Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Shoulder pain is one of the most common physical complaints people have and it's no wonder when you consider how complex this area of the body really is.

Our shoulder is made up of several joints combined with tendons and muscles that permit a good range of motion in the arm. It is also made up of three bones, the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). All these different structures that make up the shoulder can be vulnerable to a variety of problems. A frequent source of pain stems from the rotator cuff.

The arm is kept in the shoulder socket by the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons form a covering around the head of the upper arm bone and attach it to the shoulder blade. The bursa is a lubricating sac situated between the rotator cuff and the acromion (on top of the shoulder). The bursa allows the rotator cuff tendons to glide freely when the arm moves.

The rotator cuff is part of why shoulder impingement syndrome occurs; when the subacromial bursa and the rotator cuff tendons are compressed between the bones of the shoulder, then pain is the result.

Doing work with the arms stretched above the head can cause shoulder soreness for many people but this does not necessarily cause impingement. Shoulder impingement syndrome is diagnosed when the symptoms persist and normal daily activity becomes a struggle. If not treated early, then chronic impingement can lead to rotator cuff tendonitis, bursitis, and if there is no treatment, thinning or rupture of the rotator cuff tendons can occur.

Causes Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Shoulder impingement syndrome tends to be common in young athletes although it can strike anyone at any time. People who use their arms over their head (such as swimmers, tennis players, painters) are particularly vulnerable.

Although there is no definitive cause, pain can also develop as the result of a minor injury.

Symptoms Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Pain that originates from the rotator cuff generally causes local swelling and tenderness in the front of the shoulder. Stiffness and or pain will be apparent when lifting the arm. In addition, there can be pain when lowering the arm from an elevated position.

At first the symptoms may be so mild that seeking diagnosis or treatment isn't even thought about. What is felt may be interpreted as something that is irritating and the individual continues to function while 'putting up' with the discomfort or pain.

As this pain persists and this condition progresses there may be pain felt at night, loss of strength and motion, and simple tasks such as zipping up a pair of pants may become difficult.

If the pain suddenly occurs, the shoulder may be tender and all movement may be painful and very limited.

Diagnosis Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

Discussing your symptoms with your health professional is important. A health professional will perform a thorough examination of the shoulder. He or she will check to see whether it is tender in any area and to measure the range of motion of your shoulder, a health professional will have you move your arm in several different directions as well as testing your strength.

Getting a proper diagnosis by a health professional that specializes in this field is important because there may be other possibilities such as a pinched nerve. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has assisted countless individuals obtain a proper diagnosis and has provided treatment geared specific to each individual.

Treatment Of Shoulder Impingement Syndrome

There are several treatment options available at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. Nonsurgical and noninvasive treatments are prescribed to Chiro-Med patients and the professionals ensure that each person is treated as an individual.

In addition to treatment there is rehabilitation to make sure that everything possible is being completed to thwart off re-occurrences.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a proven record of providing quality care and helping people recover from shoulder impingement syndrome.

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.

Because chiropractic therapy is considered to be an alternative method of treatment, some critics question its effectiveness as well as its level of safety.  When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor you can rest assured that you will receive professional care from a highly trained specialist in chiropractic medicine.

The level of risk involved in chiropractic care is minimal, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.  Manipulation of the spine for lower back pain, the most common type of back pain is considered to be a safe and effective method of treatment that can be used by nearly everyone.  It is not recommended for anyone who suffers from osteoporosis or nerve damage, and people who have had spinal surgery should consult their physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.  If your back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rash or chills, or unexpected weight loss, you should visit your doctor for an examination to rule out other causes such as infections or tumors before seeking chiropractic care.

In most cases, back pain is caused by repetitive movement and poor posture.  This type of back pain responds well to chiropractic treatment, and can be completely eliminated by removing the source of the pain while undergoing treatment.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can advise you of the environmental factors that may be causing your back pain and suggest ways to improve your overall spinal health through exercise, better posture, and by making your environment more ergonomic.

With the demands that many jobs place on our bodies, it is easy for the spine to suffer additional strain from standing, sitting and repetitive motions.  For many of us, back pain is unavoidable.  Visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide you with the relief that you need.

The ancient art of acupuncture is one of the most widely acclaimed forms of alternative medicine available today.  The mainstream medical community has acknowledged the effectiveness of this ancient Oriental healing method on a myriad of complaints, from weight loss to chronic pain caused by illness or injuries.  It may seem hard to believe that inserting tiny needles into the skin can actually alleviate pain, but millions of satisfied acupuncture patients will assure you that it works.

