Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

Everyone knows that exercise is good for your body, helping with everything from weight loss, reducing the risk of heart disease, boosting your mood, to improving self-esteem. Did you know that exercise also plays a very important role in maintaining bone health? Along with getting proper nutrition, exercise is one of the most important factors when it comes to giving your body what it needs to support your bone health.

Most of our bone mass is acquired by around the age of twenty and typically peaks sometime during your thirties. As a person gets older and the body starts to lose bone mass, it makes the bones weaker and more susceptible to developing osteoporosis, a condition that severely weakens the bones and increases the chances of fractures and breaks from falling down, all of which can seriously limit mobility and independence. By age 50 or older, around 55 percent of people will have some form of osteoporosis, with 80 percent of those affected being women. In some cases, a person can develop such severe osteoporosis that they can fracture a bone with something as simple as sneezing too hard! But if bone mass naturally decreases with age, what can be done to help prevent it and conditions such as osteoporosis?

This is where exercise comes in to the picture.

Getting enough exercise is important to all age groups when it comes to bone health. During childhood and adolescence, while bones are rapidly building strength and density, exercise helps to maximize the body’s peak bone mass and help prevent issues with poor bone health later on in life. As we get older, exercise helps by strengthening muscles around the bone, and by strengthening the bones themselves too. Just as your muscles respond to regular exercise by increasing in mass and becoming stronger, so do your bones. Because bone is a living tissue, it reacts in response to the forces placed upon it. So, when you exercise regularly, your bones adapt by increasing in calcium, building more cells and becoming denser. Not only does exercise help with increasing bone strength, it also aids in building muscle strength and maintaining balance and coordination, all of which can help prevent falls and related bone fractures.

Any type of exercise is going to be better than none, but for bone health there are two types of exercise that will help the most: weight-bearing and resistance exercises. The better of the two types of exercises are weight-bearing exercises, or those in which you work against gravity, where your feet and legs bear most of your weight.  Examples of weight-bearing exercises are walking, jogging, dancing, jumping rope, or even playing sports like basketball or soccer. These types of exercises are good for bone health because both muscles and gravity put a healthy amount of stress on bones and encourage bone health and muscle growth. Simply put, the higher the impact of the weight-bearing exercise, the greater the benefit for bone health.  Weight-bearing exercises should be done for at least 30 minutes a day, 3 to 4 times a week.

The second type of exercise that is beneficial to bone health is resistance exercise or any type of activities that focus on increasing muscle mass, which in turn helps to strengthen bones. Things like lifting free weights or using resistance bands are both examples of resistance exercises that can help strengthen bones.  The important factor here is to focus in on the major muscle groups such as the legs, arms. Resistance exercise should be done 2-3 times a week. It also important to make sure to give your muscles and bones at least one day of rest between work outs in order to allow the body time to regenerate and restore.

Exercise is important to bone health for both young people and older people alike and when used in conjunction with a balanced diet, which includes calcium and magnesium, this will set you on the right path to better bone health.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill can help you come up with a plan to ensure the health of your bones and skeletal system. Our walk-in clinic in 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.

As a society we are conditioned, and with good reason, to get an annual physical check-up as a preventative measure with helping to stay healthy. We are also are conditioned to see a dentist on a regular basis to keep our teeth and gums healthy. Many people also go to their optometrists on a regular basis to ensure good ocular health. All of the above are very important in order to detect problems before they start. What seems to take a back seat to prevention is the importance of regular spinal check-ups.

Our Spine

The spine is a critical component of your body. Without it, you could not keep yourself upright or even stand up. The spine provides your body with structure and support allowing you to move about freely and to bend with flexibility. Within the spine is your spinal cord, a column of nerves that connects your brain with the rest of your body, allowing you to control every movement. Without a spinal cord, you could not move any part of your body, and your organs could not function. This is a compelling reason as to why keeping your spine healthy is vital.

Benefits of Regular Chiropractic Care

The overall goal of chiropractic care is to improve musculoskeletal health, which impacts your quality of life. Perhaps you may already know you have some health issues but are not sure what. When a chiropractor improves your body’s biomechanical dysfunctions, there can be a plethora of unexpected benefits. Even if there are no issues, a check-up can detect if a problem may be on the horizon.

Improved immune function . . .

A healthy immune system is really important for many reasons. The nervous system regulates cell functions, but even the slightest misalignment can interrupt the process, and this has a ripple effect on the immune system’s ability to fight off viruses. Chiropractic care can restore function to the nerves to ensure your cells are functioning well.

