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Extended Benefit Plans and Direct Billing: What You Need to Know

Extended Benefit Plans and Direct Billing: What You Need to Know

Extended Benefit Plans allow you to receive treatments that are covered under your plan, which can be directly billed at the time of service.

Depending on your coverage, you may have to pay a percentage of the treatment cost or nothing at all. As every benefit plan is different, it is imperative that you reach out directly to your employer or insurance company to get an understanding of your plan and what may or may not be required.

While our clinic is pleased to offer direct billing, our administrative team cannot investigate extended benefit plans on behalf of patients to determine what treatments are covered, how many visits you have used, or how many visits you have left. 

Deductibles

Many extended benefit plans have an annual deductible that is applicable at the start of each new year. A deductible is a dollar amount that you have to pay out of pocket until that dollar amount is reached, and then your extended benefits coverage takes effect. You do not have to pay the entire deductible at your first visit, but instead, each visit will go against the deductible until it reaches the maximum. Generally, the lower the deductible or no deductible, the more expensive the policy is and vice versa.

Please note that we cannot see what your annual deductible is or how much is remaining; we can only view the amount placed against the deductible each time we process a direct billing. To find out the annual deductible amount in your plan, please check with your extended benefits company.

What services are eligible for direct billing? 

Our clinic can bill directly for chiropractic, physiotherapy, acupuncture, and registered massage therapy.

Athletic Therapy is not a direct billable service yet; however, many plans will reimburse you if you submit yourself. Check with your extended benefits plan to see if Athletic Therapy is covered.

Kinesiology is only directly billable to ICBC. Always check your benefit plan to see what treatments they deem eligible for direct billing.

What cannot be direct billed?

  1. Missed appointment fees are not billable to most extended benefit plans.
  2. Orthotics are not direct billable; however, many benefit plans cover orthotics up to a specific dollar amount. For more information on orthotics and orthotic billing, please click here. 
  3. Depending on your specific plan, each of our treatment services may or may not be a direct billable service for you. Please refer to your extended benefits guide for what is directly billable under your plan.

What Insurance companies can we direct bill?

Our clinic can direct bill most extended benefits companies, including but not limited to:

  • Manulife 
  • Sunlife 
  • Canada Life (Formally, Great West Life) 
  • Greenshield
  • Pacific Blue Cross
  • Veterans, RCMP, CAF 
  • Desjardins
  • Group Health/ Group Source
  • People’s Corporation
  • Empire Life
  • ClaimSecure
  • Johnston Group
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Maximum Benefits
  • Group Medical Service 

Partner/Spousal coverage or secondary policy coverage

We can directly bill your primary benefits provider and your secondary provider at the same time of service with a few exceptions. For example, we generally require your partner’s date of birth and full legal name along with policy information.

Suppose we are unable to bill directly to the secondary coverage due to benefit rules or other restrictions. In that case, we will still direct bill your primary coverage and then only collect the remaining amount from you. We can then provide you with a receipt to send to the secondary coverage for reimbursement. 

For more information or to book a treatment:

Contact our clinic to find out more about extended benefits or to book an appointment at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#extendedbenefits #physiotherapy #chiropractic #registeredmassagetherapy #acupuncture #victoriaBC #injury #mva #multidisciplinary #healthandwellness

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Been in a Car Accident? Diversified Health Clinic Is Here to Help!

Been in a Car Accident? Diversified Health Clinic Is Here to Help!

Being in a car accident can be a scary and overwhelming experience that can cause lasting injuries. This is why it is important to understand what your injuries are and what treatments are available to you. One result of trauma when you are involved in an accident is the release of endorphins that can act as a painkiller to mask your injuries and pain.  Most muscle pain and stiffness will typically occur in the first 24 hours but can take as long as 7-10 days to present. For this reason, it is important to seek medical attention within the first 24 hours of your accident.

car accident injuries

After seeking medical attention, the next step is to contact ICBC to report the accident and start your claim. ICBC will assign you a claim number and a care team to help assist with your recovery. For more information on how to report a claim to ICBC, please click here. 

With your approved ICBC claim number, you will have access to several pre-approved treatments that will assess and treat any injuries from your accident under the new Enhanced Care Program. 

 

ICBC Enhanced Care Program

ICBC recently moved to their enhanced care program in 2021, which gives drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists enhanced recovery benefits. You will have access to pre-approved treatments within the first 12 weeks of the accident date for chiropractic, physiotherapy, registered massage therapy, kinesiology and acupuncture without the requirement of a doctor referral. This means ICBC will be directly billed for treatments with little to no out-of-pocket expense to you. At the end of the 12 weeks or the pre-approved treatments, our practitioners can complete a treatment plan to request additional pre-approved treatments if needed. 

Recovering From Your Injuries: How many pre-approved treatments do you get?

The number of pre-approved treatments will vary depending on the treatment modality. Within the first 12 weeks of the accident date, you are pre-approved for 25 chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments, and for 12 registered massage therapy, kinesiology, and acupuncture treatments.  

What can our team at Diversified Health Clinic do?

Treatment of your auto-collision injuriesOur multi-disciplinary team will work with you, with the ability to collaborate across treatment modalities to ensure you are getting the best treatment results. Our Diversified Health Team can evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide range of conditions and injuries including:

  • Headaches, concussion
  • Whiplash and neck pain
  • Back pain
  • Chronic pain
  • Numbness, tingling and nerve damage
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Surgical recovery
  • Disc herniation and bulging
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Hip, knee and/or joint pain
  • Sprains, strains, and fractures

Our valued team of practitioners will assess and create a personalized treatment plan to get you back to your pre-accident self. Our talented Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Acupuncturists, Registered Massage Therapists, and Kinesiologist have a vast array of treatment knowledge at their disposal along with state-of-the-art technology such as:

Contact our clinic to find out more about ICBC related treatments at 250-382-0018 or book online today.

