, , ,

Early Intervention

Diversified Health Clinic

Diversified Health Clinic

Early intervention is critical to a speedy recovery. Research has proven that people who seek therapy early after an injury have shorter recovery periods.

When you choose Diversified Health Clinic you will find experienced physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists  who work together to ensure our patients have access to the finest diagnostic tools, treatments and therapies available from each discipline, and work together to ensure optimal care for our patients.

Our Healthcare Practitioners Offer:

  • Results: Proven, one-to-one, evidence-based therapy
  • Coverage Options:  Chiropractic, Physiotherapy and Massage are covered by most extended health plans and ICBC, and we bill directly
  • Efficient Recovery:  We get you back to enjoying a pain free life as quickly as possible
  • Short & Long Term Relief:  We focus on the root cause of your pain, not just symptoms
  • Flexible Scheduling:  Convenient scheduling around work and home obligations
  • Prevention Strategies:  We show you how to keep pain from coming back – on your own
  • Experienced Practitioners:  Licensed practitioners who genuinely care about your health

At the Diversified Health Clinic, we take a team approach towards maintaining your health. Each of our specialists brings their particular set of skills to the partnership giving us the collective ability to treat a wide variety of diseases and conditions from a multitude of perspectives.

Early intervention is especially important if you have suffered an injury at work or have been in a car accident.  Read an interview with Dr. Gustavson where he discusses personal injuries experienced in automobile accidents.

 Whether you are a stay-at-home parent, an active individual or a professional athlete, the benefits of our custom, effective treatments will get you back to being pain free, improve your athletic performance and get you to the next level.

/by
,

The Truth About Relaxing

The Truth About RelaxingWhen you are under stress, your body reacts as if it is under attack. This is called the fight-or-flight response.  Relaxing your body depends on you eliminating the tension in your muscles.  Stress affects all aspects of your life, including your emotions, sleep routines, relationships and if left unchecked  can lead to serious health issues.

Below are some relaxation tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and especially for those times that you start to feel anxious, and tense.

  • Breathing exercises are one way to relax.   Take a deep breathe in, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly.  Repeat  7 – 10 times.
  • Take a time out and listen to your favourite music for a few minutes
  • Try aromatherapy: place a drop of lavender, or other essential oil onto your wrists or hands. The scent can trigger smell receptors in the nose that connect to the part of the brain that regulates emotions.
  •  Distract yourself from the issue at hand.  Pick up a crossword puzzle or a game of Sudoku. Brain games that require concentration can help take your mind off the stressful situation.

Try to incorporate these tips for relaxing when you have more time available.

  • Take a hot shower
  • Go for a walk with your pet
  • Spend a few minutes meditating or try imagining yourself  in your “Happy Place”.  That could be a childhood memory, a  favorite vacation spot or an imaginary place.  The idea is to get you to stop thinking about what caused  your stress.
  • Keep a journal
  • Yoga!!!   When you become stressed, your body releases hormones that speed up your heart rate and make your muscles tense.

Relaxation

  • gives the heart a rest by slowing the heart rate
  • reduces blood pressure & increases blood flow
  • decreases muscle tension

As you become more relaxed, you will:

  •  sleep better and have more energy
  • have less headaches
  • increase your concentration
  • increase your ability to handle frustration and stressful situations

A variety of different relaxation techniques can help you bring your nervous system back into balance.  There is no single relaxation technique that is best for everyone.   The right relaxation plan is the one that fits your lifestyle,  is easy to incorporate into your daily routine and helps you to relax!

/by

Benefits of Massage Therapy

Experts estimate that upwards of eighty percent of disease is stress related; and nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and stress altogether is not realistic, massage has been proven to help manage stress.

Overall Health Benefit of Massage Therapy:

  • Massage therapy increases blood circulation & pumps more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
  • Massage stimulates the lymph system, the body’s natural defense, against toxic invaders.
  • Helps in releasing endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.
  • Relieves pain and decreases the need for medication.
  • Can relax tense and tightened muscles.
  • Reduces overall stress. It helps the body’s stress response by lowering levels of stress hormones such as cortisol.
Benefits Of Massage Therapy | Massage Victoria BC

Benefits Of Massage Therapy

Physical Benefit of Massage Therapy:

  • Helps relieve muscle tension and stiffness
  • Fosters faster healing of strained muscles and ligaments; reduces pain and swelling
  • Reduces muscle spasms
  • Provides greater joint flexibility and range of motion
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Enhances the health and nourishment of skin & strengthens the immune system

Emotional Benefit of Massage Therapy:

  • Promotes a relaxed state of mental alertness
  • Satisfies needs for caring nurturing touch
  • Fosters a feeling of well-being and reduces levels of anxiety

Getting a massage on a regular schedule can play a huge part in your overall health.  Budgeting time and money for massages at consistent intervals is truly an investment in your health.  Consider massage appointments a necessary piece of your health and wellness plan, and work with your practitioner to establish a treatment schedule that best meets your needs.

