Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Many people may be well on their way to suffering with upper cross syndrome and are totally unaware that they can prevent this health issue by improving their posture. Upper cross syndrome is the weakening and lengthening of the neck (rear) muscles and the posterior upper back. Often there is a simultaneous tightening and shortening of the neck (throat area) and anterior pectoral muscles.

Bad posture is the source of many back pains, and in addition, poor digestion. If the body is slumped over, food cannot make its way through the digestion track the way it is intended.

Causes Of Upper Cross Syndrome

Unhealthy posture is the most common cause of upper cross syndrome. Although it is common among the elderly, it is increasingly becoming a problem with all ages because people are slumping at their desks and do not realize they are sitting wrong. Even occupations that require standing for any length of time can cause an individual to not be aware therefore they slouch. Women who have a very large chest size often find themselves humped over due to the excess weight.

Those with chronic bad posture generally have rounded shoulders, their head is somewhat in front of their body and there is an apparent curve in the upper back and neck.

How To Avoid Upper Cross Syndrome

Maintaining correct posture is essential to overall good health and for those who are susceptible; a conscious effort must be made to keep the back straight. Individuals who are at a computer all day tend to sit slouching forward with their head leaning toward the monitor.

Avoiding upper cross syndrome is easy so long as you are always aware of your posture. To help maintain good posture while sitting at a desk for many hours, make sure the monitor is at eye level and the keyboard should not be too far in front of the body. Shoulders need to be kept back (chest out) and it is recommended that both feet be flat on the floor with a 90 degree bend at the knees.

Choosing the right chair is important, one that facilitates good posture. Many health experts in Switzerland back in the 1980’s recommended that their patients use stability balls as their office chair. Stability balls ensure the user has good posture and core muscles get a workout at the same time.

If you are in a job situation in which you have to stand all day, try to find something to keep one leg elevated, and switch legs frequently.

Prevention Of Metatarsalgia

Preventing metatarsalgia is easy so long as you are aware of the causes. Anyone who engages in running, jumping, or aerobic exercises must have proper footwear. Everyday proper footwear is essential in order to keep your feet in good shape. salgia if they are physically active and participate in activities that involve running and or jumping.

Suggested Therapies

Stretching is important. Getting into a good routine of regular stretching throughout the day will not only help prevent, it can help correct upper cross syndrome. The pectoral and anterior shoulder muscles must be stretched often. The importance of stretching can never be stressed enough, but if you suffer from upper cross syndrome, be sure you follow your health professional’s advice.

Exercises are also recommended to help alleviate the pain and discomfort from upper cross syndrome. Many of these are simple, and taking a few moments out of the day to do these will help. As with stretching, be sure to follow the treatment plan your health professional designs specifically for you.

In more serious cases, chiropractic care may be required.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you get a plan together and will help you implement it. If chiropractic services are required, rest assured, the professionals at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre will put you at ease.

Our walk-in clinic is conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for your free consultation.

Acupuncture is recognized as an effective form of alternative treatment for numerous health problems, but many people wonder if they will benefit from acupuncture treatments if they are not sick or in pain.  The fact is that acupuncture can help anyone, even people who do not feel sick.  Richmond Hill acupuncture is performed by highly trained acupuncture specialists who insert tiny needles into the skin at specific points throughout the body.  Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing ability and improves the function of all bodily systems.

Richmond Hill acupuncture specialists are trained in this ancient art, and they can administer acupuncture treatments to combat a multitude of health problems.  Acupuncture is commonly used for various types of pain, including arthritis, headaches and various neurological disorders.  It is also often used for the control of cravings and addictions, and has successfully helped countless people lose weight or quit smoking.  Acupuncture is also an effective treatment for many other ailments including asthma, digestive disorders, nerve damage and reproductive problems.

According to Chinese medicine, the body has numerous energy channels called meridians that run in patterns throughout the body.  Ideally, the energy is supposed to flow unchecked through the channels, but they often become blocked, resulting in a dysfunction in that particular area of the body.  Inserting needles into precise points releases energy blockages and allows the energy to flow freely once again.  Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can correct imbalances and restore proper function in all of the body’s systems.

According to modern science, inserting needles into acupuncture points triggers the release of various chemicals in the spinal cord, muscles and brain, influencing the body’s biochemical balance and regulating the function of bodily systems.  No matter which way it is explained, overwhelming evidence proves that acupuncture works, and it can help anyone.

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

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

What Is Achilles Tendonitis?

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

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

Achilles Tendonitis

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

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

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

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

Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

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

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

Treatment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chiropractic manipulation is sometimes also referred to as chiropractic adjustment. This is a specialized procedure that applies manipulation to the vertebrae that have abnormal movement patterns or are not functioning as it should.
The College of Chiropractors of Ontario (CCO) assists members of the CCO in maintaining standards of care that must be adhered to before a chiropractor performs a chiropractic manipulation.

