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Myofacial Pain Syndrome

When we first met her, Laurie came into our office very upset, fed up and feeling like nobody could help her, and that we probably couldn’t do anything much for her either. Her doctors had told her to learn to live with the constant pain she’d been experiencing for several years, and were apparently baffled by her condition.

Laurie told us that the pain had taken over her life. She could no longer work, and her marriage was not doing well. Her relationship with her teenage daughter was also very bad. Laurie said she knew adolescent girls were tough to cope with, but she also knew that they needed some attention, and Laurie was unable to interact with her daughter on most days because of the pain. She felt guilty and inadequate because she felt like a failure, both at work and in her family life.

A friend had suggested that maybe we would pay some actual attention to her symptoms and would help her to attain some level of health and freedom from pain. She was hesitant because she’d never been to a chiropractor, and wasn’t quite sure what the experience would be like.

We took a complete medical history to determine if there were any obvious or subtler areas of trauma. The evidence suggested that Laurie was suffering from myofascial pain syndrome (MPS), a painful problem characterized by “trigger points” of pain, and a limited range of motion in the affected area. It’s also a condition that is exacerbated by stress. Ironically, in her worry and fear over finding a way to pain relief, Laurie was inadvertently worsening the condition.

Laurie could point out where the pain spots of her myofascial pain syndrome were located, and we were also able to readily identify the knobby points of muscle tissue in each place where she said she was hurting so badly. A trained and experienced doctor of chiropractic can find these trigger points by touch.

We devised a Recommended Action Plan, including regular chiropractic adjustments, massage therapy and some good lifestyle changes that Laurie needed to commit to, such as some simple exercises she could perform and a regular plan of walking for at least three times each week. We cautioned Laurie not to expect an instant cure, but instead to look for steady improvement if she followed our recommendations.

After several weeks, and to her obvious amazement, Laurie said the pain was starting to disappear. It wasn’t totally gone, and she still had some bad days. But she also had some good days too, something she hadn’t seen for years! We slightly increased the time and the distance that Laurie should walk and told her to continue the simple exercises. We also reduced the care as scheduled to twice a week. Laurie agreed to this plan.

Laurie’s situation has improved markedly since then, and soon we may even go to once a month should her progress continue at this level.

In other news, Laurie’s relationship with her husband and daughter has greatly improved. For example, now that her pain has diminished so much, she’s been able to pay attention to her husband. (Much to their mutual delight!) Also, instead of fixating on her pain alone, she can listen to what troubles him as well as share the joy he experienced with a recent promotion on the job. She even went out to dinner with him and his colleagues, something she hadn’t done for years! Her daughter is still a teenager, and teenagers can be quite a handful. But now that Laurie can respond to what her daughter needs (not always giving her what she wants, of course!), her relationship with her daughter has also improved.

The pain has abated so much that Laurie has been able to return to work part-time, which has been good for her pocketbook and for her self-esteem. Laurie reports that she, her husband, and her daughter are all very grateful for the chiropractic care that she received in our office, and it has given her back her life, all because her friend referred her to our office. Who do you know that may be living needlessly in pain?

(We love helping our patients and their friends and relatives through their tough times and getting them feeling better! We are here to help you stay, feel better and look younger! Don’t be a stranger. Call us and we will assist you in putting together a custom maintenance plan.

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Victoria Clinic Offers Tips on How to Reduce Yoga Injuries

Our Victoria clinic offers tips on how to reduce yoga injuries, starting with how yoga offers great health benefits by enabling you to develop your flexibility, strength, and balance. For most healthy people yoga is a safe form of exercise, however yoga injuries can occur.

Most yoga injuries result from overstretching and strain from repetition; certain types of poses can increase your likelihood of being injured if you have the following conditions such as severe osteoporosis, high or low blood pressure or being pregnant.

Here are some tips to help you reduce your risk of injury from yoga.

– Don’t learn yoga on your own. Work with an experienced yoga instructor to learn the proper way to perform the poses.

– There are many different types of yoga so before beginning any new type of yoga, ask about its physical demands. Talk with the instructor and others who do that type of yoga.

