Health

No Waiting: The Benefits of Scheduled Minor Injury Care

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

When you sustain a minor injury, your first priority is getting it looked at quickly. Traditionally, this meant sitting in a general walk-in clinic waiting room for hours, unsure of when you would be seen. Scheduled urgent care models offer a more efficient, patient-centered alternative for acute musculoskeletal injuries.

Locked In Assessment Times

The primary benefit of a scheduled model is predictability. Instead of arriving and hoping the queue is short, booking an appointment secures your specific time slot. This allows you to wait in the comfort of your own home and arrive exactly when the clinical team is ready for you, significantly reducing downtime in your day.

Efficient, Prepared Care

When you book an appointment in advance, the clinic receives your intake information before you walk through the doors. This allows the clinical team to review your symptom description and prepare for your specific assessment. The result is a more focused, efficient evaluation the moment you step into the treatment room.

Streamlined Multidisciplinary Access

Scheduled care allows the clinic to coordinate your treatment seamlessly. If your injury requires assessment by both a nurse and a chiropractor or physiotherapist, a scheduled model ensures that the appropriate practitioners are available during your visit, preventing the need for multiple return trips.

Skip the waiting room. River East Minor Injury utilizes a scheduled care model to respect your time and provide focused, efficient injury management.

  • Booking: Same-day or next-day appointments are available.
  • Location: 1187 Rothesay Street, Winnipeg, MB.
  • Schedule Online: Visit our website portal to book your assessment today. https://www.rivereastminorinjury.ca

River East Minor Injury Is Now Open!

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

River East Minor Injury Clinic is officially open!

We provide dedicated, multidisciplinary assessment and treatment for minor physical injuries. If you have experienced a recent sprain, strain, minor fracture, or sports-related injury, our team of healthcare professionals is here to help you begin your recovery.

What we treat:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Minor fractures
  • Sports and activity injuries
  • Workplace and Motor Vehicle Injuries

What we do not treat: (Please visit your primary care provider, an emergency room, or a minor illness clinic for the following)

  • Coughs, colds, or flu
  • Fevers or infections
  • Chronic health conditions or illnesses

To ensure you receive timely care without the uncertainty of walk-in wait times, we offer scheduled same-day and next-day appointments.

📍 Location: 1187 Rothesay Street, Winnipeg

💻 Booking: Secure your appointment online at www.rivereastminorinjury.ca

⏰ Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

#Winnipeg #WinnipegHealth #RiverEastMinorInjuryClinic #NorthKildonan #WinnipegSports #ManitobaHealth #WinnipegLocal

Regular Exercise Reduces Cancer, Dementia, Stroke, and Heart Disease Risks

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Exercise: More Health Benefits of Exercise Revealed.

Experts from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges analyzed more than 200 pieces of research and found that regular exercise can reduce breast cancer risk by 25%, bowel cancer risk by as much as 45%, dementia and stroke risk by 30%, and the chance of developing heart disease by over 40%. Researcher Dr. John Wass adds, “The results from this report reinforce previous findings that regular physical activity of just 30 minutes, 5 times a week, can make a huge difference to a patient’s health.” Academy of Medical Royal Colleges, February 2015

Promoting Physical Activity Among American Youth: Evidence-Based Strategies

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

The 2014 study underscores a concerning trend among American youth, revealing that the majority fail to meet the federally recommended guideline of 60 minutes of daily physical activity. In response to this pressing public health concern, the study offers a range of actionable strategies aimed at facilitating children’s attainment of the recommended activity goals.

One proposed intervention is the implementation of mandatory daily physical education classes in schools, ensuring that children have regular opportunities to engage in structured physical activity throughout the school day. Additionally, integrating classroom-based physical activity breaks into academic curriculum can inject bursts of movement into sedentary periods, fostering an active learning environment.

Encouraging alternative modes of transportation, such as walking or biking to school, not only promotes physical activity but also reduces reliance on motor vehicles, contributing to environmental sustainability. Moreover, renovating community parks to include a diverse array of equipment and activity opportunities can transform outdoor spaces into vibrant hubs of recreational activity, enticing children to engage in active play.

