, ,

What Causes Vertigo?

What Causes Vertigo?

“What Causes Vertigo?” It’s a question we receive a lot at our clinic. The dizzy, spinny and falling symptoms can feel nauseating and interfere with your sleep and daily activities. The good news is that benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, or BPPV (the most common type), can be easily assessed and treated, resulting in immediate and lasting relief. 

First, What Is Vertigo?

Vertigo is the term used to describe the sensation of moving or spinning when you are stationary. Vertigo is the symptom of an inner ear condition that results when tiny calcium carbonate crystals (canaliths) located in the utricle portion of your inner ear (that help control balance) shift out of place, causing the sensation of dizziness or motion. 

Vertigo symptoms can range from slight to severe and be fleeting, quickly resolving withoutWhat Causes Vertigo intervention, or more persistent, requiring help from a health practitioner. Vertigo symptoms can also be intermittent, with many people experiencing what they refer to as “vertigo attacks” that come and go following activity or illness. 

There are two primary types of vertigo as follows, and while they share things in common, each may have different causative factors and require different treatment approaches. 

Central Vertigo

Central vertigo is caused by an underlying condition such as Meniere’s disease, infection, or brain injury that affects the central vestibular structures (brainstem cerebellum, vestibular apparatus). 

Central vertigo typically presents as more pronounced and prolonged or as recurrent vertigo attacks that can last for several hours and are accompanied by other symptoms, including migraine headaches, nausea, tinnitus, hearing loss and the sensation of one or both ears feeling blocked. Central vertigo can also be so severe that suffers cannot walk or balance themselves. Treatment depends on causative factors. 

Peripheral Vertigo

Otherwise known as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), peripheral vertigo is the most common type, accounting for over 90% of all causes of vertigo. Peripheral vertigo occurs when activities and head movement disrupt the crystals of the inner ear (the peripheral vestibular system). 

Peripheral vertigo symptoms can be slight or severe and last only a few seconds, a few days, several weeks, or be recurrent. Recurrent and prolonged episodes of vertigo can be triggered by several factors, some of which are similar to central vertigo. However, peripheral vertigo is when the cause of vertigo is isolated to disruption of the inner ear instead of being related to another underlying condition or head injury. 

When Vertigo Requires Emergency Attention

Vertigo symptoms accompanied by fever, pain, confusion, slurred speech, vision changes, or stupor require immediate medical attention to rule out potentially serious conditions.

What Causes Vertigo? Common Triggers

Sudden, recurrent and prolonged episodes of peripheral vertigo can be triggered by a number of factors, some of which are similar to central vertigo. The most common vertigo triggers include:

  • Shifts in head movement that can be as simple as rolling over in bed or tilting your head back and forward (head banging movements at rock concerts is one extreme example of head movements that can trigger a vertigo episode)
  • Following exposure to irregular movements, including being on a boat in rilling waves or following a ride at the fair
  • Head movements during leisure and athletic activities
  • A sudden blow to the head or a sudden shift in head movement due to impact
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Direct injury or infection of the vestibular system of the inner ear
  • Certain medications
  • Migraines
  • Age and hereditary factors
  • Fluctuation hormones, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy
  • Viral ear infections
  • Metabolic changes or nutrient deficiencies, including a lack of Vitamin D and calcium
  • (Aural vertigo) Cold water entering the ears when swimming or diving
  • (Alternobaric vertigo) Imbalanced ear pressure when ascending or descending while scuba diving
  • Allergies 
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Anxiety
  • Neurological disorders
  • Viral infections
  • Vestibular dysfunction
  • Vascular conditions
  • Multiple Sclerosis

What Causes Vertigo to Go Away on Its Own?

For some people, vertigo episodes that are slight and fleeting often disappear as quickly as they appear and resolve without medical treatment. Vertigo that resolves on its own can be a bout of motion sickness or a movement that causes the previously disrupted crystals of the inner ear to shift back into place. 

When Vertigo Doesn’t Resolve on Its Own

When vertigo symptoms become more bothersome, severe, recurrent or lingers, treatment is sought and sometimes necessary to relieve vertigo symptoms and prevent them from interfering with daily life and leisure. Treatment often involves specific head positioning maneuvers and exercises that help the calcium carbonate crystals of the inner ear to readjust and move back to their proper position. 

