Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

We Accept All Extended Health Care Insurances, Motor Vehicle Accidents And W.S.I.B.

About Chiro-Med

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is committed to working with patients, providing program-specific health care services so they may achieve optimal health.

Richmond Hill Clinic

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the inhabitants of Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas.

Services

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

Assessments

Our assessments are exceptional, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to thoroughly evaluate our patients' conditions. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and effective diagnoses that help us tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs.

In-Home Assessments

In-home assessments are used to evaluate the various tasks a claimant may have at home, and to what extent their injuries will impair their ability to perform these tasks.

Work-Sites Assessments

A work-site assessment is an objective analysis that is used to provide information on the physical demand requirements of the claimant’s pre-accident job.

Functional Abilities Evaluation

A functional abilities evaluation (FAE) is an assessment that utilizes scientific principles and measurements to analyze the abilities of a claimant as relevant to their pre-injury level of function.

Testimonials

Hear what our cherished clients have to say about our services and staff.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do. The treatment i've received has been second to none and the results have significantly improved my quality of life. Thank you Chiro-Med Team."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do."

B.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Excellent facility. Great chiropractor, excellent massage specialists and other treating practitioners. I had the best body massage here. Very friendly and charming staff. Very good in keeping time so can plan out other activities."

M.M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Since starting with the group at Chiro-Med my flexibility and strength has improved 150%.  I have found the employees at Chiro-Med exceptional."

R.N.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I can not express enough how grateful I am the the staff at Chiro-Med. The quality of service and professionalism is the best that I have encountered. Dr. Sanjari is very knowledgeable and was able to resolve my issues in a few sessions. I wish I had found them sooner as the issues I had were present for over a year, and now it is a pleasure to be once again pain free. Thank you!!"

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Staff here are the very best you'll ever find.  Friendly, always smiling, helping you out in any way the can. Than there is their work which is so comforting and relaxing. Makes one feel like you can always trust them now and into the future."

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"This location is very convenient for me, specially the parking space. They are professional, I am so happy with the doctor. They always try to help as much as they can. I can see that they really care about the patient.  The staff are very friendly and helpful.  In general I am so happy and satisfied with the services that I get here."

A.P.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Thanks to Dr. Sanjari my vertigo has been eliminated and my spinal problems, lower back pain and neck pain has been greatly decreased. He is professional, knowledgeable and courtesy, his staff is also courtesy and kind. I recommend Chiro-Med."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a great positive and relaxing environment. Staff are professional and friendly. I would recommend that you drop by and check out the services for yourself."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very professional and pleasant rehab centre. The customer service is great. The receptionists are always very kind, professional and pleasant. They always great you with a smile and quite understanding."

G.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is a very friendly, professional and a great environment. The staff are all very well trained."

T.D.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very organized and clean facility. The staff is very helpful and polite. It’s definitely the best rehab facility (centre)."

S.B.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"They provide you with quick friendly services. They are caring, helpful, and knowledgeable and they remember your name."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I had lower back pain during my pregnancy and Dr. Sanjari really helped me. The staff is really nice, kind and friendly. I like the fact that they remind you of your appointments the day ahead."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"People here make you feel like family, always at ease, friendly smiles, easy going, and always there to help you in any way they can."

J. W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My experience at Dr.Sanjari’s clinic has been wonderful. I do not feel like I am going to a clinic. Dr. Sanjari and all of his staff are friendly and helpful professionals that make you want to return, especially because you see results. I couldn’t ask for a better medical experience."

E. S.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The staff is extremely friendly. They are really involved by helping the patient and explaining the best treatment option. Knowing that, patients will get motivated and push themselves to get better."

E. Z.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem. Most difficult part of getting my brace was the colour / pattern choice. I’d highly recommend this type of brace. By the way my knee injury consists of a blown ACL and severely damaged meniscus!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem."

S.G.

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Articles

Explore our informative articles which provide valuable insights and information about the industry, technology, and the latest modalities.