The study also advocates for the expansion of after-school physical activity programs, providing children with structured opportunities for exercise and socialization beyond the school day. Furthermore, modifying school playgrounds to incorporate features that facilitate active play can empower children to engage in spontaneous physical activity during recess and leisure time.

Lead author Dr. David Bassett emphasizes the importance of leveraging these evidence-based strategies to inform policy decisions and initiatives aimed at promoting physical activity among youth. By adopting a multifaceted approach that addresses environmental, educational, and recreational factors, stakeholders can collaboratively work towards creating a culture of active living that empowers children to lead healthy, physically active lifestyles.

American Journal of Preventive Medicine, March 2015

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome #3

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

​This week, we will conclude our three-part series on important facts regarding carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

CTS TREATMENT OPTIONS (continued): Aside from the carpal tunnel, there are several places where the median nerve can become compressed as it travels from the neck, down through the shoulder, through tight muscular areas of the upper arm and forearm, and finally through the carpal tunnel at the wrist. In order to achieve good, long-lasting results, treatment must focus on relieving compression at any point along the course of the nerve. This is why chiropractic works SO WELL as it addresses ALL of these areas using manual adjustments, muscle release techniques, and even physical therapy modalities.

CTS PREVENTION: Because there are multiple causes of CTS, prevention must be tailored to each person. For example, if the patient has diabetes mellitus, maintaining a proper blood sugar level is very important because the blood becomes thicker as the sugar levels increase and it simply cannot pass through our small blood vessels (capillaries), especially those located in the feet and hands. This can eventually lead to the need for amputation due to poor circulation and contribute to the numbness associated with diabetic neuropathy.

Similarly, low thyroid function results in a type of swelling called myxedema that can cause or worsen CTS, and keeping the thyroid hormone balanced in the bloodstream is very important. Managing other conditions that create inflammation or swelling, such as rheumatoid and other types of arthritis, will also help prevent CTS from developing or worsening.

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also occur during pregnancy due to the hormonal shifts similar for those taking birth control pills. The PRICE treatment options presented last month can be very helpful for the pregnant mother and represent important non-medication self-care approaches.

Certain occupations that require fast, repetitive work and/or firm gripping can result in carpal tunnel syndrome because of the friction that results in swelling that occurs when the muscle tendons inside the carpal tunnel rub excessively fast together (kind of like starting a fire with two sticks). Modifying the work task until the swelling is controlled is VERY important, as discussed last month.

Other preventative measures include exercises that keep the muscles and tendons in the forearm and inside the carpal tunnel stretched so that the tendons easily slide inside their respective muscle tendon sheaths. This is accomplished by placing the palm side of the hand (elbow straight) on a wall with the fingers pointing downwards while reaching across with the opposite hand and pulling the thumb back until you feel a good firm stretch. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds or until the forearm muscles feel like they are relaxing. Repeat this multiple times a day.

We realize you have a choice in whom you consider for your health care provision and we sincerely appreciate your trust in choosing our service for those needs.  If you, a friend, or family member requires care for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we would be honored to render our services.

Carpal Tunnel

Do I have a tension headache? Or Migranes?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ 1 Comment

Cervicogenic

​Most likely, everyone reading this article has had a headache at one time or another. The American Headache Society reports that nearly 40% of the population suffers from episodic headaches each year while 3% have chronic tension-type headaches. The United States Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 29.5 million Americans experience migraines, but tension headaches are more common than migraines at a frequency of 5 to 1. Knowing the difference between the two is important, as the proper diagnosis can guide treatment in the right direction.

TENSION HEADACHES: These typically result in a steady ache and tightness located in the neck, particularly at the base of the skull, which can irritate the upper cervical nerve roots resulting in radiating pain and/or numbness into the head. At times, the pain can reach the eyes but often stops at the top of the head. Common triggers include stress, muscle strain, or anxiety.

MIGRAINE HEADACHES: Migraines are often much more intense, severe, and sometimes incapacitating. They usually remain on one side of the head and are associated with nausea and/or vomiting. An “aura”, or a pre-headache warning, often comes with symptoms such as a bright flashing light, ringing or noise in the ears, a visual floater, and more. For migraine headaches, there is often a strong family history, which indicates genetics may play a role in their origin.

