Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Piriformis syndrome is a condition where the piriformis muscle (located in the hip) compresses and irritates the sciatic nerve. This results in pain, numbness and general discomfort in the buttocks, lower thighs, legs and lower back (this pain is often referred to as "sciatica"). The sciatic nerve starts in the spine and runs down the back of a person's leg.

The piriformis muscle helps with the lateral rotation of the thigh, and is instrumental for walking since it shifts the body weight to the other side of the foot that is being lifted, thereby keeping a person from falling over.

Causes Of Piriformis Syndrome

Piriformis syndrome can be caused by:

• Inactive gluteal muscles
• Prolonged external rotation of the hip, resulting in the shortening of the piriformis muscle (e.g. when a person sits with their hips flexed for extended periods of time)
• Overuse injury resulting from activities that are performed in the sitting position along with strenuous use of the legs (e.g. rowing, bicycling or sculling)
• Repetitive forward movements that lead to weak hip abductors, tight adductors and a resultant shortening and contraction of the piriformis muscle
• Overpronation of the feet, where a person initially makes contact with the ground on the lateral side of the heel while walking or running

When sciatica occurs and there is no clear spinal reason for the pain then piriformis syndrome is often considered as a possible diagnosis.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Piriformis Syndrome

Sciatic pain (sciatica) in the buttocks, thighs and lower legs is the predominant symptom of piriformis syndrome.

Diagnosis is clinical in nature, and relies upon the determined exclusion of other causes of sciatica. Physical examination consists of stretching the piriformis muscle in an attempt to provoke sciatic nerve compression. Types of maneuvers used are the Freiberg, Pace, and FAIR (flexion, adduction, internal rotation) exercises. Conditions that these exercises rule out (as the cause of sciatica) are herniated
nucleus propulsus (HNP), stenosis, facet arthropathy and lumbar muscle strains.

MRI, CT, ultrasound, EMG scans and magnetic resonance neurography (an imaging technique) can also be used to exclude conditions that result in sciatica.

Treatment Of Piriformis Syndrome

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy center can help treat piriformis syndrome via:

• Proper stretching exercises and massage therapy that targets the piriformis muscle as well
  as the hamstrings and hip muscles
• Physical therapy, designed to strengthen the core muscles involved (e.g. abdomen, back, etc.)
  thereby reducing strain on the piriformis muscle
• Teaching you how to perform these exercises yourself
• Ice and heat therapy
• Ultrasound therapy
• Gait correction (teaching you proper walking and running techniques)
• Custom orthotics, used for both treatment and prevention

Piriformis syndrome is a debilitating condition that results in pain and discomfort, reducing a person's quality of life by limiting their physical activities.

Fortunately there are things that can be done to treat and prevent this condition.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. Try our services: we will have you back on your feet and feeling better, letting you get back to those activities that you love to do!

Osteoporosis is a common disease in which 1.5 million Canadians, 40 years or older share. This degenerative disease is characterized by low bone mass and loss of bone tissue making an individual more susceptible to osteoporotic fractures. There is not a doubt that it earned its name the “Silent Thief” because bone loss occurs without anyone realizing it.

Osteoporosis Facts at a Glance

• Women are 4 times more likely than men to develop osteoporosis.
• Osteoporotic fractures are more common than breast cancer, heart attacks, and strokes combined.
• More than 80 percent of all fractures in those over the age of 50 are osteoporotic fractures.
• In Canada there are 30,000 hip fractures annually of which 70 to 90 percent are cause by osteoporosis.
• One in three hip fracture patients re-fracture with one year.
• Osteoporosis hip fracture patients take up more hospital beds than those with diabetes, stroke, or heart attacks.
• In 2010, the annual (Canadian) health care costs of treating osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures was over $2.3 billion. That cost was $3.9 billion if long-term facility care costs are included.

What really is most disturbing is the reduced quality of life for those with osteoporosis. Osteoporosis can result in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.

Exercise and Supplements

There is not a doubt that exercise is critical in not just staying healthy, but in helping to prevent osteoporosis. Exercises geared at increasing muscle strength combined with weight-bearing aerobic physical activity, helps to prevent bone loss as we age. Health care professionals all have different opinions on how much exercise is recommended but many appear to agree on 30 minutes of both aerobic and strengthening exercises two to three times a week.