More energy . . .

When the body is sore, joints and muscles tense up often resulting in inflammation. This tension and pain interferes with your well-being. Chiropractic care can help reduce joint and muscles discomfort providing a vitality boost.

Improved digestion . . .

As mentioned earlier, the nerves running through the spine control all functions, including digestion. If the vertebrae are misaligned, your nerves may signal for more acid which leads to acid reflux, gas, and heartburn. Chiropractic care can help to ease stomach issues by an examination of the thoracic spine.

Easier breathing . . .

The lungs rely on proper nerve function. When there is a misalignment in your cervical and thoracic spinal regions, it can result in lung problems. Chiropractic correction of these issues can help correct issues such as inflammation and help you breathe easier.

Better balance and coordination . . .

As we get older something as simple as maintaining balance can become a problem. The more durable and healthy the spine is, the easier it is to maintain good balance, possibly preventing an injury due to instability like a slip and fall. While activities like tai-chi and regular exercise can help keep the core and leg muscles strong, chiropractic care can also help improve coordination and balance.

Healthier pregnancies . . .

Countless women have praised chiropractic care in helping them have healthier pregnancies and easier deliveries. Your body goes through many changes during pregnancy which impact the nervous system. The weight gain places pressure on the spine which can create discomfort. Regular chiropractic care can ensure both a healthier mother and baby.

Improved range of motion . . .

Regular chiropractic care provides an improved range of motion and this is really important given today's sedentary lifestyles. It is really important to get regular exercise but sometimes this is not enough. Chiropractic care can help you move easier and get through daily activities with less effort.

In addition, regular chiropractic spinal check-ups can:

• Improve joint mobility, function and health.
• Decrease degeneration of the joint and connective tissues (arthritis).
• Strengthen the immune system.
• Improve individual organ system function (heart, lung, sinuses, digestive, etc).
• Increase energy, vitality and improves sleep.
• Decrease the adverse effects of stress.
• Improve athletic performance.
• Improve cognitive ability.

There is not a doubt that getting regular spinal check-ups is just as important to your overall well-being as getting an annual physical check-up and regular dental care. Make an appointment soon to get a spinal check-up and you'll soon join the millions who have already discovered the benefits of regular chiropractic care.

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.

Lumbar sprains and lumbar strains are the most common cause of low back pain. When the muscle fibers in the lower back are stretched or torn in an abnormal manner then this is lumbar strain. A lumbar sprain is slightly different; this is the result of when ligaments are torn from where they attach.

Sometimes telling the difference between a sprain and a strain can be difficult because both injuries show similar symptoms. The medical profession refers to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. As a rule, it doesn't really matter what you call this problem because the treatment for both back sprains and strains is the same.

Sprains And Strains Are Common

There is not a doubt that back sprains and strains are very common. To understand why this is let's look at the spine. The spine is supported by the paraspinal muscles, and these are quite large. They support both the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. Tough ligaments connect the five lumbar vertebrae and this greatly aids in maintaining the position of the spinal column.

The bones, ligaments and muscles all work together to provide strength and control for the body to be able to engage in all physical activities. The lumbar spine and all the muscles there are required for most of all the physical activities and movements therefore this makes this area prone to injury. Once injury occurs then a person is prevented from being able to freely move without pain or discomfort.

Lumbar Sprain Or Strain Symptoms

The vast majority of lumbar sprains and strains create symptoms isolated to the lower back. The most common symptoms people experience include:

• Lower back muscle spasms.
• Pain associated with movement and is often relieved when rested.
• Low back and upper buttock area experiences pain.

What causes these symptoms to occur is inflammation of the soft-tissues. The inflammation causes discomfort and pain and this can result in muscle spasms. Many people are surprised with just how painful and sometimes debilitating a lumbar sprain or strain can truly be. Some people are bed ridden for a day or two and experience intermittent symptoms for weeks on end. However, most people are completely recovered within a month if they receive proper treatment.

Why Do Some People Suffer More Than Others?

There are so many factors that come into play that determine the level of pain felt and for how long.

First, most injures occur when a person is putting strain on their back that they are not accustomed to. This can be a sudden 'wrong' movement, lifting a heavy object incorrectly, twisting the back in an odd way, or sometimes just the lack of movement or exercise – and then exerting oneself when the body is not used to it. Lifting incorrectly is one of the more common causes of lumbar sprain or strain injuries.