There are many causes for headaches. Commonly, they include lack of sleep and/or stress and they can also result from a recent injury—such as a car accident, and/or a sports injury—especially when accompanied by a concussion.

Certain things can “trigger” a migraine including caffeine, chocolate, citrus fruits, cured meats, dehydration, depression, diet (skipping meals), dried fish, dried fruit, exercise (excessive), eyestrain, fatigue (extreme), food additives (nitrites, nitrates, MSG), lights (bright, flickering, glare), menstruation, some medications, noise, nuts, odors, onions, altered sleep, stress, watching TV, red wine/alcohol, weather, etc.

Posture is also a very important consideration. A forward head carriage is not only related to headaches, but also neck and back pain. We’ve previously pointed out that every inch (2.54 cm) the average 12 pound head (5.44 kg) shifts forwards adds an EXTRA ten pounds (4.5 kg) of load on the neck and upper back muscles to keep the head upright.

So, what can be done for people who suffer from headaches? First, research shows chiropractic care is highly effective for patients with both types of headaches. Spinal manipulation, deep tissue release techniques, and nutritional counseling are common approaches utilized by chiropractors. Patients are also advised to use some of these self-management strategies at home as part of their treatment plan: the use of ice, self-trigger point therapy, exercise (especially strengthening the deep neck flexors), and nutritional supplements.

What Exercises Should I Do For Fibro?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

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​Fibromyalgia (FM) is a very common, chronic condition where the patient describes “widespread pain” not limited to one area of the body. Hence, when addressing exercises for FM, one must consider the whole body. Perhaps one of the most important to consider is the squat.

If you think about it, we must squat every time we sit down, stand up, get in/out of our car, and in/out of bed. Even climbing and descending steps results in a squat-lunge type of movement.

The problem with squatting is that we frequently lose (or misuse) the proper way to do this when we’re in pain as the pain forces us to compensate, which can cause us to develop faulty movement patterns that can irritate our ankles, knees, hips, and spine (particularly the low back). In fact, performing a squatting exercise properly will strengthen the hips, which will help protect the spine, and also strengthens the glutel muscles, which can help you perform all the daily activities mentioned above.

The “BEST” type of squat is the free-standing squat. This is done by bending the ankles, knees, and hips while keeping a curve in the low back. The latter is accomplished by “…sticking the butt out” during the squat.

Do NOT allow the knees to drift beyond your toes! If you notice sounds coming from your knees they can be ignored IF they are not accompanied by pain. If you do have pain, try moving the foot of the painful knee about six inches (~15 cm) ahead of the other and don’t squat as far down. Move within “reasonable boundaries of pain” by staying away from positions that reproduce sharp, lancinating pain that lingers upon completion.

There are MANY exercises that help FM, but this one is particularly important!

Hamstring Problems?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Glute Ham Raise.gif

A great injury prevention movement is the glute-ham raise. Done after a warm up and prior to competition it will significantly reduce the odds of hamstring strains in running athletes in sports like Soccer, Football and Sprinting.

To perform the movement:

Begin in a tall kneeling position on a cushion or pillow.

Partner grabs and holds ankles to ground or hook your feet under a stable surface.

Keeping your torso neutral and your thighs in line with your body, bend forward at the knees, using your hamstrings to control the speed of your forward bend.

Go as far as you can without cramping, pain or falling to the ground.

 

The Best Diet For Fibromyalgia?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

Anti-Inflam

​Fibromyalgia (FM) and its cause remains a mystery, but most studies suggest that FM is NOT the result of a single event but rather a combination of many physical, chemical, and emotional stressors.

The question of the month regarding the BEST FM diet is intriguing since one might assume that the many causes should mean that there isn’t one dietary solution. But is that true? Could there be a “best diet” to help ease the symptoms from such a multi-faceted disorder?

