Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic treatments can do more than just relieve pain; these therapies are some of the best methods of promoting overall good health, no matter what your current state of health is. Quite often, people do not seek therapy until they suffer an injury or an illness, but the truth is that we usually need treatment of some sort long before we begin to feel sore, sick or fatigued. Natural therapies such as acupuncture, massage therapy and chiropractic care can actually prevent disease before it begins, and keep you feeling younger and more energetic.

Chiropractic care is not just for back injuries, although it can provide great relief in those cases as well. A chiropractor can make adjustments to your spine that can improve circulation and digestion as well as relieve tension and increase energy levels. By visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor on a regular basis, you can maintain your spinal health and mobility, preventing pain before it starts. Keeping the spine in alignment helps to keep the rest of the body in balance and functioning properly.

Massage therapy can benefit all parts of the body, inside and out. Increased circulation to the skin and other organs keeps them functioning properly, preventing disease and keeping you looking and feeling young and energetic. Richmond Hill massage therapy professionals know how to provide treatment in the areas that will benefit each client according to their individual needs.

The ancient art of acupuncture is a method of healing practiced by Chinese doctors for centuries, and it has gained wide acceptance in the rest of the world because of overwhelming evidence that it really works. Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments are effective in the control of pain, addictions and eating disorders, and much, much more.

Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle (located in the hip) compresses and irritates the sciatic nerve. This results in pain, numbness and general discomfort in the buttocks, lower thighs, legs and lower back (this pain is often referred to as "sciatica"). The sciatic nerve starts in the spine and runs down the back of a person's leg.

The piriformis muscle helps with the lateral rotation of the thigh, and is instrumental for walking since it shifts the body weight to the other side of the foot that is being lifted, thereby keeping a person from falling over.

Causes Of Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome can be caused by:

• Inactive gluteal muscles
• Prolonged external rotation of the hip, resulting in the shortening of the piriformis muscle (e.g. when a person sits with their hips flexed for extended periods of time)
• Overuse injury resulting from activities that are performed in the sitting position along with strenuous use of the legs (e.g. rowing, bicycling or sculling)
• Repetitive forward movements that lead to weak hip abductors, tight adductors and a resultant shortening and contraction of the piriformis muscle
• Overpronation of the feet, where a person initially makes contact with the ground on the lateral side of the heel while walking or running

When sciatica occurs and there is no clear spinal reason for the pain then piriformis syndrome is often considered as a possible diagnosis.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatic pain (sciatica) in the buttocks, thighs and lower legs is the predominant symptom of piriformis syndrome.

Diagnosis is clinical in nature, and relies upon the determined exclusion of other causes of sciatica. Physical examination consists of stretching the piriformis muscle in an attempt to provoke sciatic nerve compression. Types of maneuvers used are the Freiberg, Pace, and FAIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) exercises. Conditions that these exercises rule out (as the cause of sciatica) are herniated
nucleus propulsus (HNP), stenosis, facet arthropathy and lumbar muscle strains.

MRI, CT, ultrasound, EMG scans and magnetic resonance neurography (an imaging technique) can also be used to exclude conditions that result in sciatica.

Treatment Of Piriformis Syndrome

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy center can help treat piriformis syndrome via:

• Proper stretching exercises and massage therapy that targets the piriformis muscle as well
  as the hamstrings and hip muscles
• Physical therapy, designed to strengthen the core muscles involved (e.g. abdomen, back, etc.)
  thereby reducing strain on the piriformis muscle
• Teaching you how to perform these exercises yourself
• Ice and heat therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Gait correction (teaching you proper walking and running techniques)
• Custom orthotics, used for both treatment and prevention

Piriformis syndrome is a debilitating condition that results in pain and discomfort, reducing a person's quality of life by limiting their physical activities.

Fortunately there are things that can be done to treat and prevent this condition.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. Try our services: we will have you back on your feet and feeling better, letting you get back to those activities that you love to do!

The shoulder is an important junction in the body that contains the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is comprised of tendons and four muscles (teres minor, subscapularis, supraspinatus and the infraspinatus). Together they provide strength and stability for the shoulder joint as well as anchoring the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humerus (upper arm bone) in order for arm movements to occur in a smooth manner.

Shoulder pain generally occurs due to injury to the rotator cuff tendons that results from weakness, poor posture, trauma, or overuse. The rotator cuff becomes inflamed or irritated when pinching occurs between the humeral head (ball portion) of the shoulder joint and the acromion (roof area of the shoulder).

