 Here are some great tips from the Ontario Chiropractic Association!
Winter weather can pack a punch and, with the season’s heavy snowfalls, injuries often result. Improper snow shovelling is often to blame. But shovelling out after a storm doesn’t have to leave you stiff and sore. With a little know-how, you can clear your driveway without the all-too-common back, neck and shoulder pain cramping your style. Here’s how: Before You Start
BEND YOUR KNEES.Use your knees, leg and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight. WATCH FOR ICE.Be careful on icy walkways and slippery surfaces. Intermittent thaws and subsequent freezing can lead to ice building up underfoot, resulting in nasty slips and falls. Throw down some salt or sand to ensure you have a good footing. Once you’ve mastered safe snow shovelling techniques, you’ll be free to have fun and stay fit all winter.
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 What influenced your decision to become a Massage Therapist/Osteopath?
I have always been interested in studying natural ways to heal the human body. I had lots of experience growing up getting treatment from a naturopath, chiropractor, massage, physio etc to keep me healthy for playing sports. My athletic therapist at the time was undergoing their osteopathic studies and wanted to practice techniques on me. My first treatment was something I never had experienced before it was deeply relaxing and therapeutic. I felt a deep connection to that approach to healing and wanted to learn more. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? 1) Back Pain 2) Neck Pain 3) Stress & Anxiety What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating? 1) Back pain 2) Headaches 3) Foot problems What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? I use a lot of trigger point therapy, fascial techniques, muscles stripping. What is your treatment philosophy? To help patients heal themselves and work with them in a relaxed setting. Educating them or guiding them so they are more aware of their own body. What is Osteopathy? Osteopathy is a hands on manual therapy aiming to remove any barriers to health by treating the causes of pain and imbalances. Who would likely benefit from an Osteopathic appointment? Most office workers would benefit but anyone can experience an improvement from an Osteopathic appointment. Similar to a massage it can also promote relaxation and stress relief as well as relieve muscle tension. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Bundle up and get some fresh air. What do you like to do for fun? Hiking, reading yoga! Rejuvenate your Health: Get the year off to a good start with a Personalized Cleansing Program1/2/2019
There are many different types of detoxification programs which cleanse the body of toxins, and each type has its own specific purpose and benefits. For instance, Heavy metal cleanses focus on removing accumulations of heavy metals from the body, such as mercury and aluminum. Organism cleanses work to eliminate specific organisms, such as parasites or candida yeast. Organ cleanses detoxify the liver and gall bladder, lungs, kidneys, and colon.
One of the main organs involved in cleansing is the liver, which filters all impurities and toxins from the blood. The liver filters these substances and reduces them into compounds that the body can then eliminate through the kidneys (as urine), the skin (as sweat), the lungs (as expelled air), and the bowels (as feces). It is important for overall health to make sure that each organ system is functioning optimally. By improving the efficiency of these systems you will notice that you have more energy, sleep better, are more mentally alert, and have enhanced well-being that is especially visible in better skin and shiny hair. You may even notice that you suffer less from colds and flus because of an improvement in your immune system. Health concerns that can benefit from a personalized cleansing program include: • Constipation and digestion problems such as bloating— poor bowel movements encourage harmful bacteria and toxins to accumulate over time. • High cholesterol and high blood pressure— detoxification diets help to establish lifestyle changes that are important in both treatment and prevention of strokes and heart disease. • Colds and flus – This is a clear reflection of a much weaker immune function and the body’s inability to fight bacteria and viruses well. • Also— headaches and migraines, allergies and sensitivities, joint pain, smokers, those with high alcohol consumption, and those who generally feel fatigue and tired. A Naturopathic doctor can find the best cleanse program for you personally. Under guided supervision, a total health plan can be created for you that rejuvenates your energy and restores your health to an optimal level. Dr Bartolini is at Rebound Health + Wellness on Wednesdays. Interested in jump starting your health naturally? Book an Initial Assessment with Dr Bartolini >>> Book Online  What influenced your decision to become a physiotherapist?
