Do you need maintenance chiropractic care? Before answering this question, let’s examine some of the evidence that has recently come to the forefront.
In the past two years there have been several studies that demonstrate how maintenance chiropractic care is beneficial for helping to prevent reoccurrence of lower back problems. What is even more exciting about the news is that some of these studies were published in medical journals.

In the April 2011 issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, an article was published about a study that followed 894 workers’ compensation cases for one year to see their response to chiropractic care as compared to other types of care. The stated objective of this study was “To compare occurrence of repeated disability episodes across types of health care providers who treat claimants with new episodes of work-related low back pain (LBP).”

The results showed that when compared to physical therapists and medical doctors, the group of patients that had chiropractic care had the lowest rate of disability recurrence over the one year period. What this study showed was that when injured workers continued with chiropractic care, their rate of disability or re-injury in the year after the original accident was less than those workers under other types of medical care.

The Faculty of Medicine at Mansoura University (Egypt) conducted a study and found that maintenance care provides benefits for those suffering from chronic low back pain.

Spinal manipulation (SMT) is a common treatment option used by some chiropractors for treating low back pain. Many clinical trials have taken place to evaluate maintenance for different subgroups of acute and chronic low back pain patients but not for maintenance spinal manipulative therapy in chronic low back pain sufferers.

In this particular study, sixty patients with chronic, nonspecific low back pain that was persistent minimum six months were randomized into three groups:

1. Twenty of those studied received twelve treatments of sham spinal manipulative therapy over a thirty day period.
2. Twenty of them received twelve treatments of spinal manipulative therapy during a thirty day period, with no maintenance care during the following nine months.
3. Twenty of them received 12 spinal manipulative therapy visits throughout the first month, followed by maintenance spinal manipulative therapy every second week for the next nine months.

In order to determine any difference researchers measured pain and disability scores, back-specific patient satisfaction, and generic health status; and these scores were reviewed at the one month, four month, seven month and at the ten month mark.

At the end of the first one month period, patients in groups 2 and 3 experienced significantly lower pain and disability scores than the sham group

At the ten month follow-up, only the maintenance group (number 3) maintained improvements in pain and disability

This was the first medically managed trial that clearly demonstrated that chiropractic maintenance care provides improved results to those who suffer from chronic low back pain.
So now to answer the question, do you need maintenance chiropractic care? The evidence for maintenance chiropractic care benefiting patients is now there. For many chiropractic patients, receiving ongoing care is in their best interests. No two people are alike and even though the evidence is there, having a consultation with a chiropractor is the best way to get a definite yes or no as to whether or not maintenance care is for you.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you determine if maintenance care is for you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you with all your chiropractic needs. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

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.

Many people with low back pain go to a chiropractor seeking a quick and simple solution. One way a person can help alleviate their back pain without putting too much stress on their back is swimming. Swimming can be an incredibly helpful exercise for low back pain sufferers

It’s important to remember that lower back pain can sometimes be caused by swimming when muscles become hyperextended or overstretched during forward strokes. To prevent back pain while swimming, it’s essential that you use proper form. Unnatural movements while swimming can cause damage, so it is critical to maintain the correct movements while swimming. Swimming with backstrokes or the sidestroke can minimize stress on the back as compared to frontward strokes.

Certain swimming strokes can cause back problems. Here are some things to be aware of when doing specific strokes:

• Freestyle: Make sure you do not rotate your head too much while taking breaths. Also, try not to let your head move up too much; if you do, then neck or back injuries can occur. When you’re not going up for breathes make sure you keep your head facing down. Remember, too much rolling can cause trouble.
• Backstroke: Muscles in the front of the neck tend to become fatigued if you have not done the backstroke in a long time. Be sure to ease into this stoke and avoid too much movement in this position.
• Breaststroke:  It is important to keep your head and neck still as you do this stroke. Gently raise your head and back to take breathes.

Benefits Of Swimming

Swimming is beneficial for low back pain for several reasons. It allows those suffering from minor back injuries to retain some level of activity. When an individual swims they are promoting good muscle health therefore are less likely to tense or cramp up. More importantly, in many situations, water tends to makes back pain sufferers feel better. Getting in a pool for a relaxed work out could very well be one of the best therapies.

Back pain does not have to halt your activity level. Once in the water there is no gravity therefore alleviating an enormous amount of stress on the affected area.  An hour or two in a pool builds back muscles; it also builds muscles in the shoulders, arms, legs and neck. In addition this activity helps to improve heart health, and helps the swimmer maintain a healthy body weight. Having a healthy body weight is beneficial to halting back pain.

Swimming can also be a great way to overcome back pain from a pinched nerve, herniated disc, and even bone spurs. Strengthening the muscles that support the back means less stress is placed on the spinal column and pain can be reduces or eliminated. A warm swimming pool also promotes blood flow and helps the healing process.

If swimming continues to be painful it’s important to stop and seek the advice of a qualified health professional. By continuing to swim despite continual or worsening pain, the condition affecting the lower back area may become worse and more intense forms of treatment may be required to reverse discomfort.

