Men and women suffer from time-to-time with lower leg pain, varicose veins, spider veings, thrombosis, phlebitis, edema, as well as leg or foot ulcers. Any one of these can cause immense grief to the point that it impedes ability to walk comfortably, stand or to take part in a favourite activity. Depending on an individual’s situation, compression hosiery may be what is required in seeking relief.

What Is Compression Hosiery?

Compression stockings are special hosiery specifically designed to help prevent further advancement of venous disorders. Simply explained, compression stockings are elastic garments worn on the feet or around the leg that compress the limb. The pressure against the feet or legs reduces the diameter of distended veins. Compression hosiery also aids in decreasing venous pressure and prevents venous stasis. What they are most recognized for is that they relieve the pressure of aching legs.

Using stronger elastics, compression stockings create significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet. Tightest at the ankles, compression hosiery gradually becomes less constrictive towards the knees (and towards the thighs in the longer varieties). By compressing surface veins, muscles and arteries, the circulating blood is forced through narrower circulatory channels resulting in more blood to return to the heart and less blood pooling in the feet.

Anyone who wears compression hosiery can feel better, especially those who spend a lot of time standing or in sitting positions. Compression socks are especially beneficial for most people because they basically help the body circulate blood more efficiently throughout the feet and legs. Also, those who suffer from inflammation as well as problems with their muscle know are told by their health professionals, that compression socks can make a considerable difference in their overall wellness.

Compression Socks Are Not What They Used To Be

Nowadays compression socks and other hosiery are much more stylish than they were years ago. The fear of being told that wearing these was essential to getting better no longer exists. Today’s compression hosiery is designed for men and women who want to look stylish.

In addition to style, those who enjoy athletic endeavors such as running will find that compression socks will highly benefit them as well, for function and for looks.

If you want to be proactive there are things you can do to help avoid ever needing compression hosiery. Things to watch for that may be precursors to venous disorders:

• Swollen feet or ankles at the end of the day
• Pain in the legs after sitting or standing for long periods of time
• Spider veins
• Restless legs
• Varicose veins
• Leg cramps
• Legs feel tired and heavy
• Aching in the legs
• Skin discoloration
• Burning or numbness experienced in the feet or legs

If any of these symptoms persist you should make an appointment to see a health professional.  Venous disorders may progress into a worse condition if not examined by a professional.  Early detection and treatment which may be compression hosiery is your best defense against developing worse issues with your veins.e.

If you’re not sure if you may benefit from compression hosiery, give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call. 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.

You may have specific ailments that you are concerned about, or perhaps you are simply concerned about overall wellness. No matter what your reason for visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist, there is a treatment that will leave you feeling relieved and refreshed, and possibly years younger. Part of achieving optimal health involves taking responsibility for your body’s specific needs and taking steps to correct any imbalances that may occur. When stress, injury or overexertion causes pain and illness, why suffer needlessly? You can visit a Richmond Hill professional therapist to relieve your pain and stress as well as help detoxify the body to combat serious illnesses.

A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct spinal alignment to relieve the back pain that often results from poor posture or repeating the same type of motions over and over again. Many jobs require us to stand, sit or repeat the same actions continuously for eight hours or more. Our bodies are not designed for such abuse and eventually pain will develop. Regular visits to your chiropractor can relieve such pain and can also help for a myriad of other health issues including digestive problems, headaches and neurological disorders.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can target any area of the body to provide relief from pain and disease. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for weight loss and helping people to quit smoking. It can improve digestive function and brain function, improving moods and helping the body to detoxify itself.

Richmond Hill massage therapy can provide relief from pain and tension in every part of your body. It improves blood circulation and helps to eliminate toxins from the body and will leave you with extra energy and a feeling of well-being. Visit Richmond Hill for natural therapies today!

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is the newest concept to come along in the ongoing saga of weight loss solutions. Researchers have discovered that CLA may be the specific nutrient that is responsible for many health benefits including building lean muscle mass and elevating fat loss.

CLA was first known for anti-cancer effects yet researchers have continued studying this nutrient for other benefits. What they are discovering are multiple benefits including accelerated fat loss. There is no magic cure with CLA as it alone cannot do all the work in losing weight, a change of diet is always required when losing weight.

What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

CLA is comprised of several isomers (chemically similar compounds) that are derived from linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). It occurs naturally in dairy products and in the meat of animals that chew their cud while grazing in fields (i.e., sheep and cattle). It is thought to be a key element in regulating lipid metabolism as well as modulating immunity.

