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What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

What is Myofacial Pain Syndrome?Myofascial pain syndrome is a chronic pain disorder.  With myofascial pain syndrome, the pain affects the connective tissue (fascia) of a muscle or group of muscles. With myofascial pain, there are areas called trigger points. A Trigger Point is a hyper-irritable spot within a taut band of skeletal muscle or muscle fascia which is painful on compression. These trigger points can refer pain to other areas and often restrict the flexibility of the affected muscle.  If left untreated, they can create new trigger points.

What are the symptoms?

The main symptom of myofascial pain syndrome is ongoing muscle pain, in areas such as the low back, neck, hips, and shoulders. You might feel the pain or the pain may get worse when you press on a trigger point. Symptoms of myofascial pain may include:

  • A muscle that is sensitive or tender when touched
  • Muscle pain that happens when pressure is placed on a trigger point
  • Pain that is aching, burning, stinging, or stabbing
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected area

People with myofascial pain syndrome often have other health problems, such as tension headaches, depression, sleep problems, and suffer from fatigue.

New Ways to Treat Myofacial Pain: 

eToims ~ Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury.  It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate or excite the deep fibers of a muscle.  Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

Class IV K-Laser ~ Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

IMS ~ Trigger point dry needling, also referred to as intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and/or intramuscular therapy (IMT) is an invasive procedure in which an acupuncture needle is inserted into the skin and muscle. Intramuscular therapy has been very successful for patients with chronic low back pain and sciatica symptoms.

Physiotherapy | Trigger Point Therapy

Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to the trigger points for a sustained period, followed by passive and active stretch and heat where indicated. The goal is to deactivate the trigger points and teach the patient how to prevent and manage recurrences. When these approaches are combined with mobilization and posture retraining techniques provided by a physiotherapist they provide a long-lasting and patient-managed way to reduce pain and improve function.

Myofascial pain often goes away with appropriate treatment and life style changes. Please contact our healthcare practitioners and discuss what treatment is right for you.

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Minimize Sport Injuries in Children

Minimize Sport Injuries in ChildrenThere is always a certain amount of risk involved in participating in sports. A well-managed sports facility or venue provides children with a safe  environment to development, physically, emotionally and socially. However, accidents do  happen and children do get hurt. The most common sports injuries for children are sprains, strains, and abrasions, making up to 70 percent of all sports injuries to children.  More serious injuries such as fractures, broken bones, concussions account for about 20 percent of injuries.

Many sports injuries for children occur because of their limited degree of agility and the “controlled” chaos of children playing.  It is during this chaos where most of the falls and collisions occur, which can result in sprains, bruises and abrasions.

Each type of sport tends to have unquie injuries, such as soccer players tend to suffer from from sprains, bruises, knee, ankle and shin injuries. Tennis and baseball players have injuries to their elbows and wrists that result in pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. Swimmers and skater can develop an overuse syndrome because of repetitive stress on particular joints.

To minimize serious injury determine your child’s physical maturation level and match your child’s size with an appropriate sport. Most  children’s sports are organized by age rather than physical skill. Slower maturing children are often at greater risk of injury because they are competing with peers who may be larger and physically more developed.

Diversified Health’s practitioners can help prevent sports injuries in children by having your child undergo a Pre-Participation Evaluation. This consists of a routine medical history and physical examination with emphasis on a neuromusculoskeletal evaluation.  The examination may uncover medical issues that may prevent the child from participating in a specific sport.

Another common sports injury is re-injury. Re-injury occurs when you return to the sport before an injury has healed.  Returning too soon, places stress on the injured area and forces the body to compensate for the weakness, which can put your child at risk for another injury.

Having children participate in sports is a great way to implement fitness into their daily lives. Whatever sport you choose make sure that it includes fun, fitness and safety.

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Keeping Joints Healthy

Keeping Joints HealthyThe best way to care for your joints is to keep them, your muscles, ligaments, and bones healthy and strong. At Diversified Health our practitioners know the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and by incorporating a few simply tips on joint care, your joints will remain healthy and strong.

