Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

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.

Omega-3 is in a group of essential fatty acids that you’ve probably heard of before; they are one of the mainstays of the nutrition industry, with a market value of roughly $1.6 billion industry wide.  And you’ve probably also heard that they’re good for you, with a wide range of health benefits, including being good for your heart, good for your brain, and that they help reduce inflammation in the body. Interestingly, many people remain unaware of the health benefits that Omega-3 has to offer when it comes to bone health. If you needed yet another reason for adding foods rich in omega-3 into your diet, get ready to add improved bone health to your list.

Our bodies cannot manufacture Omega-3 and as such it is vitally important to our health that our diets contain food sources with enough Omega-3 in them. In fact, diets deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues relating to the brain, nerves, eyes, and the immune system. But did you know that being deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids could also lead to poor bone health?

Just like our skin or muscle tissue, bone is a living tissue. The body is always undergoing a constant process of making new bone matter and removing old bone matter. However, during early childhood and adolescence, the body produces new bone matter at a much faster rate than it removes old bone matter, leading to our bones becoming denser during this time period. By about age 30, our bones reach their peak density. This is important because the amount of bone mass you have in your early 30s helps determine your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  During these formative years, it has been demonstrated that Omega-3 is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, meaning that people with higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood build stronger bones during the body’s peak years for bone density formation, setting the stage for better bone health later on in life.

In fact, recent studies have begun to demonstrate how low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood stream may lead to the increased risk of bone fractures in older people, notably with hip fractures in postmenopausal women. With broken hips being one of the most common fracture-related injuries associated with osteoporosis, affecting one out of every 2 women above age 50, this is an significant finding for women. And while it’s important that everyone gets Omega-3 in their diet on a daily basis to help promote healthy bones, for women in their menopausal years it isn’t just important, it is crucial. When women go through menopause, they experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density. Higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are thought to improve bone mineral density, and recent studies have begun to show just how true this idea is.

So now that you know that Omega-3 is good for your body, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, what foods should you start trying to work into your diet? Foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon, herring, mackerel) along with plant foods such as walnuts, flax, wild rice, and certain omega-enriched dairy products are all good examples of food high in Omega-3s that you can add into your diet to help support your bone health.  While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, such as gender or ethnicity, diet is one thing that can be controlled. By eating a diet rich in calcium and Omega-3, and getting plenty of physical exercise and vitamin D, people may be able to build strong bones that can last a lifetime.

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 long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. 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.

DeQuervains disease is a painful disorder that affects tendons located at the base of the thumb. There are several kinds of tendon lining inflammatory diseases, but DeQuervains disease is the most common.

Tendons slide through sleeves (sheaths) and the inner wall of these “sleeves” has a slippery fluid to help lubricate the tendons. Repetitive movements such as forceful gripping contribute to the reduction of, or elimination of lubrication. When this occurs friction increases between the sheath and the thumb’s tendon creating an abnormal thickening. This constriction interferes with the smooth gliding motion of the tendons which in turn creates pain.

Although anyone can be afflicted with this, women between the ages of 30 and 50 tend to more likely to suffer from DeQuervains disease.

Causes Of Dequervains Disease

As mentioned above, repetition is the main cause of this condition. Squeezing, pinching, wringing, grasping all can contribute if done repeatedly.

Arthritic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause DeQuervains. Also, scar tissue from a previous injury can create difficulty for the tendons to slide easily through the sheath.

Symptoms Of Dequervains Disease

Pain is felt when moving the thumb away from the hand. This pain is felt at the base of the thumb as well as in the forearm.

Treatment

Treatment for DeQuervains Disease is approached in several ways. The first method is the simplest – cease all activities that cause the symptoms; or at the very least when this work cannot be avoided, take several breaks. Sometimes this is very difficult and so laser or chiropractic care may be required.

Chiropractic manipulation can help regain normal alignment and the thumb’s motion.

Benefits Of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy, or rather cold laser therapy is a viable option that can help. Cold laser therapy penetrates particular light waves that increase cellular metabolism. These wavelengths of light waves (photons) can penetrate as far as two to three inches so the affected areas are treated. Once the photons reach injured tissue, they stimulate and energize the cells to repair the damage at a remarkable rate; this helps to move the healing process along quicker and reduce pain.