Other factors that can contribute to lumbar sprains or strains include obesity, smoking, poor conditioning and once again, to really emphasize – improper lifting of objects. If you have persistent problems in your lumbar area then you may have lumbar sprain or lumbar strain.

Treatment Of Lumbar Strain Or Lumbar Sprain

Massage therapy in Richmond Hill is one method of treatment. Proper conditioning is essential to recover from this ailment and to prevent this from happening. Stretching and strengthening the back muscles can greatly help control the inflammation and improve the overall condition of the lumbar back muscles. The exercises of course cannot be painful but it is really important that exercises that are suggested by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor are adhered to because if they are done incorrectly or not at all then deconditioning will set in. This is not good when wanting recovery.

If you consider yourself to be in good shape you may have weak lumbar muscles. When a lumbar injury occurs, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen as prescribed by your Richmond Hill Chiropractor.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has friendly and fully-qualified professionals who will put you onto the road of recovery.

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.

Although most people experience occasional back pain or injury at some point in their lives, there are some who suffer from back pain on a continuous basis.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can provide professional treatment for all types of back pain, whether it is occasional pain or an ongoing problem.

Ongoing back pain can have a variety of causes, many of them environmental.  A Richmond Hill chiropractor can correct the problem, but part of the treatment is identifying the source of the pain and taking steps to eliminate it.  Poor posture can be caused by excess body weight, uncomfortable shoes, or standing or sitting in the same position for long periods of time.  Many types of mattresses can also cause back pain.  If you wake up every morning with a sore back, it is a good indication that your mattress is not supporting your spine properly, and you may want to try a different type of sleep surface.  Often mattresses that are too soft do not support the body well enough, allowing the heavier parts of the body to sag and putting strain on the spine.  Lower back pain is one of the most common types of back pain, and it is one that often results in a visit to a chiropractor.

When you visit a Richmond Hill chiropractor, your initial visit will involve an assessment of your condition.  This will include an analysis of the type of pain that you are experiencing as well as an overall examination of your spinal alignment.  This will allow the chiropractor to recommend the right type of treatment for your condition.  Together, you and your chiropractor can work together to address some of the issues that are causing your back pain to allow you to get the most out of your treatment.

Our joints are busy working when we move about and perform our daily activities. Those who work in environments in which they must use their joints on a constant basis (i.e. construction) or those who engage in sports activities know how easy it can be to sustain an injury, and re-injure.

Preventing Injuries

Preventing injuries is really important. Far too many people think they will heal from their injury and life carries on. Yes and no. The immediate healing may appear to be fine however, what usually happens later in life is a cause for concern.

Aside from age, weight and heredity, injury to the knees or ankles is one of the biggest factors in developing osteoarthritis (OA) later in life. This is the most common type of arthritis, which involves the inflammation and breakdown of cartilage in the joints and the numbers of those who are afflicted with OA are skyrocketing.

Muscle strength across the joints (and the spine) stabilizes and is very important in helping to prevent injuries. Elliptical machines, stationary bikes, rowing machines, walking, and swimming are examples of low-impact cardio activities that will provide muscle strengthening.

If your job or sport activity requires a lot of movement then be sure to do some warm up activities before starting and always remember to do some cool down stretches at the end.

Environmental factors such as bumpy, hard and uneven surfaces often cause injuries, particularly to the ankle. Avoiding these environments or being careful in these areas is important.

Why Braces?

Braces help support and promote proper function and movement, either in preventing or furthering damage to a susceptible area of your body. Sprains, muscle strain, or tendon tears should always be taken seriously and the affected area should have brace support to prevent further injury even in basic daily activities. In some cases even nerve damage can be aided with the help of braces.

The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health has studied the effects of wearing braces as a form of prevention. They studied high school basketball players who wore stabilizing lace-up ankle braces and found that 68 percent were less likely to suffer an ankle injury than the athletes who did not wear braces.

Another study, also by University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, found similar results. Both studies involved randomized, controlled trials of large groups of high school basketball and football players. In both studies, there was a significant protective benefit in wearing the ankle brace, whether or not the athlete had experienced a previous sprain.

Interestingly, researchers found no negative effects of preventative bracing.

Braces for Joints at High Risk of Injury

Back

A back brace is designed to protect the lower back and reduce stress on the joints and muscles of the lower back during strenuous activities. This type of brace restricts end-of-range spinal movements and provides stability and support. Back braces are not usually used as a preventative; they are generally beneficial for people who are suffering from lower back pain or injury, especially those who have chronic back pain or the potential to re-aggravate a prior injury. A back brace can also used to keep the area warm which helps to reduce the risk of sprains and strains.

