Chiropractic & Physiotherapy Clinic in Richmond Hill

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

We Accept All Extended Health Care Insurances, Motor Vehicle Accidents And W.S.I.B.

About Chiro-Med

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is committed to working with patients, providing program-specific health care services so they may achieve optimal health.

Richmond Hill Clinic

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the inhabitants of Richmond Hill and the surrounding areas.

Services

At Chiro-Med Rehab Centre, we are pleased to offer you physiotherapy and chiropractor services, as well as exercise and rehabilitation therapy. If you need help, you can be sure that we will find the right modality specific to your unique needs or condition.

Assessments

Our assessments are exceptional, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to thoroughly evaluate our patients' conditions. Our team of highly skilled professionals is dedicated to providing accurate and effective diagnoses that help us tailor treatment plans to each patient's unique needs.

In-Home Assessments

In-home assessments are used to evaluate the various tasks a claimant may have at home, and to what extent their injuries will impair their ability to perform these tasks.

Work-Sites Assessments

A work-site assessment is an objective analysis that is used to provide information on the physical demand requirements of the claimant’s pre-accident job.

Functional Abilities Evaluation

A functional abilities evaluation (FAE) is an assessment that utilizes scientific principles and measurements to analyze the abilities of a claimant as relevant to their pre-injury level of function.

Testimonials

Hear what our cherished clients have to say about our services and staff.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do. The treatment i've received has been second to none and the results have significantly improved my quality of life. Thank you Chiro-Med Team."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"After being involved in a car accident I started being treated at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre and have had an amazing experience at the clinic. Dr. Sanjari and his staff are amazing! They're friendly, helpful, always greet you with a smile and are very knowledgeable about what they do."

B.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Excellent facility. Great chiropractor, excellent massage specialists and other treating practitioners. I had the best body massage here. Very friendly and charming staff. Very good in keeping time so can plan out other activities."

M.M.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Since starting with the group at Chiro-Med my flexibility and strength has improved 150%.  I have found the employees at Chiro-Med exceptional."

R.N.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I can not express enough how grateful I am the the staff at Chiro-Med. The quality of service and professionalism is the best that I have encountered. Dr. Sanjari is very knowledgeable and was able to resolve my issues in a few sessions. I wish I had found them sooner as the issues I had were present for over a year, and now it is a pleasure to be once again pain free. Thank you!!"

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Staff here are the very best you'll ever find.  Friendly, always smiling, helping you out in any way the can. Than there is their work which is so comforting and relaxing. Makes one feel like you can always trust them now and into the future."

D.W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"This location is very convenient for me, specially the parking space. They are professional, I am so happy with the doctor. They always try to help as much as they can. I can see that they really care about the patient.  The staff are very friendly and helpful.  In general I am so happy and satisfied with the services that I get here."

A.P.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Thanks to Dr. Sanjari my vertigo has been eliminated and my spinal problems, lower back pain and neck pain has been greatly decreased. He is professional, knowledgeable and courtesy, his staff is also courtesy and kind. I recommend Chiro-Med."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a great positive and relaxing environment. Staff are professional and friendly. I would recommend that you drop by and check out the services for yourself."

L.T.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very professional and pleasant rehab centre. The customer service is great. The receptionists are always very kind, professional and pleasant. They always great you with a smile and quite understanding."

G.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med Rehab Centre is a very friendly, professional and a great environment. The staff are all very well trained."

T.D.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"Chiro-Med is a very organized and clean facility. The staff is very helpful and polite. It’s definitely the best rehab facility (centre)."

S.B.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"They provide you with quick friendly services. They are caring, helpful, and knowledgeable and they remember your name."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I had lower back pain during my pregnancy and Dr. Sanjari really helped me. The staff is really nice, kind and friendly. I like the fact that they remind you of your appointments the day ahead."

R.K.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"People here make you feel like family, always at ease, friendly smiles, easy going, and always there to help you in any way they can."

J. W.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"My experience at Dr.Sanjari’s clinic has been wonderful. I do not feel like I am going to a clinic. Dr. Sanjari and all of his staff are friendly and helpful professionals that make you want to return, especially because you see results. I couldn’t ask for a better medical experience."

E. S.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"The staff is extremely friendly. They are really involved by helping the patient and explaining the best treatment option. Knowing that, patients will get motivated and push themselves to get better."

E. Z.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem. Most difficult part of getting my brace was the colour / pattern choice. I’d highly recommend this type of brace. By the way my knee injury consists of a blown ACL and severely damaged meniscus!"

