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.

Myositis ossificans is an abnormal bone that forms within the muscle tissue. There are two types of myositis ossificans: myositis ossificans circumscripta is the result of a muscle injury and myositis ossificans progressiva is an inherited condition that causes the formation of bone in many tissues.

This is a condition that athletes often experience after sustaining a blunt injury resulting in deep tissue bleeding. A neglected bad muscle strain or contusion can result in myositis ossificans. When an impact causes damage to the sheath surrounding a muscle or a bone, then a bone growth develops (calcification) that can be quite painful. Bone growth begins two to four weeks after injury and within three to six months is a mature bone.

What Causes Myositis Ossificans?

Sometimes when an injury occurs an individual may self-assess and choose not to follow injury protocol which starts with ‘R.I.C.E.’ immediately after injury (rest, ice, compression and elevate). However, if intensive physiotherapy or massage occurs too soon after injury then this too can result in myositis ossificans. In addition, if an athlete returns to training too soon after injury, this may also result in this condition.

Myositis Ossificans Symptoms

Symptoms of myositis ossificans often varies from person-to-person. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, discomfort, swelling, and a lump within the muscle tissue.

Myositis ossificans progressiva symptoms include digits (fingers and toes) that have changed shape, painful lumps around the joints, a spine with an abnormal curve, as well as a decrease in the range of motion in the shoulders and hips.

Diagnosis And Treatment Options

An examination from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can indicate if myositis ossificans is present. Usually at about three weeks post injury an X-ray can confirm diagnosis. Other diagnosis methods include an MRI scan or an ultrasound.

Once myositis ossificans is established, there are very few options that can be explored to accelerate the restorative process. Treatment will generally focus on rest from activities that can cause agitation and a physiotherapist or chiropractor can provide a gentle pain-free range of movement exercises.

Prevention

In the event of an injury, a person must diligently follow R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevate) in the initial phase of injury (preferably immediately but within the first 24 hours). By following the RICE regime, this greatly reduces the likelihood of the development of myositis ossificans. Far too many people think they’ll be okay and do not follow R.I.C.E.; it is better to be safe than sorry.

What is also very important is to rest from activities, regular icing, and if possible, use a compression bandage. Taking preventative measures at the time of and shortly after an injury will save a lot of time down the road should myositis ossificans develop.

If you suspect you may have myositis ossificans then help is a phone call away. For more information about treatment options to seek relief from myositis ossificans, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. 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. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

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.

Many people only visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor only when they have back pain, not realizing that regular chiropractic care can benefit many other parts of the body besides just the spine.  A qualified chiropractor can provide relief for a variety of ailments related to the spine, such as joint pain, headaches and sciatic nerve problems, but many people are surprised to learn that they can also find relief from seemingly unrelated disorders, such as asthma, allergies, and digestive disorders such as constipation simply by visiting a chiropractor on a regular basis.  Chiropractic treatment is also effective for carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and other minor injuries.

When you visit Richmond Hill for chiropractic treatment you can rest assured that you will receive the highest quality care from a qualified professional.  Your chiropractor will assess your condition and schedule treatment accordingly.  It is important to understand that it will take more than just one visit to correct your problem.   In order to maintain good health, you should visit your chiropractor regularly, even when you are feeling well and pain-free.  Your Richmond Hill chiropractor will advise you of the frequency of visits that he or she recommends, and by faithfully attending your scheduled chiropractor visits you can be sure that you will notice a difference in your energy levels, moods and overall feeling of well-being.

So remember, don’t wait until you are injured or feeling pain before you schedule an appointment with a Richmond Hill chiropractor.  Make chiropractic care part of you regular health maintenance regimen and it may be possible for you to ward off pain before it starts.  Maintaining proper spinal health will help keep all parts of your body functioning properly and keep you feeling better than you have ever felt before.

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!

Never underestimate the power of having great posture. Far too many people walk and sit in positions that will cause them problems later in life. Sitting slumped over, the head drooping forward, and having the back hunched are all ways to cause some serious back issues as you age. The great news is that it’s pretty much safe to say it’s never too late to change; make no mistake though, if bad posture is all you have been accustomed to then changing to good posture will take a conscious effort over a period of time. Of course, if you are younger, maintaining great posture as you age makes life a whole lot easier.

