Knee Pain & Prevention

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

Knee pain is often caused by either a one-time acute injury or repetitive motions that stress the knee, particularly as we age.  Included below are some of the conditions that commonly cause knee pain:

 

·        Osteoarthritis results from the protective layers of cartilage in the knee becoming worn over a period of time, leading to change in the composition of the bone underneath the cartilage.  This may result in a number of symptoms including:  joint pain and stiffness, decreased ranges of motion, weakness, swelling, inflammation, and instability.

 

·        Patellofemoral pain syndrome refers to knee conditions that involve the kneecap and/or the structures around it.  Pain can be generated by breakdown of the cartilage under the kneecap, tight or weak tissues around the kneecap, or misalignment of the kneecap.

 

·        Meniscal injuries directly involve tearing/damage to the cartilage cushioning in the knee.  This type of injury can result from a sporting event or fall where the knee undergoes a sudden twisting motion or impact.  It can also occur in older individuals who develop a chronic tear in a worn meniscus.

 

·        Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another.  They help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement.  Ligament injuries can occur when these structures become over-stretched or torn, often during activities where there is a direct blow to the knee or there is an awkward fall or twisting motion involving the knee.

 

·        Tendons are strong tissues that anchor muscles to bones, and these structures can become torn or inflamed around the knee joint leading to tendonitis and muscular strains.

 

·        Bursitis can involve several fluid-filled structures in your knee that help provide more cushioning in the joint.  Certain activities, such as kneeling on the floor, can cause a bursa to become irritated.

 

Below are some useful tips that can help individuals avoid or minimize the chance of knee pain and injury:

 

1.    Maintain a healthy bodyweight to decrease the overall stress on your knees.

 

2.   Wear appropriate footwear that supports your activities and helps maintain proper leg alignment and balance.

 

3.   Prepare your knees for physical activity by stimulating the joints and muscles, and increasing circulation.  This can be accomplished with a quick cardiovascular warm-up and gentle stretching of the muscles in the thighs and lower legs.

 

4.    Choose activities that are knee friendly for you.  This may include low impact activities such as walking or cycling.  Remember to start slowly and build up the intensity gradually.

 

5.    Strength, balance and flexibility exercises can train your leg muscles to better support your knees and avoid injuries.

 

In the event that you suffer a knee injury that does not subside, you should contact a licensed health professional who deals in the diagnosis and treatment of knee pain.  For additional information on knee pain and treatment of muscle and joint injuries, 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.

The Chirorpactic Patient Experience

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

 

In last month’s article “An Introduction to Chiropractic Care”, we specifically focused on the training and education of chiropractors, regulation of chiropractic, and the scope of chiropractic care.  This article will focus on the chiropractic patient experience written specifically from the author’s perspective of what patients experience at his private practice.  Individual chiropractic experiences may vary in different chiropractic settings dependent on practitioner interests, experience, education, and training.

 

Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders arising from the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones), such as back pain and neck pain.  Before any treatment is commenced on a prospective chiropractic patient, there are several steps that are taken to ensure the case is one that can be helped with chiropractic care.

 

First, a thorough Medical History is taken which documents an individual's specific complaint and may also include questions concerning past surgeries and illnesses, medication use, general and family health history.  Second, a Physical Examination is performed consisting of orthopedic, neurological, and range of motion testing.  X-rays may also be ordered to help determine the source of pain or dysfunction.  Third, a Diagnosis and Prognosis is provided to the patient to let them know if their complaint(s) can benefit from chiropractic care.  If the complaint will not benefit from chiropractic care, a referral is made to the appropriate health discipline.

 

For all complaints that may benefit from chiropractic care, a proposed treatment plan is communicated to the patient, including type of treatment and duration.  Factors taken into consideration when developing a treatment plan for a particular individual include age, sex, severity and duration of complaint, lifestyle and environmental factors, physical health and fitness, medication use, and any other relevant health 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.

 

Chiropractors are trained to offer multi-modal physical therapy incorporating the use of different techniques commonly employed in combination with each other to decrease pain, stimulate healing, and restore overall function.  Chiropractic adjustments and mobilizations are just one mode of therapy utilized by chiropractors (but not with every patient), to restore normal motion and functioning in joints.  Soft tissue therapy is used to alleviate muscle spasm, decrease scar tissue, and increase pain free ranges of motion.  Electrotherapy involves the application of relaxing therapeutic electrical current or sound waves to the area of injury, dysfunction, or pain (i.e. TENS, interferential current, ultrasound).  Acupuncture can be used to promote healing, decrease pain, and control inflammation.  Rehabilitative exercise prescription may also be used to improve balance, coordination, strength, flexibility, and posture.

 

Contemporary chiropractic care provides many options for prospective and current patients seeking effective and safe therapy for their musculoskeletal complaints.  Additional chiropractic resources can be found at:  (www.nhwc.ca), (www.chiropractic.on.ca), and (www.ccachiro.org).

 

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.