The use of calcium, magnesium, vitamin K, and vitamin D supplements is important because many people are not getting what they need from their food; and of course vitamin D is not in many foods. Calcium alone is not good enough to help keep bones healthy because without cofactors such as magnesium, vitamin K and vitamin D, calcium does not get to where it needs to. Supplementation is not the panacea for strong bones – eating a healthy diet and exercising is.

Foods to Help Prevent Osteoporosis

Vitamin K

Vitamin K is probably best known for its role in the blood clotting process; blood clots are necessary to stop bleeding when our skin gets punctured. It is also plays a very important role in bone health.

Excellent food sources of vitamin K include: kale, spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, beet greens, Swiss chard, turnip greens, parsley, broccoli, brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, asparagus, basil, cabbage, bok choy, celery, kiwi fruit, leeks, cilantro, sage, green beans, cauliflower, cucumber, tomatoes, oregano and black pepper.

Very good food sources of vitamin K are in green peas, blueberries, grapes, carrots, summer squash, cloves and chili peppers.

Good food sources of vitamin K include: soybeans, avocado, raspberries, winter squash, pears, cranberries, miso, bell peppers, plums, cantaloupe, and eggplant.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency can lead to softening or malformation of bone. In children, this condition is called rickets. In adults, it is called osteomalacia.

The relationship between vitamin D and bone metabolism is somewhat complicated. As a hormone, vitamin D acts to increase calcium in the blood stream. It manages this by increasing the body’s ability to absorb calcium from foods and by reducing the calcium you lose in your urine. However, it also pulls calcium from the bone to support your blood levels; this is why it is really important to get lots of vitamin D into you every day.

Salmon is an excellent source of vitamin D. Sardines and cow’s milk is a very good source of this nutrient and tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are a good source of vitamin D.

The best way to get your vitamin D is from the sunlight. Human skin cells make vitamin D from sunlight, but here in Canada this is a small window of opportunity ( June and July mostly) to get vitamin D so getting this vitamin from food sources or supplements is really important.

Calcium

At any given time, about 99 percent of the calcium our body holds is in the bones and teeth. Calcium plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity of our skeleton.

Excellent food sources of calcium include: spinach, collard greens, beet greens, tofu, turnip greens, mustard greens, and bok choy.

Very good sources of calcium are found in: yogurt, swiss chard, kale, and cinnamon.

Good sources of calcium include: sesame seeds, sardines, cheese, cow’s milk, cabbage, broccoli, brussels sprouts, green beans, oranges, summer squash, fennel, parsley, asparagus, celery, cumin, basil, garlic, oregano, leeks, romaine lettuce, cloves, and black pepper.

Magnesium

Magnesium is a key mineral in human metabolism. 50 to 60 percent of magnesium in our body is stored in the bones.

Excellent sources of magnesium can be found in: spinach, swiss chard, and beet greens.

Very good sources include: pumpkin seeds, summer squash, and turnip greens.

There are many good sources of magnesium and these include: soybeans, sesame seeds, black beans, quinoa, cashews, sunflowers seeds, navy beans, tempeh, buckwheat, pinto beans, brown rice, barley, lima beans, millet, kidney beans, oats, tofu, almonds, rye, wheat, tuna, flaxseeds, beets, broccoli, cabbage, kale, asparagus, tomatoes, cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, fennel, leeks, cucumber, basil, celery, bell peppers, and much more.

If you have osteoporosis, our chiropractor and physiotherapists 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 half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help assess you and recommend an appropriate strengthening program. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

What is the impact of osteoporosis in Canada and what are Canadians doing to maintain healthy bones? (2010, November 30). Retrieved March 7, 2016, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cd-mc/osteoporosis-osteoporose/

The World's Healthiest Foods. (n.d.). Retrieved March 07, 2016, from http://www.whfoods.com/

Daniel David Palmer in Davenport, Iowa, founded chiropractic in 1895; in fact, the “Memorial” in the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) was done so in his honour. Since Palmer’s first chiropractic adjustment, this profession has developed and grown to become one of the largest primary contact health care professions in North America.

CMCC welcomed many veterans returning from WWII when it officially opened on September 18, 1945. The founders of the CMCC envisioned their institution establishing a high standard of chiropractic education and they wanted to become a catalyst for the development of chiropractic in Canada. For 50 years the CMCC served all of Canada as the sole provider of chiropractic education. As a result, the majority of today’s practicing chiropractors in Canada are graduates are CMCC graduates. This chiropractic college is evidence-based and they have a patient-centred approach which attracts students from all around the world.