If you are able to do some swimming as frequently as you can throughout the week this will help to alleviate pain. It is important to remember that if the pain persists and swimming appears not to be helping then Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you. Chiro-Med has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you resume the activities you once enjoyed – free of pain! Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book your appointment!

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

Different Types of Migraines

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Can Help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Resource:

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

Because chiropractic therapy is considered to be an alternative method of treatment, some critics question its effectiveness as well as its level of safety.  When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor you can rest assured that you will receive professional care from a highly trained specialist in chiropractic medicine.

The level of risk involved in chiropractic care is minimal, and the benefits far outweigh the risks.  Manipulation of the spine for lower back pain, the most common type of back pain is considered to be a safe and effective method of treatment that can be used by nearly everyone.  It is not recommended for anyone who suffers from osteoporosis or nerve damage, and people who have had spinal surgery should consult their physician before seeking chiropractic treatment.  If your back pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, rash or chills, or unexpected weight loss, you should visit your doctor for an examination to rule out other causes such as infections or tumors before seeking chiropractic care.

In most cases, back pain is caused by repetitive movement and poor posture.  This type of back pain responds well to chiropractic treatment, and can be completely eliminated by removing the source of the pain while undergoing treatment.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can advise you of the environmental factors that may be causing your back pain and suggest ways to improve your overall spinal health through exercise, better posture, and by making your environment more ergonomic.

With the demands that many jobs place on our bodies, it is easy for the spine to suffer additional strain from standing, sitting and repetitive motions.  For many of us, back pain is unavoidable.  Visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide you with the relief that you need.

Prenatal massage can bring much needed relief to a woman carrying a baby. Every woman can expect some stiffness and muscular tension throughout the pregnancy as the uterus grows and sometimes this tension can take its toll on the mom-to-be.

Massage therapy during a pregnancy is gaining popularity as moms-to-be are realizing that the benefits of prenatal massage include relief. Back pain is perhaps the most common side effect of pregnancy. The added weight puts a lot of strain on the spine and often what starts in pregnancy has continued after the birth. If a woman has other small children while pregnant, carrying them around while pregnant can exacerbate symptoms.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Massage Therapy?

Many women have discovered that massage can help relieve back pain. In addition to soothing that muscle tension, other prenatal massage benefits include:

• Relief of edema.
• Reduction of swelling in the ankles, feet and hands.
• Reduces swelling by stimulating circulation throughout the body.
• Reduction of leg cramps and swelling in the legs.
• Lessens sciatic pain.
• Helps to relax and reduce anxiety throughout pregnancy.
• Massage helps to prevent insomnia and promotes a better sleep.
• Prenatal massage can help relax the unborn child when the abdomen is gently stroked.
• Lessens muscular discomfort in the lower back and neck.
• Increases blood and lymph flow which aids in the elimination of toxins throughout the lymphatic and circulatory systems.
• Increased blood flow also means oxygen is increased in the blood stream which in turn delivers more nutrients to the baby.
• Massage stimulates release of endorphins into the brain and nervous system. (Endorphins are natural pain killers in the body.)
• Helps to strength the immune system.

Safe Techniques For Pregnancy Massage

Prenatal massage experts modify massage techniques to address the changes a woman's body as she goes through pregnancy. A pregnant woman will have her blood volume increase dramatically, almost by 50 percent and yet blood flow to the legs tends to become sluggish. These changes can put a woman at risk of blood clots in her legs.

Massage therapists know that they need to avoid deep massage on the legs as well as any strong pressure. What they do use are light, slow, gentle strokes on the legs and all massage strokes are in the direction of the heart.

Before any therapeutic massage, it is recommended that a woman speak with her obstetrician first to be sure there will be no contraindications.

Many massage therapists won't give a prenatal massage during the first trimester as there is a risk of miscarriage. Some experts argue that prenatal massage does not directly cause a miscarriage, but there is no research out there that shows a link between a massage and a miscarriage. Regardless, if a woman is at risk of miscarriage then she is not advised to have a pregnancy massage.

Tips to Remember:

• Always be sure to tell the massage therapist you are pregnant and how far along.
• Avoid aromatherapy oils.
• Be sure that your massage therapist is specially trained in pregnancy massage and is certified.

Massaging the wrong areas or focusing on certain acupressure points have been known to trigger uterine contractions in some women making it vital that a prenatal massage be given by a qualified health professional. Massage therapists trained in prenatal massage know exactly what areas to focus on and provide the maximum benefits during the massage therapy.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has qualified massage therapists on staff to help you get through your pregnancy as healthy as possible. 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 today.

There is not a doubt that we have become a society riddled with arthritis and joint pain. Conventional medicine offers prescription drugs that come with a massive list of possible side effects; and still these do not solve the underlining problem. Natural wisdom teaches us that there is always hope beyond pharmaceutical drugs. There is a plethora of studies out there that clearly proves to us that lifestyle changes and dietary habits have a profound effect on our health and this includes arthritis and joint pain. The simplest of remedies like a daily intake of apple cider vinegar can effectively work for many people to naturally ease pain in the joints (and to simply support good health).