Myotherapy

Myotherapy is a form of physical therapy generally used to treat soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement caused by muscle or myofascial pain syndrome.

This form of therapy can best be defined as the assessment, treatment and management of musculoskeletal conditions. When you see a myotherapist, they assess your condition to find out the specific cause of the pain, provide treatment in the form of manual therapy, and restore pain-free functioning.

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome

First, myofascial are the thin, fibrous strands of tissue that surround and separate muscles. Tendons and ligaments are comprised of bundled myofascia.

Myofascial pain syndrome (also known as myofascial dysfunction) refers to pain and possible inflammation in the body's soft tissues or muscles. Myofascial pain is a chronic, painful condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles). Myofascial pain syndrome involves either a single muscle or a muscle group. There are some cases in which the area where a person experiences the pain might not be exactly where the myofascial pain originates. Experts believe that the actual site of the injury or the strain prompts the development of a trigger point that, in turn, causes pain in other areas. In these cases, this situation is known as referred pain.

Can Myofascial Pain Be Muscle Knots?

Most people have experience a muscle knot. Although this term is frequently used, there is no actual knot even though it feels like it. A muscle knot is actually referred to as being is a myofascial trigger point. Every so often we may have a few random trigger points and this is an annoyance; however, a group of these “knots” is known as is myofascial pain syndrome. So yes, these muscle knots are a form of myofascial pain.

Trigger points can be somewhat debilitating. They can cause far more discomfort than most people believe is possible. Trigger points can generate odd sensations, and the source may not be obvious.

Signs and Symptoms

Those with myofascial pain syndrome usually report regionalized aching, and diffuse, persistent pain in certain muscles and joints. The pain intensity can vary from mild to severe and is usually related to muscle activity. Symptoms may begin after trauma or injury to the affected area or can be of gradual onset. The most commonly affected areas are the muscles in the shoulders and neck.

Trigger points, one of the main characteristics of myofascial pain syndrome, are considered to be hyperirritable, circumscribed spots located in a palpable taut band of skeletal muscle. These points are painful on compression and can produce referred pain, referred tenderness, and even autonomic phenomena. Referred pain and tenderness occur when pain is referred to remote sites from compression of a myofascial trigger point. (For example, pain from compression of trigger points in the scalene muscles of the neck may be felt in the hand.)

If you are experiencing soft tissue pain and restricted joint movement caused by muscle or myofascial pain syndrome then myotherapy may be the preferred treatment.

Myotherapy is not a form of massage therapy, though a qualified therapist may use such a technique during a session if it is necessary for the treatment of your presenting condition. Myotherapy is a form of manual therapy which uses evidence-based assessment, treatment and rehabilitation techniques to treat neuromusculoskeletal (nerve, muscle and joint) pain and dysfunction. Clinical myotherapists use massage as their main tool however have also got the skills and knowledge to apply wide variety of other techniques when necessary to further assist the patient regain optimal health.

Some of the other techniques used by myotherapists alongside massage may include:

  • Dry needling or trigger point therapy– when pressure or a needle is applied to a ‘knot’ in the muscle. This aids in the release of these trigger points reducing pain. Even though the same needles are used with dry needling their purpose is different to acupuncture.
  • Myofascial release is another very effective technique when applied with massage. Myofascial release aims to release the fascia that surrounds all muscles.
  • Heat therapy may be used to increase blood flow to an area by opening up the blood vessels. Heat offers a similar effect to massage in that it helps to promote blood flow and lymph flow which brings healthy nutrients and oxygen to the injured site and assists in the removal of wastes and toxins in the blood.

If you have soft tissue pain or restricted joint movement caused by muscle or myofascial pain syndrome then a qualified health professional at Chiro-Med can help.

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 seek relief from migraine pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Golfer's Elbow Aka Meidal Epicondylitis

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!

Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Massage therapy has an extensive history in many cultures worldwide. Today, people have the opportunity to experience massage therapy for relaxation and for health-related purposes. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill offers massage therapy for their patients to help relieve pain, swelling as well as to rehabilitate and improve physical function.

A therapeutic massage has countless benefits that greatly improve the condition of many different
ailments. Sometimes a therapeutic massage includes deep tissue massaging and this occurs when the registered massage therapist applies firm pressure to the muscles using fingertips, hands, elbows, knuckles, and even forearms, in order to stimulate muscle and body tissue.

MASSAGE THERAPY BENEFITS

Chronic Pain Reduction:
If you suffer from chronic discomfort such as muscle inflammation, a bad back, neck pain, headaches or even arthritis, massage therapy can help alleviate some, if not all of the pain. For some clients, deep tissue massages have proven to be highly effective and in some cases, better than daily medications. Medications tend to mask the real problem; they were not formulated to cure the health ailment.

Massage therapy increases blood flow, so it reduces inflammation in affected areas. Firm pressure eases pain and alleviates tension, loosens tightness as well as the buildup of lactic acid that can cause pain. When maintained on a regular basis, massage therapy can be a great alternative for an individual who is not interested in prescription drugs.

Stress Relief:
Another benefit of massage therapy, and specifically, deep tissue massage, is stress relief. A firm yet forceful pressure applied to the body relaxes and can eliminate tension. Not only are muscles being worked but the increased blood flow flushes out toxins and helps to put the body and the mind in a relaxed state.

A registered massage therapist concentrates on massaging various trigger points that are commonly known to hold stress. By working out the muscles, the body relaxes with greater ease. If you are an individual who maintains a chaotic schedule then massage therapy may be what you need at least monthly, in order to keep stress at bay.

Increased Blood Flow:
One of the best benefits of a deep tissue massage is the increased blood flow it causes. Due to the direct pressure that massage therapists apply, blood circulation is increased throughout the body. As a result, this increased blood flow boosts oxygen to all of the tissues in the body. More oxygen circulating in the blood means that toxins are removed at a higher rate and added oxygen can provide more energy and it aids in fighting free radicals.

Lower Blood Pressure:
A beneficial side effect of eliminating tension and stress involves reducing blood pressure. As the registered massage therapist applies pressure he or she will reduce muscle tightness, and this can have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, especially for those prone to high blood pressure.

Experiencing true stress relief has been proven to promote more serotonin production in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that is responsible for making a person feel happy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill uses massage therapy to also help with:

  • Maintenance care
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Pain or tingling into arms or legs
  • Postural issues
  • Pregnancy massage
  • Prenatal pain
  • Postnatal pain
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Lymphatic drainage

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has registered massage therapists who ensure all clients are treated as individuals. After all, no two people are the same, nor should a massage therapy treatment be a carbon copy for everyone. Chiro-Med registered massage therapists truly care about every individual's needs - and it shows.

TENS – Is This Therapy for You?

TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), is the most widely used type of electrotherapy and when done correctly, the success rate is impressive. This therapy uses electrodes on small pads that adhere to the affected area and are attached via wires to a battery-operated device. Controlled current is sent through the electrodes which stimulate the sensory nerves creating a tingling sensation that reduces pain. A qualified practitioner ensures that the patient is comfortable while receiving the proper frequency and patterns of stimulation to effectively and safely reduce or eliminate pain.

In recent years, a number of TENS products have been marketed, some as wearable devices. Although some of these products may work, one must be cautioned that if done incorrectly or under the wrong conditions not only will it not work, it can produce detrimental effects.

TENS machines tend mainly to be used to help reduce musculoskeletal pain. People must not use a TENS machine unless under the care of a qualified professional if:

  • The cause of the pain is not known or is not diagnosed.
  • Pregnant (unless specifically medically advised - or in labour).
  • The individual has a pacemaker.
  • The individual has epilepsy or certain types of heart disease.
  • The individual has skin conditions that can be negatively affected by TENS.