From my childhood I was more interested in health issues and my back ground also gives me more experiences with natural medicines and traditional martial arts and their use in healing various health related problems. I was also interested in a system where there are fewer side effects. After my college studies I was trying to get into the medical field, from where I ended up in Physiotherapy, which I learned to be non-invasive and with less side effects and it also involves all population from paediatrics to geriatrics. Later when I completed my course I was more clear about my path and how I can utilize my ability for many of the health-related problems which opened up for me a door in to the world of different practice. What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? It is very difficult to pin point 3 common issues, because there are a lot of issues that can be made better with physiotherapy. Common issues I come across is shoulder and neck pain/stiffness, low back pain, sports injuries and neurological conditions which include stroke and Parkinson’s. What types of conditions/injuries do you enjoy treating? All sports injuries, neck, shoulder, back and leg pain/ injuries, Post concussion symptoms (mTBI, MVA), stroke, Parkinson’s. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? I prefer to use more manual techniques, but I use therapeutic modalities such as IFC, ultrasound to help the initial healing process, followed with more with exercises and postural corrections. I do more hands on work with most of the conditions, which gives long lasting relief and prevention of symptoms. Exercises are one of the major compounds I insist for my patients. What is your treatment philosophy? Understanding the condition is the first priority, because I believe that if your diagnosis is right, 90% of your treatment is done. Experience counts- with more than 15 years in this field, I have been exposed to almost all types of clinical conditions and their physiotherapy management. Understanding the root cause and eliminating it rather than beating around the bush is important. I use modalities wisely to help overcome the present situation not solely relying only on them. I rely on active approach rather than to a passive one. What might a typical appointment with you look like? I listen to what the client wants to say, asking questions relating to the condition, physical assessment, various orthopaedic and neurological physical testing. I then discuss the findings with the client, explain the condition- from an anatomical perspective, then I use various treatment approaches. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Winter is the worst time for people with arthritis, those more susceptible to fall injuries and MVAs (Motor Vehicle Accidents). Those with arthritis should not expose their joints to cold, always cover up and keep warm. If you have a fall do not hesitate to see health care provider to check that nothing is wrong, because from a small fall you may later end up with some major issues. What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? During an initial appointment we discuss the present situation, history of the complaint, work on finding out the cause, explain the condition- making you understand how and why it happened with anatomical explanation, possible treatments and a small treatment session depending on the available time and of course a home exercises programme for you to continue the exercises at home. What do you like to do for fun? I love gardening in summer (grow your own) fishing, biking, GYM, cooking, spend time with my kids, watching movies with my family.  By Norine Khalil, RD
Once again, another year has come and gone faster than the one before it, and the holidays are around the corner. Time to look back at your 2018 New Year’s Resolutions and either spend the remainder of the year either celebrating or self-loathing. But wait – before you shove your health and wellness goals deep into the depths of your closet right down there with your summer wardrobe, hold that thought. Many of my clients have already begun to give up on their goals in anticipation of the Christmas craze, but I’m suggesting a different strategy. No, I’m not saying you have to swap the stuffing out for a quinoa salad necessarily (although that is music to my ears) – I am suggesting a slight shift in mindset for these remaining weeks of December to help transition into the new year on a healthy and happy note. Ditch the New Year’s Resolutions – The “my diet starts tomorrow” mentality is so 2016, you guys. Beginning this holiday season with the mentality that your wellness goals will be put on hold until the new year is setting you up for failure before you even begin. Start today. Not tomorrow. Choose one goal, as simple as it needs to be, and stick with it starting today. If it’s aiming to get an extra 1,000 steps in each day, grab that FitBit and get to steppin’. Skipping breakfast