Massage therapy is an ancient art dating back farther than Egyptian times, and even though it is one of the simplest forms of medicine, it is one of the most effective. Massage therapy benefits every part of the body, from the outer layers of the skin to the vital organs deep inside the body. Massage increases blood circulation, which helps bring oxygen to the cells to keep them healthy, neutralize dangerous free radicals and flush toxins from the body.

In today’s fast-paced society, more and more people are suffering from stress caused by heavy workloads and chaotic schedules. Richmond Hill massage therapy will help you relieve stress and find a much-needed escape from the rigorous demands of daily life. One hour of massage can leave you feeling refreshed and energized, ready to face another day. Your tired, tense muscles will thank you and all parts of your body will function a little better afterward.

Massage therapy can be used on every part of the body, and nothing compares to a professional full-body massage. You can also have your massage therapist focus on a specific area of the body. Head, neck and facial massage is effective for the relief of headaches, particularly tension headaches. Hand and foot massage is extremely beneficial, because the extremities contain pressure points that are linked to every part of the body. Deep tissue massage can release years of built-up tension that has accumulated over time, and triggers the release of endorphins that positively affect your moods, leaving you feeling happy and satisfied.

When you visit a Richmond Hill massage therapy clinic you will leave feeling youthful and limber, with a positive outlook on life. Once you have experienced the bliss of professional massage therapy, you will surely return again and again!

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.

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to compression of the median nerve at the wrist, resulting in weakness, pain and possibly numbness of the hand and wrist. The median nerve controls sensation in the palm of the hand (thumb and fingers, excluding the pinky or little finger).

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is very important, since long-term carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to permanent nerve damage, constant numbness and atrophy of muscles related to the carpal tunnel.

Causes Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often times the specific cause of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is undetermined. However, it is known that CTS is associated with the following:

• An abnormally small carpal tunnel
• Repetitive, work related stress
• A wrist injury that results in swelling (e.g. wrist sprain or fracture)
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Arthritis (rheumatoid)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy
• Menopause
• Cysts/tumors that form in the tunnel

Symptoms Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Symptoms of CTS usually start gradually, and become more severe as the problem worsens.

The following symptoms are listed from initial to later stages:

• Tingling, itching and even a burning sensation in the thumb and fingers
• Numbness in the palm of the hand
• A feeling of tightness or swelling
• Pain in the hand or wrist
• Loss of strength when gripping some object
• Inability to distinguish between cold and hot objects
• As the condition worsens atrophy of the thenar muscles may occur

Please note that it is common for these symptoms to first occur at night only, since many people sleep with their wrists in a flexed position. As the condition progresses some or all of the symptoms will occur throughout the day as well.

Treatment Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are two types of treatments for CTS: surgical and non-surgical. It is very important to diagnose CTS as early as possible in order to avoid surgical treatment.

Non-surgical treatment consists of:

• Resting and immobilizing the affected hand via splints or braces
• Avoiding activity that stresses the hand and wrist
• Physiotherapy
• Massage therapy
• Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs to ease pain and swelling
• Injection of corticosteroids into the wrist (can also be taken orally) to relieve pressure on the
  median nerve

Surgery is often recommended if symptoms have been present for 6 months.

There are two types of surgery used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome:

1. Traditional "open release" surgery, which involves an incision in the wrist followed by severing
   of the carpal ligament (this increases the size of the carpal tunnel)
2. Endoscopic surgery, which involves inserting a tiny camera into the wrist/palm and results in a
   faster recovery time, less post-operative discomfort and a smaller degree of scarring.

It is very important to catch carpal tunnel syndrome early on. Unfortunately CTS can be difficult to diagnose, and symptoms can also be caused by things other than carpal tunnel syndrome.

Chiro-Med Rehab Centre located in Richmond Hill has the necessary expertise and knowledge to help you recover from carpal tunnel syndrome. As professionals we can recommend the type of treatment needed and effectively implement that treatment, getting you on the road to recovery as quick as possible!

If you’re like most people you take vitamin C supplements. This prominent vitamin is promoted for its antioxidant power and role in the support of maintaining a healthy immune system. Did you know that nutrition research into vitamin C has found that it has an important role in forming bone and in bone protection?

