What Does A Chiropractor Do?

Chiropractors help ease Canadians’ pain, enabling them to live the active, pain-free lives they want.

Chiropractors treat neck pain, back pain, arthritis, certain types of headaches, injuries and more.

They are spine, muscle and nervous system experts who specialize in assessing, diagnosing, treating and developing care plans to keep you moving and pain-free.

WHAT IS CHIROPRACTIC CARE?

A hands-on, non-invasive, and drug-free practice that

• safely and effectively helps relieve pain and improve the body’s overall function,
• uses various treatments depending on your needs, from manual ‘hands-on’ adjustment techniques to soft tissue therapy.

A chiropractor may improve your overall health and wellness. Learn more about what a chiropractor can do for you by checking out the infographic below:

CAN CHIROPRACTIC CARE HELP ME?

From children and seniors to pregnant women and athletes – anyone with a spine, muscle and nervous system conditions can benefit from chiropractic care.

Chiropractors can treat pain or injuries arising from work or household chores to injuries due to repetitive strains, sprains, accidents or sports. Chiropractic treatment can help heal your muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. 

Our New Hamburg Chiropractors utilize an integrated approach to treatment that is tailored to each specific individual. They have the training and experience to help patients of all ages.

 

New patients are always welcome.  No referral is required.

Call 519-662-4441

or

Email: info.nhwc@bellnet.ca

to schedule your appointment.

 

New Hamburg Chiropractic Care

Did you know that chiropractic treatment can consist of more than just manual adjustments?

At the New Hamburg Wellness Centre, our Chiropractors utilize an integrated approach to treatment that is tailored to each specific individual.  

Some of the Chiropractic Techniques employed in our office include:

• Laser Therapy
• Medical Acupuncture
• Electrotherapy
• Activator Method
• Rehabilitative Exercise Prescription
• Active Release Therapy (ART)
• Graston Soft Tissue Therapy
  
  
  

By offering a variety of treatment options, we are able to determine a treatment plan that is most effective and best for YOU!

FEEL BETTER

MOVE BETTER

GET BACK TO DOING WHAT YOU LOVE

#chiropractic #newhamburgchiropractic #newhamburgwellness #lasertherapy #electrotherapy #rehabilitativeexercise #softtissuetherapy #activereleasetherapy #graston #acupuncture #wecanhelp #recordreaderaward2020 #newpatientswelcome #newhamburg #wilmot #livepainfree

 

Heel Fat Pad Syndrome

By Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)
 

Heel Fat Pad Syndrome (HFPS) refers to damage or disruption of the fatty pad that sits under our heel bone (calcaneous).  This structure is approximately one inch thick and is made up of fatty tissue enclosed by ligamentous chambers.  The purpose of this structure is to absorb shock and cushion the heel bone.  If the fat pad is displaced or thins, then its ability to protect the heel bone from impact is decreased, which can result in heel pain.

 

HFPS is commonly misdiagnosed as plantar fasciitis.  Plantar fasciitis symptoms tend to be located towards the inner front portion of the heel and can extend into the arch of the foot, whereas symptoms of HFPS are characteristically located in the centre of the heel and described as a deep, dull ache that feels like a bruise.  Other symptoms characteristic of HFPS include central heel pain that is aggravated by prolonged periods of standing and barefoot walking on hard surfaces.  It is also possible to have both plantar fasciitis and HFPS present at the same time.

 

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of HFPS.  Trauma to the heel from high impact sports or a forceful blow to the heel from a fall can cause injury to the fat pad.  Repetitious chronic overload from activities such as running, jumping or prolonged walking and standing can also cause injury which can be exacerbated by the use of improper footwear.  It is known that the fatty heel pad breaks down as we get older which can make an individual susceptible to this condition.  Carrying extra pounds can also break down the protective fatty tissue under the heel bone.

 

Self-care strategies for reducing the pain of HFPS include: relative rest from any painful activities; ice application; and gentle stretching of the achilles tendon, and calf muscles.  Gel or “donut pads” placed under the affected heel(s) in shoes may also provide relief.  Long-term strategies may include activity modification and weight loss where applicable.

 

HFPS that does not respond to self-care strategies may require professional treatment.  This can include electrotherapeutic modalities to assist in healing, manual and soft tissue therapy to supporting structures, therapeutic taping of the heel, and specific rehabilitative  exercises for the muscles and joints of the lower leg and foot.  Supporting the foot with proper footwear and correcting faulty foot mechanics can decrease excessive strain on the fat pad.  A custom made orthotic with a deep heel cup design to cradle and cushion the fat pad may also be helpful for decreasing symptoms.