Good posture helps you to breathe deeper. When we’re slouched over we tend to become shallow breathers and this is not healthy. The deeper we breathe, the better we feel. Taking a really deep breath every half hour or so helps to infuse oxygen into your body that helps you feel more alert.

What is a Good Sitting Posture?

When sitting at a desk the best position to have your legs in is making sure your knees are level with your hips. If necessary a footrest can be used to help. Adjust your chair so that you can use the keyboard with your wrists and forearms straight and level with the floor. This goes a long way to preventing repetitive strain injuries. Elbows are best positioned by the side of your body so that the arm forms a 90 degree angle at the elbow joint.
Feet are always best positioned flat on the floor. Crossing legs is bad for circulation and it can also cause posture-related problems.

The screen should be directly in front of you and the monitor is best positioned an arm’s length away with the middle of the monitor roughly at eye level. The mouse should be as close to you as possible.

If you are sitting in a social situation, at home, at the dinner table, it’s always important to try and remember not to cross the legs – although that is very hard to do for most of us. If you lean on a table be sure to keep your shoulders back and the back straight.

On the sofa watching a movie is when all tend to be in relax mode and good posture is the last thing on our mind. Often sofas are too deep or too low which encourages a slouch position. If you’re there for a long movie you may want to consider getting high-density foam or a good cushion to raise your elevation that will promote good posture.

If you’re reading and your head has to slouch down use pillows to prop up the level of the book.

Using cushions to help support your body not only can help with good posture, they can be really enhance your comfort level too!

What is a Good Standing Posture?

When standing the shoulders should be back, the chest slightly out, and the ears should be positioned over the shoulders (they should be this way as well when sitting). Try to stand with equal weight on both legs rather than on one leg.

If you’re in a kitchen sometimes slouching sets in because for those who are taller, kitchen countertops are low and slouching happens automatically – sitting on a bar stool can help.

Keeping Fit

Having a good level of fitness throughout your entire life, regardless of age is important in maintaining good posture. If you rarely walk or do any physical moving then you become at risk for injuries that can happen much easier such as sprains, strains, and much more. If your ankles, knees, or hips are compromised then this can affect your posture.

Entering the mature years with good posture along with a healthy diet, and regular exercise helps to keep your bones strong which are critical in our senior years because we all lose some bone density. The more you lose the more susceptible to injuries you become. Our genetics and lifestyle dictates just how much we lose so it only makes sense to maintain your posture as you age.

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.

Vertigo is a condition in which you feel dizzy or off-balance, as if you or your surroundings are swaying, spinning or moving. This can be a temporary or long term condition that affects men and women of all ages but is most common among the elderly.

Causes of Vertigo

The vestibular system (a tiny grid of fluid-filled sacs and tubes) is an organ in our ears. There are two identical vestibular systems located in each ear. As we move around the liquid in the tubes also moves and our nerve cells read the levels. This information is transmitted to the brain which calculates which way is down and what should be horizontal.

Balance problems originate in the vestibular system so those who are afflicted with frequent vertigo are said to have vestibular disorder.  Balance problems may be associated with the loss of hearing or ringing in the ears. Changes in our brain may trigger vertigo as well.

Major causes of vertigo include:

• Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: This can be triggered by moving your head into a certain position or a simple movement of the head. BPPV is the most common form of vertigo.
• Calcium deposits in the ear canal can become dislodged causing vertigo.
• Head trauma: Those who have experienced a massive hit to the head can experience damage to the inner ear which can trigger vertigo.
• Labyrinthitis: Bacterial infections in the middle ear that are left untreated can also cause vertigo and possibly even hearing loss.

Some antibiotics have been known to damage the vestibular system due to high doses or with prolonged use. Acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine, alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers can cause temporary dizziness but generally do not cause permanent damage.

Vertigo Symptoms

Vertigo is the main symptom of a balance disorder. If you close your eyes and feel as though you are falling or you are spinning then this is vertigo. Severe vertigo can impede your ability to walk and make you feel nauseous.

The vestibular system is linked to the brain's movement centre and to the eyes, and when there are problems with this system then vision can be affected. In addition, there may be aching muscles in the neck and back.

Other symptoms people experience during episodes of vertigo include memory problems or struggling to read. Often people find vertigo tiring, so much so they have to rest. Symptoms can last from a few moments to hours.

