What To Expect At Your Initial Chiropractic Appointment

Here is what you can expect on your first Chiropractic visit.

MEDICAL HISTORY

A thorough medical history is taken which documents your specific concern, duration, location, and severity of symptoms, and relieving and aggravating factors. Additional health information required may include general health questions concerning past episodes of the complaint, past surgeries and illnesses, medication use, family history of illness, systems review and a review of general health status.

PHYSICAL EXAMINATION

Standard physical, postural, palpatory, orthopedic, neurological, and chiropractic tests are performed to determine the cause(s) of your problem. X-rays may also be ordered to help formulate a diagnosis.

DIAGNOSIS AND PROGNOSIS

The doctor will communicate a diagnosis and prognosis, and let you know if your complaint is one that can benefit from chiropractic care. In the event that the complaint will not benefit from chiropractic care, a referral will be made to the appropriate health care discipline.

TREATMENT

For all complaints that may benefit from chiropractic care, a proposed treatment plan is communicated, including type of treatment and duration. Factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan include age, sex, severity and duration of complaint, genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors, physical health and fitness, and any other co-conditions. In addition, factors relating to patient concerns and preferences are also taken into account, because patients always have a choice as to the type of care they wish to receive. Any proposed treatment plan requires a signed informed consent by the patient.

For more information on Chiropractic Care, visit our website (link in bio):

www.nhwc.ca

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How Can Chiropractors Help With Headaches?

Being able to think clearly and calmly allows us to make decisions, process emotions, and carry on with our day-to-day lives. That clarity can be easily destroyed with a strong headache. Many people have occasional headaches, but frequent headaches that affect your ability to sleep or get on with your day can be disabling.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HEADACHES

Common types of headaches are tension, migraine, and cervicogenic headaches.

Tension-type headaches commonly present as band-like tension around the head, whereas migraine headaches usually result in pain on one side of the head and are commonly accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.

With cervicogenic headaches, the neck is the source of the problem but the pain is perceived in one or more areas of the head and/or face. The causes of headaches are not always well understood but a family history of headaches, neck stiffness, and stress are common factors.

HOW CAN CHIROPRACTORS HELP WITH HEADACHES?

Chiropractors can assess, diagnose, and manage headaches. Evidence suggests that chiropractic care, including manual therapy, can be effective in treating cervicogenic and tension headaches. Studies have also shown that chiropractic care can help decrease the intensity and frequency of migraines.

The treatment options may include:

• Manual therapy
• Soft tissue therapy
• Modalities including electrical stimulation, acupuncture, and ultrasound
• Rehabilitation
• Lifestyle changes and education
• Referral and co-management

It’s important to take headaches seriously. Consider consulting a chiropractor if you often have headaches, if you frequently take a pain reliever for your headaches, if your headache pattern changes, or if your headaches are getting worse. Seek prompt attention if your headache is sudden and severe, follows a head injury, or is accompanied by fever, stiff neck, weakness, numbness, or difficulty speaking.

#migraine #headache #chiropracticcare #chiropractic #chiropractor #health #wellness #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #tavistock #wellesley #waterlooregion

Cycling Safety Tips

🚲 CYCLING SAFETY TIP #1  

Wear a helmet.  ⛑ It is strongly recommended that you wear the right helmet to reduce the risk of permanent injury if you fall. But how do you know you've got the right helmet?

Ask yourself these questions:  

Q: Does the helmet fit firmly on your head, without wobbling from side to side or backwards and forwards?

Q: Does the helmet sit comfortably on your forehead, above your eyebrows?

Q: Do the straps feel tight and is the chin strap snug when you open and close your mouth?

By asking yourself these questions, you can ensure that your head is protected from potential impact.  

🚲 CYCLING SAFETY TIP #2  

Use lights and reflectors.  

If you’re planning on cycling in the evenings or early mornings, make sure you are up-to-date on the rules and regulations in your province.

*Don’t forget that you are sharing the road with other motorists and you need to be seen at all times.  

Riding a bike is similar to driving a car in the sense that both involve sharing the road. Before making any turns, make sure you look over your shoulder for any oncoming traffic or pedestrians. It's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times to avoid collisions.

#bike #cycling #safety #helmet #outdoors #exercise

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy - NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NEW HAMBURG WELLNESS CENTRE

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy focuses on the treatment involving both the internal and external pelvic muscles and joints. These tissues are extremely important in providing support and stability to our pelvic girdle.  When the system is not functioning optimally, it can lead to issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, prolapse and more.

The pelvic muscles help with bladder control, smooth bowel movements, organ support, sexual function and pain-free movements of the hips, lower back and pelvis. If the pelvic muscles are either too tight or weak, pelvic floor dysfunction occurs. Pelvic floor dysfunction can have a huge impact on quality of life, intimate relationships and should be recognized as an imperative aspect of overall health and well-being.

NOTE: Our Pelvic Health Physiotherapist treats females only.