 

It is important to establish an accurate diagnosis of HFPS.  Other causes of heel pain may include stress fractures, achilles tendonitis/bursitis, arthritis, gout, or nerve irritation.  If you are having difficulty with heel 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.

Plantar Fasciitis: A Common Source Of Heel Pain

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

Plantar fasciitis is caused by injury to the plantar fascia, which is the tendon-like soft-tissue along the bottom of the foot that connects your heel bone to your toes.  This condition is a common source of heel pain that can be quite disabling.

 

Plantar fasciitis usually develops gradually, but it can also come on suddenly.  Sharp, knife-like pain on the inside-bottom part of the heel is often characteristic.  Pain and discomfort can also extend into the arch of the foot.  Heel pain tends to be worse with the first few walking steps in the morning, and after extended periods of sitting or inactivity.  If plantar fasciitis becomes severe or chronic, heel and/or arch pain will be present with all weight-bearing activities, and may result in secondary areas of discomfort in the foot, knee, hip or back due to compensatory movements.

 

Under normal circumstances, your plantar fascia acts like a shock-absorbing rubber band, supporting the arch of your foot.  Excessive tension and repetitive stretching can create small tears in this soft-tissue fascia, causing it to become irritated or inflamed.  This may occur with activities that require running, jumping or prolonged walking and standing.  Improper footwear can make the plantar fascia more susceptible to stretch and strain during these activities.

 

Faulty foot mechanics may also contribute to the development of plantar fasciitis.  Individuals with flat feet or those who excessively pronate (role feet inward) will experience added strain on their plantar fascia.  Old lower extremity injuries such as ankle sprains and fractures can increase susceptibility due to altered lower limb movements.  Being overweight is also a risk factor.  Carrying extra pounds can break down the protective fatty tissue under the heel bone, causing heel pain and putting additional mechanical load on the plantar fascia.

 

Self-care strategies for reducing the pain of plantar fasciitis include: ice application; rolling a tennis ball or soup can from your heel and along the arch of your foot; and gentle stretching of the achilles tendon, calf muscles, and plantar fascia.  Gel or “donut pads” placed under the affected heel(s) in shoes may also provide relief.

 

Plantar fasciitis that does not respond to self-care strategies may require professional treatment.  This can include electrotherapeutic or laser modalities to assist in healing, manual and soft tissue therapy to supporting structures, therapeutic taping of the heel, and specific rehabilitative  exercises for the muscles and joints of the lower leg and foot.  A custom made orthotic may also be helpful by minimizing pronation, cushioning the heel, and supporting the arch.

 

It is important to establish an accurate diagnosis of plantar fasciitis.   Other causes of heel pain may include stress fractures, heel fat pad syndrome, achilles tendonitis/bursitis, arthritis, gout, or nerve irritation.  If you are having difficulty with heel 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.

Non-Invasive Recommendations For Managing Low Back Pain

By Dr. R. Greg Lusk, DC

In January of this year a new clinical practice guideline was published in the European Journal of Pain with respect to the non-invasive management of low back pain (LBP).  A clinical practice guideline aims to summarize research evidence, with the goal of optimizing patient care and improving health outcomes, and to prevent clinicians from considering interventions that are ineffective, expensive or harmful.  LBP affects 80% of people throughout their lives, is a common cause of disability, and is the most common musculoskeletal complaint for which people visit a healthcare provider.  In more ways than one it is a very expensive condition that warrants guidance from best evidence.  For this particular guideline, over 2500 research titles and abstracts were reviewed with only 10 previously published guidelines being included due to quality.  The recommendations are as follows.

 

For Acute LBP (i.e. LBP that started suddenly or has only been present for a few days or weeks), or Chronic LBP (i.e. LBP that persists beyond 3 months), all 10 guidelines recommended:

 

1.    Advice, reassurance or education with evidence-based information regarding the expected course of recovery and effective self-care options (e.g. ice or heat for pain, short-term rest, medication).  With respect to course of recovery, most cases of LBP improve much or completely within six weeks of onset, with a slower rate of improvement noted beyond six weeks if it persists.  Recovery is also affected by risk factors such as job demands, sedentary lifestyle, body weight, age, and smoking.

