Harnessing the Healing Power: Cold Laser and Chiropractic

Harnessing the Healing Power: Cold Laser and Chiropractic

In the pursuit of natural and non-invasive treatments, people are increasingly turning to alternative therapies that can effectively alleviate pain and promote healing. Among these notable techniques are cold laser therapy and chiropractic care. Each approach brings unique benefits to the table, but when combined, they can create a powerful synergy to address a wide range of musculoskeletal issues. Let’s explore the fascinating world of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care and how their combined use can enhance overall well-being.

Cold Laser Therapy:

Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), utilizes non-thermal light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and stimulate cellular function. This painless procedure promotes tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the healing process. By targeting specific areas of the body, cold laser therapy can effectively address conditions such as chronic pain, arthritis, sports injuries, and even neurological disorders. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, and has minimal side effects, making it an appealing option for those seeking drug-free pain relief.

Chiropractic Care:

Chiropractic care focuses on diagnosing and treating mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors employ gentle manual techniques to restore proper alignment, improve mobility, and alleviate pain. This holistic approach aims to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities, leading to improved overall health. Chiropractic care has proven successful in treating conditions like back pain, neck pain, migraines, and joint issues, among others.

The Synergy of Cold Laser and Chiropractic:

When cold laser therapy and chiropractic care are combined, they create a powerful partnership. Cold laser therapy can be used to prepare the body for chiropractic adjustments by reducing inflammation, relaxing muscles, and minimizing pain. The laser treatment helps to increase blood flow and circulation, which optimizes the body’s response to chiropractic therapies. Conversely, chiropractic treatments enhance the effectiveness of cold laser therapy by ensuring proper alignment and reducing any structural impediments that may hinder the laser’s penetration.

Furthermore, the two modalities work in harmony to promote long-term healing. Cold laser therapy helps to reduce the recovery time after chiropractic adjustments, enhancing the benefits of the treatment. Regular sessions of both therapies can lead to improved joint function, reduced pain, enhanced range of motion, and overall better quality of life. The combination of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care offers a holistic approach to pain management and healing. By harnessing the power of non-invasive laser technology and skilled chiropractic treatments, individuals can experience the benefits of reduced pain, improved mobility, and accelerated healing. If you’re seeking a non-invasive and natural approach to your musculoskeletal health, the combined use of cold laser therapy and chiropractic care may hold the key to your well-being.

5 Key Causes of Post Concussion Syndrome

These are the things we look for and assess when dealing with patients who are in Post concussion syndrome. Some patients may have an issue with one or more of these components and catering specific recovery program towards each individual’s concern is important

Neck/Cervical: The first main area that needs to be assessed and most likely contributing to symptoms is the head and neck. The force that is required to cause a concussion is much greater than that to cause a neck injury. Therefore, every concussion has some form of neck trauma involved. Making sure you’re getting the right treatments for your neck and rehab for that area will reduce a lot of the symptoms. Cranial therapy is also a very affective way to reduce pressure and headache symptoms.

Visual/Vestibular: Issues with the eye tracking and balance is another big component we see when it comes to PCS. Patients who are having trouble focusing on screens, getting dizzy, feeling off balance, having visual fatigue, light sensitivity etc. Need to have their eyes addressed. After finding dysfunctions in these areas – we can tailor specific rehab for balance and eye tracking. If needed, a referral to an optometrist may be required to rule out any other visual dysfunction.

Physiological: Blood flow is another important part of recovery but can be troublesome at times for some patients to get exercising. Even in the early stages of recovery it is recommended to start at least 20 mins of walking daily. If exercise is increasing symptoms, then a treadmill cardio test is performed at a walking pace with a gradual increase in incline to slowly bring your heart rate up. This is done to find the heart level where symptoms start increasing. Once this is determined, an exercise/cardio program can be designed with that in mind and re tested as needed.

