Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

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

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

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

Some common repetitive stress injuries include:

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

What Causes Repetitive Stress Disorder?

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

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

Repetitive Stress Injuries most frequently affects:

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

Some symptoms may include:

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

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

Treatment and Repetitive Stress Disorder

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Prevent Repetitive Stress Disorder

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

Adjust your work station to promote good posture and comfort.

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

Avoid sitting cross-legged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Hip health is something most people never give a thought to until trouble starts. This is a computer-driven world in which far too many of us are spending an inordinate amount of time on a daily basis just sitting. We sit in our cars, sit at work or school, sit watching programs on television or the computer, and we generally sit when socializing.

According to Harvard Health, spending too many hours sitting is hazardous to our health. Apart from the possibility of it being detrimental to our hip health, habitual inactivity increases risks for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and deep-vein thrombosis. Even the National Health Services in the UK claim that there are studies linking excessive sitting with type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and early death.

Hip Flexor Strain

There is a major muscle group located in the front of the hip that helps us to flex or bend our hips; these are known as the hip flexors. These muscles allow the movement of bringing the thighs toward the chest. The main muscles groups are the tensor fascia latae, quadriceps, psoas major, and the psoas minor. These muscles are essential for powerful leg movements and strength for everyday movement. They are intricately attached to the lower spine, the pelvis, the hips and even the rib cage. So, if there is any hip flexor strain it can cause problems throughout the body.

Hip Flexor Strain and Sitting

The human body tends to adapt to the positions in which we put them in the most. It is suspected that many, if not most people spend twelve hours a day in a sitting position; and this places the hip flexors in a position that is not ideal. While sitting, the hip flexors are in a "shortened position". Basically, this means, in the sitting position, the muscles are pulled in together for most of the day. With too many hours spent sitting, these muscles will start to adapt to that position. Over time, this leaves a person feeling stiff and sometimes sore when standing up. Even if it is not apparent that one of the reasons for stiffness after sitting is the hips, these muscles are certainly playing a significant role. Stiff muscles can easily lead to strained muscles. A strain due to overstretch will be more common for “chronic” sitters since the hips will be stiff and resistant to stretch.

Sit enough and tightness will become the norm for the hip flexors, which could end up in a hip flexor strain. When these muscles are strained it can easily affect the whole body due to their role in core control and balance. Basic activities including walking, getting up and down from chairs, in and out of the car, and even the way you sleep will be affected. When these muscles are strained the two biggest complaints tend to be muscle cramping in the hip flexor muscles themselves and low back pain.

Hip Flexor Strain

Whether the hip flexors are strained or just stiff, they have the tendency to hold the pelvis in a forward position. This causes the back to arch and the entire pelvis to tilt forward. Once this occurs then it may feel as though you are stuck in this position. Once this position becomes the norm, it may feel like you get a charlie horse in the front of your hips even with simple movements due to the position you are "stuck" in. Any movements that specifically involve these muscles may become quite painful.

Solutions

Given the amount of available research, breaking up long blocks of sitting to flex these muscles is very important. Building more activity into every day is critical no matter at home or at the office.

• If need be, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move around every so often (every thirty minutes is optimum).
• Take phone calls standing up.
• Get an adjustable standing desk for your computer.
• At home, do not sit in a chair or on the sofa while watching television, sit on a stability ball, which makes you use muscles to stay upright.
• If it is possible, get a treadmill and watch your favourite shows as you walk.
• Make sure you have a good exercise routine to promote tissue extensibility throughout the body to prevent strain in the hips and throughout the body.

Movement Suggestions

These are some easy stretches you can do throughout the day regardless of whether you are at work or home. Repeat them as often as you feel comfortable. The more often you are able to do these, the better the results.

Standing next to a wall for support, stand on one leg and swing the other leg forwards and backwards to obtain as much range of motion as you can (do this 12 times). Then move your leg up to the side and across in front of your other leg 12 times. This will be more difficult and the range will be much smaller. Repeat for the other leg. If doing this 12 times to too stressful, start doing these 5 or 6 times – whatever you can manage – then work up to 12 times.