lately? Set a goal to prepare a simple breakfast each morning until January 1st. There is no reason to hold off on making healthy changes until January 1st 2019 when you have 29 perfect days ahead of you today. Give the Gift of Health – As much as we say that the holidays are about family and friends…let’s be honest, we all love the gifts. Whether it’s a Secret Santa at work or a family gift exchange, plant the seed of health with friends, family and co-workers by gifting them with something they can use to get their wellness on! New workout gear, a heartrate monitor, or a new cookbook are all great gifts that can help your loved ones stay motivated. Eat Joyfully (and Mindfully) – instead of focusing on the big feasts, the bottomless bottles of wine, and the endless plates of dessert – focus on the people with whom you’re eating, the meaningful conversations, and the one plate you’ve fixed for yourself at the table. Take a moment to give thanks for the meal you’re about to eat and the people you’re eating it with – and enjoy it. Take notice of the festive flavors and spices, the sweet and the savory, the tender and crunchy textures, and really try to be present with each bite and each sip. Take time to RELAX – It’s safe to say that we haven’t quite grasped the concept of work-life balance here in North America, so the idea of relaxing is somewhat foreign. The body and the mind need rest, and we tend to find every reason under the sun to not give the body what it needs. Make yourself a promise in the next two weeks and find at least one day to unplug, make no plans, and really rest. Sleep all day, spend the day in your PJ’s reading a book by the fire, or spend an afternoon at a cozy coffee shop with a warm cuppa tea and a journal. Whatever your idea of relaxation is – promise yourself one day of that. Your mind and body will thank you. Perspective Goes a Long Way – It’s easy to lose sight of what the holidays are all about when you’re trying to navigate the chaos of Christmas shopping during your lunch hour, and getting all caught up at work before you have the in-laws staying over for a week of “fun”. Take a moment and do something nice for someone in need this time around. Get together with friends or family and volunteer at a soup kitchen, or even keep it simple and donate some canned food items, games and toys, or clothing to a shelter. Helping others is always a win. It’s amazing how a little bit of perspective can help give you a sense of clarity for what matters most…and more often than not, that’s not a number on a scale, or how many calories you overate. At the end of the day, what matters most is our health and happiness, and the health and happiness of our loved ones. Your holidays can be healthy if you choose to make them that way. Start today, stay consistent, and continue to focus on the wins each and every day. I wish you all a very happy holiday, and a wonderful start to 2019!  This month we sat down to chat with our newest physio Steven. He is in clinic Tues/Thurs, and every other Sunday!
What influenced your decision to become a physiotherapist? I had many sports injuries growing up and have always tried to find ways to help myself rehab from those injuries. My interest in learning about the human body grew stronger when I enrolled in the Kinesiology program at York University and took courses in athletic injuries. However I soon realized that there was more to rehab than just helping athletes, I wanted to treat all kinds of injuries and that’s why I decided to go into physiotherapy. In this field, I can combine my passion for helping athletes return to their sports and also help treat pain and injuries that are affecting the lives of the general population. What is your treatment philosophy? I believe TENS and electrical modalities has its place in physiotherapy but I do not believe it should be used as the ONLY treatment option. I also believe that patients will have better results in their rehab if they spend more time with the physiotherapist instead of assistants. I believe that these two things are what separates Rebound Health and Wellness from other clinics, I do not use any assistants during my treatment sessions and so you will spend one on one times with me for your entire visit. Our treatment sessions will include more than just a heat pack on your back as well! What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? We will first try to figure out the cause of your pain by taking a detailed history of your pain to narrow down the cause. Next, we will go through specific movements and special tests to pinpoint which exact treatment you will need. The rest of the initial appointment will be treatment of your problem areas using specific strengthening and stretching exercises, joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, athletic taping, and electrical modalities. What types of treatment methods/approaches do you use? Once I find out what issues my patients