Uncategorized Archives - Diversified Health Clinic

Help – My Low Back Hurts!

Nothing throws a wrench in good plans quite like back pain. It’s hard to resume your normal activities and focus on anything else when your low back hurts.

The onset of back pain often looks similar to this scenario relayed to me by a friend:

It came on suddenly during my workout, but I didn’t do anything differently.

I can’t sit, I can’t stand, and I can’t get comfortable lying down.

My low back hurts like heck! Is there anything I can do besides rest, use ice, and take pain medication?

Does the above sound like you or someone you know?

If so, that’s because at any one point in time about 8% of the global population is dealing with low back pain. My friend had this happen to them and they were sore for weeks.

Before you start spiralling into the negative, let’s get you updated on what you need to know to help you better manage your back pain from the onset.

The first thing you need to know is that acute low back pain (low back pain that comes on suddenly) can be categorized into two areas: mechanical and non-mechanical.

The next thing you need to know about acute low back pain is that it does not discriminate. Young or old, fit or unfit, doing the same exercise for the first time or the one-hundredth time, it doesn’t matter! And wow, when your low back hurts, is it ever painful and debilitating in those first few minutes, hours, and days.

When your low back hurts, early intervention is key!

In Canada, physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat your low back pain from the minute the pain presents. They have the skills and training to differentiate between the two categories of low back pain and determine if you are a candidate for physiotherapy (mechanical low back pain) or whether a referral back to the medical world (non-mechanical) is required before you can start physiotherapy treatments.

In other words:

When your low back hurts, you do not need to wait to “feel better” or to see a GP/family physician first:

There’s no need to scramble to find a walk-in clinic spot or stress because you can’t get in to see your GP for weeks. Some of the exceptions would be if your insurance provider requires a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy (check with your insurance provider as all plans are different) or if you simply feel more comfortable seeing a physician first.

When it comes to the management of acute low back pain, the sooner you get in for an assessment and treatment the better the outcome. Although appealing; icing, resting on the couch, and taking pain medications lack support when it comes to getting you better faster. Instead, a few specific questions (subjective history) and performing a few simple orthopedic tests (objective assessment) with a physiotherapist can give you some answers and lessen the pain even after the initial visit.

Sounds promising right?

Well, it gets better. The latest scientific literature tells us that when it comes to acute low back pain doing nothing (aka lots of rest) is contraindicated, meaning that movement is a good thing! Pain is a good reason to avoid or eliminate certain things from your daily routine, but even in those early days of low back pain, we know that moving your body in a safe and guided way can lessen your low back pain and get you back to baseline sooner.

So, what does this all mean?

Get assessed, start customized treatment, get educated about the dos and don’ts of the kind of low back pain you have and ultimately build a home exercise program that is modified to your current pain levels.

Apply this Pro tip when your low back hurts:

A good quality home exercise plan will progress with you and meet your needs wherever you are on the spectrum of getting better. (As always consult your physiotherapist or primary care practitioner before you start any new exercises or at-home treatment. If you have any changes, concerns or questions regarding your low back pain, be sure to bring them to your health professionals’ attention right away).

👉🏼 Check out these acute low back exercises that Nicole demonstrates which most people experiencing acute mechanical low back pain are able to safely perform. 👈🏼

But let’s be honest, you’re in pain today and want to feel better yesterday, so don’t wait, make yourself a physiotherapy appointment now and get to the bottom of what’s causing your low back pain.

Meet Nicole Gros, One of Diversified Health Clinic’s Physiotherapists

Born and raised in Victoria, Nicole obtained a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Distinction from the University of Victoria in 2010. After working as a Registered Kinesiologist, Nicole went on to complete her Masters in Physical Therapy degree at the University of British Columbia in 2013.

Nicole has been working as an orthopaedic and manual therapist at Diversified Health Clinic for 7 years. Her assessment and treatment sessions are patient-centred and focused on an evidence-based practice approach. Nicole offers a variety of treatment techniques including manual therapy, soft tissue work, IMS/Function Dry Needling, Shockwave therapy, K-Laser therapy, Graston, ultrasound, customized orthotics and patient-specific exercise programs.