Keep an eye on your weight

Keeping your weight within a healthy range is the best thing you can do for your joints. Weight-bearing joints, such as your knees, hips, and back, have to support your body weight.

Exercise

Exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, so opt for low impact exercises such as swimming, yoga or bicycling. Eating a healthy balanced diet  will also help to maintain strong bones and muscles.

Another healthy tip is to stand as much as possible. Sitting at a desk all day, can increase joint pain and stiffness.  Change positions frequently, and take frequent breaks at work  – remember to stretch, or go for a short walk around the block or even around the office.  And always take the stairs!

Build muscles

Keep your muscles strong, they support your joints. If you have weak muscles, your joints will suffer, especially those in your knees, which  support your entire body weight. The smooth tissue called cartilage and synovium and a lubricant called synovial fluid cushion the joints so bones do not touch. Increasing age, inactivity and injuries from daily life can place wear and tear on your joints, so weight training exercises help build muscle and keep existing muscle and ligaments strong.

Check your posture

Standing straight protects your joints from your neck to your knees. Good posture also helps guard your hip joints and back muscles.

If your joints hurt, try ice

It helps relieve joint swelling and numbs pain. If you have a sore joint, apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the painful area for no more than 20 minutes.

If your joint pain is not going away or if it is getting worse, please contact our health care practitioners. Diversified Health has numerous treatment options including Class IV Laser, Shockwave Therapy, Hands Free Ultrasound and eToims.

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Small ideas – Big results

Small ideas - Big resultsHere are some “small” ideas that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine to improve your health.

Visualize what healthy means to you ~  Have an image of what healthy looks like for you.

Start a food journal ~ Just being aware of the food, and amount of food you are consuming can help you make better choices on a regular basis.

Drink water ~ Try replacing unhealthy drinks with water. Carry a bottle of water with you wherever you go!

Eat breakfast ~ Even if you’re not hungry, try to eat something. It can be a piece of fruit, an energy bar, bowl of cereal or a bagel.

Stop mindless munching in the late afternoon or evening ~  Think about what you’re eating!

Move your body frequently ~ Simply getting up and moving around regularly throughout your day has been linked to better overall health. Try to be as active as possible and not to sit in one spot for more than an hour. Get up, walk around, stretch, just keep moving.

Go outside ~ Exposure to natural sunlight increases energy, improves mood, and reduces stress . Try spending a portion of your lunch outdoors… even if it is just a walk around the block or a walk to get a coffee.

Take the stairs ~ Always take the stairs. Try parking your car  in the furthest parking spot and walk the extra distance to the store. Many physical inconveniences can be treated as opportunities to improve your health.

Connect with other health seekers ~ Find people with similar interests and attitudes about getting healthy, and encourage each other along the way.

Be Accountable ~ Your health is your responsibility. The choices that you make, large or small, will determine how well you feel and how healthy you are.

Get a massage ~ Massage therapy slows the heart rate, and lowers blood pressure and stress hormones. The decrease in stress hormones increases your body’s natural ability to “fight” off viruses, bacteria, and free radicals.

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Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health Clinic

Class IV Laser Therapy Now Available at Diversified Health ClinicWhat is Laser Therapy?

Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects.  These effects include improving healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling.  Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1070’s.

Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy

During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane.  This initiates the production of cellular energy ( ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

Laser Therapeutic  Effects

During each painless treatment laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area.  This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.  As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.

Patient benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is proven to bio-stimulate tissue repair and growth.  The Laser accelerates the healing process and decreases inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation.  In the management of chronic pain Class IV Laser Therapy can provide dramatic results , is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

Numerous studies show that Class IV Laser Therapy can help with:

Tendinopathies | Osteoarthritis | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Myofascial Trigger Points | Tennis Elbow | Fibromyalgia | Burns | Ligament Sprains | Diabetic Neuropathy | Muscle Strains | Repetitive Stress Injuries | Plantar Fasciitis | Sports Injuries | Shoulder, Back & Knee Pain | Post-Traumatic Injury

Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?

Yes, Laser therapy is often used with other forms of treatment, including physiotherapy, chiropractic, massage therapy, acupuncture and even following surgery.  Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.