For thousands of years, Asian doctors have used acupuncture on their patients, and the medical evidence supporting its effectiveness is overwhelming.  Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can be used to cure headaches, stimulate weight loss, and even help people quit smoking.  Acupuncture can be successful in the treatment of digestive problems, including constipation, loss of appetite or excessive food cravings.  It can also be used to treat allergies, and in some cases, cure them.  Some mood disorders such as anxiety and depression respond well to acupuncture treatments, which can work in conjunction with antidepressant medications or even help eliminate the need for medications altogether.  If you are taking such medications, you should always consult your doctor before stopping the medication, and it may be helpful to tell the doctor that you are having acupuncture treatments so that he or she can monitor your progress and assess your needs for medication.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can tell you exactly what health problems can be addressed with acupuncture, and you may be surprised to learn that acupuncture treatments can help you in ways you never before imagined possible.  Not only can acupuncture help cure existing ailments, but it can also help prevent the onset of potentially deadly disease.  Regular acupuncture treatments can leave you feeling healthy and vital in many ways, and can even help you to live a longer life.

Cervical disc herniation typically occurs as we age. Over time discs can lose elasticity and ligaments around the discs can get frail. Damaged discs can rupture or bulge and cause what is known as a slipped or herniated disc. The vast majority of herniated discs occur in the lumbar or the cervical area of the spine.

So where exactly are discs located? Discs act as shock absorbers and are comprised of strong connective tissue located between vertebrae. The cervical spine is located in the neck area and consists of seven vertebrae in total located between the skull and the chest area. Also in the cervical spine are two facet joints that assist in the bending and rotating of the neck and upper back.

A Closer Look At The Discs

A disc is comprised of the "annulus fibrosus," a tough outer layer and the "nucleus pulposus," an almost gel-like centre. Here's where age can affect the discs; the centre of a disc can begin to lose water content which results in the loss of the cushiony effect. As a disc deteriorates, tearing can occur in the outer layer. Displacement of the disc's centre can therefore occur therefore becoming a herniated or ruptured disc. A herniated disc can create pressure on the nerves resulting in tingling, numbness pain or weakness in the arms or shoulders. The first telltale sign that this has happened is usually neck pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy basically means the pinching or inflammation of a cervical nerve. So this is cervical disc herniation. It can also be cervical spondylosis which means there are degenerative changes including: the contour of the disc bulging; narrowing of the disc space and; spurs that are the result of the calcification of the disc.

Diagnosis

A medical professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact location of the pain as well as an examination of the neck and complete assessment to determine if there is a loss of sensation or reflex changes

The family physician can also provide a cervical disc herniation diagnosis by requisitioning an X-ray image, CT scan or an MRI. An X-ray will reveal narrowing of the disc space and bone spurs but it cannot show a disc herniation or nerves in the spine. The MRI and CT scans can provide a better picture of all the spinal elements and will usually determine if there is a cervical disc herniation.

Nonsurgical Treatment For Cervical Disc Herniation

Many patients will discover that there is a significant improvement with nonsurgical treatment. A qualified health professional can prescribe nonsurgical treatments including rest, a neck collar, heat treatment, cold packs, physical therapy, hands on therapy, as well as specific exercises. The main objective of nonsurgical treatment is to reduce the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc material so that pain is relieved. So long as there is a specialized care program designed for your exact needs, and you adhere to the health professional's advice, pain management or elimination can be achieved.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients. 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.

The good news is that very few people suffering with a cervical disc herniation requires surgery. Most individuals are satisfied with the outcome of nonsurgical treatment.

Most of us will have minor back pain at some point in our life. As a rule our everyday body movements usually do not cause us problems, but symptoms can develop from everyday wear and tear, slouching, overuse, or injury.

Back pain can cause problems anywhere from the neck to the coccyx (tailbone). Our back consists of:

• The vertebrae (bones and joints).
• Discs separate the vertebrae and act as a shock absorber.
• Muscles and ligaments hold the spine together.

Back injuries are the most common cause of back pain and bad posture is a very close second. Often the two occur together because after an injury many people tend to slouch and this can make the pain worse. Good posture means your ears, shoulders, and hips are in alignment; if this causes you pain then you may have another condition such as a problem with a disc or bones in your back.

No matter the cause of mild back pain there are some stretches and exercises you can do at home to help alleviate the discomfort. Always remember to never attempt doing any stretch or exercise until a qualified health professional has given you the go ahead so that you don't cause further harm.

When you have the ok from a qualified health professional to do some stretching or exercises at home keep the following in mind:

• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Stretching should never hurt.
• Move into a stretch slowly.
• Hold stretches long enough (20-30 seconds) to allow your muscles to become loose.

Stretch #1

Kneel on all fours, with your knees directly under your hips and your hands under shoulders. Do not over-arch your back. Keep your neck stretched out, your shoulders held back, and always have your elbows slightly bent.

Slowly push backwards with your bottom making sure to maintain the natural curve in your spine. Hold the stretch for one deep breath and return to the starting position. Repeat ten to twelve times.

Stretch #2

Find a comfortable rug or mat and lie on your back. Place a small flat cushion under your head. Pull your legs up keeping your knees bent together with your feet flat on the floor. Keep your upper body relaxed and your chin gently tucked in.

Slowly roll your knees to one side, followed by your pelvis; be sure to keep both shoulders on the floor. Hold the stretch for one deep breath and return to the starting position. Then roll your knees to the other side and hold the stretch for one deep breath.  Repeat ten to twelve times making sure you alternate sides.