#ICBC #caraccident #accidentrecovery #physiotherapy #kinesiology #chiropractor #acupuncture #registeredmassagetherapy #victoriabc #whiplash #carinjury #mva

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Spinal Decompression Therapy Explained

Spinal Decompression Therapy Explained

If you have been struggling with chronic back, neck or sciatic pain, you do not have to live with the pain! spinal decompression therapy is a painless, non-surgical, drug-free way to help relieve chronic back, neck and sciatic pain. Continue reading to learn how spinal decompression works and why it’s an option worth exploring. 

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Non-surgical spinal decompression therapy utilizes a type of motorized traction that involves stretching the spine with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. The bones of the spine are slowly separated, and pressure is slowly reduced within the disc until a vacuum is formed. This vacuum creates negative pressure and space within the disc to allow disc fluid to move back into place. This reduces the bulge or herniation of the disc and creates an environment where the disc can receive more nutrients and therefore be able to heal more effectively.

Spinal Compression Is Used to Treat:

  • Back, neck or sciatica pain
  • Bulging or herniated disks
  • Degenerative disk disease
  • Worn Spinal Joints (posterior facet syndrome)
  • Injured or diseased spinal nerve roots

When Do You Use Non-Surgical Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is for patients looking for a non-surgical and non-drug approach to relieving chronic back pain, sciatica, and spinal stenosis. Spinal decompression is also used for patients that present with an MRI that confirms herniated discs causing nerve pressure. However, spinal decompression treatments cannot be used for patients who are pregnant or suffering from spinal fractures, tumours of the spine, abdominal aortic aneurysm, severe osteoporotic disease, or metal implantations in their spine. 

What Are Spinal Decompression Treatments Like?Spinal Decompression Therapy Table

During spinal decompression treatments, fully clothed patients are secured into a harness that is attached to the motorized table. The practitioner will program the table for your treatment and the amount of traction your spine will go through. Depending on the treatment, you will be lying either face-up or face down. Each session lasts no longer than 15-20 minutes. You will feel pressure applied to your lower back and will feel as though you are being “stretched out.” You should not feel any pain during spinal decompression therapy.

How Long Until You See Results?

Before and After Spinal Decompression Therapy

Individual results vary; however, most patients notice a difference within their first 5-6 spinal decompression therapy treatments and experience pain relief within as few as 6-10 treatments.

Not only is spinal decompression painless – patients often enjoy the relief they feel from their symptoms when they are on the table being decompressed. Most patients will need to come in for treatment three times a week for one month, transitioning from passive to active treatments as their bodies respond and will also be prescribed a customized exercise program to target the areas that require more stabilization.

Clinical results show that spinal decompression has been effective in over 75% of patients treated. In addition, most patients found long-term relief or effective management of pain when they completed their spinal decompression treatments. Your practitioner may also recommend additional treatment modalities such as heat/cold therapy, electric stimulation, K-Laser and home exercises.

Benefits of Spinal Decompression Therapy

  1. Provides pain relief by relieving tension in tight, spasming or injured muscles. Spinal decompression helps to stimulate the nervous system to release neuro-chemical signals that have an analgesic effect on the body. 
  2. Promotes the healing of spinal disc tissues by imposing a vacuum-like force on the spinal discs, which helps to draw healing fluids, cells, and other substances toward the damaged tissue. 
  3. Helps restore normal spinal joint and disc alignment with the same vacuum-like force. That vacuum-like force helps to align the joints and discs which prevents further pain, inflammation, impaired mobility, and dysfunction.
  4. Relieves pressure on spinal nerves by increasing the space around the nerves which allows them to begin healing.

For More Information on Spinal Decompression Therapy (and Whether It’s Right for You):

Contact Diversified Health Clinic at 250-382-0018 to find out more about spinal decompression treatments, or book with our practitioners online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#physiotherapy #chiropractic #backpain #chronicbackpain #victoriabc #sciatica #degenerativedisc

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Step Into The New Year With Less Foot Pain

Step Into The New Year With Less Foot Pain

Life is too short for uncomfortable shoes, but even the cushiest shoes can feel like bricks at the end of a long day on your feet (especially if you’re already prone to foot pain). While you can’t always put your feet up when you want to, the good news is that there are things you can do to prevent and alleviate foot pain. Continue reading to learn about the most common causes of foot pain and what can be done to treat your feet. 

