Chiropractic
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A system of diagnosis and treatment based on the concept that the nervous system coordinates all of the body's functions, and that disease results from a lack of normal nerve function. Chiropractic employs manipulation and adjustment of body structures, such as the spinal column, so that pressure on nerves coming from the spinal cord due to displacement (subluxation) of a vertebral body may be relieved. Practitioners believe that misalignment and nerve pressure can cause problems not only in the local area, but also at some distance from it. Chiropractic treatment appears to be effective for muscle spasms of the back and neck, tension headaches, and some sorts of leg pain. It may or may not be useful for other ailments.
Modern chiropractic was founded by Daniel David Palmer, a grocer, who performed his first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. The term "chiropractic" derived from the Greek "chir-" referring to the hand + "prassein", to do = to do with the hands (to manipulate) dates to 1898, the year Palmer founded the Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa.
Chronic Back Pain :
There are numerous reasons why individuals develop chronic back pain. In addition to the progression of chronic pain sited above, chronic low back pain may also include, but is not limited to old injuries, weak muscles, daily sitting, joint mechanical problems, lifting/twisting and acute injuries. Over time, along with the aging process, aberrant joint movement causes degeneration of the discs and joints contributing to pain, stiffness and nerve damage.
The pain, aberrant joint movements and muscle weakness causes the body to go into protective torsions. The examination that is done at the Advanced Therapeutic Centre, identifies specifically the degree of these body torsions and our manual therapy effectively corrects them. In addition, at the Centre we use a special Dynamic Flexion Traction Unit which gently elongates the vertebral column. This helps to restore proper function to the joints, which in turn relieves the irritation of the nerves and decreases the pain.
Low Back Pain - Laser to the Rescue
Dr. Don Fitz-Ritson, DC., FCCRS(C). A few years ago, X was referred to me by one of my patients. X was suffering with intense low back pain and had difficulty sitting, due to a herniated disc which caused radiating pain down his leg to his heel. X had tried other treatment programs to no avail. X wanted to know if I could provide him some degree of pain relief, until he had surgery in eight weeks.
I remember when X came into my office. He could not sit, or even stand still. His continuous movement around my office cause me to get very nervous. I began to question myself. Could I really help him? The examination I was able to do provided me with the information I needed to make sure that my treatment program would not do any further harm. X was able to lie on the treatment table quietly for about five minutes. This allowed me time to apply the laser and gentle traction to his low back area.
After the treatment, X took about five minutes to get off the treatment table, but when he stood up, he noticed that the "edge" of the pain was decreased. I then placed a special "pelvic belt" on X and told him to ICE the area regularly at home.
On X's next visit, he was able to stand quietly while telling me that the pain in his back and down the leg was indeed more bearable. I explained the treatment program to X and mentioned that I would endeavor to relieve as much pain as possible until his surgery. I also mentioned that as the pain subsided, I would provide him with some specific exercises for strengthening the muscles in the low back. These strong back muscles would also help his back recover quicker, post surgery.
After six treatments, X had 70-75% pain reduction and questioned me regarding the need for surgery. I suggested that he obtain an appointment with his Orthopedic Surgeon and discus his concerns. At this point, I did further tests of X's back muscles, and introduced specific exercises to begin strengthening the weakest ones.
X saw his Orthopedic Surgeon after his tenth visit with me. At this time he had approximately 90% pain reduction in his low back and no pain in his leg. He was able to sit for longer periods and easily got off the treatment table. The Orthopedic Surgeon was pleased with X's progress and told him that he did not need surgery at this time. He advised him to continue doing what he was doing and gave him an appointment in 4 weeks.
X was happy, but I was not prepared for the next question. Because he was nearly pain free, and feeling stronger due to his exercises he was doing, he wanted to know if he could play golf with the boys. I had explained to X the weaknesses he has in his back muscles and the effects of twisting and turning movements on the herniated disc. Every visit was the same question. So I advised him to go to the golf course, wear his "pelvic belt" and hit balls for 30-60 minutes. If there was any pain, he should stop immediately.
X gradually began playing golf and we increased the intensity of the exercises for increased back strength. On X's visit to the Orthopedic Surgeon, he was pain free and he was discharged.
This was a happy ending for X and his herniated disc. X was young and he followed the advice he was given. Not all herniated discs I see end with this happy way. But all should go through the route of good alternate care prior to surgery. Maybe a few surgeries could be prevented, maybe for some, the back muscles could be better prepared before surgery. This would be a definite advantage for post surgical rehabilitation. |
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Laser Therapy
At the Advanced Therapeutic Centre, one of the Lasers we use has 7 Health Canada Approvals.
Lasers heal tissue by stimulation it with photons or light energy. The light energy - photons, is absorbed by the cells and is convert to complex biochemical substances which the cells and tissues use to eliminate pain and heal the tissues. While normal healing cause scar tissue formation, which results in further abnormal functioning, laser heals tissue without scar formation.
Lasers have been clinically used for over 45 years and Health Canada approved the clinical application of lasers 15 years ago.
