By Dr. J 0 Comments Events, Uncategorised

YOU ARE INVITED!

I just wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you who have supported Form & Function in the past 5 year.  This year marks our 5 year anniversary as being one of the top health clinics in Markham and Richmond hill in providing Physiotherapy, Chiropractic, Naturopathy, Athletic Therapy and Foot Care services.  I Wish to invite each and every one of you to our Patient Appreciation Lunch.  The information is as follows

Please RSVP HERE with you name an guest

Dr. Jim Feng

Clinic Director/Chiropractor

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By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Fracture Rehabilitation

I have recently seen an influx of fracture patients, mainly due to the harsh winter conditions we experienced this year.  I wanted to go over some facts and tips on rehabilitation of fractures.

 

There are different types of fractures and almost all require significant amounts of trauma.  If you sustained trauma (ie fell off step, slipped and fell, car accident, etc), you should go see your family doctor.  Most doctors will assess your symptoms and send you for an X-ray if they believe you may have a fracture.  X-rays are the gold standard in diagnosing fractures.  Once it has been confirmed you have a simple fracture, you will be immobilized at your fracture site for typically 6 weeks.  Bone healing is usually around 4-6 weeks for upper body fractures and 6-8 weeks for lower body fractures.  More complex fractures may require surgery and healing can be delayed depending on the surgery.  Talk to your surgeon and get a timeline if this is your case.  The whole process of rehabilitation of fracture can vary but it usually last at least 6-8 weeks post immobilization.

 

Tip #1: Do not think immobilizing the fracture site means immobilizing the whole limb.  I have seen this happen far too often.  For example, if you fractured your elbow, you can still move your shoulder, wrist and hands.  Keep your body moving.  Immobilization is one of the worse things you can do to your body (although necessary to facilitate fracture healing).  So why subject non-injured body parts to immobilization when you can maintain healthy joint movement?

 

Tip #2: You don’t even need to immobilize the fracture site all the time*.  Every once in a while, you can move slowly and in a control manner to keep your joints healthy.  An example of this is ankle fractures which used to be plaster casted always.  Now, almost all ankle fractures are given a walking boot and allowed to move slightly.  It’s to help counter the detrimental effects of immobilization.  Let pain be your guide when moving though (no more than a 5 out of 10 on a pain scale and absolutely no sharp pain).

 

Tip #3: Go see a rehabilitation health care professional.  Even during your immobilization, there are modalities like laser therapy that can promote fracture healing.  After immobilization, you may think your movement can come back on its own and it can but often times, you will require joint mobilization to regain all your mobility back.  Sometimes, no matter how hard you force your joint to move, it requires a glide or a roll that has been lost due to immobilization.  Your rehab professional can help regain that.  Also, a rehab professional can guide you through the rehab process which requires regaining full range of motion, proper strengthening and progressive return to activity to prevent reinjury.

 

Hope that gives you a general guideline on dealing with fractures.  If you have any questions or you have sustained a fracture and require rehab, feel free to come in and see one of our healthcare professionals at Form and Function.

 

Regards,

Man Chun (Manni) Wong

Registered Physiotherapist

 

*Only applies to simple fractures.  Some complex and displaced fractures require full immobilization.  Talk to your surgeon about immobilization before moving your fracture site if this is your case.

By Dr. J 0 Comments Events, Uncategorised

Top Clinic In Markham! Please Vote

The Form & Function team is so pleased to be nominated for the @TopChoiceAward for being one of the top wellness clinics in Markham.  For all those who have benefited from our care, we would appreciate your vote.

Please take a quick moment toVOTE HERE http://vote.topchoiceawards.com/#/nomination/13c5f214a17446c68f3ad7a33d0b87b0

 

Thank you for all your support

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips

Sufferers of Sweaty Feet

The winter season may be a burden for those with super sweaty feet and are trapped all day in closed toe shoes e.g. winter boots.

Hyperhidrosis is the term for excessive sweating of the feet.  This condition more frequently affects men than women and more often occurs in younger adults than in older adults.  The exact cause of this condition is relatively unknown and is usually associated with a genetic factor.

People with hyperhidrosis usually find that their feet exhibit a whitish and wet appearance.  Foot odour may also be present.   Hence, these individuals are more prone to foot infections.

It is important to proper good foot hygiene.   Here are some tips:

– Wash feet with antibacterial soap.  Dry thoroughly.

– Apply cornstarch, foot powder or antifungal foot powder to your feet.

– You can try to apply an antiperspirant on the soles of your feet.

– Applying rubbing alcohol in between the toes is also another option.

– Make sure to change your socks, if possible, during the middle of the day.

– Certain types of socks have moisture wicking abilities which may be beneficial for your feet.

If you have more specific concerns regarding your feet, feel free to set up an appointment for a consultation with the Chiropodist, Jennifer Lam, at the Form and Function Clinic.

By Administrator 0 Comments Health Tips, Uncategorised

Setting Healthy Resolutions

It is that time of year when New Year resolutions are starting to creep into your head. If one of your resolutions is to become healthier, stronger and more fit, then being educated in properly setting exercise goals is key to success. Here are some advice in setting SMART exercise/fitness goals:

  • Specific: Your fitness goal should be specific. You should not just think I want to lose/gain weight. For example, a specific goal would be “I will lose 20 lbs in 6 weeks via increasing my exercise to 30 mins a day, 4 days a week of 2 sessions of cardio and 2 sessions of resistance training”. In this example, it is very specific in what you want to achieve, in what time frame and how you will achieve it. Usually, it is how you can achieve the fitness goal that is the trickiest. It is recommended to consult a personal trainer or rehabilitation professional (physiotherapist or chiropractor) to answer that question. If you want to try it alone, following the above example is a good way to start.
  • Measurable: Most people use weight loss as a measurement for their success in fitness resolutions. Although valid, I recommend using body measurements. Measure the circumference of your arms, chest, waist, hips and thighs with a tape measure before, in between and after your fitness program. In some cases, your weight does not change much but there is a drastic change in body measurements as you start to burn up fat and replace it with stronger muscles. If you still want to use weight as a measure of your success, take weekly measurements instead of daily.
  • Attainable and Realistic: This area is the KEY reason why a lot of people fail with their resolutions. Their fitness goals are unattainable. Losing 50 lbs in 2 weeks is unreasonable for anyone with a job or kids. If weight loss is your primary goal, be safe and aim for losing 2-4 lbs a week. Vice versa is safe for weight gain. Also be realistic with yourself and ask if working out 7 days is actually feasible with your schedule. Try not to set yourself up for failure by making your goal way too hard to achieve. A good start would be 3-4 days of 30-60 mins of exercise. Furthermore, be realistic with your body. It’s not healthy to be 5’6 and 100lbs. Use this link to determine your healthy body weight (http://www.healthcentral.com/diet-exercise/ideal-body-weight-3146-143.html)
  • Timely: Make sure there is an check points and end date for your goal. Know that any good fitness program usually takes 6 weeks, give or take 1-2 weeks. Have check points spread out in between. I recommend every 1-2 weeks. At these check points, reassess where you are in your goal. Are you moving towards it? Away from it? Keep going if you are moving towards it. Consult someone if you are moving away from it. You may need extra guidance and that’s common. Exercise is part of the equation but diet is also another part. You may need to speak with a nutritionist or naturopathic doctor.

I hope this post helps you start make SMART resolutions/goal. Follow your SMART goals and you will be on your way to becoming a healthier you! Happy Holidays, Happy New Year and happy goal setting!

Manni Wong

Registered Physiotherapist