Common Causes of Foot Pain 

Everyone will experience sore feet at some point, but what happens when foot pain is recurring or, worse yet, persistent? Recurring or constant foot pain often comes down to one or more of the following:

  • Poor-fitting or uncomfortable footwear
  • Wearing inappropriate footwear for an activity 
  • Strained foot muscles caused by occupation, prolonged activity, or excessive body weight
  • Untreated gait issues resulting in excessive supination (rolling outward of the ankles and raising of the arch), pronation (rolling inwards of the ankles and collapsing of the arches) and other biomechanical faults
  • Hereditary conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis that affect the bones and joints of your feet and ankles 
  • Arch pain from fallen arches and poor arch support 
  • Heel spurs, hammertoes and bunions 
  • Past injuries to your feet, ankles, knees or hips that displace more weight to one foot, reducing foot flexibility or causing pain during certain activities
  • Heel pain caused by plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon pain caused by Achilles tendinopathy
  • Metatarsalgia, causing pain and inflammation in the bottom balls of (one or both) feet, triggered by poor arch support or shock absorption
  • Shin splints pain caused by training on hard surfaces and footwear with poor shock absorption
  • Gait issues that negatively affect your body’s alignment and posture, resulting in knee, hip or lower back pain

Choosing the Right Shoes

Foot Pain Caused By Poor-Fitting Foorwear

In our efforts to be fashionable, we often make footwear choices based on form over function by paying more attention to a style than whether or not our footwear choices properly support our feet. Common blunders include toe boxes that are too tight, heels that are too high or soles that are too flat, resulting in constrained feet and overtaxed foot muscles after a few hours of wear. The ideal footwear considers the activity you’re performing and supports your feet by helping to distribute your weight as evenly as possible and absorbing some of the shock when your feet strike the ground. 

Proper Footwear for Your Occupation and Sport

If your occupation has you on your feet all day, your footwear needs to be more shock-absorbing and offer good stability and arch support to prevent muscle strain and inflammation. 

Selecting the proper footwear for your sport is just as important (if not more) as choosing the rest of your equipment. For example, a good weightlifting shoe will offer drastically different types of support than the ideal shoe for hiking, trail running, CrossFit or field lacrosse. So carefully consider what kind of support your feet and ankles need during the activities you perform. 

Some Feet Need a Little Extra Support

Some feet require extra TLC, and that’s okay! When we consider how much our feet support us every day, it only makes sense to return the favour. 

Some Feet Need a Little Extra Support

Did you know? 

Besides causing pain, improper footwear and unaddressed gait issues can have a detrimental and compounding effect on the rest of your body. For example, Shin pain, knee pain, hip joint pain and lower back pain are sometimes caused and exacerbated by issues that start in your feet. 

Protecting your health from the ground up!

If we compare our bodies to a tower, the strength of a tower’s architecture significantly depends on a solid foundation. The same is true about our bodies. The optimal alignment of our joints (and posture) starts at our feet – our foundation. This is where custom orthotics come in.

How custom orthotics mitigate foot pain

Most foot pain is caused by biomechanical faults of the feet that can be corrected using custom-made orthotics. Even foot pain caused by genetic factors can benefit from having custom orthotics that help reduce foot strain. Custom orthotics are tailored to the exact ergonomics of your foot, taking into account any pain and biomechanical faults caused by foot malformations, fallen arches and other foot muscle imbalances. Properly fitted orthotics improve how your body’s weight is distributed to your feet, improving overall body alignment and shock absorption while standing and during activities.

Custom orthotics add an instant upgrade to almost any pair of shoes

Custom orthotics are made to fit neatly into most types of footwear, and depending on your lifestyle, can be tailored to suit the activities you partake in most. For example, it’s not uncommon for athletes to have more than one pair of custom orthotics – one that is specifically designed to be used during training. 

Custom-made orthotics support your feet where they need it most

Custom Orthotics and Gait AnalysisUnlike off-the-shelf insoles and inserts, custom orthotics are created from exact molds of your feet that are taken after a thorough biomechanical assessment and Gait Analysis that examines your feet and posture when standing and walking. Making orthotics from an exact mold ensures the correction offered by your orthotics is just enough, providing support specifically where your feet need it without interfering with the healthy dynamics of your feet.

Click here to learn more about our Gait Scan Analysis or visit our article on Custom Foot Orthotics to learn more about our Custom Orthotics process at Diversified Health Clinic in Victoria, BC.

Take the Next Step in Treating Foot Pain

Book a private appointment with one of our chiropractors or physiotherapists at Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 to discuss whether orthotics are right for you, or contact our clinic to learn more.

We’re happy to answer your questions, address the cause of your pain and discomfort, and help you step into the new year with happy, healthy feet!

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TMJ Symptoms (You Should Never Ignore)

TMJ Symptoms (You Should Never Ignore)

“Snap, crackle, and pop” may be desirable attributes in cereal but are concerning when they describe the sound and sensation your jaw makes when you open and close your mouth or chew. Worse still, if those sounds and sensations are accompanied by facial tension and jaw pain, you may be dealing with a TMJ disorder that warrants professional assessment and prompt treatment before it gets worse. Please continue reading to learn about the most common TMJ symptoms to watch out for, why you should never ignore them, and effective non-surgical TMJ disorder treatments offered in Victoria, B.C. 

What Does TMJ Refer To?

TMJ is an acronym used to describe your temporomandibular joint. Let’s face it, “temporomandibular joint” is a mouthful to remember, and so TMJ is more commonly used. Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a ball in socket joint located on each side of your face, anterior to your ears. Your TMJ is surrounded by strong jaw muscles and ligaments that connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your upper jaw (maxilla) and facilitate the movement of your jaw when you chew, speak, open and close your mouth. TMJ disorder refers to any pain, tension, interruption, or inflammation of your temporomandibular joint that may have a known or unknown cause. 

TMJ Symptoms

The most common TMJ symptoms are pain and tension on one or both sides of your lower jaw and areas surrounding your ears. Pain can be persistent or intermittent, with occasional flare-ups triggered during times of stress or after enjoying your favourite, extra-crunchy or chewy foods. Sometimes, TMJ symptoms can occur without any apparent causes. Following are several other TMJ signs and symptoms to watch out for.

