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.

It doesn’t matter if you are athletic, a weekend workout buff or a person who likes to take life easy, we all can be susceptible to knee injuries if we are not careful.

Our knees are bound by an intricate system of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage and this makes them vulnerable to injury. Consider your knees as a complex hinge where the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), fibula (next to the shin bone) and kneecap all come together.

To better understand how knee problems can occur, it’s helpful to know what the purpose of everything is in the knee.

Ligaments hold your knee together – they are stabilizers. There are four ligaments.

There are two types of cartilage. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber. The other cartilage coats the surfaces of bones, enabling them to glide past one another. When this particular cartilage wears away due to a misalignment or stress, the bone-on-bone rubbing creates pain which may lead to arthritis.

Muscles that control the knee are located in front of the thigh (quadriceps) and behind it (hamstrings).

Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.

A wrong step or a sideways collision can easily cause a strain or tear. Although this can happen to men, women are up to eight times more likely to experience a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL injuries are a very common knee injury among athletes. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, about 150,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States every year. The Canadian Institute for Health Research says that almost 2,000 Canadians were hospitalized with ACL injuries in 2013. Those numbers do not include the tens of thousands who went to clinics and sports medicine doctors to treat their knee injuries.

How to Damage Your Knees

Ignoring knee pain will not solve anything and if anything it will worsen a condition. An occasional ache here and there is somewhat normal and not a reason to raise alarm bells. When the aches become persistent or pain starts to interfere with your ability to be comfortable then it is time to have it checked out. If you leave a minor injury and it seems to “go away” then this inevitably means at some point in the not-so-distant future you will have a re-occurring injury making things worse.

Not Following Through with Rehab

If you have been going through treatment and you decide you’re fine and stop going then this may be a window to further problems down the road. Rest and rehabilitation after a knee injury is critical to avoiding future pain or re-injury. Depending on the type of damage and treatment, recovery could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Always follow through to the end of your treatment.

Overweight

Did you know that for every pound we are overweight it puts five pounds of force on the knees? Can you imagine what being ten pounds overweight is doing to your knees? This is cause for undue stress on the knees that open several possibilities to future problems.
Being overweight increases the odds of a person getting osteoarthritis in the knee; this wears away at the knee’s cartilage. Excess weight also causes existing arthritis to worsen at a quick rate. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two out of three obese people suffer from knee osteoarthritis at some point in their life.

Overdoing Things

We are all guilty at times of overdoing things, especially when working out on a regular basis. Overdoing things can be spending too much time in the garden or running for the bus when your knee is recovering from a prior injury. Pushing yourself too hard can cause a host of problems. A sudden increase in duration or intensity of physical movement or an exercise can cause overuse injuries from repetitive strain. Kneecap pain and tendonitis are common symptoms in the knee. Always be sure to stretch before and after working out; even if you plan on a long walk after dinner.

Things to Be Aware of to Prevent Knee Injuries

Body Alignment

In some ways we are like a car, if wheel alignment is off then our tires wear. If our body is not properly aligned, muscles, joints, and ligaments take more strain than they are intended. To make sure you’re properly aligned here are some tips:

• Keep your back straight and don't slouch.
• Try to keep your knees slightly bent when standing – never lock them.
• Keep your abdominal muscles tight.
• Your head should be centered over your body. Try to position your ears over the shoulders.
• Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet.

Correct Footwear

Shoes that cause your body weight to be unevenly distributed place extra stress on your knee joints. Flat or rigid arches, uneven leg length, and bowed legs are fairly common, and each can contribute to an awkward stride and put pressure on your knees. High-heeled shoes might add to the risk of osteoarthritis or other knee problems. Apparently there are some studies out there that claim women who wear high heels have stress across the part of the knee where osteoarthritis usually develops.

Last but Not Least, Exercise Regularly

Straight leg exercises are easy and can be done at your desk or while watching television. Sit with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg up and slowly raise your foot up until your leg is almost straight, then slowly lower. Do this five times for each leg to start with then increase as you feel comfortable. Hamstring curls are real easy. Stand straight with both knees slightly bent and hold a chair. Slowly raise one leg up backwards and slowly return to the foot to the ground. Do this five times for each leg in the beginning and work up to as many as you are able. Calf raises are basically standing tippy toed. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slowly lift up onto your toes then lower, repeat this as many times as you feel comfortable doing.

If you are experiencing persistent knee aches or pain its best not to take chances. Call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre.

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 come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine and extremities. 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.