CLA And Weight Loss

There is consistency with what researchers worldwide are discovering; CLA does reduce body fat but to what degree depends on several factors. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cites results from a 2010 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin. A control group of participants were given CLA for seven months and in that time frame there were significant reductions in body fat.

CLA is marketed as an effective way to reduce body fat. There are no long-term studies completed as of yet, however L.D. Whigham conducted a study in 2004 that was published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. He found that in a one year period, 6 grams of CLA daily showed no adverse side effects in the liver, lipids or throughout the body’s natural general chemistry.

Although the research results for fat loss vary, CLA supplementation appears to be safe and certainly has the potential to help those seeking to lose body fat.
In addition, CLA may protect muscle loss in the elderly. Age-related loss of muscle mass can take its toll on an individual and unless one works out regularly to keep muscles toned, there can be some trouble down the road that includes increased risk of falls and fractures.

Other CLA Benefits

CLA is not only proven to aid in the loss of body fat, it has other benefits that have surprised researchers.

There is a correlation between CLA and the prevention of the development of type II diabetes. Conjugated linoleic acid may improve the insulin sensitivity of fat cells. In addition, CLA may work with biotin and coenzyme Q10 in order to prevent diabetes.

Strangely enough, the potent cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid was first identified in the cooking process of some meats (especially beef) as being known for containing cancer-causing substances. Yet, researchers have worked with CLA and lab mice to discover that CLA can protect against tumours.

The type of meat you choose to eat is important. Meat from grass-grazing livestock has half the saturated fat as that from animals fed chemically-altered grains. Far too many livestock nowadays are not feeding where they should be and this results in serious changes of “what” you are eating. Like cattle, chickens that feed in a pasture on natural grains also have less cholesterol, saturated and total fat and more importantly, 100 percent more omega-3 fats as well as CLA.
Taking CLA supplements may not be for everyone. Getting advice from a qualified health professional is advisable before taking this supplement.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and qualified professionals to work with you to ensure you are on the right track to losing weight safely. Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Jogging or running is a preferred form of aerobic exercise for many people. Even in the winter months there are dedicated joggers out there in cold temperatures getting exercise. Although aerobic exercise is important, some people have found that running has caused them some physical problems.

Running involves repetitive jarring of the spine and depending on your back health; it can either cause problems or worsen a current problem.  This sport may appear to be harmless but back pain is a common complaint among joggers, especially when they are not wearing appropriate footwear.

You might be surprised to know that running puts three to five times your body weight onto your feet, joints and muscles every time you hit the ground. You'll want to take your body frame into account when choosing the right shoe for you.

Joints and discs are jarred and compressed when the body leaves the ground and hits the ground with every stride. That’s a lot of pressure on the knees and the back, after all, “pounding the pavement” is not natural and there can be short and long term consequences. Some experts recommend that joggers run on softer surfaces such as a padded track, grass or on a treadmill.

One thing that is critical is that if you jog, you need a top-quality cushioned running shoe. Many health professionals advocate cushion running shoes to help protect the joints and spine.

The Running Shoe

Selecting the right running shoe for your foot can be a daunting task, especially when you walk into a sports store and see dozens of shoes to choose from. Getting advice from a professional is important because a properly trained health professional can determine the type of foot you have and make suggestions that can help thwart off any possible troubles. More importantly, if you have any back pain at all, you should see a chiropractor before continuing to run; you could be causing more problems by ignoring it.

Motion-Control Shoes

Motion-control shoes offer support for those who overpronate (when the foot rolls excessively inward as the edge of the heel strikes the ground). This action can cause lower back stress or alignment issues. Overpronators tend to have low arches that require additional support.

Stability Running Shoes

Stability shoes are designed to control slight overpronation; and most joggers overpronate. These running shoes are designed to provide moderate support and cushioning.

Cushioning Shoes

Joggers wearing cushioned runner shoes typically supinate; this means their feet tend to exhibit an outward movement when they jog. They are the opposite of pronators and typically have higher arches. If there is no cushioning then the body takes the brunt of the pounding and this can cause damage to joints which results in back pain.

Tips for Buying Running Shoes:

• Every time you shop for running shoes, have your feet sized properly. You may have different sized right and left feet; many people do.
• Forcing a shoe on a foot will eventually cause pain.
• Avoid buying shoes based on advice given after a salesperson has watched you walk. Your gait and foot motion are very different when you run; and although a salesperson may be knowledgeable, they are not health professionals.
• All runners pronate. Pronation is a normal foot motion during walking and running. Pronation alone should not be a reason to select a running shoe. Stopping pronation with cushions in the shoes may actually cause knee or foot problems to develop. Excessive pronation can occur, but in most cases can be corrected with therapy and exercises to strengthen the foot rather than by a shoe.
• Purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet have ‘swollen’ as much as they will.
• Be sure the shoe has a wide toe box. The toe box is the area where your forefoot and toes are. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily. Narrow toe boxes do not permit the normal spread of the foot bones during running.
• Test the shoe to determine if it is too narrow: take the insert out of the shoes (if you are able) and step on them on the ground. Does your foot hang over the sides of the insert? If so, your shoe is too narrow.

