Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

There is no simple response to 'what causes arthritis?' Not only are there many factors to take into consideration as to the antecedent, but there are three different types of arthritis that can affect the knees.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis in the knee. This is a progressive condition that slowly wears away joint cartilage. Typically, osteoarthritis is most likely to occur after middle age.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition that occurs at any age.

Post-traumatic arthritis develops following a knee injury. It can develop years after a torn meniscus, ligament injury, or knee fracture.

Although not common, it is possible to have more than one type of arthritis at one time. In order to effectively treat the arthritis it is very important to get a proper diagnosis.

Arthritic Pain

Arthritic pain can occur suddenly, but for most people it is more likely to develop slowly. In the beginning there may be some pain in the morning or after a period of inactivity. The knees may hurt as you climb or descend stairs, stand up from a sitting position, or kneel. In some cases the simple act of walking can cause pain.

Some individuals feel pain while in a sitting position. Damp weather or other changes in weather can bring on pain.

Knee pain that interrupts sleep can be a symptom of osteoarthritis.

Inflammation is often associated with arthritis of the knee. The formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) or a build up of fluids in the knee is often the cause of this. Swelling may be more pronounced after a long period of inactivity, such as waking up in the morning. The skin around the knee may appear red or feel warm to the touch. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the inflammation and pain can become chronic and no relief may be found through the use of an over-the counter pills.

Possible Causes of Arthritis:

• Injury to the knee
• Infections - such as in the arthritis of Lyme disease
• Immune system dysfunction
• Physically demanding occupations
• Over use (or improper use) of the knee via recreational activities

Most types of arthritis are caused by a combination of many factors working together. Some people may be more susceptible to certain arthritic conditions due to their genetic makeup. Additional factors, such as smoking and diet can further increase the risk of arthritis.

Risk Factors for Arthritis:

Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not. Below is a list that encompasses all forms of arthritis, not just arthritis in the knee.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age - Usually developing most types of arthritis increases with age.
Gender - most types of arthritis are more common in females.
Genetics - Depending on genetics, there is a higher risk of certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and ankylosing spondylitis.

Modifiable risk factors:

Weight - Excess weight can help to cause the onset and progression of knee osteoarthritis.
Joint injuries - Damage to a joint can cause the onset of osteoarthritis in that specific joint.
Infection - Many microbial agents can infect joints and trigger various forms of arthritis.
Occupation and Recreation - Some occupations (and recreational activities) involve repetitive knee bending and squatting that are associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Foods to Avoid

Sugar is the first item to eliminate from your diet. Refined sugar, white rice, refined flour, processed foods, dairy and alcohol should all be greatly reduced, or better still, eliminated. Consulting with a qualified health professional is important if you have arthritis.

Anti-inflammatory Foods

Garlic - Garlic contains diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that can help fight the pain, inflammation and cartilage damage of arthritis. Fresh, local garlic is much preferred.

Turmeric - Curcumin is the active chemical that blocks the inflammatory cytosine and enzymes in two inflammatory pathways. Turmeric is most effective in combination with black pepper, which helps the body absorb it better. Fresh turmeric is preferred over the powder form.

Ginger - Gingerol and shogaol are the chemicals in ginger that help to prevent and fight inflammation. Always use fresh.

Cayenne - Chili peppers contain natural compounds called capsaicinoids, which have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lifestyle Changes

Certain types of exercise can help maintain your knee function and relieve pain, including water aerobics and strength training. Losing excess weight can help relieve pain by lessening the pressure on the knees.

There are natural remedies that may help as well such as methylsulfonylmethane, a sulfurous compound found in many foods. It is mainly known as MSM and it is important for healthy joints and bones.

Seeking advice from a qualified health professional can help you attain relief and in many cases treat the symptoms of arthritis. Contact us for more information about our OA Knee Program.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you manage and possibly treat your arthritis. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

We are all aware that snow shoveling is hard work, and the more snow there is and the "wetter" it is, shoveling becomes extremely challenging. There's no shortage of emergency room statistics that show us, shoveling can cause cardiac arrest if a person is not careful. What emergency rooms do not show are the enormous numbers of injuries that occur. Shoveling snow should be treated in the same manner as if you were to engage in any athletic or exercise program in order to protect yourself.

In January 2011, the results of a seventeen-year study were published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine and the results were astounding. This study reveals that the most common injury when removing snow (either with a shovel or by using a snow blower) is to the soft tissue; the majority of all injuries are soft tissue injuries such as damage to muscles, ligaments and tendons. The lower back was the most frequently injured, followed by the arms and the hands. Twenty percent of injuries were directly related to slipping or falling as a result of being outside to snow hoveling and shockingly, 15 percent of injuries were the result of being struck by a snow shovel.

