of edible fish in Mexico, for the later introduction in the diet therapy of patients with a colostomy.

    CLINICAL RESEARCH
    National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán/2012-1013
    As a research intern in the Animal Nutrition department, I was in charge of the correct application of laboratory procedures as described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists, analyzing laboratory results, reading and transcribing current information for its subsequent inclusion in published articles.
    • Analysis of lipid content and profile of Mexican fish species with the objective of knowing which fish could be used in the diet therapy of CKD.
    • Application of sensory test of different fish recipes for the inclusion in the diet therapy of patients with CKD.

    HOSPITAL NUTRITIONIST
    Mexican Institute of Social Security/ 2018-Present
    Assess through SGA hospitalized patients to determine nutritional risk, prescribe, and/or follow medical orders with the referral of nutritional therapy. Supervision of foodservice and safety of food preparation.
    • Plan, prepare, and manage enteral nutrition therapy.
    • Supervision of milk bank procedures and stock to prevent milk shortages.
    • Dietetic consult, nutritional assessment, and providing menu plans to outpatients.
    • Provide nutritional education to hospitalized patients and family members.
    • Supervision of the ensembled food trays for hospitalized patients.


    COLLEGE PROFESSOR
    Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez/2016-2019

    Taught classes filled with current and relevant information, mainly referencing guidelines and articles of ESPEN, ASPEN, AHA, WHO and IOM. The topics that I was in charge of teaching were: Nutritional assessment and diagnosis (laboratory and practice), Laboratory of Diet and nutritional calculus (through life stages) and Clinical nutritional practice (adults and the elderly). As well as contributing with different classes/topics in the Certificate of Nutritional Treatment of Kidney disease.
    • Assessment of the nutritional status of the patient with kidney disease.
    • Protein-energy wasting in the CKD (chronic kidney disease) patient.
    • Medical-Nutritional treatment of acute kidney illness.
    • Antioxidants and their use in CKD.
    • Participated in the Nutrition Student Conference 2017 with the topic presentation of The ABCD in the Nutritional Assessment of Cancer Patients
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    Education:
    • Master Clinical Nutritionist, Professor & Educator
    Services Provided:
    • Nutritional Assessments & Consultation
    • Dietary Coaching & Treatments
    • Diagnostic Laboratory Assessments
    • Health Promotion
    • Parenteral & Enteral Nutrition Therapy
    • Obesity Nutrition Management
    • Nutrition Research
    • Management of Laboratory Analysis Methods & Materials
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  • Truide Torres
    Executive Director / Patient Liason
    Phone:   9152526149
    Email:     truidetorres@gmail.com

    Presenting Truide Torres Jimenez.
    Clinic Director: Injury Medical Clinic PA & Patient Relations Advocate & WAY More)

    Focused on patient care and medical-legal Issues, Trudie is ready and prepared to help all patients in need. "I will find a way to help you. No matter what!"

    Truide has been working for the past 20 years in claims resolutions. She works hand in hand with patients and is available to resolve dispute resolutions. She also works as the patient liaison for clinical and legal matters.

    Truide Torres Jimenez
    (Brief Bio & Her Personal Message)
    Driven by the passion of doing what is in the best interest of the patient, I wake up every morning with the drive to help those in need. The claims process for health care is full of pits, valleys, and difficult obstacles designed to strike fear in those in need. My duty is to do what is within the confines of the law, “whatever it takes” to get those involved to pay attention to those who need help. That is what I am honored to do for our patients.

    My Purpose:
    In finding my purpose, I find the bigger “Why” behind my business. This is essential in the challenges I have seen in these times. Each day, I search for God’s message in my purpose which I pray takes me to another level.
    At the end of the day, I too do not want to work for the sake of working. As humans and God-fearing individuals, we like to know we’re in alignment with what we feel we are called to do. So getting with my purpose and my “why” has always so important to me. I love people and I want to help them, especially when they are in need.

    My Commitment
    As defined, commitment is “the state or quality of being dedicated to cause activity, etc” Without commitment, it is difficult, if not impossible to push through challenges to reach our goals. My commitment is to serve my fellow person in their clinical needs and find the right solution for them.

