Services Offered

The New Hamburg Wellness Centre is a multidisciplinary clinic offering chiropractic care, registered massage therapy, physiotherapy, medical acupuncture, osteopathy, naturopathic medicine, custom orthotic therapy, nursing foot care, and clinical social work and counselling.

Our focus is to provide exceptional clinical services with consistency and honesty to assist individuals in achieving optimal health and wellness.

SERVICES OFFERED AT NEW HAMBURG WELLNESS CENTRE:

Chiropractic Care

A large majority of patients who seek chiropractic care do so for complaints of the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and bones).  Our chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and management of these complaints. 

Our New Hamburg Chiropractors utilize an integrated approach to treatment that is tailored to each specific individual. Listed below is a sampling of chiropractic techniques employed in our office.

• Chiropractic Adjustments
• Medical Acupuncture
• Laser Therapy
• Shockwave Therapy
• Electrotherapy
• Rehabilitative Exercise Prescription
• Concussion Management
• Graston Soft Tissue Therapy
• Active Release Therapy (ART)
• Custom Orthotic Therapy

For more information on Chiropractic Care, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/nhwc_chiropractic.html

Registered Massage Therapy

Massage Therapy is the hands-on treatment of the soft tissues in the body including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It is an effective treatment approach that helps alleviate soft tissue discomfort that may arise from injury, muscular and joint overuse, repetitive strain, and chronic pain.

Our New Hamburg Registered Massage Therapists also have training to provide specialized services such as Hot Stone Massage, Pregnancy, Labour, and Infant Massage, Lymph Drainage Techniques, Trigger Point Therapy, Deep Tissue Massage, Myofascial Release, and Hydrotherapy.  See the practitioner profiles for details.

For more information on Registered Massage Therapy, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_massage.html

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapists are skilled in prevention, assessment and management of conditions affecting the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory and nervous systems.

Physiotherapy utilizes various treatment techniques including manual therapy and rehabilitative exercise prescription to help you become more functional in your daily activities.

For more information on Physiotherapy, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_physiotherapy.html

Medical Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a 2000-year-old Chinese treatment in which fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) lists many different conditions that can legitimately be treated by acupuncture. There are many successful applications of acupuncture for acute and chronic muscle and joint pain. 

For more information on Medical Acupuncture, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_acupuncture.html

Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a natural and gentle hands-on therapy that treats the individual as an integrated whole. Its aim is to restore balance and function not only to the joints and to the spine, but also to organs and neurological tissues. These hands-on techniques are performed after years of professional training and clinical practice.

Osteopathy treats many types of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction, and is also good for general maintenance of the body. Treatment techniques may involve elements of soft tissue work, joint mobilizations, cranial sacral therapy, muscle energy, and fascial release. All techniques are relaxing and not painful, making the treatment experience safe and enjoyable.

For more information on Osteopathy, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_osteopathy.html

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy involves the application of specific wavelengths of laser light to induce a therapeutic effect within the body. The K-Laser has been shown to decrease pain, reduce swelling/inflammation and enhance tissue repair. It does this by increasing microcirculation, allowing more red blood cells with oxygen to reach injured tissues to help with healing. It will also increase venous and lymphatic drainage from the injured region. At the cellular level, it stimulates enzymes which will improve the rate at which energy is made in the cell. More energy in the cell means a quicker healing process.

For more information on Laser Therapy, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_lasertherapy.html

Custom Orthotics

Custom orthotics correct faulty foot mechanics by normalizing motion and offering shock absorption. Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole - and they have the advantage of having been custom-made from precise imprints of your feet.

The most effective orthotics are custom-designed devices specifically crafted to meet the needs of the particular individual. Mechanical dysfunction in our feet has the ability to put undue stress on other parts of the body, predisposing us to wear and tear and injury. Prevention and correction is key!  Many people have experienced the benefits of custom orthotics. Let us help you to stay active, mobile, and healthy. If you think custom orthotics may be of benefit to you, book your Advanced Computer Gait and Orthotic Analysis today.

For more information on Custom Orthotics, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_orthotic.html

Naturopathic Medicine

Naturopathic Doctors assist patients of all ages in disease prevention and improving overall health through stimulating the natural healing power of the body.