  • Persistent or recurring pain or tenderness on one or both sides of jaw / temporomandibular joints (pain may either be persistent or occur when opening and closing mouth or chewing)
  • Aching pain in or around the ears
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Pain, discomfort, or difficulty opening and closing mouth or chewing
  • Pain, fatigue, or muscle spasms in the face, neck, and sometimes shoulders
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sensation when opening and closing mouth or chewing accompanied by pain, discomfort, and tension, or limited movement
  • Inability to open or close your jaw completely
  • Swelling on one or booths sides of cheeks or jaw
  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Frequent headaches
  • Toothaches
  • Changes in bite
  • Facial tension and tenderness
  • Locking of your jaw interfering with your ability to open or close your mouth

Summary of Contributing Factors to TMJ

What causes the onset of TMJ symptoms may or may not be obvious. However, the following includes examples of potential situations and conditions that may be causing or contributing to the onset or progression of TMJ disorder.

  • Arthritis and other autoimmune/connective tissue disorders
  • Jaw injury (dislocation, whiplash, direct injuries, trauma)
  • Long-term (chronic) clenching and grinding of teeth (bruxism)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Strain from forceful or excessive biting and chewing / hard to chew foods
  • Misaligned bite
  • Poor posture, resulting in the forward jutting of your mandible
  • Nutritional deficiencies and dehydration
  • Stress and anxiety

Potential Complications if TMJ Disorder Is Left Untreated

  • Increased loss of jaw mobility
  • Worsening of pain and symptoms
  • Bite issues resulting in damage to teeth and mandibular joint
  • Recurring headaches
  • Sleep apnea

Things You Can Do to Help Prevent TM

  • If nocturnal teeth grinding (bruxism) or a misaligned bite are determined to be the cause, a nightguard or retainer may be issued to mitigate teeth grinding and correct jaw alignment
  • Wearing protective mouth guards during contact sports and weightlifting (activities when jaw clenching is likely to occur)
  • Identifying and correcting suboptimal posture
  • Guided stretching (following proper instruction and demonstration by a health practitioner)
  • Stress management and mindful relaxing of facial muscles
  • Applying a cool pack or moist heat for up to 10 minutes at a time, throughout the day and after activity or when jaw muscles feel tight

Most Importantly

Pay attention to any signs your body sends you, signaling something isn’t quite right, and never ignore pain! While TMJ disorder can be treated at any stage, it is ideal to address any TMJ symptoms early on to prevent worsening symptoms and potential damage to your teeth and mandibular joint. 

If you suspect you may be suffering from TMJ issues, book a professional assessment with one of our registered massage therapists or physiotherapists to identify and help correct any TMJ alignment issues and chronic muscle tension. 

Effective Treatments for TMJ in Victoria, B.C.

How We Treat TMJ Symptoms

Because TMJ symptoms can be caused by a variety of contributing factors, at Diversified Health Clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to treating TMJ disorders. Depending on the severity and cause of your TMJ symptoms (and how long you’ve been experiencing them), successfully treating TMJ disorder may require a combined approach that involves targeted treatments, including:

  • Class VI K-Laser Therapy 
  • TENS Therapy
  • Ultrasound
  • Therapeutic Massage
  • Physical Therapy
  • Intramuscular IMS

One of the advantages offered by Diversified Health Clinic is how our integrated health team provides you access to all the above treatments and highly trained and collaborative health practitioners, all under one roof. In addition, we carefully customize a treatment plan that specifically addresses your needs, delivering immediate relief and fast-tracking your healing and recovery.

The first step in proper treatment is to book an appointment with one of our registered massage therapists or physiotherapists at Diversified Health Clinic. If you’re not sure who to book with first, give our clinic a call at (250) 382-0018. Our clinic concierges will help you book your initial assessment with the best practitioner for your specific concerns.  

What to Expect During Your First Visit

When we meet with you, we’ll start with a thorough initial consultation before tailoring a treatment plan for you that relieves pain while specifically addressing your condition. 

A health practitioner will assess and identify suboptimal posture and bite issues as well as sounds or interruptions in the range of motion you have when opening and closing your mouth. They will also gently palpate your face and jaw to determine areas of discomfort you experience when chewing or otherwise using your jaw.

Our goal is to help you return to the activities you love and enjoy without the interference of pain or risk of injury. 

If You Suffer From TMJ Symptoms:

Give our team of practitioners a call at Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. We’re happy to help answer your questions, address the cause of your pain and discomfort, and get you on the road to recovery.

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Back to School / End of Summer Stress Relief

Back to School / End of Summer Stress Relief

Whether or not September marks a return to the classroom for you or your kids, autumn typically brings about abrupt changes in routines and workloads, resulting in more stress and less of the natural mood-boosting vitamin D we all enjoyed from being outdoors during summer. While stress itself can’t always be avoided, here is how establishing a solid stress relief strategy can go a long way in helping you cope and recover from the toll that stress takes on your body, mind, and spirit.

How Stress Wreaks Havoc

Have you ever noticed that during times of stress, your posture changes, your skin looks duller, your muscles feel tight, and your body feels heavier and more sluggish?

Long periods of stress can lead to chronic muscle tension that in turn can trigger headache and migraine pain, joint pain, nerve pain, bruxism (nocturnal teeth grinding), and aggravate pre-existing conditions and past injuries.

The hormonal cascade that stress triggers affects blood pressure, circulation, breathing rate, muscle tension and creates emotional anxiousness and agitation. Worse yet, chronic stress can cause potentially serious disruptions throughout the body, including a lowered immunity and a heightened risk of heart attack, stroke, autoimmune flare-ups, cognitive, reproductive, weight, and digestive issues. For these reasons, it’s wise to take stress seriously and establish a healthy stress relief strategy to help mitigate its adverse effects.