What to Do When Vertigo Symptoms Arise

While vertigo may not be entirely preventable, there are things you can do to manage the severity of vertigo symptoms when they occur. 

  • Immediately sit or lay down when you feel dizzy.
  • Sleep and nap with head slightly elevated.
  • Avoid stretching your neck when reaching for something.
  • Avoid tilting your head forward when bending over to pick things up — keep your head aligned as you squat to pick items up instead.
  • Move your head slowly during activity.
  • When getting up from laying down, rise slowly and stabilize yourself with something if you feel dizzy.
  • Always use handrails when taking stairs and escalators.
  • Utilize calming breathing techniques to avoid anxiousness.
  • Make an appointment with your GP if severe symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, vision changes, confusion or fever.
  • Seek vertigo treatment with a local health practitioner such as our physiotherapist Jennifer Mildon and our chiropractor Doctor Caitlan Sellan at Diversified Health Clinic, located in downtown Victoria.

Effective Treatments for Relieving Vertigo in Victoria, B.C.

When vertigo symptoms strike, treatment can help. At Diversified Health Clinic, one our Physiotherapists, Jennifer Mildon, and one of our Chiropractors, Dr. Cailtan Sellan, both have a special interest and training in vestibular rehabilitation and vertigo treatments. You’ll be happy to know that benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is easy to assess and treat, often with only a few vestibular rehab sessions that can be performed whether or not you’re immediately experiencing vertigo symptoms. 

What to Expect from Vestibular Rehab Treatments

Your first session will include a thorough assessment followed by a series of manual repositioning techniques that help the crystals of your inner ear settle into their proper position. You’ll also be given personalized vestibular exercises you can perform at home between treatments to improve your balance and decrease vertigo symptoms when they occur.

Book Your Vertigo Assessment and Treatment Today

To arrange for an assessment and vertigo treatment, please call our clinic at (250) 382-0018 and request a vestibular session with Jennifer Mildon or Dr. Caitlan Sellan. You can also book online here. 

If you have questions about whether our vestibular rehab treatments are right for you, contact our clinic to request a free, no-obligation, 5-minute consultation. 

Important

On the day of your treatment, we kindly ask that you arrange travel plans so that you will not have to drive home after your session, and you are welcome to bring a friend or family member with you to your appointment. 

/by
,

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Is for Everyone, That’s Right, Everyone!

Pelvic Floor Muscles Physiotherapy is for Everyone

The Pelvic Floor Muscles (PFM) are a group of superficial and deep muscles in our pelvis that we have direct control over. These muscles form the base of our core to stabilize our spine and pelvis and support the pelvic organs, such as the bladder, bowel, and uterus. They control the passage of urine and feces and are essential for both men and women’s sexual arousal and satisfaction. 

Why Are Pelvic Floor Muscles So Important?

Pelvic floor muscles are important for several reasons, and changes in their function and strength can contribute to various issues, including:

Physiotherapy for Pelvic Organ Prolapse

  • Urinary and/or fecal incontinence (1 in 3 women and 1 in 9 men suffer from incontinence)
  • Pelvic organ prolapse
  • Pelvic and low back pain
  • Prostate conditions
  • Pain with intercourse
  • Difficulty with sexual arousal and orgasm

Many pelvic floor conditions are a result of the pelvic floor muscles being too weak, too tight, or uncoordinated and may be exacerbated by:

Heavy lifting: Incorrect lifting patterns may contribute to incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse

Obesity: Higher risk of strain on the pelvic floor muscles 

Chronic coughing: May weaken the pelvic floor muscles over time due to repetitive strain

Ageing: Hormonal changes may affect the integrity of pelvic floor musculature

Pregnancy and childbirth: Physiological changes occur in the pelvis to carry and birth a baby

Constipation: Straining to have a bowel movement can weaken the pelvic floor over time

How Can Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Help?

