Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

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.

Meidal epicondylitis, or more commonly referred to as golfer's elbow, is actually a similar injury to tennis elbow only it affects the inside area of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is commonly experienced by those who 'throw' and with golfers hence the nickname. Sometimes golfer's elbow is also referred to as flexor pronator tendinopathy; this elbow pain is seen in tennis players who use a lot of top spin on their forehand shots.

Overuse injuries of the elbow are especially common among athletes. Any sport that subjects an athlete to repetitive elbow flexion-extension or wrist motion can cause these syndromes. This is a condition that can occur at any age; interestingly it is commonly seen in patients between 40 and 60 years of age.

Causes Of Meidal Epicondylitis

The common name of golfer's elbow suggests a cause; however you do not have to play golf to develop meidal epicondylitis. In fact, golfer's elbow is more commonly seen in people who do not play golf. Activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance, forceful, or repetitive gripping of the hand is typically how this develops.

These activities may include manual labour as well as sports.
Some activities include:

• Body building or weight lifting
• Wood working or carpentry
• Hammering
• Painting
• Bricklaying
• Repetitive use of a screwdriver
• Sewing
• Knitting
• Working at a computer
• Golf
• Tennis
• Badminton
• Gymnastics
• Water skiing
• Squash

Patients usually develop this condition following a sudden increase in activities that place stress on the forearm flexors or due to a change in activities. Less frequently, this condition can develop suddenly. This is usually due to a forceful movement that involves a gripping force through the arm or heavy lifting.

There is an increased likelihood of getting meidal epicondylitis if the patient has a history of shoulder, elbow, wrist or neck injury.

Symptoms Of Meidal Epicondylitis

As a rule, golfer's elbow symptoms usually develop gradually over a period of time. Initially, symptoms may be a mild ache that follows an aggravating or unaccustomed activity. This ache may also be felt first thing in the morning following an activity. Patients with meidal epicondylitis usually experience localized elbow pain about 1 to 2 cm down from the bony lump on the inner aspect of the elbow. This pain tends to increase when firmly touching this area. Occasionally, the pain may shoot into the forearm.

In less severe cases patients may only experience a minor ache. In more severe cases, the pain can be quite excruciating and can prevent the patient from sleeping at night. Usually pain is experienced as an ache that increases to a sharper pain as activity level increases. Occasionally, golfer's elbow can be associated with shoulder, upper back or neck pain on the same side

Patients with golfer's elbow often experience an increase of pain during everyday activities including simple tasks such as picking up a cup, turning a handle, opening a jar, shaking hands, carrying groceries or even turning the steering wheel of a car. Elbow stiffness is generally worse first thing in the morning.

Meidal Epicondylitis Treatment

Most cases of meidal epicondylitis are treated with appropriate physiotherapy. This includes a thorough assessment by the physiotherapist to determine exactly what factors have contributed to the development of this problem so that prevention is taken into account.

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy centre can help diagnose and treat meidal epicondylitis. Physiotherapy focuses on evaluating, restoring, and maintaining physical function – this is why so many people choose Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill.

The Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running into your routines in as little time as possible!

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This foot ailment is inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) located on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is what connects the heel bone to the toes and it creates the arch of the foot; this can be quite painful and make walking more difficult.

Those who have plantar fasciitis feel dull or sharp pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel. Some people report feeling an ache or burn at the bottom of the foot. This pain is felt worse in the morning when taking the first steps of the day. It is also noticeable after standing or sitting for a period of time. Plantar fasciitis pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

When the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overused or overstretched this is when plantar fasciitis can occur. Another possible cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibres close to the attachment to the heel bone.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• High arches or flat feet
• Poor arch support
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Long distance running or running on uneven surfaces

Plantar fasciitis is the most common orthopedic complaints related to the foot and seems to affect mostly men aged between 40 and 70.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis you should see a health professional as soon as possible. An examination will be conducted to determine the tenderness of the foot, arches will be checked, and the tightness or stiffness of the arch will be examined.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped countless people who have suffered with plantar fasciitis. The severity of this condition will determine the treatment. The good news is that almost always, nonsurgical treatment improves the pain. Patients who have severe plantar fasciitis may require several months of therapy  in order to feel totally better, and in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Immediate steps to relieve pain are to apply ice to the painful area, minimum twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.  Wearing shoes with good support are a must and resting as much as possible as well.