Sitting at your chair, lift one leg up and put it over the other leg so your ankle rests on top of the knee of the opposite leg. Then simply bend forward at the waist until you feel a strong pull through the glut muscles. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat for the other leg. You will notice one leg stiffer than the other. This is likely an indication of a structural shift in your body that has developed over years.

Next, stand up facing your chair about 3 feet away from it. Step up onto the chair with one leg and do a deep lunge forward until you feel a deep pull in the back leg. Make sure you keep your back upright and your core muscles flexed and tight. Hold 10 seconds and repeat for the other leg.

If you are experiencing hip stiffness, discomfort or pain chiropractic and physiotherapy care 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.

The spine is truly a marvelous set of bones, or more adequately stated, the vertebrae. The entire length of the spine provides protection, support and flexibility for your body. Interestingly, the average sized adult head weighs about 5 kilos or about 11 lbs., so the spine is supporting the equivalent of a bowling bowl.

The vertebra houses the spinal cord that is the nerve centre carrying millions of messages between the body and the brain. Nerves branch out from each vertebrae communicating with the various organs and parts of the body. A nerve irritation from spinal misalignment means that you are likely to feel the results elsewhere, such as sciatica or radiculopathy. Neck problems that affect a cervical nerve root can create symptoms such as pain in the arms and hands; and the lumbar (or lower back) nerve will send pain through the leg and to the foot.

Lumbar disc herniation or radiculopathy is a common problem that occurs when nerve roots are irritated or compressed; many people refer to this as sciatica. Actually, about 90 percent of all disc herniations occur in the lumbar region of the spine.

Causes

Getting older means that the discs in the spine generally lose their flexibility and this means the risk of injury increases. An accident, lifting an item incorrectly, being overweight and even smoking can attribute to disc herniations.

When injury occurs, the soft gel-like material inside the disc ruptures through the outer lining of the cartilage. Usually there is space between the spinal column and the discs but when a lumbar disc herniation applies pressure on a spinal nerve, and then there is trouble.

Symptoms

IIf there is pressure happening in the lumbar region, some symptoms include muscle weakness, numbness and sometimes pain. There can also be tingling. If a lumbar disc herniation puts a lot of pressure on the spinal nerves, then the symptoms will be felt more intense. Common body functions such as urinating, defecating, coughing, sneezing or laughing can heighten the pain of a lumbar disc herniation.

Diagnosing

Diagnosing lumbar disc herniation involves a variety of methods depending on which health professional you choose to visit. A health professional may test your coordination, reflexes, muscle strength and possibly even test your ability to feel sensations. In more severe cases, a spinal MRI, CAT scan or X-ray may be required in order to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment And Management

Your health professional will work with you in order to develop a treatment plan that works best for you. Everyone is unique therefore an individual treatment plan must be catered to take into consideration the severity of the symptoms as well as your activity level.

A lumbar disc herniation can be treated with non-surgical options in about 90 percent of all cases. Some treatment options include the use of heat, the use of cold compresses, or physiotherapy.

Preventing lumbar disc herniation recurrence
can involve simple strategies such as:

• Maintaining and keeping a healthy weight
• Good posture at all times
• Bending the knees when picking up items
• Avoiding high heels
• Exercises that help to develop strength in the back muscles and in the abdominal area
• Reducing or eliminating smoking

Some patients suffering with lumbar disc herniations require surgical intervention but this is only when non-surgical treatments have not provided pain relief; but this is always as a last resort because surgery is invasive.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients are recommended. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

Treating and managing lumbar disc herniations can be successful when you follow the advice of a health professional. There is no need to suffer when there are many simple options available to you.

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.

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve at the wrist, resulting in weakness, pain and possibly numbness of the hand and wrist. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm of the hand (thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky or little finger).

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very important, since long-term carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, constant numbness and atrophy of muscles related to the carpal tunnel.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often times the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is undetermined. However, it is known that CTS is associated with the following:

• An abnormally small carpal tunnel
• Repetitive, work related stress
• A wrist injury that results in swelling (e.g. wrist sprain or fracture)
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Arthritis (rheumatoid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts/tumors that form in the tunnel

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, and become more severe as the problem worsens.

