Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

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

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

About Chiro-Med

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

Richmond Hill Clinic

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

Services

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

Assessments

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

In-Home Assessments

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

Work-Sites Assessments

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

Functional Abilities Evaluation

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

Testimonials

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

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

B.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

M.M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

R.N.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

A.P.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

G.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

T.D.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

S.B.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

J. W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

E. S.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

E. Z.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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

S.G.

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Articles

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

Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), is a common injury that occurs in the thigh especially among those who enjoy running, hiking, cycling and those who do squats while weight-lifting. The iliotibial band is a superficial thickening of tissue on the thigh that extends from the outer pelvic area (at the tensor fascia latae muscle) and stretches down to just below the knee.

Causes Of Iliotibial Band Syndrome

Iliotibial band syndrome can be caused if an individual has weak hip abductor muscles or a weak/non-firing multifidus muscle. (Although it was several years ago, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine , July 2000, published results from an interesting study that compared 24 runners who suffered with ITBS with 30 healthy runners. They found that the injured runners had significantly weaker hip abductors than the healthy runners.)

If a person has abnormalities in their leg or feet such as an uneven leg length, high or low arches, bowlegs, or supination of the foot then they may be prone to ITBS.

In addition, if a person runs, then they too may get iliotibial band syndrome if they:

  • Engage in excessive running up and/or down a hill.
  • Run up and down stairs.
  • Run on a banked surface.

Iliotibial Band Syndrome Symptoms

ITBS symptoms range from a somewhat stinging sensation that occurs just above the knee joint (on the outside area where the iliotibial band is located) to tissue swelling (or thickening) where the band moves over the femur. The individual may not feel pain right away during an activity but it may intensify over a period of time. ITBS is typically progressive, starting with tightness and often advancing to the point where the pain is debilitating. When the pain has progressed, it is most severe when the individual walks or runs as the heel strikes the ground. Pain radiates from the knee up the leg to the hip. Pain may also be experienced as the knee flexes, especially when walking up or down stairs.

Pain is a signal to the individual or to the runner that a problem exists. Continuing activities that cause pain is not advised – rest and ice is recommended. If pain persists then this may also be a signal that perhaps there is a biomechanical problem that may lead to further injuries.

ITBS Treatments

Stretching is an important part of a treatment program to help alleviate the pain of ITBS. In addition to stretches that are recommended by a health professional, deep tissue massage along the full length of the iliotibial band will help.

Stretching and massage must be done by a health professional that has the experience in working with ITBS patients. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has worked with many ITBS patients and they know that healing is only half of the treatment.

In addition to the healing phase, there is a very important phase, that being the strengthening of the hip and thigh muscles.  This process is best done under the supervision of a health professional who helps the patient with what specific exercises must be done in order to strengthen muscles, not re-injure them.

Physical therapy may not be enough, because if the cause of ITBS is mechanical, then the patient may require proper shoes or orthotics. Orthotic shoe inserts can help to correct imbalances.

As with any injury, following the direction of your health professional is important in order to facilitate healing, recovery and rebuilding. 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. Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Can Kyphosis (Hunchback) Be Treated?

Kyphosis is the technical name for having a hunched back that is not remedied by naturally straightening the back. Of course we all get lazy at times and slouch to the point it appears we are hunchbacked; however, kyphosis is a condition in which an individual has an exaggerated thoracic curve and rounded shoulders. This is a condition that is on the increase.

There are causes to this condition with the two most common causes being poor posture and muscular imbalances. When caused by poor posture this condition is known as postural kyphosis. Kyphosis can affect anyone at any age except newborns.

In addition to poor posture and muscular imbalances other possible causes include:

  • upper back muscle weakness
  • arthritis
  • bone degeneration diseases
  • spine injury
  • slipped discs
  • spinal curvature (scoliosis)
  • aging

Although much less common there are other causes that may lead to kyphosis, these include:

  • tumours
  • infection in the spine
  • Paget’s disease
  • muscular dystrophy
  • birth defects

Many people live with kyphosis and rarely seek out treatment. If any individual with this condition experiences breathing difficulties, pain or fatigue then it is really important to get treatment. Pretty much all of our mobility and flexibility depends on the health of our spine. Seeking treatment to help correct kyphosis is important to help reduce the risk of complications later in life.

