Author: Dr. Robert Speirs DC

Scoliosis

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Scoliosis is a deformation of the spine, that is, a deviation of it, which can vary from mild (10-25 degrees) to severe (> 40 degrees). Scoliosis affects the joints, muscles and surrounding organs such as the shoulders, ribs, hips and lungs. Over time, the rib cage becomes less mobile and makes breathing more difficult.

In most cases, scoliosis is idiopathic, that is, the reason for its occurrence remains unknown. Scoliosis usually progresses over time and often leads to increased curvature and twisting of the spine.

Scoliosis is more common in women than in men and most often presents in young adolescents during growth.

In some cases, scoliosis is hereditary and forms during the development of the fetus. It is also present in neuromuscular conditions such as spina bifida or cerebral palsy. Progressive degeneration of the spine, such as arthritis, can lead to scoliosis in older people.

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Sacroiliitis

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Sacroiliitis is an inflammatory condition that affects the sacroiliac joint. This joint is located at the base of the spine, where the sacrum meets the pelvis.

This condition can be caused by trauma from a car accident or a fall on the buttocks. An inflammatory condition such as arthritis can also cause sacroiliitis.

Pregnant women can suffer from sacroiliitis. During pregnancy, the stretching of the ligaments makes the joint a little more mobile and this can cause pain.

Sacroiliitis is a very common condition. Pain is usually increased by movement in the acute phase, but improved by it afterwards.

Sacroiliitis can produce, but is not limited to, pain in the buttock area and lower back, that may radiate into the legs. The pain increases with standing or sitting for long periods of time and also increases during periods of activity such as climbing stairs and running. A feeling of stiffness in the lower back and hips is common in the morning. 

#Chiropractic #PainRelief #Healthyliving #LaserTherapy #Winnipeg #BackPain #NeckPain #Headache #Fitness #Athlete #Wellness

Rotator Cuff Tendonopathy

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Overhead Athlete? This one’s for you!

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is an irritation of one or more tendons of a group of muscles stabilizing the shoulder called the rotator cuff.

Repeated overhead movement can, over time, cause irritation, inflammation and/or a lesion to these tendons.

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help position the humerus, your upper arm bone, into the shoulder socket during arm movement.

The shoulder has great mobility but is prone to injury during falls or accidents, or in case of altered motor control.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy can cause, but is not limited to, pain felt at the shoulder and sometimes the scapula, a pinching sensation, loss of strength and active range of motion, and localized swelling.

The pain and pinching sensation are often felt when raising the arm overhead or when lowering the arm from an elevated position. Pain may also be present at night. In more advanced cases, you may additionally feel pain during the day while at rest.

Treatment consists of Class IV Laser Therapy, management of any biomechanical stresses in the area and exercise rehabilitation to address any weaknesses that can be putting undue stress on the area. 

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#LaserTherapy
#ShoulderInjuries
#Winnipeg
#Chiropractic
#ArmInjury
#RotatorCuff

Rotator Cuff Tears

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A rotator cuff tear means that one or more tendons of a group of muscles stabilizing the shoulder – called the rotator cuff – is torn either partially or fully.

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that help stabilize the humerus (upper arm bone), in the shoulder socket during arm movements.

The shoulder has great mobility but is prone to injury during falls or accidents, or in case of altered motor control.

A tear of the rotator cuff can cause but is not limited to, pain at the shoulder and sometimes the scapula, loss of strength and active range of motion, and sometimes localized swelling.

Pain or weakness is often felt when lifting the arm overhead or when lowering it from an elevated position. Pain may also be present at night. In more advanced cases, one may additionally feel pain during the day while at rest.

Relative rest is a good way to protect your shoulder and prevent further damage, but it’s important to avoid overprotecting your injury. A few days rest where you avoid pain-inducing movement and activities might be necessary. Returning to your activities of daily living, light cardiovascular exercise and specific mobility and strengthening exercises will allow better recovery.

Treatment of rotator cuff injuries consists of Acupuncture, Class IV Laser Therapy, management of any biomechanics stresses in the area and exercise rehabilitation to address any weaknesses that can be putting undue stress on the area. 

#LaserTherapy
#ShoulderInjuries
#Winnipeg
#Chiropractic
#Acupuncture
#RotatorCuff

Pubalgia Pain

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Pubalgia is pain in the central point of the pubis, the pubic symphysis, which develops mainly after overexertion during sports activities. Repeated microtraumas or excessive strain on the abdominal and hip adductor muscles can cause slight shearing of this joint and generate pain felt in the groin area.

Pubalgia can produce, but is not limited to, pain in the pubic area and towards the groin area, difficulty in tolerating weight bearing and impacts during walking and running.

Relative rest is a good way to protect yourself and prevent your pubalgia from getting worse, but it’s important to avoid overprotecting. A few days of rest by reducing activities that cause pain may be needed. A progressive return to your activities of daily living, light cardiovascular activities that do not cause pain, and strengthening exercises will allow for better recovery.

#Chiropractic #PainRelief #Healthyliving #LaserTherapy #Winnipeg #BackPain #NeckPain #Headache #Fitness #Athlete #Wellness

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Laser Therapy For Tennis Elbow

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Laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy, is a type of treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. It is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the treated area, which can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the elbow and forearm. It is often caused by overuse or repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow and forearm. Laser therapy may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation in people with tennis elbow, and may also help to improve range of motion and function.

