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Chiropractic
Chiropractic is one of the largest primary-contact health care professions
in Canada with over 5,000 practicing chiropractors.
Chiropractic spinal manipulation (commonly referred to as a chiropractic
adjustment) is a drug-free, non-invasive manual procedure which utilizes
the highly-refined skills developed during four intensive years of
chiropractic education.
The primary goal of chiropractic manipulation is
to treat areas of decreased movement in the joints of the body,
particularly the spine, which can create a reaction in surrounding tissues
(ligaments, muscles and nerves) resulting in pain, dysfunction and
muscular spasm.
Chiropractors will also use a procedure referred to as joint
"mobilization". Joint mobilizations involve a slower force that is
precisely directed towards spinal and peripheral joint disorders.
Chiropractors assess disorders related to the spine, nervous system, and
joints of the extremities and provide diagnosis, treatment and management
of those disorders. Chiropractors are also trained to prescribe
therapeutic exercise and other non-invasive therapies including
nutritional counseling.
Spinal manipulation, as practiced by trained chiropractors is a highly
controlled procedure which rarely causes discomfort. The chiropractor
adapts the procedure to meet the specific needs of each patient. Patients
often note positive changes in their symptoms immediately following
treatment.
Chiropractors are well known for dealing with back pain, neck
pain, and headaches.
Our Chiropractors are highly trained and experienced in
a variety of manual therapy techniques.
Ontario
Chiropractic Association
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Contemporary Medical Acupuncture
Originally developed in China, acupuncture has evolved over thousands of
years and has formed the cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Many types of health-care providers now utilize acupuncture in clinical
practice, including chiropractors, physiotherapists, and medical doctors.
Medical Acupuncture is the biomedical adaptation of Chinese acupuncture
methods, and is an effective and simple treatment approach based on
current concepts of neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and pathophysiology
Contemporary medical acupuncture as taught by McMaster University
consists of the insertion of fine needles into specific areas of the body,
often with the use of electrical stimulation. The application of medical
acupuncture reduces pain, improves circulation, normalizes nerve function, and improves
motion in injured joints. In addition, medical acupuncture releases
endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) which speed healing and relax
inflamed muscle tissue.
There have been numerous trials
published in major medical journals that have demonstrating acupunctures
effectiveness in a variety of conditions (knee osteoarthritis, back pain,
headaches, etc.).
Our chiropractors are all trained in medical
acupuncture and are experienced in dealing with a variety of conditions
(sports injuries, headaches, osteoarthritis, etc.).
McMaster Contemporary Acupuncture
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Active Release Techniques ART®
Active Release Techniques® is an advanced system of diagnosis and
manual treatment for soft tissue disorders resulting from Cumulative
Trauma Disorders (CTD), Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), postural strain,
sports injuries and general wear and tear. ART® is a patented,
state-of-the-art soft tissue system that treats problems with muscles,
tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves.
Providers use their hands to
evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons
and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed
tension with very specific patient movements.
ART® is used to allow for free and unimpeded movement of muscles, tendons,
nerves and joints, to allow for a dramatic change in comfort, flexibility
and strength. ART® is used to enhance and optimize your performance,
improve your form and function.
Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder pain, sciatica,
plantar fascitis, knee pain, and tennis elbow are just a few of the
conditions treated with ART®.
Our chiropractors are all trained in Active Release
Techniques® and will often combine this form of
therapy along with other therapeutic interventions (medical acupuncture,
manual therapy, corrective exercise, etc.).
Active Release
Techniques ART®
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Trigenics™
Trigenics™
is a neurologically based manual treatment system that involves the
application of 3 treatment methodologies.
The 3 key components consist
of; 1) activating specific neuromuscular reflexes, 2) biofeedback, and 3)
muscle manipulation. In essence, the treatment involves breathing,
precise patient motion, and the application of trigger points.
Trigenics™ is an
effective system for providing relief from a variety of
neuro-musculosketal conditions such as neck pain, headaches, TMJ
disorders, sports injuries, and repetitive strain disorders. It has also
been used to improve neuro-muscular function in patients with neurological
conditions such as stroke, cerebral palsy, and trigeminal neuralgia.
Trigenics™ is also used
for athletic performance enhancement and injury rehabilitation.
Trigenics™
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Therapeutic Taping
Techniques
A) Kinesiotaping
The Kinesio Taping Method originated in Japan
in 1973. The Method was founded and developed by Kenzo Kase DC, a
practicing chiropractor in Japan and the United States.
The Kinesio Taping® Method is designed to facilitate the
body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to
muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion.
The tape is latex-free and
can be left on for days at a time, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for
populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a
variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical
conditions.