Snow shoveling safety needs to be taken seriously in order to avoid becoming a statistic. Here are some tips to help you minimize, if not eliminate any chance of sustaining an injury:

• First and most important, if you have already had a heart attack or have a history of heart disease, have high blood pressure or have high cholesterol levels, do not attempt shoveling unless your doctor approves.
• Drink lots of water before starting. Have some water available because shoveling is physical exercise and avoiding dehydration is important. (When you feel thirsty, your body has already started to dehydrate.)
• Wear appropriate footwear.
• Shovel at least one hour after eating and if you are a smoker, avoid doing so before or during shoveling.
• Warm up first by stretching your shoulders, arms, hands, legs and back.
• Start slow and it is advisable to work at a slow pace – don't be in a hurry because this is when an injury is most likely to occur.
• Shovel early in a snowfall, and often if need be – better that than waiting for all 30 cm of wet heavy snow to fall!
• Take breaks.

Snow Shoveling Techniques:

• Pushing the snow rather than lifting it is best.
• When shoveling deep snow, shovel it in small amounts.
• If you know the ground is icy or slippery, toss down some kitty litter, sand, salt or anything else that is safe to use for the ground that will provide you with traction.
• Lift properly by – keeping feet at hip width – hold the shovel close to your body – space your hands apart to increase your leveraging – tighten up your abdominal muscles while lifting – avoid twisting when lifting – walk to dump the snow; do not toss – and perhaps the most important – bend at your knees not your back!

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre: Reminders

In the event you start to feel heaviness or discomfort in the arms, neck or chest areas, stop shoveling immediately. If it does not subside right away, call 911. Other signs of heart attack to be aware of include a prolonged shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, excessive sweating, or if you begin to vomit.

Do not work yourself to the point of exhaustion because this contributes to injury, hypothermia and to possible frostbite.

Should you sustain any soft tissue injury while shoveling – stop shoveling right away! If you cannot move or are in serious pain, call 911. If the injury isn't as severe, then see a health professional as soon as possible. Should there be any inflammation, apply ice right away.

Snow Shoveling Benefits

The good news about safely shoveling snow is that fifteen minutes of shoveling counts as a moderate physical workout. Although recommendations vary among agencies, between (minimum) 30-60 minutes of moderate physical activity weekly is essential to good health. If winter brings us lots of snow, then you get lots of fresh air and exercise – without paying for a gym membership.

More good news! Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has worked with countless patients who have sustained injuries due to snow shoveling. Our Rehab Centre has fully qualified professionals that will work with you to minimize the pain and to help get you back to your usual self. Hopefully you won't get injured this winter, but in the unfortunate event you do, call us right away.

You may have specific ailments that you are concerned about, or perhaps you are simply concerned about overall wellness. No matter what your reason for visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist, there is a treatment that will leave you feeling relieved and refreshed, and possibly years younger. Part of achieving optimal health involves taking responsibility for your body’s specific needs and taking steps to correct any imbalances that may occur. When stress, injury or overexertion causes pain and illness, why suffer needlessly? You can visit a Richmond Hill professional therapist to relieve your pain and stress as well as help detoxify the body to combat serious illnesses.

A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct spinal alignment to relieve the back pain that often results from poor posture or repeating the same type of motions over and over again. Many jobs require us to stand, sit or repeat the same actions continuously for eight hours or more. Our bodies are not designed for such abuse and eventually pain will develop. Regular visits to your chiropractor can relieve such pain and can also help for a myriad of other health issues including digestive problems, headaches and neurological disorders.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can target any area of the body to provide relief from pain and disease. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for weight loss and helping people to quit smoking. It can improve digestive function and brain function, improving moods and helping the body to detoxify itself.

Richmond Hill massage therapy can provide relief from pain and tension in every part of your body. It improves blood circulation and helps to eliminate toxins from the body and will leave you with extra energy and a feeling of well-being. Visit Richmond Hill for natural therapies today!

Kinesiotaping is a method of treatment that can treat pain, support joints and muscles and it does so without affecting a person’s range of motion. This is a treatment method that has grown in popularity over the years and nowadays is used by many athletes including David Beckham.

This treatment method is a technique that is based on an individual’s natural healing process. Kinesiotaping was created by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979 and over the years he has perfected it to a tee. In addition to the reduction of pain, other benefits include:

• Improves circulation and lymphatic flow which aids in reducing inflammation;
• Enhances muscle activation;
• Provides protection to the individual throughout the healing process; and
• Helps to prevent further injury and improves mobility.