– Remember to learn the basics, such as proper breathing and how to maintain balance, before attempting more ambitious poses.

– As with any exercise, warming up is essential: cold muscles can increase the chance of an injury, also if you don’t understand a particular pose, ask to see it again and don’t feel embarrassed if you need to ask further questions.

– Stay hydrated during your sessions, especially if you are practicing Hot Yoga, which is done in a warm, humid room.

– Yoga should never hurt, so if you start to feel dizzy, faint or any type of pain, stop the pose immediately. You can then ask your instructor for a modified pose.

Consult with your health care provider before starting a yoga program if you are pregnant or have a pre-existing health condition. Your health care provider can help you decide what type yoga exercise is safe for you.

Our Victoria clinic offers tips on how to reduce yoga injuries, and we would like to leave you with this thought. Yoga is a perfect exercising routine in itself; it pacifies the mind, and keeps the body healthy.

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Finding the right Health or Medical Clinics Victoria BC

Finding the right Health or Medical Clinics Victoria BC means you need to choose a clinic that is best suited for your needs.  You have a responsibility and right to check therapists, physicians, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractors and any practitioner out very carefully before going to their office.

Health & Medical Clinics Victoria BC

Health & Medical Clinics Victoria BC

Here is a list of questions to get you started.

  • Make sure to pick a clinic that is convenient to your schedule, including access to parking.
  • Is the clinic staff friendly and helpful and are they good about returning calls?
  • How easy is it to reach the practitioner?
  • Will the clinic make exceptions for emergencies, and will they take walk in appointments?
  • Can the clinic take care of your needs in a timely manner?

You should feel comfortable with your practitioner and the office staff.  Also think about how you are treated once you are in the treatment room.

  • Is the practitioner present and really listen to you?
  • Is the practitioner asking questions and do they have the information and knowledge to help you?
  • Does the practitioner invite you to be involved in your care?
  • Do you usually feel better and more hopeful after each session?

Diversified Health Clinic is leading the way in aesthetically functional design, combined with cutting edge technology for a non-clinical, compassionate experience for practitioners, patients, visitors and staff; so finding the right Health or Medical Clinics Victoria BC has never been easier.

Please call 250-382-0018 to book a tour of the clinic or to book an appointment.

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Natural Health Practitioner Encourages a Diet For Change

Natural health practitioner encourages a diet for change and a transition diet is helpful when a person has regularly eaten meat, sugar, salt, white flour products, and very few grains, beans, vegetables, fruits, sprouts, seeds or nuts. In other words, a transition diet helps with the change from an unhealthy diet to a healthy diet. If a person has regularly eaten natural food, a cleansing program is much easier to follow.

Changing eating habits is very hard to do, and few people are willing to undergo this change until they are forced to in order to save their lives. How much easier it would be if a change took place before serious illness. Meat, chocolate and caffeine drinks are stimulants. Sugar also creates a stimulant feeling but is often followed by low blood sugar, which can lead to depression.

In order to re-balance the body the cells need to be cleansed of food residue that has collected through the years

Changing our diet after years of bad habits and unhealthy eating is very difficult. We like the food we are used to eating, and many of them are “comfort foods”. It is hard to change, but it can be done. Any change in your diet needs to be undertaken gradually, eliminating one food at a time. Start by eliminating red meat and salt from the diet. This will begin the cleansing process. Any time a food that has been eaten regularly is given up, the body will began to cleanse. As foods are eliminated from the diet, our taste for those foods will diminish. At the same time, as a more natural food diet is eaten regularly, those nutritious foods will become very satisfying. When salt is given up, the taste buds will change and natural food will be enjoyed more. Adding more brown rice and whole grain will help the transition when eliminating red meat.

Suggested Transition Diet Menu

Before breakfast you can use supplements that are needed for whatever condition you have. If you have candida, take acidophilus first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) and use appropriate nutrients, foods and herbs that go along with candida. If you have hypoglycemia, eat the appropriate diet, along with supplements and herbs to strengthen the body and overcome this condition.