 

2.    Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or NSAIDs (e.g. Advil) if indicated, with advice and consideration of risks and warning signs and symptoms.

 

For Acute LBP only, all guidelines encouraged an early return to activity, staying active, and the avoidance of prolonged bed rest.  A short course of muscle relaxants alone or in addition to NSAIDs if acetaminophen or NSAIDs did not reduce pain was also an option.  Spinal manipulation (i.e. spinal joint "adjustment") was also advised for those not improving with self-care methods.  Also, in rare cases when the pain is severe and unmanageable, short-term use of opioids was mostly recommended as long term use is associated with significant risk, something we have all become increasingly aware of due to the amount of media coverage on the topic.

 

For the management of Chronic LBP, other interventions recommended by all guidelines were exercise or yoga (for up to 12 weeks), manual therapy (i.e. spinal manipulation or mobilization) for up to 12 weeks, and extensive rehabilitation with both physical and psychological components over 8 weeks.  If acetaminophen or NSAIDs have not provided adequate pain relief, short-term use of opiods was also recommended taking into consideration side-effects, risks, and evidence of ongoing pain relief on re-assessment.  Massage, acupuncture, and antidepressant medication was also recommended by most guidelines.

 

Some interventions for Chronic LBP were also NOT recommended by most guidelines.  This does not mean these treatments don't provide relief, just that the supporting evidence isn't strong enough to warrant a recommendation.  This included the use of muscle relaxants, gabapentin (a medication for nerve-based pain), and passive electrotherapeutic modalities including TENS, laser, IFC, or ultrasound.

 

A key thing to remember with all of these interventions is that there are options and patient preference is an important consideration.  Some people want to avoid medications at all costs and others have no interest in having their low back manipulated.  For chronic LBP, results are often better with the inclusion of a more active component of treatment (e.g. exercise) but many patients admit that they will not comply with a regular program.  Thankfully the passive approaches still have value.

 

This article is for general information purposes only and is not to be taken as professional medical advice.

 

 

An Introduction to Osteoarthritis

By:  Dr. John A. Papa, DC, FCCPOR(C)

 

Millions of Canadians suffer from osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.  Osteoarthritis accounts for more trouble with climbing stairs and walking than any other disease, and is the most common reason for total hip and knee replacement surgeries. This article provides a review of the current scientific understanding of osteoarthritis, including common symptoms, risk factors/causes, and natural management strategies.

 

It is important to first understand what osteoarthritis is. Many joints in our body have smooth cartilage surfaces that glide against each other, which allow two or more opposing bones to move freely and perform a specific set of movement(s).  A joint becomes arthritic when there is wearing down of these cartilage surfaces, and a change in the composition of the bone underneath the cartilage occurs.  Soft tissue structures in and around the joint are also affected.  An arthritic joint does not mechanically function like it is supposed to.  This may result in a number of symptoms including:  muscle tightness and weakness, joint pain and stiffness, decreased ranges of motion, instability and creaking in the joints, swelling, inflammation, joint thickening (i.e. finger nodules, bunions), secondary movement patterns, and physical de-conditioning.  Weight-bearing joints such as the hips and knees are most commonly affected, but osteoarthritis can affect any area of the body, including the hands, neck, and low back.

 

Osteoarthritis risk factors/causes are typically multi-factorial, meaning that there is usually no single cause, but rather a combination of several different factors.  The more risk factors an individual has, the greater chance they have of developing osteoarthritis.  These risk factors/causes may include but are not limited to: advancing age, genetic predisposition, mechanical overload from occupational and recreational activities, direct joint injury, lack of exercise, and being overweight or obese.

 

There are several natural strategies that may be employed in the management of osteoarthritis.  These may include proper diet and nutrition to help control weight and decrease inflammation, ice and heat therapy, and supplementation with glucosamine sulphate, omega-3 fatty acids, and natural anti-inflammatory agents.

 

Treatment from Regulated Health Professionals who utilize manual mobilization therapies, soft tissue therapy, electrotherapy, acupuncture, exercise and rehabilitation strategies can also significantly help to decrease pain by restoring normal muscle and joint motion, and promote healing of arthritic or injured areas.  Exercise has been shown to be particularly helpful and effective as it increases an individuals functional capacity to withstand occupational, recreational, and everyday stresses to the body more efficiently.  This minimizes the risk of joint injury and subsequent disability.  Join us next month when we take a closer look at the specific role of exercise in the management of osteoarthritis.

 

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.