Postural kyphosis will more than likely cause further trouble down the road. Even if an individual experiences shallow breathing or slight, occasional pain it is imperative they seek treatment.

Treating kyphosis early by strengthening the back muscles and seeking out chiropractic adjustments will help.

Other Types of Kyphosis:

Congenital kyphosis refers to abnormal development of the spine that is inherited. This means a person is born with a defect, such as the incomplete formation of the spine. This can lead to a severe abnormal kyphosis.

Paralysis can lead to kyphosis. Causes of the paralysis can include spinal muscle atrophy or cerebral palsy. The development of kyphosis in these cases is gradual.

Degenerative kyphosis refers to the wear and tear of the lumbar (lower) spine. Over a period of time the degenerative process can cause the collapse of the intervertebral disc and weakening of the spinal ligaments. Once kyphosis begins to form it gradually gets worse.

Scheuermann's kyphosis occurs in children and the thoracic curve is usually 45 and 75 degrees.

Exercises that Can Help

Here are four exercises that can help you if done on a regular basis:

  • Lay Down Y

This exercise will strengthen the extension muscles in the upper back.

How to do it: Lie face down with your head lifted off the floor. Your lower back needs to be slightly hyper-extended. Stretch your arms straight out in a Y position with your thumbs pointing up. Pull your arms back in an arc until your hands are in a ‘handcuff’ position. Slowly reverse your arms until you’re at the start. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

  • Wall Sliding (wall angels)

This exercise will strengthen the scapular retractors and will provide good shoulder mobility.

How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall but take one small step forward. Hold your arms out in the shape of a W with your hands facing up. Push your hands up toward the wall until they reach a Y position. Return your arms to the W position. Repeat 5 times.

  • T-Spine Rotation

Thoracic spine rotations are essential for increasing mobility in the thoracic spine region (where the kyphosis affects).

How to do it: Get on all fours making sure your arms are at full length and your hands are positioned just in front of your shoulders. Take your right arm and stretch out your arm. Slowly move your arm underneath your body (and slow twist at the waist) until your arm is as far through as possible and you are looking at the palm of your right hand. Slowly reverse. Do 3 of these then repeat with the other arm.

  • Crucifix

Spending too much time in a seated position causes lower and upper back muscles to shorten which leads to poor posture. This stretch helps to undo these shortened muscles.

How to do it: Stand tall with your arms extended straight out to your sides at shoulder height. Turn your wrists so your thumbs face backwards and pull your (straight) arms up over your head. Bend your elbows until your elbow is at a 90 degree angle. Lower your left hand until it touches your shoulder. Take your right hand and place it on the left elbow. Lower your left hand as far as you can go and hold for as long as you can. Slowly release. Repeat 2 times then switch to your other arm. Do this exercise several times a day.

Chiropractic Treatment for Kyphosis

Treatment will depend on a couple of factors such as the severity and the underlying cause. For those in which the cause is poor posture the good news is that aggressive treatments are not required. What may be required includes:

  • physical therapy
  • correction of the spinal joint fixations
  • yoga (to help build strength and range of motion)

If the cause of kyphosis is due to an infection then antibiotics may be required. If tumours are the underlying cause then surgery may be required.

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 evaluate you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-0419 for more information.

Children and Chiropractic Care

Chiropractors have cared for children for over a century. Many parents are surprised when they learn that many common childhood ailments respond well to this natural form of health care.

Chiropractic care is complex yet in simplest terms is when there is dysfunction in the spine and its joints it can lead to dysfunction in the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS coordinates and controls all the body’s systems so even if there is some minor issue in the spine, it can create a host of negative effects throughout the entire body. Children are no different from adults when it comes to suffering with dysfunctions in the spine or joints.

A child actually goes through many physical stresses throughout their growing years. Many children attain their full height without any issues and others experience some troubles along the way. If your child appears to be uncomfortable or complains about their back or joints then seeking chiropractic care can help.

The first challenge a growing spine endures is in utero. Many parents are aware that foetal positions such as breech, transverse, brow, etc., can cause problems with the development of the baby’s spine. Spinal segments can be forced out of place by the position of the baby while in utero. It has been shown that if the baby’s position is less than optimal it can result in a longer and more difficult time while making the journey through the birth canal.