An Introduction To Chiropractic Care

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

 

Chiropractic is one of the largest primary contact health professions in Canada.  Approximately four and a half million Canadians use the services of a chiropractor each year.  Despite the professions growing popularity, there are still many in the public who don’t exactly know what services a chiropractor performs or what qualifications and training they possess.  This article is the first of a two part series introducing the chiropractic health discipline and the profession’s role in the health care system.

 

A large majority of patients who seek chiropractic care do so for complaints of the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, tendons, nerves and bones).  Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment and management of these complaints which may include but are not limited to:  back pain, neck pain, sciatica, whiplash, osteoarthritis, migraine and tension headaches, upper and lower extremity complaints, along with repetitive strain, sport, work and motor vehicle injuries.

 

Chiropractic practitioners undergo a rigorous course of study similar to that of other health professionals.  Training involves a minimum of three years undergraduate university education, followed by another four years of intensive academic and clinical education at an accredited chiropractic college.  Becoming licensed to practice chiropractic requires all eligible candidates to pass national and provincial examinations before applying to the Licensing Board.  Specialized post-graduate training enables the chiropractors of today to offer their patients additional treatment options.

 

Chiropractic in Canada is regulated by provincial statute in all provinces (The Chiropractic Act, 1991), created in accordance with the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA, 1991).  Chiropractors along with medical doctors, dentists, psychologists, and optometrists have the legislated right and obligation to communicate a diagnosis and to use the title doctor.  The College of Chiropractors of Ontario, like the colleges in each of the other provinces, is similar to the regulatory bodies for other health professions.  It is responsible for protecting the public, standards of practice, disciplinary issues, quality assurance and maintenance of competency.

 

Chiropractic is well recognized within the health care system.  Chiropractic care is covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) for occupational injuries, by automobile insurance in the event of a motor vehicle accident (MVA) injury, and by many Extended Health Care (EHC) plans.  A medical referral is not necessary to access chiropractic care.  Chiropractic adjustments are just one mode of therapy utilized by chiropractors today (but not with every patient).  Some chiropractors are also trained to employ other forms of physical therapy such as acupuncture, electrotherapy, soft tissue therapy, and rehabilitative exercises.  If your complaint is not something that would respond favorably to chiropractic care, a referral is made to the appropriate health professional.

 

Additional chiropractic resources can be found at: (www.nhwc.ca), (www.chiropractic.on.ca), and (www.ccachiro.org).  Join us next month for the second part of this series on chiropractic where you will learn about the chiropractic experience from a patient’s perspective.

 

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.

Baden Road Races 2014

New name, new challenge, same great event!

 

 

 

Join us at the Baden Road Races 2014 this Saturday May 10, 2014 - 9:30 AM EDT at the Wilmot Recreation Complex, Baden


Event Details:

The signature distance of this event is the Baden Hill 7 Miler, which ascends the aerial Baden Tower Hill.  Runners will climb the steep gravel slope and turn around at the top.  At the top - which is the highest point in Southwestern Ontario - don't miss ringing the brass bell! 

 

Also at this event are the Neil Dunford memorial 5 KM, as well as 1 KM and 200m events for children.  

Event Day Schedule:

7:30 AM - Race Day Registration and Kit Pickup Opens
9:30 AM - Race Start (7mi, 5km, 1km)
9:45 AM - Fabulous Post-Race Refreshments and Massages
11:15 AM - 200m Fun Run (after the last finisher)
11:30 AM - Pledge Prizes and Awards (once results are official)

**Look for the New Hamburg Wellness Centre team providing free post-race massages!**


The Hill:

The Baden Hill is the highest point in Southwestern Ontario.  From the top, there's quite a view!

Course Details:

 

The 7 mile will run from the venue along Gingerich to Snyder's, and to the top of the Baden Hill.
The 5 kilometre will follow a similar course, and turn around on Gingerich near Foundry.
The 1 kilometre and 200 metre will take place on complex grounds.
All races will finish inside the complex.

 

 

 

Post Race:

 

Following your run, enjoy great food, musical entertainment, massage and draw prizes.  

Before the awards, don't miss the adorable 1 KM and 200m kids fun runs!

 

 

 

Awards:

 

 Mile & 5 KM EVENTS - medals to:

• Top 3 overall Male and Female, Open & Masters (age 40 plus)
• Top 3 Male and Female finishers in each age and weight category, and
• 1st place team in each Team Category.
• $100 in prize money will be awarded to the top Open team in any timed event in which there are at least 5 eligible teams in the official results.  

Unclaimed medals will be available for pickup at Runners' Choice on Monday May 18, 2014.

 

 

We can't wait, and we hope you join us!

Quick And Easy Stretches To Prevent Golf Injuries

Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA)

The strain and effort required to play golf should never be underestimated.  Forgetting to warm up can cause unnecessary injury and an unwanted visit to a health professional.

 

Here are a few easy stretching techniques that can be done in 5 minutes to help you get in the game without the pain.