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

"I got the DonJoy knee brace about a month ago and the difference is night and day. I’m able to walk and bike once again. I saw an immediate change to the stability of my knee, even stairs are not so daunting to face anymore. I’m very happy to be mobile once more. Even dancing all night no longer proves to be a problem."

S.G.

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Articles

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Hot Stone Massage Benefits – Newmarket Clinic

Studies have proven that regular massages are highly beneficial to our overall health and for treating specific ailments as well. What many people are not aware of is that hot stone massage therapy can be just as beneficial and has a long history of doing so.

Brief History

  • Hot stone massage may have originated in India 5,000 years ago from the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. Smooth river bed stones were warmed or cooled for use in healing and massage.
  • The Japanese used warm stones to help their abdomens improve digestion. This apparently dates back about 4,000 years ago.
  • More than 2,000 years ago, ancient Chinese used heated stones to improve the function of internal organs.
  • Native Americans used hot stones during rituals and in sweat lodges and many are still using them today.
  • For hundreds of years, Hawaiians have used hot stones for massage and healing for many years. Heated lava stones were used on the body to help increase blood circulation.
  • Ancient Greek and Roman cultures used many forms of massage for healing and for simple relaxation including hot stones.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Placing smooth, warmed up stones in order to achieve results needs to be done by a qualified therapist. Anyone can place hot stones on the body where there may be an ache, but in order to target specific ailments and to properly increase circulation having a trained professional is important.

Massage oils are used in the process in addition to smooth stones. Basalt stones are commonly used as well as various river stones. These stones are safe to use, sterilised and properly heated so that no discomfort will be experienced by the patient. The stones are heated in a sterile heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control.  The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot.

Stones are strategically placed at various points on the body and as the warmth penetrates the skin the client will experience a massage and effleurage. Stones are sometimes used to massage and glide over targeted areas to assist with healing.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along the sides of the spine, in the palms of the hands, on the stomach, or even between toes; this assists in improving the flow of energy throughout the body.  Heat warms and relaxes muscles allowing the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if required. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be quite comforting and deeply relaxing.

This form of therapy is often used for the same conditions as a regular massage:

  • Anxiety
  • Back pain
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • Osteoarthritis

Hot Stone Massages Are Not For Everyone

While hot stone massage is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed massage therapist, it's not right for everyone. This is not recommended for those who have had recent surgery, or have certain medical conditions, or have wounded areas (including inflamed areas). Pregnant women and children should avoid hot stone massages as well.

Palliative Care and Hot Stone Massages

According to an article published in the Journal of Oncology, massage therapy is a popular adjunct to cancer palliation. There was a study conducted with favourable results. It was discovered that those in palliative care who received a hot stone massage saw a decrease in some very common symptoms they commonly experience.

Most individuals who were studied reported a decrease in:

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Depression
  • Anxiety

However, there was no difference in lack of appetite.

If you feel you need a hot stone massage or are wondering if it is right for you then Chiro-Med can help.

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

Link to the study done on palliative care patients:

http://ascopubs.org/doi/abs/10.1200/jco.2015.33.29_suppl.179

Keeping Your Knees Healthy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Damage Your Knees

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

Not Following Through with Rehab

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

Overweight

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

Overdoing Things

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

Things to Be Aware of to Prevent Knee Injuries

Body Alignment

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

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

Correct Footwear

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

Last but Not Least, Exercise Regularly

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

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

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

Running Shoes and Your Health

Jogging or running is a preferred form of aerobic exercise for many people. Even in the winter months there are dedicated joggers out there in cold temperatures getting exercise. Although aerobic exercise is important, some people have found that running has caused them some physical problems.

Running involves repetitive jarring of the spine and depending on your back health; it can either cause problems or worsen a current problem.  This sport may appear to be harmless but back pain is a common complaint among joggers, especially when they are not wearing appropriate footwear.

You might be surprised to know that running puts three to five times your body weight onto your feet, joints and muscles every time you hit the ground. You'll want to take your body frame into account when choosing the right shoe for you.

Joints and discs are jarred and compressed when the body leaves the ground and hits the ground with every stride. That’s a lot of pressure on the knees and the back, after all, “pounding the pavement” is not natural and there can be short and long term consequences. Some experts recommend that joggers run on softer surfaces such as a padded track, grass or on a treadmill.

One thing that is critical is that if you jog, you need a top-quality cushioned running shoe. Many health professionals advocate cushion running shoes to help protect the joints and spine.

The Running Shoe

Selecting the right running shoe for your foot can be a daunting task, especially when you walk into a sports store and see dozens of shoes to choose from. Getting advice from a professional is important because a properly trained health professional can determine the type of foot you have and make suggestions that can help thwart off any possible troubles. More importantly, if you have any back pain at all, you should see a chiropractor before continuing to run; you could be causing more problems by ignoring it.