It is important to seek the advice from a qualified health professional.

Brief History of Electrical Pain Management

Electrical stimuli were used in pain management strategies for centuries. Hippocrates and Ancient Egyptians knew that electric eels were potentially useful for producing an electrical shock to control pain yet it wasn’t fully recognized until 46AD.  Scribonius Largus recorded in 46AD that the electric ray torpedo fish was used to treat gout and headaches.

In the 18th and 19th centuries these natural producers of electricity were replaced by man-made electrical devices. This happened in phases; the first was the application of static electrical currents called Franklinism. Christian Kratzenstein was the first to apply it medically, followed shortly by Benjamin Franklin. The 19th century was coined the golden age of electrotherapy. It was used for countless dental, neurological, psychiatric and gynecological problems. However, at beginning of the 20th century electrotherapy fell into the background. Mainstream medicine dismissed this therapy as lacking a scientific basis and claimed it was used by quacks. The development of analgesic drugs helped to decrease interest in this therapy. In the second half of the 20th century electrotherapy underwent a revival and has greatly advanced.

Fast forward to 2016, from the News Centre at the University of Texas Arlington, researchers are encouraged with a possible new application of electrical stimulation. Yuan Bo Peng, UTA psychology professor said in a news release:

“This is the first study to use a wireless electrical device to alleviate pain by directly stimulating the ventral tegmental area of the brain. While still under laboratory testing, this new method does provide hope that in the future we will be able to alleviate chronic pain without the side effects of medications.”

Conditions Treated with TENS

There are many conditions that respond well to TENS. Although not an inclusive list, there are some conditions in which there are proven results in pain reduction or elimination. These include:

  • Neck pain and stiffness.
  • Low back pain.
  • Diabetic nerve pain.
  • Fibromyalgia pain.
  • Arthritis
  • Sports Injuries.

Is TENS Therapy for You?

TENS is typically applied at the site of the pain, but is sometimes more effective when used in other areas as well. A health professional is your best ally in determining if this is a preferred method in effectively treating your pain.

Sometimes results are instant, but in some cases there may be repeated treatments required. Through the release of endorphins and the control of nerves, TENS sends relief directly to the site of pain. Some people experience permanent pain relief after repeated sessions with TENS therapy.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has proved their commitment in 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 manage and possibly treat underlying conditions that are causing you pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

References:

Weiner, R. S. (2001). Pain Management: a Practical Guide for Clinicians. Hoboken: Taylor & Francis Ltd. (Page 15.)

University of Texas Arlington

U.S. National Library of Medicine

Natural Therapies For Healthy Living

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.

Core Muscle Strength and Your Posture

Most of us hear how important good posture is and unfortunately there are some who don’t understand why until it is too late. Our core muscles play a very important role in our posture. Imagine your core muscles as a link that connects the upper and lower body. Whether you’re hitting a baseball or sweeping the floor the motions for these actions either flow through or originate in your core. Regardless of where motion originates it ripples through your body. The condition of your core muscles determine how well (or not well) your arms and legs physically function. Having a strong core is essential for good health, a nice posture, great balance, and stability. If your core muscles are not in shape then this makes you more susceptible to falls, injuries and back problems.

Let’s look at some ways in which strong core muscles can help you.

Every day movements. We tend to take for granted the ability to bend over and put on our shoes, to pick up a box, or to do our household chores. The ability to perform even these simplest of tasks calls on the core muscles.

At work. There are many jobs in which we twist, lift and even stand for long periods of time. Sitting at a desk also requires the use of core muscles. The more out of shape your core muscles are the faster you’ll become stiff and possibly even sore. Taking breaks, stretching and making sure your posture is good is critical.

Good back health. Far too many people suffer from back pain and most of this can be prevented by exercises that promote strong core muscles.