    My Dedication:
    “The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose is what I strive daily for every day”. I have always told my children, that once you have a purpose, you commit to it and you see it through. I too try to live my life by those words. Yes, its work, and there is no substitute other than to dig in and get it done. There is no substitute for practice and preparation. Our success with our patients has always been dependent on the level of effort we as a team has been able to mutually focus on with our independent and prioritized tasks. I commit to being dedicated to our God-directed purpose.

    Perseverance
    I believe that to persevere, you must show continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failures, or oppositions. With our patients and those we assist, we face many challenges and at times need and pray for the ability to push through and pick ourselves up when down. I can only imagine how my clients feel. For that reason, I push harder to help them. Simply put, each challenge we as a team overcomes, the closer we can help our patients and those in need. We stay the course and overcome the fear and struggles our patients have and help them clinically persevere.
    Personally, I have seen great injustices transpire on those that do NOT have a voice in today’s world. Whether, a language barrier or just not knowing the rules. My job is to find out how I can help. If I personally can not help, I will find the right sources to open the possibilities. I get the job done.
    As a wife and mother of 2 children, 2 dogs, and 3 cats. My passion is for God, Family, and the mission of serving my fellow man.
    Call me if you need help with clinical matters:
    Office 915-850-0900 / Cell: 915-252-6149
    Truide Torres – Jimenez
    Patient Advocate: Injury Medical Clinic PA
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    Education:
    • Law Student (Matriculated)
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • Legal Studies
    Services Provided:
    • Patient Advocate
    • Claims Managment
    • Case Management
    • Health Coach
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  • Daniel Alvarado
    Exercise Physiologist
    Phone:   9152038122
    Email:     daniel@push4fitness.com

    Daniel Alvarado is the owner and the top trainer at PUSHasRx® CrossFit Fitness Facility. Since becoming a Trainer Daniel has kept up to date on many continuing educational classes, ensuring that his clients receive the most comprehensive and advanced training. Working directly with the Doctors, he develops and collaborates on care plans that are patient specific. No patient ever gets the same clinical protocol. His expert clinical kinesiology experience spans over 2 decades. He has trained injured patients and NCAA National Champion Athletes. His technical ability to create programs that are clinically sound and second to none. He too has used his physical therapy and recovery experience to take broken top tier athletes into strict recovery protocols assisting them to achieve highly competitive national championships. He certainly will not admit it but, he is a top national champion trainer. Daniel, also develops youth programs that are sport specific to aid young athletes achieve great success. His mastery of clinical recovery is applied applied to all patients and top tier athletes alike. All patient programs are specifically designed with patient focused recovery priorities. He is happily married to beautiful Victoria Alvarado has one child. He enjoys strength training, movies, singing, conducting, writing poetry and being a CrossFit champion. Just a way cool dude. We think you will agree.
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    Education:
    • Exercise Physiology
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • Crossfit Level I,II,III ; Pilates Instructor
    Services Provided:
    • Fitness Training
    • Strength & Power Fitness
    • Mental Strength
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  • Dennise Acosta
    Head Office Manager
    Phone:   915-850-0900
    Email:     dennis@elpasobackclinic.com

    Dennise has been at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic for four years. Known as the master multi-tasker. Dennise, handles patient care from the moment you walk in the door. She is akin to the air traffic controller. She will assist you in matter requiring clinical preparation and effective inter-office communication. She unifies all department and clinical providers making sure all important information reaches all clinicians in a timely manner. She also loves to work out, stay in shape, watch movies and help people.
  • Sandra Martinez
    Head Clinical Therapist
    Phone:   915-850-0900
    Email:     sandra@elpasobackclinic.com

    Sandra has been working at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic for over 5 years. As the head Licensed Massage Therapist, she manages and directs critical aspect of clinical care. The patients love her ability to make you laugh while removing those pesky trigger points causing pain. She is able to relax and bring comfort to all she touches. There just simply is no patient that escapes her talented touch. Trained in advance myofascial techniques, she is an integral part of patient recovery. You will never see anything but a kind smile and resolute persona ready to correct your condition and aid in your recovery. She definitely enjoys helping people, has 1 dog and loves movies. She loves flowers too.
    Education:
    • LMT: Licensed Massage Therapist
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • LMT, MMT, ART
    Services Provided:
    • Massage Therapy
    • Muscle Release Techniques
    • Neuromuscular Re-education
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  • Alejandra
    Billing Agent
    Phone:   915-850-0900
    Email:     billing@elpasobackclinic.com

