Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for individuals who are suffering from many joint and tendon disorders.  More commonly known as Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to health professionals, this form of treatment sends acoustic shock waves into the bone or soft tissue which basically reinjures the area on a cellular level.  As a result scar tissue that has penetrated tendons and ligaments becomes broken up. This controlled method of re-injury allows the body to regenerate bone cells and blood vessels which in turn leads to faster healing.

Shock waves are high energy sound waves that are audible. They occur when an aircraft breaks the sound barrier or during lightning strikes. For over thirty years now shock waves have been used in the medical field (for example) to disintegrate kidney stones.

Shockwave therapy treats a variety of conditions that can plague an individual. Some of these include:

• Lumbar and cervical spine regions
• Chronic muscular pain
• Shin splints
• Bursitis
• Iliotibial band friction syndrome
• Patellar tendonitis
• Hamstrings
• Heel spurs
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Tennis elbow
• Calcific tendinosis of the rotator cuff muscles
• Non healing ulcers
• Mortons neuroma
• Hallux rigidus

Depending on the condition and how severe it is depends on how many treatments are required. On average, most patients need about 3 to 6 treatment sessions per week. Clinical studies say that for those who were suited for this treatment there is about an 80 to 85 percent chance of the condition being greatly improved yet 95 percent experience some level of improvement. Most people with a soft tissue injury can benefit from this treatment, especially athletes

Proven Success Rates

• 91% improved for calcific tendinitis
• 77% improvement for tennis elbow
• 90% improvement for plantar fasciitis

How Safe is Shockwave Therapy?

The basic technology involved with this shockwave technology has been actively used on millions of people (mostly in Europe) for several decades.  This technology originates in Europe hence the reason for the high number of people who have benefitted from it.

There are virtually no side effects and even the mild side effects such as redness, tingling or redness is rare and short-lived.

There are many benefits from shockwave therapy. Of course it is non-invasive, basically has no side effects, accelerates healing, and coverage is available from most health insurance companies.  This is a treatment that has been fully tested and backed by a lot of scientific evidence.

Are there People Who Cannot Have this Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is not for everyone. It is typically not used on those who may have bone tumours, circulation or nerve disorders, and certain metabolic bone conditions.  Also, it is not used on women who are pregnant either.

There are some other contraindications and/or precautions to be aware of such as:

• Cortisone injections
• Blood thinning medications
• Heart or circulatory problems
• Cancer or diabetes

The best thing to do is have a consultation with a qualified health professional so you can find out if you are a candidate for shockwave therapy.

Studies have shown that acupuncture offers some benefits to those who are trying to lose weight. The body has energy meridians and the ancient practise of acupuncture helps individuals in a myriad of ways including weight loss.

Weight gain isn’t the result of just a bad diet; there are other factors that contribute to gaining weight. Bad diet habits combined with little or no exercise is perhaps the main reason people gain weight but for some, there are other factors. Hormone imbalances and a slow metabolism (usually linked to lack of exercise) are other reasons.

Often people will blame diabetes for their weight, but most individuals with diabetes get this as a result of eating too much food, including sugar. Results of a large epidemiological study conducted at University of California San Francisco, suggest that sugar may have a direct, independent link to diabetes. An article on the university’s website says:

Researchers examined data on global sugar availability and diabetes rates from 175 countries over the past decade. After accounting for obesity and a large array of other factors, the researchers found that increased sugar in a population’s food supply was linked to higher Type 2 diabetes rates, independent of obesity rates. Their study was published Feb. 27 in PLOS ONE.

Losing weight is a major money-making industry with all sorts of gimmicks, products, and pills offering results. Americans spend over $33 billion every year on weight loss programs. Sadly, over 90 percent fail in their attempt to lose the weight they need to maintain good health. The reality is that changing the diet and regular exercise is critical in achieving results. This is much easier said than done and this is why people tend to seek out “quick fixes” when wanting to lose weight. There are additional ways that can help, but again, diet and exercise must be part of the goal to achieve and maintain results.

Acupuncture

Using acupuncture to help with weight loss is a multi-pronged approach. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, recent studies have shown that when acupuncture is combined with traditional methods of weight loss, patients lose more weight.

A study published at the National Institutes of Health showed that acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was found to be effective for weight loss. Acupuncture can be used as a synergistic treatment option for obesity control (and weight loss in general).

Of particular interest is acupuncture’s ability to influence obesity hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found that acupuncture treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism. Acupuncture can also strengthen the function of the liver. The liver is the organ that produces chemicals critical for digestion, the processing of nutrients and breaking fat down. It is suspected that acupuncture may increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help individuals obtain the “full” feeling.