Good posture. Weak core muscles contribute to slouching and over a period of time this will cause a myriad of back problems. Strong core muscles lessen the stress on the spine and allows you to breathe better as well.

What Exactly Are Core Muscles?

Strong core muscles are not washboard abs. Our core muscles are hidden beneath the exterior muscles. These deeper muscles include the transverse abdominals, the pelvic floor, the diaphragm and many other deep muscles.

Your core muscles are known as either stabilizers or movers.

  • The stabilizer muscles attach directly to the spine and support its movement.
  • The movers are the muscles that support the stabilizer muscles and work with them to move your body.
  • Core muscles work together to support and move the body safely. They provide essential support that allows you to move your body to do everyday tasks and participate in physical activity.

Protect Your Inner Organs

Healthy core muscles help to protect vital systems in our body. Your core is not only where your organs and central nervous system do their work, it’s also where your body’s largest (and most important) veins and arteries are based. Keeping strong core muscles helps to ensure everything stays protected as you move through your day. Movements can be restricted when our core muscles are not strengthened and worse, eventually pain moves in.

Increase Your Posture Awareness

Increasing core strength will naturally change the way you carry yourself. Good posture is chest out, shoulders back and holding your head back so that your ears are over your shoulders. We all should be doing this naturally yet we are not. Becoming more aware of our posture is important.

Try these two mental exercises no matter where you are.

  • Pretend you’re a balloon rising up with air. Most of the muscles that hold our body up are vertical. As you breathe in think of yourself as being a balloon and you’ll feel your posture improve.
  • Think of a string. Align your head over your shoulders and lifting it up, as though a string is pulling it from the top; this allows your shoulders to drop and open while pulling in the abdominals. This will work whether you are sitting, standing or walking.

How Can You Build Core Strength?

Working on your core muscles is different from strength-training. Yoga, pilates and stability balls are great for working your core muscles because many moves you can do with these target those muscle groups.

There are countless other activities to strengthen your core, from swimming to kick boxing. You can also try some specific exercises including the classic sit-up. Starting a routine that’s right for you includes getting professional advice. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill and Newmarket can assist you in strengthening your core muscles.

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 Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for individuals who are suffering from many joint and tendon disorders.  More commonly known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to health professionals, this form of treatment sends acoustic shock waves into the bone or soft tissue which basically reinjures the area on a cellular level.  As a result scar tissue that has penetrated tendons and ligaments becomes broken up. This controlled method of re-injury allows the body to regenerate bone cells and blood vessels which in turn leads to faster healing.

Shock waves are high energy sound waves that are audible. They occur when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier or during lightning strikes. For over thirty years now shock waves have been used in the medical field (for example) to disintegrate kidney stones.

Shockwave therapy treats a variety of conditions that can plague an individual. Some of these include:

  • Lumbar and cervical spine regions
  • Chronic muscular pain
  • Shin splints
  • Bursitis
  • Iliotibial band friction syndrome
  • Patellar tendonitis
  • Hamstrings
  • Heel spurs
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Calcific tendinosis of the rotator cuff muscles
  • Non healing ulcers
  • Mortons neuroma
  • Hallux rigidus

Depending on the condition and how severe it is depends on how many treatments are required. On average, most patients need about 3 to 6 treatment sessions per week. Clinical studies say that for those who were suited for this treatment there is about an 80 to 85 percent chance of the condition being greatly improved yet 95 percent experience some level of improvement. Most people with a soft tissue injury can benefit from this treatment, especially athletes

Proven Success Rates

• 91% improved for calcific tendinitis
• 77% improvement for tennis elbow
• 90% improvement for plantar fasciitis

How Safe is Shockwave Therapy?

The basic technology involved with this shockwave technology has been actively used on millions of people (mostly in Europe) for several decades.  This technology originates in Europe hence the reason for the high number of people who have benefitted from it.

There are virtually no side effects and even the mild side effects such as redness, tingling or redness is rare and short-lived.