Pelvic floor muscles are skeletal muscles, meaning you can voluntarily control and train them by repeating correct exercises. By visiting a pelvic floor physiotherapist, you can learn how to identify, activate, strengthen, or relax the right muscles. In addition, you can improve your symptoms by learning to coordinate your pelvic floor, diaphragm, and abdominal muscles and then apply what you’ve learned to functional activities and exercises.

Pelvic floor conditions can arise from various systems in the body, including the musculoskeletal structures, nervous system, and visceral (organs) structures. Your pelvic floor physiotherapist will take a holistic approach to assess all areas that may be contributing to your symptoms, including:

  • Pelvic floor
  • Hips
  • Lumbar spine
  • Abdominal region (core)
  • Central nervous system
  • Sacro-iliac joints
  • Pubic symphysis

What Can I Expect during Appointments?

What Is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy? 

During the initial assessment, our pelvic floor physiotherapist, Jennifer Mildon, will get a detailed history and understanding of what your symptoms are and how they are affecting you. Then, she will do an external exam which commonly includes assessing your posture, strength, and mobility in your hips, pelvis, and low back. If you are comfortable, she would also do an internal vaginal and/or rectal exam, which would provide useful information about your pelvic floor muscles. However, if you are not comfortable with an internal exam or are experiencing acute pain, Jennifer can complete the assessment without it. 

While there may be some discomfort with the treatment or assessment, it should not be painful and should not aggravate your symptoms. Based on the assessment findings and your goals, Jennifer will create an individualized treatment plan to address your symptoms and help you achieve your goals.

Subsequent visits will focus on the treatment of your symptoms and may consist of:

  • Education
  • Exercises
  • Lifestyle modification strategies 
  • Relaxation techniques
  • Pelvic floor muscle retraining
  • Core strengthening
  • Bladder or bowel training
  • Manual therapy
  • Functional dry needling

Meet Jennifer Mildon, Diversified Health Clinic’s Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist

JENNIFER MILDON MPT PhysiotherapistJennifer completed her Master’s of Physical Therapy at UBC in Vancouver. Before moving to the west coast to pursue her physiotherapy career, she completed her Bachelor of Science at Dalhousie University in her home province of Nova Scotia.

Jennifer believes that providing the best client-centred care often requires collaboration with a team of health care professionals from diverse disciplines. She is dedicated to delivering a physiotherapy service that focuses on improving and maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, to enable her clients to enjoy life in the ways that are most meaningful to them. Jennifer employs an evidence-based treatment approach that blends manual therapy, dry needling, functional exercise programs, and client education to optimize health outcomes while achieving client goals.

Jennifer is committed to staying current on physiotherapy-related research. Jennifer has completed training with Pelvic Health Solutions to be able to provide caesarean and vaginal birth rehabilitation, as well as treatments for incontinence and pelvic pain. She is certified to provide Functional Dry Needling and has also completed training in concussion management and vestibular rehabilitation. 

Jennifer has a strong passion for sport and recreation and has always spent her free time being active and exploring the outdoors. When not in the clinic, Jennifer enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through yoga, swimming, biking, hiking in the backcountry, and sailing around the Gulf Islands.

Learn More about Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy or Book a Treatment

Contact Diversified Health Clinic for more information on Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy or to book with Jennifer Mildon. Please call us at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

#pelvicfloorphysiotherapy #physiotherapy #victoriabc #womenshealth #menshealth #pelvicpain #incontinence #prenatal #postnatal #childbirth #prostate #organprolapse

 

/by
,

Are You Suffering from TMJ Disorder?

Are you experiencing jaw pain, headaches, or a clicking or popping sensation when you chew? You may be suffering from TMJ Disorder. This article outlines what TMJ disorder is, what causes it, common symptoms, and TMJ disorder treatments available in Victoria, BC.  

What Is TMJ Disorder and What Causes It?

TMJ Disorder (otherwise known as temporomandibular joint disorder) describes one or more conditions affecting the joints and surrounding tissues of the lower jaw. Your temporomandibular joints (located on each side of your jaw, in front of your ears) connects your lower jaw (mandible) with your upper jaw (maxilla) by a hinge-like joint and supporting muscles and ligaments that facilitate the opening and closing and sideways motion of your jaw. 