Here is  a list of Common Conditions Treated by Naturopathic Doctors:

• Fatigue
• Skin conditions
• Seasonal allergies
• Digestive problems
• Cardiovascular issues
• Respiratory conditions
• Immune system issues
• Detoxification and Weight loss protocols
• Women's, Men's and Children's health issues

For more information on Naturopathic Medicine, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_naturopathic.html

Nursing Foot Care

Foot Care Nurses typically deal with the nails and skin of the foot.  In addition to these basic services, an Advanced Foot Care Nurse (AFCN) is also qualified to perform specialized treatments for high-risk clients including those individuals with arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes.

Nursing Foot Care services may include:

·       Treatment of ingrown toenails

·       Treatment of thick, hard and fungal nails

·   Reduction and/or removal of heavy calluses and painful corns

·   Helpful teaching techniques to promote prevention of specific foot issues

Many foot problems are avoidable with proper preventative care and maintenance. Regular foot care treatments offer the potential for improved mobility, reduced pain, and a higher quality of life. It is most

For more information on Nursing Foot Care, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_footcare.html

Clinical Social Work & Counselling

Our Clinical Social Work and Counselling services provide a variety of areas of expertise to help individuals and families with matters such as child and adult mental health, depression, anxiety, addictions, domestic violence, child abuse, custody and access disputes, Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) rehabilitation and chronic pain just to name a few. Recovery is a subjective experience, and depending on the circumstance, a combination of interventions and modalities that best suit the specific needs of an individual can be used during treatment sessions.

In addition to offering clinical counselling and therapy, this service also provides general social work supports that may include but are not limited to connecting individuals and their families to the most appropriate resources in the community, making referrals for their family members to different/other service providers, as well as general navigation of the social system (for example Ontario Housing, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability, court services just to name a few).

For more information on Clinical Social Work & Counselling, visit: https://www.nhwc.ca/so_counselling.html

Taking Care Of Your Feet

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The feet are an individual’s contact points with the ground, so how they support the rest of the body is critical.  Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts, which all have to function together when we stand, walk, run and jump to provide proper stability and balance.

When a small problem develops in our feet, the subtle changes in the way we move can cause a chain reaction of adjustments in our posture and walking mechanics.  This can lead to symptoms such as: localized foot pain, arch and heel pain, along with ankle, knee, hip, and back pain.

Protecting your feet and choosing proper footwear can go a long way in preventing injury and pain.  Below are some helpful tips that can ensure your feet are protected and functioning to the best of their ability.

·     Choose footwear that is appropriate for your foot type.  For example, people with low arches, called pronators, will need a shoe that provides some degree of stability.  A shoe with good cushioning is important for people with high arches, called supinators.

·      Select a footwear store with knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on the shoe that best suits your activity, body structure and type of foot.  Shop in the afternoon or evening, as your feet tend to accumulate fluid and swell throughout the day.  What may have been comfortable earlier in the day could now feel tight later in the day.

·    Remember that not all shoes are created equally.  The same shoe sizes can have different fits depending on the manufacturer.  Be sure to try several sizes to find the most comfortable shoe.

·        Avoid buying shoes that you feel need a break-in period.  Shoes should be comfortable from the first time you put them on.

·      Don't cheap out on your shoes!  Better quality shoes may cost more but will pay off in terms of support and sturdiness.  A mid-priced shoe may offer the best value.

·     Do not hesitate to replace footwear after excessive wear as it may not be providing you with proper support and stability.

·   Consider custom orthotics to help support your feet.  Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole and work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they decrease stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet into proper alignment.  This helps rebalance your feet and reduces pain and discomfort by enhancing your body’s natural movements.

·     Remember to exercise regularly and try to maintain a healthy weight.  Extra weight adds extra stress on your feet, knees, hips, and back.

In the event that you suffer a muscle or joint injury related to your feet that does not subside, you should contact a licensed health professional.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Heel Fat Pad Syndrome

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Heel Fat Pad Syndrome (HFPS) refers to damage or disruption of the fatty pad that sits under our heel bone (calcaneous).  This structure is approximately one inch thick and is made up of fatty tissue enclosed by ligamentous chambers.  The purpose of this structure is to absorb shock and cushion the heel bone.  If the fat pad is displaced or thins, then its ability to protect the heel bone from impact is decreased, which can result in heel pain.