If you have any discomfort or pain in the foot, leg, hip or back and you aren’t sure whether jogging is safe or not, call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. We can help you determine what exactly is going on and help you to choose the right shoe based on your needs.

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 spine. 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.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone and is in use when walking, running, and jumping. Athletes and runners in particular tend to be those who suffer the most with Achilles tendonitis and it is the bane of many runners. Although this tendon can withstand great stresses it is also prone to tendinitis, a condition associated with degeneration and overuse.

Historically, the Achilles tendon is known as an area prone to disabling injury. Named after Achilles, who according to myth, was protected from wounds. As a baby, his mother dipped him in a special pond by holding onto his heel, which was not immersed; and later in life Achilles died by an arrow wound in his heel. Interestingly, injuries to this part of the body have obviously been around for thousands of years; however, it was only first reported in medical literature 400 years ago.

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body stretching from the heel to the calf muscles. From the exterior it feels like a springy band of tissue at the back of the ankle, above the heel. This tendon joins three muscles: the soleus and the two heads of the gastrocnemius. The gastrocnemius muscle crosses over three joints: the knee, the ankle, and the subtalar joint. The soleus is the powerful muscle in the back part of the lower leg; it reaches from just below the knee to the Achilles tendon.

There is not a rich blood supply to this tendon; there are a small number of blood vessels throughout its length which suggests the poor vascularity can be an issue when trying to repair the tissue following trauma.

Achilles Tendonitis

There are two types of Achilles tendonitis: insertional and noninsertional. Insertional Achilles tendonitis affects the lower portion of your tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. Noninsertional Achilles tendonitis involves fibers in the mid-portion of the tendon and usually affects active, younger people.

There are several factors that can contribute to Achilles tendonitis. Here are a few factors:

• Excessive hill running,
• Improper placement of the foot while exercising or while engaged in a sports activity,
• Sudden increases in training, or exertion in activity involving the tendon,
• Not properly stretching the tendon before, during and after physical activity, and
• Tightness of the posterior muscles in the calf that was not stretched out prior to physical activity.

Shoe design may prolong Achilles tendonitis because of excessive heel cushioning. Some people self-treat and purchase gel or air-filled heels and these are not good for a sore Achilles tendon. If you are wearing a shoe designed to provide heel shock absorption what frequently happens is that after heel contact, the heel continues to sink lower while the shoe is absorbing the shock. This further stretches the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and stiffness along the tendon in the morning,
• Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity,
• Severe pain the day after exercising, and
• Swelling.

If you have experienced a sudden "pop" in the back of your calf or heel, you may have torn your Achilles tendon. If this has occurred it is important to help right away.

Treatment

The good news is that there are many nonsurgical treatment options that will work for most patients. Depending on the severity of the injury it may take a few months for symptoms to completely subside. Also, depending on how soon you seek help after getting Achilles tendonitis will determine the length of treatment required.

Some basic tips to follow for alleviating pain at home include:

Rest. Greatly decreasing or even stopping the activities that make the pain worse is a must. If you regularly partake in high-impact exercises then switch over to low-impact activities, this will put less stress on the Achilles tendon. Biking and swimming are low-impact options to help you stay active.

Ice. Placing ice on the most painful area of the tendon is helpful and can be repeated as needed throughout the day. This can be done up to 20 minutes each session so long as the skin does not get numb.

Exercise. There are some incredible exercises that can help to strengthen the calf muscles and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. A qualified health professional can show you what specific exercises are best for your particular situation.

At home methods may provide some relief but there is not a doubt that seeking qualified professional help is best in order to heal properly.

For more information about Achilles tendonitis and how chiropractic and physiotherapy can help you, please give Chiro-Med a call. Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for a decade. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket; call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Optimum joint mobility is the result of supple, healthy joint tissue and joint elasticity. Collagen is a vital component of tissue, bones and cartilage required for healthy joints. Research suggests that boosting collagen intake can contribute to joint health, but can it actually repair? There is no shortage of articles on the Internet that make claims one way or the other, but rarely do they mention what types of collagen there are and what their specific functions are. Yes, collagen can assist in joint repair; but knowing what specific collagen, how it is produced, and other therapies you must do is the key in achieving results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the fundamental structural protein that forms connective tissue; it is a vital component of the joints, bones, muscles, tendons and skin. Essential to the formation of connective tissue, it is the highest source of protein found in the body. Collagen contains specific vital amino acids including arginine, proline, glycine and hydroxproline.