Nicole’s comprehensive approach to relieving pain:

Nicole believes in a hands-on, one-on-one treatment approach that recognizes each patient as an individual. She believes strongly in delivering a holistic assessment and treatment by collaborating with her patients and other health care providers to optimize rehabilitation outcomes.

When Your Low Back Hurts, Book an Appointment With Nicole

To book with Nicole Gros, please contact the clinic at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com.

#lowbackpain #physiotherapy #victoriaBC #homeexercises #therapy #mechanical #non-mechanical #painrelief #exerciserehab

August 8, 2022/by Diversified Health Clinic

Fitness, Health Information, News, Uncategorized

Is Personal Training for You?

Yes! Personal training is for everyone! At Diversified Health Clinic, our Personal Trainer and Certified Kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf, works with individuals at all levels and different goals to help you achieve your best self. With our private gym space, Angelina will work one-on-one with you on strength training, cardio training, mobility, or whatever your own personal goals may be.

What Personal Training Can Assist With

Helping you lose weight
Learn new skills
Train for sports
Rehab of an injury
Strength training
How to safely perform exercises
Improve balance and mobility

There’s a difference between being fit versus being active. No one, not even elite athletes, is born knowing which specific exercises their bodies will respond most favourably to — let alone how to design a complete program that can deliver results within a realistic schedule. Different people have different needs and priorities, and because of this, fitness has never been a one-size-fits-all endeavour. A personal trainer takes the guesswork out of how to obtain your fitness goals by custom-designing an action plan for you (from beginner to advanced), taking into account your personal fitness status now versus your personal fitness goals.

A Personal Trainer Can Help You Start With the Basics

Suggesting activities that will work for your body, schedule, and available equipment
Showing you how to choose exercises, weights, reps and sets
Help teach you how to get the most out of your workouts
Help you to figure out how hard to work and how to monitor your intensity

Even if you are a more experienced exerciser, a personal trainer can be the element that takes your workouts to a whole new level, by:

Providing a fresh perspective and identifying key areas in your current exercise program that could be adjusted to increase the intensity, effectiveness and fun
Challenging you and helping you push harder through plateaus safely and with good form
Generating new ideas and uses for the fitness equipment you have access to

We believe everyone benefits from living a more active and healthier lifestyle, and we work with individuals of all fitness levels and ages. In addition, we can work with your schedule to provide you with a customized workout plan to meet your goals.

Suffering from Chronic Health Problems?

For most chronic health problems, exercise can often help people manage the condition and reduce symptoms. For example, chronic conditions that cause pain or other aggravating symptoms may make you less inclined to exercise. However, movement and strengthening specific parts of the body may help alleviate those symptoms in the long run. For example, people with different types of arthritis benefit from learning how to increase strength and joint stability while remaining mindful not to cause further damage to cartilage and joints.

A significant role of personal trainers is to help reduce the risk of injury, regardless of who they are working with or what training they are providing. Acute and overuse injuries commonly occur when people follow a one-size-fits-all program that is not tailored to their needs. Personal trainers are experts in human physiology who tailor specific exercises to people’s varying physical abilities and limitations.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits?

Exercise is beneficial for everyone’s mental health, whether you suffer from a diagnosis or not. Exercise promotes all kinds of positive changes in the brain, including releasing endorphins, which are powerful chemicals that energize your spirit and make you feel good. In addition, exercising can help to relax muscles, relieve tension, and boost the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which affect mood, focus, and attention. Other mental health benefits include:

Sharper memory and thinking
Higher self-esteem
Better sleep
More energy
Stronger resilience
Uplifted mood

What You Can Expect at Your Appointments

During your first visit:

A complete health assessment will be taken to understand where you currently are, what you would like to improve on, and any injuries or issues you are currently experiencing. Next, we will do a physical assessment to get a baseline of where you are to create a customized training program for you.