Daniel Palmer

Daniel Palmer educated himself in all the current science of that day, pseudo-science, as well as fads and built up a very successful practice.

In 1895 the janitor in Palmer`s building told Palmer how he had been deaf in one ear for 17 years after he had felt something “let go” at the top of his back. Palmer took that opportunity and examined him only to discover a bone out of place at that spot. After some convincing, the janitor allowed Palmer to “put the bone back in place” through a carefully analyzed manipulation. After two such manipulations the janitor could hear again and his hearing was normal for the remainder of his life.

After this success, Palmer went into seclusion for six months to carefully study the effects of manipulations on a wide variety of his patients. He truly felt he was on the edge of an amazing discovery so he was very secretive about what he was up to.

By 1900 Palmer proclaimed chiropractic as a profession and began to teach others his system of adjustments. Soon new chiropractors were spreading and before long they were in Canada.

While all this was going on, the field of health care was rapidly evolving. In the late 1800’s there were three main schools of health care; the physicians who worked with medicines and surgery, eclectics who worked with natural botanicals, and the manipulators, (mainly in the form of osteopaths but soon joined by the chiropractors).

Opposition Began

By 1912 physicians were the predominant field in health care that was supported by the US government. In fact, there was a rapid movement away from natural health care. Osteopathic health care was assimilated into mainstream medicine and to practice this field, one had to become an MD first then do further study to become an osteopath. This type of health care was not favoured therefore osteopathy became a dying profession in the US, though they are still present in Canada today. Only the persevering chiropractors remained, led by its discoverer and his entrepreneurial son, BJ Palmer.

The US government, in an effort to eliminate the weaker, profit-based medical schools, commissioned the Flexner Report (1912), describing the state of the schools in the US and making sweeping recommendations for reform. Meanwhile in 1915, the Ontario government issued a similar report, the Hodgins Commission, an investigation into the state of medical education in Ontario. This report noted “new avenues of healing which had not previously been dreamed of,” including “bone setting”, “manipulation” and “mechanotherapy”. Three chiropractors gave deputations to the commission, including BJ Palmer. Palmer was rather flamboyant and he, with the other two, espoused the fundamentalist philosophy that chiropractors “have no use for diagnosis”, “do not believe in bacteria” and believe “the analysis of blood and urine … has no value”. Naturally this commission reacted as expected and recommended that Ontario’s three chiropractic colleges be shut down.

Fortunately the commission did recognize the value in these methods and recommended they be added to the medical curriculum. It wasn't until 55 years later (1970) that the Ontario government saw that no action was taken by the medical schools and they chastised the medical profession for failing to incorporate manipulation into its curriculum. As further evidence of the mainstream medical opposition for any form of physical therapy, physiotherapists were not registered to practice in Ontario until 1933, (18 years after Hodgin’s recommendations).

Public support for chiropractic remained strong in Ontario (and in Canada) because it provided the most effective treatment for back pain. In 1925 the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons in an effort to limit the chiropractors’ role in health care, requested the government enact legislation to regulate the health practitioners out of their jurisdiction. As a result the “Drugless Practitioners Act” of 1925 was enacted to regulate chiropractors, optometrists and other new professions. Chiropractic was now legal but strictly limited.

During the next 30 years many chiropractic techniques were developed that are still used today. The success they had with their approach created countless loyal patients all across Canada and the US, in spite of medicine’s animosity.

Battle Heats Up In The Us

Unfortunately, over these 30 years the medical associations across the US started a program of having chiropractic practitioners arrested for “practicing medicine” without a license. For those in the field, it became an honour for a chiropractor to get arrested at least once in his career. The legal argument that no practice of medicine was going on, only the practice of chiropractic, stood up quite well in the courts but for 30 years there were countless chiropractors arrested and charged.

Advances In Ontario

It was during this era that a new chiropractic college, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) in Toronto, was founded in 1945, catering to men returning from the war with government subsidies for education in their pockets. It was instantly successful and has over its first 60 years out-grown two new campuses.