According to Dr. Oz, acupuncturists focus on the four acupuncture points that target hunger points on the ear. Tiny sterilized needles are inserted along these inner channels to decrease the "heat" generated along these meridians and to stimulate centres that trigger the release of neurochemicals and hormones that help in weight loss.

As with any changes to the body, there may be minor side effects to acupuncture treatment that include fatigue, soreness, and possible muscle spasms. In the weight loss process, the body will experience changes including hormone levels (for the better).

It is very important to seek the services of a qualified acupuncturist in order to obtain best results. Be sure to follow through with diet suggestions and exercise regularly.

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 help you safely lose weight. 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.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877795/

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/02/13591/quantity-sugar-food-supply-linked-diabetes-rates

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/acupuncture-and-weight-loss

It doesn’t matter if you are athletic, a weekend workout buff or a person who likes to take life easy, we all can be susceptible to knee injuries if we are not careful.

Our knees are bound by an intricate system of muscles, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage and this makes them vulnerable to injury. Consider your knees as a complex hinge where the thigh bone (femur), shin bone (tibia), fibula (next to the shin bone) and kneecap all come together.

To better understand how knee problems can occur, it’s helpful to know what the purpose of everything is in the knee.

Ligaments hold your knee together – they are stabilizers. There are four ligaments.

There are two types of cartilage. The meniscus acts as a shock absorber. The other cartilage coats the surfaces of bones, enabling them to glide past one another. When this particular cartilage wears away due to a misalignment or stress, the bone-on-bone rubbing creates pain which may lead to arthritis.

Muscles that control the knee are located in front of the thigh (quadriceps) and behind it (hamstrings).

Tendons connect the knee bones to the leg muscles that move the knee joint.

A wrong step or a sideways collision can easily cause a strain or tear. Although this can happen to men, women are up to eight times more likely to experience a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). ACL injuries are a very common knee injury among athletes. According to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, about 150,000 ACL injuries occur in the United States every year. The Canadian Institute for Health Research says that almost 2,000 Canadians were hospitalized with ACL injuries in 2013. Those numbers do not include the tens of thousands who went to clinics and sports medicine doctors to treat their knee injuries.

How to Damage Your Knees

Ignoring knee pain will not solve anything and if anything it will worsen a condition. An occasional ache here and there is somewhat normal and not a reason to raise alarm bells. When the aches become persistent or pain starts to interfere with your ability to be comfortable then it is time to have it checked out. If you leave a minor injury and it seems to “go away” then this inevitably means at some point in the not-so-distant future you will have a re-occurring injury making things worse.

Not Following Through with Rehab

If you have been going through treatment and you decide you’re fine and stop going then this may be a window to further problems down the road. Rest and rehabilitation after a knee injury is critical to avoiding future pain or re-injury. Depending on the type of damage and treatment, recovery could last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Always follow through to the end of your treatment.

Overweight

Did you know that for every pound we are overweight it puts five pounds of force on the knees? Can you imagine what being ten pounds overweight is doing to your knees? This is cause for undue stress on the knees that open several possibilities to future problems.
Being overweight increases the odds of a person getting osteoarthritis in the knee; this wears away at the knee’s cartilage. Excess weight also causes existing arthritis to worsen at a quick rate. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), two out of three obese people suffer from knee osteoarthritis at some point in their life.

Overdoing Things

We are all guilty at times of overdoing things, especially when working out on a regular basis. Overdoing things can be spending too much time in the garden or running for the bus when your knee is recovering from a prior injury. Pushing yourself too hard can cause a host of problems. A sudden increase in duration or intensity of physical movement or an exercise can cause overuse injuries from repetitive strain. Kneecap pain and tendonitis are common symptoms in the knee. Always be sure to stretch before and after working out; even if you plan on a long walk after dinner.

Things to Be Aware of to Prevent Knee Injuries

Body Alignment

In some ways we are like a car, if wheel alignment is off then our tires wear. If our body is not properly aligned, muscles, joints, and ligaments take more strain than they are intended. To make sure you’re properly aligned here are some tips:

• Keep your back straight and don't slouch.
• Try to keep your knees slightly bent when standing – never lock them.
• Keep your abdominal muscles tight.
• Your head should be centered over your body. Try to position your ears over the shoulders.
• Keep your weight evenly distributed between your feet.