/1 Comment/by
, , ,

How to Get the Most From Your Next Treatment

How to Get the Most From Your Next TreatmentHaving a successful treatment starts before you see your practitioner. On your next visit to your health care practitioner try incorporating these tips.

  • Getting adequate rest the night before your treatment is an important part of the healing process.
  • Arrive on time to your sessions.  If you arrive in a frenzied state, it will take you longer to relax.
  • Remember that your practitioner may have another appointment directly after your own and your treatment time will be cut short if you arrive late.
  • Wear clothing that will be comfortable during a treatment session.
  • Before the treatment begins, always give an accurate health update, and bring any relevant letters, imaging and/or scan results.
  • During a treatment, report any discomfort that you are feeling right away and don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns.
  • Remember to breathe normally throughout your treatment session.  If you are anxious about the treatment, your breathing will be shallow and limited.  Talking with your practitioner about your anxiety will help you relax.
  • Stay hydrated, remember to drink water before and after your treatment.
  • Don’t get up too quickly from the treatment table.  Getting off the table too fast, can make you feel dizzy or light headed.
  • Part of any treatment includes the moments after the the treatment is over.  Make sure you take enough time in the room to integrate and assimilate the results of your session.
  • Try to stay active after a treatment.  In most cases, movement after a session will help the treatment hold for a longer period of time.
  • Be honest with your practitioner;  if a treatment is not working let them know.  A good health care practitioner will choose another approach or modality to treat your condition.

Part of any good health care solution is being part of a team, and Diversified Health has numerous disciplines, treatment options, modalities and practitioners to help you get feeling better faster!

/by
, , , ,

#1 Way To Deal With Stress

stress-and-acid-refluxLong-term exposure to stress can lead to serious health issues by raising your blood pressure, increasing your risk of having a heart attack, and suppressing your immune system. Ignoring the symptoms of stress can lead to anxiety and depression.

Physical symptoms from prolonged stress can range from headaches, upset stomach, high blood pressure, chest pains, difficulty breathing and trouble sleeping.

Everyone deals with stress differently; the import factor is to find healthy ways  to deal with stress that work for you.

#1 most effective way to deal with stress – RELAX

Deep Breathing | Deliberate and mindful breathing will help your muscles to relax and make you feel less tense.

Massage | Booking even a short 30 minute massage focusing on the muscles in the back of your neck and upper back will help you feel less tense.

Time Out | Stepping away from the situation, even for a few minutes will have a beneficial effect on your mood. Going for a walk around the block can go a long way to decreasing your stress.

Grateful List | Make a mental list of 5 things you are thankful for. This will remove your focus from the stressful situation and will allow you to gain quick perspective of your life.

#2 Take care of your body

Sleep | 7 to 9 hours will help your body recover

Eat healthy | Eat fruits, vegetables, proteins, and whole grains. Don’t fall into bad habits of junk food, and limit your caffeine or high-sugar snack foods.

Exercise | Getting physical activity helps relax your tense muscles and improve your mood.

 Avoid | alcohol, drugs, smoking

# 3 Involve your Health Care Practitioners

Be proactive – don’t wait till you can no longer cope.  Make sure that you talk to your health care practitioner, and work together to find a treatment plan that works for you.

Book a massage –  Clinical studies show that even a single 1 ½ -hour session can significantly lower heart rate, cortisol levels and insulin levels-all of which help reduce stress through massage therapy. On-going massage therapy can improve overall physical and mental performance.

Book an acupuncture session – The body secretes hormones into the bloodstream as a reaction to stress.  Acupuncture can block the chronic, stress-induced elevations of these hormones leaving you with a sense of calm & relaxation.

Book a Chiropractic session – One of the effects of chronic stress is prolonged muscle tension. This muscle tension can leads to a misalignment of the spine and the other joints in the body. These misalignments can cause common conditions such as; back pain, neck pain, and headaches. Chiropractic adjustments reduce nerve irritation, improve circulation, and release muscle tension.

Book a Physiotherapy session – can assist decease stress levels through manual therapy. Manual therapy involves manipulation of muscles and tissues in the body. This technique is used to reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and carry fresh oxygen to tissues in the body.

/by

Diversified Health’s RMT – Cassandra Shkrabuik

Cassandra partially optimized proof in sRGB for internet - CopyOne of the benefits of any health or wellness program is not just the treatment, but the experience you have with your health care practitioner.  Many clients have had the same chiropractor, massage therapist or acupuncturist for years, and during that time have developed a deep trust and respect for their practitioner.