Thumb

Many people find that a thumb brace is great for arthritis as it can support, stabilize, and relieve some of the pain. Thumbs perform an incredible amount of activity on any given day and an arthritic thumb or an injured thumb affects the ability to execute daily tasks. Thumb braces are designed to give support by keeping them in the correct position and taking pressure off of damaged areas. These braces are ideal for mild to moderate injuries involving the wrist and thumb including dequarvains, synovitis, or arthritis.

Wrist

A wrist brace can help to immobilize the area or simply provide flexible support for those suffering from an injury, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis. The level of flexibility of a wrist brace is geared toward the condition in which the person is suffering.

Elbow

When the elbow is pushed beyond the normal limit, injury can occur. Elbow braces can be used to treat common injuries, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, epicondylitis and arthritis joint pain. If lifting heavy weight on the job or working out, having an elbow brace can help in reducing the chance of injury.

Knees

Knees endure more strain than most other joints because they support the body's weight. They are used in supporting frequent changes of direction as well as in sudden impacts. Knee braces are commonly used as supports for those who are in sports and in strenuous jobs that require a lot of stress on the knees. For those who experience pain, they are used to help reduce pain, provide stability and prevent re-injury. A brace can be additional support for mild sprains and strains of the muscles and ligament within and surrounding the knee.

Ankle

An ankle brace can offer mild support to weak or injured ankles and is ideal for daily use after a mild ankle sprain or strain. These braces stabilize, support and limit range-of-motion of the ankle joint. For those who are prone to ankle injuries, braces are used to immobilize injured ankles or provide joint protection to injuries. Some people use a brace to help relieve general heel pain, plantar fasciitis, heel spurs and to treat Achilles tendon issues. There are also many braces that offer protective support by promoting lateral and medial stability.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a variety of braces that can help you. Chiro-Med carries a large selection of braces including the innovative Custom DonJoy knee brace and the DonJoy ankle brace.

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 in determining what brace is best for you. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

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References:

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

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

The shoulder is an important junction in the body that contains the rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is comprised of tendons and four muscles (teres minor, subscapularis, supraspinatus and the infraspinatus). Together they provide strength and stability for the shoulder joint as well as anchoring the scapula (shoulder blade) to the humerus (upper arm bone) in order for arm movements to occur in a smooth manner.

Shoulder pain generally occurs due to injury to the rotator cuff tendons that results from weakness, poor posture, trauma, or overuse. The rotator cuff becomes inflamed or irritated when pinching occurs between the humeral head (ball portion) of the shoulder joint and the acromion (roof area of the shoulder).

A sprain is an injury that involves the tearing or stretching of a ligament or joint capsule. Strains occur when a musculo-tendinous structure (muscle and tendon) tears or stretches. A rotator cuff sprain or strain can cause major discomfort and Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill has professional physiotherapists and chiropractors that can help you restore maximum movement and functioning before the injury worsens.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Symptoms

The symptom list is not too lengthy for a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. If you are experiencing a limited range of motion then this is a warning sign. Shoulder pain can indicate that a sprain or strain is a possibility as well as experiencing shoulder weakness in the muscles. Difficulty lifting over your head or even brushing your hair is another tell-tale sign that something is wrong and medical attention is required.

Sleeping may be affected when you have a rotator cuff sprain or rotator cuff strain. Rolling onto the injury can cause pain and even make the sprain or strain worse.

When you have any discomfort in the shoulder that lasts more than a day or two then it's advisable to get it seen to before it gets worse.

Rotator Cuff Sprain / Strain Treatment

Richmond Hill physiotherapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, exercise and rehabilitation therapies are comprehensive and no two patients are viewed as being the same.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill will assess your injury or area of complaint and prescribe specific exercises (with pictures and explanations) that can be completed at the clinic and at home to expedite healing, increase flexibility, improve strength, and most importantly to prevent re-injury.

There are other treatment options to compliment in office therapy that include rest. Taking a break from activities that affect the rotator cuff is important; as well as applying ice to the injured area to help reduce inflammation.

Stretching and strengthening the shoulder muscles is one method that Chiro-Med Rehab Centre physiotherapists will work on with you when symptoms are less acute. Professional registered massage therapy is another method to restore function to the shoulder. You can be rest assured that you are in professional hands at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill. A rotator cuff sprain or a rotator cuff strain can really affect your day-to-day living and we will ensure that you'll have professional support and assistance until you are fully recovered.