This treatment is fast and efficient and this enables the patient to be pain free faster than other methods. A professional therapist places a “wand” over the injured area and holds it there a few moments; it’s that simple. Some patients report that they feel instant relief, while others say it takes about a day. Also, repeat visits may be required depending on the level of pain, but many patients have reported how thrilled they were with this treatment option. In the event that a patient experiences re-occuring pain every once in a while, they can continue with cold laser therapy treatment as it is non-invasive, does not hurt and has no side effects. The best part for the patient is that this treatment option only takes about 10 to 20 minutes and is very cost effective.

For more information about the benefits of cold laser therapy or about DeQuervains Disease, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. 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.

The spine is truly a marvelous set of bones, or more adequately stated, the vertebrae. The entire length of the spine provides protection, support and flexibility for your body. Interestingly, the average sized adult head weighs about 5 kilos or about 11 lbs., so the spine is supporting the equivalent of a bowling bowl.

The vertebra houses the spinal cord that is the nerve centre carrying millions of messages between the body and the brain. Nerves branch out from each vertebrae communicating with the various organs and parts of the body. A nerve irritation from spinal misalignment means that you are likely to feel the results elsewhere, such as sciatica or radiculopathy. Neck problems that affect a cervical nerve root can create symptoms such as pain in the arms and hands; and the lumbar (or lower back) nerve will send pain through the leg and to the foot.

Lumbar disc herniation or radiculopathy is a common problem that occurs when nerve roots are irritated or compressed; many people refer to this as sciatica. Actually, about 90 percent of all disc herniations occur in the lumbar region of the spine.

Causes

Getting older means that the discs in the spine generally lose their flexibility and this means the risk of injury increases. An accident, lifting an item incorrectly, being overweight and even smoking can attribute to disc herniations.

When injury occurs, the soft gel-like material inside the disc ruptures through the outer lining of the cartilage. Usually there is space between the spinal column and the discs but when a lumbar disc herniation applies pressure on a spinal nerve, and then there is trouble.

Symptoms

IIf there is pressure happening in the lumbar region, some symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness and sometimes pain. There can also be tingling. If a lumbar disc herniation puts a lot of pressure on the spinal nerves, then the symptoms will be felt more intense. Common body functions such as urinating, defecating, coughing, sneezing or laughing can heighten the pain of a lumbar disc herniation.

Diagnosing

Diagnosing lumbar disc herniation involves a variety of methods depending on which health professional you choose to visit. A health professional may test your coordination, reflexes, muscle strength and possibly even test your ability to feel sensations. In more severe cases, a spinal MRI, CAT scan or X-ray may be required in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment And Management

Your health professional will work with you in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Everyone is unique therefore an individual treatment plan must be catered to take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as well as your activity level.

A lumbar disc herniation can be treated with non-surgical options in about 90 percent of all cases. Some treatment options include the use of heat, the use of cold compresses, or physiotherapy.

Preventing lumbar disc herniation recurrence
can involve simple strategies such as:

• Maintaining and keeping a healthy weight
• Good posture at all times
• Bending the knees when picking up items
• Avoiding high heels
• Exercises that help to develop strength in the back muscles and in the abdominal area
• Reducing or eliminating smoking

Some patients suffering with lumbar disc herniations require surgical intervention but this is only when non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief; but this is always as a last resort because surgery is invasive.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients are recommended. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

Treating and managing lumbar disc herniations can be successful when you follow the advice of a health professional. There is no need to suffer when there are many simple options available to you.

Orthotics are shoe inserts that fit inside shoes and other footwear and are designed to support the feet as well as recreational activity such as walking, running, jogging, and much more. Custom orthotics are personalized to fit a specific person, and should always be worn once someone starts using them. They provide constant support to a foot's heel, muscles, arch, tendons and ligaments. Walking can be very enjoyable when the proper support is there.

It is common to experience mild discomfort for the first couple of weeks when starting to wear orthotics. Rest assured that this is normal, and this is caused due to the body readjusting to a new and healthier gait (walking pattern). In fact, mild discomfort is a positive indicator that your orthotics are doing their job!

Who Can Use Custom Orthotics?

Anyone from children to the elderly can wear custom orthotics. The use of orthotics is not age dependent and can benefit people of all ages. Custom orthotics help alleviate foot pain, joint pain, arthritis and various injuries. They are also used in a corrective capacity (orthopedic correction), correcting uneven leg lengths.