Many parents are aware of common problems in newborns such as colic, sleep disturbances, infections, reflux, breastfeeding difficulties and more. These are often traced to an irritated nervous system caused by spinal and cranial misalignments.

Significant spinal trauma can occur at, or prior to birth and as a result many parents choose to have their baby’s spine checked once he or she is born. Learning to hold up the head, sitting upright, crawling, and walking are all milestone activities that are affected by spinal alignment. As a child grows there are so many factors that come into play that warrant a chiropractic check. Some of these factors include carrying heavy backpacks, sports injuries, falls, and sitting all day in school (lack of physical activity in the day). Any one of these is a form of physical stress that can affect the child’s spine and central nervous system.

What Does a First Visit Look Like?

It is really important for a chiropractor to gather as much history as possible about your child’s health. A complete examination of the spine will be conducted and the chiropractor will use gentle techniques to locate and adjust problem areas. At no time will the examination or adjustment cause pain; it is a very gentle procedure (unless there is an injury).

Each child is different so the chiropractic care is specific to each child.

Generally speaking, spinal adjustments for infants and young children are nothing more than a very light fingertip pressure to correct misalignments in the spine. The child will not feel force, he or she will basically feel a ‘finger touch’. In most cases this is all that is needed to restore mobility to spinal joints which have become stiff or locked. Other techniques may involve the use of hand-held instruments which can provide gentle correction.

Chiropractic care for children is usually painless, except in cases where a child has a physical injury. In these cases the child may be sensitive to any touch; however, once the adjustment has been made the area can effectively heal.

How Long Are Treatments?

Children tend to heal faster than adults and this is true in chiropractic care as well. There is no definitive answer to this question because each child is different and the conditions also play a factor in determining how many treatments are required.

Does My Child Have a Problem?

It isn’t always obvious that a child may need chiropractic care. Some symptoms include restricted head movement, one shoulder appears higher than the other, one leg appears longer than the other, disturbed sleeping patterns, or breastfeeding difficulties.

Many childhood disorders are often linked to spinal troubles. Some of these include bed wetting, headaches, colic, reflux, recurrent ear infections, scoliosis, ADHD, persistent sore throats and olds, and even constipation.

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 us for more information.

Collagen Can Help Repair Joints

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

Indulge Yourself With Massage Therapy

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

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

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

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

Richmond Hill Massage Therapy For Body And Soul

Indulging yourself with therapeutic massage can allow you to briefly escape from the stress of the outside world.  The soothing atmosphere created by fragrant aromatherapy candles and oils and relaxing music can transport you into another world, even if only for an hour or so.  At Richmond Hill, massage therapy is practiced by qualified professionals who will use relaxation techniques to ease pain and dissolve tension in tired muscles.  Massage therapy has a positive effect on every part of the body, both inside and out, and can even improve your moods and increase your mental awareness.

Massage therapy detoxifies the body by stimulating the lymphatic system to release built-up toxins from the body, helping to prevent the onset of potentially deadly diseases.  It also improves circulation, bringing more oxygen to the tissues and organs, including the brain.  Ample flow of oxygen to the brain increases alertness and cognitive function, and improved circulation in the skin helps keep it retain its elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and giving the skin a healthy, youthful look.

Massaging the muscles relieves pain and tension caused by sports, injuries and daily stress.  The saying that stress can kill is literally true, because stress can cause a fight-or-flight reaction in the body, releasing adrenaline and other chemicals that can build up in the tissues to toxic levels.  Massage therapy releases these chemicals from the muscle tissue so that the body can eliminate them.

Massage can actually combat depression and anxiety, improving your mood and leaving you feeling happy and content.  It stimulates the endocrine system to release chemicals called endorphins that affect your emotional state, so the feeling of well being that you often get following a massage is an actual physical response.  Richmond Hill massage therapy can benefit you in every way – body, mind and soul.

Custom Orthotics

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

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

Who Can Use Custom Orthotics?

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

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

How Custom Orthotics Are Made

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

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

Symptoms And Treatment

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

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

Where To Get Custom Orthotics

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

Running Shoes and Your Health

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.

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