Cassandra Shkrabuik is one of Diversified Health’s registered massage therapists. Cassandra graduated from the West Coast College of Massage Therapy in a 3000 hour RMT program in 2012.  She has lived on the island for seven years and has fallen in love with the highly holistic nature of the island.

Recently I sat down with Cassandra and asked her some questions on massage therapy and on her life.

Q: Is there a benefit to having a longer massage session ( over 60 minutes )

A:  The main benefit to a longer massage is deeper relaxation, and clients suffering from multiple health issues can have all of them addressed in one session.

Q: What are 3 benefits of a massage?

A:  1. Improved circulation – Having an increase in blood flow and circulation to areas of your body helps promote cell growth and organ function.

2. Elimination of toxins through the skin  –  Skin eruptions are an indication of toxicity and the body’s attempt to eliminate them, so massage can increase the circulation to the skin and de-congest the pores.

3 The feeling of well-being  –  Massage increases the available levels of dopamine and this explains the satisfaction experienced during and after a massage. Also, serotonin regulates mood and has a calming effect; a low serotonin level has been implicated in depression, and massage seems to increase the level of available serotonin, producing an overall sense of calm.

Q: How often should you have a massage to achieve maximum health benefits?

A: Everyone is different, but with no health issues, every 4-6 weeks is a good place to start.

On a more personal note:

Q: Where is your favorite place to “chill” on the weekend?

A:  Walking and hiking in any forested area.

Q: Favorite music style?

A: Most of my day is spent listening to calming soft music with my clients, so when I get home I enjoy the fast beat of Electro-jazz and any good classic rock songs that gets you going.

Q: If you can only eat one type of food what would it be?

A:  SUSHI!!!

Q:  Name one thing that most people don’t know about you.

A: Most people don’t know that I foster cats with behaviour issues and also feral kittens.

Q: What event is a must see for you in Victoria?

A: Anything to do with fireworks, specifically Canada Day and the Symphony Splash.

Q: Where is your favorite place to “snoop” in the city?

A: With out a doubt china town, because there is always something going on!

*Cassandra works Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Please contact our front desk to book an appointment with Cassandra.

/by
, ,

At The First Sign Of A Migraine…

At The First Sign Of A Migraine...Migraines can cause debilitating pain, which can lead to a decline in your quality of life and in severe cases, depression. Incorporating a healthy lifestyle with a few simple preventative techniques may stop some migraines before they start.

Self-treatment will not always work, but here are a few tips that may  help reduce the severity of your next migraine.

At the first sign of a migraine:

Remove yourself from your current activity and seek a quite darkened room. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound.

Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck.  Ice packs will numb pain, while a hot pack or heating pad will help relax tense muscles.

Apply gentle pressure to your scalp or temples, which will help alleviate muscle tension.

Drink a caffeinated beverage; in small amounts, caffeine can help relieve migraine pain in the early stages.

Healthy Lifestyle:

Daily exercise will encourage your body to release certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals can help alleviate anxiety and depression, which can make migraines worse. Remember that exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.

Stress and migraines often go hand in hand, so simplify your life where you can. Delegate what you can, and divide large tasks into manageable chunks – use your time wisely.  If you feel overwhelmed, take a break, try to relax with deep breathing.  This requires inhaling and exhaling slowly and deeply for a minimum of 10 minutes every day.  This type of deep breathing will also help to relax your muscles.

Getting a good nights sleep will also help to avoid migraines. Make sure that you are waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, including weekends, and minimizing distractions in your bedroom by not watch television or working in bed.

Keep a migraine diary – this will help you find out what triggers your migraines. Note when a migraines starts, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Eventually you may be able to prevent migraines by changing patterns in your daily life.

Migraine diagnoses:

While no specific test can determine whether your headaches are migraines, you can help your practitioner make a diagnosis by keeping a migraine diary.  Your migraine journal should include the location, severity, frequency, and duration of your headaches. You should also make note of any prescribed medications you are taking.

Lifestyle choices can help reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines, as well as medication. However, there are other forms of treatment which include massage, acupuncture, chiropractic, Laser and eToims.  Please talk with our health care practitioners to decide which type of treatment is right for you.

/by
, , ,

6 Tips To Prevent Chronic Back Pain

6 Tips To Prevent Chronic Back PainA healthy back is straight, moves easily and is free of pain.  The most common area for chronic back pain is the lower back; also called the lumbar spine.

Back pain is defined as either acute or chronic. Practitioners diagnose low back pain as acute if it lasts less than a month and is not caused by serious medical conditions. If the pain persists, it is considered chronic back pain. Almost 20 million (2 in 3) Canadians will have at least one episode of back pain in their lifetime.

Warning Signs of Chronic Back Pain?