Correct Footwear

Shoes that cause your body weight to be unevenly distributed place extra stress on your knee joints. Flat or rigid arches, uneven leg length, and bowed legs are fairly common, and each can contribute to an awkward stride and put pressure on your knees. High-heeled shoes might add to the risk of osteoarthritis or other knee problems. Apparently there are some studies out there that claim women who wear high heels have stress across the part of the knee where osteoarthritis usually develops.

Last but Not Least, Exercise Regularly

Straight leg exercises are easy and can be done at your desk or while watching television. Sit with both feet on the floor. Raise one leg up and slowly raise your foot up until your leg is almost straight, then slowly lower. Do this five times for each leg to start with then increase as you feel comfortable. Hamstring curls are real easy. Stand straight with both knees slightly bent and hold a chair. Slowly raise one leg up backwards and slowly return to the foot to the ground. Do this five times for each leg in the beginning and work up to as many as you are able. Calf raises are basically standing tippy toed. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and slowly lift up onto your toes then lower, repeat this as many times as you feel comfortable doing.

If you are experiencing persistent knee aches or pain its best not to take chances. Call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine and extremities. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Back, neck and sciatica pain can range from a mild nuisance to excruciating pain. According to the Canadian Chiropractic Association, about 4 million Canadians (15 percent of the population) seek the services of a chiropractor every year.

The back is a marvelous mechanical system that contains a complex group of muscles and the spine. The spine consists of 24 vertebrae (small bones) that are stacked on top of one another and together, they are referred to as the vertebral column. In between each of the vertebrae is a gel-like cushion that absorbs pressure and prevents the bones from touching one another; this cushion is called the disc. Ligaments hold the vertebrae together and tendons connect muscles to the vertebral column. Inside the spinal column is a massive collection of nerve fibres transmitting electrical information throughout the entire body. This mechanical system is so complex that when pain strikes, it can detract you from enjoying your day-to-day activities.

What Is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

If you ever get a chance to go to a local park and find a set of high monkey bars, hang from them; the feeling on the back is almost euphoric. Spinal decompression therapy mimics that feeling by providing a mild linear pull on the body. This gentle pull that spinal decompression therapy provides can assist a misaligned disc to be gently manipulated back into place thereby creating adequate space between the vertebrae and when this occurs, higher levels of oxygen and blood will return to the area providing relief. In addition, any pressure on the spinal nerves will be alleviated.

There are several back conditions that can be treated using spinal decompression therapy. People with lumbar strains, sciatic, herniated discs, bulging discs, degenerative discs, degenerative joint disease, and spinal arthritis have all experienced relief through spinal decompression therapy.

To better illustrate what spinal decompression "looks" like, think of the all the vertebrae as Lego® blocks loosely placed one on top of another. Compression of the spine (which occurs through poor posture, daily wear and tear, degenerating discs or injury) is the pushing of the Lego® blocks tightly together, and for the spine, this is not good.

Spinal decompression therapy is painless and each treatment lasts about 20 to 30 minutes.

Spinal Decompression Therapy Research

In a 2003 Orthopedic Technology Review spinal decompression therapy was studied. Patients who suffered at least four weeks of herniated discs or degenerative disc diseases were treated. The results were astounding – 86 percent of those treated reported immediate symptom relief and after the completion of treatment, 90 days later, they were still pain-free.

Are You A Candidate For Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is generally only one part of a complete treatment plan. There are other therapies a healthcare provider may recommend to help expedite the healing process. If you are want a non-invasive way to combat back problems and are considering spinal decompression therapy, the fully qualified health professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre are only too pleased to answer any questions you may have. Put an end to back pain and call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre today. Start your road to recovery by booking your appointment today.

Anyone who has had massage therapy or even just a deep massage to help aching muscles knows how great they feel afterwards. If there were to be a list of the top three things that relax us, makes us feel great, and has health benefits, massage therapy would be on it.

So why is it that massage therapy helps us to feel so good? Without a doubt, massage therapy helps to increase blood circulation. Ancient Greeks believed that a daily massage was an amazing way to ensure maintaining good health.

There are specific massages that boost circulation to the extremities. Good circulation is essential to good health because when our circulation is where it needs to be, then our circulatory system delivers oxygen-rich blood and nutrients that is required to heal.

Everyone has experienced those moments of inactivity when our hands or feet get cold; this is because of the lack of circulation. Having this happen once in a while is fine, but if this occurs on a regular basis it could be the warning of something more severe such as blocked arteries.

