Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Adhesive capsulitis or more commonly referred to as frozen shoulder, is when a person loses the ability to move a shoulder around in all directions without pain. The term frozen shoulder best describes this problem because the shoulder becomes stiff and it may not be able to move at all.

Before getting any further ahead, let's briefly discuss how you should be able to move your shoulders in all directions without any discomfort. Testing your shoulder movement is as simple as:

• With both arms, reach up toward the sky.
• Hold your arms straight out in front of you.
• Raise your arms to the sides of your body so that they are level with your shoulder.
• Pretend that you are pulling something out of your back pocket.
• Pretend you are trying to unzip the back of your dress.

All these motions should not cause you pain or discomfort. If they do, then Chiro-Med Rehab Centre urges you to see your health professional.

Causes Of Frozen Shoulder

Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) develops when the connective tissue in your shoulder joint tightens and restricts your joint's movement. Often, this occurs after a time when you have been less active because of another injury, such as a rotator cuff injury, a broken arm or recovering from a surgery.

Another explanation of what causes adhesive capsulitis is that the joint capsule of the shoulder joint has ligaments that keep the shoulder bones together. When inflamed, the capsule impedes in the shoulder bones ability to move freely.

There are even times in which there are no causes, it just happens.
There are risk factors though and they include:

• Hyperthyroidism
• Open heart surgery
• Shoulder surgery
• Diabetes
• Cervical disk disease of the neck

People over the age of 40 are at higher risk for adhesive capsulitis, especially women.

Symptoms Of Frozen Shoulder

The most obvious symptom of adhesive capsulitis is a decreased motion in the shoulder area. Pain and stiffness are also possible indicators that frozen shoulder has set in. Pain prevents you from moving your arm and the lack of movement leads to stiffness. Before long, you become unable to perform activities such as reaching over your head or behind you.

Does The Shoulder Really Freeze?

No, sometimes frozen shoulder can cause the shoulder to just stop moving. This generally occurs if you don't use your shoulder enough or if you use it the wrong way; the shoulder develops scar tissue that stops it from easily moving around.

Diagnosing Frozen Shoulder

A physical examination of the shoulder is the first step to diagnose frozen shoulder. A health professional can check for the range of motion and condition of the shoulder. If the health professional is not certain, then he or she may order blood and urine tests to clarify the situation.

In the event of an injury, an x-ray of the shoulder joint can help and an MRI scan may be required to evaluate the severity of adhesive capsulitis.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill is a trusted health care provider and has assisted people for years in obtaining a proper diagnosis of adhesive capsulitis.

Frozen Shoulder Treatment

Diligent physical therapy is important and treatment can include ultrasound, ice packs, electric stimulation, range-of-motion exercise maneuvers, and when the patient is ready, strengthening exercises. Physical therapy can take several weeks to months for full recovery. This depends on the severity of the scarring of the tissues around the shoulder.

It is very important for people with a frozen shoulder to avoid reinjuring the shoulder tissues during the rehabilitation period. These individuals should avoid sudden, jerking motions or heavy lifting with the affected shoulder.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you get on the road to recovery. Our physiotherapists have exercise and rehabilitation therapies that are designed to help each individual; and every treatment plan is tailor-made. There's no need to suffer any longer, give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill a call today.

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

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

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

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

Benefits Of Swimming

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ancient art of acupuncture is one of the most widely acclaimed forms of alternative medicine available today.  The mainstream medical community has acknowledged the effectiveness of this ancient Oriental healing method on a myriad of complaints, from weight loss to chronic pain caused by illness or injuries.  It may seem hard to believe that inserting tiny needles into the skin can actually alleviate pain, but millions of satisfied acupuncture patients will assure you that it works.