have, I like to use a variety of techniques to treat those issues. -Cervical, thoracic and lumbar mobilizations using various Maitland, Kaltenborn, Mulligan, traction, and Snag Techniques -Mobilization of SI joint, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, wrist and phalanges -McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for neck and low back pain -Soft Tissue release techniques including Petrissage and Kneading Massage, Percussion Massage, Deep Friction Massage, Trigger Point Release Technique, GTO release -Myofascial release techniques for commonly tight muscle groups including: trapezius, suboccipital, scalene, lats, hip flexors, piriformis, hamstring, gastrocs, quadriceps, supraspinatus, plantar fascia -Therapeutic taping techniques using Leukotape and KT Tape What are the top three most common issues you help clients address? 1. Shoulder pain (either from a rotator cuff issue or shoulder impingement) - don’t know if I should be specific or general 2. Neck pain (from pinched nerves in the that causes pain to radiate down the arm) 3. Low back pain If you could give everyone one piece of advice this winter what would it be? Hmmm, I would advise everyone to watch their steps and be careful of the slippery ice! It is much easier to prevent a fall than to deal with all of the pain and complications that come from a nasty slip and fall! What do you like to do for fun? I like to play basketball, volleyball, badminton and basically any sport for fun. If I’m not being physically active, I like to relax by reading up on the news while listening to music or watching TV shows. Book Online with Steven>>  By Dr Sonya Hamilton, BSc MSc DC Believe it or not, your feet can be a factor in the development of chronic low back pain. Your feet act as a very important foundation for your body, and can dictate how you adapt to stresses and changes in activity. Your feet strike the ground and propel you forwards, and faulty foot biomechanics can result in pain and dysfunction in other joints and structures in the body. If you think of your body as a kinetic chain from the ground up, your weight-bearing feet and ankles function as shock-absorbers for the whole body. If your feet are not working effectively at this job, the shock and stress makes its way up the biomechanical chain in your body. This concept often gets lost in translation, and people do not always understand the missing link between the feet and the back. The most common offending foot dysfunction leading to back pain and other issues is over-pronation, or the inward rolling/dropping of the arches. As the foot over-pronates, the feet become flat and therefore absorb less shock when you walk or run. The rest of your body is then forced to compensate for faulty foot mechanics; your pelvis may slightly drop, your knees may rotate, and you may develop a slight lean. Over time, this adaptation may lead to the development of pain in other areas of the body such as in the back, neck, knees, hips, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. In one study, it was found that women with flat feet are almost 50% more likely to develop low back pain.  When faulty foot mechanics are a factor in low back pain, one way to approach is to consider supporting your foot as you walk or run. When I see patients with chronic back or hip pain that are not responding to treatment and exercise recommendations, I often look to the feet as a possible solution. Using foot orthotics to support your feet can help you with foot pain, and they can change the way your whole body moves and adapts. Orthotics have been shown to be beneficial for low back pain in a number of studies on groups exposed to higher levels of foot stress (such as in runners, military recruits, and golfers). The idea behind using orthotics for back pain- as your feet are better supported, your body becomes more balanced as you stand and walk. Eliminating imbalances in your feet will cause a ripple effect up the biomechanical chain in your body. Studies show that people suffering from chronic or re-occurring low back pain tend to respond very well to custom orthotics within 6 weeks of wearing them. So if you have been suffering from low back pain which continues even after a course of conservative care/exercise, consider taking a look to your feet as another part of the puzzle.   By: Norine Khalil, RD