Many people with low back pain go to a chiropractor seeking a quick and simple solution. One way a person can help alleviate their back pain without putting too much stress on their back is swimming. Swimming can be an incredibly helpful exercise for low back pain sufferers

It’s important to remember that lower back pain can sometimes be caused by swimming when muscles become hyperextended or overstretched during forward strokes. To prevent back pain while swimming, it’s essential that you use proper form. Unnatural movements while swimming can cause damage, so it is critical to maintain the correct movements while swimming. Swimming with backstrokes or the sidestroke can minimize stress on the back as compared to frontward strokes.

Certain swimming strokes can cause back problems. Here are some things to be aware of when doing specific strokes:

• Freestyle: Make sure you do not rotate your head too much while taking breaths. Also, try not to let your head move up too much; if you do, then neck or back injuries can occur. When you’re not going up for breathes make sure you keep your head facing down. Remember, too much rolling can cause trouble.
• Backstroke: Muscles in the front of the neck tend to become fatigued if you have not done the backstroke in a long time. Be sure to ease into this stoke and avoid too much movement in this position.
• Breaststroke:  It is important to keep your head and neck still as you do this stroke. Gently raise your head and back to take breathes.

Benefits Of Swimming

Swimming is beneficial for low back pain for several reasons. It allows those suffering from minor back injuries to retain some level of activity. When an individual swims they are promoting good muscle health therefore are less likely to tense or cramp up. More importantly, in many situations, water tends to makes back pain sufferers feel better. Getting in a pool for a relaxed work out could very well be one of the best therapies.

Back pain does not have to halt your activity level. Once in the water there is no gravity therefore alleviating an enormous amount of stress on the affected area.  An hour or two in a pool builds back muscles; it also builds muscles in the shoulders, arms, legs and neck. In addition this activity helps to improve heart health, and helps the swimmer maintain a healthy body weight. Having a healthy body weight is beneficial to halting back pain.

Swimming can also be a great way to overcome back pain from a pinched nerve, herniated disc, and even bone spurs. Strengthening the muscles that support the back means less stress is placed on the spinal column and pain can be reduces or eliminated. A warm swimming pool also promotes blood flow and helps the healing process.

If swimming continues to be painful it’s important to stop and seek the advice of a qualified health professional. By continuing to swim despite continual or worsening pain, the condition affecting the lower back area may become worse and more intense forms of treatment may be required to reverse discomfort.

If you are able to do some swimming as frequently as you can throughout the week this will help to alleviate pain. It is important to remember that if the pain persists and swimming appears not to be helping then Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you resume the activities you once enjoyed – free of pain! Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

Jogging or running is a preferred form of aerobic exercise for many people. Even in the winter months there are dedicated joggers out there in cold temperatures getting exercise. Although aerobic exercise is important, some people have found that running has caused them some physical problems.

Running involves repetitive jarring of the spine and depending on your back health; it can either cause problems or worsen a current problem.  This sport may appear to be harmless but back pain is a common complaint among joggers, especially when they are not wearing appropriate footwear.

You might be surprised to know that running puts three to five times your body weight onto your feet, joints and muscles every time you hit the ground. You'll want to take your body frame into account when choosing the right shoe for you.

Joints and discs are jarred and compressed when the body leaves the ground and hits the ground with every stride. That’s a lot of pressure on the knees and the back, after all, “pounding the pavement” is not natural and there can be short and long term consequences. Some experts recommend that joggers run on softer surfaces such as a padded track, grass or on a treadmill.

One thing that is critical is that if you jog, you need a top-quality cushioned running shoe. Many health professionals advocate cushion running shoes to help protect the joints and spine.

The Running Shoe

Selecting the right running shoe for your foot can be a daunting task, especially when you walk into a sports store and see dozens of shoes to choose from. Getting advice from a professional is important because a properly trained health professional can determine the type of foot you have and make suggestions that can help thwart off any possible troubles. More importantly, if you have any back pain at all, you should see a chiropractor before continuing to run; you could be causing more problems by ignoring it.

Motion-Control Shoes

Motion-control shoes offer support for those who overpronate (when the foot rolls excessively inward as the edge of the heel strikes the ground). This action can cause lower back stress or alignment issues. Overpronators tend to have low arches that require additional support.

Stability Running Shoes

Stability shoes are designed to control slight overpronation; and most joggers overpronate. These running shoes are designed to provide moderate support and cushioning.

Cushioning Shoes

Joggers wearing cushioned runner shoes typically supinate; this means their feet tend to exhibit an outward movement when they jog. They are the opposite of pronators and typically have higher arches. If there is no cushioning then the body takes the brunt of the pounding and this can cause damage to joints which results in back pain.

