Hip health is something most people never give a thought to until trouble starts. This is a computer-driven world in which far too many of us are spending an inordinate amount of time on a daily basis just sitting. We sit in our cars, sit at work or school, sit watching programs on television or the computer, and we generally sit when socializing.

According to Harvard Health, spending too many hours sitting is hazardous to our health. Apart from the possibility of it being detrimental to our hip health, habitual inactivity increases risks for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and deep-vein thrombosis. Even the National Health Services in the UK claim that there are studies linking excessive sitting with type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, and early death.

Hip Flexor Strain

There is a major muscle group located in the front of the hip that helps us to flex or bend our hips; these are known as the hip flexors. These muscles allow the movement of bringing the thighs toward the chest. The main muscles groups are the tensor fascia latae, quadriceps, psoas major, and the psoas minor. These muscles are essential for powerful leg movements and strength for everyday movement. They are intricately attached to the lower spine, the pelvis, the hips and even the rib cage. So, if there is any hip flexor strain it can cause problems throughout the body.

Hip Flexor Strain and Sitting

The human body tends to adapt to the positions in which we put them in the most. It is suspected that many, if not most people spend twelve hours a day in a sitting position; and this places the hip flexors in a position that is not ideal. While sitting, the hip flexors are in a "shortened position". Basically, this means, in the sitting position, the muscles are pulled in together for most of the day. With too many hours spent sitting, these muscles will start to adapt to that position. Over time, this leaves a person feeling stiff and sometimes sore when standing up. Even if it is not apparent that one of the reasons for stiffness after sitting is the hips, these muscles are certainly playing a significant role. Stiff muscles can easily lead to strained muscles. A strain due to overstretch will be more common for “chronic” sitters since the hips will be stiff and resistant to stretch.

Sit enough and tightness will become the norm for the hip flexors, which could end up in a hip flexor strain. When these muscles are strained it can easily affect the whole body due to their role in core control and balance. Basic activities including walking, getting up and down from chairs, in and out of the car, and even the way you sleep will be affected. When these muscles are strained the two biggest complaints tend to be muscle cramping in the hip flexor muscles themselves and low back pain.

Hip Flexor Strain

Whether the hip flexors are strained or just stiff, they have the tendency to hold the pelvis in a forward position. This causes the back to arch and the entire pelvis to tilt forward. Once this occurs then it may feel as though you are stuck in this position. Once this position becomes the norm, it may feel like you get a charlie horse in the front of your hips even with simple movements due to the position you are "stuck" in. Any movements that specifically involve these muscles may become quite painful.

Solutions

Given the amount of available research, breaking up long blocks of sitting to flex these muscles is very important. Building more activity into every day is critical no matter at home or at the office.

• If need be, set a timer to remind yourself to get up and move around every so often (every thirty minutes is optimum).
• Take phone calls standing up.
• Get an adjustable standing desk for your computer.
• At home, do not sit in a chair or on the sofa while watching television, sit on a stability ball, which makes you use muscles to stay upright.
• If it is possible, get a treadmill and watch your favourite shows as you walk.
• Make sure you have a good exercise routine to promote tissue extensibility throughout the body to prevent strain in the hips and throughout the body.

Movement Suggestions

These are some easy stretches you can do throughout the day regardless of whether you are at work or home. Repeat them as often as you feel comfortable. The more often you are able to do these, the better the results.

Standing next to a wall for support, stand on one leg and swing the other leg forwards and backwards to obtain as much range of motion as you can (do this 12 times). Then move your leg up to the side and across in front of your other leg 12 times. This will be more difficult and the range will be much smaller. Repeat for the other leg. If doing this 12 times to too stressful, start doing these 5 or 6 times – whatever you can manage – then work up to 12 times.

Sitting at your chair, lift one leg up and put it over the other leg so your ankle rests on top of the knee of the opposite leg. Then simply bend forward at the waist until you feel a strong pull through the glut muscles. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat for the other leg. You will notice one leg stiffer than the other. This is likely an indication of a structural shift in your body that has developed over years.

Next, stand up facing your chair about 3 feet away from it. Step up onto the chair with one leg and do a deep lunge forward until you feel a deep pull in the back leg. Make sure you keep your back upright and your core muscles flexed and tight. Hold 10 seconds and repeat for the other leg.

