Migraines are not just a different type of headache; they are a severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation that is generally felt on one side of the head. More often than not nausea, vomiting, as well as extreme sensitivity to light and sound accompanies this pain. These attacks can last for hours or for days and they can be so severe a person is not able to function. In fact, a migraine headache ranks in the top 20 of the world's most disabling conditions affecting people of all ages. Migraines are a neurological disease that can be managed using massage therapy.

Different Types of Migraines

Common Migraine: This is the most prevalent type of migraine; technically this is referred to as a migraine without aura. Almost 11 percent of general population worldwide suffer from this. According to some doctors, this type of migraine will worsen with overuse of over-the-counter headache pills. A common migraine can last for anywhere from 4 to 72 hours. If the headache continues for over 72 hours then it is known as status migrainosus, which requires immediate medical attention.

Classic Migraine: Another term for this migraine is a migraine with aura. People suffering from aura experience dazzling flash of light, hazy spots or zigzag lines in their vision few minutes prior to the onset of the migraine. It is estimated that 15 to 20 percent of those who regularly get migraines have aura symptoms.

Menstrual Migraine: Migraine is a condition that is twice as common in women as men. There is a strong connection between the menstrual cycle and the onset of a migraine. Fluctuating hormones are the antecedent.

Chronic Migraine: This is a severe form of migraine. Defined, this headache occurs for more than 15 days in a one month period for three consecutive months. Over the course of time the headache continues throughout the day with occasional migraine symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. Chronic migraine is one of the most disabling forms of migraine.

Abdominal Migraine: With this type of migraine, the person experiences light to severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting during the attack. This is commonly seen in children who have a history of migraine in their family.

There are other types of migraines but this gives you an idea that not all migraines are the same.

Massage Can Help

The science community has done very little research about massage therapy and migraines; however, there have been many independent studies conducted that conclude there is relief for most massage therapy patients. It is encouraging that there is a positive connection between massage and migraine relief. For example, a 2014 published paper in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine shows positive effects of Thai traditional massage. This massage uses stretching, compression, and pulling and rocking motion. This has proven to provide relief in many migraine sufferers.

Depending on the severity and type of migraine the patient is suffering with, a massage therapist may use a variety of different techniques such as:

• Craniosacral therapy: This is a gentle massage focused on the skull and scalp.‍
• Reflexology: Uses pressure and massage on the soles of the feet.‍
• Relaxation massage: This is for stress relief.‍
• Deep Tissue Massage: This massage works well on a tense neck and shoulders providing great results in relieving migraine symptoms.

Massage therapy is not a cure for migraine, but countless migraine patients state it is an indispensable complementary therapy. Some research has even shown that those who receive massage therapy experience a reduction in migraines. This has proven to bring relief to many who seek a reduction or elimination in pharmacological treatment.

Many benefits of massage therapy include an increase in serotonin levels which can help decrease senility to pain, reduce stress levels, and it can help improve sleep. At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre you can be sure you are in the hands of not only a qualified massage therapist, but a therapist who puts your best interests first.

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.

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Resource:

Chatchawan U, Eungpinichpong W, Sooktho S, Tiamkao S, Yamauchi J. (2014). "Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.

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

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

Choosing a Mattress

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

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

Pillows

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

Proper Body Alignment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behalf Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can provide the services you need. Chiro-Med has clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Back and neck pain are the most common reasons why patients seek out chiropractic services. When a person feels fine they tend not to visit a chiropractor because nothing is wrong – right? There is ample evidence out there that clearly proves prevention in health care is what can keep people healthy and maintaining chiropractic care is no different.

Chiropractic care is a method of natural healing and this is because it helps to trigger the body's ability to heal. What mainstream physicians don't recognize is that in the human body is complex and when an ailment strikes complete healing involves looking at the body as a whole.

So how is it that if you feel totally fine you should consider an adjustment? Life has a way of taking all the daily stress factors and builds them up in ways we cannot notice. They impact our body in ways by far greater than we realize. Stress causes muscles to tense up and sometimes we don’t notice just how tense  we are because it becomes ‘the norm’. A natural approach to dealing with life's stresses should include regular chiropractic adjustments.