This method of treatment has its origins from the science of kinesiology, hence the name kinesio. For the first ten years medical practitioners, acupuncturists, orthopedists and chiropractors used Kinesiotaping. Once this was discovered to be very effective the Japanese Olympic volleyball players started using this and before long word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesiotaping is used by athletes and health professionals worldwide.

The Kinesiotaping method is applied over injured muscles to reduce inflammation and pain and whenever else a health professional feels a patient can benefit. It is a tape that once on the skin, allows for full range of motion. Before Kinesiotaping many athletes used traditional sports tape to stabilize and support the athlete that ultimately obstructed blood flow which produced unwanted side-effects.

Kinesiotape can be used for almost anything that causes pain from headaches to foot problems. It has been successfully used to help with:

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients;
• shoulder pain;
• hamstring;
• groin injuries;
• lower back pain;
• painful knee conditions;
• plantar fasciitis;
• pre and post-surgical edema; and
• injury prevention for athletes.

Spidertech Taping

SpiderTech provides standardized and easy-to-use pre-cut Kinesiology tape applications that are called ‘Spiders’. This tape is made of cotton and is a non-medicated tape that is applied to the body wherever it hurts. Each Spider is one continuous piece of Kinesiology tape so that it easily integrates with a person’s body in an optimal manner.

This tape has a special elasticity built into the woven pattern of the cotton fabric. This mimics the thickness and elasticity of human skin so it allows it to integrate, support and stabilize without causing interference to an individual’s range of motion.

SpiderTech tape is designed so that athletes can be comfortable during strenuous exercise, and even if the exercise is in a pool.

There is one drawback that some people may find discomforting and that trimming or removing hair. If there is hair that is too long it must be trimmed as short as possible. The skin must also be free of all creams, lotions or oils.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has SpiderTech taping and Kinesiotaping. If you want to find out more information about this incredible way to treat pain, please visit www.chiro-med.ca. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

Spring has arrived and with it, the heightened desire to get into the garden to start planting. The warmth of the sun, the freshness in the air and seeing new growth coming up every day inspires most people to get into their gardens.

This article is going to provide you with some useful spring gardening tips that come from two angles. First of all, let’s discuss some ideas on what to plant that can benefit your health.

Edible Gardening

You may have heard the term edible gardening, more and more people are turning to their gardens as a source of fresh herbs and food. If you have the space to grow vegetables, then it makes sense. Even if you live in an apartment or have limited space, container gardening is very popular and can keep you eating fresh healthy greens all summer long.

Don’t know what to plant? Here are some quick tips to help you decide.

• Grow what you like to eat. If you like beets, then growing these from seed is easy (remember, beet leaves are also very nutritious to eat).
• Be sure to grow herbs or vegetables that are well-suited for this area.
• We live near Ontario’s salad bowl, the Holland Marsh. Fresh produce (especially carrots and onions) is available from the farmers there at very affordable prices; so choose other produce to grow.
• Get a soil pH kit from a nursery and do a little homework in order to be successful. Vegetables thrive in a variety of soils and trying to grow alkaline veggies such as endive, cucumber or leeks in acidic soil is going to set you up for failure. (This chart is a reliable source to learn what is acidic and what is alkaline.)
• Also be sure to do some homework in regards to sunlight. Where you plan on gardening, is it full or part sun? Some veggies do not thrive in full sun – and some prefer cooler temperatures and do best in early spring or late summer (i.e., peas, some lettuces).
• If you choose to grow in containers, remember to keep in mind that you will have to replenish nutrients often into the soil because container gardening removes nutrients at a much more rapid rate than in the ground.
• Google companion gardening; for example, marigolds help tomatoes stay pest-free while growing.

By planting an edible garden, your body will reap the goodness of all the vitamins, minerals, enzymes and nutrients that you can’t get from store-bought produce.