Tips for Buying Running Shoes:

• Every time you shop for running shoes, have your feet sized properly. You may have different sized right and left feet; many people do.
• Forcing a shoe on a foot will eventually cause pain.
• Avoid buying shoes based on advice given after a salesperson has watched you walk. Your gait and foot motion are very different when you run; and although a salesperson may be knowledgeable, they are not health professionals.
• All runners pronate. Pronation is a normal foot motion during walking and running. Pronation alone should not be a reason to select a running shoe. Stopping pronation with cushions in the shoes may actually cause knee or foot problems to develop. Excessive pronation can occur, but in most cases can be corrected with therapy and exercises to strengthen the foot rather than by a shoe.
• Purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet have ‘swollen’ as much as they will.
• Be sure the shoe has a wide toe box. The toe box is the area where your forefoot and toes are. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily. Narrow toe boxes do not permit the normal spread of the foot bones during running.
• Test the shoe to determine if it is too narrow: take the insert out of the shoes (if you are able) and step on them on the ground. Does your foot hang over the sides of the insert? If so, your shoe is too narrow.

If you have any discomfort or pain in the foot, leg, hip or back and you aren’t sure whether jogging is safe or not, call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. We can help you determine what exactly is going on and help you to choose the right shoe based on your needs.

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 come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine. 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.

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.

Neuromuscular skeletal conditions are experienced by just about everyone at some point in their life. Strains and sprains causing pain are common occurrences throughout our lifetime and sometimes the pain in so intense that it won’t go away. Part of the reason of this is because many people “carry on” their routines as best as they can without seeking treatment and this results in pain that may not go away.

Inflammation and pain are things that many individuals tend to live with by taking medications as opposed to seeking professional treatment that can relieve pain at the root cause. There are a variety of great treatment options out there but there is a type of medical technology that is innovative because it heals injuries on a cellular level and it is safe. The Theralase line of therapeutic medical laser systems are effective with most patients with treating an injury.

Conditions That Are Treatable

There are over twenty pre-programmed clinically proven treatments that the Theralase super-pulsed laser can help with. Some treatable conditions include:

• Pain management
• Arthritis
• Weight loss
• Healing wounds
• Addiction rehabilitation
• Anti-aging
• Herpes simplex
• Skin conditions
• Wrinkles and stretch mark

How Theralase Laser Therapy Works

Light therapy can improve circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. (Capillaries are the smallest of a body's blood vessels and are parts of the body’s micro-circulation.) New capillaries help to speed up the healing process by supplying extra oxygen and nutrients that are required for healing and to stimulate collagen production.

One of the secondary mechanisms of light therapy is that it can increase collagen synthesis. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair and replace tissue that has been damaged. It is the essential substance that binds cells together (in conjunction with elastin) therefore increasing elasticity. Increasing both collagen and elastin production has been proven to decrease scar tissue.

Benefits Of Theralase Laser Therapy

Proven clinical studies have found that there is an efficacy rate up to 90 percent and no side effects. This is treatment decreases or eliminates pain, reduces inflammation, promotes nerve axon growth, and so much more.

The positive biological effects are incredible. Some of these effects include:

• Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation – Theralase laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue that occurs after being scratched, cut, burned or from surgery incisions and it allows for the re-absorption of fibrotic tissue.
• Increased Circulation – This laser therapy induces (temporary) vasodilation, which increases blood flow to damaged areas and removes waste products.
• Increased Metabolic Activity – Theralase laser therapy produces higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and nutrients to nourish blood cells. There is also an enhanced production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
• Anti-Inflammatory – This laser therapy reduces swelling caused by bruising and it reduces joint inflammation therefore providing greater joint mobility.
  • Rapid Cell Growth – Theralase accelerates cellular growth and reproduction.
• Stimulated Nerve Function – This therapy increases the process of nerve cell reconnection. This prevents or stimulates recovery from nerve-damaged areas.
• Fast Wound Healing – Damaged tissue is repaired quicker as this laser therapy stimulates fibroblast development and accelerates collagen synthesis.

Whether you need help with reducing pain, pain due to arthritis or desire anti-aging treatments give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals on staff who are fully trained in the Theralase laser treatment. Visit www.chiro-med.ca or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your body, helping with everything from weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, boosting your mood, to improving self-esteem. Did you know that exercise also plays a very important role in maintaining bone health? Along with getting proper nutrition, exercise is one of the most important factors when it comes to giving your body what it needs to support your bone health.

Most of our bone mass is acquired by around the age of twenty and typically peaks sometime during your thirties. As a person gets older and the body starts to lose bone mass, it makes the bones weaker and more susceptible to developing osteoporosis, a condition that severely weakens the bones and increases the chances of fractures and breaks from falling down, all of which can seriously limit mobility and independence. By age 50 or older, around 55 percent of people will have some form of osteoporosis, with 80 percent of those affected being women. In some cases, a person can develop such severe osteoporosis that they can fracture a bone with something as simple as sneezing too hard! But if bone mass naturally decreases with age, what can be done to help prevent it and conditions such as osteoporosis?