The application of Kinesio Tape is used to decrease pain, reduce swelling,
improve lymphatic flow, relaxed cramped muscles, improve muscle strength,
support joint function, and increase body awareness.
Images Copyright© by Kinesio Taping® Association
www.kinesiotaping.com
B) Athletic or Sport Taping
Athletic taping is a form of strapping.
It is a procedure that uses
white rigid tape
attached to the skin designed to physically
support unstable joints, ligaments, and fascia.
The taping procedures are used to help reduce pain,
speed recovery from injury, and allow for
continued participation in sport or recreation. Taping is
usually used to help recover from acute (ankle sprains)
and overuse (plantar fasciopathy) type injuries.
C) SPRT - Specific Proprioceptive Response Taping
SPRT taping helps determines the direction necessary
for proper approximation and compression of injured tissue. SPRT gives
relief of the injury during movement through improving proprioception and
neuromuscular control. Due to the type of tape used, SPRT supports the
injured tissues, while still allowing for proper range of motion during
activity.
Injured treated include but are not limited to postural
syndrome, disc injuries, ankle sprains, ac joint injuries, and ankle
sprains.
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Hot & Cold Therapy
A)
Thermotherapy, also called heat therapy is the application of heat to
the body for therapeutic purposes. The therapeutic effects of heat include
increasing the extensibility of collagen tissues,
decreasing joint stiffness, reducing pain,
relieving muscle spasms, reducing inflammation,
edema, and aids in the post acute phase of healing by increasing blood
flow. The increased blood flow to the affected area provides proteins,
nutrients, and oxygen for better healing.
Depending on the targeted tissue
and therapeutic goal, heat may be applied using moist pads, infrared
lamps, hot bath, and ultrasound. Heat is normally applied to chronic
muscle and joint injuries.
Infrared TDP
lamps are a form of thermotherapy.
Infrared is a type of the light spectrum that is invisible to the
naked eye but can be seen by specialized imaging. Our bodies
register infrared light as 'radiant heat'. The sun is the primary
source of radiant heat in nature.
Infrared
therapy is used in the treatment
for a variety of ailments, such as
muscular aches and pains, soft tissue injuries, arthritis, and various
skin conditions. Its major functions consist of promoting
metabolism, enhancing circulation, diminishing inflammation, reducing
muscle tension and easing pain.
In our clinic,
thermotherapy
or heat therapy is often combined with other therapeutic
interventions; acupuncture, chiropractic manual therapy, active release techniques
(ART), instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, etc.
B) Cryotherapy
or ice pack or cold therapy is the application
of cold to an injured area of the body for therapeutic purposes. The
physiologic effects of cold application include immediate vasoconstriction
with reflexive vasodilation, decreased local metabolism and enzymatic
activity, and decreased oxygen demand.
Cold decreases muscle spindle
fiber activity and slows nerve conduction velocity, therefore it is often
used to decrease spasticity and muscle guarding. It is commonly used to
alleviate the pain of minor injuries.
Depending on the targeted tissues
and therapeutic goals, cryotherapy used in a treatment and rehabilitative
setting can be applied using ice baths, ice cubes, ice packs, and cold
cloths. Cold is often applied during the acute phase of an injury.
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Rehabilitationn &
Corrective Exercise
Conditions that do not resolve
completely, or that have a tendency to return are often due to a lack of
rehabilitation.
Rrehabilitation
and corrective exercise are often regarded
as the missing link in the treatment of a variety of
ailments (sports injuries, back pain, whiplash, etc.).
Rehabilitation and corrective exercise are also important components
of injury recovery, performance enhancement, and
injury prevention.
Our chiropractors
are well trained to deal with a variety of rehabilitative and corrective
exercise situations: post-surgical rehabilitation, pre-surgical
conditioning or rehabilitation (prehab), post injury care,
performance conditioning, workers compensation, and
motor vehicle accident injury management.
Patients who seek out rehabilitation and corrective
exercise include recreational and competitive athletes, and the general
public at large.
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Strength & Conditioning
Strength training is the use of resistance to muscular contraction
designed to build strength, muscular endurance and / or to promote muscle
hypertrophy. Strength training is often prescribed to support improved athletic performance and
/ or enhance general fitness.
Functional benefits associated with strength training included improved
overall health, increased bone mineral density, improved muscle, tendon,
and ligament strength, improved joint function, and improved body
composition.
Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialists - CSCS certification is one of the highest and longest-running
distinctions in personal training. It is widely accepted and respected in
the world of competitive athletics and general fitness. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) created
this certification program to identify exercise professionals who meet
stringent educational and performance standards.
Our chiropractors are all certified strength &
condition specialists. They will use their expertise and experience
when designing your treatment plan and exercise
or rehabilitation program.