As an unapologetic feminist, I have focused the majority of the energy I put into my practice on making women feel like the queens that they are. If you ask me what word comes to mind when I think of women, it is strength. Being in the health and fitness industry, the transformation in what we see as ‘healthy’ in women has definitely changed. Women are associating strong with beautiful, which is most definitely a step in the right direction. However, we still have a long way to go in the positive self-talk department. As women, we don’t need to be #girlswholift to see ourselves as strong and capable. We don’t need to fit this new image of “health” to be and feel healthy. How we feel about ourselves should not be measured by the number of squats we did at the gym this morning. We are unique, incredible beings whose bodies each tell a very special story – and that is what we should be focusing on. Feeding the mind and body with love and nutrients that give you the strength to continue feeling your best – putting your energy into you. The real #relationshipgoals. The female body is, in my humble and very bias opinion, the strongest most remarkable creation on this planet. It’s complex, it’s capable, it’s resilient, and it’s beautiful. So while the world is finally beginning to open its eyes to what we are capable of, we need to be ready to take over the world, when that inevitable time comes. And, even though I have zero doubt in my mind that the take over can surely happen even with menstrual cramps and menopause, it doesn’t hurt to dull the cramps and hot flashes with some nutritious goodness, amiright? I’m breaking down some of the best foods to support women’s health for all of the fabulous ladies out there gearing up to take their throne. Flaxseed Ground flaxseed is a source of Omega 3, fibre, and compounds called lignans. Lignans can displace estrogen in the body and mimic it, which can allow for excess estrogen to be cleared through the liver. Why is this important? Well ladies, if you are one of the many who suffer from extremely painful, heavy periods (thank you, Mother Nature), this may be the result of “estrogen dominance”. Including foods such as flaxseed in your diet, that can allow for successful clearing of extra estrogen in the body, may in turn help manage menstrual cramps. Green Tea We all know I’m obsessed with tea…and now I have yet another reason why. While it is often recommended to avoid caffeine if you have difficult “monthly gifts”, the catechins found in green tea (namely EGCG) have been shown to ease menstrual cramps and help with heavy flow. Green tea is also a great source for antioxidants, which are beneficial for uterine health (and overall health). So instead of turning to that cup of coffee when you’re feeling irritable, bloated, and crampy, try ditching the java and putting on a pot of tea instead. You won’t regret it. Brassica Vegetables I just love saying that word. Brassica. Fantastic, isn’t it? Apart from rolling off the tongue, this fabulous family of vegetables contains compounds that aid in the elimination of extra circulating estrogen in the body, which is particularly helpful during the first two weeks of your cycle when estrogen dominance is more prevalent. The most commonly consumed Brassica vegetables include: brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and kale. Limiting these vegetables during the first 14 days of your cycle may be wise if you are prone to painful, heavy periods. Fibre You won’t meet a dietitian who is not a fibre fan. Fibre is the star of the show when it comes to satiety, energy, and blood sugar regulation. For women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and are at higher risk for insulin resistance, fibre is a key piece of puzzle for balancing your blood sugar throughout the day. Including high fibre foods (look for those with at least 3 grams of fibre per serving) at each meal can help balance blood sugar and avoid blood sugar spikes and crashes. Aim for at least 35-40 grams of fibre per day to meet your daily recommendation. Foods that are high in fibre include: nuts, seeds, whole grains like oats, wild rice and buckwheat, vegetables, and legumes such as lentils and beans. Vitamin D Not only is Vitamin D important for the maintenance of strong bones, it also plays a key role in female hormonal balance – namely progesterone and estradiol. Research has shown that higher doses of Vitamin D have had positive effects on estrogen dominance, one possible contributor to infertility. In addition, Vitamin D deficiency has also been shown to be associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can also cause fertility issues. The best way to absorb Vitamin D is through sunlight – something us Canadians don’t get enough of. Supplementation can be an important piece of the puzzle for women’s health, and it is therefore important to get your Vitamin D levels checked through bloodwork and speak with a healthcare provider to determine the best supplement support strategy for you. There you have it – my favorite foods for women’s health. Embrace the power and strength of the female mind and body, and support one another in your journeys of learning, growth, and love. Keep shining, ladies. Norine is available Thursdays in clinic, book an appointment with her online>> For more personalized recommendations on what types of foods and supplements are beneficial for your health journey, be sure to consult with a health professional.  What is FASCIA? Does FST have anything to do with stretching my face?