A sprain is an injury that involves the tearing or stretching of a ligament or joint capsule. Strains occur when a musculo-tendinous structure (muscle and tendon) tears or stretches. A rotator cuff sprain or strain can cause major discomfort and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professional physiotherapists and chiropractors that can help you restore maximum movement and functioning before the injury worsens.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Symptoms

The symptom list is not too lengthy for a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. If you are experiencing a limited range of motion then this is a warning sign. Shoulder pain can indicate that a sprain or strain is a possibility as well as experiencing shoulder weakness in the muscles. Difficulty lifting over your head or even brushing your hair is another tell-tale sign that something is wrong and medical attention is required.

Sleeping may be affected when you have a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. Rolling onto the injury can cause pain and even make the sprain or strain worse.

When you have any discomfort in the shoulder that lasts more than a day or two then it's advisable to get it seen to before it gets worse.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Treatment

Richmond Hill physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, exercise and rehabilitation therapies are comprehensive and no two patients are viewed as being the same.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill will assess your injury or area of complaint and prescribe specific exercises (with pictures and explanations) that can be completed at the clinic and at home to expedite healing, increase flexibility, improve strength, and most importantly to prevent re-injury.

There are other treatment options to compliment in office therapy that include rest. Taking a break from activities that affect the rotator cuff is important; as well as applying ice to the injured area to help reduce inflammation.

Stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles is one method that Chiro-Med Rehab Centre physiotherapists will work on with you when symptoms are less acute. Professional registered massage therapy is another method to restore function to the shoulder. You can be rest assured that you are in professional hands at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. A rotator cuff sprain or a rotator cuff strain can really affect your day-to-day living and we will ensure that you'll have professional support and assistance until you are fully recovered.

It’s no surprise that far too many of us are spending an inordinate amount of time sitting. We sit as we drive to work, sit at a desk, sit in front of our television, and we sit in front of our computers at home. If you add it all up it really is alarming just how many hours we spend sitting every day. There is a serious problem nowadays with our health because of sitting too much.

The more a person sits all day their risk of dying from all causes, especially cardiovascular diseases dramatically increases. Even if you work out, go for walks, or a swim on a daily basis, if you spend large swathes of the day sitting then you are elevating your risk of death from many diseases. Also keep in mind that sitting increases blood pressure in most people.

Let’s look at this another way – sitting for the bulk of your waking hours is not healthy for your back. There is an increased awareness that ergonomic chairs can help, which yes, can be good; however the bottom line it does not negate the fact that countless hours every day are spent sitting.

If you sit at a desk all day then there are some things you can do to help alleviate the ill-effects.

Move When You Can

Sitting on a stability ball really helps so long as you can stay focused. If you are reading then twist, move your legs up and down, swing your arms in circles or in any movement, twist your head back and forth, or move in any way imaginable that allows you to still focus on the task at hand.

Sit Upright

We know that sitting upright promotes great posture but as you sit upright lean forward and slowly move back; heck you can even move side-to-side somewhat. Hold in the stomach and be sure to be doing some deep breathing.

Stretching

Sitting is a flex posture so stretching is essential every half hour or so to help you feel better. Stretch out your arms, legs and be sure to stand up every so often and stretch. This is vital for infusing oxygen into the blood stream that helps us get through the day.

Standing Desks

Solutions to sitting all day do not include going to the gym or going out for a walk. There is evidence to suggest that the negative effects can’t be countered by a short period of time of strenuous exercise. The answer is to incorporate standing, pacing and other activities into your day.

Now here is a solution that many thought that only eccentrics used – a standing desk. These are gaining in popularity and for good reasons. Some studies have found that the overall mood of a person using a standing desk is better than those who sit. There is even evidence that some people actually lose weight when they use a standing desk.

Naturally this is not a desk for everyone. Those who are not certain if they can stand all day can find relief by having a bar stool-type chair to sit upon when they need to rest. Good standing desks have an elevated foot piece so one foot can be supported off the ground at a time.

Using a gel mat to stand on is really important because too much of a good thing can be a bad thing too and spending several hours on your feet can have bad effects – especially if standing on a hard surface. Keeping your posture straight is just as important standing as it is sitting and moving around a little and stretching is also a must.

Before investing in a standing desk try it out at home first by creating a standing desk out of various items in the home such as strong boxes. Standing desks are not for everyone. When creating a standing desk or purchasing one, keep in mind there are some measurements that you should adhere to. The monitor needs to be at eye level. Viewing distance should be 10 to 30 inches, wrists need to be straight and the elbow angle needs to be at 90 degrees and close to the body.

Standing allows for more movement possibilities such as squats and toe touching.