Vitamin C is active throughout our body. It strengthens the capillaries and cell walls, and it is crucial for the formation of collagen (a protein found in connective tissue and helps to keep the skin looking healthy). Vitamin C also helps to prevent bruising, promotes healing, and keeps ligaments, tendons and gums strong. It also aids in producing hemoglobin in red blood cells and vitamin C helps our body absorb iron from the foods we eat. This incredible vitamin has also been proven to minimize cold symptoms, has treated asthma, prevents cataracts and offers protection from degenerative diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

This vitamin is not made or stored in the body therefore it must be ingested daily. If you feel you’re not consuming enough of this essential vitamin through diet then taking supplements is very important. There are many factors that go into how much vitamin C needs to be ingested by an individual such as age, weight, gender and lifestyle choices.  There are disputes as to how much should be taken daily so it’s best to speak with a qualified health professional as to what is best for you. (If you have kidney stones, kidney disease or hemochromatosis then you must speak to your health professional before taking supplements.)

So where does this vitamin fit into chiropractic care? This vitamin has a protective role for bone health. I read in a journal a while back that 1,000mg of vitamin C along with 400 IU of alpha-tocopherol could be used in preventing or assisting in the treatment of bone loss and osteoporosis.

There was a study conducted a few years back (Vitamin C supplement use and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women, DJ Morton et al.) in which the findings were encouraging. Women who used vitamin C supplements for an average of 12 ½ years with calcium appeared to have a beneficial effect on levels of bone mineral density.

Vitamin C deficiency is a serious problem in the elderly and is an under-diagnosed contributor to degenerative disc disease. Once this problem starts, accompanying tissue degeneration occurs as well if left untreated.  This is where vitamin C treatments become necessary for collagen synthesis. Getting on a regimented vitamin supplement program and eating lots of fresh vegetables and fruits earlier in life can help avoid this disease.

Far too often the mineral aspect of bone health is what we read about yet the organic matrix is an essential aspect of bone quality. Collagen makes up 90 percent of the organic matrix of bone. Our bones are made up of a lot more than just calcium. (In fact, calcium alone cannot keep bones healthy; it needs magnesium and D3 as well in order for the calcium to be absorbed into the bones.)

Smoking is a huge factor in breaking down bone mineral density. Unhealthy lifestyle choices aren’t just factors in the breakdown of health, they also work against bone health.

Micronutrients such as phosphorus, fluoride, magnesium, sodium, and vitamin C have a critical role in maintaining bone health (as well as calcium and vitamin D3). Taking supplements without the advice of a qualified health professional means you may be causing some harm to your body without even realizing it. The professional staff at Chiro-Med Rehab Centre can help you.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has been committed to providing quality health care services to the Greater Toronto Area for over half a decade. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you come up with a personalized plan to ensure the long term health of your bones, skeletal system and over all well-being. They have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235.2620 for more information.

Studies have shown that acupuncture offers some benefits to those who are trying to lose weight. The body has energy meridians and the ancient practise of acupuncture helps individuals in a myriad of ways including weight loss.

Weight gain isn’t the result of just a bad diet; there are other factors that contribute to gaining weight. Bad diet habits combined with little or no exercise is perhaps the main reason people gain weight but for some, there are other factors. Hormone imbalances and a slow metabolism (usually linked to lack of exercise) are other reasons.

Often people will blame diabetes for their weight, but most individuals with diabetes get this as a result of eating too much food, including sugar. Results of a large epidemiological study conducted at University of California San Francisco, suggest that sugar may have a direct, independent link to diabetes. An article on the university’s website says:

Researchers examined data on global sugar availability and diabetes rates from 175 countries over the past decade. After accounting for obesity and a large array of other factors, the researchers found that increased sugar in a population’s food supply was linked to higher Type 2 diabetes rates, independent of obesity rates. Their study was published Feb. 27 in PLOS ONE.

Losing weight is a major money-making industry with all sorts of gimmicks, products, and pills offering results. Americans spend over $33 billion every year on weight loss programs. Sadly, over 90 percent fail in their attempt to lose the weight they need to maintain good health. The reality is that changing the diet and regular exercise is critical in achieving results. This is much easier said than done and this is why people tend to seek out “quick fixes” when wanting to lose weight. There are additional ways that can help, but again, diet and exercise must be part of the goal to achieve and maintain results.