It is important to note that laser therapy is not a standalone treatment for tennis elbow and should be used in combination with other treatments such as physical therapy and rest. It is also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

Plantar Fasciitis

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Plantar fasciitis is a lesion that generally occurs during significant and repetitive stress on the plantar fascia.

It can occur in people who perform activities or sports that involve jumping, running, or sprinting.

Typically, this injury occurs during a period in which training intensity or volume has been increased too quickly with inadequate recovery. The practice of a new activity, a change of training surface, and a rushed transition to another type of shoes can be risk factors.

Plantar fasciitis can produce, but is not limited to, pain on weight bearing and sometimes edema under the arch of the foot near the heel.

The pain is often characterized as a needle-like sensation. Symptoms are usually present upon waking up, particularly during the first few steps.

Treatment of plantar fasciitis consists of Class IV Laser Therapy, management of any biomechanics stresses in the area and exercise rehabilitation to address any weaknesses that can be putting undue stress on the area. 

#LaserTherapy
#footpain
#Winnipeg
#Chiropractic
#LegInjury

Benefits of Exercise

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Regular exercise has many benefits, including:

  1. Improving physical fitness – Exercise can improve your muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance.
  2. Maintaining a healthy weight – Exercise can help you burn calories and maintain a healthy weight.
  3. Reducing the risk of chronic diseases – Exercise can help reduce the risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
  4. Strengthening the bones and muscles – Regular exercise can help build and maintain strong bones and muscles.
  5. Improving mental health – Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and improve mental health.
  6. Promoting better sleep – Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality and duration.
  7. Enhancing cognitive function – Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, including memory and concentration.
  8. Boosting energy levels – Regular exercise can help increase energy levels and reduce fatigue.
  9. Improving quality of life – Exercise can help improve overall quality of life by increasing self-esteem, reducing the risk of falls in older adults, and improving overall physical function.

Weight Lifting For Weight Loss?

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Lifting weights is an important aspect of any weight loss program. While it may seem counterintuitive to lift weights when trying to lose weight, it can actually be an effective way to shed pounds and keep them off. Here are some reasons why lifting weights is important for weight loss:

  1. Increases muscle mass: Lifting weights can help to increase muscle mass, which can boost metabolism and help the body burn more calories. This is because muscle is more metabolically active than fat, meaning that it requires more energy to maintain. By increasing muscle mass, you can increase your resting metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.
  2. Burns calories: Lifting weights can also help to burn calories during the actual workout. While it may not burn as many calories as cardio exercises like running or cycling, it can still be an effective way to burn calories and contribute to weight loss.
  3. Increases strength: Lifting weights can help to increase strength and improve overall physical fitness. This can be especially beneficial for people who are new to exercise or have been inactive for an extended period of time.
  4. Improves body composition: Lifting weights can help to improve body composition by increasing muscle mass and decreasing body fat. This can lead to a leaner, more toned appearance and improved overall health.
  5. Reduces risk of injury: Lifting weights can help to reduce the risk of injury by increasing muscle strength and improving balance and coordination. This can be especially beneficial for people who participate in high-impact activities or sports.
  6. Enhances weight loss: While lifting weights alone may not lead to significant weight loss, it can be an important component of a weight loss program when combined with a healthy diet and regular cardio exercise. By lifting weights and increasing muscle mass, you can boost metabolism and burn more calories, which can help to enhance weight loss.
  7. Increases bone density: Lifting weights can also help to increase bone density, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
  8. Improves mental health: In addition to the physical benefits, lifting weights can also have a positive impact on mental health. It can help to reduce stress and improve mood, which can be beneficial for people who are trying to lose weight.

It is important to use proper technique when lifting weights to avoid injury and get the most out of the exercise. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

  1. Use a weight that is appropriate for your fitness level: It is important to start with a weight that is appropriate for your fitness level and gradually increase the weight as you become stronger. Using too much weight can lead to poor technique and increase the risk of injury.
  2. Keep your form consistent: Maintain proper form throughout the exercise to ensure that you are targeting the correct muscles and reducing the risk of injury.
  3. Focus on good posture: Good posture is essential for proper weight lifting technique. Keep your shoulders back and down and avoid rounding your back or leaning too far forward or backward.
  4. Don’t rush the movement: Take your time with the exercise and focus on good technique rather than trying to lift the weight as quickly as possible.
  5. Warm up properly: It is important to warm up properly before lifting weights to help prevent injury. This can include dynamic stretches and a few warm-up sets with lighter weights.

Kneecap Pain

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Patellofemoral syndrome is an irritation of the articular surface between the kneecap and the femur, your thigh bone, that causes pain under and around the kneecap.

Climbing stairs, running and walking for a prolonged period of time often increases pain. Pain can also be felt after sitting for a long time or squatting.

Patellofemoral pain is more prevalent among young women than men, and more prevalent in the active population.

Patellofemoral syndrome can cause, but is not limited to, pain at the front of the knee, difficulty with weight-bearing and squatting and sometimes swelling. Pain can also irradiate under and around the knee. Creaking or grinding sensations can occur during physical activity.

Treatment of Patellofemoral Syndrome consists of Class IV Laser Therapy, management of any biomechanics stresses in the area and exercise rehabilitation to address any weaknesses that can be putting undue stress on the area. 

#LaserTherapy
#KneeInjuries
#Winnipeg
#Chiropractic
#SportsInjury
#Athlete

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