By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

Active Release Technique (ART) & Nerve entrapment

For those of you who suffer from peripheral nerve entrapmens (tingling/or weakness traveling down the arm or legs), ART offers a specific technique that may be the answer.  From either injuries asociated with repetative strain, or acute athletic injuries, adhesions may develop along the path where the nerve travels. Nerve Entrapment ART passes focuses on breaking up these adhesions, while flossing the nerve through the tunnel it travels.  Entrapment can lie in many sites stemming from the neck, and all the way to the terminal location.  For example, the nerve that causes Carpal Tunnel can have five possible entrapment sites.  It takes a well trained eye to find these adhesions.  Check out the ART page for more information.

Dr. Jim Feng Bphe, CSCS, ART, DC, D’Ac

Chiropodist Markham, Chiropractic Markham, Form & Function Markham, Nutritionist Markham, Physiotherapy Markham

 

 

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Ways to Identify Plantar Warts

Plantar warts are viral infections that affect the skin on the bottom surface of the feet.  Warts tend to grow inwards towards the skin as a result of our body weight which is directly applying pressure to these areas.  In addition, warts are particularly difficult to treat due to the thick layers of skin on our feet.  So how do we know if it’s a wart?

1) Warts have black dots in the middle of them.

2) Shaving down the wart will usually lead to pinpoint bleeding.

3) Warts tend to have broken skin lines.

4) Warts tend to hurt more if you squeeze them.

Avoid walking barefoot or in public/communal areas e.g. public shower, swimming pools.

If you suspect that you have plantar warts, please book an appointment with Jennifer Lam, the Chiropodist @ Form and Function Clinic for a foot assessment!

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Back Pain Returns With School Around The Corner!

Heavy backpacks causing back pain? What makes children more vulnerable is that their growth plates are made almost entirely of cartilage, making them more susceptible to small, repeated traumas. Also, their muscle growth is often not as fast as their bone growth, which can lead to muscle tenderness. Put simply, these injuries are a result of overuse of the muscles and tissues that are utilized by children to support the weight of their backpacks.

Other facts to know are that neither backpack weight, nor current back pain are good predictors of future back pain. What’s important to know is that muscular fatigue is the best predictor of future back pain. So if you are becoming fatigued while carrying the backpack, you should likely rest, or lighten the load!

So what are the consequences of carrying a heavy backpack? To put numbers on it, so that you can understand what these heavy loads do, a load of 15% of total body weight results in a 26.7% increase in load on the low back, while a 30% load body weight will result in a 64% increase in load on the low back! Also, children tend to lean forward and jut their chin out in order to balance out the forces going into the back. However, the movement they do to compensate for the heavy weight simply makes their posture worse, which can increase pain down the line. No kid wants to hear their parents telling them to stand up straight, so don’t train them to slouch by allowing them to carry heavy weights.

So how do you eliminate this problem? For a postural consultation or for more advise on postural stability & strengthening routines please book an appointment with our Physiotherapist, Christopher Chmiel @ Form & Function Clinic to find out more ways in which to achieve your functional or personal goals.

Key words:
Form & Function Markham
Chiropractic Markham
Physiotherapy Markham
Nutritionist Markham
Chiropodist Markham
Nutritionist Markham

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Back Pain Returns With School Around The Corner!

Heavy backpacks causing back pain? What makes children more vulnerable is that their growth plates are made almost entirely of cartilage, making them more susceptible to small, repeated traumas. Also, their muscle growth is often not as fast as their bone growth, which can lead to muscle tenderness. Put simply, these injuries are a result of overuse of the muscles and tissues that are utilized by children to support the weight of their backpacks.

Other facts to know are that neither backpack weight, nor current back pain are good predictors of future back pain. What’s important to know is that muscular fatigue is the best predictor of future back pain. So if you are becoming fatigued while carrying the backpack, you should likely rest, or lighten the load!

So what are the consequences of carrying a heavy backpack? To put numbers on it, so that you can understand what these heavy loads do, a load of 15% of total body weight results in a 26.7% increase in load on the low back, while a 30% load body weight will result in a 64% increase in load on the low back! Also, children tend to lean forward and jut their chin out in order to balance out the forces going into the back. However, the movement they do to compensate for the heavy weight simply makes their posture worse, which can increase pain down the line. No kid wants to hear their parents telling them to stand up straight, so don’t train them to slouch by allowing them to carry heavy weights.

So how do you eliminate this problem? For a postural consultation or for more advise on postural stability & strengthening routines please book an appointment with our Physiotherapist, Christopher Chmiel @ Form & Function Clinic to find out more ways in which to achieve your functional or personal goals.

Key words:
Form & Function Markham
Chiropractic Markham
Physiotherapy Markham
Nutritionist Markham
Chiropodist Markham
Nutritionist Markham

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The benefits from Fish Oil

I know, it sounds too slimy and smelly to be good for you but fish oil has more to offer than most people realize.  Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.  Omega-3s are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our bodies are unable to create on their own.  There for, we must obtain EFAs from food.  Most people don’t get enough of these polyunsaturated fats from there diet.  This is why supplementation with fish oil can be so important to our health.

Most scientists and health professionals agree that omega-3 fish oil contains an array of health benefits pertaining to areas of the body such as your:

Heart
By helping reduce the risk of arrhythmias and sudden death by a heart attack.

Brain
Better brain function though more efficient neurotransmitters leading to improved concentration, memory, less likelihood of depression and reduced risk of ADHD in children.

Cholesterol & Triglycerides
By lowering triglycerides and help balancing your cholesterol.

Joints and Arthritis
Better joint function from reduced inflammation and a reduction in pain.