    Alejandra works in accounts & billing. She is the radar of the bunch. Nothing appears to escape her mind. Highly intelligent and appears not to need a computer for recall of facts. She provides information retrieval for patients and clinical staff. She has been at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic for three years and ready for any task at hand. She performs interoffice communications with attorneys and medical director of ancillary offices. She loves her family and places know how to prioritize well.
    Education:
    • Nursing Student (Matriculated)
    Services Provided:
    • Billing
    • Medical Records
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  • Mike Contreras
    Personal Trainer
    Phone:   915-203-8122

    Big Mike was born and raised in El Paso and is an excellent personal trainer and CrossFit coach. Mike works hand in hand with each patient’s clinical care plan in order to achieve optimal outcomes. A trusted clinical representative of the PUSHasRx System along with his advance protocols. Mike not only trains the injured and recovering. Mike is a sincere human that has great talent of brining out the best in every individual he works with. He will never admit it, but we will share with you a secret. He with his God given talents trains the greatest athletes and champions in El Paso. Many champions in our community know of his commitment. As a youth, he also played football (wide receiver), basketball, and track at Bel Air High School. Educated in Clinical Human Kinesiology at UTEP and loves playing football and basketball with his little nephews in his free time. Mike has three sisters and one brother, most of which live nearby in El Paso. When he’s not watching the Cowboys or Spurs play, he’s usually lifting, sleeping or watching movies. We are blessed to have this soul on our team.
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    Education:
    • Exercise Physiologist
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • Crossfit Level 3
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  • Alexander Isaiah Jimenez
    Collegiate Athletic Consultant & NCAA Wrestling Champion
    Phone:   915-820-9443
    Email:     alexanderijimenez@outlook.com

    Alexander Isaiah Jimenez leads the power and agility education programs for the high school athletes. While still studying for his medical degree he provides physical performance testing in order to collaborate with clinicians. He is gifted in creating physical performance programs no matter what the clinical presentation is. As national fitness champion and collegiate wrestler, he too understands what performing at high levels entails. He too has had to recover from debilitating injuries only to return better then before an win national titles. He understand how the recovery process is different for clients, patients and extreme athletes. We are blessed to have his counsel.
    Education:
    • Bio-Medical Science (Pre-Medical) - Matriculated
    Services Provided:
    • Strength Coach
    • Agility Coach
    • Mentor
    Visit website
  • Ethan Padilla
    Personal Trainer & Strength Coach
    Phone:   915-203-8122

    Ethan was born and raised in El Paso and is one of our most outgoing and friendly coaches. Ethan earned his nickname “rampage Ethan” from his years at El Dorado High School, where he played inside linebacker. He has placed twice in the Strongman Competition and also recently competed in the Desert Games with his fellow PUSH Athletes as a team and placed 4th overall! Ethan is currently pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at UTEP. His focus on clients is obvious to all. Ethan is able to manage very large groups of individuals like no other. His awareness of the dangers while exercising is his greatest concern. When he’s not coaching or studying for class, he likes to spend time with his family (who are here in El Paso) or with his weimaraner puppy. Fun fact: Ethan loves any food with sprinkles (especially donuts with sprinkles) and is a diehard Seattle Seahawks fan.
    Education:
    • Physical Therapy Student (Matriculated)
    Services Provided:
    • Strength Coach
    Visit website
  • Andres
    Recovery & Nutrition

    Andres has been at PUSHasRx for two years. He brought his company Recovery and became the official juicer. Andy will fix you right up. Andres, will make sure that your nutritional recovery programs fits within your standards. Also, there is great care in making sure the nutritional requirement are clinically met. Patients and high performance athletes depend on high performance nutritions. Upon your completion of the physical medicine portion of therapy you will be offered specialized organic recovery drinks and supplementation to help aid in your recovery. You will be confident that from your pushing to recovery, you will be taken care of.
    Education:
    • Recovery Inc.
    Services Provided:
    • Nutrition
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  • Iylene Avalos
    PUSHasRx Trainer
    Phone:   915-203-8122

    ylene has been working with us for over 4 years. In her spare time she enjoys working out and running. She has 2 dogs and loves movies. Iylene is extremely aware of body mechanics and mindfully watches rehabilitation movements. She is always standing ready to assist and respond to client needs. Her commanding voice is always clear to all, no matter what floor you are on. Iylene is always ready and willing to answer any question you may have regarding fitness and recovery.
    Education:
    • Personal Trainer
    Services Provided:
    • Personal Trainer Level I,II,III,IV
    Visit website
  • Rick Cano
    Personal Trainier Level V
    Phone:   915-203-8122