The human anatomy contains and utilises over 20 variants of collagen amino acids, however there are three main types of collagen that comprise 80 to 90% of the body.

Different Types of Collagen Explained

First, all three types of collagen decrease with age. The knees generally take the brunt of this loss earlier in life in those who are regularly engaged in vigorous physical active and are not keeping up with the levels of collagen regeneration required for recovery.

There are actually 28 different types of collagen with three being the main types. These three types of collagen are simply named I, II, and III. Collagen type II is the most significant for joint health. Of the three, collagen type II is believed to be most effective in targeting and enhancing joint cell health.

Collagen Type I

This collagen is in our skin, artery walls, bones, tendons and in scar tissue. Type I is the most abundantly found in the body. It is a fibrillar type collagen, and inevitably has been the best investigated collagen.

Collagen Type II

This collagen is found in our cartilage and respiratory tubes. Type II is a fibrillar collagen, and the main component of cartilage. This collagen constitutes 95% of the collagens and approximately 60% of dry weight. Mutations in type II collagen result in several types of chondrodysplasia, leading to premature osteoarthritis.

Collagen Type III

This collagen is predominantly found in blood vessels. Type III collagen is a fibrillar collagen which is secreted by fibroblasts and other mesenchymal cell types. This makes it a huge factor in various inflammation-associated pathologies such as viral and non-viral liver diseases, kidney fibrosis, lung injury, and vascular disorders.

In order for collagen to help repair joints Type II is the collagen people need to have the most of in order to attain any level of relief. Having supplements will help but the body also needs to be able to produce collagen as well. Eating foods high in lysine and arginine will help collagen production. Getting both of these amino acids from food is important.

Collagen and Vegetarian Diets

A vegetarian diet is known to prevent some diseases but it may influence the balance of carbohydrate and fat metabolism as well as collagen synthesis. Research published at Karger Journals in Switzerland, (Vegetarian diet affects genes of oxidative metabolism and collagen synthesis), indicates that there is reduced collagen synthesis in vegetarians, and this could also play a role in the aging process.

However, all is not lost for those adhering to a vegetarian diet. There are some foods that can help but seeking the advice from a qualified health practitioner is strongly advised.

Without Vitamin C There Is No Collagen

Vitamin C intake is critical to collagen production. There is a plethora of research that indicates many people are not getting enough vitamin C to maintain proper health; further to that, it has been argued that the recommended daily values fall short of what we really need.

Vitamin C deficiency, although uncommon in North America, results in our bones being unable to properly manufacture collagen and its connective tissues. The body literally deteriorates as collagen is broken down and not replaced. This results in joints wearing down as tendons weaken.

Denatured vs Undenatured Collagen

Denatured collagen is hydrolyzed. Most of the type II collagen that is derived from the sternum of chickens is denatured or hydrolyzed. This means that high heat and possibly even chemicals have been used to process it. These processes fundamentally alter the molecular structure of the protein, rendering the collagen ineffective as an immunomodulator. There seems to be no peer-reviewed scientific studies showing that denatured type II collagen provides joint health benefits.

Undenatured type II collagen is produced using little or no heat and processing is bare minimum. The processing required is just enough to concentrate the collagen and make it soluble. This type of collagen supplement is the only form that the body can use effectively.

Collagen Helps to Repair Joints

Collagen can help repair joints but under the proper conditions. Not only are foods rich in vitamin C needed (possibly supplementation as well), but also foods high in lysine and arginine ( i.e., fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, and mung bean sprouts). Avoiding foods that cause inflammation is really important and this means reducing or eliminating gluten and anything that contains processed sugar. In addition to diet, exercise is important, but knowing what exercises can be done safely should be approved by a qualified health professional.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar 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 help you develop a personalized plan to ensure your joint health is as good as it possible can be. 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.

Resources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128098479000015
https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access/efficacy-of-oral-collagen-in-joint-pain--osteoarthritis-and-rheumatoid-arthritis-2167-7921-1000233.php?aid=87350
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/collagen-type-iii-alpha-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18772587

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

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

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome

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

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

Can Myofascial Pain Be Muscle Knots?

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

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

Signs and Symptoms

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you seek relief from migraine pain. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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.