Breakfast, first thing in the morning, should consist of fruits such as cantaloupe, watermelon, peaches, grapes, pears, apricots, apples or citrus fruit. After an hour you can eat a hot cereal, millet or a brown rice dish or a protein drink. Fresh fruit juices or vegetable juices can also be used, and they should always be diluted with half pure water.

Lunch should consist of salads using sprouts of all kinds, grain soups, steamed and raw vegetables. Use brown rice and millet dishes. You can also drink fresh tomato-vegetable juices.

Dinner should be lighter than breakfast and lunch. You can drink fresh vegetables juices, steamed vegetables, baked potatoes, brown rice and millet dishes along with fresh salads.

Our natural health practitioner encourages a diet for change, but there are more changes you can incorporate into your daily life that will promote better overall health, such as exercise and getting enough rest. Our health care practitioners at Diversified Health are always available to discuss any health questions you may have.

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Take Victoria Health Services Health Quiz & Myths

In our constant quest to live better and longer, we seek out and devour every morsel of “how-to-health” news we find; so take Victoria health services health quiz & myths and see how you score!

The challenge lies in finding the truth that is obscured by all the hype. Health myths are as stubborn as ink stains.Passed down from generation to generation or created anew, they refuse to fade away. We have heard them so often we just assume they are true; “An apple a day keeps the doctor away”, “The sun causes skin cancer”, “Milk does a body good”, “Fish is good for you.”

Test your myth knowledge and take our quiz. Then read on to find out about some of the biggest myths in health news today. (True or False)

  1. Sea salt healthier than ordinary salt.
  2. Bananas are more fattening than other fruit.
  3. Butter has more calories than margarine.
  4. Brown bread has more fiber than white bread.

Answers to this quiz:

  1. False, but sea salt contains more iodine.
  2. False, the amount of fat in bananas is the same as other fruits, but they do contain high levels of carbohydrates, so watch the size.
  3. False, butter has the same caloric value.
  4. It depends on whether it is “brown” dyed flour or wholemeal. Only whole meal has more fiber.

MYTH: Sun Causes Skin Cancer

Experts and the media bombard us about the “dangers” of the sun. This is one of the most inaccurate myths that persist among most Canadians. Unfortunately, this myth has contributed to massive amounts of disease and illness in our society because we all need sunshine to stay healthy.

Can sun exposure cause skin cancer? Absolutely. An appropriate amount of sunlight exposure actually prevents cancer. Exposure to the sun provides many benefits such as promoting the formation of vitamin D. There is also strong evidence that sunlight is protective against MS, colon, ovarian and breast cancers.

This does not mean that we should all go out and get as much sun as we want. You must exercise caution. At the beginning of the season, go out gradually and limit your exposure to as little as 10 minutes a day. Progressively increase your time in the sun so that in a few weeks, you will be able to have normal sun exposure with little risk of skin cancer.

REMEMBER TO NEVER BURN, THAT IS THE KEY.

Using sunscreen is not a good way to limit your sun exposure, in fact, sunscreen is the LAST thing you want to put on your body, and sunscreen does not stop skin cancer. Sunscreen is a toxic chemical that can cause problems in your system and increase your risk of disease. A far more logical solution is to consume large quantities of whole vegetables will increase antioxidant levels in the body and will provide protection against any sun-induced radiation damage.

MYTH: Whole Grains are good for you

Whole grains are better for you than refined grains, but whole grains are still not something that most people should be eating. Well over 50% of Canadians could benefit from severely limiting or eliminating all grains – refined, whole, sprouted or otherwise—from their diets. This is because nearly everyone with high insulin levels benefit from avoiding grains. People in this group would be anyone who has or is overweight, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

The majority of Canadians fall into one or more of these categories. If you are purchasing whole grain, organic sprouted bread, more than likely, it will not move your body toward health, and you are better off avoiding it. The higher your insulin levels and the more prominent your signs of insulin overload are, the more ambitious your grain elimination should be.