Some people worry that custom orthotics may reduce their muscle tone. This is not the case. Custom orthotics will actually help position your foot properly so you will be using the right muscles at the right time. This in turn will help to minimize fatigue and will allow your muscles to be used more efficiently.

How Custom Orthotics Are Made

The first step in making custom orthotics is to analyze a person's gait and feet. A person's gait is analyzed using the Footmax Metascan system. The Footmax System is a cutting-edge patient assessment tool, whereby patient data is recorded and then analyzed by proprietary diagnostic software called Metascan. This diagnostic software then generates a detailed gait report.

Once this is done our professionals analyze the data and determine the type of custom orthotics needed by the patient.

Symptoms And Treatment

Custom orthotics can help out with the following conditions and symptoms:

• Achilles Tendonitis (tendonitis of the Achilles tendon)
• Ankle Pain
• Bunions (often mistaken as enlarged bones around the big toe)
• Fallen Arches
• Flat feet (collapse of a foot's arch)
• Hammer Toes (deformity of a toe's joint, causing it to be bent)
• Headaches
• Hip pain
• Knee pain
• Low Back Pain
• Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome (also known as shin splints)
• Metatarsalgia (a painful foot condition that affects the foot's forefoot region)
• Neck Pain
• Painful Feet
• Pes Cavus (a foot with a high arch, the opposite of "flat foot")
• Plantar Fasciitis (a painful inflammation of the connective tissue on a foot's sole)

Where To Get Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics that are specifically made to your particular situation are available from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the experience and expertise needed to effectively assess and treat conditions that can be alleviated with the use of custom orthotics. Take the first step and call us today to book your appointment for custom orthotics.

Plantar fasciitis is heel pain that is caused by inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the toes to the heel. Inflammation tends to occur when that band of tissue is overused or overstretched. This condition can become chronic and be painful to the extent that normal activities cannot be enjoyed and walking becomes a challenge.

Those who are more likely to get plantar fasciitis are those who have arch problems (flat feet and high arches), runners, tight Achilles tendon, wearing shoes with poor support or soft soles and those who experience rapid weight gain.

Graston Technique®

The Graston Technique^® has rapidly become the treatment of choice by many health practitioners and this technique is part of the curriculum at almost thirty colleges and universities across North America.

Research on this innovative technique started in the mid 1990’s and it didn’t take long before athletes were using this method of treatment with soft tissue injuries. Michael Phelps, an American swimming Olympian has spoken highly of how The Graston Technique^® has helped him.

Graston Technique® And Plantar Fasciitis

Successful treatment of plantar fasciitis involves stretching the tendons, muscles, and fascia of the foot and calf muscle. The Graston Technique^® is a proven method of successfully stretching these tissues and muscles affected by plantar fasciitis. Getting the range of motion back and reducing pain as quickly as possible is important.

This technique uses instruments made from stainless steel that the therapist uses over the affected area. There are a variety of instruments available to the trained therapist, all are shaped and weighted differently so that depending on the area being treated, the best instrument is used. In order to properly treat plantar fasciitis an instrument is used along the large muscle In the calf, another in the bulge in the heel area on the arch side and another in the small area where the big toes connects to the foot.

The therapist presses the instrument into the affected area and moves it across the area in need of treatment. Many patients may have scar tissue that also causes some pain and this treatment method deals with these problems also. When the therapist manipulates the instrument across an area, there may be a bumpy area felt, this is either scar tissue or an adhesion. During Graston Technique® treatment, the gentle pulling across the tissue helps to break up the scar tissue or adhesions which free the tissue for improving the range of motion. Many patients find that during the course of their treatment they can resume activities

If you suffer with plantar fasciitis this type of rehabilitation therapy will get you back to normal activities quickly. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a convenient location and qualified health professionals to help you get on the road to recovery. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information on the Graston Technique^®.

Our sleeping position(s) can have a major impact not only on the quality of sleep, but on overall health as well. Poor sleeping positions could potentially cause back and neck pain, impaired circulation, headaches, and even premature wrinkles.

For young adults and healthy people, the sleep position is not as important as when we get older or have medical issues. With age, or those with medical issues, the sleep position can make or break a good night's sleep. In addition to the sleep position, it goes without saying that the mattress quality and choice of pillow is really important to a good nights sleep. Let`s begin with these basics before discussing positions.