If you are experiencing hip stiffness, discomfort or pain chiropractic and physiotherapy care 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.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is the newest concept to come along in the ongoing saga of weight loss solutions. Researchers have discovered that CLA may be the specific nutrient that is responsible for many health benefits including building lean muscle mass and elevating fat loss.

CLA was first known for anti-cancer effects yet researchers have continued studying this nutrient for other benefits. What they are discovering are multiple benefits including accelerated fat loss. There is no magic cure with CLA as it alone cannot do all the work in losing weight, a change of diet is always required when losing weight.

What Is Conjugated Linoleic Acid?

CLA is comprised of several isomers (chemically similar compounds) that are derived from linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid). It occurs naturally in dairy products and in the meat of animals that chew their cud while grazing in fields (i.e., sheep and cattle). It is thought to be a key element in regulating lipid metabolism as well as modulating immunity.

CLA And Weight Loss

There is consistency with what researchers worldwide are discovering; CLA does reduce body fat but to what degree depends on several factors. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition cites results from a 2010 study conducted at the University of Wisconsin. A control group of participants were given CLA for seven months and in that time frame there were significant reductions in body fat.

CLA is marketed as an effective way to reduce body fat. There are no long-term studies completed as of yet, however L.D. Whigham conducted a study in 2004 that was published in Food and Chemical Toxicology. He found that in a one year period, 6 grams of CLA daily showed no adverse side effects in the liver, lipids or throughout the body’s natural general chemistry.

Although the research results for fat loss vary, CLA supplementation appears to be safe and certainly has the potential to help those seeking to lose body fat.
In addition, CLA may protect muscle loss in the elderly. Age-related loss of muscle mass can take its toll on an individual and unless one works out regularly to keep muscles toned, there can be some trouble down the road that includes increased risk of falls and fractures.

Other CLA Benefits

CLA is not only proven to aid in the loss of body fat, it has other benefits that have surprised researchers.

There is a correlation between CLA and the prevention of the development of type II diabetes. Conjugated linoleic acid may improve the insulin sensitivity of fat cells. In addition, CLA may work with biotin and coenzyme Q10 in order to prevent diabetes.

Strangely enough, the potent cancer-fighting conjugated linoleic acid was first identified in the cooking process of some meats (especially beef) as being known for containing cancer-causing substances. Yet, researchers have worked with CLA and lab mice to discover that CLA can protect against tumours.

The type of meat you choose to eat is important. Meat from grass-grazing livestock has half the saturated fat as that from animals fed chemically-altered grains. Far too many livestock nowadays are not feeding where they should be and this results in serious changes of “what” you are eating. Like cattle, chickens that feed in a pasture on natural grains also have less cholesterol, saturated and total fat and more importantly, 100 percent more omega-3 fats as well as CLA.
Taking CLA supplements may not be for everyone. Getting advice from a qualified health professional is advisable before taking this supplement.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has a convenient location and qualified professionals to work with you to ensure you are on the right track to losing weight safely. Call 905-918-0419 for more information.

As the human body ages many change occur and this includes the spine. Spinal discs, facet joints, muscles, ligaments and other related tissues become weaker therefore less able to withstand normal stresses.

There is not a doubt that regular exercise throughout one's life is critical in order to help thwart off potential health issues.  This is something we all need to keep in mind as we age but for those who are reaching or in their mature years it is never too late to implement an exercise program. Seeking professional guidance on this is important.

Chiropractic procedures are always individualized taking in many factors and this includes the patient's age. For those who are in their mature years they too can benefit from regular chiropractic care that will provide them with many health benefits. Through the use of gentle mobilization and adjustive techniques, stretching, exercise, and if need be physical therapies, spinal stress is decreased which in turn minimizes degeneration. The patient also benefits from increased flexibility and mobility and this is really important for individuals in their mature years.

Studies Prove the Benefits of Chiropractic Care for the Mature.