So, now you have an idea about what to garden, now to start. If you have any health ailments please be sure to speak to your health professional. Getting into the garden may seem like a simple task, but if you suffer from an injury or have arthritis, then you may be facing some challenges. For example:

• Hauling in fertile soil to start container gardening, or manure to help richen the earth with nutrients can be strenuous work. Know your limitations and when to seek help from a friend or family member. Lifting heavy weights or shoveling earth into a wheelbarrow must be done carefully. Always keep the knees slightly bent and always use your legs to lift; never use your back to lift.
• Always try to find ways to make gardening much easier on your body; after all, gardening is physical work. If on your knees a lot, be sure to cushion your knees if you suffer from sore knee joints.
• When container gardening, arrange your containers where you want them to be, then fill them up with earth.
• Always be sure to play it safe; never leave your rakes or other garden implements on the ground. If you forget about them, you could end up tripping over them and hurting yourself.
• If it is hot out, know your limitations. Drink lots of water and take breaks.
• If you have arthritis or any other health issue, be sure to use garden tools that will help you such as long-handled tools. These will allow you to stand so you can avoid stooping over.
• Let your stronger joints do the work whenever possible. Even when something may not be that heavy to lift, instead of using your fingers, use the flat palm of your hand or your forearms to lift. Keep the lifted items close to your body as you carry them. Stand or sit with good posture while you work; and change positions often.

There you have it! Comprehensive spring gardening tips you’ll find valuable. If you have arthritis or painful joints from an injury, and are not sure about gardening, give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill.Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Fibre is something that most people realize they need a lot of, but the science behind fibre is not that commonly known. Also known as bulk or roughage, fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods that travels through our digestive system, absorbing water along the way and easing bowel movements.

Without a doubt, fibre is essential for our digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fibre also helps us to feel fuller, longer; it can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can assist in preventing some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer.

Soluble and Insoluble Fibre

You may have heard of the terms soluble fibre or insoluble fibre. These are words that are sometimes used to describe the types of fibre in our diet. Although food scientists argue that these terms are no longer really appropriate, these terms are being used. Technically, soluble fibre includes pectins and beta glucan and insoluble fibre includes cellulose. What's important to remember is that fibre-rich foods typically contain both types of fibre.

Beta-Glucan

One type of fibre that has received well-deserved attention lately is beta-glucan, a glucose polymer found in the cell walls of many cereals (e.g., oats, barley), certain types of mushrooms, yeasts, seaweed, and algae. Among these sources, barley typically has the highest beta-glucan content and oats the second highest.

Beta-glucan have been the subject of intensifying research because they have been found to have beneficial roles in lowering insulin resistance and blood cholesterol, reducing the risk of obesity, and boosting the immune system to help thwart off many diseases including cancer.

According to an article in Today's Dietician (online version), some studies suggest that a boost in immunity occurs from consuming oat beta-glucan; however, most of the beta-glucan research on immunity has been done on mushroom extracts, not oats or barley.

Beta Glucan in Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms, especially Coriolus versicolor (also known as Trametes versicolor or “turkey tails”), have commonly been used worldwide for centuries. In the 1980s, the Japanese government approved the use of protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK), a beta-glucan compound found in not just Coriolus versicolor, but many wild and cultivated mushrooms for treating several types of cancers and for widespread use in cancer immunotherapy. Instead of directly killing cancer cells, these mushroom beta-glucan are thought to stimulate immune responses that damage cancer cells. However, because PSK is bound to a protein, pure beta-glucan that have been separated and purified may act differently than beta-glucan from food.

Many mushrooms, including the common store-bought button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), contain beta glucan. However, the percentage in cultivated mushrooms is small compared to wild mushrooms. Some wild mushrooms include:

• Reishi (Ganaderma lucidum)
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphurous)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus)
• Porcini (Boletus edulis)

Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis

In stimulating the immune system beta glucan are highly unique, because other agents that stimulate the immune system can push the system to over-stimulation, which means that they can make matters worse in the case of auto-immune illnesses such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. Beta-glucan, however, do stimulate the immune system, but never to the point where it becomes overactive.

MRSA

Commonly called the superbug, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), is a bacterium that can cause serious infections. It is resistant to most antibiotics making it very difficult to treat.

Beta glucan can help to defend individuals against bacterial infections picked up in hospital, particularly nosocomial infections, E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.

Glucan, Glucans, or β-Glucans?

When researching beta-glucan there are three different terms used to describe beta-glucan. Which is correct? According to Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, the President of the International Society for Glucan Research, glucan, glucans, or β-Glucans is pretty much all the same.

Research

At the time of writing this article (November 2019), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City was studying vaccine therapy with beta-glucan in hopes that it may be an effective treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma in children.

Betaglucan.org is a website that focuses on the study of beta-glucan in baker's yeast.

Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the University of Louisville, specializes in studying the effects of beta glucan as natural immunomodulator. His website is glucan.us.

How Much Beta-Glucan Do We Need?

According to Health Canada's website, it is recommended that we get 2 to 10 grams of beta-glucan every day. Health Canada says that beta-glucan:

• Helps reduce/lower (LDL) cholesterol (which is one risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease)
• Provides support for healthy (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Helps improve (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Source of fiber for the maintenance of good health.
• Helps support and maintain a healthy digestive system.

