What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

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. ✅

#FAQFriday #pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #pelvicfloor #physiotherapy #pelvichealth #incontinence #pelvicpain #sexualdysfunction #pregnancy #postpartum #prolapse #health #wellness #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #tavistock #wellesley #waterlooregion

7 Ways To Deal With Osteoarthritis Back Pain

 

According to Arthritis Society Canada, 6 million Canadians have arthritis and 40% report that they have arthritis pain that limits their activities. Fortunately, evidenced-based chiropractic treatment for osteoarthritis can help with pain-management. Treatment may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise prescription, self-management strategies and patient education.

 

For those dealing with osteoarthritis back pain, Arthritis Society Canada has released a blog entitled 7 ways to deal with osteoarthritis back pain that includes great advice: https://arthritis.ca/living-well/2022/7-ways-to-deal-with-osteoarthritis-back-pain

#osteoarthritis #backpain #exercise #stretching #stregthening #weight #posture #rest #movement #chiropractic #physiotherapy #health #wellness #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #tavistock #wellesley #waterlooregion
 

 

 

 

Should You Exercise While Pregnant?

 

The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada, encourage women who are experiencing healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies to exercise. Exercise has been shown to reduce the severity of low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy.

How can your chiropractor help?

Chiropractors can promote healthy lifestyle behaviours by providing education and prescribing physical activity programs through a personalized approach to exercise prescription by considering a patient’s environmental context, available resources, personalized education, and providing reassurance of a patient’s exercise capability. Programs may include strength training exercises, aerobic conditioning, stretching, and relaxation techniques, and clinicians can help determine the appropriate frequency, intensity, and timing of physical activities.

Recommendations:

1. All women without contraindications (see below) should be encouraged to be physically active throughout pregnancy. Combining aerobic and resistance training during pregnancy has been shown to be more effective at improving health outcomes than aerobic exercise alone.

2. Pregnant women should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week to achieve meaningful health benefits and reductions in pregnancy complications.

3.   Physical activity should be accumulated over a minimum of 3 days per week; however daily activity is encouraged.

4.   Pregnant women should incorporate a variety of aerobic exercise and resistance training activities to achieve greater benefits. The addition of yoga and/or gentle stretching may also be beneficial.

 

Contraindications: Before commencing any exercise program, it is important to consult with your healthcare provider. If you have any of the following conditions, exercise may not be recommended:

• Ruptured membranes
• Premature labour
• Unexplained persistent vaginal bleeding
• Placenta previa after 28 weeks’ gestation
• Pre-eclampsia
• Incompetent cervix
• Intrauterine growth restriction
• High-order multiple pregnancy (eg. triplets)
• Uncontrolled type I diabetes, uncontrolled hypertension or uncontrolled thyroid disease
• Other serious cardiovascular, respiratory or systemic disorder
• Recurrent pregnancy loss
• History of spontaneous preterm birth
• Gestational hypertension
• Symptomatic anaemia
• Malnutrition
• Eating disorder
• Twin pregnancy after the 28th week
• Mild/moderate cardiovascular or respiratory disease
• Other significant medical conditions

 

A chiropractor can help you through your pregnancy as your primary healthcare contact. Visit nhwc.ca for more information.

 

#pregnancy #exercise #chiropractic #chiropractor #health #wellness #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #tavistock #wellesley #waterlooregion

Fitness Tips For Cyclists

 

To ensure you make the most of your cycling journey while keeping your body in optimal condition, we recommend incorporating these tips into your routine:

Bike Fit:

An ill-fitting bike can lead to discomfort, muscle imbalances and an increased risk of injuries. Consult with a professional or visit a local bike shop to have your bike adjusted to your body proportions and riding style. A proper bike fit will enhance your comfort, efficiency and overall enjoyment.

Warm-Up:

Begin each session with a brief warm-up to prepare your body. Engage in dynamic stretches such as leg swings, arm circles and torso twists to increase blood flow, warm up the muscles and improve flexibility. A proper warm-up helps reduce the risk of injuries and enhances your performance.

Lower Body Stretches:

Lower body muscles play a significant role in cycling. Perform stretches for the quads, hamstrings, calves and hip flexors to prevent muscle tightness, improve flexibility and reduce the risk of overuse injuries. Include exercises such as lunges, standing quad stretches and calf stretches to maintain optimal muscle function and range of motion.

Core Strengthening:

A strong core is essential for stability and support during cycling. Incorporate exercises such as planks, bridges and bicycle crunches into your routine. A stable core not only improves your cycling efficiency but also reduces strain on your back while promoting proper hip movement, allowing you to ride longer and more comfortably.

Upper Body Stretches:

While the lower body does most of the work in cycling, it’s important to give attention to your upper body as well. Stretch your chest, shoulders and neck to counteract the forward-leaning posture often associated with cycling. These stretches help relieve tension, improve posture and maintain balance throughout your ride.

Remember to listen to your body, stay hydrated and gradually increase your cycling intensity and duration to avoid overexertion.

#cycling #bike #exercise #outdoors #health #wellness

Chiropractic Care For Pregnant Patients

There is plenty of excitement and preparation involved as you prepare for the birth of your baby, but that can be overshadowed by pain and discomfort. 👶

Low back, pelvic and hip pain during pregnancy can be caused by a combination of mechanical, hormonal, and circulatory changes that put stress on your musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Our chiropractors have the expertise to treat MSK conditions and relieve pregnancy pain and discomfort. ✅

MECHANICAL CHANGES

With a normal weight gain of 20-40 lbs., predominately around the abdominal region, most pregnant women experience a shift in their centre of gravity that puts stress on their lower backs. Your growing belly can increase the curvature of your lower spine which, in turn, affects your posture when your body overcompensates to regain balance. Your core abdominal muscles also stretch to accommodate the baby, and your back is left to support your increasing weight. 🤰

HORMONAL & CIRCULATORY CHANGES

The concentration of the hormone “relaxin” increases during pregnancy to help relax ligaments in preparation of labour and delivery. However, while pregnant, these changes can  contribute to low back pain and joint discomfort. Another contributing factor is the increase in blood volume and can lead to inflammation and water retention. 💦

LOW  BACK, PELVIS & HIPS

MSK pain is very common during pregnancy. In fact, up to 90% of pregnant women experience back pain – generally within the low back, pelvic girdle region or both – with up to 35% classifying their pain as moderate, severe, or disabling and subsequently, affecting activities of daily living.

Our chiropractors can help you through your pregnancy.  New patients welcome! 

📞 519-662-4441

📲 nhwc.ca

🔗 ONLINE BOOKING LINK IN BIO

#pregnancy #chiropractic #backpain #pelvicpain #hippain #musculoskeletal #pain #discomfort

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

#chiropractic #chiropractor #firstvisit #initial #medicalhistory #examination #diagnosis #prognosis #chiropractictreatment #wellness #wecanhelp #newhamburgwellness #newpatientswelcome #wilmot #newhamburg #baden #wellesley #tavistock #waterlooregion

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.