The College ensures that any chiropractor who wants to perform a manipulation (or adjustment) must be thoroughly trained and have practice in order to provide this health care service with competence and skill. Here is a brief overview of what this specialized training includes:

• Learning the principles of chiropractic manipulation, biomechanics, radiology, neuro-physiology and applied anatomy
• Patient examination and diagnosis
• Various treatment techniques

The CCO states, “Chiropractic adjustment or manipulation is an authorized Act requiring a high degree of skill.” The College has outlined specific elements to maintain a high level of skill among their members. This includes:

• Knowing indications and contraindications to application of a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation.
• Patient's health, proper assessment of the patient, the treatment goal and prognosis.
• Ongoing education in order to be current with knowledge and skills to enable safe and effective treatment.

Chiropractic manipulation is a procedure that must be thoroughly discussed with a patient; and the patient must provide written consent.

The Cracking Sound

When a patient receives chiropractic manipulation as part of their treatment he or she can expect to hear the cracking sounds. Many people think the sound is intriguing, others find it odd.

Between each joint in the spine there is fluid. When cavitation occurs the patient hears cracking sounds. This is gas being released from the fluid. This is the same sound that can be heard when opening a can of pop or popping the cork off a bottle of champagne. The same thing is happening to the pop or the champagne - gas is being released from within the fluid.

Not all chiropractic manipulations create this sound, so judging the effectiveness of this treatment cannot be based on sound. The goal is to restore mobility to the restricted joint, thereby alleviating pain and muscle tightness, allowing the underlying tissues and nervous system to heal.

For those who receive this treatment in the neck area, the cracking sound will seem much louder as it is because it is closer to the ears.

Health Benefits Of Chiropractic Manipulation

Chiropractic manipulation improves the nutrient supply throughout the body. Cartilage and other structures have no blood supply and manipulation reduces pressure on the nerves.

The nervous system is the control centre of the human body. Nerves and nerve bundles are soft tissue and when under physical pressure they do not function well. It has been shown that a bulging disc, inflammation, or a fragment of disc floating around can negatively interfere with nerve conduction. Chiropractic manipulation can create relief of this pressure though gentle movement of the joint.

Joint Fixation

The joints in our body are meant to move without effort.  The friction of our joints is believed to be eight times more slippery than ice sliding on ice.  If an injury occurs, or as we age the surfaces of the joints tend to become rough which increases the friction and the effort needed to move them.  Some joints may become so damaged that they get to the point that they lose mobility. Joints need free movement to transport nutrients and fluids in and out of the area around the joints in order to stay healthy.  This does not happen in a fixated joint.  The lack of joint movement can cause degeneration of the joints and the discs leaving an individual in a lot of pain.

Members of The College of Chiropractors of Ontario are fully trained to perform chiropractic manipulations. Their skill and expertise have helped countless patients regain independence from pain.

Dr. Sanjari is the Clinic Director of Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. 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. For more information on chiropractic manipulations, or any other chiropractic concern, please call 905-918-0419.

Traditional Chinese medicine includes many therapies with perhaps acupuncture being the most commonly recognized. What is a lesser-known Traditional Chinese Therapy that is used for many health conditions is cupping.

What is Cupping?

Cupping is a special technique that uses small glass or bamboo cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin. A qualified practitioner creates the suction in different ways. One technique involves applying rubbing alcohol onto the bottom of the cup, then heating it up and immediately placing the open end of the cup against the skin.

Suction can also be created by placing an inverted cup over a small flame, or by using an alcohol-soaked cotton pad over an insulating material (like leather) to protect the skin, then lighting the pad and placing an empty cup over the flame to extinguish it.

Flames are never used near the skin and are not lit throughout the process of cupping, but rather are a means to create the heat that causes the suction within the small cups.

Once the suction is happening, the cups are gently glided across the skin. The suction in the cups pulls skin and the upper muscle layer to be lightly drawn into the cup. Cupping basically is the opposite of massaging; instead of pressure being placed downward into the body, cupping gently applies pressure upwards.

Many patients find this procedure particularly relaxing and it provides a ‘relief` sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left for about ten minutes while the patient relaxes.

Cupping shares similarities with the practice of Tui Na. Tui Na is a traditional Chinese massage technique that focuses on acupuncture points and areas in which pain is felt providing relief through pressure.

People choose this treatment for many ailments including: pain management, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. Cupping has been used by many athletes including Olympians Michael Phelps and Alex Naddour to help increase blood circulation.

History of Cupping

Cupping is generally a lesser-known treatment that is an integral part of Oriental Natural Medicine providing a pleasant feeling for the patient.

One of the earliest documentations (281 AD) of cupping was written by Taoist Ge Hong. He was not only a practising Taoist; Ge Hong was an alchemist and a medicinal herbalist. He was well-recognized in those times as an accomplished healer and was trusted by high officials in ancient China. Cups did not exist in those times to perform cupping so animal horns were used. Some medical tracts of that era refer to cupping as the horn technique of healing.

During the Tang Dynasty (617-907 AD), cupping was the main form of treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis. It was often used in conjunction with acupuncture and moxibustion.
Other ancient healers in Arabia and the Indian sub-continent also used cupping as a healing method but these practices were not recorded until much later.

Is Cupping Going to Help You?

