Preventing Cold-Related Injuries During The Winter

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

Physical activity during the winter season can place unique demands on the body that can predispose you to injuries such as:

❄ Soft tissue injuries - including sprains, strains and contusions. Cold weather decreases the elasticity of soft tissues making them more prone to injury during activity.  Ligaments and muscles in the back, upper and lower extremities are commonly injured.  Falls in slippery conditions can also contribute to injury.

🥶 Exposure injuries - include frostbite and hypothermia and occur when individuals do not wear attire that is appropriate for the weather conditions and physical activity performed.

❄ Blisters - can form due to the friction of wet gloves and/or wet socks with poorly fitting footwear.

🌞 Sun-related injuries - can also occur in the winter months and cause sunburn and snow blindness.

❄ Technical injuries - can happen when physical activities are performed with:  inadequate technique/training; unsuitable equipment; and/or poor preparation/planning.

Below are some of the strategies that can be used to prevent cold-related injuries:

✅ WARM UP and prepare your body for physical activity by stimulating the joints and muscles, and increasing blood circulation.  Also consider exercise training to help prepare you for winter activity.

✅ DRESS FOR THE ELEMENTS - by wearing insulated lightweight clothing with multiple layers.  This will allow you to add or subtract layers as needed.  Attire that is waterproof can help keep you dry and reduce the risk of heat loss.  Insulated gloves, footwear, and headgear can also help keep you warm.  Shoes and boots with solid treads and soles can help minimize the risk of awkward twisting, slips and falls.. 🥾

😎 PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN - by applying sunscreen regularly.  Your eyes should also be protected with UV blocking sunglasses.

✅ GET PROFESSIONAL TRAINING - while learning the skills of a particular activity such as skiing or snowboarding to help minimize the chance of injury. 🏂

✅ USE THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT & FIT - have sporting equipment properly fitted for your body type, and wear a helmet during activities. Use an ergonomic snow shovel for safe shoveling techniques. ⛸

✅ PREPARTION & PLANNING - be aware of changes in weather forecasts that can influence safety.  Coarse sand or ice salt can help give your walkways and driveways more traction.  Adequate nutrition and hydration before, during, and after activity can optimize energy levels and improve overall physical functioning.  This will help reduce fatigue and chance of injury. 💦

Recognizing some of the common injuries that occur during the winter months and knowing which precautions to take can ensure that you enjoy physical activities safely in cold weather. 👍  

For additional information on health and wellness, visit www.nhwc.ca.

#winter #injuries #physicalactivity #sprains #strains #contusions #blisters #sun #warmup #exercise #training #equipment #preparation #coldweather

New Hamburg Graston Soft Tissue Therapy

Graston Technique® is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization therapy that enables practitioners to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. 

The Graston Technique® utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.

 

Graston Soft Tissue Therapy has been clinically proven to achieve quicker and better outcomes in treating acute and chronic soft tissue conditions.

 

If you suffer from:

 

Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)

Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)

Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain)

Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Achilles Tendonitis (ankle pain)

Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)

Shin Splints

Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (shoulder pain)

Patellofemoral Disorders (knee pain)

Trigger Finger

ITB Syndrome

Sprain and Strain Injuries

Scar Tissue

 

...then Graston Soft Tissue may help!  Contact our office to see one of our Chiropractors specially trained in treating soft tissue injuries.

Call 519-662-4441

or Email info.nhwc@bellnet.ca

#chiropractic #newhamburgchiropractic #newhamburgwellness #graston #softtissuetherapy #wecanhelp #neckpain #backpain #wristpain #footpain #tenniselbow #anklepain #golferselbow #shinsplints #shoulderpain #kneepain #triggerfinger #ITBsyndrome #sprains #strains #scartissue #recordreaderaward2020 #newpatientswelcome #newhamburg #wilmot

Preventing Cold-Related Injuries During The Winter

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

Physical activity during the winter season can place unique demands on the body that can predispose you to injury.  The good news is there are strategies that can be employed to help prevent cold-related injuries.

Below are some of the common injuries that can occur during the winter season:

·  Soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, and contusions. Cold weather decreases the elasticity of soft tissues making them more prone to injury during activity.  Ligaments and muscles in the back, upper and lower extremities are commonly injured.  Falls in slippery conditions can also contribute to injury.

·  Exposure injuries include frostbite and hypothermia and occur when individuals do not wear attire that is appropriate for the weather conditions and physical activity performed.

·    Blisters can form due to the friction of wet gloves and/or wet socks with poorly fitting footwear.

·    Sun-related injuries can also occur in the winter months and cause sunburn and snow blindness.