HFPS is commonly misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis symptoms tend to be located towards the inner front portion of the heel and can extend into the arch of the foot, whereas symptoms of HFPS are characteristically located in the centre of the heel and described as a deep, dull ache that feels like a bruise.  Other symptoms characteristic of HFPS include central heel pain that is aggravated by prolonged periods of standing and barefoot walking on hard surfaces.  It is also possible to have both plantar fasciitis and HFPS present at the same time.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of HFPS.  Trauma to the heel from high impact sports or a forceful blow to the heel from a fall can cause injury to the fat pad.  Repetitious chronic overload from activities such as running, jumping or prolonged walking and standing can also cause injury which can be exacerbated by the use of improper footwear.  It is known that the fatty heel pad breaks down as we get older which can make an individual susceptible to this condition.  Carrying extra pounds can also break down the protective fatty tissue under the heel bone.

Self-care strategies for reducing the pain of HFPS include: relative rest from any painful activities; ice application; and gentle stretching of the achilles tendon, and calf muscles.  Gel or “donut pads” placed under the affected heel(s) in shoes may also provide relief.  Long-term strategies may include activity modification and weight loss where applicable.

HFPS that does not respond to self-care strategies may require professional treatment.  This can include electrotherapeutic modalities to assist in healing, manual and soft tissue therapy to supporting structures, therapeutic taping of the heel, and specific rehabilitative  exercises for the muscles and joints of the lower leg and foot.  Supporting the foot with proper footwear and correcting faulty foot mechanics can decrease excessive strain on the fat pad.  A custom made orthotic with a deep heel cup design to cradle and cushion the fat pad may also be helpful for decreasing symptoms.

It is important to establish an accurate diagnosis of HFPS.  Other causes of heel pain may include stress fractures, achilles tendonitis/bursitis, arthritis, gout, or nerve irritation.  If you are having difficulty with heel pain, a qualified health professional can determine the cause of your pain and prescribe appropriate therapy and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Taking Care Of Your Feet

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The feet are an individual’s contact points with the ground, so how they support the rest of the body is critical.  Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts, which all have to function together when we stand, walk, run and jump to provide proper stability and balance.

When a small problem develops in our feet, the subtle changes in the way we move can cause a chain reaction of adjustments in our posture and walking mechanics.  This can lead to symptoms such as: localized foot pain, arch and heel pain, along with ankle, knee, hip, and back pain.

Protecting your feet and choosing proper footwear can go a long way in preventing injury and pain.  Below are some helpful tips that can ensure your feet are protected and functioning to the best of their ability.

·     Choose footwear that is appropriate for your foot type.  For example, people with low arches, called pronators, will need a shoe that provides some degree of stability.  A shoe with good cushioning is important for people with high arches, called supinators.

·      Select a footwear store with knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on the shoe that best suits your activity, body structure and type of foot.  Shop in the afternoon or evening, as your feet tend to accumulate fluid and swell throughout the day.  What may have been comfortable earlier in the day could now feel tight later in the day.

·    Remember that not all shoes are created equally.  The same shoe sizes can have different fits depending on the manufacturer.  Be sure to try several sizes to find the most comfortable shoe.

·        Avoid buying shoes that you feel need a break-in period.  Shoes should be comfortable from the first time you put them on.

·      Don't cheap out on your shoes!  Better quality shoes may cost more but will pay off in terms of support and sturdiness.  A mid-priced shoe may offer the best value.

·      Do not hesitate to replace footwear after excessive wear as it may not be providing you with proper support and stability.

·   Consider custom orthotics to help support your feet.  Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole and work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they decrease stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet into proper alignment.  This helps rebalance your feet and reduces pain and discomfort by enhancing your body’s natural movements.

·      Remember to exercise regularly and try to maintain a healthy weight.  Extra weight adds extra stress on your feet, knees, hips, and back.

In the event that you suffer a muscle or joint injury related to your feet that does not subside, you should contact a licensed health professional.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Taking Care Of Your Feet

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

The feet are an individual’s contact points with the ground, so how they support the rest of the body is critical.  Our feet have nearly 100 individual working parts, which all have to function together when we stand, walk, run and jump to provide proper stability and balance.

 

When a small problem develops in our feet, the subtle changes in the way we move can cause a chain reaction of adjustments in our posture and walking mechanics.  This can lead to symptoms such as: localized foot pain, arch and heel pain, along with ankle, knee, hip, and back pain.

 

Protecting your feet and choosing proper footwear can go a long way in preventing injury and pain.  Below are some helpful tips that can ensure your feet are protected and functioning to the best of their ability.