First and foremost if you are unsure if cupping is for you and you have questions then call a qualified professional.

Most patients say they feel a tight sensation in the cup area but state that it is soothing. Depending on the practitioner’s assessment and your comfort level, the cups may be moved around or they may be left in one position. Every treatment is unique as no two patients are the same.

In addition to the benefits mentioned earlier, cupping can help to remove toxins and stimulate the flow of fresh blood to affected areas. Many patients claim that is helps with coughs, colds, flu, anxiety, allergies, and many more ailments.

If you are an individual who bleeds easy, has skin ulcers, or edema then this is not for you. It is highly advised that pregnant women do not have this treatment.

For more information on cupping feel free to call our office during regular business hours and one of our associates will be please to speak with you. 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. 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.

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

Lateral epicondylitis is a physical health condition more commonly referred to as tennis elbow. This painful condition has affected many people and it involves the tendons that attach to the bone on the outside part of the elbow. Tendons anchor muscles to bone. The muscle involved in this condition, the extensor carpi radialis brevis, is what is felt when tennis elbow strikes.

Degeneration of the tendon's attachment is what happens with lateral epicondylitis; the weakening places enormous stress on this area. Eventually this leads to pain when involved with activities in which this muscle is used such as lifting, gripping, and grasping. Tennis is usually associated with this condition but the problem can occur when participating in many different types of athletic or non-athletic activities. The good news is that the qualified professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help.

Causes Of Lateral Epicondylitis

There are numerous causes of lateral epicondylitis that are work and leisure-related. Any activity that places enormous or repetitive stress on the tendon attachments causes tennis elbow. These stresses can come from holding too large a grip or from repetitive gripping activities. This can include painting, meat cutting, window washing with a squeegee and much more.

Another cause can be when the area receives a direct blow that results in the swelling of the tendon and this can lead to degeneration. A sudden and extreme action, activity or force can also injure the tendon.

Although this condition affects many people between 30 and 50 years of age, it can occur in any age group.

Symptoms Of Lateral Epicondylitis

Pain is usually the primary reason that patients seek out medical evaluation. The pain is located over the outside area of the elbow, over the bone area which is known as the lateral epicondyle. When you have tennis elbow, this area becomes tender to touch. Pain also occurs by any activity which places stress on the tendon, such as gripping or lifting. With activity, tennis elbow pain generally starts at the elbow and can travel down the forearm to the hand. Depending on the severity, any motion of the elbow can become painful.

Treatment Of Lateral Epicondylitis

The good news is that there are non-surgical treatment options. The most common form of treatment is simply limiting or eliminating aggravating activity. Total rest in some cases is not recommended. Modifying how you grip items can also help.

A brace may be required to reduce the tension on the tendon in order to allow it time to heal properly.

Physical therapy plays a large role in the treatment of tennis elbow. A physiotherapist can provide stretching and strengthening exercises to help treat this condition. Also, modalities such as ultrasound, laser or cryotherapy treatment can be used. In some cases anti-inflammatories may be required.

Only in severe cases is surgery considered. The pain must be incapacitating and the patient has not been able to respond well to conservative care. Surgery should never be an option unless severe pain has been ongoing for many weeks.

Like so many other health conditions, it is very important to diagnose lateral epicondylitis as soon as possible. The sooner tennis elbow is treated, the faster the patient can resume their daily activities.

Chiro-Med Medical Centre has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from lateral epicondylitis. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running as quick as possible! No two patients are identical and neither is treatment. We ensure that you get a treatment plan tailor-made for your abilities. Chiro-Med Medical Centre in Richmond Hill looks forward to helping you resume activities you enjoy!

Acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years by Chinese healers, but today it is being used throughout the world for many more purposes than the ancient Chinese ever imagined.  Today, acupuncture is commonly used for the relief of pain and illness, but has also become a common treatment for all types of addictions.  A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can treat you for any type of addiction, whether it is alcoholism, smoking or even heroin addiction.  Overeating is sometimes considered to be a type of addiction that results in obesity, and acupuncture can successfully treat this problem too.

Addictions respond remarkably well to acupuncture treatments, although you should keep in mind that it will usually take more than one treatment to produce results.  The number of treatments you need and the frequency of treatments can vary depending on the type of addiction you are battling.  For chronic substance abuse, a schedule of ongoing treatment is usually recommended.  In the beginning, it is usually necessary to have acupuncture treatments on a daily basis until the withdrawal period is over.  A Richmond Hill acupuncture professional can assess your condition and determine how many treatments will be needed.

One particular type of acupuncture that is particularly effective in treating addictions is auricular, or ear acupuncture.  With this type of acupuncture, tiny needles are inserted into various points in the ears, particularly in the lobes, to target the meridians that influence cravings.  Auricular acupuncture is usually used in conjunction with body acupuncture to ease stress and control cravings.

When used as part of a substance abuse rehabilitation program, acupuncture can be a very effective tool.  People with severe addictions are advised not to undergo withdrawal without some assistance and counseling from an addiction specialist.  Whether you are battling a substance abuse problem or simply quitting smoking, Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can help free you from your addictions once and for all!