National Strength & Conditioning Association (NSCA)
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Nutrition & Lifestyle Consulting
Nutrition & lifestyle factors have a large role to play in both your
recovery from injury or illness, and your health in general.
An in depth analysis into your diet & lifestyle may help to uncover hidden
reasons or related contributing agents to the problems your suffering
from. From a wellness and performance enhancement perspective nutritional
& lifestyle influence should not be overlooked.
It is well known that nutritional and lifestyle factors are contributing
to the chronic disease we suffer today, and that poor dietary and
lifestyle habits lead can to poor performance
Programs
· Sport
Nutrition
· Weight
Management (loss / gain / maintain)
· Body
Composition Analysis (BIA,
girth measurement, calipers)
· General
Health & Wellness
· Vegetarian
/ Vegan / Raw Food Nutrition
· Menu
Planning
· Diabetic
Education
· Targeted
Supplementation & Superfoods
· Cardiovascular
Conditioning Programs
· Stress
Management Education
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Custom Orthotics & Footwear
It's
important to understand that your feet have direct impact on the rest of
your body and support you with each step. The importance of your feet and
lower leg alignment can be compared to that of the foundation on a
building. A small abnormality in foot function or a weak foundation in
that matter can have a large impact higher up in the body.
Knee, hip, low back, and / or neck pain may be a sign of weakened and / or
mal-aligned feet. Lack of proper care, ill-fitting shoes and general foot
neglect are responsible for the majority of foot problems.
Custom designed orthotics and / or footwear along with a complete
examination, a trial of conservative treatment for the involved painful
areas, and a home based exercise program should help alleviate or manage
most painful conditions.
Custom orthotic Prescription
In order to provide a higher level of care for our clients we use a
combination of past medical history, orthopedic physical examination,
postural analysis, video gait analysis, functional testing, and
semi-weight bearing neutral foam casting or non-weight bearing slipper
casting in our orthotic prescriptions.
What is a semi-weight bearing neutral cast?
Semi-weight bearing neutral foam casting technique creates a cast of your
feet. The orthotic laboratories can then create a mold from this cast
impression and develop an orthotic device accordingly. The foot is
positioned in a sub-talar neutral position. This position is used since
it has been determined to be the position of maximal stability for your
feet.
Examination findings from your clinical history, orthopedic examination,
video gait analysis, functional testing, and postural analysis are
recorded and sent to a orthotic laboratory with your foam casting
impressions in order to construct your custom foot orthotics.
Our chiropractors use a variety of labs in order to offer
you a wide
variety of custom orthotics, sandals, and stock orthopedic footwear
options.
Orthotic
Group, Orthotic Energy,
Ontario Orthotic Lab, etc.
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PowerCranks™ Training & Rehabilitation
Powercranks™ use a patented
one-way clutch system in each crank arm. Basically, Powercranks™ are
a modification to a traditional bicycle crank arm that allows each leg to
peddle independently of one another. In traditional cranks one leg /
crank will drive the opposite side. This is easy to see on your
regular exercise or outdoor bicycle, simply peddle with your right leg
only and you will see that the opposite / left peddle / crank arm moves.
This would not happen on powercranks™, you have to peddle each leg
independently with no help or compensation form the other leg.
Q. Why did we decide to
include these cranks in our clinic? A. Simple, Powercranks™
enables us to detect and correct muscular imbalances in healthy
individuals. It also provides an excellent tool for rehabilitation
and performance training, no longer can patient or athletes compensate
with their other leg.
Some of the benefits proposed:
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Enable each leg to drive the bike
without the help of the other leg.
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Reduce the dead spot in the pedal
stroke.
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Fully un-weight on the upstroke
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Train major lower extremity
muscle groups
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Balance the muscle effort
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Improve coordination
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Increase your basal metabolic
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Fully train the hip flexor and
hamstring muscles
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Build core strength, balance, and
fitness
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Use in rehabilitation since the
good leg cannot assist the bad leg
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Improve running ability in a
non-impact environment
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Lower the risk of injury
Most people are simply amazed at
how quickly they "burn" out on the powercranks. Once people get the
hang of the new peddle stroke (skill acquisition) they normally "burn" out
within a minute or so on their first attempt. In the majority of
people we will be able to detect both a right / left strength imbalance
and a fore / aft imbalance. The fore / aft imbalance is simply the
difference between your hip flexor and hamstring strength versus your hip
extensors and quadriceps strength. Most people will be a lot
stronger with their hip extensors and quadriceps and will have a tendency
to "burn" out quickly on the powercranks when they are required to use
relatively weaker hip flexor and hamstring muscles.
Overall an excellent tool for
performance training, rehabilitation, and overall musculoskeletal health.