Certainly, healthy eating is VERY important for ALL of us regardless of our current ailment(s). Obesity is rampant largely due to the fact that 60% of the calories consumed by the “typical” American center around eating highly inflaming food that include those rich in Sugar, Omega-6 oil, Flour, and Trans fats (“SOFT” foods, if you will!). Obesity has been cited as “an epidemic” largely due to kids and adults becoming too sedentary (watching TV, playing on electronic devices, etc.) and eating poorly.

Perhaps the BEST way to manage the pain associated with FM and to maintain a healthy BMI (Body Mass Index, or ratio between height and weight) is to substitute ANTI-INFLAMING foods for those that inflame (or SOFT foods).

You can simplify your diet by substituting OUT “fast foods” for fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. So there you have it. It’s that simple. The problem is making up your mind to change and then actually doing it. Once these two things take place, most everyone can easily “recalibrate” their caloric intake and easily adapt.

Not only have studies shown that chronic illnesses like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes significantly benefit by following this simple dietary shift, but so does pain arising from the musculoskeletal system! This is because the human body is made up largely of chemicals, and chemical shifts are constantly taking place when it moves. If you reach for an anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen or naproxen and it helps, it’s because you ARE inflamed and the drug reduces the pain associated with that inflammation. This is an indication that an anti-inflammatory diet WILL HELP as well (but without the negative side effects)!

The list of chronic conditions that result in muscle pain not only includes FM but also obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type II diabetes. Conditions like tension-type and migraine headaches, neck and back pain, disk herniation, and tendonopathies and MANY more ALL respond WELL to making this SIMPLE change in the diet. For more information on how to “DEFLAME,” visit http://www.deflame.com! It could be a potential “lifesaver!”

I get dizzy when I have a headache. Should I worry?

~ Dr. Robert Speirs DC ~ Leave a comment

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Dizziness, neck pain, and headaches are very common symptoms that may or may not occur at the same time. Though this interrelationship exists, this month’s article will focus primarily on dizziness, particularly related to dizziness that occurs after standing.

First, it is important to point out that it is VERY common to be light headed or dizzy when standing up too fast, which is typically referred to as orthostatic hypotension (OH). OH is frequently referred to as a benign symptom, but new information may challenge this thought.

Let’s review what happens. When we are lying down, our heart does not have to work as hard as when we are upright; therefore, our blood pressure (BP) is usually lower while we lay in bed. When standing up, blood initially pools in the legs until an increase in blood pressure brings oxygen to the brain. This either resolves or prevents dizziness.

Orthostatic hypotension is defined as a blood pressure drop of >20 mm Hg systolic (the upper number—heart at FULL contraction), 10 mm Hg diastolic (lower number—heart at FULL rest), or both. This typically occurs within seconds to a few minutes after rising to a standing position.

There are two types of OH—delayed OH (DOH) where the onset of symptoms are not immediate but occur within three minutes of standing and “full” OH, which is more serious and occurs immediately upon rising. According to a 2016 study published in the prestigious journal Neurology, researchers reviewed the medical records of 165 people who had undergone autonomic nervous system testing for dizziness. The subjects averaged 59 years of age, and 48 were diagnosed with DOH, 42 with full OH, and 75 subjects didn’t have either condition.

During a ten-year follow-up, 54% of the DOH group progressed to OH, of which 31% developed a degenerative brain condition such as Parkinson’s disease or dementia. Those with initial DOH who also had diabetes were more likely to develop full OH vs. those without diabetes.

The early death rate in this 165 patient group was 29% for those with DOH, 64% with full OH, vs. 9% for those with neither diagnosed condition. The authors point out that those initially diagnosed with DOH who did NOT progress into full OH were given treatment that may have improved their blood pressure.

The authors state that a premature death might be avoided by having DOH and OH diagnosed and properly managed as early as possible. They point out that a prospective study is needed since this study only looked back at medical records of subjects who had nervous system testing performed at a specialized center, and therefore, these findings may not apply to the general population.

The value of this study is that this is the FIRST time a study described OH (or DOH) as a potentially serious condition with recommendations NOT to take OH/DOH lightly or view it as a benign condition. Since doctors see this a lot, a closer evaluation of the patient is in order.