You may need to do some heel stretching exercises to help relieve the stiffness. In addition, using night splints to help stretch out the plantar fascia may aid in the healing process.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that fit comfortably into normal footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve your ability to walk pain-free. Orthotics should be worn at all times, at work, at home, and during recreational activities. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses, they work when they are being worn, providing support to all the areas that need support.
During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort felt in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are doing their job.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Do you need maintenance chiropractic care? Before answering this question, let’s examine some of the evidence that has recently come to the forefront.
In the past two years there have been several studies that demonstrate how maintenance chiropractic care is beneficial for helping to prevent reoccurrence of lower back problems. What is even more exciting about the news is that some of these studies were published in medical journals.

In the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an article was published about a study that followed 894 workers’ compensation cases for one year to see their response to chiropractic care as compared to other types of care. The stated objective of this study was “To compare occurrence of repeated disability episodes across types of health care providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP).”

The results showed that when compared to physical therapists and medical doctors, the group of patients that had chiropractic care had the lowest rate of disability recurrence over the one year period. What this study showed was that when injured workers continued with chiropractic care, their rate of disability or re-injury in the year after the original accident was less than those workers under other types of medical care.

The Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University (Egypt) conducted a study and found that maintenance care provides benefits for those suffering from chronic low back pain.

Spinal manipulation (SMT) is a common treatment option used by some chiropractors for treating low back pain. Many clinical trials have taken place to evaluate maintenance for different subgroups of acute and chronic low back pain patients but not for maintenance spinal manipulative therapy in chronic low back pain sufferers.

In this particular study, sixty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain that was persistent minimum six months were randomized into three groups:

1. Twenty of those studied received twelve treatments of sham spinal manipulative therapy over a thirty day period.
2. Twenty of them received twelve treatments of spinal manipulative therapy during a thirty day period, with no maintenance care during the following nine months.
3. Twenty of them received 12 spinal manipulative therapy visits throughout the first month, followed by maintenance spinal manipulative therapy every second week for the next nine months.

In order to determine any difference researchers measured pain and disability scores, back-specific patient satisfaction, and generic health status; and these scores were reviewed at the one month, four month, seven month and at the ten month mark.

At the end of the first one month period, patients in groups 2 and 3 experienced significantly lower pain and disability scores than the sham group

At the ten month follow-up, only the maintenance group (number 3) maintained improvements in pain and disability

This was the first medically managed trial that clearly demonstrated that chiropractic maintenance care provides improved results to those who suffer from chronic low back pain.
So now to answer the question, do you need maintenance chiropractic care? The evidence for maintenance chiropractic care benefiting patients is now there. For many chiropractic patients, receiving ongoing care is in their best interests. No two people are alike and even though the evidence is there, having a consultation with a chiropractor is the best way to get a definite yes or no as to whether or not maintenance care is for you.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you determine if maintenance care is for you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

Chiropractors have cared for children for over a century. Many parents are surprised when they learn that many common childhood ailments respond well to this natural form of health care.

Chiropractic care is complex yet in simplest terms is when there is dysfunction in the spine and its joints it can lead to dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS coordinates and controls all the body’s systems so even if there is some minor issue in the spine, it can create a host of negative effects throughout the entire body. Children are no different from adults when it comes to suffering with dysfunctions in the spine or joints.

A child actually goes through many physical stresses throughout their growing years. Many children attain their full height without any issues and others experience some troubles along the way. If your child appears to be uncomfortable or complains about their back or joints then seeking chiropractic care can help.

The first challenge a growing spine endures is in utero. Many parents are aware that foetal positions such as breech, transverse, brow, etc., can cause problems with the development of the baby’s spine. Spinal segments can be forced out of place by the position of the baby while in utero. It has been shown that if the baby’s position is less than optimal it can result in a longer and more difficult time while making the journey through the birth canal.

Many parents are aware of common problems in newborns such as colic, sleep disturbances, infections, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties and more. These are often traced to an irritated nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.

Significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth and as a result many parents choose to have their baby’s spine checked once he or she is born. Learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all milestone activities that are affected by spinal alignment. As a child grows there are so many factors that come into play that warrant a chiropractic check. Some of these factors include carrying heavy backpacks, sports injuries, falls, and sitting all day in school (lack of physical activity in the day). Any one of these is a form of physical stress that can affect the child’s spine and central nervous system.

What Does a First Visit Look Like?

It is really important for a chiropractor to gather as much history as possible about your child’s health. A complete examination of the spine will be conducted and the chiropractor will use gentle techniques to locate and adjust problem areas. At no time will the examination or adjustment cause pain; it is a very gentle procedure (unless there is an injury).

Each child is different so the chiropractic care is specific to each child.

Generally speaking, spinal adjustments for infants and young children are nothing more than a very light fingertip pressure to correct misalignments in the spine. The child will not feel force, he or she will basically feel a ‘finger touch’. In most cases this is all that is needed to restore mobility to spinal joints which have become stiff or locked. Other techniques may involve the use of hand-held instruments which can provide gentle correction.

Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, except in cases where a child has a physical injury. In these cases the child may be sensitive to any touch; however, once the adjustment has been made the area can effectively heal.

How Long Are Treatments?

Children tend to heal faster than adults and this is true in chiropractic care as well. There is no definitive answer to this question because each child is different and the conditions also play a factor in determining how many treatments are required.

Does My Child Have a Problem?

It isn’t always obvious that a child may need chiropractic care. Some symptoms include restricted head movement, one shoulder appears higher than the other, one leg appears longer than the other, disturbed sleeping patterns, or breastfeeding difficulties.

Many childhood disorders are often linked to spinal troubles. Some of these include bed wetting, headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, scoliosis, ADHD, persistent sore throats and olds, and even constipation.

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.

Chiropractic care has been the health care of choice for many health issues. It is a health care discipline that emphasizes diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially the spine. Acupuncture aims to restore and maintain health through the stimulation of specific points on the body. It is comprised of a series of procedures involving the stimulation of anatomical points on the body using a variety of techniques. When used together, these two health disciplines have provided countless individuals with treatment that is second-to-none.

Acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices in the world. When a person has acupuncture needles strategically placed along specific points of the body it can improve blood circulation, improve vitality, and it can heal various health ailments.

A chiropractic adjustment uses a range of therapies which may include an impulse to a specific joint to correct, or manipulate a joint fixation. Both treatments share the same goal of returning the body to its peak level of efficiency.

A health plan that combines chiropractic and acupuncture is not new; in fact in some areas this dual therapy has been working in tandem for more than forty years.

Dual Therapy History

Credit for the dual therapy goes to the late Dr. Richard Yennie (DC, Dipl. Ac., NCCAOM). In 1949 he served in the U.S. Counterintelligence Corps as a translator and interpreter at the war crimes trials after World War II. Dr. Yennie was planning to practice law upon returning to the U.S. but he suffered a major back injury. Conventional treatment at a military hospital did not treat him; however, one visit to a master Japanese acupuncturist did and this changed his goals.

Dr. Yennie studied with the best Japanese, Chinese, Korean and European acupuncture practitioners then brought this knowledge and wisdom to American health practitioners. His fluency in Japanese and conversational Chinese enabled him to learn directly from the best Asian practitioners. His quest for learning about alternative health care continued and in 1953 he graduated from the Cleveland Chiropractic College. Dr. Yennie was the first non-Chinese to serve on the Board of Directors of the China Medical Association Acupuncture Research Committee (Taipei, Taiwan), serving as its Deputy Director. He was the first president of the American Chiropractic Association’s College of Chiropractic Acupuncture. There is a long, impressive list of Dr. Yennie’s accomplishments but his greatest legacy is the creation of two institutions: the Acupuncture Society of America (ASA) in 1968 and the ABCA, affiliated with the American Chiropractic Association.
Chiropractic Care and Acupuncture

Chiropractic and acupuncture treatments work in such a way that effectively allows an individual’s body to heal without the use of drugs or surgery. This may not be the case in all situations, but overall they are trusted forms of health care.

Both modalities are designed to promote natural healing, restore an individual’s health, and correct imbalances. Each modality accomplishes these goals in its own unique way. In some cases a person’s situation may be considered severe, or a patient may want to be treated quicker so the combination of these two therapies may prove to be the most efficient treatment method resulting in the fastest results.