The Science Behind The Remedy

With a history rooted in folk medicine, apple cider vinegar is tossed aside by many members of the medical field. Naturopathic doctors and other natural health professionals praise traditional remedies. Apple cider vinegar offers our body a multitude of health benefits, not just relief from arthritis or joint pain.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals that our body needs including magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and potassium. Mineral (as well as vitamin) deficiencies are the root causes of many health problems, and if not detected, deficiencies can worsen health problems including arthritis and joint pain. A diet rich in essential minerals is a critical step to relieving arthritic pain. The potassium in apple cider vinegar may be especially beneficial because it works to prevent calcium build-up in the joints, which is linked to joint stiffness.

Not All Apple Cider Vinegar Is Beneficial

Going to a grocery store may not be the place to find the apple cider vinegar that is beneficial. Most vinegar sold in grocery stores is processed and these are not beneficial to us.  Raw, unprocessed, organic apple cider vinegar is the beneficial vinegar. This type of apple cider vinegar is rich in beneficial enzymes and acids that have a multitude of health benefits. It is encouraging however, to see some grocery stores carrying organic, raw apple cider vinegar. Health food stores carry this also and it is inexpensive.

All of the benefits of apple cider vinegar can only be attained with vinegar that is organic, raw, unfiltered and unprocessed. This type of apple cider vinegar will have a noticeable amount of residue floating around in the bottle. This is called the "mother," the natural accumulation of beneficial enzymes and nutrients. In any other form, including pills, apple cider vinegar is inferior and much less effective.

Joint Health

Nutrients are essential for joint health, so it is imperative that the body absorb the nutrients it gets and use them. Apple cider vinegar makes this possible even for those with arthritis.

There are many experts who suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins that have accumulated in the joints because metabolic waste is often stored in connective tissues. Often, people with joint pain will shun activities that tend to trigger more pain, yet the lack of movement may cause toxins to build-up even more. Apple cider vinegar has pectin and this helps to absorb toxins and get them out of the system, meanwhile the acids in cider vinegar work to purify and detoxify the entire body.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Joint Pain

The simplest way to incorporate apple cider vinegar into your daily routines is to mix 1-3 teaspoons in one cup of water three times daily, preferably just before meals. If you find this still too strong to drink, dilute it in more water.

Some people with joint pain state that having a bath with apple cider vinegar in the water helps. Other people report that when mixing two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with one tablespoon of coconut oil (or olive oil) makes a soothing ointment to rub on affected joints.

How To Use Apple Cider To Relieve Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar has all the necessary acid content to give the needed balance in the digestive system, and this helps to avoid calcium build-up. Some naturopathic doctors say that apple cider vinegar is to be taken three times a daily with honey and water but only once a day for the first couple of days. (If you are diabetic then omit the honey.)

Apple Cider Vinegar Folk Remedy For Osteoarthritis

Excruciating pain can be caused when acid crystals build up in the joints. Sometimes, this leads to decreased mobility and deformity. It is the acid crystal build-up that causes osteoarthritis and eventually, a daily routine that includes apple cider vinegar will disperse these acids.

Apple Cider Vinegar Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Apple cider vinegar relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, which is believed to be caused by a streptococcal infection. Not only is apple cider vinegar a great treatment option for arthritis, it is known to work for acid reflux, fatigue, gout, sore throats, heartburn, and numerous other ailments. Results have shown that it helps balance the acid in the body.

Everyone is different and therefore it is highly advised that you seek advice from a health professional as opposed to self-diagnosing and treating. Chiro Med can help. Chiro Med Rehab Centre is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major Mackenzie Drive in Richmond Hill. Visit them online or call 905-918-0419.

Have you ever thought of becoming a physiotherapist? A physiotherapist is a university-educated health professional and is a highly recognized member in the health profession.

What Services Do Physiotherapists Perform?

Physiotherapists work in several areas that include orthopedics, neurology, sports, pediatrics, cardiorespiratory, seniors’ health as well as other areas.

Those who require the services of a physiotherapist will be required to complete an assessment that may include health history, joint range of motion, evaluation of pain and movement patterns, reflexes, strength, and cardiorespiratory status.

Physiotherapists examine laboratory tests, relevant x-rays, medical records and surgical notes. Based on the assessment the physiotherapist establishes a diagnosis and works in tandem with the patient to develop an individual goal plan and treatment programs.

Treatments that physiotherapists use include electrical modalities such as TENS or ultrasound, manual therapy, acupuncture and therapeutic exercise. A physiotherapist’s job is to promote independence. Emphasis is placed on what the patient can do for themself and on education to prevent future injuries.

Becoming a Physiotherapist In Ontario

Physiotherapists in Ontario must complete a Master’s degree at one of the five Ontario Universities, a Canadian university outside Ontario or if an individual is educated outside of Canada their education is reviewed to ensure that it is substantially equivalent to the content of a Canadian physiotherapy (or physical therapy) program.

The five universities that offer this program (all at the Master level) include:

• University of Toronto
• University of Ottawa
• McMaster University
• Queen’s University
• Western University

After university, in order to practice a person must be registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professional physiotherapists on staff who are registered with the College. If you are in need of physiotherapy our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information about services and about becoming a physiotherapist in Ontario.