Motion-Control Shoes

Motion-control shoes offer support for those who overpronate (when the foot rolls excessively inward as the edge of the heel strikes the ground). This action can cause lower back stress or alignment issues. Overpronators tend to have low arches that require additional support.

Stability Running Shoes

Stability shoes are designed to control slight overpronation; and most joggers overpronate. These running shoes are designed to provide moderate support and cushioning.

Cushioning Shoes

Joggers wearing cushioned runner shoes typically supinate; this means their feet tend to exhibit an outward movement when they jog. They are the opposite of pronators and typically have higher arches. If there is no cushioning then the body takes the brunt of the pounding and this can cause damage to joints which results in back pain.

Tips for Buying Running Shoes:

  • Every time you shop for running shoes, have your feet sized properly. You may have different sized right and left feet; many people do.
  • Forcing a shoe on a foot will eventually cause pain.
  • Avoid buying shoes based on advice given after a salesperson has watched you walk. Your gait and foot motion are very different when you run; and although a salesperson may be knowledgeable, they are not health professionals.
  • All runners pronate. Pronation is a normal foot motion during walking and running. Pronation alone should not be a reason to select a running shoe. Stopping pronation with cushions in the shoes may actually cause knee or foot problems to develop. Excessive pronation can occur, but in most cases can be corrected with therapy and exercises to strengthen the foot rather than by a shoe.
  • Purchase shoes at the end of the day when your feet have ‘swollen’ as much as they will.
  • Be sure the shoe has a wide toe box. The toe box is the area where your forefoot and toes are. You should be able to wiggle your toes easily. Narrow toe boxes do not permit the normal spread of the foot bones during running.
  • Test the shoe to determine if it is too narrow: take the insert out of the shoes (if you are able) and step on them on the ground. Does your foot hang over the sides of the insert? If so, your shoe is too narrow.

If you have any discomfort or pain in the foot, leg, hip or back and you aren’t sure whether jogging is safe or not, call Chiro-Med Rehab Centre. We can help you determine what exactly is going on and help you to choose the right shoe based on your needs.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine. 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.

Chiropractic Care For Ongoing Back Pain

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.

Chiropractic Treatment – Will It Work For You?

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.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis refers to a medical condition where a person's spine curves from side- to-side. Back x-rays of people with scoliosis demonstrate "C" shapes or "S" shapes, as opposed to being straight.

Anyone can get scoliosis, but geneticists have identified DNA markers associated with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Causes Of Scoliosis

Scoliosis is classified according to its cause, and there are three main classifications:

  • Congenital scoliosis, caused by vertebral anomalies at birth
  • Idiopathic scoliosis (cause unknown) that occurs with infants, juveniles, adolescents or adults (adolescents is the most common occurrence)
  • Neuromuscular scoliosis, which develops as a result of another condition such as cerebral palsy, spinal muscular atrophy, spina bifida or some sort of physical trauma

Curving often accelerates during growth spurts in adolescents, and cases with adolescent woman are most common. Scoliosis is less common with infants and young children, and affects boys and girls equally.

Scoliosis symptoms are as follows:

  • Unequal hip lengths or leg lengths, resulting in tilting of the hips
  • Uneven musculature development along one side of the spine
  • One shoulder is higher than the other
  • Lower back pains
  • General fatigue
  • Spinal curvature from side-to-side

Extended standing or sitting for people with scoliosis may result in spinal fatigue. Pain can also occur, depending on the amount of tissue irritation and spinal bone deterioration.

Treatment Of Scoliosis

There are a wide variety of treatments for scoliosis. The required type of treatment is determined by the amount of spinal curvature along with a person's age (which affects how supple the spine is).

The following treatment options are ordered from least to most severe:

  • Physical therapy
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractic or osteopathic therapy
  • Casting (EDF)
  • Bracing
  • Surgery

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy center can help treat scoliosis via:

  • Spinal joint mobilization that improves flexibility and blood flow
  • Spinal joint manipulation that increases flexibility, breaks down scar tissue, improves blood flow, stretches muscles and speeds healing
  • Physiotherapy using the Schroth method, which is a noninvasive treatment based upon the idea that scoliosis results from muscular asymmetries
  • Massage therapy that decreases chronic neck pain, shoulder pain and lower back pain
  • Orthotics that are customized to your pertinent body measurements

The majority of scoliosis cases can be corrected and even extreme scoliosis can be treated so that the spine becomes straighter. Regardless of the severity, it is not necessary to live with pain resulting from scoliosis.