The following symptoms are listed from initial to later stages:

• Tingling, itching and even a burning sensation in the thumb and fingers
• Numbness in the palm of the hand
• A feeling of tightness or swelling
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Loss of strength when gripping some object
• Inability to distinguish between cold and hot objects
• As the condition worsens atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur

Please note that it is common for these symptoms to first occur at night only, since many people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position. As the condition progresses some or all of the symptoms will occur throughout the day as well.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of treatments for CTS: surgical and non-surgical. It is very important to diagnose CTS as early as possible in order to avoid surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment consists of:

• Resting and immobilizing the affected hand via splints or braces
• Avoiding activity that stresses the hand and wrist
• Physiotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling
• Injection of corticosteroids into the wrist (can also be taken orally) to relieve pressure on the
  median nerve

Surgery is often recommended if symptoms have been present for 6 months.

There are two types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Traditional "open release" surgery, which involves an incision in the wrist followed by severing
   of the carpal ligament (this increases the size of the carpal tunnel)
2. Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the wrist/palm and results in a
   faster recovery time, less post-operative discomfort and a smaller degree of scarring.

It is very important to catch carpal tunnel syndrome early on. Unfortunately CTS can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can also be caused by things other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre located in Richmond Hill has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you on the road to recovery as quick as possible!

Fibre is something that most people realize they need a lot of, but the science behind fibre is not that commonly known. Also known as bulk or roughage, fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods that travels through our digestive system, absorbing water along the way and easing bowel movements.

Without a doubt, fibre is essential for our digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fibre also helps us to feel fuller, longer; it can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can assist in preventing some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer.

Soluble and Insoluble Fibre

You may have heard of the terms soluble fibre or insoluble fibre. These are words that are sometimes used to describe the types of fibre in our diet. Although food scientists argue that these terms are no longer really appropriate, these terms are being used. Technically, soluble fibre includes pectins and beta glucan and insoluble fibre includes cellulose. What's important to remember is that fibre-rich foods typically contain both types of fibre.

Beta-Glucan

One type of fibre that has received well-deserved attention lately is beta-glucan, a glucose polymer found in the cell walls of many cereals (e.g., oats, barley), certain types of mushrooms, yeasts, seaweed, and algae. Among these sources, barley typically has the highest beta-glucan content and oats the second highest.

Beta-glucan have been the subject of intensifying research because they have been found to have beneficial roles in lowering insulin resistance and blood cholesterol, reducing the risk of obesity, and boosting the immune system to help thwart off many diseases including cancer.

According to an article in Today's Dietician (online version), some studies suggest that a boost in immunity occurs from consuming oat beta-glucan; however, most of the beta-glucan research on immunity has been done on mushroom extracts, not oats or barley.

Beta Glucan in Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms, especially Coriolus versicolor (also known as Trametes versicolor or “turkey tails”), have commonly been used worldwide for centuries. In the 1980s, the Japanese government approved the use of protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK), a beta-glucan compound found in not just Coriolus versicolor, but many wild and cultivated mushrooms for treating several types of cancers and for widespread use in cancer immunotherapy. Instead of directly killing cancer cells, these mushroom beta-glucan are thought to stimulate immune responses that damage cancer cells. However, because PSK is bound to a protein, pure beta-glucan that have been separated and purified may act differently than beta-glucan from food.

Many mushrooms, including the common store-bought button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), contain beta glucan. However, the percentage in cultivated mushrooms is small compared to wild mushrooms. Some wild mushrooms include:

• Reishi (Ganaderma lucidum)
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphurous)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus)
• Porcini (Boletus edulis)

Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis

In stimulating the immune system beta glucan are highly unique, because other agents that stimulate the immune system can push the system to over-stimulation, which means that they can make matters worse in the case of auto-immune illnesses such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. Beta-glucan, however, do stimulate the immune system, but never to the point where it becomes overactive.

MRSA

Commonly called the superbug, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), is a bacterium that can cause serious infections. It is resistant to most antibiotics making it very difficult to treat.

Beta glucan can help to defend individuals against bacterial infections picked up in hospital, particularly nosocomial infections, E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.

Glucan, Glucans, or β-Glucans?

When researching beta-glucan there are three different terms used to describe beta-glucan. Which is correct? According to Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, the President of the International Society for Glucan Research, glucan, glucans, or β-Glucans is pretty much all the same.