Please contact our health care practitioners to find out how a Class IV Laser can help you feel better, faster. The K- Laser, Class IV  Laser Therapy is Drug free, surgery free and pain free!

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Manage chronic pain in Victoria with eToims

Manage chronic pain in Victoria with eToimsIf you are living with chronic pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or even shin splints, there is a non-invasive solution in Victoria that may help you reclaim your quality of life.

Diversified Health Clinic is offering a new kind of chronic pain treatment in Victoria called Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation, or “eToims” for short.

The beautiful new Diversified Health clinic on Fort Street in the restored Mosaic Building is the only clinic in British Columbia that offers this new treatment.

“The eToims treatment targets so-called trigger points where nerves and muscles meet,” says Diversified Health’s Jessica Hall, a physiotherapist who specializes in eToims. “When you irritate or damage a nerve, muscle fibers close around the nerve fibers like a fist. eToims stimulates twitch contractions that stretch and relax damaged muscles at sites all over the body.”

Traditionally this treatment has involved the use of acupuncture needles (Trigger Point Dry Needling, or IMS) to relieve pain. However, eToims is a non-invasive procedure that doesn’t use any needles.

To treat many conditions, it’s common to come in for 3-4 sessions. For chronic conditions and chronic trigger points, 6-8 sessions may be necessary. Overall results will depend upon the degree and duration of nerve involvement.

“eToims is great for sports injuries or the mysterious soft-tissue injuries from auto accidents that typically stump health practitioners” says Hall. “Muscles can tighten so much that they put even more compression or vice-like grip around the nerve as it courses its way down your body, arms, or legs.”

Types of conditions considered for treatment:

Muscle & Myofascial Pain | Carpal Tunnel Syndrome | Back Pain | Sciatica | Tension Headaches | Repetitive Strain Injuries  | Sports Injuries | Fibromyalgia | Tennis Elbow | Whiplash | Tendonitis  | Degenerative Disc |  Bulging & Herniated Disc

Please contact Diversified Health to find out more about this new treatment to manage chronic pain.

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Victoria Clinic first in BC to use eToims | Needless IMS

Victoria Clinic first in BC to use eToims | Needless IMSWhat is eToims – Needless IMS?

Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intra-Muscular Stimulation (eToims) is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate or excite the deep fibers of a muscle.

Learn more about managing chronic nerve pain.

The eToims technique locates and diagnoses the presence of unhealthy and painful trigger point in the muscle. Very brief, repetitive stimulation is targeted at these trigger points to try to fatigue these points, thus making them relax.

 How do nerves and muscles work?

Nerves originate in the spinal column and run down your body, arms, or legs to supply an electric current to your muscles to make them twitch or contract. This is just an electrical cord supplying a lamp or appliance. However, if a nerve cannot carry enough electric current to muscles, the muscles actually start to shorten or tighten. Muscles can tighten so much that they put even more compression or vice-like grip around the nerve as it courses its way down your body, arms, or legs. This becomes a cyclical pattern between nerve and muscle. Most commonly muscle is irritated where the nerve enters the muscle at the neuromuscular junction (ie: trigger point).

How does eToims help?

The electric current produced by the eToims Technique penetrates deep enough at the trigger point to produce a strong contraction in the muscle. Basically “jump starting” the muscles to release, relax, and allow blood to follow to the muscles and nerve so that they can “breathe”.

What happens during a treatment session?

You will need to change into loose fitting clothing to allow the therapist access to your muscles. The current is conducted through moist pads placed on your skin. Muscles that produce the strongest contraction or twitch will be worked on first to start some flow through the nerve and stimulate blood flow in your body. The very tight muscles will be worked on next to try to get as much contraction as possible in these muscles. The more contraction elicited in the muscles, the more relaxed the muscles will become. As a result, there is less compression on the nerves, more blood flow, and more pain relief.

How many treatments will I require?

For diagnostic and more acute conditions, 3-4 sessions are necessary. For chronic conditions and chronic trigger points, 6-8 sessions are necessary. It should be noted that each case is very different and therefore number of expected treatments should be discussed with your therapist.