Inflammatory: Reducing inflammation within the body is also important for recovery. Being put on an anti-inflammatory diet with reduction in sugars, increase in omega 3s, and cleaner eating habits will make a big difference. Other supplements and nutritional advice may be needed as well.

Psychological: There are many adverse affects having a concussion can have on one’s mental health. PTSD, increase in depression, and increase in anxiety are some issues that can arise or be worsened after a concussion, especially if the concussion has been ongoing for awhile. Getting treatment to help reduce symptoms, appropriate amount of exercise, and good nutrition can help with this but sometimes getting proper assistance from a trained mental health expert is necessary to further manage this and will help with PCS recovery.

If you or anyone you know is dealing with an acute concussion or post concussion syndrome, contact us to start your assessment.

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Acupuncture and your Nervous System

Acupuncture and Your Nervous System

The autonomic nervous system is made up of two parts; the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system is otherwise known for its “fight or flight” mechanism to be mobilized when the body senses a threat, while the parasympathetic nervous system is its counterpart, therefore, encouraging the body to rest, digest and heal. These opposite functions are necessary for day to day functioning as they help us respond to changes in environment and external stimuli. This stunningly mirrors the stimulating and settling actions of yang and yin, respectively, in the study of acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Clinically, we see nervous system dysregulation symptoms such as insomnia, exhaustion, headaches and dizziness, palpitations and chest tightness, digestive issues like IBS, frequent colds, cold hands and feet, numbness in hands and feet, easily nervous, stressed or distracted, unexplained irritability, anxiety and depression.

Where to start addressing your autonomic nervous system dysregulation:

Book your initial acupuncture assessment with Isabel: Book Acupuncture!
Eat breakfast: Eating breakfast within an hour of waking can lower cortisol levels. We want breakfast to contain fibre, protein and fat to keep blood sugar levels stable.
Get 10 minutes of sunlight upon waking: Bonus points if you can also get outside within an hour of hopping out of bed. If the sun isn’t present, 20-30 minutes under cloud cover achieves this too! This will positively regulate your circadian rhythm and stress curve response for the day.
Eat dinner at least three hours before bedtime: Eating too close to bedtime can disrupt the regulation of the autonomic nervous system, as well as lead to more incidence of heartburn.
Exercise: Engage in exercise such as taking a walk, swimming, yoga, pilates or lifting weights for at least 30 minutes per day 4-5 days per week.
Consider herbal medicine for support: This makes a wonderful complement to your acupuncture treatment. Book here! TCM Herbal Consult
Smiling and laughter: Smiling and laughter can enhance the body’s ability to release dopamine, endorphins and serotonin- our happiness hormones.
Singing or humming: Singing or humming for 10 minutes daily can help regulate mood by stimulating the vagus nerve and switching you into your parasympathetic nervous system.
Take a hot or cold bath: Soaking in water at 39 to 40 C daily can help promote better sleep but any warmer can stimulate a stress response. In the early morning, a cold shower or bath can help to develop your response to stress positively but in the evening it can keep you awake.
Practice breathing exercises: Box breathing, wim hof, alternative nostril, and belly breathing can all help to regulate the nervous system. Brownie points for two treatments in one if you can focus on this during your acupuncture sessions.

For more tips and tricks to hack your nervous system, book an acupuncture or herbal consult today!

Neck Alignment

Alignment, Posture, and Neck Pain

Good alignment and posture are essential for maintaining a healthy neck. When your neck is aligned properly, the muscles and ligaments are not under as much stress, which can help to prevent pain. Poor posture, on the other hand, can put a strain on the muscles and ligaments, leading to pain, degeneration and other problems.

There are a number of things you can do to improve your alignment and posture, including:

Sitting up straight. When you sit, make sure your back is straight and your shoulders are back. Avoid slouching or leaning forward.
Using a supportive pillow. A supportive pillow can help to keep your neck in alignment while you sleep. Find the right pillow for side or back sleeping.
Taking breaks. If you spend a lot of time sitting or looking at a computer, take breaks every 20-30 minutes to stand up and move around. Stretching and movement is key to keep your joints from degenerating.
Strengthening your neck muscles. There are a number of exercises you can do to strengthen your neck muscles. These exercises can help to improve your posture and reduce your risk of pain.