Research

At the time of writing this article (November 2019), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City was studying vaccine therapy with beta-glucan in hopes that it may be an effective treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma in children.

Betaglucan.org is a website that focuses on the study of beta-glucan in baker's yeast.

Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the University of Louisville, specializes in studying the effects of beta glucan as natural immunomodulator. His website is glucan.us.

How Much Beta-Glucan Do We Need?

According to Health Canada's website, it is recommended that we get 2 to 10 grams of beta-glucan every day. Health Canada says that beta-glucan:

• Helps reduce/lower (LDL) cholesterol (which is one risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease)
• Provides support for healthy (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Helps improve (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Source of fiber for the maintenance of good health.
• Helps support and maintain a healthy digestive system.

If you want to integrate beta-glucan into your diet and need assistance determining how much you need, or, if you have any health ailment in which you think beta-glucan may help, we have qualified health professionals who can help you.

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.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), throughout the 2010-2011 winter season there were 1,114 hockey-related hospitalizations. Perhaps not so surprising, is that half of these hockey injuries happened to boys between the ages of ten and nineteen. These are injuries that required hospitalization; there are no known reliable statistics for all hockey-related injuries but they are suspected to be at least doubled. Sadly, these statistics have not improved much at all over the past five years.

There are several factors that can be attributed to the high numbers of (recorded) injuries. Age, level of fitness, level of competition, and the condition of protective equipment all contribute to risk factors. When any of these are not as they should be then injuries such as sprains, strains and other muscle-related injuries tend to occur in the shoulder, knees and neck. Head injuries occur when helmets do not meet standards (including proper fit). Head and neck injuries also occur as well as dislocated shoulders, fractured collar bones, and sprained medial collateral ligaments.

Hockey is a fast and physical sport and the risk of injury is always present. There are ways to avoid common hockey injuries.

Tips To Avoiding Common Hockey Injuries

If purchasing second hand hockey equipment it is imperative to ensure it still meets safety standards and every piece of equipment fits properly. All equipment must meet CSA approval (Canadian Standards Association) in order to have a proper fit.

Head protection that fits is a must. The best way to test this is that when the helmet is on, one finger should be able to fit between the chin and the chinstrap. Should that helmet ever sustain damage or encounter a sever hit then replacing it is a must. Also, replacing helmets every three years is recommended by the industry.

Mouth protection is really important to not only protect the teeth but these also help in preventing concussions. Staying active is important to help avoid a hockey injury. Keeping flexible, maintaining strength and endurance will minimize the chance of injury when a fall occurs (or being rammed into the boards).

Lastly, warming up will help to prevent muscle strains and keeping the body limber which helps in reducing the risk of injury.

Dealing With Hockey Injuries

Depending on what the specific injury is, the type of care the patient will require will be chiropractic, physiotherapy, or a combination of the both. (The exception to this is if the injury is severe and hospitalization is required. Even then, often after a hospital visit, chiropractic or physiotherapy is required to regain a pre-injury state.)

Some of the more common hockey injuries include:

• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Back Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
• Bulging Disc
• Calf Muscle Tears
• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
• Metatarsalgia
• Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Tennis Elbow

Chiropractic care helps to heal the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Also, chiropractic care treats neuromusculoskeletal issues that include headaches, pain in the neck, back or in the joints. This is an effective type of health care that is hands-on and drug-free. It also includes examinations, diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

Physiotherapy is a form of health care that helps people restore, maintain, and maximize their function, strength and movement. This is achieved by the therapist assessing the injury, diagnosing, and treating the injury. This type of health care involves a wide variety of stretching methods.

Once an individual has resumed playing hockey after recovering from an injury ongoing maintenance may be required in order to prevent a reoccurrence. Regular chiropractic care will aid in restoring and maintaining healthy nerves, joints, and muscles through an adjustment. Proper healing can take time and although a patient may feel that he or she is back to normal, ongoing care is strongly recommended to maintain and prevent further injury. In addition, and for the same reasons, ongoing physiotherapy may be needed to prevent an injury from reoccurring.

In addition, and for the same reasons, ongoing physiotherapy may be needed to prevent an injury from reoccurring.

If you have sustained a hockey injury then look no further. 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. Check us out online or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.