Our brain communicates through our body's nervous system by sending messages through the spinal column. Our spinal column often takes a beating by sleeping in awkward positions, slouching, and sitting incorrectly. You may not know it at the time but the body feels the pressure of incorrect posture and over time will cause some level of discomfort.  In some cases, people who one day wake up feeling a sore back put it to just that one night of not sleeping right, it could be a build-up of having bad posture.

Routine chiropractic care is a vital component of overall good health. Many people believe if you eat healthy you’ll be fine, yes and no; this is only one component of having good health. To maintain great health, imagine your body is a puzzle. The pieces are what are needed to be “whole”; this includes eating well, laughing, exercise, love, avoiding certain lifestyle choices, regular doctor check-ups, dental check-ups and chiropractic check-ups.

What exactly is an Adjustment

Another term used for an adjustment is a spinal manipulation. This is a primary chiropractic application that involves applying a certain amount of force in order to facilitate normal range of motions and to reduce joint restriction.

This is a procedure done only by chiropractors. They use their hands or a small instrument to apply a controlled, rapid force to a spinal joint. An adjustment corrects structural alignment and it improves the body’s overall physical function.

Benefits of an Adjustment

Having regular adjustments can reward you with many significant health benefits.   Some of the benefits include the relief of or management of:

• Migraine and tension headaches
• Stress and tension disorders
• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Chronic injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Arm or wrist pain
• Back and neck problems
• Sciatica
• High blood pressure
• Fibromyalgia
• Knee, foot and ankle pain
• Shoulder or elbow pain
• Sleep disorders

There are many other health ailments that can be treated using chiropractic care. Some of the ailments listed above may need more than just an adjustment as they can be complex.

Actor and former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is a firm believer in regular chiropractic check-ups. About three years ago he said: “We’ve got to let the people know that there is a necessity, not even an option, it’s a necessity to have a chiropractor.  As much as it is a necessity to have a dentist, you should have a chiropractor for the family.” (You can hear him say this at YouTube.)

If you want more information on how chiropractic methods can benefit you and your family be sure to contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. 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 about our services.

The origin of acupuncture dates back to ancient China, 2500 years ago or more.  The practice was adopted by neighbouring Asian countries including Vietnam, Korea and Japan, and was brought to Europe by some of the first Chinese settlers.  Acupuncture did not become well known in North America until the early 1970s, when President Nixon traveled to China.  During this trip, one of the reporters who accompanied Nixon developed appendicitis and had to undergo surgery, after which he was given acupuncture to treat a minor complication that arose.  The reporter wrote about his experience, introducing North America to the practice of Acupuncture.  Today, acupuncture is commonly practiced throughout the world with proven success.  Richmond Hill acupuncture experts can provide professional acupuncture treatments for a wide variety of ailments.

Acupuncture can be used to assist with weight loss or quitting smoking, and it is also very effective in the treatment of substance abuse problems, even severe addictions.  It can eliminate chronic pain and also be used to treat depression, anxiety and other mood disorders.  Chinese surgeons even use acupuncture to control pain during surgery.  In some cases, they perform the entire surgery with the patient awake with no assistance from drugs whatsoever.

The way that acupuncture works, according to Chinese medicine, is that energy runs in several channels throughout the body.  These channels are called meridians.  When the flow of energy becomes blocked, pain or illness can occur.  Acupuncture needles inserted at key points in the meridians unblock the energy, allowing it to flow freely.  According to modern science, inserting the needles in these specific points stimulates the body to release chemicals that address whatever physical problem the point is connected to, correcting the body’s biochemical balance so that it can heal itself.  Contact a Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist to discuss treatment for any type of ailment that you may have.

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.

Massage therapy is an ancient art dating back farther than Egyptian times, and even though it is one of the simplest forms of medicine, it is one of the most effective. Massage therapy benefits every part of the body, from the outer layers of the skin to the vital organs deep inside the body. Massage increases blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to the cells to keep them healthy, neutralize dangerous free radicals and flush toxins from the body.