    Most early-rising PUSHasRx members know Rick well as a fantastic coach who focuses strongly on form and will always make you laugh. He was born and raised in El Paso and loves to train his athletes and coach CrossFit. Rick is a very diligent, kind and considerate trainer. He is always mindful of client techniques and aware of client goals. When he’s not coaching, Rick loves to work on cars, especially his ’69 Chevelle (his next car will hopefully be a ’69 Charger). He not only became a certified Automotive Mechanic at 17, but while working on his certification at EPCC, he won 1st place in a bench competition when he was 16 (approx. 56 reps at 155#). His favorite movements are clean & jerks and snatches. He loves oreos (eats them every night), loves watching the CrossFit games, and loves his three bulldogs. He spent one year full-time personal training before he started coaching CrossFit two years ago. He is CrossFit Level 1 Certified and hopes to get his Level 2 Certification soon. Rick has competed in several competitions, including WOD for Toys in 2014, where his team placed 1st.
    Read more
    Education:
    • Physical Fitness Trainer
    Affiliations and Certifications:
    • Crossfit Lever I,II,III
    Visit website
  • Astrid Ornelas
    Blogger/Research/Curator
    Phone:   915-850-0900

    Astrid has been at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic for about three years. Astrid has taken her love for writing to an new level. She is a gifted and talented copywriter able to create amazing storylines. She creates content for patient consumption. She is able to bring words to life in a way that perplexes even the elite authors of the day. She loves nutrition and the healing power of clean eating. A naturalist at heart you will never see her eating processed foods that would be contra to clean living. She enjoys movies and creating storylines for Anime.
    Education:
    • Literature Graduate
    Services Provided:
    • Insight Analyst
    Visit website
  • Adam
    Videographer & Graphics Specialist
    Phone:   915-850-0900

    Adam has been at Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic for about a year. He enjoys designing and various forms of art. A story teller by trade he can see things people don’t see until his masterpieces are revealed. Adam is a director of many medias using the top graphics, audio and video medias to tell the story of our patient. Modest to the core, you would never know what he is about to create. We are blessed to have his talents telling the world about Chiropractic using any and all medias available.
    Education:
    • Graphics Artist
    Visit website
Treatment Methods
Dr. Jimenez uses the following methods to treat patients.
  • Our Passions
    Email:     doctorback@gmail.com

    We Welcome You 👊🏻.
    Purpose & Passions: I am a Doctor of Chiropractic specializing in progressive cutting-edge therapies and functional rehabilitation procedures focused on clinical physiology, total health, functional strength training and complete conditioning. We focus on restoring normal body functions after neck, back, spinal and soft tissue injuries.

    We use Specialized Chiropractic Techniques, Balanced Diet Plans, Agility Training programs, Cross-Fit techniques, the PUSH-Rx Rehabilitation System and a highly specialized program for our Veterans.

    We've been blessed to use our methods with thousand of El Pasoans over the last 27 years. This has allowed us to improve health and restore true fitness through researched non-surgical methods and wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body's own ability to achieve goals of improvement, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs. We want you to live a life that is fulfilled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and informed on how to maintain this way of life.

    As an extension to dynamic rehabilitation, we too offer our patients, disabled veterans, athletes, young and elder a diverse portfolio of strength equipment, high performance exercises and advanced agility options. We are very proud to have teamed up with the cities premier therapist and trainers in order to provide high level competitive athletes the option to push themselves to their highest abilities within our facility.

    Come learn how to improve your health for yourself and your loved ones.

    With a bit of work, we can achieve optimal health together, no matter the age or disability.

    Its all about: LIVING, LOVING & MATTERING! 🍎

    God Bless

    2 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS:

    (LOCATION#1) CENTRAL ELPASO:
    6440 Gateway East, Suite B

    (LOCATION#2) EAST SIDE ELPASO:
    11860 Vista Del Sol, Suite 128

    PHONE: 915-850-0900 ✔️
    Read more

Legal Disclaimers & Scope Of Practice

General Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to contact us. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*