Therapeutic massage can increase the circulation of blood as well as the flow of lymph. The stimulation of nerve receptors causes blood vessels to dilate and this facilitates blood flow. Lymph is a milky white fluid that takes impurities and waste away from the tissues and passes through the lymphatic system which acts as a filtering valve. Lymph does not circulate the same as blood so its movement largely depends on the squeezing effect of muscle contractions. On one hand, inactive people are unable to stimulate lymph flow yet on the other hand the stimulation caused by activity can be outstripped by the increased waste produced by the activity. Fortunately, massage can help the movement of lymph either way.

It goes without saying; our entire body needs to be healthy. Every cell in our body is dependent on an abundant supply of blood and lymph because these fluids deliver nutrients and oxygen and remove wastes and toxins. Without good circulation there is potential trouble.

Buttocks And Backs Of Legs

A  sluggish lymphatic system and circulation can greatly improve with a therapeutic massage to the backs of the legs and buttocks. The movement of lymph is highly dependent on muscle contractions and good circulation. A therapeutic massage helps to drain a blocked up lymphatic system.

Here is an interesting fact that women in particular will want to know; an accumulation of proteins, fats, and other wastes that does not get excreted from the body often ends up becoming cellulite. This is why a therapeutic massage on the back of legs and buttocks can greatly help.

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.

Arm And Hand Massages

Many people get through the day with tight, clenched hands, arms, and there can be a plethora of stress and anger building up all day causing neck pain, back pain, headaches, and much more.
The lymph can also collect toxins in this area of the body as well.

Getting a therapeutic massage on the arms helps to relax the muscles therefore creating more blood flow. The increased circulation will help relieve pain, and stress. In some cases it has been reported to help those with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Stimulating circulation in your hands is as important as anywhere else on your body. If you suffer from Raynaud's phenomenon (a painful condition of primarily the fingers, toes) then therapeutic massages are important. This condition is thought to be caused by a sharp and persistent contraction of a blood vessel, which reduces blood flow to the fingers.

Improving circulation in the hands is also important following surgery or after an injury, such as ligament sprains and muscle strains. Improved circulation to injured tissues helps to expedite healing by bringing more nutrients to the area and removing harmful metabolic byproducts that tend to accumulate in the tissues following trauma.

The overall therapeutic effect of massage was once described by Hippocrates (the Father of Medicine) as ‘vis medicatrix naturae’. Hippocrates, a massage advocate, believed that massage helped the body’s natural healing powers.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has qualified massage therapists on staff to help you improve your circulation. 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!

How do you know if it is time to visit a chiropractor? You may have strained your back during physical activity, either during work or while at play, or perhaps you wake up with back pain every morning due to a poor quality mattress. Some jobs put an unreasonable amount of strain on the spine because we often have to repeat the same actions again and again without a break, or possibly have to stand in one place or sit in the same position for many hours on end. All of these common scenarios often result in a visit to a chiropractor. What many people do not realize is that a Richmond Hill chiropractor can do much more than just relieve pain.

A Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide you with ongoing chiropractic care that can not only correct spinal misalignment and relieve pain, but also prevent future injuries by increasing overall spinal mobility. When you are feeling pain-free and flexible, you are much more likely to participate in exercise that will strengthen your body and make it less susceptible to injury in the first place. Often, injuries to the back and other parts of the body occur because of muscle weakness due to lack of activity, or the wrong type of activity.

However, don’t wait for an injury to occur before you enjoy all of the benefits that chiropractic treatment can provide. It not only keeps the back feeling limber, but it also relieves tension and improves the function of all of the organs. Many people don’t know that visiting a chiropractor can actually relieve constipation, migraines and even arthritis. Ongoing chiropractic care can keep all of the body’s organs functioning properly, to keep you feeling healthy and vital and prevent disease. The best way to maintain optimal health through proper spinal care is to visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor on a regular basis. Your body will thank you!

Cervical disc herniation typically occurs as we age. Over time discs can lose elasticity and ligaments around the discs can get frail. Damaged discs can rupture or bulge and cause what is known as a slipped or herniated disc. The vast majority of herniated discs occur in the lumbar or the cervical area of the spine.

So where exactly are discs located? Discs act as shock absorbers and are comprised of strong connective tissue located between vertebrae. The cervical spine is located in the neck area and consists of seven vertebrae in total located between the skull and the chest area. Also in the cervical spine are two facet joints that assist in the bending and rotating of the neck and upper back.