Skin and Beauty
Improves the health and appearance of your skin, helps keep nails strong, as well as your hair healthy and shiny.

Immune system and cancer
A stronger immune system, proven to be beneficial for the body’s immune function, lowered risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Vision
Improved focus, colour, perception and clarity of vision.

Digestive system
By improving intestinal health and reducing inflammation assisting those with IBS or Crohn’s Disease.

Allergies
Omega-3 fatty acid intake by mothers during pregnancy may  protect babies against the development of allergies.  It may help people with existing allergies.

Diabetes
Fish oil enhances insulin secretion from beta cells in the pancreas, regulating blood sugar levels. DHA plays a protective role in diabetic neuropathy in all forms of diabetes

Omega 3 / DHA Fish Oil is arguably the most effective and most natural fish oil on the planet.  It is a product that is fast becoming a trusted health supplement among thousands of people who share our passion for health improvement and the many benefits associated with the daily intake of pure natural fish oil.

Feel free to come and speak with our health care professionals at Form & Function about this product and many others we carry at our clinic.

 

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By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

How to break up scar tissue

Active Release Technique (ART®) is great for breaking up scar tissue, increasing range of motion and function of muscles.  When muscles are tight or injured, it creates a lack of oxygen and nutrients into the tissue, therefore rendering it insufficient and hypoxic.  Under these conditions, scar tissue and fibrous adhesions   will build up.  It is important to solve these problems early. Like any other injury, the longer you wait to treat it, the worse it gets, and more difficult it becomes to treat the problem.  For more information on ART®, and ART® certified practitioners at Form & Function, CLICK HERE.

 

https://www.formfunctionclinic.com
Chiropractic Markham
Physiotherapy Markham
Nutritionist Markham
Chiropodist Markham
Nutritionist Markham

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

How to break up scar tissue

Active Release Technique (ART®) is great for breaking up scar tissue, increasing range of motion and function of muscles.  When muscles are tight or injured, it creates a lack of oxygen and nutrients into the tissue, therefore rendering it insufficient and hypoxic.  Under these conditions, scar tissue and fibrous adhesions   will build up.  It is important to solve these problems early. Like any other injury, the longer you wait to treat it, the worse it gets, and more difficult it becomes to treat the problem.  For more information on ART®, and ART® certified practitioners at Form & Function, CLICK HERE.

 

https://www.formfunctionclinic.com
Chiropractic Markham
Physiotherapy Markham
Nutritionist Markham
Chiropodist Markham
Nutritionist Markham

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Ice or heat?

Use ice for all new sprains, strains and bruises.  Ice will help control the inflammation, swelling and pain.  This will aid in a faster and less painful recovery.  Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minute cycles on and off.  Do this as soon and as often as you can – especially in the first 48 hours.  Also, ice is great for chronic/overuse sports injuries (i.e. shin splints, tennis elbow).  Always ice after activity and not before.

Use heat for chronic injuries before your activity.  Heat will help promote blood flow to the area, loosen tissues and relax injured areas.  Heat the affected area using a heat pack or hot towel for no more than 20 minutes before activity.

Key words:
Chiropractic Markham
Physiotherapy Markham
Nutritionist Markham
Chiropodist Markham
Nutritionist Markham
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Prevention of Diabetic Foot Problems

More than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes.  In diabetics, high blood glucose levels can result in complications to the blood vessels and nerves supplying the legs and feet.

Damage to the nerves of the legs and feet will result in decreased sensation of pain, heat and cold.  A sore or a cut to your feet or legs may worsen and you may not even feel it.  This lack of feeling caused by nerve damage is called neuropathy.  Nerve damage can lead to a sore or infection.

Lack of blood flow to the feet or legs will cause open sores or infections to heal at a slower rate.  When infections do not heal, it can lead to a serious condition called gangrene.  If left untreated, amputations can result.

Tips on how to take care of your feet:

1) Wash your feet in warm water on a daily basis.

2) Check your feet daily for sores, open cuts, blisters, redness, calluses and other problems.

3) Moisturize the skin on your feet to preventing cracking  but not between the toes.

4) Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries.

5) Always wear socks (white preferably to check for any signs of bleeding) to avoid blisters.

6) Wear proper fitting shoes.

7) Ensure that there are no sharp objects or seams within the shoes before you wear them.

It is important to have your feet checked on a regular basis by a foot specialist.  Contact the Form and Function Clinic to book your foot assessment today!

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Prevention of Diabetic Foot Problems

More than 9 million Canadians are living with diabetes or prediabetes.  In diabetics, high blood glucose levels can result in complications to the blood vessels and nerves supplying the legs and feet.

Damage to the nerves of the legs and feet will result in decreased sensation of pain, heat and cold.  A sore or a cut to your feet or legs may worsen and you may not even feel it.  This lack of feeling caused by nerve damage is called neuropathy.  Nerve damage can lead to a sore or infection.

Lack of blood flow to the feet or legs will cause open sores or infections to heal at a slower rate.  When infections do not heal, it can lead to a serious condition called gangrene.  If left untreated, amputations can result.

Tips on how to take care of your feet:

1) Wash your feet in warm water on a daily basis.

2) Check your feet daily for sores, open cuts, blisters, redness, calluses and other problems.

3) Moisturize the skin on your feet to preventing cracking  but not between the toes.

4) Always wear slippers or shoes to protect your feet from injuries.

5) Always wear socks (white preferably to check for any signs of bleeding) to avoid blisters.

6) Wear proper fitting shoes.

7) Ensure that there are no sharp objects or seams within the shoes before you wear them.

It is important to have your feet checked on a regular basis by a foot specialist.  Contact the Form and Function Clinic to book your foot assessment today!