If you are experiencing neck pain, there are a number of things you can do to relieve the pain, including:

Resting your neck. Avoid activities that aggravate your neck pain.
Applying heat or ice. Heat or ice can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
Seeing a Chiropractor/Massage Therapist/Acupuncturist. If your neck pain is worsening or does not improve with home treatment, see a physical therapist that can identify the problem and help you work towards correcting it.

By following these tips, you can improve your alignment and posture, reduce your risk of neck pain, and relieve pain if it does occur.

Here are some additional tips for improving your alignment and posture:

Be aware of your posture throughout the day. Pay attention to how you are sitting, standing, and walking. Make adjustments as needed to keep your body in alignment.
Use a mirror to check your posture. This can help you to identify areas where you need to make improvements.
Set a good example for your children. Children learn by watching the adults in their lives. If you want them to have good posture, make sure you model it for them.

By following these tips, you can improve your alignment and posture and reduce your risk of neck pain.

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Knee Alignment

Knee alignment is important for knee health because it helps to distribute weight evenly across the joint, which can help to prevent pain and injury. When the knees are misaligned, the weight is not distributed evenly, which can put stress on the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage in the knee. This can lead to pain, inflammation, and even injury.

There are a number of factors that can contribute to misalignment of the knees, including:

Genetics
Age
Occupation
Sports participation
Previous injuries
Posture

If you have misaligned knees, there are a number of things you can do to improve your alignment and protect your knee health. These include:

Maintaining a healthy weight
Strengthening the muscles around your knees
Stretching your muscles
Wearing supportive shoes
Avoiding activities that put stress on your knees
Seeing a doctor or physical therapist if you have pain or other symptoms

Here are some additional details about the importance of alignment for knee health:

Weight

Carrying excess weight can put extra stress on your knees. If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve your knee alignment and reduce pain.

Muscle strength

Strong muscles around your knees help to support the joint and protect it from injury. Exercises that strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes can help to improve your knee alignment.

Stretching

Stretching the muscles around your knees can help to improve flexibility and range of motion. This can help to reduce pain and improve your alignment.

Shoes

Wearing supportive shoes can help to improve your alignment and reduce stress on your knees. Shoes with good arch support and cushioning can help to absorb shock and protect your joints.

Activities

Some activities are more likely to put stress on your knees than others. If you have misaligned knees, it is important to avoid activities that put too much stress on your joints. This includes activities that involve running, jumping, and twisting.

Chiropractor or physical therapist

If you have pain or other symptoms related to misaligned knees, it is important to see a chiropractor or physical therapist. They can help you to identify the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to improve your alignment and reduce your risk of injury.

By following these tips, you can improve your knee alignment and protect your knee health.

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Sitting Posture

Tips to get the best sitting posture at your computer:

The 90-degree Rule – Elbows
The 90-degree rule – Hips and Knees
Feet flat on the floor
Sit back in your chair
Lumbar support
Computer screen level
Get moving

Working from home has many benefits but it also comes with some challenges. Here we’re going to look at modifications that can be made to your sitting posture and ergonomics at your home desk to prevent aches/pains, chronic fatigue and enhance productivity through your work week.

The 90-degree rule – Elbows:

The 90-degree rule refers to the positioning of your elbows, hips, and knees. Firstly, your elbows need to be set in the best position to prevent you from over activating your shoulder/neck muscles and reducing strain on your wrists.
When rolling your shoulders back into a relaxed and optimal position, you should have your arms by your side and the elbows at 90 degrees. From this position you should be able to reach your keyboard comfortably without needing to extend the arms forward or reach up.
Adjust the arm rests on your chair to support your elbows and forearm. The main factor to be aware of is that you’re not shrugging your shoulders up which will activate your upper trap muscles and add tension to your neck. Keeping the elbows at the 90-degree level will also help off load the tension in the wrists and prevent carpal tunnel.
Adjusting the height of your desk may be necessary to correct this positioning.