·   Technical injuries can happen when physical activities are performed with:  inadequate technique/training; unsuitable equipment; and/or poor preparation/planning.

Below are some of the strategies that can be used to prevent cold-related injuries:

·   Warm up and prepare your body for physical activity by stimulating the joints and muscles, and increasing blood circulation.  Also consider exercise training to help prepare you for winter activity.

·     Dress for the elements by wearing insulated lightweight clothing with multiple layers.  This will allow you to add or subtract layers as needed.  Attire that is waterproof can help keep you dry and reduce the risk of heat loss.  Insulated gloves, footwear, and headgear can also help keep you warm.  Shoes and boots with solid treads and soles can help minimize the risk of awkward twisting, slips and falls.

·  Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen regularly.  Your eyes should also be protected with UV blocking sunglasses.

·  Use safe snow shoveling techniques.  Get professional training and advice while learning the skills of a particular activity such as skiing or snowboarding to help minimize the chance of injury.

·    Equipment considerations may include using an ergonomic snow shovel, having sporting equipment properly fitted for your body type, or wearing a helmet during activities.

·     Preparation is critical.  For example, be aware of changes in weather forecasts that can influence safety.  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.  Planning for physical activity is also important.  For instance, adequate nutrition and hydration before, during, and after activity can optimize energy levels and improve overall physical functioning.  This will help reduce fatigue and chance of injury.

Recognizing some of the common injuries that occur during the winter months and knowing which precautions to take can ensure that you enjoy physical activities safely in cold weather.  For additional information on health and wellness, 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.

New Hamburg Wellness Centre - Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) Rehabilitation

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 & 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.

Preventing Cold-Related Injuries During The Winter

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

Physical activity during the winter season can place unique demands on the body that can predispose you to injury.  The good news is there are strategies that can be employed to help prevent cold-related injuries.

Below are some of the common injuries that can occur during the winter season:

·     Soft tissue injuries including sprains, strains, and contusions.  Cold weather decreases the elasticity of soft tissues making them more prone to injury during activity.  Ligaments and muscles in the back, upper and lower extremities are commonly injured.  Falls in slippery conditions can also contribute to injury.

·  Exposure injuries include frostbite and hypothermia and occur when individuals do not wear attire that is appropriate for the weather conditions and physical activity performed.

·      Blisters can form due to the friction of wet gloves and/or wet socks with poorly fitting footwear.

·      Sun-related injuries can also occur in the winter months and cause sunburn and snow blindness.

·        Technical injuries can happen when physical activities are performed with:  inadequate technique/training; unsuitable equipment; and/or poor preparation/planning.

Below are some of the strategies that can be used to prevent cold-related injuries:

·     Warm up and prepare your body for physical activity by stimulating the joints and muscles, and increasing blood circulation.  Also consider exercise training to help prepare you for winter activity.

·  Dress for the elements by wearing insulated lightweight clothing with multiple layers.  This will allow you to add or subtract layers as needed.  Attire that is waterproof can help keep you dry and reduce the risk of heat loss.  Insulated gloves, footwear, and headgear can also help keep you warm.  Shoes and boots with solid treads and soles can help minimize the risk of awkward twisting, slips and falls.

·       Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen regularly.  Your eyes should also be protected with UV blocking sunglasses.

·    Use safe snow shoveling techniques.  Get professional training and advice while learning the skills of a particular activity such as skiing or snowboarding to help minimize the chance of injury.

·     Equipment considerations may include using an ergonomic snow shovel, having sporting equipment properly fitted for your body type, or wearing a helmet during activities.

·       Preparation is critical.  For example, be aware of changes in weather forecasts that can influence safety.  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.  Planning for physical activity is also important.  For instance, adequate nutrition and hydration before, during, and after activity can optimize energy levels and improve overall physical functioning.  This will help reduce fatigue and chance of injury.

Recognizing some of the common injuries that occur during the winter months and knowing which precautions to take can ensure that you enjoy physical activities safely in cold weather.  For additional information on health and wellness, 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.

What Smoking Does To Your Musculoskeletal System

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

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system includes the muscles, tendons, joints, and bones of the body.  Cigarettes contain many harmful chemicals, including nicotine and carbon monoxide which negatively affect the physical health and integrity of the MSK system.  Included below is a summary of those affects:

1.  Smoking decreases bone mineral density (BMD) and increases the risk of osteoporosis and future fractures.  Studies have shown that nicotine reduces the blood supply to bones, slows the production of bone forming cells, and decreases the absorption of calcium.  Post-menopausal women who smoke have greater spinal osteoporosis than non-smoking counterparts.  Among men, a consistently lower BMD at all bony sites is observed regardless of when in their life they smoked.  In addition, a relationship between cigarette smoking and low BMD in adolescence and early adulthood has been identified.