 

·        Choose footwear that is appropriate for your foot type.  For example, people with low arches, called pronators, will need a shoe that provides some degree of stability.  A shoe with good cushioning is important for people with high arches, called supinators.

 

·        Select a footwear store with knowledgeable staff who can provide advice on the shoe that best suits your activity, body structure and type of foot.  Shop in the afternoon or evening, as your feet tend to accumulate fluid and swell throughout the day.  What may have been comfortable earlier in the day could now feel tight later in the day.

 

·        Remember that not all shoes are created equally.  The same shoe sizes can have different fits depending on the manufacturer.  Be sure to try several sizes to find the most comfortable shoe.

 

·        Avoid buying shoes that you feel need a break-in period.  Shoes should be comfortable from the first time you put them on.

 

·        Don't cheap out on your shoes!  Better quality shoes may cost more but will pay off in terms of support and sturdiness.  A mid-priced shoe may offer the best value.

 

·        Do not hesitate to replace footwear after excessive wear as it may not be providing you with proper support and stability.

 

·        Consider custom orthotics to help support your feet.  Orthotics are mechanical aids that fit into your shoes as comfortably as an insole and work on your feet much like glasses work on your eyes – they decrease stress and strain on your body by bringing your feet into proper alignment.  This helps rebalance your feet and reduces pain and discomfort by enhancing your body’s natural movements.

 

·        Remember to exercise regularly and try to maintain a healthy weight.  Extra weight adds extra stress on your feet, knees, hips, and back.

 

In the event that you suffer a muscle or joint injury related to your feet that does not subside, you should contact a licensed health professional.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.

Plantar Fasciitis: A Common Source Of Heel Pain

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Plantar fasciitis is caused by injury to the plantar fascia, which is the tendon-like soft-tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes.  This condition is a common source of heel pain that can be quite disabling.

 

Plantar fasciitis usually develops gradually, but it can also come on suddenly.  Sharp, knife-like pain on the inside-bottom part of the heel is often characteristic.  Pain and discomfort can also extend into the arch of the foot.  Heel pain tends to be worse with the first few walking steps in the morning, and after extended periods of sitting or inactivity.  If plantar fasciitis becomes severe or chronic, heel and/or arch pain will be present with all weight-bearing activities, and may result in secondary areas of discomfort in the foot, knee, hip or back due to compensatory movements.

 

Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing rubber band, supporting the arch of your foot.  Excessive tension and repetitive stretching can create small tears in this soft-tissue fascia, causing it to become irritated or inflamed.  This may occur with activities that require running, jumping or prolonged walking and standing.  Improper footwear can make the plantar fascia more susceptible to stretch and strain during these activities.

 

Faulty foot mechanics may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.  Individuals with flat feet or those who excessively pronate (role feet inward) will experience added strain on their plantar fascia.  Old lower extremity injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures can increase susceptibility due to altered lower limb movements.  Being overweight is also a risk factor.  Carrying extra pounds can break down the protective fatty tissue under the heel bone, causing heel pain and putting additional mechanical load on the plantar fascia.

 

Self-care strategies for reducing the pain of plantar fasciitis include: ice application; rolling a tennis ball or soup can from your heel and along the arch of your foot; and gentle stretching of the achilles tendon, calf muscles, and plantar fascia.  Gel or “donut pads” placed under the affected heel(s) in shoes may also provide relief.

 

Plantar fasciitis that does not respond to self-care strategies may require professional treatment.  This can include electrotherapeutic or laser modalities to assist in healing, manual and soft tissue therapy to supporting structures, therapeutic taping of the heel, and specific rehabilitative  exercises for the muscles and joints of the lower leg and foot.  A custom made orthotic may also be helpful by minimizing pronation, cushioning the heel, and supporting the arch.

 

It is important to establish an accurate diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.   Other causes of heel pain may include stress fractures, heel fat pad syndrome, achilles tendonitis/bursitis, arthritis, gout, or nerve irritation.  If you are having difficulty with heel pain, a qualified health professional can determine the cause of your pain and prescribe appropriate therapy and rehabilitation strategies specifically for your circumstance.  For more information, visit www.nhwc.ca.

 

This article is a basic summary for educational purposes only.  It is not intended, and should not be considered, as a replacement for consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a duly licensed health practitioner.