During subsequent appointments:

We will work one-on-one with you through your customized training program in our private gym space. Angelina will focus on ensuring that you have the correct posture, form, and ability so she can modify any exercises as needed.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact the clinic for more information on Personal Training or to book with Angelina Schaaf. Call us at 250-382-0018 or book your appointment online today!

#personaltraining #fitness #victoriabc #kinesiology #physiotherapy #gym #healthandwellness #training #mobility #strengthtraining #loseweight #rehabexercise #stressmanagement #stronger #self-esteem

March 22, 2022/by Diversified Health Clinic

Fitness, Health Information, News, Uncategorized

Fall in Love With Fitness Again. The Right Personal Trainer Makes It Possible

Whether you’ve taken a long hiatus from your fitness routine or you’re questioning the effectiveness of your current exercise program, there are a few common barriers that may be hindering your results and souring your relationship with fitness. The good news is that the right personal trainer can make a difference. Here’s how:

Common Fitness Barrier #1: You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

Perhaps it’s your first time visiting a gym, or maybe it’s been so long since you’ve picked up weights that you can’t remember what to do and how to do it properly. You know how that saying goes: when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Winging it at the gym may feel productive, and it’s certainly better than doing nothing, but for your relationship with fitness to really stick, it needs repetition and consistency. But first, you need to familiarize yourself with the exercises you’ll be doing and why you’ll be doing them — you need a plan! Personal training takes the guesswork out of your workouts with a formula for success.

Common Fitness Barrier #2: Your Workout Routine Is Painful, Boring, or Both!

If your current workouts feel like a slog:

Something needs to change fast before boredom makes you part ways with your gym and question your commitment to fitness. There are several ways to get to your goal without suffering through workouts that make you feel like a hamster on a wheel (hey, hour-long treadmill sessions, I’m talking about you). If you hate what it takes to see results, heading to the gym won’t stand a chance at competing with other, more pleasure-inducing priorities such as Netflix.

Even worse, pain puts the brakes on activity and progress faster than boredom:

When something hurts, your body screams, “stop!” And often for a good reason. Past or impending injuries, including your general health, should always be assessed before starting a new activity. And, if something hurts, have it checked out by a practitioner before proceeding. One of the key roles a good personal trainer plays in your relationship with fitness is to help you avoid injury by ensuring proper form and addressing any muscle imbalances.

A good personal trainer will also help you know how hard to push and how long to rest, which helps you feel less sore between workouts. While pain means “stop,” muscle soreness is part and parcel of muscle growth, but the right balance of personal training and rest can make delayed onset muscle soreness less severe and more manageable.

Common Fitness Barrier #3: You Stopped Seeing Results

Let’s face it, relationships stick when needs are met, and if your current workout routine is making you feel stuck, it’s time for an intervention. Time, after all, is your most precious commodity, so it makes sense to want to get something out of all the time you invest in the gym and your workouts.

A good personal trainer and exercise plan takes into account your level of fitness now and what needs to be done to achieve your attainable goals. Personal training is more than jotting down a series of exercises.

The right personal trainer is a skilled strategist that considers:

Your current fitness level and abilities
Your lifestyle and time constraints
Your rest and nutrition
Habits and attitudes towards food and activity that sabotage progress
Whether your goals are realistically attainable for your physiology
What exercises are best suited to your abilities and goals
Exercise frequency, duration, and intensity needed to achieve your goals within the time you can allot to fitness
How often your exercise plan needs to change to warrant progressive results
How to do each exercise safely and effectively, with proper form that takes into account your body’s dynamics, past injuries, and range of motion – slight adjustments can make a world of difference

Ready to Fall in Love With Fitness Again?

It’s easy to put off making changes, but the sooner you do, the closer you’ll be to attaining your goals (and enjoying your workouts). Our Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf, is here to help. Imagine how great you’ll feel seeing results from a customized workout plan designed specifically for you and your goals.

Take the next step:

Book a consultation with our personal trainer and kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf. Call our clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book your appointment online.

