Thursday, February 20, 2020

Protecting Your Back During The Winter Season


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


The winter season is upon us and extra precaution must be taken as snow removal and icy walking surfaces can contribute to an increased risk of back injuries.  Included below are some useful tips that can be followed to help keep your back healthy and injury free this winter season.

1.   Warm up:  Prepare your body for physical activity by stimulating the joints and muscles, and increasing blood circulation.  Climbing stairs, marching on the spot, or going for a quick walk around the block can serve as excellent warm-up activities in five to ten minutes.  Follow this with some gentle stretches and exercises for the back.

2.    Push, don’t lift:  Push the snow to one side and avoid lifting.  If you must lift, keep the shovel close to your body and avoid twisting and turning by positioning yourself to lift and throw straight at the snow pile.  Be sure to lift slowly and smoothly and do not jerk with your lifts.

3.    Hinge the hips, bend the knees, keep the back straight and brace:  Use your hips, knees, legs and arm muscles to do the pushing and lifting while keeping your back straight.  Maintaining the natural and neutral curves of your back is important, as this is its strongest and most secure position.  Contracting and bracing your abdominal muscles during lifting improves spinal stability and decreases the chance of injury.

4.    Use the right shovel:  Use a lightweight, non-stick, push-style shovel.  Separate your hands as much as possible on the shovel handle for better leverage against the weight of the snow.

5.    Dress for the job:  Wear warm clothing to protect yourself against the elements.  Shoes and boots with solid treads and soles can help minimize the risk of awkward twisting, slips and falls.

6.    Don’t let the snow pile up:  Removing small amounts of snow on a frequent basis is less strenuous in the long run.

7.  Watch the ice:  Caution should be exercised around icy walkways and slippery surfaces.  Intermittent thaws and subsequent freezing can give way to ice build-up under foot increasing the risk of back twisting, slips and falls.  Coarse sand or ice salt can help give your walkways and driveways more traction.

8.    Take a break:  Know your physical limits.  If you feel tired or short of breath, stop and take a rest.  Make a habit to rest for a moment every 10 or 15 minutes during shoveling.  This is especially important if the snow is wet and heavy.  Stop shoveling immediately if you feel chest or back pain.

In the event that you suffer a back injury that does not subside, you should contact a licensed health professional who deals in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain.  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.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation Information



NEW HAMBURG WELLNESS CENTRE

                                                                                               


FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TREATMENT FOR YOUR INJURIES:

·    The New Hamburg Wellness Centre offers emergency access to care for individuals who have sustained injuries in a motor vehicle accident (MVA).  You do not have to see a medical doctor to start receiving treatment for a motor vehicle accident injury at our centre. Our centre is capable of immediately initiating your claim and starting rehabilitation and treatment for your injuries.

·     You have the right to choose where you would like to have your treatments done.  You may wish to choose our facility based on familiarity, location, convenience, hours, and the multi-disciplinary services we offer. 

·     The New Hamburg Wellness Centre is a licensed service provider with the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) and is able to provide treatment and bill your auto insurer directly for your treatments.

·      Our centre has the ability to utilize a combination of the following treatment modalities to help you recover quickly and completely:
 
  • Rehabilitative Exercise and
  • Physical Therapy
  • Registered Massage Therapy
  • Laser Therapy
  • Medical Acupuncture
  • Chiropractic Care
  • Active Release Therapy
  • Graston Soft Tissue Therapy
  • Electrotherapy

·   MVA injuries are not limited to just Whiplash injuries of the neck.  Any body part can be injured.  Our experience, examination protocol and treatment regime is specifically tailored to treating MVA-related injuries, including headaches, neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Our unique, multi-faceted approach has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of individuals who have sustained MVA-related injuries.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MVA CLAIMS:

Below are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding MVA claims:

1.    Q: Do I need a referral from my insurance company or medical doctor to receive treatment for my MVA injuries?

A: No. Our doctors are primary health care providers and are readily accessed.


2.   Q: My insurance company (or medical doctor) has told me I have to go to a specific facility to get treatment for my injuries, but I would prefer to come to this facility (because of familiarity, location, convenience, hours, multi-disciplinary services). Can I choose where I can go to have treatment for my injuries?

A: Yes. You have the right to choose where you would like to have your treatments done. Our centre is capable of immediately initiating your claim and starting rehabilitation and treatment for your injuries. Our experience, examination protocol and treatment regime is specifically tailored to treating MVA-related injuries, including headaches, neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, and soft tissue injuries. Our unique, multi-faceted approach has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of individuals who have sustained MVA-related injuries.


3.    Q: If I undergo care, will my insurance rates increase?

A: No. Your rates will not increase as a result of an injury claim only.


4.    Q: How much will care cost?

A: Under the present legislation, there is no net out-of-pocket expense for care. This means our centre will look after all billing on approved claims and all treatment services will be covered by the applicable insurance coverage available.


5.  Q: I was involved in an accident, and had little stiffness the next day.  Is it worthwhile to undergo care?

A: Maybe. In a number of instances there is a delayed onset of symptoms that can take weeks to show up after a seemingly innocent fender-bender. A thorough examination will help clarify a need for care or not.

If you have any specific questions that need to be addressed regarding injuries you have sustained in a MVA, please do not hesitate to contact our office.