It's Time To Vote!

The New Hamburg Wellness Centre has been nominated as a top 10 finalist in the following 4 categories of this year's Reader Select Award:

1.      Favourite Chiropractic Clinic

2.      Favourite Massage Therapy Clinic

3.      Favourite Alternative Medicine Clinic

4.      Favourite Overall Customer Service

 

We are asking for your support to help us get to a winning position.

 

• Simply register at www.readerawards.therecord.com/vote

• Select + Health, Wellness & Beauty and select each of the above 3 categories and vote for New Hamburg Wellness Centre.

• Then select + Overall Customer Service - Favourite Overall Customer Service in 2014-15 and vote for New Hamburg Wellness Centre.

For those with multiple e-mail addresses, you can register with each address and vote again!

Voting is open until October 5th at midnight.

 

Thank you for your support!

 

The Facts About Osteoporosis

By:  Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

Osteoporosis is a disease of bones that decreases bone mass and strength, making them more fragile and susceptible to fracture.  Osteoporotic fractures of the spine and hip are linked to an increased risk of death within the first year after fracture.  Other effects of osteoporotic fractures can include chronic pain, depression, loss of freedom and long-term disability.

 

Below are some additional facts about osteoporosis.

·        The risk of major osteoporotic fracture in Canada is among the highest in the world.  The cost to the Canadian health care system of treating osteoporotic fractures is currently estimated to be $1.9 billion annually.

·        Osteoporotic fractures are more common than heart attack, stroke and cancer combined.  Each year over 125,000 Canadian women suffer osteoporotic fractures affecting the spine, hip, wrist, shoulder, pelvis, and other regions in the body.  The diagnosis of a single fracture increases the risk of subsequent fractures.

·        Some of the risk factors for osteoporosis include:  advancing age, female gender, family history, caucasian race, early menopause, use of certain medications, tobacco and excessive alcohol use, insufficient physical activity, and dietary calcium and/or vitamin D deficiency. Although considered a female health issue, osteoporosis is also becoming a major health concern among males.

·        Bone mineral density testing (BMD) can help identify those at risk for osteoporotic fracture and in need of health care management.

·        Increasing dietary calcium and vitamin D can help reduce bone loss.  Other key nutrients, which have been identified as being crucial for healthy and strong bones, include the correct balances of vitamins C, E, and K, and micronutrients magnesium, boron, potassium, and folic acid.

·        Precautions can be taken by osteoporotic individuals to minimize the risk of slip and fall injuries inside and outside the home.  Regular exercise can also improve an individual's strength, balance, and coordination and help with preventing falls and the risk of fracture.

 

·        Resistance (weight-bearing) exercise is best for directly reducing the rate of bone loss.  Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming, cycling, and walking must be combined with resistance exercise to be of benefit in slowing bone loss.  Examples of resistance exercise include the use of ones own body weight for performing movement (i.e. squats, push-ups), weight machines in a fitness facility, dumbbells, and resistance tubing.  Resistance loads need to be greater than those experienced during normal daily activities.  The effects of resistance exercise are site specific, meaning that only bones that are loaded through resistance will benefit from the activity.  To maintain the positive effects of exercise on bone, the program must continue throughout life.

Although certain risk factors cannot be controlled in combating bone loss, there are natural lifestyle choices an individual can make in preventing the onset of osteoporosis and the risk of fracture.  For more information on lifestyle, dietary and exercise management strategies concerning osteoporosis 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 Top 3 Common Myths about Chiropractic Treatment

Canadian Chiropractic Association

Many Canadians continue to have questions about the role that chiropractors play in the healthcare team, and what benefit care may have to their health. To find out what chiropractic can do for you, find a chiropractor in your community. However, there are commonly shared myths that can be easily explained by your chiropractor.
 