February 14, 2022/by Diversified Health Clinic

Chiropractic Care, Health Information, Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Uncategorized

Been in a Car Accident? Diversified Health Clinic Is Here to Help!

Being in a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience that can cause lasting injuries. This is why it is important to understand what your injuries are and what treatments are available to you. One result of trauma when you are involved in an accident is the release of endorphins that can act as a painkiller to mask your injuries and pain. Most muscle pain and stiffness will typically occur in the first 24 hours but can take as long as 7-10 days to present. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention within the first 24 hours of your accident.

After seeking medical attention, the next step is to contact ICBC to report the accident and start your claim. ICBC will assign you a claim number and a care team to help assist with your recovery. For more information on how to report a claim to ICBC, please click here.

With your approved ICBC claim number, you will have access to several pre-approved treatments that will assess and treat any injuries from your accident under the new Enhanced Care Program.

ICBC Enhanced Care Program

ICBC recently moved to their enhanced care program in 2021, which gives drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists enhanced recovery benefits. You will have access to pre-approved treatments within the first 12 weeks of the accident date for chiropractic, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, kinesiology and acupuncture without the requirement of a doctor referral. This means ICBC will be directly billed for treatments with little to no out-of-pocket expense to you. At the end of the 12 weeks or the pre-approved treatments, our practitioners can complete a treatment plan to request additional pre-approved treatments if needed.

Recovering From Your Injuries: How many pre-approved treatments do you get?

The number of pre-approved treatments will vary depending on the treatment modality. Within the first 12 weeks of the accident date, you are pre-approved for 25 chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments, and for 12 registered massage therapy, kinesiology, and acupuncture treatments.

What can our team at Diversified Health Clinic do?

Treatment of your auto-collision injuries Our multi-disciplinary team will work with you, with the ability to collaborate across treatment modalities to ensure you are getting the best treatment results. Our Diversified Health Team can evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions and injuries including:

Headaches, concussion
Whiplash and neck pain
Back pain
Chronic pain
Numbness, tingling and nerve damage
Muscle spasms or weakness
Surgical recovery
Disc herniation and bulging
Soft tissue injuries
Hip, knee and/or joint pain
Sprains, strains, and fractures

Our valued team of practitioners will assess and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your pre-accident self. Our talented Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, Registered Massage Therapists, and Kinesiologist have a vast array of treatment knowledge at their disposal along with state-of-the-art technology such as:

Contact our clinic to find out more about ICBC related treatments at 250-382-0018 or book online today.

#ICBC #caraccident #accidentrecovery #physiotherapy #kinesiology #chiropractor #acupuncture #registeredmassagetherapy #victoriabc #whiplash #carinjury #mva

January 3, 2022/by Diversified Health Clinic

Health Information, Physiotherapy, Uncategorized

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

When we think of fitness, our pelvic floor muscles don’t typically come to mind until symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pain or incontinence interfere with our quality of life and confidence. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common but treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy that addresses the root cause of embarrassing leaks and other complications. Here’s how to spot the signs of pelvic floor dysfunction so that any muscle imbalances can be addressed as early as possible.

What Do Pelvic Floor Muscles Do?

Often overlooked, our pelvic floor muscles have important jobs to do, and too much muscle tightness or weakness interferes with optimal pelvic organ function.

Our pelvic floor is a group of core muscles that extend from our pubic bone to our tail-bone and perform three essential duties:

Control our bowel, bladder, and sexual function
Stabilize our hip joints and posture
Act as an internal girdle that holds our pelvic organs in their proper place

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor muscles are prone to dysfunction and can become weak or too tight due to age, general health, childbirth, weight gain, muscle strain, or injury. Pelvic floor muscle imbalances can result in difficulty maintaining control over the muscles we use to control our bladder, bowels, and sexual organs, resulting in incontinence, painful intercourse, lower back discomfort, and erectile dysfunction. More advanced pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to pelvic organ prolapse in women, whereby the uterus, bowels, or bladder can move out of place and push on the walls of the vagina or rectum and lead to protrusion.