Mitigating the Harmful Effects of Stress

While periods of stress are nearly impossible to avoid, there are things you can do to help mitigate its adverse effects on our mind and body, including: 

  • Exercise: physical movement, done in moderation, can uplift mood and mitigate the detrimental effects of chronic stress. You can double up on the positive effects of exercise by getting outdoors and asking a friend to join you. 
  • Meditation, breathing exercise, or prayer: stillness, breathwork, prayer, and self-reflection can restore calmness and help you focus on the things you can do that are within your control. 
  • Time with pets and friends: even though stress can make you want to withdrawal from social obligations, making time to talk or visit with a trusted friend can go a long way in making you feel optimistic and supported. 
  • Addressing root causes of stress: sometimes, what triggers stress is evident and temporary. Other times, stress is the result of lifestyle choices requiring change. Toxic workplaces, being burdened with other people’s conflicts, and being overtaxed with too many obligations can all lead to physical and emotional burnout. Stress will become chronic unless and until the root causes are adequately addressed. 
  • Simplifying your schedule: It’s tempting to take things on while feeling overly optimistic about our time and energy reserves, but having too many obligations and–even enjoyable activities–scheduled can leave you feeling stretched and strained. When in doubt, schedule less and leave more time for spontaneity and quiet time as needed.
  • Self-care: often the first thing to be pushed aside when stressed, self-care is vital, even if it’s just making time for an afternoon nap or a relaxing bath with your favourite essential oils and soft lighting. The key is to pay attention to the signs your body sends you that rest is needed. 
  • Stress relief treatments: lingering pain and tension induced by stress often require therapeutic treatments to resolve, such as massage therapy, acupuncture, physiotherapy, and chiropractic treatments.

When Stress Relief Treatments Are Needed

Sometimes, therapeutic intervention is warranted after repeated bouts or long periods of stress, especially when considering how stress-induced tension and inflammation can aggravate pre-existing conditions and old injuries or cause new ones. Postural imbalances, nerve pain, tension headaches, neck and shoulder pain, TMJ disorders, sleep disturbances, chronic muscle tension, and circulation issues are some of the most common physical manifestations of stress that professionally administered stress relief treatments can remedy. 

Therapeutic stress relief treatments can address the compounding effects of stress via several unique approaches. For example:

Acupuncture is a natural and effective way of bringing stress-induced hormones back into balance, restoring a much-needed sense of calm. 

When stress contributes to misalignment and aggravation of pre-existing conditions or past injuries, tailored chiropractic care and physiotherapy treatments can work wonders restoring strength, mobility, muscular balance, and optimal alignment while helping alleviate nerve and joint pain.

For stress-induced muscle tightness and circulation concerns, scheduling a registered massage therapy treatment will effectively release tension and immediately increase oxygen and nutrient-rich blood flow to the areas treated. 

The positive effects that physiotherapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage have on improving oxygen-rich circulation also helps aid the body’s natural healing and detoxification process by increasing the movement of lymphatic fluid via massage and myofascial release. The combined benefits of releasing muscle and fascia tension and improving circulation and lymphatic flow explain why people typically feel lighter and even notice a nice glow to their skin following stress relief treatments such as massage therapy and acupuncture. 

Regardless of which stress relief treatments you receive, the healing benefits of addressing stress-related tension are both an act of self-care and an investment in your health and wellbeing. 

Book a Therapeutic Stress Relief Treatment Today

Experience the healing, calming, and restorative benefits of a therapeutic stress relief treatment. Give our team of practitioners at Diversified Health Clinic a call today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. 

Related

WHAT TO DO WHEN HOLIDAY STRESS TAKES THE JINGLE OUT OF YOUR JANGLE

NERVE PAIN WITH SCIATICA: WHAT IT IS AND HOW WE APPROACH SCIATIC TREATMENT IN VICTORIA BC

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What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

When we think of fitness, our pelvic floor muscles don’t typically come to mind until symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction such as pain or incontinence interfere with our quality of life and confidence. Pelvic floor dysfunction is common but treatable with pelvic floor physiotherapy that addresses the root cause of embarrassing leaks and other complications. Here’s how to spot the signs of pelvic floor dysfunction so that any muscle imbalances can be addressed as early as possible. 

What Do Pelvic Floor Muscles Do?

Often overlooked, our pelvic floor muscles have important jobs to do, and too much muscle tightness or weakness interferes with optimal pelvic organ function.

Our pelvic floor is a group of core muscles that extend from our pubic bone to our tail-bone and perform three essential duties:

  • Control our bowel, bladder, and sexual function
  • Stabilize our hip joints and posture 
  • Act as an internal girdle that holds our pelvic organs in their proper place

What is Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?

Pelvic floor muscles are prone to dysfunction and can become weak or too tight due to age, general health, childbirth, weight gain, muscle strain, or injury. Pelvic floor muscle imbalances can result in difficulty maintaining control over the muscles we use to control our bladder, bowels, and sexual organs, resulting in incontinence, painful intercourse, lower back discomfort, and erectile dysfunction. More advanced pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to pelvic organ prolapse in women, whereby the uterus, bowels, or bladder can move out of place and push on the walls of the vagina or rectum and lead to protrusion. 