The symptoms of bacterial labyrinthitis are typically an ear infection followed by a significant loss of hearing and extreme vertigo which can last for weeks.

Dealing with or Avoiding Vertigo Triggers

There is plenty a person can do to help themselves if they are prone to experiencing vertigo. Avoiding alcohol, cigarettes, fried foods and excessive salt can trigger vertigo.

Vitamin B6 and ginkgo biloba may help in reducing vertigo. If an individual has a blood sugar imbalance then chromium may help ease the effects of vertigo. Also, getting lots of exercise, meditation, and sufficient sleep all go a long way to treating vertigo.

Also, a chiropractor can develop an appropriate program specifically tailored for you to help treat vertigo.

Vertigo and Chiropractic Care

If you suffer with vertigo and are searching for help then consider chiropractic care. Even if you’ve not experienced any neck or head trauma then the symptoms you’re experiencing may be the result of an upper cervical joint dysfunction.

This form of treatment is not for everyone who has vertigo; some individuals may not respond well to this but a chiropractor is the best person to determine this.  There are some exercises that just may work but again, a chiropractor can determine this.

Treating BPPV

Treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo dizziness is simple, but must be done in a precise manner, determined by which canal is filled with debris. Careful testing is done first to determine how much debris and where it lays. Once treatment is completed there may be some level of discomfort and it is generally recommended that patients do not drive themselves home.

If you are experiencing persistent vertigo it’s best not to take chances. Call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre.

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 stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your head, spine and extremities. 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.

Omega-3 is in a group of essential fatty acids that you’ve probably heard of before; they are one of the mainstays of the nutrition industry, with a market value of roughly $1.6 billion industry wide.  And you’ve probably also heard that they’re good for you, with a wide range of health benefits, including being good for your heart, good for your brain, and that they help reduce inflammation in the body. Interestingly, many people remain unaware of the health benefits that Omega-3 has to offer when it comes to bone health. If you needed yet another reason for adding foods rich in omega-3 into your diet, get ready to add improved bone health to your list.

Our bodies cannot manufacture Omega-3 and as such it is vitally important to our health that our diets contain food sources with enough Omega-3 in them. In fact, diets deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to a wide range of serious health issues relating to the brain, nerves, eyes, and the immune system. But did you know that being deficient in Omega-3 fatty acids could also lead to poor bone health?

Just like our skin or muscle tissue, bone is a living tissue. The body is always undergoing a constant process of making new bone matter and removing old bone matter. However, during early childhood and adolescence, the body produces new bone matter at a much faster rate than it removes old bone matter, leading to our bones becoming denser during this time period. By about age 30, our bones reach their peak density. This is important because the amount of bone mass you have in your early 30s helps determine your risk of developing osteoporosis later in life.  During these formative years, it has been demonstrated that Omega-3 is positively associated with increased bone mineral density, meaning that people with higher concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids in their blood build stronger bones during the body’s peak years for bone density formation, setting the stage for better bone health later on in life.

In fact, recent studies have begun to demonstrate how low levels of Omega-3 fatty acids in the blood stream may lead to the increased risk of bone fractures in older people, notably with hip fractures in postmenopausal women. With broken hips being one of the most common fracture-related injuries associated with osteoporosis, affecting one out of every 2 women above age 50, this is an significant finding for women. And while it’s important that everyone gets Omega-3 in their diet on a daily basis to help promote healthy bones, for women in their menopausal years it isn’t just important, it is crucial. When women go through menopause, they experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density. Higher omega-3 fatty acid concentrations are thought to improve bone mineral density, and recent studies have begun to show just how true this idea is.

So now that you know that Omega-3 is good for your body, playing a vital role in maintaining healthy bones, what foods should you start trying to work into your diet? Foods such as fatty fish (i.e., salmon, herring, mackerel) along with plant foods such as walnuts, flax, wild rice, and certain omega-enriched dairy products are all good examples of food high in Omega-3s that you can add into your diet to help support your bone health.  While some risk factors for osteoporosis can’t be changed, such as gender or ethnicity, diet is one thing that can be controlled. By eating a diet rich in calcium and Omega-3, and getting plenty of physical exercise and vitamin D, people may be able to build strong bones that can last a lifetime.

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. Our walk-in clinic in 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.