Temporomandibular disorders can occur as a result of prolonged tension (such as teeth clenching and grinding), a genetic predisposition, underlying conditions affecting the connective tissue and joints (including arthritis), and general wear and tear, incorrect bite alignment or direct trauma. In some cases, the cause of a person’s TMJ disorder remains unknown but is almost always treatable.

Common Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

People experiencing TMJ disorder typically experience one or more of the following symptoms.

  • Persistent or recurring pain or tenderness on one or both sides of the jaw
  • Pain or discomfort when opening and closing mouth or chewing
  • Aching pain in or around the ears
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Difficulty fully opening and closing the 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 (often accompanied by pain, discomfort, tension, or limited movement).
  • Swelling on one or both sides of cheeks or jaw
  • Dizziness and fatigue
  • Increased frequency of headaches
  • Aching back teeth
  • Changes in bite alignment
  • Facial tension and tenderness
  • Locking of your jaw that interferes with your ability to open or close your mouth

It’s worth noting that many people suffer TMJ disorder symptoms without realizing a temporomandibular condition is the cause. Headaches and tinnitus are two examples of symptoms that can fly under the proverbial radar for years before a TMJ disorder is diagnosed. 

Have You Been Experiencing One or More of the Symptoms Outlined Above?  

Suppose you suspect you may be suffering from a TMJ condition. In that case, it’s a good idea to inquire with a health practitioner like our physiotherapists at Diversified Health Clinic before your condition worsens. TMJ disorders are very common, and treatment is often successful! 

Things You Can Do to Mitigate TMJ Issues

While some causes and contributing factors are hard to avoid entirely, there are things you can do to prevent undue wear, tear and strain on your temporomandibular joints.

  • Practice good posture and avoid clenching or forward jutting of the lower jaw (which can occur when straining during periods of stress or strain during exercise)
  • Avoid biting down on large pieces of hard foods (such as jawbreakers)
  • Wear a night guard or retainer during sleep if you are prone to nocturnal teeth grinding
  • Stress and tension management, including mindful relaxation techniques of the face and neck muscles and therapeutic massage 
  • Alternate between a cold compress and moist heat for up to 10 minutes at a time following activity or when your face and jaw muscles feel tense
  • Address or rule out suboptimal bite alignment with your dental provider
  • Have your TMJ concerns checked out by a professional health practitioner at the onset of symptoms
  • Specialized TMJ treatments that incorporate physiotherapy with intramuscular stimulation (IMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TMS), ultrasound, therapeutic massage and/or Class VI K-Laser Therapy as needed

TMJ Disorder Treatment

Jaw pain is no fun and can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. When in doubt, have a health practitioner, such as our physiotherapists at Diversified Health, assess and treat the source of your pain and alleviate the discomfort you’re experiencing. Click here to learn more about our clinic’s diversified approach to effectively treating TMJ disorder.

If You Suffer From the Symptoms of TMJ Disorder:

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.

/by
, , , ,

Don’t Let Running-Related Pain and Injury Stop You 

Don’t Let Running-Related Pain and Injury Stop You 

It’s running season again, with several running events happening in Victoria between May and October. Significant upcoming running events like the Oak Bay Half-Marathon and the Victoria Goddess Run have many running enthusiasts ramping up their conditioning and noticing running-related pain as a result.

Addressing Pain and Preventing Injury Will Take You Far

While most running-related pain can be alleviated with rest, it’s never a good idea to ignore pain, especially if it persists and interferes with the activities you love. Addressing suspicious pain early on can prevent more serious damage and permanent injury. 

A Few of the Most Common Causes of Running-Related Pain and Injuries

Runners Knee: (otherwise known as patellofemoral pain syndrome) is an umbrella term used to describe one or more causes of knee pain. One of the leading causes of runner’s knee occurs when the cartilage of the kneecap is compromised, resulting in an aching pain that’s often accompanied by stiffness and a popping or grinding feeling when the knee is bent. Runner’s knee can also be caused by strained tendons from overuse or direct trauma due to a hit or bad fall. In addition, gait issues and muscle imbalances are contributing and aggravating factors. 