The best study to refer to was actually done many years ago (in 1996) because the average age of over 400 individuals studied was 80. This study included chiropractic patients and those not under chiropractic care. Here are some of the findings:

• 87 percent of those in chiropractic care rated their health as good or excellent compared with only 68 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• 13 percent of those in chiropractic care rated their health as fair or poor compared with 32 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• 44 percent of those in chiropractic care reported having arthritis compared with 66 percent in the non-chiropractic group.
• Those in chiropractic care were more likely to do strenuous levels of exercise.
• At a 3 year follow-up, less than 5 percent of those who used chiropractic care required a nursing home while a whopping 48 percent of those who did not use chiropractic care needed a nursing home.
• At the 3 year follow-up, 26 percent of those who were in chiropractic care were hospitalized compared with 48 percent of those in the non-chiropractic group.

Coulter, PhD et al. Chiropractic and Care for the Elderly. Top Clin Chiro 1996;3(2):46-55.

Chiropractor care for even the elderly has a proven track record of benefits for the health and the overall enjoyment of mobility. At a glance, here are some benefits for those who have maintained good health:

• increased range of motion and mobility
• increased balance and coordination
• increased energy
• minimized risk of fall injuries
• minimized spinal stress
• minimized spinal degeneration
• increased joint health

For those who have had some health issues some benefits include:

• decreased stiffness and muscular spasms
• enhanced tissue healing
• decreased tissue inflammation
• decreased arthritis and arthritic joint pain

The best benefit that everyone gets from chiropractic care is balance and coordination. As all of us age our balance and coordination can increasingly be altered. Receptors in our upper cervical joints are mostly responsible for sending information to the brain about balance and coordination and it is these receptors that a large cause of balance and coordination issues in people.

Injuries from falling are very common in the elderly and it truly is one of the more detrimental events that can occur. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada:

“Falls account for more than half of all injuries among Canadians 65 years and over. One third of community-dwelling Canadian seniors experience one fall each year and half of those will fall more than once. The likelihood of dying from a fall-related injury increases with age; among seniors, 20% of deaths related to injury can be traced back to a falls.”

The statistics are rather bleak. Falls account for 34 percent of all injury-related hospital admissions and it is the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for seniors. There is great personal suffering and for many of these patients there is the loss of independence. The cost to the system is almost $2 billion every year and 40 percent of nursing home admissions are because of falls.

Chiropractic care can help avert these and other health issues. For more information or should you have any questions, please contact Chiro Med Rehab Centre. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professionals on staff that can help you maintain good health. 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.

Sources:

Seniors and Injury in Canada

Many of us have either experienced or know an individual who has restless leg syndrome (RLS). This is a condition in which the individual experiences an anxious feeling (sometimes subconsciously) and the urge to rapidly tap their foot or shake the leg occurs. Although this is not necessarily a painful condition it can impede an individual’s quality of life.

“Jimmy legs” is a term some people may be more familiar with when describing restless leg syndrome. This condition can range from mild to intolerable and if this is not treated then it can lead to sleep deprivation, stress and decreased alertness in the daytime. If left untreated, over a period of time RLS can become disabling.

Medical doctors tend to approach restless leg syndrome as it would insomnia as it disturbs sleep. Although prescription medication may enable sleeping, it does not address the cause of the anxiety. RLS is a disorder that is part of the nervous system that controls the movement of the leg muscles. Turning to chiropractic care means that the cause is determined and treated accordingly. The nerves that innervate the legs are the fattest and the longest in the body therefore making chiropractic care the only logical choice when seeking help.

Restless Leg Symptoms

RLS symptoms are brought on while an individual rests either sitting or lying down. The more comfortable the person becomes, the more likely the symptoms will occur. Oddly enough, the reverse is also true, when a person becomes uncomfortable RLS sets in.

Most patients report that there is often an uncomfortable sensation that occurs in the legs such as tingling, throbbing, itching, gnawing, burning and mild pain. These and other unpleasant sensations occur in the calves, thighs or feet and they generally occur while sitting or lying down. Some individuals state that there are no words to describe some of the sensations they feel.
It is common for a variety of these symptoms to fluctuate in severity and some individuals say that there are periods of times in which the symptoms disappear.

Although an RLS patient may describe a ‘cramping’ sensation it is important to determine that it is not a ‘real’ cramp which is a definite knotting of the muscle. However, restless leg syndrome can include severe local muscle pain.