CONDITIONS TREATED WITH PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

PELVIC PAIN:

·         Vaginismus

·         Pain with intercourse

·         Vulvodynia (vaginal pain)

·         Coccydynia (tailbone pain)

·         Proctaglia Fugax (rectal pain)

·         Chronic Urological Pain Syndromes

·         Painful urination or bowel movements

·         Post-surgical pain (C-section, hernia repair, hysterectomy)

INCONTINENCE:

·         Urinary or fecal incontinence

·         Urinary urgency and leakage with sneezing/coughing/laughing/athletics

PREGNANCY AND POST-PARTUM:

·         Diastasis Recti

·         Weakness in core musculature

·         Preparation for and recovery following birth (vaginal or C-section)

PROLAPSE:

·         Cystocele, Uterocele, and Rectocele

UNSUCCESSFUL VOIDING:

·         Constipation

·         Increased frequency of urination

·         Feeling of incomplete bowel movement or the need for several bowel movements

 

WHAT TO EXPECT AT YOUR APPOINTMENT

Your pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments will be dependent upon the findings at your initial assessment.  Your assessment will involve the following:

MEDICAL HISTORY:

You and your therapist will discuss your medical history, history of symptoms, aggravating factors, and how your current symptoms impact your daily life. This helps your therapist gain a thorough understanding of your condition and will guide the rest of the assessment.

Your therapist will explain the role and functions of the pelvic floor using a model. They will also explain how (if indicated for your condition) an internal examination would be performed, as well as the purpose of such an examination.

EXAMINATION:

After the above steps have been completed, with informed consent provided, your therapist will begin an assessment.  This will begin by looking at your whole body: posture, breathing and movement patterns. Next, your therapist will assess the range of motion and strength of areas that work in conjunction with the pelvic floor (core, low back, hips, sacroiliac joints, abdomen, etc).

Your  therapist will continuously check in on your comfort and willingness to proceed throughout the assessment. At any point during the external or internal examination, you can withdraw your consent and stop the examination.  

During the internal examination, your therapist will leave the room, giving you time to change and get set up on the examination table as instructed.  The purpose of the internal assessment is to assess the tissues of the pelvic floor including their tone, strength, coordination and endurance. An internal exam is NOT required, but this information allows your therapist to better tailor your treatment plan specifically to you.  All appointments take place in our private treatment rooms.

 

EVIDENCE SUPPORTING PELVIC FLOOR PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapists who are trained in pelvic floor therapy should be the first line of treatment for stress and mixed urinary incontinence in women, before surgical interventions (Cochrane Collaboration 2014).

Pelvic floor muscle training is effective and cost-effective in reducing prolapse symptoms and should be recommended as first line treatment for prolapse (Hagen 2011).

Canadian Physiotherapy Association & The Society of Gynecologists of Canada recommend:

Pelvic floor muscle training with a physiotherapist is recommended to prevent urinary incontinence during pregnancy and after delivery.

Core stability training with a physiotherapist is recommended to prevent/treat back and pelvic pain during and following pregnancy.

Golf Tips To Get In The Game Without The Pain!

 

Pain shouldn’t be par for the course. Get in golf shape to protect your back and improve your game, without the pain.

WARM UP AND COOL DOWN

Take a few minutes to stretch before and after your game. Start with a brisk walk, 10 to 15 minutes is ideal. Then do some dynamic stretching.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink plenty of fluids before, during and after your golf game. Remember that once you are thirsty, you are already starting to dehydrate!

PUSH, DON'T CARRY YOUR GOLF BAG

Push or pull your bag using a pull cart, and when possible take turns riding in a golf cart.

If you prefer to carry your clubs, use a double-strap bag that evenly distributes the weight of your clubs across your body. If your bag gets too heavy, put it down and take a break.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SHOES

Wearing golf shoes with good support and the proper fit can help prevent knee, hip and lower back pain.

TAKE LESSONS

The right swing technique can do more than improve your game. It can also spare you unnecessary pain. Working with a professional is a great way to learn the basics.

If you’re experiencing back pain, visit one of our Chiropractors to assess your specific needs and identify a course of action that’s right for you.

Contact us:

519-662-4441

nhwc.ca

ONLINE BOOKING LINK IN BIO

#golf #golfing #tips #pain #backpain #shoulderpain #exercise #spinalhealth #chiropractic #chiropractor #health #wellness #wecanhelp #newhamburgwellness #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #tavistock #wellesley #waterlooregion

Chiropractic Tips for Better Knee and Ankle Alignment to Prevent Dance Injuries

 April 29 is International Dance Day 💃

A dancer’s jumps, turns, and forward pushing movement all begin with a bent knee. A key way to prevent dance injuries is to ensure you understand your joint positioning during these transitional movements. This positioning includes controlling your knee and ankle alignment to prevent injuries. 🩰

You can train in parallel with a ball placed between your thighs and just above your ankles. This will give you the physical cues you need. These cues remind you to bend your leg with your knee tracking over your foot centrally.  Any deviation towards or away from your body’s midline will cause strain in your ankle and knee joints. This strain will also disrupt the alignment of your spine and pelvis. 🕺

For a dancer, visiting a movement specialist, like a chiropractor, can help reduce their risk of injuries, along with the pain and discomfort they bring. ☑

#dance #InternationalDanceDay #alignment #movement #chiropractic #healthtips #injuries #training #ankleinjury #kneepain #joints #strain #spine #pelvis