The 90-degree rule – Hips and Knees:

Make sure the height of your chair is at an appropriate level for you. If you’re too high up it will feel like you’re being pulled forward which will add strain to your back. If you’re too low then you’ll be forced to the back of your chair causing a slouched posture and shortening/tightening of your hip flexors.

Feet flat on the floor:

When sitting for many hours through the work day we tend to shift our weight from side to side, cross our legs, cross one leg over the other, etc. These habits can eventually become a problem for your hips and back by adding strain to those areas causing extra wear and tear and activation. If the rest of the desk is set up correctly (90^o Rule) then chances are your heels may not be touching the ground perfectly. Try finding the correct size box/stool or platform that will allow you to keep your feet flat and steady to create a comfortable base for your body and prevent you from leaning and shifting out of place.

Sit back in your chair:

The length of the chair seat should be ideal for your height. If your tall, then sitting all the way back is probably easier for you but make sure the length of the seat is extending from your butt all the way to just before where your knees are to provide the full-length support and not be cut off midway through your thighs. If you’re shorter, then the seat length should also be a bit shorter so that you can sit comfortable at the back rest and not have the chair seat go past the back of your knees.

Lumbar support:

The low back has a natural curve to it that can be difficult to maintain when sitting for a long time. We all tend to slouch and round out our low back which is terrible for the spinal joints. If your chair already has good support to help you maintain the lumbar curve then that’s great. If not, try using a small pillow/roll up a small towel to add support to your low back curve and prevent slouching.

Computer screen level:

Out of convenience we see a lot of people working all day on their laptops which unfortunately require you to look down at the screen and reach out to get to the keyboard. This posture can lead to neck pain, headaches, and back pain over time and is not recommended for long term use.
Try getting an external keyboard and mouse so that you can set your laptop up on a stand so the screen is at the correct level. Then you can place the keyboard and mouse in its ideal position. Getting an external larger monitor would be helpful too if needed.

Movement:

Even with the perfect desk set up, sitting for long hours causes a lot of strain on the joints and muscles in your body. Getting up and moving around throughout the day is important to prevent the muscle strain buildup. Try setting a timer on your phone to remind you to get up and stretch or go get some water.
The convenience of working from home also allows for you to have your own space to get up and properly stretch your back or roll out your muscles through the day which will greatly reduce tension through your body and prevent injuries.

back pain desk desk job ergonomics neck pain sit stand desk sitting posture

Concussion Myths Part 4

Our last segment on concussion myths is about prevention of concussion and the potential for long term effects.

Concussions cause long term brain damage.
1. There still isn’t enough evidence yet to support this claim. We still don’t know the exact causative link between concussions, multipole concussion, head trauma, and CTE or long-term neurodegeneration. Just because you’ve had concussions, doesn’t mean you’re going to have brain damage in the future. There are a lot of factors that apply, such as: how far a part were your concussions, were you fully healed from your concussion before the next one occurred, are concussions occurring frequently and with lighter forces, etc.
Concussion recovery is not possible after a couple of years.
1. It’s true that recovery is more challenging the longer it’s been but it is not impossible. Really depends on how badly you want to get better and finding the right team to work with in identifying where your symptoms are coming from and following through with the correct forms of rehab and re-training.
Helmets and mouth guards prevent you from getting a concussion.
1. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been an intervention yet that can actually prevent concussions. Protective gear such as helmets and mouth guards can reduce/redistribute some forces but they don’t stop the brain from shaking back and forth, which ultimately causes the concussion. Still important to be wearing a helmet to prevent skull fractures and other dangerous injuries, and mouth guard to prevent dental damage.