Common Signs & Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

  • Lower back, pelvic, or tailbone pain or pressure
  • Incontinence: involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control, including small leaks and flatulence during moments of physical strain, sneezing, coughing, laughing, running, or sudden movements
  • (Women) Feeling fullness, pain, or pressure in your vagina
  • (Women) Painful intercourse: which is often linked to organ prolapse placing pressure on the vaginal walls
  • (Women) Pelvic discomfort and incontinence following childbirth
  • (Men) Erectile dysfunction caused by pelvic muscle tension
  • (Men) Testicular pain resembling prostatitis  
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Recurring urinary tract infections
  • Difficulty urinating or defecating resulting in strain
  • The sensation of having to urinate before the bladder is full

Contributing Factors

  • Constipation and prolonged strain when urinating or defecating
  • Pregnancy and vaginal childbirth
  • Age and hormonal fluctuations approaching menopause
  • General health and fitness
  • Pelvic pressure caused by weight gain
  • Trauma caused by a previous injury, cancer treatment, or surgery
  • Hereditary factors
  • Recurring interstitial cystitis

Correcting Pelvic Floor Dysfunction With Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy 

If an assessment reveals that pelvic floor dysfunction is the cause of your symptoms, pelvic floor physiotherapy is your solution! Because the root cause of your symptoms results from weak or overly tight pelvic floor muscles, manual therapy, soft tissue release, and targeted pelvic floor exercises will be used to condition pelvic floor muscles to their optimal state. 

Expectant mothers can benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments that help strengthen the pelvic muscles in preparation for childbirth and assist in reconditioning pelvic floor muscles following delivery.

Don’t Ignore Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Symptoms!

Pelvic floor dysfunction doesn’t resolve on its own and is easier to treat the earlier you address it. The earlier your pelvic floor muscles are treated, the sooner you can enjoy the activities you love without worrying about leaks, performance ability, and discomfort. 

What to Expect During Your Initial Assessment

“Jen” (Jennifer Mildon, MPT) is Diversified Health Clinic’s physiotherapist focusing on pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments. During your initial assessment with Jen, you will be asked questions about your symptoms and objectives, and you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions about your pelvic floor and what you’re experiencing. Next, Jen will conduct a physical assessment of your lower back and hips and, pending your comfort and permission, an internal vaginal and/or rectal assessment of the tone and strength of your pelvic floor muscles before tailoring a treatment plan according to your specific condition and needs. All information you share with our practitioners, including the results of your physical exam, remains confidential between you and your practitioner. 

Let Jennifer know if you’re concerned or uncomfortable having the internal examination included in your physical assessment – you can still benefit from pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments. 

There is no downtime required following pelvic floor physiotherapy treatments. Still, depending on your treatment plan and objectives, your physiotherapist may make personalized recommendations to ensure you receive the most benefit from each treatment. 

Take the Next Step!

Get relief from pelvic floor dysfunction – book your initial assessment with our physiotherapist Jen at Diversified Health Clinic today, or contact our clinic to learn more.

Your first appointment will include a health assessment that will help your practitioner tailor your treatments to your specific needs and objectives and allow you to ask any questions you might have. 

When you call to book your appointment, let our front desk staff know if you are on a health benefits plan covering naturopathic/acupuncture treatment. We offer direct billing and can help process your claim. 

Related

Physiotherapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

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Knee Physiotherapy: Why Ignoring Knee Pain is Foolish

Knee Physiotherapy: Why Ignoring Knee Pain is Foolish

Whether it’s an intermittent pain that flares up during certain activities, sudden pain with no apparent cause, or chronic discomfort that tells you something about your knee isn’t quite right; when it comes to knee pain, it would be foolish to ignore it. Here’s why.

Ignoring Knees Injuries Can Lead to Permanent Damage

It might be tempting to ignore a bit of pain and swelling and push on with the activities you enjoy, assuming your knee pain will work itself out. Athletes that tend to have a high tolerance for pain and discomfort can be guilty of doing just that until the pain and swelling interfere with their performance. There’s a difference between discomfort and fatigue that can be resolved with rest versus pain that indicates something is wrong. While it’s never a good idea to ignore pain, ignoring early indications of injury can lead to permanent damage when it comes to knee pain. For this reason, it’s pertinent to have knee pain checked out early so any issues can be addressed before more damage is done. 

To avoid compounding injuries, you need to know the difference between discomfort that can be safe to train through versus pain that indicates injury, warranting further investigation. 

Common Causes of Knee Pain

It helps to know the signs and symptoms to watch for that indicate it’s time to have your knee pain assessed by a professional health practitioner. Different types of knee pain can indicate different causes. Following is a list of the most common causes of knee pain, including Runner’s Knee and Bursitis, and the key signs & symptoms associated with each:

Runner’s Knee

Symptoms:

  • Aching, throbbing pain and tenderness surrounding the knee cap or the back of the knee
  • Pain that worsens during activities that involve repetitive flexion and extension of the knees
  • Knee pain after periods of sitting or kneeling
  • Pain in and around the knee when walking downstairs or downhill
  • Clicking or grinding sensation in knee joint
  • Swelling and tightness resulting in decreased range of motion

Causes:

  • Running on hard surfaces
  • Increased volume and duration of activity
  • Overuse from repetitive flexion, extension, and strain to the knee
  • Suboptimal body mechanics, muscle imbalances, or misalignment of bones
  • Gait issues and fallen arches
  • Physical trauma and injury

Osteoarthritis

Symptoms:

  • Chronic aching
  • Knee joint pain
  • Inflammation and swelling surrounding knee, especially in the morning
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Grinding or grating feeling in knee joint

Causes:

  • Overuse and injury
  • Wear and tear degeneration of cartilage inside knee joint

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms:

  • Chronic aching, tenderness, or throbbing pain in knee joint 
  • Symptoms can wane and flare-up
  • Moderate to severe inflammation
  • Symptoms tend to worsen over time
  • Reduced range of motion
  • When pronounced, difficulty walking or placing weight upon the knees
  • Crackling, grinding, or popping sound or sensation when bending and extending the knee

Causes:

  • Genetic disposition/Autoimmune inflammatory disease
  • The body’s immune system attacks the tissues surrounding joints, leading to damage and inflammation

Gout

Symptoms:

  • Symptoms tend to wane and flare-up suddenly
  • Pain may start in another joint before affecting the knees
  • Aching or burning knee pain and joint discomfort
  • Inflammation and swelling
  • Warmth and redness in the knee and other affected joints
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Pain and discomfort in other joints throughout the body, including the big toe

Causes:

  • Hyperuricemia resulting in the build-up of uric acid in the knee joints

Bursitis of The Knee (Prepatellar Bursitis)

Symptoms:

  • Symptoms can occur suddenly or progressively worsen over time
  • Discomfort typically affects the inner knee below the kneecap
  • Stiffness and pain when moving the knee and sometimes at rest
  • Tenderness, warmth, and swelling when palpating knee area
  • Decreased range of motion

Causes:

  • A Common overuse injury caused by repetitive strain to the knee joint
  • Inflammation to bursae (synovial fluid-filled sacs in knee join that prevent bone on bone friction and cushion joints)
  • Direct physical trauma to the knee
  • Repetitive motions and kneeling on hard surfaces
  • Bacterial infection or the results of autoimmune diseases including arthritis

Jumper’s Knee (Patellar Tendinitis)

Symptoms:

  • Knee pain that gradually worsens over time
  • Pain is typically felt in the front of the knee or between the kneecap and top of the shinbone.
  • Knee pain that may only be perceptible during or following activity.
  • Pain is often worse when walking or running on an incline, stair climbing, and jumping
  • Swelling, stiffness, and redness of the knee joint

Causes:

  • Inflammation of tendons
  • Activities that involve repetitive jumping, causing extreme contraction and extension wear to the tendon
  • Muscle imbalances and tightness in the quadriceps and hamstrings.
  • Autoimmune disorders or illnesses that affect circulation

Cartilage Degeneration (Chondromalacia Patellae)

Symptoms:

  • Chronic knee pain
  • Stiffness and inflammation of knee joint, resulting in a decrease in range of motion
  • Soreness and knee pain when palpating

Causes:

  • Overuse and wear and tear from repetitive motion and high impact activities
  • Kneecap misalignment
  • Physical trauma
  • Long periods of inactivity or limited range of motion

Baker’s Cyst

Symptoms:

  • Knee pain that can worsen during activity or when bending, extending or placing weight on the knee
  • Tightness and stiffness of knee joint, resulting in difficulty bending the knee
  • Visible bulge or swelling behind the knee

Causes:

  • Cyst formation from the build-up of synovial fluid inside knee joint
  • Inflammation of knee joining from overuse, autoimmune conditions, or injury

ACL Ligament Sprains or Tears (Anterior Cruciate Ligament)

Symptoms:

  • Acute knee pain
  • Difficulty bending, extending, or placing weight on the knee
  • Popping sound or sensation when bending and straightening the knee
  • Reduced range of motion and feeling of instability surrounding the knee
  • Sudden onset of swelling–sometimes extreme

Causes:

  • Strain to ligament during high-intensity activity
  • Sprains and tears to ACL ligament caused by activities that involve sudden stops, starts, bursts, jumps, and changes in direction

Torn Meniscus

Symptoms:

  • Knee pain, most notable when rotating knee
  • Swelling and stiffness of knee joint
  • Popping sound when bending or extending the knee
  • Difficulty placing weight on the knee
  • A feeling of instability in the knee joint
  • A sensation of something interfering with your ability to extend your knee
  • Reduced range of motion–especially when extending the knee

Causes:

  • Physical trauma caused by hyperflexion and forceful rotation or twisting of the knee.
  • High-intensity activity that involves sudden stops or changes in direction
  • Strain on the knee from heavy squatting and lifting

IT Band Syndrome (Iliotibial Band)

Symptoms:

  • Gradual onset of pain and discomfort that worsens with activity
  • Pain and inflammation following activity that doesn’t quickly resolve with rest and icing
  • Pain is typically concentrated to the outside of the knee or just above the outside of the knee
  • Pain can also be felt in the shin, thigh, glute, and hip areas.
  • Pain when bending knee via walking, climbing, squatting, or even bending the knee at rest
  • Warmth, redness, and swelling surrounding outside of the knee
  • Clicking, snapping, or popping sensation when bending and straightening the knee

Causes:

  • Inflammation of iliotibial band due to injury or overuse
  • Weakening or atrophy of surrounding muscles due to inactivity or injury
  • Muscle imbalances, muscle tightness, and suboptimal body mechanics resulting in undue strain to the iliotibial band
  • Repetitive activities that strain the IT band, such as frequent running on steep inclines and declines, squatting, and rowing.
  • Poor footwear or gait issues, causing suboptimal foot dynamics resulting in undue stress to knee joint and hips

Not all knee pain is serious, but ignoring knee pain can lead to severe complications. When adequate rest, ice, and elevation fail to resolve your aches, pains, and impeded range of motion, it’s time to have things checked out by a practitioner to determine the cause of your knee pain and recommend proper treatment. 