There are many benefits from shockwave therapy. Of course it is non-invasive, basically has no side effects, accelerates healing, and coverage is available from most health insurance companies.  This is a treatment that has been fully tested and backed by a lot of scientific evidence.

Are there People Who Cannot Have this Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is not for everyone. It is typically not used on those who may have bone tumours, circulation or nerve disorders, and certain metabolic bone conditions.  Also, it is not used on women who are pregnant either.

There are some other contraindications and/or precautions to be aware of such as:

  • Cortisone injections
  • Blood thinning medications
  • Heart or circulatory problems
  • Cancer or diabetes

The best thing to do is have a consultation with a qualified health professional so you can find out if you are a candidate for shockwave therapy.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Massage therapy has a history that dates back to many areas of the world including ancient China. Hippocrates defined this form of treatment as “the art of rubbing”.  It became very popular during the Renaissance era in Europe and it never really gained any traction in Canada or the U.S. until the 1970’s. Even then it was viewed more as a method of helping athletes.

So what exactly is massage therapy? This is a modality of treatment that encompasses various techniques. Trained therapists manipulate the muscle and soft tissue areas by rubbing and pressing. Hands and fingers are the most often used but some therapists also use their forearms and elbows.

When massage therapy is done by a properly trained therapist then there are virtually no safety concerns.  There may be some side effects due to the nature of the treatment and this generally includes temporary discomfort, minor pain, some possible bruising and for some, sensitivity to the massage oils used.

Health Benefits

In today’s society there are many people who spend a huge amount of hours sitting because of their jobs and their lifestyle. As a result postural stress can occur and this stress tends to manifest in the neck and in the shoulder area. Interestingly, advanced postural stress will cause a lot of pain or weakness in the gluts and lower back. Massages can counteract the negative effects of having a desk job.

Massage increases and improves blood circulation and this helps to ease muscle pain. In fact, there was a 2011 study that discovered massage therapy is as effective as other treatment methods for back pain.

Another huge benefit is that massages can sooth anxiety and help to alleviate the symptoms of depression. It won’t cure these maladies but massage can help a patient feel better.

A 2010 study found that massages boost white blood cell counts and this helps to boost the immune system.  White blood cells help to defend our body from disease.

Other benefits include:

  • Digestive issues
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia
  • Myofacial pain syndrome
  • Soft tissue strains or injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Temporomandibular joint pain

There are four common types of massage techniques used depending on what is required. They are:

  • Deep massage: This technique uses slow, forceful strokes to target the deeper muscles and connective tissue.
  • Swedish massage: Long, slow strokes, deep circular motions, vibration, kneading and even tapping are techniques that this massage technique uses.
  • Sports massage: This is very similar to the Swedish massage except it is used for those involved in sports to help prevent or treat injuries.
  • Trigger point massage: After an injury occurs (or overuse) tight muscle fibres can develop. This massage targets these areas.

Can Anyone Have a Massage?

Massage therapy is not for everyone although most people can benefit from massage. It is not recommended for pregnant women; they need to consult their health care provider before having massage therapy.

People with bleeding disorders or low blood platelet counts are not candidates for massage; nor are those taking blood thinning medications.

Massage should not be done on an area of the body in which there may be blood clots, burns, infections, open or healing wounds or on a person who has had surgery recently.

Other conditions that warrant an individual unable to have a massage are those with:

  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Fractures
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Severe thrombocytopenia

Given the huge benefits that can be gained through massage therapy there are only 35 percent of Canadians who have used massage therapy in their lifetime (according to the 2007 Fraser Institute report on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Canada). The reasons they sought massage therapy were for back and neck problems (39%), relaxation (8%) and for muscle problems (6%).

Why wait for a problem to happen or for a problem to get worse? Contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre if you want more information on whether or not you may be suited for massage therapy. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you with many of your health needs. Our walk-in clinic is 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.

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