What should I expect post treatment?

You can feel a bit tired after a treatment or feel like you just did a workout. You are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids afterwards and avoid excessive activity immediately following treatment.

 Conditions considered for treatment

  • Muscle pain/myofascial pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain/discomfort
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Low back pain
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Post surgical back pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis elbow
  • Shin Splints
  • Whiplash
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Degenerative disc
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Fibromyalgia

To find out more about this revolutionary technique, please contact us.

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Easing the Pain of Osteoarthritis

osteoarthritis treatment victoria bcOsteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Older adults often get osteoarthritis, especially if they are overweight.

Acupuncture, physical therapy or massage can help with osteoarthritis.

There are many helpful things you can do to ease the pain of osteoarthritis. Read on for some helpful advice.

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the cartilage that cushions your bones at the joints. Cartilage helps your bones glide over one another. If cartilage breaks down, the bones rub together. Osteoarthritis is a chronic (long lasting) condition.

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis causes pain and stiffness in the joints. Osteoarthritis is often worst in the knees, hips and small hand joints. In most cases, the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not known.

Who is at risk of getting osteoarthritis?

  • Women and men can both get osteoarthritis.
  • Being overweight increases the risk of getting osteoarthritis. This happens because extra weight causes more wear and tear on the cartilage and joints.
  • There are more cases of osteoarthritis in men who are younger than 45, while women tend to get it when they are 55 or older.
  • Osteoarthritis can also occur due to repeated joint stress from certain physical jobs or sports.
  • Osteoarthritis is genetic. That means you are more likely to get osteoarthritis if a family member also has it.

How can I manage OA?

Physical Activity

Start by being active. Physical activity is an important treatment, regardless of your age or level of pain. It can help:

  • Reduce pain
  • Maintain and improve joint movement
  • Improve physical function
  • Help you lose weight if you are overweight

Swimming is a good option since it puts no pressure on your joints. Activities that strengthen your muscles, such as weight lifting, are also important. Speak to your doctor or see a physical therapist before starting a physical activity program.

Weight management

Studies show that weight loss may help improve physical function for overweight or obese adults with osteoarthritis. Weight loss may also help ease pain.

Other treatments

  • Some people find acupuncture, physical therapy or massage to be helpful.
  • Applying heat and cold may also provide some pain relief.
  • Severe cases of osteoarthritis may need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints.

Does a balanced diet help?

Healthy eating may help reduce the symptoms of different types of arthritis. Here are five healthy eating strategies:

1. Enjoy a wide variety of foods based on Canada’s Food Guide. This will provide the right balance of nutrients that your body needs.

2. Eat 7 to 10 servings of vegetables and fruits each day. Pick lots of bright orange and green options, such as broccoli, cantaloupe and carrots. They are high in antioxidants, which may reduce inflammation, decrease cartilage breakdown and slow the progress of osteoarthritis.

3. Choose more whole grains such as brown rice, barley and oats. They have more antioxidants than refined grains, such as white bread and white rice.

4. Choose more unsaturated fats like canola and olive oil, nuts like walnuts and almonds and fish like salmon.

5. Choose fewer foods made with saturated and trans fat like butter, lard, cream, baked goods and fried foods.

 Are there medicines that can help?

Yes. Medicine can be used to reduce pain from osteoarthritis. Talk with your doctor about which medicines may be right for you. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Pain relievers such as acetaminophen
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen if your pain continues
  • Corticosteroids injected right into the joint to reduce swelling and pain

Speak to your health professional before starting any medicines for osteoarthritis so that he/she can help you pick what is right for you.

Are there supplements that can help?

Two supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to be helpful for osteoarthritis.  However, they are not currently licensed for use as drugs to treat osteoarthritis because research does not show that they are effective. If you choose to try these products, make sure you buy ones that have a Natural Product Number (NPN). This means they are licensed with the Natural Health Products Directorate in Canada. Speak to your health professional before starting any supplements so that he/she can help you pick what is right for you.

Bottom line

If you have osteoarthritis, be active, enjoy a healthy eating plan and maintain a healthy weight. This can help ease the pain in your joints. Speak to your doctor before taking medicine for osteoarthritis.