Grains to eliminate include: Wheat, Rice, Spelt, Rye, Barley, Oats, Corn, Potatoes (they digest more like a grain)

Highly processed grain products are not recommended, and these would include:  Breads, Chips, Pasta, Pretzels, Cereal, Waffles, Bagels, Pancakes, French Fries, Baked goods

The next time you have a health question,  you can re-take Victoria health services health quiz & myths, or you can ask the practitioners at DHC, for a trusted source for health information that you can rely on.

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Natural Health Practitioner Promotes Reflexology

Natural health practitioner promotes reflexology as part of an overall health program.  Reflexology is the study of activating reflex points, usually on the feet, which correlate with specific anatomy parts that are divided into ten zones through the body.

The techniques used in reflexology are designed to dissipate energy blocks, stimulate the circulatory, lymphatic and nervous systems, and release toxins. Reflexology encourages and supports the body’s self-healing capabilities, and is used in conjunction with chiropractic, therapeutic massage and physiotherapy programs of health care.

Natural Health Practitioner Promotes Reflexology
Reflexology

The underlying theory behind reflexology is that there are “reflex” areas on the feet that correspond to specific organs, glands, and other parts of the body. For example:

  • the tips of the toes reflect the head
  • the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot
  • the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot
  • low back and intestines are towards the heel

Practitioners believe that applying pressure to these reflex areas can promote health in the corresponding organs through energetic pathways.  A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress.

Reflexology stimulates ‘qi’ energy flow (the body’s natural energy) thereby increasing vital energy throughout the body.  It works with the peripheral nervous system, by improving internal communication between organs, glands and muscles in the body.

Natural health practitioner promotes reflexology as a part of a wellness plan that  follows the holistic principle – balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual components of the individual.

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Vancouver Island Health Clinic Endorses Lifestyle Changes to Control High Blood Pressure

If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure you might be worried about taking medication to bring your numbers down; our Vancouver island health clinic endorses lifestyle changes to control high blood pressure.

Lifestyle plays an important role in treating your high blood pressure. If you successfully control your blood pressure with a healthy lifestyle, you may avoid, delay or reduce the need for medication.

Vancouver Island Health Clinic Endorses Lifestyle Changes to Control High Blood Pressure

Lifestyle Changes to Control High Blood Pressure

Here are some lifestyle changes you can make to lower your blood pressure and keep it down.

  • Make sure your blood pressure is under 140/90mm Hg. If your systolic pressure (the top number) is over 140, ask you doctor what you can do to lower it.
  • Take your high blood pressure medicine, if prescribed, every day. If you have questions, talk to your doctor.
  • Aim for a healthy weight. If you are overweight, carrying this extra weight increases your risk of high blood pressure.
  • Increase your physical activity. Do at least 30 minutes of moderate activity, such as walking, most days of the week. You can do 30 minutes in three 10 minute segments.
  • Choose foods low in salt and sodium. Most Canadians should consume no more than 2.4 grams of sodium a day. That’s about one teaspoon of table salt a day. For someone with high blood pressure, your doctor may advise less.
  • Read nutrition labels. Almost all packaged foods contain sodium. Every time you prepare or eat a packaged food, know how much sodium is in one serving. Keep a sodium diary. You may be surprised at how much sodium you consume each day.
  • Use spices and herbs instead of salt to season the food you prepare at home.
  • Eat more fruits, vegetables, grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
  • Make sure that you incorporate a small amount of “down time” each and every day.

Not only does our Vancouver island health clinic endorse lifestyle changes to control high blood press, but also encourages patient to incorporate massage and acupuncture as part of their new healthy lifestyles.

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12 Top Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products | health care products victoria

12 Top Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products | health care products victoria

The average personal care product contains about 12 chemicals: from shampoo and lotion to sunscreen and mouthwash. If you think there’s no cause for concern, think again, more than one-third of all personal-care products contain at least one ingredient linked to cancer, and less than 20 percent of the chemicals in personal-care products have been tested for safety.