If you want to integrate beta-glucan into your diet and need assistance determining how much you need, or, if you have any health ailment in which you think beta-glucan may help, we have qualified health professionals who can help you.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behalf Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can provide the services you need. Chiro-Med has clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Cycling is a popular fun activity not to mention a form of transportation for many individuals. A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA); this means a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws. HTA 104 states:

Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60.00

Although there are no helmet laws for adults there is not a doubt that wearing a helmet can ultimately save a person from incredible harm and possibly death.

A report by the Ontario coroner’s office (The Cycling Death Review) found that almost 75 percent of the 129 cyclists killed in Ontario between 2006 and 2012 were not wearing helmets. There is not a doubt that helmets save lives.

Many have argued that helmets are invasive and violate personal rights. Some have even said that when they grew up there were no helmets and “they did just fine”. Bottom line, this is a different world we live in now; more cars, more distracted drivers, and even many cyclists are distracted because they’re wearing ear buds.  The chances of an accident happening now versus many years ago have increased exponentially.  In fact, those who ride a bike without a helmet triple their chances of a fatality due to a head injury than those who wear a helmet. (The Toronto Star: Cyclists without helmets triple their chance of death by head injury. Oct. 15, 2012.)

There is not a doubt that helmets save lives, not just for children but for adults as well. They also help to prevent head injuries.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Cycling helmets come in three basic styles; multi-use, mountain and road.  A multi-use helmet is a great choice for not just cyclists but also inline skaters. (Skateboarders need a special type of helmet.)

Road helmets are preferred by those hard core cyclists because they have generous ventilation, have an aerodynamic design and they do not weigh much.

Mountain bike helmets are well-noted for the visors, ventilate well at low speeds, and there is enhanced rear-head coverage with a firm, secure fit for the rough terrain.

Hockey helmets are much different because they are designed to take several impacts. (They must be replaced if damaged and this includes loose fitting or missing liner pieces. If the helmet has undergone a severe blow then it should be replaced.)

Getting the Right Size

There is no “one size fits all” helmet that can be considered safe. A good fit is crucial. Even if a helmet is a single size it must be adjustable.

The best way to determine what size helmet is best for you is to measure your head. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head (this is about an inch above the eyebrows). Look for a helmet that matches your measurement.

Wear the Helmet Properly

Once you have a helmet that is the right size it will inevitably need some adjustments. When you make the adjustments the helmet should feel snug, not tight. It needs to sit level on your head (not tilted) and the front edge should not be more than one inch (width of two fingers) above your eyebrows.

When to Replace a Helmet

If there has been a crash in which the cyclist has hit their head then the helmet needs to be replaced. It is also recommended that helmets be replaced every five years. This is because the plastics on the helmet dry out and become brittle with age. After a crash in which the head was hit, the foam inside the helmet usually becomes compressed hence the reason for replacing it.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and has not found relief then consider chiropractic care. Chiropractic care has made amazing advances over the years and there are many possible ways to treat symptoms from a head injury through our concussion management program.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

In today’s fast paced world, everyone seems to be in a hurry, burning the candle at both ends to meet deadlines and juggle the responsibilities of everyday life.  Eventually stress can wear down even the hardiest of us, resulting in physical illness.  You may wonder how stress, which triggers an emotional response, can manifest as physical illness, but it is really quite simple.  Every emotion that we feel is associated with the release of chemicals inside the body.  Usually the body absorbs or eliminates such chemicals, but high levels of stress can cause excess amounts of these chemicals to accumulate in the tissues of the body, creating imbalances that can eventually result in the development of dangerous illnesses.  Stress can trigger powerful emotions such as frustration, anger and even depression.  The chemical reactions associated with these emotions often lead to headaches and digestive problems, but can manifest as even more tangible complaints such as heart disease, high blood pressure and even stroke.

Massage therapy is one of the leading methods of relieving stress today, although it has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years.  Its roots can be found in Greek, Roman, Chinese, Indian and Egyptian cultures several thousand years B.C.  Modern massage therapy often combines techniques borrowed from various different cultures to provide the most beneficial treatment possible.  Richmond Hill massage therapy uses all of the best techniques to provide the most effective treatment possible to relieve your stress and leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

Richmond Hill massage therapy benefits the body in a variety of ways.  It improves circulation, reducing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.  It also stimulates the flow of lymphatic fluid and endorphins to detoxify the body and relieve pain.  So if you are feeling overwhelmed by stress, why not indulge yourself with massage therapy from Richmond Hill?