Small ideas – Big results

Small ideas - Big resultsHere are some “small” ideas that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to improve your health.

Visualize what healthy means to you ~  Have an image of what healthy looks like for you.

Start a food journal ~ Just being aware of the food, and amount of food you are consuming can help you make better choices on a regular basis.

Drink water ~ Try replacing unhealthy drinks with water. Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go!

Eat breakfast ~ Even if you’re not hungry, try to eat something. It can be a piece of fruit, an energy bar, bowl of cereal or a bagel.

Stop mindless munching in the late afternoon or evening ~  Think about what you’re eating!

Move your body frequently ~ Simply getting up and moving around regularly throughout your day has been linked to better overall health. Try to be as active as possible and not to sit in one spot for more than an hour. Get up, walk around, stretch, just keep moving.

Go outside ~ Exposure to natural sunlight increases energy, improves mood, and reduces stress . Try spending a portion of your lunch outdoors… even if it is just a walk around the block or a walk to get a coffee.

Take the stairs ~ Always take the stairs. Try parking your car  in the furthest parking spot and walk the extra distance to the store. Many physical inconveniences can be treated as opportunities to improve your health.

Connect with other health seekers ~ Find people with similar interests and attitudes about getting healthy, and encourage each other along the way.

Be Accountable ~ Your health is your responsibility. The choices that you make, large or small, will determine how well you feel and how healthy you are.

Get a massage ~ Massage therapy slows the heart rate, and lowers blood pressure and stress hormones. The decrease in stress hormones increases your body’s natural ability to “fight” off viruses, bacteria, and free radicals.

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Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health Clinic

Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health ClinicWhat is Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects.  These effects include improving healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.  Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1070’s.

Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy

During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.  This initiates the production of cellular energy ( ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

Laser Therapeutic  Effects

During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Patient benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is proven to bio-stimulate tissue repair and growth.  The Laser accelerates the healing process and decreases inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation.  In the management of chronic pain Class IV Laser Therapy can provide dramatic results , is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

Numerous studies show that Class IV Laser Therapy can help with:

Tendinopathies | Osteoarthritis | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Myofascial Trigger Points | Tennis Elbow | Fibromyalgia | Burns | Ligament Sprains | Diabetic Neuropathy | Muscle Strains | Repetitive Stress Injuries | Plantar Fasciitis | Sports Injuries | Shoulder, Back & Knee Pain | Post-Traumatic Injury

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

Yes, Laser therapy is often used with other forms of treatment, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and even following surgery.  Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Please contact our health care practitioners to find out how a Class IV Laser can help you feel better, faster. The K- Laser, Class IV  Laser Therapy is Drug free, surgery free and pain free!

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Knee Injuries

Knee InjuriesThe knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries.

The knee is made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur),  which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur.

The knee also contains large ligaments, which help control motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against abnormal types of motion.  The meniscus, is another component of the knee and is a wedge of soft cartilage between the femur and tibia that serves to cushion the knee  during motion.

Types of Knee Injuries:

ACL injury – Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and landing from a jump may cause tears in the ACL.

MCL injury  – Usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries often occur during contact sports.

PCL injury  – Often injured when a person receives a blow to the front of the knee

Torn cartilage/mensicus  –  The mensicus is cartilage that is attached to the knee’s ligaments and acts like a shock absorber. Tears in the meniscus can occur when twisting, pivoting,  or decelerating.

Treatment of Knee Injuries:

A common method used to treat mild injuries is R.I.C.E., which stands for “rest, ice, compression, and elevation.” Rest the knee by staying off it .  Apply ice to control swelling. Use a compressive bandage applied snugly, but loosely enough so that it does not cause pain. Finally, keep the knee elevated.

Seek treatment as soon as possible if:

  • there is almost immediate swelling in the knee
  • the bones appear deformed
  • there is inability to bear weight
  • the pain is intolerable
  • there is loss of sensation below the injury site
  • the foot and ankle turn cold

At Diversified Health, our health care practitioners have many treatment options, such as Laser Therapy, Ultrasound, eToims, and Shockwave therapy for knee injuries.  A Rehab program will also be created specifically for you and will include strengthening exercises, joint mobilizations, myofascial work which will include the muscles surrounding the knee.

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Manage chronic pain in Victoria with eToims

Manage chronic pain in Victoria with eToimsIf you are living with chronic pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or even shin splints, there is a non-invasive solution in Victoria that may help you reclaim your quality of life.

Diversified Health Clinic is offering a new kind of chronic pain treatment in Victoria called Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation, or “eToims” for short.

The beautiful new Diversified Health clinic on Fort Street in the restored Mosaic Building is the only clinic in British Columbia that offers this new treatment.

“The eToims treatment targets so-called trigger points where nerves and muscles meet,” says Diversified Health’s Jessica Hall, a physiotherapist who specializes in eToims. “When you irritate or damage a nerve, muscle fibers close around the nerve fibers like a fist. eToims stimulates twitch contractions that stretch and relax damaged muscles at sites all over the body.”

Traditionally this treatment has involved the use of acupuncture needles (Trigger Point Dry Needling, or IMS) to relieve pain. However, eToims is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t use any needles.