12 Top Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products:

12 Top Ingredients to Avoid in Personal Care Products

Prefixes – Ethyl, Methyl, Butyl or Propyl
What It Is: Parabens
Health Risks: Endocrine disrupters that mimic estrogen; linked to weight gain and breast cancer
Found In: Lotions and shampoos

Fragrance – DEHP, DHP, DBP 5, Dibutyl Phthalate
What It Is: Phthalates
Health Risks: Sperm damage, infertility
Found In: Nail polish, shampoo, deodorant, lotion

Dyes – Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5 & 6, Red 33
What It Is: Coal tar
Health Risks: Carcinogenic
Found In: Hair color, medicated shampoos

Triclosan, Chloro, Phenol, Irgasan
What It Is: Triclosan
Health Risks: Endocrine and thyroid disrupter; promotes antibiotic-resistant bacteria; bioaccumulates in the body
Found In: Antibacterial soap, shampoo, facial cleanser, toothpaste, deodorant

3-(4-methylbenzylidene)-camphor (4-MBC), octyl-methoxycinnamate (OMC), octyl-dimethyl-PABA (OD-PABA), bexophenome-3 (Bp-3), homosalate (HMS)
What It Is: Sunscreen chemicals
Health Risks: Estrogenic activity; enhances the potential for pesticides to penetrate the skin
Found In: Sunscreens

Polyethylene glycol (PEG, PPG, Cocoate), propylene glycol, polyoxyethylene, polyethoxyethylene, polyethoxyethylene mineral oil
What It Is: Petroleum byproducts
Health Risks: Carcinogen; liver and kidney effects
Found In: Lotions

Petrolatum
What It Is: Derivative of petroleum
Health Risks: Endocrine disrupter; carcinogen
Found In: Lotions

Lead acetate, thimerosal, mercurius solubilis, mercurius sublimates, mercurius corrosives, mercuric chloride
What It Is: Lead and mercury
Health Risks: Found in higher levels in women with breast cancer; neurotoxin
Found In: Hair color, wound treatments, artificial tears

Isobutene
What It Is: Propellant made from petroleum processing
Health Risks: Carcinogen
Found In: Moisturizer, shaving cream, foot spray, breath freshener

Placenta
What It Is: Placenta, placental enzymes, placental extract
Health Risks: Filled with hormones that upset your own balance and increase estrogen
Found In: Skin and hair conditioner

Hydroquinone
What It Is: Hydroquinone
Health Risks: Can cause a skin disease called ochronosis
Found In: Skin whitener

Nano zinc oxide <100mm
What It Is: Nanoparticles
Health Risks: The safety of nanoparticles has not been tested, but they can cross the blood/brain barrier and move along nerves.
Found In: Sunscreens, lotions

Many manufacturers list ingredients on product packaging and on their websites. Check the labels on your personal care products; if you see any of these 12 chemicals, it might be wise to limit the use of the product or to find a “organic” alternative.

Article highlights from Kelly Lerner and Alli Kingfisher; from Natural Home & Garden Magazine

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Jumpers Knee Treatment

Jumpers knee treatment Jumpers knee treatment is just one of many knee injury treatments offered at Diversified Health. Anyone can be a victim of a knee injury; whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend warrior or  just doing your day-to-day activities. The knee joint is unique in that it carries body weight at the same time as it provides flexibility and mobility and this construction predisposes the joint to risk of injury from sudden movement and repeated wear and tear.

What can cause knee injuries:

• Ligament Sprains – Overstretching  ligaments are bands of strong tissue that stabilize the knee joint together.

• Cartilage Tears – Pressure from twisting and turning during weight-bearing exercise

• Tendon Strains – This is an overuse injury commonly caused by repeated jumping or “jumpers knee”

• Footwear –ill fitting footwear can affect the way you walk and can place stress on the muscles and tendons around the knee joint.

• Frequency/intensity of activity – Any change such as jogging or playing tennis on a different surface can affect the knee joint.

Treatments for knee pain:

A health care practitioner at Diversified Health Clinic will assess your knee to determine the source of the problem and to develop an individual treatment program.  Depending upon the type and degree of injury, the program may include practices such as Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, Chiropractic and Physiotherapy.

Treatments can include manual adjustments, and modalities such as cold laser, shockwave therapy, ultrasound, graston technique or neuro-mechanical adjusting tool.