This is where exercise comes in to the picture.

Getting enough exercise is important to all age groups when it comes to bone health. During childhood and adolescence, while bones are rapidly building strength and density, exercise helps to maximize the body’s peak bone mass and help prevent issues with poor bone health later on in life. As we get older, exercise helps by strengthening muscles around the bone, and by strengthening the bones themselves too. Just as your muscles respond to regular exercise by increasing in mass and becoming stronger, so do your bones. Because bone is a living tissue, it reacts in response to the forces placed upon it. So, when you exercise regularly, your bones adapt by increasing in calcium, building more cells and becoming denser. Not only does exercise help with increasing bone strength, it also aids in building muscle strength and maintaining balance and coordination, all of which can help prevent falls and related bone fractures.

Any type of exercise is going to be better than none, but for bone health there are two types of exercise that will help the most: weight-bearing and resistance exercises. The better of the two types of exercises are weight-bearing exercises, or those in which you work against gravity, where your feet and legs bear most of your weight.  Examples of weight-bearing exercises are walking, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, or even playing sports like basketball or soccer. These types of exercises are good for bone health because both muscles and gravity put a healthy amount of stress on bones and encourage bone health and muscle growth. Simply put, the higher the impact of the weight-bearing exercise, the greater the benefit for bone health.  Weight-bearing exercises should be done for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 to 4 times a week.

The second type of exercise that is beneficial to bone health is resistance exercise or any type of activities that focus on increasing muscle mass, which in turn helps to strengthen bones. Things like lifting free weights or using resistance bands are both examples of resistance exercises that can help strengthen bones.  The important factor here is to focus in on the major muscle groups such as the legs, arms. Resistance exercise should be done 2-3 times a week. It also important to make sure to give your muscles and bones at least one day of rest between work outs in order to allow the body time to regenerate and restore.

Exercise is important to bone health for both young people and older people alike and when used in conjunction with a balanced diet, which includes calcium and magnesium, this will set you on the right path to better bone health.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you come up with a plan to ensure the health of your bones and skeletal system. Our walk-in clinic in conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is one of the leading causes of disability among the elderly, therefore it is important to have this diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Going into the senior years with osteoarthritis of the knee can be averted.

Causes Of Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

Osteoarthritis can be caused if trauma has been experienced, injury or an infection. The articular cartilage is a smooth, fibrous connective tissue that acts as a protective cushion between bones. When this cartilage deteriorates then arthritis sets in. Joint space narrows between the bones creating a loss of the articular cartilage. This is an early indicator that osteoarthritis of the knee is imminent and it is detectable on x-rays.

Risk Factors In Getting Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

There are some risk factors associated with Osteoarthritis of the knee. The following is a brief look at some of the risks:

• Weight: Weight creates pressure on the joints.
• Age and Gender: Those who are aging and in particular women over 50.
• Trauma: Previous sports injuries.
• High Impact Sports: Tennis players, runners and elite soccer players are at increased risk.
• Diet: Lack of proper nutrition.
• Heredity: Some evidence indicates that genetic mutations may be a factor.

Osteoarthritis of the knee is diagnosed by the patient reporting the symptoms, physical signs and an x-ray. There are many therapies available to those who suffer including physical therapy, exercise and bracing.

Theralase Laser Therapy

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill uses another form of therapy to help some patients who suffer with osteoarthritis of the knees, Theralase  Laser Therapy.

Theralase Laser Therapy is a super-pulsed, cold laser technology that’s used for a wide spectrum of health ailments including osteoarthritis. This therapy heals neural muscular skeletal conditions through inflammation reduction, increased tissue regeneration and pain elimination.

The Theralase Super-Pulsed Laser System is effective because it can penetrate almost four inches into tissue. This in turn promotes cellular regeneration at the source of injury. Laser energy accelerates the body's natural healing mechanisms energy so reparation to damaged cells is possible. Depending on the severity of the osteoarthritis, returning to an active lifestyle pain-free within a few weeks is possible.

Some other Theralase Laser benefits include:

• Anti-inflammatory – Laser light reduces swelling or inflammation of the joints.
• Increased Metabolic Activity – Higher outputs of specific enzymes, increased oxygen for healthy cells.
• Rapid Cell Growth – Laser light accelerates cellular growth and reproduction.

Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee will find that the length of treatment depends of the severity. Treatments required can range depending on the person’s natural healing rate and the severity of the osteoarthritis. Each individual treatment can be completed in as little as 2 minutes or as long as 20 minutes.

Theralase Laser is state-of-the-art technology and osteoarthritis of the knee is only one health ailment that this therapy has a success rate with. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre helps their patients using this revolutionary laser treatment who have carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, tennis elbow, and much more.

This is a proven method to help you that is perfectly safe and effective. 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.