To treat many conditions, it’s common to come in for 3-4 sessions. For chronic conditions and chronic trigger points, 6-8 sessions may be necessary. Overall results will depend upon the degree and duration of nerve involvement.

“eToims is great for sports injuries or the mysterious soft-tissue injuries from auto accidents that typically stump health practitioners” says Hall. “Muscles can tighten so much that they put even more compression or vice-like grip around the nerve as it courses its way down your body, arms, or legs.”

Types of conditions considered for treatment:

Muscle & Myofascial Pain | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Back Pain | Sciatica | Tension Headaches | Repetitive Strain Injuries  | Sports Injuries | Fibromyalgia | Tennis Elbow | Whiplash | Tendonitis  | Degenerative Disc |  Bulging & Herniated Disc

Please contact Diversified Health to find out more about this new treatment to manage chronic pain.

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Victoria Clinic first in BC to use eToims | Needless IMS

Victoria Clinic first in BC to use eToims | Needless IMSWhat is eToims – Needless IMS?

Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate or excite the deep fibers of a muscle.

Learn more about managing chronic nerve pain.

The eToims technique locates and diagnoses the presence of unhealthy and painful trigger point in the muscle. Very brief, repetitive stimulation is targeted at these trigger points to try to fatigue these points, thus making them relax.

 How do nerves and muscles work?

Nerves originate in the spinal column and run down your body, arms, or legs to supply an electric current to your muscles to make them twitch or contract. This is just an electrical cord supplying a lamp or appliance. However, if a nerve cannot carry enough electric current to muscles, the muscles actually start to shorten or tighten. Muscles can tighten so much that they put even more compression or vice-like grip around the nerve as it courses its way down your body, arms, or legs. This becomes a cyclical pattern between nerve and muscle. Most commonly muscle is irritated where the nerve enters the muscle at the neuromuscular junction (ie: trigger point).

How does eToims help?

The electric current produced by the eToims Technique penetrates deep enough at the trigger point to produce a strong contraction in the muscle. Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

What happens during a treatment session?

You will need to change into loose fitting clothing to allow the therapist access to your muscles. The current is conducted through moist pads placed on your skin. Muscles that produce the strongest contraction or twitch will be worked on first to start some flow through the nerve and stimulate blood flow in your body. The very tight muscles will be worked on next to try to get as much contraction as possible in these muscles. The more contraction elicited in the muscles, the more relaxed the muscles will become. As a result, there is less compression on the nerves, more blood flow, and more pain relief.

How many treatments will I require?

For diagnostic and more acute conditions, 3-4 sessions are necessary. For chronic conditions and chronic trigger points, 6-8 sessions are necessary. It should be noted that each case is very different and therefore number of expected treatments should be discussed with your therapist.

What should I expect post treatment?

You can feel a bit tired after a treatment or feel like you just did a workout. You are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids afterwards and avoid excessive activity immediately following treatment.

 Conditions considered for treatment

  • Muscle pain/myofascial pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain/discomfort
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Low back pain
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Post surgical back pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis elbow
  • Shin Splints
  • Whiplash
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Degenerative disc
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Fibromyalgia

To find out more about this revolutionary technique, please contact us.

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Living Without Chronic Pain

Living Without Chronic PainYour quality of life can be a constant struggle if you are dealing with chronic pain which can lasts for weeks, months, even years. Combining lifestyle changes with treatment will help manage your pain, and in many cases eliminate the pain all together.

Lifestyle Tips:

Deep breathing and meditation are techniques that help your body relax, which eases pain.

Listening to soothing music can lift your mood, reduce stress and make living with chronic pain more bearable.

Exercise will increase your endorphins, and these “brain chemicals” will help to improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain reducing effect — it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain.

Pain makes sleep difficult, however, alcohol or prolong use of sleep aids can make sleep problems worse.  Try a warm bath or shower before bed.

Find a friend, family member or support group that understands what you’re going through; you’ll feel less alone.

Keep a journal of your daily “pain score” use a pain scale from 1 to 10. This will help you track your pain and will be very useful when consulting a practitioner.

Treatment Options:

Massage is a therapeutic method that involves muscle manipulation and pressure to promote deep tissue and muscle relaxation, improved blood flow, and the release of stress and tension.  Massage for chronic pain works by releasing trigger points, restoring normal movement and removing harmful toxins from the body.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that involves the whole body. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system, and alerts us to injuries and illnesses that need attention.  Acupuncture can help reduce your pain and will release body toxins, stress and tension.

eToims is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate the deep fibers of a muscle.

The electric current produced by the eToims Technique penetrates deep enough at the trigger point to produce a strong contraction in the muscle. Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Chronic pain is a vicious cycle that creates painful trigger points, and shortened muscles that lead to more pain.  Please speak with one of our health care practitioners to discuss what type of therapies will work for you.

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Physiotherapy technology treatment options: an overview

Innovations in technology are giving health practitioners a new set of tools to treat musculoskeletal ailments. New equipment has enabled chiropractors, physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners to offer healing and cessation of pain without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery.