This article was written by Dietitians of Canada.

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Diabetes – The Silent Killer

Diabetes - The Silent KillerDiabetes is a chronic condition that stems from the body’s inability to sufficiently produce/properly use insulin which the body needs to use sugar as an energy source. Diabetes can lead to serious complications and premature death.

Complications from diabetes can include; blindness, numb and tingling feet, poor circulation, slow-healing wounds, gangrene, amputation, heart disease and death.  However, in most cases diabetes can be controlled with an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.

Risk factors for diabetes:

If you are aged 40 or older, you are at risk for type 2 diabetes.  If any of the following risks factors apply to you, please talk with your health care practitioner.

  • A parent, brother or sister with diabetes
  • Health complications that are associated with diabetes
  • Had gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy)
  • Impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose
  • High blood pressure/High cholesterol or other fats in the blood
  • Being overweight

Symptoms for diabetes:

Signs and symptoms of diabetes can include the following:

  • Unusual thirst
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight change (gain or loss)
  • Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
  • Blurred vision
  • Frequent or recurring infections
  • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal
  • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

It is important to recognize, however, that many people who have type 2 diabetes may display no symptoms.

How is diabetes treated?

People with diabetes need to make a lifelong commitment to their health, which includes the following:

  • Education: Be informed about your condition.
  • Physical Activity: Regular physical activity lowers your blood glucose levels, promotes weight loss, and enhances overall health.
  • Nutrition: What, when and how much you eat play an important role in regulating blood glucose levels as well as maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Medication: Type 1 diabetes is always treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes is managed through physical activity and meal planning.
  • Lifestyle: Learning to reduce your daily stress level, including maintaining a blood pressure level at or below 130/80.

If you are living with diabetes, become a fact finder! Knowing as much as possible is your best defence against diabetes. Find out how your body uses food and what role insulin plays in this process and build a team of experts with your health care practitioners to help you win the fight!

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Are you living with chronic pain? eToims can help

Are you living with chronic pain? eToims can helpVictoria’s Diversified Health Clinic is the first location on Vancouver Island to offer eToims, a new non-invasive treatment for pain and inflammation in the body’s soft and connective tissues.

When you irritate or damage a nerve, muscle fibers close around the nerve fibers like a fist. eToims uses an electrical pulse that uncurls the fist from the nerve fibers, thus relieving your muscle pain & restoring function, mobility & quality of life.

What is eToims and how does it work?

Using specialized medical equipment, eToims sends very brief but strong electrical pulses to the areas of irritated nerves. This stimulation causes the muscle to twitch, or contract, and then relax. This focused exercising of the muscle at numerous points throughout the muscle relieves the associated pain.

Traditionally this treatment has involved the use of acupuncture needles (Trigger Point Dry Needling, or IMS) to relieve pain. eToims is a non-invasive form of the same treatment – no needles are inserted into the skin – and is available nowhere else on Vancouver Island, and now Diversified Health offers both treatments.

eToims is great for sports injuries or the mysterious soft-tissue injuries from auto accidents that typically stump health practitioners. It is quick to diagnose and fast to heal, getting you active and back on your feet faster than conventional treatments.

What happens during a treatment session?

The current is conducted through moist pads placed on your skin. Muscles that produce the strongest contraction or twitch will be worked on first to start some flow through the nerve and stimulate blood flow in your body. The very tight muscles will be worked on next to try to get as much contraction as possible in these muscles. The more contraction elicited in the muscles, the more relaxed the muscles will become. As a result, there is less compression on the nerves, more blood flow, and more pain relief.

eToims will treat the following conditions

  • Muscle pain/myofascial pain
  • Musculoskeletal pain/discomfort
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Low back pain
  • Facet Syndrome
  • Piriformis Syndrome
  • Post surgical back pain
  • Tension headaches
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Tennis elbow
  • Shin Splints
  • Whiplash
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Tendonitis
  • Degenerative disc
  • Bulging or herniated disc
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Fibromyalgia

Please contact our health care practitioners for more information about the eToims Technique.

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