Cause Of Restless Leg Syndrome

In most cases there are no specific causes for RLS. For some individuals, when RLS starts early in life, there is a heredity link.

Some women experience RLS during pregnancy, especially in the final trimester. Usually the symptoms disappear after giving birth.

Restless leg syndrome is not related to serious underlying medical conditions however it does accompany other medical conditions including peripheral neuropathy. This is when there is damage to the nerves in your feet and hands due to chronic diseases. Also, if a person has an iron deficiency RLS may occur (or worsen if RLS is already present). It is very important to never just start taking iron supplements until iron levels have been tested first.

RESTLESS LEG SYNDROME TREATMENT

Chiropractic treatment is a safe way to treat RLS. A chiropractor will extensively examine the patient which includes asking about medical history. A range of motion exercise test determines how well the skeletal system functions and the results are taken into consideration for treatment. In some cases an x-ray may be required to see if there are any skeletal injuries or impairments.

A spinal manipulation (or adjustment) may be done to help relieve stress that is on the joints and muscles in the leg.  Many patients find that after routine adjustments there is relief.

Other treatment options may include leg stretches, electro-micro current therapy and exercises that strengthen the pelvis, lumbo-sacral angle and the intervertebral discs. Treatment may also include the patient implementing a regular walking regimen to help.

For more information about treatment options to seek relief from restless leg syndrome, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. 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.

Myositis ossificans is an abnormal bone that forms within the muscle tissue. There are two types of myositis ossificans: myositis ossificans circumscripta is the result of a muscle injury and myositis ossificans progressiva is an inherited condition that causes the formation of bone in many tissues.

This is a condition that athletes often experience after sustaining a blunt injury resulting in deep tissue bleeding. A neglected bad muscle strain or contusion can result in myositis ossificans. When an impact causes damage to the sheath surrounding a muscle or a bone, then a bone growth develops (calcification) that can be quite painful. Bone growth begins two to four weeks after injury and within three to six months is a mature bone.

What Causes Myositis Ossificans?

Sometimes when an injury occurs an individual may self-assess and choose not to follow injury protocol which starts with ‘R.I.C.E.’ immediately after injury (rest, ice, compression and elevate). However, if intensive physiotherapy or massage occurs too soon after injury then this too can result in myositis ossificans. In addition, if an athlete returns to training too soon after injury, this may also result in this condition.

Myositis Ossificans Symptoms

Symptoms of myositis ossificans often varies from person-to-person. Common symptoms include swelling, pain, discomfort, swelling, and a lump within the muscle tissue.

Myositis ossificans progressiva symptoms include digits (fingers and toes) that have changed shape, painful lumps around the joints, a spine with an abnormal curve, as well as a decrease in the range of motion in the shoulders and hips.

Diagnosis And Treatment Options

An examination from a physiotherapist or chiropractor can indicate if myositis ossificans is present. Usually at about three weeks post injury an X-ray can confirm diagnosis. Other diagnosis methods include an MRI scan or an ultrasound.

Once myositis ossificans is established, there are very few options that can be explored to accelerate the restorative process. Treatment will generally focus on rest from activities that can cause agitation and a physiotherapist or chiropractor can provide a gentle pain-free range of movement exercises.

Prevention

In the event of an injury, a person must diligently follow R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression and elevate) in the initial phase of injury (preferably immediately but within the first 24 hours). By following the RICE regime, this greatly reduces the likelihood of the development of myositis ossificans. Far too many people think they’ll be okay and do not follow R.I.C.E.; it is better to be safe than sorry.

What is also very important is to rest from activities, regular icing, and if possible, use a compression bandage. Taking preventative measures at the time of and shortly after an injury will save a lot of time down the road should myositis ossificans develop.

If you suspect you may have myositis ossificans then help is a phone call away. For more information about treatment options to seek relief from myositis ossificans, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help. 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.

Fibre is something that most people realize they need a lot of, but the science behind fibre is not that commonly known. Also known as bulk or roughage, fibre is the indigestible part of plant foods that travels through our digestive system, absorbing water along the way and easing bowel movements.

Without a doubt, fibre is essential for our digestive health and regular bowel movements. Fibre also helps us to feel fuller, longer; it can improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels and can assist in preventing some diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and bowel cancer.