Common Signs & Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Lower back, pelvic, or tailbone pain or pressure
Incontinence: involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control, including small leaks and flatulence during moments of physical strain, sneezing, coughing, laughing, running, or sudden movements
(Women) Feeling fullness, pain, or pressure in your vagina
(Women) Painful intercourse: which is often linked to organ prolapse placing pressure on the vaginal walls
(Women) Pelvic discomfort and incontinence following childbirth
(Men) Erectile dysfunction caused by pelvic muscle tension
(Men) Testicular pain resembling prostatitis
Pelvic organ prolapse
Recurring urinary tract infections
Difficulty urinating or defecating resulting in strain
The sensation of having to urinate before the bladder is full

Contributing Factors

Constipation and prolonged strain when urinating or defecating
Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
Age and hormonal fluctuations approaching menopause
General health and fitness
Pelvic pressure caused by weight gain
Trauma caused by a previous injury, cancer treatment, or surgery
Hereditary factors
Recurring interstitial cystitis

Correcting Pelvic Floor Dysfunction With Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

If an assessment reveals that pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause of your symptoms, pelvic floor physiotherapy is your solution! Because the root cause of your symptoms results from weak or overly tight pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy, soft tissue release, and targeted pelvic floor exercises will be used to condition pelvic floor muscles to their optimal state.

Expectant mothers can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments that help strengthen the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth and assist in reconditioning pelvic floor muscles following delivery.

Don’t Ignore Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms!

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t resolve on its own and is easier to treat the earlier you address it. The earlier your pelvic floor muscles are treated, the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without worrying about leaks, performance ability, and discomfort.

What to Expect During Your Initial Assessment

“Jen” (Jennifer Mildon, MPT) is Diversified Health Clinic’s physiotherapist focusing on pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments. During your initial assessment with Jen, you will be asked questions about your symptoms and objectives, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your pelvic floor and what you’re experiencing. Next, Jen will conduct a physical assessment of your lower back and hips and, pending your comfort and permission, an internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment of the tone and strength of your pelvic floor muscles before tailoring a treatment plan according to your specific condition and needs. All information you share with our practitioners, including the results of your physical exam, remains confidential between you and your practitioner.

Let Jennifer know if you’re concerned or uncomfortable having the internal examination included in your physical assessment – you can still benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments.

There is no downtime required following pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments. Still, depending on your treatment plan and objectives, your physiotherapist may make personalized recommendations to ensure you receive the most benefit from each treatment.

Take the Next Step!

Get relief from pelvic floor dysfunction – book your initial assessment with our physiotherapist Jen at Diversified Health Clinic today, or contact our clinic to learn more.

Your first appointment will include a health assessment that will help your practitioner tailor your treatments to your specific needs and objectives and allow you to ask any questions you might have.

When you call to book your appointment, let our front desk staff know if you are on a health benefits plan covering naturopathic/acupuncture treatment. We offer direct billing and can help process your claim.

Physiotherapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

August 31, 2021/by Diversified Health Clinic

Uncategorized

Custom Orthotics in Victoria, B.C. | What You Need to Know!

Diversified Health Clinic is proud to offer Gait Analysis and custom orthotics in Victoria, B.C.

Your feet have a direct impact on the rest of your body. Like the foundations of a house, your feet support the weight of everything above them. When a small problem develops in your feet, the subtle changes in the way you walk will cause a chain-reaction of adjustments in your posture and walking mechanics. These changes could stress your joints and lead to more serious problems such as knee pain, hip pain, and back pain. Here are four common signs you may need orthotics and where to find custom orthotics in Victoria, B.C.

What Orthotics Are

Orthotics are prescription inserts that can help keep your feet stable while standing or walking. Custom orthotics can be used to correct suboptimal gait issues and have been shown to effectively eliminate foot pain and improve overall foot functioning.

Four Signs You May Need Orthotics

You stand for more than 5 hours per day
Your shoes are worn out
You have no arch or a high arch in your foot
You have severe pain in your foot, heel, knee, or hips

Using state of the art Gait Analysis technology along with a foam casting to ensure a proper fit, we can fit you for a variety of custom orthotics, such as ones for sports, ones for everyday dress shoes, and ones for regular everyday use.