We took three of the most common myths around chiropractic treatment and explained them:

1. Once you see a chiropractor you have to keep going back

This is false. When seeking care from a chiropractor, the chiropractor will perform an assessment including a history and physical examination to determine the cause of the pain or dysfunction. From these observations, a diagnosis will be made and the treatment plan developed in collaboration with the patient – according to their needs and goals. The treatment plan will recommend a number of initial visits to see if the patient responds to care and scheduled re-evaluations. Depending on the patient and the condition, the recommended course of care may vary. Ultimately, the decision to continue care is yours. As a patient, if you have questions or concerns about care, you should feel comfortable to ask the chiropractor for more information on the recommendations made and address any concerns. The care plan should be part of a shared decision-making between the patient and practitioner.

 

2. Chiropractors are not ‘real’ doctors

Chiropractors are regulated in all 10 Canadian provinces, and are designated to use the title “doctor” similar to physicians, optometrists and dentists after completing the extensive Doctor of Chiropractic degree program. Those professions who are recognized to use the “doctor” title have extensive training in their area of expertise that allows them to be diagnosticians – to provide a diagnosis.

 

3. Adjustments are painful

In general, adjustments or joint manipulations do not hurt. In fact, many patients report immediate pain relief. Patients may be nervous about the ‘cracking’ or popping sound that may occur during an adjustment. The sound is believed to result from the release of gas bubbles from the joint.

 

Learning more about chiropractic care can help you access and determine if chiropractic care is right for you. To learn more, contact your chiropractor and ask questions about how chiropractic care could work for you.  To learn more about what to expect at your first chiropractic treatment, you can take a look at our online videos.

Watch Your Step

Canadian Chiropractic Association

One of the things you have complete control over is – you! There are many choices you can make

that will reduce your risk of falling and protect your independence. Check out these tips for simple things you can do to stay safely on your feet.

Your Activities

• Remove your reading glasses when you are walking. Always slip them off before you take a step.
• Never climb on a chair or stool to reach something. Always ask for assistance.
• If you have a pet such as a cat or dog, consider putting a bell or reflector on its collar. It’s easy to stumble across an affectionate or sleeping pet that’s in your path.
• Take your time. If you frequently find yourself rushing to pick-up the phone, consider investing in a cordless phone that you can keep near you. Don’t rush to answer the door. The visitor will wait.
• Always sit down to put on or take off shoes and clothing. Place a chair or bench near the entranceway.
• Keep hallways and stairs free of children’s toys.
• Wear shoes or slippers with non-slip soles indoors. That means you might have to giveup that pair of loose, comfy slippers with the worn soles.
• Ask for help if you need it. Most people like to lend a hand.

Download the Watch Your Step information sheet

 

CANADA’S CHIROPRACTORS. HERE TO HELP.

A Doctor of Chiropractic can help you assess your risk of falls by evaluating your strength and balance. Your chiropractor can also prescribe exercises and give you practical advice to reduce your risk.

For more information visit: www.nhwc.ca

Rehabilitation Of Ankle Sprains

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

An ankle sprain is a very common injury that can happen to athletes, non-athletes, children and adults.  A sprain refers to a stretching or tearing of a ligament.  Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect one bone to another.  They help stabilize joints, preventing excessive movement.  One or more ligaments can be injured at the same time.  Sprained ankles often result from a fall, a sudden twist, or a blow that forces the ankle joint out of its normal position.  This may occur while participating in sports and recreational activities, wearing inappropriate shoes, or running, walking or stepping on uneven surfaces.

Inversion ankle sprains constitute 90% of all ankle sprains.  This type of injury occurs when the foot is forced inward (inversion) and produces most of the pain on the outer side of the ankle.  Eversion ankle sprains are less common and occur when the foot is forced outward (eversion), causing the most pain on the inner side of the ankle.  A high ankle sprain is a unique and separate injury in which the ligaments around and above the ankle joint are injured.  This is known as a syndesmotic sprain.