2.    Smoking delays healing times for bony fractures and soft tissue injuries such as rotator cuff tears.  Nicotine has been shown to decrease the production of fibroblasts (the main cells responsible for tissue repair).  In addition, the carbon monoxide found in tobacco smoke reduces oxygen levels in the body which is critical for all tissue healing.

3. Smoking contributes to an increase in spinal problems.  The reduced blood circulation found in smokers deprives spinal discs of vital nutrients which can lead to premature degeneration.  Smoking may also provoke disc herniation through coughing.  Studies demonstrate a definite link between smoking and low back pain that increases with the duration and frequency of the smoking.  Exposure to secondhand smoke during childhood may also increase the risk of developing neck and back problems later in life.

4.    Smoking increases pain levels.  Smokers complain more often of MSK pain than non-smokers.  Studies indicate that smoking makes individuals more susceptible to sensing pain at lower thresholds.  In addition, smoking causes general damage to the MSK system through direct chemical irritation, chronic inflammation, and restricting blood and nutrient flow.

5.   Smoking causes stress and de-conditioning in the body.  For optimal functioning, your muscles and joints need a steady supply of oxygen-rich blood.  Smoking not only stiffens your arteries, it also decreases the rate at which oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged in the blood.  Other side effects of smoking include fatigue, lung disorders, impaired healing, and chronic pain.  Impaired healing means that injuries affect you for longer than usual, and healing from surgeries or infections can be problematic.  These side effects can lead to inactivity, which causes deconditioning.

Scientific evidence has established links between cigarette smoking and its detrimental impact on the MSK system.  However, it is never too late to try and quit smoking.  Some of the negative health aspects of smoking start to reverse after a smoker quits.  Those looking for help in trying to quit should speak to a medical professional.  Valuable resources can also be found on the Health Canada and Canadian Lung Association websites.  For additional information on health and wellness, 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.

Common Conditions Of The Shoulder Joint

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

The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body.  It is anatomically designed to allow for an individual to perform a wide range of movements and activities.  This versatility, along with the high physical demands placed on a shoulder can also make it vulnerable to breakdown and injury.

Listed below are some of the conditions that commonly cause shoulder problems:

·  Osteoarthritis: Results from the protective layers of cartilage in the shoulder becoming worn over a period of time, leading to change in the composition of the bone underneath the cartilage. This process may also be related to previous injury/trauma to the shoulder joint.

·   Frozen Shoulder:  Also known as adhesive capsulitis, this condition is a painful and persistent stiffness in the shoulder.  It is believed to be caused by thickening, swelling, and tightening of the flexible tissue that surrounds the joint.  Symptoms can vary greatly and can last anywhere from several months to several years.

·     Rotator Cuff and Soft Tissue Injuries:  The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that provide stability and rotational movements of the shoulder joint in a balanced fashion.  Other shoulder muscles are responsible for different ranges of motion of the upper arm (humerus) and proper positioning and movement of the shoulder blade (scapula) along the ribcage.  An injury can occur to any of these muscles which can lead to shoulder problems.

·      Mechanical Conditions:  Scapular dyskinesis is a mechanical term used to describe irregular movement of the shoulder blade.  It can be an early sign that a shoulder problem may develop, or it may already be accompanied by pain or dysfunction in the shoulder.  A mechanical change in shoulder blade movement can be associated with a variety of problems including an internal pinching of soft-tissue structures (impingement), irritation of the cushioning bursa (bursitis), or a feeling of the shoulder dislocating with certain movements (instability).

·      Traumatic Injuries:  Vigorous lifting, pushing, and pulling activities, or a fall onto or blow to the shoulder can result in ligament sprains or muscle strains.  More significant injuries can result in shoulder dislocations and separations, rotator cuff and soft tissue tears, cartilage labral tears, and fracture.

Balanced and stable movements are key to a healthy shoulder.  If this does not occur, there is potential for many shoulder problems to exist simultaneously at any given time.  For example, an individual may strain their shoulder from heavy lifting.  The shoulder strain may be causing pain, but it can also be accompanied by pain and weakness from impingement and bursitis that may arise from the irregular movement pattern of the shoulder.  Therefore, it is important that a proper evaluation is performed to best guide the treatment of shoulder conditions.

If you suffer from a shoulder problem that is limiting your daily functioning, contact a qualified health professional who can prescribe appropriate 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.