For thousands of years, Asian doctors have used acupuncture on their patients, and the medical evidence supporting its effectiveness is overwhelming.  Richmond Hill acupuncture treatments can be used to cure headaches, stimulate weight loss, and even help people quit smoking.  Acupuncture can be successful in the treatment of digestive problems, including constipation, loss of appetite or excessive food cravings.  It can also be used to treat allergies, and in some cases, cure them.  Some mood disorders such as anxiety and depression respond well to acupuncture treatments, which can work in conjunction with antidepressant medications or even help eliminate the need for medications altogether.  If you are taking such medications, you should always consult your doctor before stopping the medication, and it may be helpful to tell the doctor that you are having acupuncture treatments so that he or she can monitor your progress and assess your needs for medication.

A Richmond Hill acupuncture specialist can tell you exactly what health problems can be addressed with acupuncture, and you may be surprised to learn that acupuncture treatments can help you in ways you never before imagined possible.  Not only can acupuncture help cure existing ailments, but it can also help prevent the onset of potentially deadly disease.  Regular acupuncture treatments can leave you feeling healthy and vital in many ways, and can even help you to live a longer life.

Individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome can experience anything from tingling, to burning, or numbness in the hand and fingers, especially in the area of the thumb and first two fingers.  This is caused by the nerves getting pinched.  In some cases, strength and mobility in the affected hand can be significantly reduced as well.

If left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can become a chronic condition that makes it difficult for those who need to use the affected hand; they will experience significant pain levels.  Also, if left untreated, medical conditions can occur such as bone fractures and arthritis of the wrist.

Some U.S. studies state that this ‘tennis elbow of the wrist’ is the cause for the highest number of work days lost.

Graston Technique® Treatment

There are many different treatment options available to those who have carpal tunnel syndrome however, there are a growing number of individuals who seek a natural therapy. Graston Technique® treatment has rapidly become the treatment of choice for health care practitioners and for patients.

Graston Technique^® treatment is a modification of the more traditional hands-on approach. This treatment uses specially-designed instruments that are hand held by the health care therapist. The therapist uses a specific instrument to a targeted area to introduce a controlled amount of microtrauma so that injured tissue (or in other injuries scar tissue) can experience a small amount of inflammation and this augments the healing process. Not only is this beneficial for the patient, the use of these instruments means that the therapist’s hands does not experience the level stress that he or she would without using Graston Technique^® instruments.

Graston Technique® Benefits Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

The Graston Technique^® has proven to help in the healing of patients with many cumulative trauma disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome. Some health professionals offer therapies such as physiotherapy and splinting, and in some cases this is effective. When a health professional uses The Graston Technique^® in combination with suggested exercises for the injured hand then recovery time is generally accelerated. When this technique is used the fully-trained therapist is able to penetrate the area deeper than a hand therefore providing better results in less time. Many carpal tunnel syndrome patients agree that this method of treatment works well and in many cases has saved carpal tunnel syndrome sufferers from having surgery.

If you suffer with carpal tunnel syndrome do not rule out this type of rehabilitation therapy. This may be just what you need to avert surgery. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can work with you to determine what your best options are. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a convenient location and highly qualified health professionals to help you get on the road to recovery. Visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 for more information on the Graston Technique^®.

If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from stress, muscle stiffness and back pain, you may prefer to use a drug-free approach to treatment. No matter what ailments you may have, you can find a variety of alternative forms of therapy in Richmond Hill. Therapies most commonly used to relieve pain and stress, include chiropractic treatment, massage therapy and acupuncture.

Chiropractic treatment is commonly used for the treatment of back pain, but it can benefit many other parts of the body as well. This is because the spine is linked to all other parts of the body, so adjustment of the spine also helps to adjust other areas as well. Many people find relief from headaches, mood disorders and digestive difficulties by visiting a Richmond Hill chiropractor.

Massage therapy is an ancient art of relaxation that has been practiced in many cultures for thousands of years. Massage is said to balance the mind, body and soul, and enable the body to heal itself both inside and out. Richmond Hill massage therapy improves circulation, releases toxins from the tissues and triggers the release of endorphins that relieve pain and give you an overall sense of well being.