Over 5,000 scientific papers published on laser therapy, reports no side-effects. Laser therapy is completely safe (it emits no radiation), painless, non-invasive and non toxic. |
Acupuncture
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What Is Contemporary Acupuncture?
Contemporary Acupuncture takes an ancient therapy and re-defines its mechanisms and effects using present-day scientific understanding of human physiology. At first glance, Contemporary Acupuncture may look strikingly similar to traditional Chinese acupuncture. Small thin needles are inserted into various points in the body, including hands, feet and scalp, and left in place for a period of time before removal. At times the practitioner may attach a small electrical device to one or more needles to aid in treatment and at other times may choose to use no electrical input.
However, considerable differences exist between Contemporary Acupuncture theory and the traditional Chinese approach. In contemporary acupuncture, your practitioner (physician, physiotherapist, chiropractor etc.) treats you only after a conventional medical/neuro-functional diagnosis has been made. The practitioner will use acupuncture as a treatment modality along with other therapeutic approaches, as needed. The contemporary acupuncture practitioner applies treatment following a conventional (scientific) view and regards the acupuncture as having certain local tissue effects as well as providing segmental analgesia, extra-segmental analgesia, as well as central regulatory effects on the nervous system.
In contrast, a traditional Chinese acupuncturist makes a diagnosis in terms of complex theories regarding disturbance in the body’s balance that needs to be corrected with needles. These imbalances will often be characterized by excess or deficiency with respect to what are considered the five elements, water, fire, earth, metal and wood. Traditional Chinese acupuncturists subscribe to the theory that certain points in the body are characterized by each of the five elements.
How Does Contemporary Acupuncture Work?
Acupuncture produces many of its effects by stimulating nerve receptors in skin and muscle. Various substances are released that cause an increase of local blood flow that encourages tissue healing.
* Acupuncture helps to reduce pain locally where the needles are inserted and throughout the body.
* Acupuncture has a calming effect and produces well-being.
* Acupuncture inactivates myofascial trigger points.
* Acupuncture has effects on the brain.
* The effects of acupuncture accumulate when repeated.
The contemporary scientific explanation of acupuncture is that needling certain points in the body stimulates the nervous system to release chemicals in the brain, spinal cord and muscles. These chemicals will change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which influence the body's own internal regulating system. The improved energy and biochemical balance produced by acupuncture results in stimulating the body's natural healing abilities, and by promoting physical and emotional well-being.
Can Acupuncture Help You?
Acupuncture can be effective as the only treatment or as an adjunct to other therapeutic interventions. The World Health Organization recognizes the use of acupuncture in the treatment of:
* Neurological and muscular disorders: headaches, neck and back pain, sports injuries, sciatica, osteoarthritis, neuritis and facial pain
* Digestive disorders: irritable bowel, constipation, diarrhea and gastritis
* Menstrual and reproductive problems: dysmenorrhea and perimenopausal symptoms
* Urinary tract disorders: prostatitis and bladder dysfunction
* Respiratory problems: sinusitis, asthma, sore throat and recurrent respiratory tract infections
* Stress and psycho-emotional problems
* Addicitions
Contemporary Acupuncture Safety
One of the strengths of contemporary acupuncture is its safety compared with other treatments interventions. Serious side effects are very rare. Only single use, sterile, disposable needles are used.
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ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE ("ART")
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What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
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ART is a patented, state of the art soft tissue system/movement based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Headaches, back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shin splints, shoulder pain, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, knee problems, and tennis elbow are just a few of the many conditions that can be resolved quickly and permanently with ART. These conditions all have one important thing in common: they are often a result of overused muscles.
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How do overuse conditions occur?
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Over-used muscles (and other soft tissues) change in three important ways:
- acute conditions (pulls, tears, collisions, etc),
- accumulation of small tears (micro-trauma)
- not getting enough oxygen (hypoxia).
Each of these factors can cause your body to produce tough, dense scar tissue in the affected area. This scar tissue binds up and ties down tissues that need to move freely. As scar tissue builds up, muscles become shorter and weaker, tension on tendons causes tendonitis, and nerves can become trapped. This can cause reduced range of motion, loss of strength, and pain. If a nerve is trapped you may also feel tingling, numbness, and weakness.
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What is an ART treatment like?
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Every ART session is actually a combination of examination and treatment. The ART provider uses his or her hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movements.
These treatment protocols - over 500 specific moves - are unique to ART. They allow providers to identify and correct the specific problems that are affecting each individual patient. ART is not a cookie-cutter approach.
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Orthotics
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Your feet are the foundation of your body. When a small problem develops in your feet, it can cause a chain reaction of adjustments in your posture and walking mechanics, which can lead to long term painful conditions. Our prescription orthotics are biomechanical and medical custom-made to correct your specific foot imbalance. Custom Orthotics are most often helpful with foot conditions such as, bunions, flat or pronated feet, fallen arches, ankle pain, knee pain and low back pain.
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