It is important to keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another. There are other factors that come into a play when a person is being treated such as genetics and lifestyle choices which can alter outcomes. Each one of us has a unique healing mechanism and our immune system and diet plays a significant role in the healing process.

For more information on combining chiropractic care and acupuncture, 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.healthinsightstoday.com/articles/v2i3/yennie_p1.html

Therapeutic massage has been used for centuries to improve overall health, reduce stress, and relieve muscle tension. In fact, the practice of using touch to heal derives from customs in ancient history. The earliest written records of massage therapy were discovered in Egypt and China. Tomb paintings in Egypt depict individuals being kneaded by others. In China, there is ancient written documentation stating that massage therapy dates back to approximately 2700 BCE.
Even though therapeutic massages have been widely accepted for centuries, here in the west, there have been ambivalent thoughts as to the purpose and safety of prenatal massages. Research has clearly shown that not only are prenatal massages safe, they can be highly beneficial to most expecting mothers.

Prenatal Massage Benefits

The majority of women who get prenatal massage therapy state that they feel less depression, less anxious, and they have a notable reduction in leg and back pain.
Massage therapy has been clearly demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy. Cortisol (stress hormone) levels decrease during massage and this has shown that excessive fetal activity decreases. Even better, a study shows that the rate of premature babies is lower in those who receive prenatal massages.
In a study of women having labour pain, women who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labours were on average three hours shorter with a great reduction in need for medication. The National Institutes for Health report that an underlying mechanism they have explored is that these effects are mediated by increased vagal activity.
Massage therapy also helps to relieve muscle aches and joint pains, improves labour and newborn health.

What Massage Techniques Are Used?

Most prenatal massages use the principles based on Swedish massage techniques. Swedish massage has been proven to help reduce muscle tension and it can improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage. The primary purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the blood’s oxygen flow and assist in toxin removal from the muscles. It achieves this through the use of six basic strokes. They are:

• effleurage (gliding);
• effleurage (gliding);
• petrissage (kneading);
• friction;
• vibration;
• traction; and
• tapotement (tapping).

What Makes Prenatal Massage Different?

This type of massage differs from general massage because there can be some risks if certain pressure points are stimulated. There are areas of the body in which the uterus can start to contract when pressure is applied during the third trimester. There must be a level of sensitivity and gentleness extended by the therapist; and this must factor in the baby as well.
Prenatal massage is not just for the mother-to-be. Some expectant couples book a massage therapist to give them both a massage as this is a magnificent way to deepen a bond and enhance emotional connectedness.

Prenatal Massage is not for Everyone

There can be certain conditions in which a pregnant woman is not suited for massage. If you are considering a therapeutic prenatal massage be sure to consult with a qualified health practitioner first. It may be best to avoid massage if:

• If your midwife or doctor has advised you against it.
• If you are in a high risk pregnancy category.
• If you have previously had a premature labour.
• If you have pregnancy induced hypertension.
• Some massage therapists have a policy of not doing prenatal massages within the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy due to a possible increased risk for miscarriage.

The National Institutes of Health Findings

• Massage therapy is the most common alternative therapy recommended during pregnancy.
• Massage therapy has been demonstrated to be effective during pregnancy.
• Depressed pregnant women given prenatal massage experienced fewer prenatal complications.
• In our study on labour pain, the women receiving massage therapy experienced significantly less pain, and their labours were on average 3 hours shorter with less need for medication.
• The most important finding was the lower incidence of prematurity and low birth weight in the massaged depressed women.
• Postpartum depression and cortisol levels were decreased in the massaged women. The newborns of the massaged mothers also had lower cortisol levels than the newborns of the control mothers, and performed better on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment habituation, orientation and motor scales.

Having open lines of communication between you and your massage therapist is critical. If there is a movement that makes you feel slightly uncomfortable you must have your voice heard. At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre you can be sure you are in the hands of not only qualified massage therapists, but therapist who have the best interests of you and your baby.

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 a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you and your baby experience relaxation and relief from stress during your pregnancy. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2870995/
https://www.naturalhealers.com/massage-therapy/history/

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.