Stretch #3

Find a comfortable rug or mat and lie on your stomach. Prop yourself on your elbows, lengthening your spine. Keep your shoulders back and stretch out your neck.

Keeping your neck extended, arch your back up by pushing down on your hands. You should feel a gentle stretch in the stomach muscles as you arch backwards. Be sure to keep your hips on the ground. Breathe and hold for ten to fifteen seconds (whatever you are able to). Return to the starting position and repeat ten to twelve times.

Stretch #4

Find a comfortable rug or mat land lie on your back. Place a small, flat cushion under your head. Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor at hip-width apart.

As you breathe out pull up the muscles of your pelvis and lower abdominals, as though you were pulling up a zipper along your stomach. Hold this gentle contraction while breathing from your abdomen anywhere between five and ten seconds, then gently let go. Be sure to keep the legs, shoulders and neck are relaxed. Repeat ten to twelve times.

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.

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!

Sleep, we all need it; without proper sleep health ailments start to make their way into our life and they can cause havoc.

There have been a myriad of studies done over recent years and they all seem to echo the same results. Many people sleep less than six hours at night and about three quarters of us experience some difficulties getting a good night’s sleep more than twice a week. A short bout of insomnia may not be much to worry about but it can lead to chronic sleep loss which not only can weaken the immune system but it can cause very serious issues.

Let’s look at some of the risks to our health if we don’t sleep well:

• Safety reasons: If you do not get sufficient sleep then you place yourself at risk for work-related injuries and road accidents.
• Mood: Without a good night’s sleep a person can feel very irritable or impatient the next day. Being able to concentrate on tasks becomes a challenge deepening the negative emotional state.
• Learning and memory: Students and those in careers in which learning is part of the day then the more tired you are due to the lack of sleep the more you’ll struggle.
• Cardiovascular heath: Those with serious sleep disorders are at very high risk of hypertension, irregular heartbeat and increased stress hormones.
• Disease: The more sleep we lose the weaker the immune system therefore making us more vulnerable to developing diseases.
• Weight gain: Those with chronic sleep deprivation can gain weight because the body’s ability to process and store carbohydrates alter.

Now let’s examine some of the benefits to having regular sleep:

• Our body replenishes: Sleep is when our body goes into repair mode. Cells produce more protein which is used in repairing damage when we sleep. Muscle injuries and other trauma heals faster while we are asleep.
• Decreases depression: Without adequate sleep our body is not able to properly regulate serotonin levels. When our serotonin levels are where they should be we feel happy and we’re more productive.
• Reduces chronic inflammation: Some studies suggest that there is an association with chronic inflammation disorders and the increase of stress hormones caused by the lack of sleep. Some of these chronic inflammation disorders include atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, heart conditions and cancer.
• Reduces stress: When we lack sleep our body enters a state of stress. Blood pressure increases which increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Proper sleeping can break the cycle of stress and counteract the effects of stress.
• Keeps our heart healthy: If we get 7-9 hours of sleep a night this significantly reduces the risk for heart disease and strokes.

Causes of Sleeping Poorly; There truly are so many causes of poor sleep that they all can’t be listed here. Let’s look at some of the more common culprits. They include:

• Poor mattress and/or pillow
• Too much caffeine intake
• Snacking before bed
• Too much alcohol
• Too much stimulation (i.e. the television or computer)
• Smoking cigarettes (especially within 30 minutes of going to bed)
• Stress (relationships with loved ones, work problems, financial problems)
• An injury or health ailment

There may be other factors at play in which chiropractic care can help. Some studies indicate that there is an increase in levels of cortisol (stress hormone) when the body’s circadian rhythms are disturbed. When these levels remain high for a prolonged period of time, bone density reduces as well as the muscle mass. The immune system weakens, fat accumulates in the abdomen area and it impacts the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Yes, there are a variety of over-the-counter medications that make claims about helping you get a good sleep but in all honesty even if you find one that actually works, this is not the solution. Pills can cause side effects not to mention they do not treat the underlying problem. To have a proper sleep you need to treat the actual cause and this is where a chiropractor can help.

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care and wellness adjustments will help you get the sleep you need. This type of treatment improves the blood flow in the nervous system and it corrects any misalignments or subluxations in the spine.

Subluxations compress the nerves causing the lack of communication between the spine and the brain. This can lead to stress response which puts the body out of balance and sleeping well becomes challenging.  This can be easily treated with chiropractic care.

Regular chiropractic care can solve several problems that may be the cause of sleepless nights such as back pain, breathing problems, and restless leg syndrome. Many people are thrilled with how well their sleep has improved after getting regular wellness adjustments. Regular chiropractic care can improve the symptoms and conditions of insomnia patients and helps them sleep better thus improving the quality of their day to day life.

Chiropractic care isn’t just for adults suffering with sleep disorders; children can also greatly benefit from chiropractic treatment.

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. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit us for more information.