Chiropractic

Wrist Arthritis

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Wrist osteoarthritis is a common health condition characterized by degeneration of cartilage and bone growth.

It is normal to have a mild level of osteoarthritis as you age. However, more pronounced levels of osteoarthritis can lead to pain, swelling and loss of function. Although they can occur without any known particular reason, they most often do as a consequence of trauma such as ligament ruptures or fractures.

Advanced stages of osteoarthritis can affect the ability to perform activities of daily living and sports.

An exacerbation of symptoms generally occurs during a period when the level of physical activity or manual work has been increased drastically.

Wrist osteoarthritis can produce, but is not limited to, local wrist pain, localized swelling and stiffness with wrist movement. A prolonged static position or a sleeping position with direct pressure on the flexed wrist can cause pain.

Each person reacts differently in the presence of osteoarthritis, a progressive condition with no cure. It is possible that the range of motion may decrease over time. An active lifestyle and rehabilitation plan may slow the progression of this condition and make it easier to manage symptoms.

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Trochanteric Bursitis

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Trochanteric Bursitis: That pain on the outside of your hip…..

Trochanteric bursitis is the irritation of the bursa at the level of the bony prominence of the hip, called the greater trochanter. This bony landmark constitutes an insertion zone for several muscles, including the gluteus medius, the gluteus minimus and the piriformis.

Activities and sports that require repetitive contraction or tensing of these muscles to stabilize the hip can lead to bursa irritation and sometimes inflammation. Trochanteric bursitis can occur following a fall.

The bursa is a thin sac filled with fluid. The trochanteric bursa is located at hip level between the greater trochanter and the tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles and the piriformis. It acts as a lubricant to reduce friction between the muscles and that bony prominence.

Trochanteric bursitis can produce, but is not limited to, pain on the side of the hip, localized edema due to swelling of the bursa, and reduced mobility at the hip.

Spondylolithesis

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Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips out of place. This slight slippage can sometimes cause compression of the nerves and, in some cases, cause tingling, numbness, pain, and even weakness in the legs.

Spondylolisthesis can be the result of a trauma to the spine, a congenital defect or simply be a progression of osteoarthritis. Spondylolisthesis can occur, without apparent cause, as people age. In younger individuals, spondylolisthesis usually occurs as a result of trauma during sports such as gymnastics or football and can cause a fracture in the vertebra.

Each person will react differently to the presence of spondylolisthesis and symptoms can vary considerably. Initially, spondylolisthesis may be present without any noticeable symptoms.
When pain is present, it is often felt in the lower back or the buttocks. It can range from mild to severe and can affect daily activities such as walking. Burning and tingling sensations may be felt in the area of the buttocks and legs.

Sitting or leaning forward is often less painful than standing or walking because of the positioning of the spine.

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Frozen Shoulder

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Shoulder capsulitis happens when the strong connective tissue surrounding the shoulder becomes thick, stiff and inflamed, causing pain and loss of motion in the shoulder in all directions. It is sometimes called adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder.

The exact cause of this condition is unknown, but the risk of suffering from it increases following prolonged shoulder immobilization, a stroke or other shoulder conditions.

People over 40 are more prone to developing this condition and women are more commonly affected than men. Diseases such as diabetes, thyroid dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases can increase the risk of suffering from shoulder capsulitis.

Shoulder capsulitis generally causes pain and loss of range of motion in the shoulder. This condition typically develops slowly and can last from a few months to a few years. Symptoms of shoulder capsulitis can generally be categorized into three progressive stages.

In the first one, called the freezing stage, the shoulder becomes progressively stiffer and painful. Pain can be worse at night, especially if you sleep on your affected side.

In the second one, called the frozen stage, stiffness in the shoulder joint is important. Pain may begin to diminish during this stage but the range of motion in the shoulder is very limited and muscles start to lose their strength.

The last stage, called the thawing stage, is the beginning of recovery. There is a reduction in pain and a gradual increase in movement.

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.

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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.

Why Add Squats?

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Squats are a compound exercise that targets the muscles in the legs, hips, and core. They are an effective exercise for building strength and power, and they can be modified to suit different fitness levels. Here are some of the benefits of adding squats to your workouts:

  1. Improved muscle strength and power: Squats are an excellent exercise for building muscle strength and power in the legs, hips, and core. By performing squats regularly, you can increase your muscle strength and improve your overall athletic performance.
  2. Enhanced mobility and flexibility: Squats can help to improve mobility and flexibility in the hips, legs, and lower back. This can be especially beneficial for people who sit for long periods of time and have limited mobility as a result.
  3. Improved balance and coordination: Squats can also help to improve balance and coordination, which can be beneficial for people who participate in sports or other physical activities.
  4. Increased bone density: Squats can help to increase bone density in the legs, which can reduce the risk of osteoporosis and other bone-related conditions.
  5. Improved overall physical fitness: Squats are a great exercise for improving overall physical fitness. They can help to increase cardiovascular endurance, improve muscle endurance, and enhance overall strength and power.
  6. Enhanced functional movements: Squats are a functional exercise that can help to improve everyday movements, such as lifting and carrying objects.
  7. Versatility: Squats can be modified to suit different fitness levels and goals. They can be performed with body weight, with dumbbells or a barbell, or with other types of equipment, such as a Smith machine or a TRX suspension trainer.

It is important to use proper technique when performing squats 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 squat technique. Keep your chest up and 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 squat 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 performing squats to help prevent injury. This can include dynamic stretches and a few warm-up sets with lighter weights.

By adding squats to your workouts and practicing proper technique, you can enjoy the numerous benefits of this effective exercise. Remember to consult with a trained professional, such as a personal trainer or physical therapist, if you have any concerns about your form or if you are new to the exercise. They can help you develop a safe and effective training program that includes squats and other exercises that are suitable for your fitness level and goals.