No matter what desk is for you the most important thing of all is to be sure you are moving as frequently as you can all day. Instead of sending an email to your colleague in the cubicle down the aisle – go deliver the message in person; take stairs not elevators; park a good distance from the front door and walk; these are some suggestions to help you to move as much as you can in the day.

If you want to research more about sitting and standing desks Smithsonian has a great article about this topic. Or you can give us call and one of our qualified health professionals can speak with you to help you determine if a standing desk is a good choice for you.

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 evaluate if a standing desk is right for you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-0419 for more information.

Many people associate massage therapy with relaxation and the loosening of tired, sore muscles, but they may not realize just how beneficial massage therapy is to the rest of the body.  Richmond Hill massage therapy can provide you with the relaxation you need, while helping your body to heal itself in a variety of ways.

Massage therapy benefits more than just the muscles.  It also stimulates the lymphatic system, which plays an integral role in detoxification and prevention of disease.  Massage helps drain the lymphatic system, releasing harmful toxins so that the body can eliminate them before they can do harm.  Massage therapy can also break down scar tissue that may be interfering with blood circulation, restoring proper blood flow to areas that have suffered injury.  Circulation throughout the body will improve as a result of massage therapy, which means that all of the organs, particularly the brain will receive more oxygen to improve function.  Toxins can accumulate in the body’s tissues as a result of stress and overexertion, and massage is the best way to eliminate them.  Richmond Hill massage therapy specialists can assess your needs and target specific problem areas, providing relief in those particular areas, or simply give your entire body a soothing deep tissue massage, leaving you feeling energized and refreshed.

Massage of the hands and feet stimulates pressure points that affect all of the body’s organs and systems, improving function for overall good health.  Richmond Hill massage therapy is a very effective treatment for headaches and other tension-related complaints.  It can provide relief for arthritis and bursitis sufferers and can even relieve constipation.  Massage can also help with aches and pains associated with pregnancy, sports injuries and pain associated with fibromyalgia, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.  Why not pamper yourself with Richmond Hill massage therapy today?

Food choices many people make are done so based on urges, desires and finances. As a result, Canada has over 4 million people who are failing to get the nutrition levels their bodies need.   According to Stats Canada in 2014, just over 20 percent of adults in Canada (approximately 5.3 million), classified themselves as being obese. This does not include those who are obese and do not acknowledge it.

A study from the University of British Columbia released in February 2013 discovered that obesity rates are continuing to rise in Canada. More than 30 percent of those in the Maritimes and territories are estimated to be obese. Here in Ontario obesity rates are just above the national average. This translates to a massive strain on the federal and provincial health care systems in coming years.  Being overweight and having poor nutrition means degenerative diseases will increase exponentially.

For many, this topic brings a sense of shame and this should not be the case. We all make mistakes in life and many of us become addicted to various vices throughout our lifetime. In fact, a 2012 study conducted by Memorial University in Newfoundland found that 1 in 20 Canadians are categorically addicted to food. Unfortunately the food choices they turn to are generally unhealthy foods or foods that may appear to be healthy but are loaded with glucose/fructose and other forms of sugars. Even beverage choices such as pop, slushies or ice cappuccinos may satisfy an emotional need but if these are regular choices these beverages are laced with sugars and other questionable ingredients. Having a registered dietician help to get you back on track may be just what you’re looking for.

A Registered Dietitian’s Role

A good registered dietitian takes sound scientific research about food and nutrition and puts it into layman’s terms to help their clients fully understand what their diet is doing for them – good or bad. They find practical solutions that fit into their client’s budgets to help them improve the quality of food they are eating.

Dietitians don’t have pre-packaged meals or try to sell you specific products to help you; they simply provide solid advice that is specifically-tailored to each individual.

Registered dietitians have university degrees in food and nutrition from an accredited university program. They also have hundreds of hours of supervised hands-on training. Once they are practising on their own or in a clinic setting, registered dieticians must maintain a high level of ethics and complete annual professional development to ensure they are kept up-to-date.

Why Visit a Registered Dietitian?

There can be a multitude of reasons why a person may choose to visit a registered dietitian. Some of these include:

• Weight loss or weight gain is needed.
• Digestive system problems.
• Food allergies.
• Menu planning when changing over to a specific diet such as gluten-free, vegetarian or vegan.
• Sports nutrition.
• Wanting dietary help to aid in the prevention of degenerative diseases such as cancer, heart disease, liver disease, etc.
• Changing a diet to ensure as many nutrients as possible are being consumed to help limit supplements.