Choosing a Mattress

According to the Medical Centre at the University of Rochester, there’s little scientific research that exists on which mattress is best for maintaining a healthy back let alone for those with back issues. In reality, the mattress that's best for you allows you to wake up feeling fully rested and free of pain or soreness. Unfortunately when we shop for mattresses testing them in a showroom can be a different experience from actually sleeping on it permanently.

If you sleep with a partner, the bed size must allow enough space for both individuals to move into a comfortable sleeping position. Mattresses should be replaced about every ten years. If you have a back problem, ask a qualified healthcare provider or physical therapist to recommend the type of mattress that would be best for you.

Pillows

Depending on your sleeping position, multiple pillows can help keep your spine in the proper position. The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back and it should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions. Pillows should be replaced every one to two years.

Proper Body Alignment

Regardless of your sleeping position, try to keep in mind that it is important to keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned.

If you sleep on your back then you are part of a small minority. Apparently it is estimated that only 8 percent of people sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the back is by far the healthiest option for most people, because it allows the head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. However, it can cause the tongue to block the breathing tube, making it a dangerous position for those who suffer from sleep apnea. This position can also induce heavy snoring. It is recommended that when sleeping on the back, that a small pillow be placed under the back of the knees because this will reduce stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your lower back. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or any other ailment that affects your knees, this will also help to provide you some relief. The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders.

Although sleeping on the stomach is good for low-to-no-snoring, it’s bad for practically everything else. Seven percent of adults tend to be stomach sleepers, but this can lead to back and neck pain, unless pillows are strategically placed to provide support. Stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves. Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position. Placing a thin pillow under the stomach and pelvic area can help to keep the spine in proper alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should also be thin, or if you can manage it, sleep without a pillow.

Sleeping on your side (with your torso and legs being relatively straight) helps the spine to remain elongated therefore warding off back and neck pain. A big plus is that you're less likely to snore in this position because it keeps the airway open. For that reason, this is the best choice for those with sleep apnea. Sleeping on the side has one downside, it can lead to wrinkles, because half of your face pushes against a pillow. A firm pillow between the knees will prevent the upper leg from pulling the spine out of alignment if you sleep on your side. It also helps to reduce stress on the hips and lower back. Bring your knees just slightly toward your chest.

Almost fifty percent of people prefer to sleep in the fetal position. If you are pregnant then this is a good position because it improves circulation in your body and in the fetus. This position is also good for snorers; however, a tight fetal position can restrict breathing in the diaphragm. It can leave you feeling a bit sore in the morning, particularly if you have arthritis in your joints or back. Try to prevent these problems by straightening out your body as much as you can, instead of tucking your chin into your chest and pulling your knees up high. You can also reduce strain on your hips by placing a pillow between your knees.

Most important of all, when changing positions in bed try not to twist or bend at the waist but to shift your entire body. Keep your stomach pulled in and tightened and bend your knees toward the chest when rolling over. This will be a tough one to remember considering when we move we are in a slumber-state or fast asleep.

If you simply cannot find that perfect sleeping position and are experiencing sleep-related pain, then a qualified health professional can help.

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.

Although most people experience occasional back pain or injury at some point in their lives, there are some who suffer from back pain on a continuous basis.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide professional treatment for all types of back pain, whether it is occasional pain or an ongoing problem.

Ongoing back pain can have a variety of causes, many of them environmental.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct the problem, but part of the treatment is identifying the source of the pain and taking steps to eliminate it.  Poor posture can be caused by excess body weight, uncomfortable shoes, or standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.  Many types of mattresses can also cause back pain.  If you wake up every morning with a sore back, it is a good indication that your mattress is not supporting your spine properly, and you may want to try a different type of sleep surface.  Often mattresses that are too soft do not support the body well enough, allowing the heavier parts of the body to sag and putting strain on the spine.  Lower back pain is one of the most common types of back pain, and it is one that often results in a visit to a chiropractor.

When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor, your initial visit will involve an assessment of your condition.  This will include an analysis of the type of pain that you are experiencing as well as an overall examination of your spinal alignment.  This will allow the chiropractor to recommend the right type of treatment for your condition.  Together, you and your chiropractor can work together to address some of the issues that are causing your back pain to allow you to get the most out of your treatment.