In 1959 the Ontario the College of Physicians and Surgeons published a report on “Osteopathy and Chiropractic” outlining a powerful offensive policy to give chiropractic in Ontario a knock back. This triggered several Royal Commissions throughout the 1960’s looking at the state of health care in Canada and chiropractic care in particular. Chiropractic was determined to be “a valid health service” by the Quebec Commission, which was accepted by the federal government’s Hall Royal Commission on Health Services in 1961. It wasn't until 1970 that chiropractic services were added to OHIP in Ontario with the government picking up 80 percent of the treatment fees. This OHIP legislation stated, “the potential therapeutic benefits of manipulation have been neglected by the medical profession.” This was a long overdue reprimand for the medical associations.

Since 1989 the chiropractic profession has made great strides towards widespread support within society and within the mainstream health science community. Nowadays there are chiropractic research positions at universities all across Canada getting government grants to support their work. It was an uphill battle but great advances have been made in getting mainstream medicine to accept chiropractic care. Interestingly, Worker’s Compensation Boards became incredible supporters of chiropractic care. They conducted their own research into the cost effectiveness of the chiropractic approach to the treatment of back and neck injuries.

The final piece of legislation affecting the chiropractic profession was passed in Ontario in 1991 as the “Regulated Health Professions Act”. This act replaced the Drugless Practitioners Act of 1925 in regulating chiropractors. This new statute authorized the use of the title “doctor” and granted the right to diagnose, which only four other professions had: optometry, dentistry, medicine and psychology (podiatry was later added). The College of Chiropractors of Ontario was established giving the profession the right of self-regulation under the same legal parameters as the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Even though the chiropractic care field has fought and won many battles in order to survive, there was one loss here in Ontario. OHIP revamped the schedule of allowable treatments and chiropractic was removed.  No matter, given the powerful forces at play behind the scenes, we can all be grateful that chiropractic care has survived the many battles it has had to fight.

For a more in depth look at what was truly going on behind the scenes there is the highly-acclaimed documentary “Doctored”. Doctored is thoroughly-researched and we at Chiro Med Rehab recommend that everyone watch this incredible documentary.

Chiro Med Rehab Centre is 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.

Our sleeping position(s) can have a major impact not only on the quality of sleep, but on overall health as well. Poor sleeping positions could potentially cause back and neck pain, impaired circulation, headaches, and even premature wrinkles.

For young adults and healthy people, the sleep position is not as important as when we get older or have medical issues. With age, or those with medical issues, the sleep position can make or break a good night's sleep. In addition to the sleep position, it goes without saying that the mattress quality and choice of pillow is really important to a good nights sleep. Let`s begin with these basics before discussing positions.

Choosing a Mattress

According to the Medical Centre at the University of Rochester, there’s little scientific research that exists on which mattress is best for maintaining a healthy back let alone for those with back issues. In reality, the mattress that's best for you allows you to wake up feeling fully rested and free of pain or soreness. Unfortunately when we shop for mattresses testing them in a showroom can be a different experience from actually sleeping on it permanently.

If you sleep with a partner, the bed size must allow enough space for both individuals to move into a comfortable sleeping position. Mattresses should be replaced about every ten years. If you have a back problem, ask a qualified healthcare provider or physical therapist to recommend the type of mattress that would be best for you.

Pillows

Depending on your sleeping position, multiple pillows can help keep your spine in the proper position. The pillow for your head should support the natural curve of your neck and be comfortable. A pillow that's too high can put your neck into a position that causes muscle strain on your back, neck, and shoulders. Choose a pillow that will keep the neck aligned with the chest and lower back and it should be adjustable to allow you to sleep in different positions. Pillows should be replaced every one to two years.

Proper Body Alignment

Regardless of your sleeping position, try to keep in mind that it is important to keep your ears, shoulders and hips aligned.

If you sleep on your back then you are part of a small minority. Apparently it is estimated that only 8 percent of people sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the back is by far the healthiest option for most people, because it allows the head, neck, and spine to rest in a neutral position. However, it can cause the tongue to block the breathing tube, making it a dangerous position for those who suffer from sleep apnea. This position can also induce heavy snoring. It is recommended that when sleeping on the back, that a small pillow be placed under the back of the knees because this will reduce stress on your spine and support the natural curve in your lower back. If you suffer from osteoarthritis or any other ailment that affects your knees, this will also help to provide you some relief. The pillow for your head should support your head, the natural curve of your neck, and your shoulders.

