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Kettlebell – What is it? Why is it so effective?

The kettlebell is basically a cannon ball with a handle.  It is an old Russian tool used to build power and strength.
The kettlebell is an effective tool because it promotes whole body movements which can help burn more calories.  The swing is a great kettlebell exercise that exemplifies this.  In a properly performed swing you use your: hips, glutes, and legs to create motion, core to maintain a straight spine & trunk, and your arms to help support the kettlebell during the swing.
The kettlebell can be used for rehabilitation, conditioning, strength and power development.  I personally use it in my own practice and with my patients.  As with any exercise, safety and form are paramount.  Make sure you are supervised by a trained professional.  For more info about how to get started with a kettlebell contact me (poh@formfunctionclinic.com) or drop by the clinic.
Dr. Paul Oh
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Omega-3 , a natural anti-inflammatory!

Omega-3 fatty acids are considered Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) because
they cannot be produced in the human body and therefore they must
be obtained from the diet. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish are a direct
source of EPA and DHA, two fatty acids vital for proper cellular
function. EPA and GLA are precursors to immune molecules that
promote a positive immune response and are the body’s strongest
inflammation-reducing compound. Ascenta Omega three fish oils contain up to 800mg of EPA per dose, one of the industries highest per dosage Omega-3 supplement. This is a great way for all patients suffering from the inflammatory nightmare. But remember to consult your naturopath or nutritionist before increasing your dose of Omega 3.

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Tight muscles are tight for a reason

When we think of tight muscles we commonly will stretch them or get a massage to release them.  We often feel better after a few days however the tightness or stiffness returns.  We have to ask the question, why are they tight?  In most cases, muscles will tighten to compensate for weakness or stability.  If you are not stable at a segment your body will compensate by tightening other areas to compensate.  For example, if you have weak core muscles that do not stabilize your low back, usually the muscles above and below will tighten up in an effort to stabilize.  That is why mid-back (Thoracic spine) and hip tightness are usually associated with low back pain.  To deal with the root of chronic problems we must look at not only what muscles are tight, but why they are tight and what weakness are driving them.

For more info about how to find out which muscles are tight and weak and how to lengthen and strengthen them come visit us.

 

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

Epsom salt bath to get the most out of your treatments.

Taking Epsom salts( magnesium sulfate) is absorbed by the body during a Epsom Salt bath.  This process promotes muscle relaxation, relieves stiffness, and reduces cramped and achy muscle.  Epsom salt baths also release toxins and metabolic waste products from the body.  It is always recommended that our patients take an Epsom salt bath after their treatments.

Just the right formula…

1: Add two cups  of Epsom salts to a hot bath (38-35 degrees Celcius or to tolerance).  Soak in the hot bath for 20 minutes.

2: Drink cool water to keep well hydrated.

3: When finished the bath, cool your body down with a lukewarm shower.

4: Rest for 15- 20 minutes after the bath for maximal relaxation and therapeutic impact.

 

By Dr. J 0 Comments Health Tips

Epsom salt bath to get the most out of your treatments.

Taking Epsom salts( magnesium sulfate) is absorbed by the body during a Epsom Salt bath.  This process promotes muscle relaxation, relieves stiffness, and reduces cramped and achy muscle.  Epsom salt baths also release toxins and metabolic waste products from the body.  It is always recommended that our patients take an Epsom salt bath after their treatments.

Just the right formula…

1: Add two cups  of Epsom salts to a hot bath (38-35 degrees Celcius or to tolerance).  Soak in the hot bath for 20 minutes.

2: Drink cool water to keep well hydrated.

3: When finished the bath, cool your body down with a lukewarm shower.

4: Rest for 15- 20 minutes after the bath for maximal relaxation and therapeutic impact.

 

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Tips for Sufferers of Sweaty Feet

When wearing closed toed footwear, our feet have a tendency to sweat.  Others tend to sweat excessively, on a daily basis.  This can lead to embarassment and discomfort.  Whether you sweat a lot or a little, here are some tips to help keep your tootsies drier and more comfortable when wearing closed toed footwear.

1) Avoid footwear made of plastic, rubber and fake leather.

2) Wear cotton socks and avoid synthetic fiber socks like wool to wick away moisture.

3) Dust your feet with baby powder or absorbent powder.

4) Spray an over-the-counter antiperspirant on the bottom of your feet.

5) If your feet are smelly, red and itchy…you may have athlete’s foot.

If you have concerns about athlete’s foot or your feet in general, book an appointment to see Jennifer Lam, the Foot Specialist/Chiropodist for a consultation.

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Does Your Posture Cause Stress or Pain While Sitting?

Sitting, we all do it! Some for long periods, some short periods, some of us statically sit because we are concentrating on writing or driving, others may dynamically sit because we are multi-tasking, we all at some point conversationally sit while enjoying the company of others and we all love to leisurely sit and relax. The question is, are we most efficiently prepared to sit so sitting doesn’t become a position that takes away from the health of our system? When you look at our whole system, sitting which is a positional tweak takes parts away, in fact the major power source (hips) are inhibited to a large degree. How can we bring more of the body back into sitting?
On an average most Canadians spend half of their waking hours sitting. Sitting for extended periods of time can cause pain and decrease our function! Let us share with you how to assess a seated position assisting you to help become more efficient when they are sitting. Remember, even if someone is not complaining of pain while sitting, prolonged sitting can be the cause of pain during different movements as the body summates stress.
Come into Form & Function and let us help assist you in a full body functional movement screening to allow you to utilize your systems to the best of their capacity while limiting the discomfort of prolonged static positions.
Book an assessment with Christopher Chmiel – our physiotherapist who can help rehabilitate your postural concerns.