Custom Orthotics in Victoria, B.C.

Diversified Health Clinic is proud to offer Gait Analysis and custom orthotics in Victoria, B.C.

Ask one of our practitioners at Diversified Health how custom-made orthotics can help you step away from pain! Call us today at (250) 382-0018, or book your an appointment online with one of our chiropractors.

Most prescription orthotics are covered by extended health insurance plans. Be sure to check your extended benefits for criteria and eligibility. If your plan covers orthotics, let our clinic know when you call—we offer direct billing options.!

January 15, 2021/by Diversified Health Clinic

Uncategorized

10 Reasons Parents Take Healthy Children To Chiropractors

Guest article from: welladjustedbabies.com

Some adults may wonder why more and more children are starting to see chiropractors. That’s a good question and the answer is simple: whether we have a large spine or a tiny little spine, if that spine is creating nerve distress then our magnificent bodies may not operate smoothly…

The nervous system is the ‘Master Controller’

The nervous system is the master controller of our body and if its communication channels become fuzzy, distorted or damaged then we experience all sorts of communication errors. For babies and children, this ineffective communication may play out as colic or irritability, an inability to suckle and breastfeed, poor sleep, developmental delays, digestion issues, asthma, behavioural problems, low energy, inability to concentrate, headaches, etc – the list is endless. In fact, regardless of what the end result or symptom may be, all roads to ‘optimal health’ lead back to the body’s ability to self-regulate and function at a peak level.

While chiropractic may be able to help with a number of health issues, our focus is not treating or curing ailments; our focus is ensuring the nervous system has every opportunity to work efficiently and effectively.

Can you cook at night with the lights out?

For example, imagine your nervous system is like the lighting system in your home. If the lights start to dim, you might not be able to cook dinner very well, you may start banging into furniture, you may trip and hurt yourself, you may feel frightened. How the dim lights influence you precisely will vary but the issue is still the same – there is a communication problem between the wiring and the the light globe which needs detecting and fixing.

In the same way, chiropractors spend years studying the nervous system to be able to detect and correct these ‘communication errors’ in the body.

Another question you may ask is…

“How do little kids get nerve irritation?”

Nerve irritations (or vertebral subluxations) occur as a part of normal daily life. They may result from physical, chemical and emotional stressors or ‘insults’ to our health, such as bad posture, prolonged postures, sleeping on our stomachs, knocks and falls, poor food choices, dehydration, exposure to chemicals and toxins, and stress and anxiety. Some research suggests that even before these lifestyle stressors have an impact, nerve irritation may occur in the uterus from awkward positioning, restriction of movement, and exposure to toxins. Subluxations or nerve irritation may also occur from birth complications such as long labours, very fast labours, or forceps or caesarean delivery.

While research to support how effective chiropractic for children is not yet extensive, parental satisfaction with results achieved is compelling in its own right.

While more research into the benefits of chiropractic for babies and children is needed, chiropractic for little people has been shown to be gentle, safe and effective. Babies can be checked by chiropractors very soon after birth and special techniques have been developed to carefully correct any subluxated areas. When we appreciate how the nervous system may be hindered and impaired it makes sense why more parents are having their child’s spine and nervous system assessed.

10 reasons parents take their children to see a chiropractor:

To encourage good neural plasticity (brain and nerve development).
To support their child’s overall health and well being.
To help strengthen their child’s immunity and potentially reduce the incidence of colds, ear-aches and general illness.
To assist with colic and Irritable Baby Syndrome.
To help with asthma, breathing difficulties and allergies.
To encourage good spinal posture.
To help improve their child’s ability to concentrate.
To assist with behavioural disorders.
To help alleviate digestive problems.
To assist with bed-wetting and sleep issues.

Article originally from: welladjustedbabies.com

May 27, 2013/2 Comments/by Diversified Health Clinic