Although sleeping on the stomach is good for low-to-no-snoring, it’s bad for practically everything else. Seven percent of adults tend to be stomach sleepers, but this can lead to back and neck pain, unless pillows are strategically placed to provide support. Stomach sleepers put pressure on their muscles and joints, possibly leading to numbness, tingling, aches, and irritated nerves. Sleeping on your stomach can create stress on the back because the spine can be put out of position. Placing a thin pillow under the stomach and pelvic area can help to keep the spine in proper alignment. If you sleep on your stomach, a pillow for your head should also be thin, or if you can manage it, sleep without a pillow.

Sleeping on your side (with your torso and legs being relatively straight) helps the spine to remain elongated therefore warding off back and neck pain. A big plus is that you're less likely to snore in this position because it keeps the airway open. For that reason, this is the best choice for those with sleep apnea. Sleeping on the side has one downside, it can lead to wrinkles, because half of your face pushes against a pillow. A firm pillow between the knees will prevent the upper leg from pulling the spine out of alignment if you sleep on your side. It also helps to reduce stress on the hips and lower back. Bring your knees just slightly toward your chest.

Almost fifty percent of people prefer to sleep in the fetal position. If you are pregnant then this is a good position because it improves circulation in your body and in the fetus. This position is also good for snorers; however, a tight fetal position can restrict breathing in the diaphragm. It can leave you feeling a bit sore in the morning, particularly if you have arthritis in your joints or back. Try to prevent these problems by straightening out your body as much as you can, instead of tucking your chin into your chest and pulling your knees up high. You can also reduce strain on your hips by placing a pillow between your knees.

Most important of all, when changing positions in bed try not to twist or bend at the waist but to shift your entire body. Keep your stomach pulled in and tightened and bend your knees toward the chest when rolling over. This will be a tough one to remember considering when we move we are in a slumber-state or fast asleep.

If you simply cannot find that perfect sleeping position and are experiencing sleep-related pain, then a qualified health professional can help.

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

Plantar fasciitis can be quite painful and is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This foot ailment is inflammation of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) located on the bottom of the foot. This tissue is what connects the heel bone to the toes and it creates the arch of the foot; this can be quite painful and make walking more difficult.

Those who have plantar fasciitis feel dull or sharp pain and stiffness at the bottom of the heel. Some people report feeling an ache or burn at the bottom of the foot. This pain is felt worse in the morning when taking the first steps of the day. It is also noticeable after standing or sitting for a period of time. Plantar fasciitis pain may develop slowly over time, or suddenly after intense activity.

Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis

When the thick band of tissue on the bottom of the foot is overused or overstretched this is when plantar fasciitis can occur. Another possible cause of pain and dysfunction is now thought to be degeneration of the collagen fibres close to the attachment to the heel bone.

Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include:

• High arches or flat feet
• Poor arch support
• Sudden weight gain or obesity
• Tight Achilles tendon
• Long distance running or running on uneven surfaces

Plantar fasciitis is the most common orthopedic complaints related to the foot and seems to affect mostly men aged between 40 and 70.

If you think you have plantar fasciitis you should see a health professional as soon as possible. An examination will be conducted to determine the tenderness of the foot, arches will be checked, and the tightness or stiffness of the arch will be examined.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has helped countless people who have suffered with plantar fasciitis. The severity of this condition will determine the treatment. The good news is that almost always, nonsurgical treatment improves the pain. Patients who have severe plantar fasciitis may require several months of therapy  in order to feel totally better, and in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pain.

Immediate steps to relieve pain are to apply ice to the painful area, minimum twice a day for about 15-20 minutes.  Wearing shoes with good support are a must and resting as much as possible as well.

You may need to do some heel stretching exercises to help relieve the stiffness. In addition, using night splints to help stretch out the plantar fascia may aid in the healing process.

Orthotics from Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are medical inserts that fit comfortably into normal footwear, and are custom designed to support and improve your ability to walk pain-free. Orthotics should be worn at all times, at work, at home, and during recreational activities. Orthotic insoles work like prescription eye-glasses, they work when they are being worn, providing support to all the areas that need support.
During the first couple of weeks while wearing custom orthotics, there may be a slight discomfort felt in the arches, feet, and legs. This is normal, and is actually an indication that your custom orthotics are doing their job.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get back to activities you once enjoyed – pain free! Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

Kinesiotaping is a method of treatment that can treat pain, support joints and muscles and it does so without affecting a person’s range of motion. This is a treatment method that has grown in popularity over the years and nowadays is used by many athletes including David Beckham.