Soluble and Insoluble Fibre

You may have heard of the terms soluble fibre or insoluble fibre. These are words that are sometimes used to describe the types of fibre in our diet. Although food scientists argue that these terms are no longer really appropriate, these terms are being used. Technically, soluble fibre includes pectins and beta glucan and insoluble fibre includes cellulose. What's important to remember is that fibre-rich foods typically contain both types of fibre.

Beta-Glucan

One type of fibre that has received well-deserved attention lately is beta-glucan, a glucose polymer found in the cell walls of many cereals (e.g., oats, barley), certain types of mushrooms, yeasts, seaweed, and algae. Among these sources, barley typically has the highest beta-glucan content and oats the second highest.

Beta-glucan have been the subject of intensifying research because they have been found to have beneficial roles in lowering insulin resistance and blood cholesterol, reducing the risk of obesity, and boosting the immune system to help thwart off many diseases including cancer.

According to an article in Today's Dietician (online version), some studies suggest that a boost in immunity occurs from consuming oat beta-glucan; however, most of the beta-glucan research on immunity has been done on mushroom extracts, not oats or barley.

Beta Glucan in Mushrooms

Medicinal mushrooms, especially Coriolus versicolor (also known as Trametes versicolor or “turkey tails”), have commonly been used worldwide for centuries. In the 1980s, the Japanese government approved the use of protein-bound polysaccharide (PSK), a beta-glucan compound found in not just Coriolus versicolor, but many wild and cultivated mushrooms for treating several types of cancers and for widespread use in cancer immunotherapy. Instead of directly killing cancer cells, these mushroom beta-glucan are thought to stimulate immune responses that damage cancer cells. However, because PSK is bound to a protein, pure beta-glucan that have been separated and purified may act differently than beta-glucan from food.

Many mushrooms, including the common store-bought button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), contain beta glucan. However, the percentage in cultivated mushrooms is small compared to wild mushrooms. Some wild mushrooms include:

• Reishi (Ganaderma lucidum)
• Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
• Cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis)
• Turkey Tail (Trametes versicolor)
• Chicken of the Woods (Laetiporus sulphurous)
• Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
• Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus)
• Porcini (Boletus edulis)

Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Allergies and Rheumatoid Arthritis

In stimulating the immune system beta glucan are highly unique, because other agents that stimulate the immune system can push the system to over-stimulation, which means that they can make matters worse in the case of auto-immune illnesses such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and allergies. Beta-glucan, however, do stimulate the immune system, but never to the point where it becomes overactive.

MRSA

Commonly called the superbug, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), is a bacterium that can cause serious infections. It is resistant to most antibiotics making it very difficult to treat.

Beta glucan can help to defend individuals against bacterial infections picked up in hospital, particularly nosocomial infections, E. coli and S. aureus bacteria.

Glucan, Glucans, or β-Glucans?

When researching beta-glucan there are three different terms used to describe beta-glucan. Which is correct? According to Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, the President of the International Society for Glucan Research, glucan, glucans, or β-Glucans is pretty much all the same.

Research

At the time of writing this article (November 2019), the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City was studying vaccine therapy with beta-glucan in hopes that it may be an effective treatment for high-risk neuroblastoma in children.

Betaglucan.org is a website that focuses on the study of beta-glucan in baker's yeast.

Dr. Vaclav Vetvicka, Ph.D., Professor of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the University of Louisville, specializes in studying the effects of beta glucan as natural immunomodulator. His website is glucan.us.

How Much Beta-Glucan Do We Need?

According to Health Canada's website, it is recommended that we get 2 to 10 grams of beta-glucan every day. Health Canada says that beta-glucan:

• Helps reduce/lower (LDL) cholesterol (which is one risk factor for the development of coronary heart disease)
• Provides support for healthy (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Helps improve (postprandial) glucose metabolism (within two hours after a meal).
• Source of fiber for the maintenance of good health.
• Helps support and maintain a healthy digestive system.

If you want to integrate beta-glucan into your diet and need assistance determining how much you need, or, if you have any health ailment in which you think beta-glucan may help, we have qualified health professionals who can help you.

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.

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

Different Types of Migraines

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

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

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

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

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

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

Massage Can Help

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Resource:

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

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.