In today’s fast-paced society, more and more people are suffering from stress caused by heavy workloads and chaotic schedules. Richmond Hill massage therapy will help you relieve stress and find a much-needed escape from the rigorous demands of daily life. One hour of massage can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to face another day. Your tired, tense muscles will thank you and all parts of your body will function a little better afterward.

Massage therapy can be used on every part of the body, and nothing compares to a professional full-body massage. You can also have your massage therapist focus on a specific area of the body. Head, neck and facial massage is effective for the relief of headaches, particularly tension headaches. Hand and foot massage is extremely beneficial, because the extremities contain pressure points that are linked to every part of the body. Deep tissue massage can release years of built-up tension that has accumulated over time, and triggers the release of endorphins that positively affect your moods, leaving you feeling happy and satisfied.

When you visit a Richmond Hill massage therapy clinic you will leave feeling youthful and limber, with a positive outlook on life. Once you have experienced the bliss of professional massage therapy, you will surely return again and again!

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes also referred to as chiropractic adjustment. This is a specialized procedure that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning as it should.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) assists members of the CCO in maintaining standards of care that must be adhered to before a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulation.

The College ensures that any chiropractor who wants to perform a manipulation (or adjustment) must be thoroughly trained and have practice in order to provide this health care service with competence and skill. Here is a brief overview of what this specialized training includes:

• Learning the principles of chiropractic manipulation, biomechanics, radiology, neuro-physiology and applied anatomy
• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Various treatment techniques

The CCO states, “Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an authorized Act requiring a high degree of skill.” The College has outlined specific elements to maintain a high level of skill among their members. This includes:

• Knowing indications and contraindications to application of a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
• Patient's health, proper assessment of the patient, the treatment goal and prognosis.
• Ongoing education in order to be current with knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective treatment.

Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure that must be thoroughly discussed with a patient; and the patient must provide written consent.

The Cracking Sound

When a patient receives chiropractic manipulation as part of their treatment he or she can expect to hear the cracking sounds. Many people think the sound is intriguing, others find it odd.

Between each joint in the spine there is fluid. When cavitation occurs the patient hears cracking sounds. This is gas being released from the fluid. This is the same sound that can be heard when opening a can of pop or popping the cork off a bottle of champagne. The same thing is happening to the pop or the champagne - gas is being released from within the fluid.

Not all chiropractic manipulations create this sound, so judging the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be based on sound. The goal is to restore mobility to the restricted joint, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing the underlying tissues and nervous system to heal.

For those who receive this treatment in the neck area, the cracking sound will seem much louder as it is because it is closer to the ears.

Health Benefits Of Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation improves the nutrient supply throughout the body. Cartilage and other structures have no blood supply and manipulation reduces pressure on the nerves.

The nervous system is the control centre of the human body. Nerves and nerve bundles are soft tissue and when under physical pressure they do not function well. It has been shown that a bulging disc, inflammation, or a fragment of disc floating around can negatively interfere with nerve conduction. Chiropractic manipulation can create relief of this pressure though gentle movement of the joint.

Joint Fixation

The joints in our body are meant to move without effort.  The friction of our joints is believed to be eight times more slippery than ice sliding on ice.  If an injury occurs, or as we age the surfaces of the joints tend to become rough which increases the friction and the effort needed to move them.  Some joints may become so damaged that they get to the point that they lose mobility. Joints need free movement to transport nutrients and fluids in and out of the area around the joints in order to stay healthy.  This does not happen in a fixated joint.  The lack of joint movement can cause degeneration of the joints and the discs leaving an individual in a lot of pain.

Members of The College of Chiropractors of Ontario are fully trained to perform chiropractic manipulations. Their skill and expertise have helped countless patients regain independence from pain.

Dr. Sanjari is the Clinic Director of Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. For more information on chiropractic manipulations, or any other chiropractic concern, please call 905-918-0419.

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

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

Who Can Use Custom Orthotics?

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

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

How Custom Orthotics Are Made

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

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

Symptoms And Treatment

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

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

Where To Get Custom Orthotics

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