This treatment method is a technique that is based on an individual’s natural healing process. Kinesiotaping was created by Dr. Kenzo Kase in 1979 and over the years he has perfected it to a tee. In addition to the reduction of pain, other benefits include:

• Improves circulation and lymphatic flow which aids in reducing inflammation;
• Enhances muscle activation;
• Provides protection to the individual throughout the healing process; and
• Helps to prevent further injury and improves mobility.

This method of treatment has its origins from the science of kinesiology, hence the name kinesio. For the first ten years medical practitioners, acupuncturists, orthopedists and chiropractors used Kinesiotaping. Once this was discovered to be very effective the Japanese Olympic volleyball players started using this and before long word quickly spread to other athletes. Today, Kinesiotaping is used by athletes and health professionals worldwide.

The Kinesiotaping method is applied over injured muscles to reduce inflammation and pain and whenever else a health professional feels a patient can benefit. It is a tape that once on the skin, allows for full range of motion. Before Kinesiotaping many athletes used traditional sports tape to stabilize and support the athlete that ultimately obstructed blood flow which produced unwanted side-effects.

Kinesiotape can be used for almost anything that causes pain from headaches to foot problems. It has been successfully used to help with:

• carpal tunnel syndrome;
• muscular facilitation or inhibition in pediatric patients;
• shoulder pain;
• hamstring;
• groin injuries;
• lower back pain;
• painful knee conditions;
• plantar fasciitis;
• pre and post-surgical edema; and
• injury prevention for athletes.

Spidertech Taping

SpiderTech provides standardized and easy-to-use pre-cut Kinesiology tape applications that are called ‘Spiders’. This tape is made of cotton and is a non-medicated tape that is applied to the body wherever it hurts. Each Spider is one continuous piece of Kinesiology tape so that it easily integrates with a person’s body in an optimal manner.

This tape has a special elasticity built into the woven pattern of the cotton fabric. This mimics the thickness and elasticity of human skin so it allows it to integrate, support and stabilize without causing interference to an individual’s range of motion.

SpiderTech tape is designed so that athletes can be comfortable during strenuous exercise, and even if the exercise is in a pool.

There is one drawback that some people may find discomforting and that trimming or removing hair. If there is hair that is too long it must be trimmed as short as possible. The skin must also be free of all creams, lotions or oils.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has SpiderTech taping and Kinesiotaping. If you want to find out more information about this incredible way to treat pain, please visit www.chiro-med.ca. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

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

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

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

Some common repetitive stress injuries include:

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

What Causes Repetitive Stress Disorder?

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

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

Repetitive Stress Injuries most frequently affects:

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

Some symptoms may include:

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

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

Treatment and Repetitive Stress Disorder

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

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

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

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

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

Tips to Prevent Repetitive Stress Disorder

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

Adjust your work station to promote good posture and comfort.

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

Avoid sitting cross-legged.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nearly everyone experiences back pain at some point, often as a result of injury or poor posture.  Many jobs require people to stand or sit in the same position for many hours at a time, which puts an unreasonable amount of strain on the lower back over time, causing pain.  A visit to a Richmond Hill chiropractor may be just what you need if you suffer from lower back pain.

Chiropractic medicine is an alternative treatment that uses a drug-free and non-invasive method of treating lower back pain and many other types of health problems through hands-on manipulation of the spine.  Chiropractic care is based on the belief that the body has the power to heal itself if given the opportunity, and that the structure of the spine is connected to the function of all other parts of the body.  The purpose of chiropractic treatment is to balance the relationship between the spine and the rest of the body so that healing can occur.  When the movement of the spine is restricted by injury, swelling or misalignment, back pain occurs.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor will use spinal manipulation to change the alignment of the spine in key areas to loosen the vertebrae so they can move freely.

Lower back pain is one of the most common types of pain, and it can occur in anyone as a result of poor posture or inadequate support while sleeping.  Women who wear high heels often suffer from lower back pain, as the heels change the angle of the spine, forcing it into an unnatural position.  Looking fashionable can come with a price, and many women find themselves in need of regular visits to a chiropractor.  No matter what the source of your back pain is, a visit to a Richmond Hill chiropractor is sure to provide you with the relief that you need.