The best thing to do is have an assessment and see where you stand in your recovery and explore the treatments that are available to help you get back on track. Book online at fih.janeapp.com or call 604.988.7080

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Concussion Myths Part 3

In part 3 of our debunking myths about concussions we focus on what has been said about treatments and the do’s/don’ts

There is no treatment for concussions
1. This is definitely wrong. There is a lot that can be done to treat concussions and find where the symptoms are coming from to help alleviate them and get you back on track. A variety of effective, evidence based, treatments are available ranging from neck and back manual therapy, visual/vestibular rehab, exercise, diet/nutrition, counselling/mental health support (CBT – cognitive behavioral therapy), and more.
  1. Studies have shown the amount of force required to cause a concussion and to cause neck trauma. The amount needed to cause a concussion is far greater than that to cause injury to your neck. Therefore, if a diagnosis of concussion is made, we know for sure that there was enough force to also traumatize the neck. Also, about 90% of whiplash symptoms overlap with concussion symptoms, and so it is important to have that area addressed.
You can treat a concussion with medication or other passive modalities.
1. There is insufficient evidence to suggest any medication will successfully treat a concussion. Most of the time a pain medication is prescribed to help deal with headaches or inflammation from the immediate trauma that was endured. Although this may help short term while you’re recovering in the acute stage, it is not affecting your concussion in any way and may just be masking your symptoms as you move further along into your recovery, especially if there are lingering symptoms. The side effects to the medications also mimic concussion symptoms and could be painting a confusing picture.
Having an increase in your symptoms is bad and should be avoided.
1. This misconception seems to be one that many people have and keeps them from progressing through the post concussion phase. Patients seem to be concerned about having slight set backs and making their symptoms worse or damaging their brain if they get an increase in symptoms. The truth is that the body adapts to the stress you put on it and that is the way it can grow and heal. As long as there aren’t multiple physical hits to the head, putting yourself through stressors and trying to slowly desensitize yourself to them is part of the process during PCS. Therefore, identifying what is causing your symptoms to increase and gradually exposing/working your way into it is the correct method of response

Call 604.988.7080 or book online fih.janeapp.com to make sure you’re on the right path to recovery.

Concussion Myths Part 2

Continuing from our last blog post here are some more common misconceptions regarding concussion and the treatment of concussions.

Rest is the main/only form of treatment for concussion.
1. Once again, concussion research has evolved significantly and no longer is “absolute rest” the go to recommendation after a concussion is sustained. Previously, the advice given was to not look at screens, read books, exercise, or expose yourself to other stressors and to sit in a dark room until the symptoms have resolved. It’s since been shown that following this protocol, although it may help alleviate some symptoms in the short term, actually may lead to worse patient outcomes and persistence of concussion symptoms beyond the typical recovery period. The current recommendation from the international consensus guideline is to have “symptom-limited activity” within the first 24-48 hours after a concussion. Meaning, reduce factors that make your symptoms worse.
It is okay to return to sports once you no longer have symptoms.
1. Brain recovery doesn’t always correlate with symptom recovery. Generally, concussion symptoms can go away in the first 7-10 days after injury, but it is shown that full brain recovery may take 14-30 days to recover. There is evidence that suggests that the brain is more vulnerable to additional trauma while it is in recovery, so less forceful hits can have the protentional to cause more damage to the brain and create an additive or cumulative effect. Exercise and returning to practice are important during recovery but the patient must be cleared using objective measures to see what the brain can handle before being put at risk.
You must lose consciousness for a concussion to occur.
1. Once again, dated information on concussions suggested that for a diagnosis of concussion to made there must have been a loss of consciousness following the injury. This we know for certain is incorrect. It has been widely researched that only 10% or less of diagnosed concussions resulted in the person “blacking out” or being knocked unconscious.

As always, feel free to call or book online to get your injury assessed and managed correctly. 604.988.7080 or fih.janeapp.com