As treatment progresses your shoulders and hips will become more even, breathing will become easier, there will be less pain and greater ease of movement. Most of the improvement will be permanent, although there may be a small amount of regression between treatment sessions.

Scoliosis is a debilitating condition that needs to be detected and treated as early as possible. The longer it goes unnoticed, the more severe the treatment may have to be.

Fortunately scoliosis is easy to detect, the trick is to get checked out sooner rather than later.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running in as little time as possible!

Healthy Aging

Healthy aging happens only through a healthy lifestyle. Many people are on a quest through life trying to discover the latest lotions, supplement pills, and other methods to thwart off life’s aging process. Make no mistake, we all are going to age, there is no fighting it; however, there is a way to ensure you age well and stay relatively healthy. It’s somewhat simple; you just need to take good care of yourself.

Health Canada defines healthy aging as “a lifelong process of optimizing opportunities for improving and preserving health and physical, social and mental wellness, independence, quality of life and enhancing successful life-course transitions” (Health Canada, 2002). This definition, although lengthy, is vague; however this is something that cannot be adequately defined in one or two sentences.

The importance of a proactive and preventative approach to our health in unequivocal. Being proactive can begin at pretty much any age but the earlier in life you take care of your body, mind and soul, the easier healthy aging will be. Far too many young adults feel they are invincible (and let’s face it even us more mature individuals still feel that way at times). Our food choices, how we choose to dress outdoors, our career choices, and our lifestyle choices all add up in a way that can add or take away years from us.

Prevention By Building Your Immune System

Preventing illness, disease and injury tops the list when we think about how to age healthy. There is continuous debate on vaccinations and yet nowhere in this debate is the immune system mentioned. It is mission critical to do everything in our power to build and maintain a great immune system. Avoiding sugars, high fructose corn syrup, and other additives that have detrimental effects on us is really important. Sugar can suppress the immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease. It can also upset how minerals are absorbed into our system causing deficiencies; and sugar interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium. Sugar can cause tooth decay, periodontal disease and premature aging.

If you think switching to aspartame or any other synthetically-produced sweetener is better, please do your research on these. Many studies show these can be equally as bad or worse for our health.
Avoiding (or limiting) lifestyle choices that can have detrimental effects on your body is essential. These include smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, illegal drug use and abusing pharmaceutical drugs. Abusing pharmaceutical drugs has become a huge problem in society, one that some studies seem to indicate is worse than illegal drugs and alcohol combined.

A great immune system includes lots of vegetables (especially cruciferous choices), drinking lots of water daily, drinking healthy tea choices, limiting coffee, fresh air, maintaining a healthy pH balanced body, and making sure your body gets all the vitamins, minerals, fats, protein, and other nutrients it needs.

Your immune system also benefits when you get adequate sleep. Too many of us are running on empty because we’re not getting proper sleep and there is not a doubt that healthy aging includes sleeping at regular times.
The Internet has some amazing resources out there on how to boost your immune system but it also can be quite overwhelming. Getting help from a professional may be your best choice.

Exercise

Yes, we have heard this one at least a thousand times; exercising is mission critical to maintaining good health. There is an old saying, “use it or lose it” and this is applicable to our body. If you do not exercise on a regular basis then over time your muscles will become weak and flabby; your heart and lungs will develop some struggles to the point walking up a flight of stairs becomes a challenge; and your joints will become stiff and more susceptible to injury.

Exercising helps us to age healthy. Our bodies are meant to move, and sadly far too many of us are not nearly as active as we should be. Getting regular exercise helps reduce the risks of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer. With increased blood flow comes better looking skin and it slows the aging process.

Optimizing Mental Health

Sadly, there are so many individuals who have suffered a horrific event in their life that has caused them severe emotional harm. Keeping your mind healthy is just as important as keeping your body healthy. Our minds are very powerful and they make or break how we handle various situations throughout the day. Anyone who has unresolved issues will struggle in interactions with others and it will interfere with healthy aging. It is really important to resolve pain and move forward. Letting go of the small stuff is just as important too.

Keeping your brain healthy by doing ‘exercises’ is really important to healthy aging. There is not a doubt that reading, doing crossword puzzles, learning something new on a regular basis all helps to maintain memory ability and happiness. Oh sure you can drink all the rosemary or gingko biloba teas you want to help improve memory but, like our muscles and joints, you need to use the brain or you may lose it.

Love Life

Negativity brings us down; always try to find the positive even in a bad situation. This is not easy but we really need to fill each day with positivity and love. Any negative emotions will drain us and age us. Have healthy relationships with others and get involved in activities that give meaning and excitement to your life. Visit friends, volunteer and surround yourself with people who make you feel happy and you’ll notice a difference in how you look and feel.