A Closer Look At The Discs

A disc is comprised of the "annulus fibrosus," a tough outer layer and the "nucleus pulposus," an almost gel-like centre. Here's where age can affect the discs; the centre of a disc can begin to lose water content which results in the loss of the cushiony effect. As a disc deteriorates, tearing can occur in the outer layer. Displacement of the disc's centre can therefore occur therefore becoming a herniated or ruptured disc. A herniated disc can create pressure on the nerves resulting in tingling, numbness pain or weakness in the arms or shoulders. The first telltale sign that this has happened is usually neck pain.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Cervical radiculopathy basically means the pinching or inflammation of a cervical nerve. So this is cervical disc herniation. It can also be cervical spondylosis which means there are degenerative changes including: the contour of the disc bulging; narrowing of the disc space and; spurs that are the result of the calcification of the disc.

Diagnosis

A medical professional will conduct a thorough examination to determine the exact location of the pain as well as an examination of the neck and complete assessment to determine if there is a loss of sensation or reflex changes

The family physician can also provide a cervical disc herniation diagnosis by requisitioning an X-ray image, CT scan or an MRI. An X-ray will reveal narrowing of the disc space and bone spurs but it cannot show a disc herniation or nerves in the spine. The MRI and CT scans can provide a better picture of all the spinal elements and will usually determine if there is a cervical disc herniation.

Nonsurgical Treatment For Cervical Disc Herniation

Many patients will discover that there is a significant improvement with nonsurgical treatment. A qualified health professional can prescribe nonsurgical treatments including rest, a neck collar, heat treatment, cold packs, physical therapy, hands on therapy, as well as specific exercises. The main objective of nonsurgical treatment is to reduce the irritation of the nerve from the herniated disc material so that pain is relieved. So long as there is a specialized care program designed for your exact needs, and you adhere to the health professional's advice, pain management or elimination can be achieved.

Chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment options are very effective and for most patients. Treatment may involve several visits but the results are worth it.

Spinal decompression therapy is another effective method to manage and/or eliminate pain. It's crucial that patients follow the treatment plan as explained by their health professional in order to maximize the end result which is elimination of pain and increased quality of life.

The good news is that very few people suffering with a cervical disc herniation requires surgery. Most individuals are satisfied with the outcome of nonsurgical treatment.

The thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a condition that involves the chest, neck and shoulder in which there is compression that affects nerves and vascular supply. The thoracic outlet is the area located between the collar bone and the rib cage. Pain is the result as well as tingling and numbness of the fingers.

There are generally three types of TOS. Vascular thoracic outlet syndrome is when there is compression of one or more veins or arteries under the collar bone.

Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome is characterized by the compression of the network of nerves that originate from the spinal cord and control muscle movements. This creates a negative sensation in the shoulder, arm and hand. Most thoracic outlet syndrome cases are neurogenic.

Common thoracic outlet syndrome is chronic pain in the thoracic outlet that worsens with activity. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic in the U.S., some doctors believe it does not exist, while others say it's common.

Causes Of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

The human body holds a vast network of blood vessels and nerves, many that come from the spine, and they pass through a narrow area near the collar bone and shoulder as they branch out into the arms. Sometimes as they pass through this area, there is not enough space. As a result, compression (pressure) on those blood vessels and/or nerves will produce symptoms in the hands and arms. Problems with the nerves are the root cause of all thoracic outlet syndrome cases.

This compression can be caused due to an abnormal tight band connecting the spinal vertebra to a rib or in rare cases, there is an extra cervical rib. Also, if an individual has been injured in that area or has overused the shoulder, they may experience TOS.

One other possible cause is that some people have weak (or droopy) shoulders or long necks and this creates extra pressure on the blood vessels and nerves.

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Symptoms & Diagnosis

As mentioned above, pain is felt in the thoracic area and there can be tingling and numbness of the fingers. Also, when lifting an item, the arm may look pale due to intense pressure on the blood vessels.

A health professional must perform a physical examination and often ask about the patient’s history. Some tests that may be required include an MRI, CT angiogram, and x-ray, EMG (electromyography) or a nerve conduction velocity study. While conducting these tests, there is often a check to ensure there are no other presenting problems such as damaged nerves in the neck or carpal tunnel syndrome.

THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME TREATMENT

TOS affects the nerves and the first line of treatment is physical therapy – always. Physical therapy is required to strengthen should muscles, improve range of motion, and it promotes better posture. In more severe cases, pain medication may be discussed with the patient. Depending on the health professional, some will give their patient blood thinners to help reduce any swelling that may be present.

Only in very severe cases will surgery be considered. Surgery is invasive and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre strongly feels that this must always be a last resort option.

If you feel are experiencing any TOS symptoms, 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. The health professionals at Chiro-Med are available to help you with the least invasive methods possible. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.