Returning to activity:

At Diversified Health Clinic we can provide a program to help prevent re-injury as you return to normal activities, including stretching exercises to regain flexibility around the joint and strength training to build up the muscle in the Rehab Gym.

Another element of the rehabilitation program is to retrain balance and coordination. A knee injury involves more than just stress and strain to the soft tissue. It also affects the tiny receptors in the muscles, ligaments and tendons that ‘tell’ you where your knee is positioned. These receptors send signals to correct balance and shift weight.

Whether you require a jumpers knee treatment or a sprain/strain treatment, Diversified Health Clinic will provide you with numerous options that will include exercise programs that will help you strengthen your muscles and get you back participating in the activities you love.

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The Problem with Running & Walking in 2012…an Evolutionary Point of View…by a Natural Health Practitioner

The problem with running and walking in 2012…  an evolutionary point of view…by a natural health practitioner

– Written by Nick Milton

For those of you who like to run or who have chosen a sport that involves running, it’s getting to that time of year when you’ll be increasing your activity more and more as the ever elusive spring gets closer to arriving.

From working with various athletes over the years I’ve become accustomed to seeing a wide range of problems in the upper and lower extremities.  When it comes to running, either in sport, or as a hobby in itself, it’s important to remember that some precautionary measures are vitally important, after all, we weren’t evolutionary designed to be walking or running on hard surfaces.

Fundamentally our feet and ankles work at their best walking or running on sand, vegetation and earth.  Hundreds of thousands of years ago we were running barefoot whilst hunting to survive, much as some tribes in Africa still do today.  These surfaces have more shock absorbing qualities and allow for the curves of our feet to mould around whatever we are stepping upon.  This in turn, takes the stress off our joints, their articulations and the muscles and ligaments which support them.  The truth is our bodies have not developed any new strategies to cope with all the hard surfaces which are common place these days, so we need to use our common sense to prevent it becoming a problem.  Even simple standing or walking for your job all day can cause problems in the long run.

Of course, doing an adequate warm up and being diligent about stretching pre and post activity will all help, but there are a few other things you should bear in mind.

As most healthcare practitioners and the more serious runners out there will tell you, it’s vitally important to have high quality and supportive footwear which can absorb some of the energy created whilst you’re pounding the pavement/concrete/tarmac.  If you are really serious about your sport I also highly recommend investing in custom orthotics which allows your individual foot shape to work at its absolute optimum.  The common misconception about orthotics is that they correct bio-mechanical problems when in fact they merely are designed to adapt to your particular foot shape and gait.  These things need to be assessed by a qualified individual who has access to the newest technology.  Orthotics off the shelf will simple not suffice, they are in fact (in my opinion) not likely to help you at all.

If you would like to prolong your activity in running or any other sport it is also extremely important to have your feet, ankles, knees, hips and spine checked for any bio-mechanical dysfunction.  It’s no different from having your teeth checked or taking your car for a tune up.  Please don’t be fooled by thinking that if there is no pain – then everything is fine, this thinking will increase your chances of injury and will prevent you from reaching your full potential.

The nerves which control the lower limb and its various muscles and joints originate from the lower back,and any pressure on them as they exit the spinal cord (which could be caused by something simple like poor posture) or on their course down through your pelvis and legs can cause a wide range of problems.  It’s highly important to insure this is not the case before embarking on prolonged periods of physical activity, as this will improve your co-ordination, proprioception, strength and reduce fatigue.

Did I also mention chiropractors don’t just specialize in backs? We recognize and advocate that it’s definitely a huge part i.e. to release pressure from the nervous system for best communication between brain and body.  Please understand that we also have very thorough training in orthopaedic problems and we spend years learning how to release tension from the joints, muscles and nerves of the extremities as well as the spine.  I promise you’d be surprised by how simple and effective our treatments are for these kinds of problems.

Here at Diversified Health we are well trained and superbly equipped to help you with all your health requirements whether that’s rehabilitation after an injury or prevention of it in the first place.  I certainly know which one I prefer!!

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