  • If the pain lasts longer than month.
  • The pain can be anywhere in the back. It can be in one area only or spread across a wide area.
  • Your back might be stiff and the muscles swollen. This combination of pain, stiffness and swelling is called inflammation.
  • Some injuries will cause muscles spasms in the back, and pain or weakness in a leg.

Back pain can develop anywhere from the neck to the lower spine. The pain can be localized or spread across a wide area and radiate from a central point. Muscle spasms may occur at the site of the pain. Some people also get pain or weakness in a leg as a result of back injury.

What causes Chronic Back Pain?

  • Poor posture is the most common cause of back pain.
  • Injury due to lifting heavy objects is also a frequent cause of back pain.
  • Being overweight and not exercising enough can increase your risk of back injury.
  • If your back is weak you can get back pain when you get upset or feel stressed.
  • Some types of arthritis can cause chronic back pain.

How to prevent Chronic Back Pain

  • When you lift a heavy item keep it as close to your body as possible. Keep your back straight and use your legs to do the lifting.
  • Use helpful devices such as a cart to carry your grocery bags.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting extra stress on your joints.
  • Be aware of your posture
  • Wear shoes that support your feet; this will help keep your back and legs straight.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress and support your neck properly with pillows.

Disciplines that treat Chronic Back Pain – Acupuncture | Chiropractic | Massage | Physiotherapy

Treatments for Chronic Back Pain – eToims | Laser | Spinal Decompression | Shockwave Therapy

/by
, ,

8 Tips To Help Control High Blood Pressure

8 Tips To Help Control High Blood PressureHere are 8 lifestyle changes you can make to control your high blood pressure.

Watch your waistline

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases, so losing just 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) can help reduce your blood pressure. In general, the more weight you lose, the lower your blood pressure.

Exercise

Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure 4 to 9mm Hg.  If you haven’t been active, increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks. Make sure to talk with your care practitioner about developing an exercise program that’s right for you.

Avoid being a “weekend warrior” , because those sudden bursts of activity could actually  put you at risk.

Eat healthy

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and limits saturated fat can lower your blood pressure by up to 14 mm Hg.

Reduce sodium

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure by 2 to 8 mm Hg.   Limit  your sodium intake to 2,300 milligrams (mg) a day or less. Remember to read food labels, and that processed foods are high in sodium.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol can be both good and bad for your health. In small amounts, it can potentially lower your blood pressure by 2 to 4 mm Hg. But that protective effect is lost if you drink too much alcohol — generally more than one drink a day for women and two a day for men.

Avoid tobacco products

We all know the dangers of smoking,  but did you know that the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg and for up to an hour after you smoke.

Sleeping

People who sleep five hours or less a night may be at higher risk of developing high blood pressure or worsening already high blood pressure.  Sleep helps your blood regulate stress hormones and helps your nervous system remain healthy. Over time, a lack of sleep can hurt your body’s ability to regulate stress hormones, leading to high blood pressure.

Reduce your stress

Stress or anxiety can temporarily increase blood pressure. Take some time to think about what causes you to feel stressed such as work, family,or finances. Once you know what’s causing your stress, consider how you can eliminate or cope with stress in a healthier way such as getting a massage, acupuncture or start a yoga class.

As with any major health change, please consult a health care practitioner before you start your new health routine.

/by
, , , ,

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

What is Myofacial Pain Syndrome?Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder.  With myofascial pain syndrome, the pain affects the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle or muscle fascia which is painful on compression. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas and often restrict the flexibility of the affected muscle.  If left untreated, they can create new trigger points.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is ongoing muscle pain, in areas such as the low back, neck, hips, and shoulders. You might feel the pain or the pain may get worse when you press on a trigger point. Symptoms of myofascial pain may include:

  • A muscle that is sensitive or tender when touched
  • Muscle pain that happens when pressure is placed on a trigger point
  • Pain that is aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected area

People with myofascial pain syndrome often have other health problems, such as tension headaches, depression, sleep problems, and suffer from fatigue.

New Ways to Treat Myofacial Pain: 

eToims ~ 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.  Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Class IV K-Laser ~ Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create 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.

IMS ~ Trigger point dry needling, also referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and/or intramuscular therapy (IMT) is an invasive procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. Intramuscular therapy has been very successful for patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.

Physiotherapy | Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points for a sustained period, followed by passive and active stretch and heat where indicated. The goal is to deactivate the trigger points and teach the patient how to prevent and manage recurrences. When these approaches are combined with mobilization and posture retraining techniques provided by a physiotherapist they provide a long-lasting and patient-managed way to reduce pain and improve function.

Myofascial pain often goes away with appropriate treatment and life style changes. Please contact our healthcare practitioners and discuss what treatment is right for you.

/by