Acupuncture

Using acupuncture to help with weight loss is a multi-pronged approach. According to the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, recent studies have shown that when acupuncture is combined with traditional methods of weight loss, patients lose more weight.

A study published at the National Institutes of Health showed that acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was found to be effective for weight loss. Acupuncture can be used as a synergistic treatment option for obesity control (and weight loss in general).

Of particular interest is acupuncture’s ability to influence obesity hormones. Research measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture for weight loss found that acupuncture treatments increased ghrelin, a hormone that regulates fat storage and metabolism. Acupuncture can also strengthen the function of the liver. The liver is the organ that produces chemicals critical for digestion, the processing of nutrients and breaking fat down. It is suspected that acupuncture may increase tone in the smooth muscle of the stomach to help individuals obtain the “full” feeling.

According to Dr. Oz, acupuncturists focus on the four acupuncture points that target hunger points on the ear. Tiny sterilized needles are inserted along these inner channels to decrease the "heat" generated along these meridians and to stimulate centres that trigger the release of neurochemicals and hormones that help in weight loss.

As with any changes to the body, there may be minor side effects to acupuncture treatment that include fatigue, soreness, and possible muscle spasms. In the weight loss process, the body will experience changes including hormone levels (for the better).

It is very important to seek the services of a qualified acupuncturist in order to obtain best results. Be sure to follow through with diet suggestions and exercise regularly.

Established in 2007 by Dr. Behfar Sanjari, Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a proven record of commitment providing quality health care services in the Greater Toronto Area. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has qualified professionals who can help you develop a personalized plan to help you safely lose weight. We have clinics located in Richmond Hill and Newmarket, visit Chiro-Med online or call 905-918-0419 or 905-235-2620 for more information.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4877795/

https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2013/02/13591/quantity-sugar-food-supply-linked-diabetes-rates

https://www.pacificcollege.edu/news/blog/2014/11/05/acupuncture-can-help-weight-loss

http://www.doctoroz.com/article/acupuncture-and-weight-loss

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.

A bursa is a small gel-like sac that generally contains a minimal amount of liquid. Bursae are throughout the body but most importantly they are located around the heel, knee, hip, elbow and shoulder. These act as cushions between soft tissues and the bones in order to help reduce friction between the bone and gliding muscles. Should a bursa become inflamed, then bursitis is the result.

Bursitis Risk Factors

Although bursitis is something that can affect anyone those in their later years and women are more at risk. Hip bursitis is the most common and there are several risk factors that contribute to this. They include:

• Leg length – Sometimes one leg is longer than the other, and in some cases by more than an inch. The body tries to compensate as the person walks and this creates stress leading to hip bursitis.
• Calcium deposits – These deposits (and bone spurs) can develop within the tendons that attach to the bony prominences toward the near end of the femur (trochanter). This in turn irritates the bursa therefore causing inflammation.
• Overuse injury – Running, cycling, standing for long periods of time all can contribute to bursitis.
• Previous surgery – Surgeries around a prosthetic implant or hip can lead to bursitis.
• Hip injury – Any blow or injury to the hips can cause inflammation of the bursa.
• Spine disease – Scoliosis, arthritis of the lower spine and other spinal problems can contribute to bursitis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – This tends to increase the likelihood of bursae becoming inflamed.

Bursitis Symptoms

If an individual has bursitis, then he or she will feel pain. Often there is an achy or stiff feeling and the affected area looks swollen and is red. The affected area will hurt more when pressure is applied.

Bursitis of the hips often starts with pain at the point of the hip and extends to the outer thigh area. At the onset the pain is sharp and it later becomes achy. Typically the pain is worse after sitting for long periods of time, lying on the hip at night, and it may worsen with prolonged activity.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options

The good news is that most people with hip bursitis can get relief with some simple lifestyle changes. Some of these changes include:

• Avoid the activities that tend to worsen symptoms.
• Use anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and even turmeric.
• Overuse injury – Running, cycling, standing for long periods of time all can contribute to bursitis.
• If only temporary, use a walking cane or crutches to help you get through the worst of it.
• Seek the advice of a health profession who can help with physical therapy.