A very common question! And no- fascial stretch is not a facial stretch! Fascial Stretch involves fascia- fascia is the connective tissue that wraps and connects muscles, joints, nerves, bones, and organs. Similar to muscles, fascia can get tight and bound down, however it responds better to movement and stretching and than to traditional massage and other therapies. Can you tell me more about FST? What can I expect? How long is a session? Is it covered by benefits? Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a pain free, hands on treatment that targets the fascia. FST is a unique, complete and complementary system of table-based assisted stretching. It focuses on the fascia and joint capsule as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength, performance and pain relief. FST will help uncover areas of tightness you didn’t realize existed, while simultaneously creating release through a gentle, pain free, traction/contract and relax approach. FST is compatible with other forms of treatment and training. Results are often seen within 1-3 sessions and accumulate over time. Combined with exercises to help maintain mobility and strengthen your body in its new range FST will help you move and feel better for whatever your needs may be. Sessions last 60 minutes, and cost $100. FST is offered by a licensed Chiropractor, if you have extended health coverage for Chiropractic care FST sessions will be eligible (check with your plan for specific details on chiropractic coverage). Certain plans can be direct billed in our clinic. What are the benefits of FST? Benefits of FST include: -increased flexibility and mobility -decreased pain -decreased joint compression and impingement -improved posture -improved sport performance and muscle function -increased blood supply -reduced risk of injury -reduced mental and physical stress -better sleep Book an appointment with Dr Stephanie Tabbert>>  What are the top three most common issues you help clients address?
What approaches or techniques do you use as a chiropractor use to treat issues of the musculoskeletal system? Depending on the issue someone presents with, I use an individualized approach based on current evidence, and clinical experience. This means that I do not follow a cookie cutter approach for everyone. I have a variety of techniques in my “toolbox” as a chiropractor, depending on the area of concern. Treatments often include some soft tissue therapy (muscle release), joint mobilizations to improve motion and decrease pain, and other techniques which include medical acupuncture, instrumented soft tissue treatment, and taping. I also work with my patients to address their ergonomics, sleep positioning, exercise routines, and I provide stretching and strengthening advice when needed. If you could give everyone one piece of advice this summer what would it be? Listen to your body! If you are sore and achy during work, take a break- get up and stretch, go for a walk, and stop eating your lunch at your desk! When gardening or exercising, if you feel a strain consider what you are doing before it’s too late. What is new and exciting on the Chiropractic horizon for this summer? Chiropractors in Ontario are working harder than ever before to become an integral part of your primary health care team. As musculoskeletal experts, we continue to collaborate with medical doctors, and work to improve patient outcomes in reducing chronic pain. How is a chiropractor different than a physiotherapist? Chiropractors and physiotherapists work towards the same goals of improving your function and mobility, while decreasing pain. Chiropractors study conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system extensively, and as a result are legislated with the right to diagnose and communicate a diagnosis and are legally permitted the term Doctor. Chiropractors are allowed to provide more forceful mobilizations to the spine known as adjustments; physiotherapists with extra certifications can also do this as well. Both chiropractors and physiotherapists often have a focus on rehabilitation to decrease the possibility of your condition returning. Physiotherapists tend to work more hands on with their clients to complete their rehabilitation exercises. What can someone expect an initial appointment with you to look like? An initial assessment includes a thorough health history, and an orthopedic examination. After discussing your current concern, I will examine the area at issue, using a variety of orthopedic tests to determine the root cause. If it is something I can treat, we will discuss my recommended treatment plan, and I start off with some treatment and recommendations. If needed, I will refer you to another appropriate practitioner such as your family doctor, or for an x ray for further assessment. Dr Hamilton provides free 15 minute consultations to discuss treatment options, and to learn more about chiropractic (please note no health advice is given during these sessions). Click here to book online >> |
AuthorWritten by the team at Rebound Health and Wellness Archives
February 2020
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