Pain and swelling are the most common symptoms of an ankle sprain.  There may be bruising over the area of injury which may spread down into the foot towards the toes several days following the injury.  Individuals may also experience difficulty walking or weight bearing on their injured ankle.  Most ankle sprains can be managed conservatively.  However, obvious evidence or suspicion of a broken bone, fracture or joint dislocation necessitates the need for emergency medical care.

Initial conservative management of ankle sprains should follow the P.R.I.C.E. principle (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation).  The P.R.I.C.E. principle helps decrease pain and swelling and can be used during the rehabilitative process as needed.  Additional treatment options include electrotherapy, ultrasound, taping, bracing, soft tissue techniques, and manual mobilization to assist in returning to full functioning.  Rehabilitative strategies should progress to include active range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises for the ankle joint and lower extremity.  Proprioceptive/balance training is crucial in minimizing the risk of ankle instability and re-injury.

Assuming that proper rehabilitative strategies are employed, successful recovery from an ankle sprain injury will depend upon the severity of ligament damage.  Mild injuries usually heal completely without any residual consequence in 1 to 4 weeks.  Moderate injuries usually require 4 to 12 weeks to heal.  Severe injuries will take longer to heal.  In some circumstances, surgery may be required for severe ankle sprains.

An untreated ankle sprain may lead to chronic ankle instability.  This may also result in secondary foot, knee, hip, and back problems because of subtle changes in movement patterns.  If you are having difficulty with ankle 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.

Understanding Neck Pain

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

 

Neck pain is a widespread experience among the general population, with 30-50% of adults reporting pain symptoms at any given time.  Once an episode of neck pain happens, most individuals will find it is a persistent or recurrent condition.  The purpose of this article is to outline our current scientific understanding of neck pain.

 

The cause of neck pain is usually multi-factorial, meaning that there is usually no single cause.  Factors such as overall physical and mental health, along with work and daily activities are just a few factors that can contribute to the development of neck pain.  Most causes are not the result of serious injury or disease.

 

 

Neck pain can affect people in different ways and is usually classified into the following categories:

 

GRADE 1: Neck pain with no signs or symptoms suggestive of major structural pathology, and little or no interference with daily activities.

 

GRADE 2:  Neck pain with no signs or symptoms suggestive of major structural pathology that limits daily activities.

 

GRADE 3:  Neck pain with no signs or symptoms suggestive of major structural pathology, with presence of neurologic signs of nerve compression (i.e. radiculopathy or "pinched nerve") and may include pain, weakness and/or numbness in the arm.

 

GRADE 4:  Neck pain with signs or symptoms suggestive of serious structural pathology (i.e. tumor, fracture, infection, systemic or visceral disease).

 

 

Evaluation of neck pain should include a proper medical history, along with a physical examination consisting of inspection, range of motion testing, and palpation for tenderness, along with strength, neurological, orthopaedic and functional testing.  Diagnostic tests such as x-rays, CT or MRI scans are only required in a minority of cases.

 

The majority of neck pain is classified as Grade 1 or 2.  There is scientific evidence to support the following treatments for Grades 1 and 2 neck pain: education, exercise, mobilization, manipulation, acupuncture, soft tissue therapy, and analgesics.  Conservative treatment of Grade 3 neck pain should proceed with caution.  The majority of Grade 4 neck pain will require specialty medical management.

 

Due to the persistent and recurring nature of neck pain, individuals need to have realistic expectations when addressing their symptoms as pain relief is often modest and short-lived. The scientific literature does not identify any “best” treatment that is effective for everyone.  Trying a variety of therapies or combination of therapies may be required to find relief and help manage neck pain.  It is important that individuals play an active role in managing their symptoms by participating in their usual daily activities as tolerated, exercising, and reducing mental stress.

 

Most people can expect to experience some neck pain in their lifetime that may or may  not limit daily activities.  For those with neck pain that may be interfering with their activities of daily living, a qualified health professional can prescribe appropriate conservative therapy, rehabilitation and self-management 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.