Practiced in the Orient for thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest forms of medicine. In acupuncture treatments, tiny needles are inserted into the skin at key points to relieve pain and promote healing. At Richmond Hill, acupuncture can be used to relieve a multitude of health problems, including chronic pain, disease, obesity and addictions such as smoking.

Most people find therapies such as Richmond Hill massage therapy, chiropractic care and acupuncture much less invasive and unpleasant than conventional medical procedures. In many cases, alternative therapies such as these are a viable alternative to drugs, surgery and other forms of medical intervention.

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.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), throughout the 2010-2011 winter season there were 1,114 hockey-related hospitalizations. Perhaps not so surprising, is that half of these hockey injuries happened to boys between the ages of ten and nineteen. These are injuries that required hospitalization; there are no known reliable statistics for all hockey-related injuries but they are suspected to be at least doubled. Sadly, these statistics have not improved much at all over the past five years.

There are several factors that can be attributed to the high numbers of (recorded) injuries. Age, level of fitness, level of competition, and the condition of protective equipment all contribute to risk factors. When any of these are not as they should be then injuries such as sprains, strains and other muscle-related injuries tend to occur in the shoulder, knees and neck. Head injuries occur when helmets do not meet standards (including proper fit). Head and neck injuries also occur as well as dislocated shoulders, fractured collar bones, and sprained medial collateral ligaments.

Hockey is a fast and physical sport and the risk of injury is always present. There are ways to avoid common hockey injuries.

Tips To Avoiding Common Hockey Injuries

If purchasing second hand hockey equipment it is imperative to ensure it still meets safety standards and every piece of equipment fits properly. All equipment must meet CSA approval (Canadian Standards Association) in order to have a proper fit.

Head protection that fits is a must. The best way to test this is that when the helmet is on, one finger should be able to fit between the chin and the chinstrap. Should that helmet ever sustain damage or encounter a sever hit then replacing it is a must. Also, replacing helmets every three years is recommended by the industry.

Mouth protection is really important to not only protect the teeth but these also help in preventing concussions. Staying active is important to help avoid a hockey injury. Keeping flexible, maintaining strength and endurance will minimize the chance of injury when a fall occurs (or being rammed into the boards).

Lastly, warming up will help to prevent muscle strains and keeping the body limber which helps in reducing the risk of injury.

Dealing With Hockey Injuries

Depending on what the specific injury is, the type of care the patient will require will be chiropractic, physiotherapy, or a combination of the both. (The exception to this is if the injury is severe and hospitalization is required. Even then, often after a hospital visit, chiropractic or physiotherapy is required to regain a pre-injury state.)

Some of the more common hockey injuries include:

• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Back Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
• Bulging Disc
• Calf Muscle Tears
• Facet Joint Syndrome
• Iliotibial Band Friction Syndrome
• Metatarsalgia
• Muscle Pain: Strains or Tears
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Rotator Cuff Injuries
• Tennis Elbow

Chiropractic care helps to heal the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system. Also, chiropractic care treats neuromusculoskeletal issues that include headaches, pain in the neck, back or in the joints. This is an effective type of health care that is hands-on and drug-free. It also includes examinations, diagnosis and comprehensive treatment.

Physiotherapy is a form of health care that helps people restore, maintain, and maximize their function, strength and movement. This is achieved by the therapist assessing the injury, diagnosing, and treating the injury. This type of health care involves a wide variety of stretching methods.

Once an individual has resumed playing hockey after recovering from an injury ongoing maintenance may be required in order to prevent a reoccurrence. Regular chiropractic care will aid in restoring and maintaining healthy nerves, joints, and muscles through an adjustment. Proper healing can take time and although a patient may feel that he or she is back to normal, ongoing care is strongly recommended to maintain and prevent further injury. In addition, and for the same reasons, ongoing physiotherapy may be needed to prevent an injury from reoccurring.

In addition, and for the same reasons, ongoing physiotherapy may be needed to prevent an injury from reoccurring.

If you have sustained a hockey injury then look no further. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Check us out online or call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.