Some physical therapy methods include the use of heat, ice, electric stimulation, ultrasound and laser therapy, yet having the guidance of a health professional is strongly advised in order to minimize the length of time it takes to recover.

PREVENTING BURSITIS

Of course, like most health ailments, prevention is paramount. Avoiding certain activities that can worsen a pre-existing condition is the first step in prevention. Also, avoid repetitive movements that place stress of areas that have a bursa (especially the hips). Maintaining strength and flexibility in the hip area is really important.

Properly fitted shoes are essential if an individual is aware that one leg is longer than the other.
Last but not least, losing weight may be required to reduce the stress on the hips.

The best plan is that if you have suffered from or it feels like you may have bursitis, see a health professional. Never self-diagnose because things could go from bad to worse before you know it. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has friendly health professionals on staff to help you live pain-free as naturally as possible. Chiro-Med Rehab Centre has a walk-in clinic conveniently located at 10144 Yonge Street, just north of Major MacKenzie Drive in the heart of Richmond Hill. Call 905-918-0419 for more information or to book a consultation.

Cycling is a popular fun activity not to mention a form of transportation for many individuals. A bicycle is considered a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic Act (HTA); this means a cyclist has the same rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws. HTA 104 states:

Every cyclist under the age of eighteen must wear an approved bicycle helmet. Parents or guardians shall not knowingly permit cyclists under sixteen to ride without a helmet. Set fine: $60.00

Although there are no helmet laws for adults there is not a doubt that wearing a helmet can ultimately save a person from incredible harm and possibly death.

A report by the Ontario coroner’s office (The Cycling Death Review) found that almost 75 percent of the 129 cyclists killed in Ontario between 2006 and 2012 were not wearing helmets. There is not a doubt that helmets save lives.

Many have argued that helmets are invasive and violate personal rights. Some have even said that when they grew up there were no helmets and “they did just fine”. Bottom line, this is a different world we live in now; more cars, more distracted drivers, and even many cyclists are distracted because they’re wearing ear buds.  The chances of an accident happening now versus many years ago have increased exponentially.  In fact, those who ride a bike without a helmet triple their chances of a fatality due to a head injury than those who wear a helmet. (The Toronto Star: Cyclists without helmets triple their chance of death by head injury. Oct. 15, 2012.)

There is not a doubt that helmets save lives, not just for children but for adults as well. They also help to prevent head injuries.

Choosing the Right Helmet

Cycling helmets come in three basic styles; multi-use, mountain and road.  A multi-use helmet is a great choice for not just cyclists but also inline skaters. (Skateboarders need a special type of helmet.)

Road helmets are preferred by those hard core cyclists because they have generous ventilation, have an aerodynamic design and they do not weigh much.

Mountain bike helmets are well-noted for the visors, ventilate well at low speeds, and there is enhanced rear-head coverage with a firm, secure fit for the rough terrain.

Hockey helmets are much different because they are designed to take several impacts. (They must be replaced if damaged and this includes loose fitting or missing liner pieces. If the helmet has undergone a severe blow then it should be replaced.)

Getting the Right Size

There is no “one size fits all” helmet that can be considered safe. A good fit is crucial. Even if a helmet is a single size it must be adjustable.

The best way to determine what size helmet is best for you is to measure your head. Wrap a flexible tape measure around the largest part of your head (this is about an inch above the eyebrows). Look for a helmet that matches your measurement.

Wear the Helmet Properly

Once you have a helmet that is the right size it will inevitably need some adjustments. When you make the adjustments the helmet should feel snug, not tight. It needs to sit level on your head (not tilted) and the front edge should not be more than one inch (width of two fingers) above your eyebrows.

When to Replace a Helmet

If there has been a crash in which the cyclist has hit their head then the helmet needs to be replaced. It is also recommended that helmets be replaced every five years. This is because the plastics on the helmet dry out and become brittle with age. After a crash in which the head was hit, the foam inside the helmet usually becomes compressed hence the reason for replacing it.

If you or someone you know has suffered a head injury and has not found relief then consider chiropractic care. Chiropractic care has made amazing advances over the years and there are many possible ways to treat symptoms from a head injury through our concussion management program.

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. 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.