More Treatment Options with Modern Technology | physiotherapy victoria bc

Diversified Health Clinic

Spinal Decompression

At Diversified Health the state-of-the-art equipment & diagnostic tools can be used for evaluating range of motion, muscle balance, nerves or posture of your body, neck, arms or legs.  Chronic or acute back pain in the neck and lower back area can now be specifically targeted with a Spinal Decompression Table. This computerized table is set to manipulate only the area that has the problem. A series of traction and relaxation movements allows the disc to move back into its original place, taking pressure off the nerve and relieving pain.

Shockwave therapy

Accidents and sports injuries to soft tissue can now be treated with ultrasound , advanced laser and Shockwave therapy. These treatments penetrate into the deep tissue and ligaments, stimulating healing and cell regeneration.

Laser Therapy

Class IV Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects.  These effects include improving healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds.

TENS Therapy

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – electrical current applied through two electrodes. This stimulation is usually very comfortable to the patient and provides immediate reduction of pain and muscle relaxation.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a sound wave that human year cannot hear. It is mechanical energy used to break down scar tissue, increase metabolism and decrease pain.

eToims

Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is designed to alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate the deep fibers of a muscle.

Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression is the therapeutic elongation of the spine in a slow, gentle manner in order to relieve pressure on compressed vertebrae and discs. This treatment is appropriate for those individuals who have low back pain that is caused by herniated discs or degenerated discs. To achieve the best results, spinal decompression is always combined with other types of physiotherapy such as active exercises and manual therapy.

The best technology

Modern technology and equipment used by Diversified Health is giving people more treatment options and empowering them to take control of their own well-being, while improving the quality of individual patient care.

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Easing the Pain of Osteoarthritis

osteoarthritis treatment victoria bcOsteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Older adults often get osteoarthritis, especially if they are overweight.

Acupuncture, physical therapy or massage can help with osteoarthritis.

There are many helpful things you can do to ease the pain of osteoarthritis. Read on for some helpful advice.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the cartilage that cushions your bones at the joints. Cartilage helps your bones glide over one another. If cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together. Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long lasting) condition.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is often worst in the knees, hips and small hand joints. In most cases, the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known.

Who is at risk of getting osteoarthritis?

  • Women and men can both get osteoarthritis.
  • Being overweight increases the risk of getting osteoarthritis. This happens because extra weight causes more wear and tear on the cartilage and joints.
  • There are more cases of osteoarthritis in men who are younger than 45, while women tend to get it when they are 55 or older.
  • Osteoarthritis can also occur due to repeated joint stress from certain physical jobs or sports.
  • Osteoarthritis is genetic. That means you are more likely to get osteoarthritis if a family member also has it.

How can I manage OA?

Physical Activity

Start by being active. Physical activity is an important treatment, regardless of your age or level of pain. It can help:

  • Reduce pain
  • Maintain and improve joint movement
  • Improve physical function
  • Help you lose weight if you are overweight

Swimming is a good option since it puts no pressure on your joints. Activities that strengthen your muscles, such as weight lifting, are also important. Speak to your doctor or see a physical therapist before starting a physical activity program.

Weight management

Studies show that weight loss may help improve physical function for overweight or obese adults with osteoarthritis. Weight loss may also help ease pain.

Other treatments

  • Some people find acupuncture, physical therapy or massage to be helpful.
  • Applying heat and cold may also provide some pain relief.
  • Severe cases of osteoarthritis may need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints.

Does a balanced diet help?

Healthy eating may help reduce the symptoms of different types of arthritis. Here are five healthy eating strategies:

1. Enjoy a wide variety of foods based on Canada’s Food Guide. This will provide the right balance of nutrients that your body needs.

2. Eat 7 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Pick lots of bright orange and green options, such as broccoli, cantaloupe and carrots. They are high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation, decrease cartilage breakdown and slow the progress of osteoarthritis.

3. Choose more whole grains such as brown rice, barley and oats. They have more antioxidants than refined grains, such as white bread and white rice.

4. Choose more unsaturated fats like canola and olive oil, nuts like walnuts and almonds and fish like salmon.

5. Choose fewer foods made with saturated and trans fat like butter, lard, cream, baked goods and fried foods.

 Are there medicines that can help?

Yes. Medicine can be used to reduce pain from osteoarthritis. Talk with your doctor about which medicines may be right for you. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Pain relievers such as acetaminophen
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen if your pain continues
  • Corticosteroids injected right into the joint to reduce swelling and pain

Speak to your health professional before starting any medicines for osteoarthritis so that he/she can help you pick what is right for you.

Are there supplements that can help?

Two supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to be helpful for osteoarthritis.  However, they are not currently licensed for use as drugs to treat osteoarthritis because research does not show that they are effective. If you choose to try these products, make sure you buy ones that have a Natural Product Number (NPN). This means they are licensed with the Natural Health Products Directorate in Canada. Speak to your health professional before starting any supplements so that he/she can help you pick what is right for you.

Bottom line

If you have osteoarthritis, be active, enjoy a healthy eating plan and maintain a healthy weight. This can help ease the pain in your joints. Speak to your doctor before taking medicine for osteoarthritis.

This article was written by Dietitians of Canada.

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