In most cases, unless injury warrants surgery, knee pain can be significantly improved with knee physiotherapy treatments, which may include a combination of physiotherapy, chiropractic care, kinesiology, and athletic therapy to directly address the injury, strengthen the muscles and ligaments surrounding the knee, and correct movement patterns to prevent recurrence and further damage. Depending on the root cause and contributing factors of your knee pain, an effective treatment plan may also include:

  • Deep Tissue Laser Therapy
  • Graston Technique
  • Therapeutic Ultrasound
  • Athletic Taping
  • TENS Therapy
  • Shockwave Therapy
  • Gait Analysis and Custom Orthotics
  • Massage Therapy
  • Acupuncture

Determining the best treatment for your knee pain starts with a thorough initial assessment to identify the injury’s extent, root cause, and other contributing factors. Diversified Health’s comprehensive approach to treating injuries allows our practitioners to custom-tailor a treatment plan to each patient’s specific needs. Our in-clinic team comprises chiropractors, physiotherapists, kinesiologists, athletic therapists, registered massage therapists, and acupuncturists, working together to offer the most effective natural treatments for pain and injury. 

Take the Next Step

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a novice runner, when pain or injury slow you down, our practitioners at Diversified Health can help. Take the first step on your road to recovery by booking an appointment with one of our practitioners today. Call (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. We offer direct billing and weekday and weekend appointments. Please view our hours of operation and location details here.

Related

Runner’s Knee and Other Common Running Injuries: Know the Signs

Don’t Let Runner’s Knee Interfere With Fall Running Season

Joint Pain? Why It’s Important to Identify Bursitis Symptoms

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Lower Back Pain From Golf? Here’s How to Fix It

Lower Back Pain From Golf? Here’s How to Fix It

If your lower back has ever hurt during or after a round of golf, you are not alone. Lower back pain can be one of the most debilitating golf injuries and one of the most common. Golf is a hard enough game as it is, without a painful back. Whether you have pain during your swing or if your back gets stiff and sore later in the round, this post is for you. I will go over some causes of lower back pain from golf and, more importantly, how you can fix it. 

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain From Golf

There can be many causes of lower back pain while golfing. One reason is the bent-over position of our body when we address the ball. This can put extra load on our back muscles, especially if our gluteal muscles are weak. Even putting can increase the stress on our low back. Additionally, the forceful rotation of our back during the downswing is inherently hard on our lower back, especially when we do it repeatedly over 18 holes.   

How Can I Fix It?

While we cannot do anything about the bent, twisting motion of a golf swing, we can train our bodies so that they are better able to handle the stress of the swing. 

Undoubtedly, improving overall body strength will help your lower back and your golf game. Modern tour players have taken this to the next level with their training and off course workouts. Some of the game’s best players, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka and Rory McIlroy have been renowned for their work ethic and physique. Unfortunately, most of us do not have time to train at the level of a tour pro. 

Fear not! There is one simple exercise which can help rid you of that troublesome back pain. It will only take about 10 minutes per week to complete. It might also help your swing. Less pain and a better swing? Who doesn’t want that! 

This exercise focuses on a very important area of the golf swing. The ability to rotate through our spine. Most of the rotation in our spine actually happens in our mid back (thoracic spine) with very little rotation occurring in our lower back (lumbar spine). The orientation of the lumbar vertebrae only allows for a very small degree of rotation, compared to our thoracic vertebrae.

Then How Come My Lower Back Is Always Sore?

Good question. If we cannot rotate through our mid back properly, the force generated during a swing will be transmitted elsewhere, usually to the lower back. Increasing rotational force to a part of the body that is not designed to rotate is usually a recipe for pain.  

The Exercise: A Mid Back Twist.

Starting position: Lay on your side, top knee supported by foam roller or pillow. This helps to stabilize our lumbar spine and focus the movement in you mid back. 

Movement: Rotate the top arm upwards and let it fall down towards the floor. Then return the arm to the starting position. Maintain relaxed, deep breaths throughout the movement, feeling a stretch in your chest or your mid back. You might have a little range of motion the last few repetitions. Repeat on both sides. Repeat 10-15 times, perform 2-3 sets and try to do it at least 3-4 days per week. 

Exercises for Lower Back Pain From Golf

Diversified Health Clinic physiotherapist, Spirit Donahue, demonstrates exercises for preventing and treating lower back pain from golf.

This exercise can also help our golf swing. Being able to properly rotate through the thoracic spine is a very important aspect of the takeaway. It allows us to maintain proper spine angle through the takeaway and not ‘stand up’ during out back swing. This can improve our position during the down swing and can lead to more consistent, solid ball contact. 

While limited mid back rotation is a common and easily treatable limitation in the golf swing, there can be other causes of golf related low back pain. Our bodies are incredibly complex, and it is always a good idea to have it looked at by a health care professional. However, I have found improving mid back rotation to be an incredibly important factor in reducing golfing related low back pain. 

I hope this exercise helps alleviate your lower back pain from golf and increases your enjoyment of this incredible (and frustrating) game. 

Diversified Health Clinic Physiotherapist, Spirit DonahueAuthor: Spirit Donahue, MPT | Physiotherapist

Book Your Appointment With Spirit Donahue

If you have questions about your golf swing and how to prevent or recover from lower back pain from golf, contact our clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online with physiotherapist Spirit Donahue at Diversified Health Clinic in downtown Victoria. We offer direct billing and weekday and weekend appointments. Please view our hours of operation and location details here.

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