Laugh – lots! Laughing releases all those feel good endorphins and makes you look and feel fabulous.

Re-prioritize things in your life so that you can go to sleep at night feeling at peace with yourself. This is easier said than done, but the more at peace with life you are, the healthier you’ll age.

Regular Check Ups

Eating a very healthy diet is critical to not just your overall health but to the health of your teeth as well. We are very complex and having healthy teeth and eyesight is also critical in order to age healthy. Having regular eye and dental check ups are just as important as a seeing your doctor for a regular examination.

Last but not least by any means, having regular check ups with your chiropractor is something to seriously consider in your plan for healthy aging. Many people never think of a chiropractor until a problem arises yet there are many things that a chiropractor can do to help you prevent unhealthy aging.

To find out how a chiropractic check up can help you on your journey to healthy aging give Chiro-Med Rehab Centre a call.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the stretches and exercises will benefit the health of your spine. 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.

Golfer's Elbow Aka Meidal Epicondylitis

Meidal epicondylitis, or more commonly referred to as golfer's elbow, is actually a similar injury to tennis elbow only it affects the inside area of the elbow. Golfer's elbow is commonly experienced by those who 'throw' and with golfers hence the nickname. Sometimes golfer's elbow is also referred to as flexor pronator tendinopathy; this elbow pain is seen in tennis players who use a lot of top spin on their forehand shots.

Overuse injuries of the elbow are especially common among athletes. Any sport that subjects an athlete to repetitive elbow flexion-extension or wrist motion can cause these syndromes. This is a condition that can occur at any age; interestingly it is commonly seen in patients between 40 and 60 years of age.

Causes Of Meidal Epicondylitis

The common name of golfer's elbow suggests a cause; however you do not have to play golf to develop meidal epicondylitis. In fact, golfer's elbow is more commonly seen in people who do not play golf. Activities involving repetitive wrist flexion against resistance, forceful, or repetitive gripping of the hand is typically how this develops.

These activities may include manual labour as well as sports.
Some activities include:

  • Body building or weight lifting
  • Wood working or carpentry
  • Hammering
  • Painting
  • Bricklaying
  • Repetitive use of a screwdriver
  • Sewing
  • Knitting
  • Working at a computer
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
  • Gymnastics
  • Water skiing
  • Squash

Patients usually develop this condition following a sudden increase in activities that place stress on the forearm flexors or due to a change in activities. Less frequently, this condition can develop suddenly. This is usually due to a forceful movement that involves a gripping force through the arm or heavy lifting.

There is an increased likelihood of getting meidal epicondylitis if the patient has a history of shoulder, elbow, wrist or neck injury.

Symptoms Of Meidal Epicondylitis

As a rule, golfer's elbow symptoms usually develop gradually over a period of time. Initially, symptoms may be a mild ache that follows an aggravating or unaccustomed activity. This ache may also be felt first thing in the morning following an activity. Patients with meidal epicondylitis usually experience localized elbow pain about 1 to 2 cm down from the bony lump on the inner aspect of the elbow. This pain tends to increase when firmly touching this area. Occasionally, the pain may shoot into the forearm.

In less severe cases patients may only experience a minor ache. In more severe cases, the pain can be quite excruciating and can prevent the patient from sleeping at night. Usually pain is experienced as an ache that increases to a sharper pain as activity level increases. Occasionally, golfer's elbow can be associated with shoulder, upper back or neck pain on the same side

Patients with golfer's elbow often experience an increase of pain during everyday activities including simple tasks such as picking up a cup, turning a handle, opening a jar, shaking hands, carrying groceries or even turning the steering wheel of a car. Elbow stiffness is generally worse first thing in the morning.

Meidal Epicondylitis Treatment

Most cases of meidal epicondylitis are treated with appropriate physiotherapy. This includes a thorough assessment by the physiotherapist to determine exactly what factors have contributed to the development of this problem so that prevention is taken into account.

Our Richmond Hill Chiropractic, Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy centre can help diagnose and treat meidal epicondylitis. Physiotherapy focuses on evaluating, restoring, and maintaining physical function – this is why so many people choose Chiro-Med Rehab Centre in Richmond Hill.

The Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has the necessary knowledge and expertise to start you on the road to recovery today. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you back up and running into your routines in as little time as possible!

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Blog

Welcome to our platform for sharing thoughts, ideas, and insights with our clients. We strive to offer a unique perspective on the topics and subject matter most important to the field.

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Custom orthotics can help reduce pain and stress in your lower limbs. They can be very beneficial to many people, from athletes to those suffering from arthritis.

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