When an individual visits a Registered Dietitian, he or she can be rest assured that they get accurate information from an educated professional who is help accountable for his or her expertise. Registered dietitians have a wealth of knowledge and can provide better advice about diet than most weight loss clinics.

For more information about food choices and how we can help you attain your goals, feel free to call our office during regular business hours and one of our associates will be please to speak with you. 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 a decade. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-625-x/2015001/article/14185-eng.htm

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/28/adult_obesity_rates_in_canada_reaching_historic_highs_ubc_study_warns.html

http://www.torontosun.com/2013/09/16/1-in-20-canadians-are-food-addicts-study

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.

Repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) (or repetitive stress disorder) are injuries that occur when too much stress is frequently placed on a part of the body. The frequent stress compounds over time resulting in damage to muscles, tissue, tendons, and to nerves.

These injuries are particularly common for those whose occupation requires repetitive motion. In fact, repetitive stress disorders result in nearly 50 percent of work-related injuries. However, frequent high intensity activities such as sports or playing a musical instrument can also cause RSIs.

While repetitive stress injuries are most common in adults, these types of injuries are rapidly on the increase in teens. Many teens are spending a lot of time using computers and playing video games which can lead to repetitive stress injuries. In teens, these injuries most often occur at growth plates, especially at the shoulders, elbows, knees and heels.

Some common repetitive stress injuries include:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Bursitis
• Rotator cuff tendonitis
• Tennis elbow

What Causes Repetitive Stress Disorder?

Any task, sport, or hobby that involves repetitive tasks can cause this. Wait staff carrying heavy trays, or cashiers in grocery stores scanning items can lead to these injuries. Bottom line, any repetitive movement done on a frequent basis can cause an injury - even text messaging.

In particular, teenagers may be susceptible to repetitive stress injuries because of the significant physical growth that occurs during this time in their life. Growth spurts can create extra tightness and tension in muscles and tendons.

Repetitive Stress Injuries most frequently affects:

• Wrists and hands
• Forearms and elbows
• Neck and shoulders

Some symptoms may include:

• Mild to severe pain
• Weakness
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Tingling or numbness

Symptoms usually begin gradually and over time become frequent and more intense.

Treatment and Repetitive Stress Disorder

A qualified chiropractor or physiotherapist will ask you about your work environment and will perform a series of non-invasive tests such as range-of-motion, orthopedic and muscle testing. If need be, an MRI may be required. The first thing is to determine what exactly is the cause and specific condition (i.e., carpal tunnel, rotator cuff tendonitis, etc.) the patient has.

Chiropractors and physiotherapists can both provide safe and proven methods to manage and relieve swelling and pain caused by repetitive stress disorder. Regular care provides patients with a safe, non-invasive, non-addictive alternative to prescription medications or over-the-counter pain medications.

Chiropractic adjustments may be required to help reduce joint restrictions in an effort to reduce inflammation and improve function. Some patients may need a tailored exercise program to stretch and strengthen affected areas. In some cases a brace or splint may be necessary to immobilize the area as it heals.

Those with repetitive stress injuries under chiropractic and physiotherapy care will experience:

• Improved joint motion
• Relief from pain, discomfort, and inflammation
• Improved flexibility

Tips to Prevent Repetitive Stress Disorder

If your job requires you to sit at a desk then be sure to remember that good posture is key to avoiding unnecessary muscular stress. Be sure to check in with yourself every half hour or so to be sure that slouching hasn`t set in.

Adjust your work station to promote good posture and comfort.

Sit in a chair that provides you lower back support and keep your feet flat on the floor or on a foot rest. Thighs should be parallel to the ground, and your hands, wrists, and forearms should be aligned. Elbows should be in line with your keyboard to avoid strain.

Avoid sitting cross-legged.

If possible, get a stand-up desk with an anti-fatigue mat to stand on. Spending some computer time at a standing desk with a foot rest to alternate keeping one leg up every so often is a great alternative to traditional desks.

Your computer monitor should be about one arm’s length away from your body. Not only is this good for eye sight, looking at eye level helps with posture.

Taking frequent breaks from your desk throughout the day is as important as having an ergonomic workstation.

• Make circles with your arms
• Twist
• Stretch or walk around
• Stretch your shoulders
• March in place
• Frequently exercise your fingers and flex your wrists

The same principles apply if you are not at a desk. Maintain good posture, figure out the least stressful positions for the repetitive tasks required, and take frequent mini-breaks. If you have to stand a lot, use an anti-fatigue mat. Be sure to frequently stretch and flex your fingers and wrists.

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 chiropractic and physiotherapy to help with Repetitive Stress Disorder. 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.