IT Band Syndrome: (which is often associated with runner’s knee), is experienced as a sharp, burning, clicking, or aching pain on the outside of the knee. IT Band Syndrome is caused by inflammation and irritation of the iliotibial band that runs down the outer part of your thigh, connecting your pelvis to your knee. Gait issues, muscle imbalances, overuse, and running downhill or on irregular surfaces are all contributing factors.

Shin Splints: describes that hard to mistake aching and burning pain at the front of your lower leg, which is caused by repetitive strain of the tibia and its connecting tendons. Contributing factors include gait issues that affect ankle alignment, weight, and running downhill or on irregular surfaces.

Nerve Pain with Sciatica: often experienced as a sharp pinching or shooting pain in the lower back and upper glutes that can radiate down the back of the thigh. Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, pinched or compressed due to a herniated spinal disc or tight lower back or glute muscles.

Plantar Fasciitis: a common running injury that results in burning or stabbing pain in the heel or midsole of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia that runs from your toes to your heel bone.

Stress Fractures: a common cause of running-related pain and injury. Stress fractures from running occur when muscles become strained and cannot sufficiently absorb the impact of a runner’s feet striking the ground, resulting in small cracks in a bone. Symptoms include sharp pain and swelling that worsens during activity and often persists at rest. The contributing factors are running on hard surfaces, unresolved gait issues, poor footwear, and muscle overuse. In runners, the bones of the shins, ankles, and feet are most commonly affected.

Achilles Tendonitis: experienced as pain, tension, and stiffness of the back of the ankle and heel caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to tight calf muscles, bone spurs, and overuse. Achilles tendonitis typically occurs when running distance and intensity increase.

Muscle Strains and Sprains: includes muscle tears and pulls that cause pain that persists despite rest, which can be accompanied by swelling, bruising, redness, weakness, and obstructed mobility of the affected muscles. Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and groin are the most common muscles affected by tears and pulls from running. 

Sore Hips: burning or aching pain and stiffness of the hip joints and surrounding area is often caused by muscle tension, overuse, muscle imbalances, and unresolved gait issues. In some cases, hip pain may be caused by stress fractures or cartilage tears.

Bursitis: caused by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that protect the joints. Bursitis pain typically manifests as intermittent (flare-ups) of sharp, shooting, or aching pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness of the affected joints and is often a result of overuse injury.

There Are Several Things You Can Do Now to Prevent Running-Related Pain and Injury While Training

  • Take time to warm up, hydrate, and stretch before more strenuous activity.
  • Adequate rest
  • Proper footwear
  • Vary running surfaces (running on turf or softer trails versus road running to reduce shock on your joints).
  • Addressing possible gait issues, pain, past injuries, and muscle imbalances.
  • R.I.C.E.

How to R.I.C.E. Away Running-Related Pain

At the first indication of pain and swelling, follow the RICE method to help alleviate pain, swelling, and further injury:

Rest: Immediately stop the activity to prevent further damage.

Ice: If swelling is present, apply a cold pack in 10-20 minute increments (wrap cold pack in a towel to avoid causing ice burns to skin).

Compression: Painful joints can be carefully wrapped in a compression bandage to help with pain and swelling. Ensure you don’t wrap the area too tightly! Numbness, coldness, a change in colour, or swelling in the area below the wrap indicates your bandage is too tight, negatively affecting circulation. Compression should not be used over broken skin, while sleeping, or by people with diabetes or compromised arterial circulation without direction from a physician or health practitioner.  

Elevation: To help reduce swelling, use pillows to elevate the affected limb above the level of your heart. 

If Pain Persists

It never hurts to have things checked out by a health professional. Consider that catching concerns early and the right course of treatment can alleviate pain, prevent further injury, and improve your performance.

Treating running-related pain and injuries may include a combination of

  • Physiotherapy, 
  • Chiropractic care, 
  • Gait analysis and Customer Orthotics, 
  • Massage Therapy, 
  • Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy 

The proper course of treatment depends on the nature of the injury and what’s needed to alleviate pain, address muscle imbalances, and correct movement patterns to prevent recurrence and further damage. 

Take the Next Step towards Running Without Pain and Injury

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a novice runner, when pain or injury slows 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.

Adopting the right approach to your overall health and wellbeing helps ensure you’ll be able to participate in running events for years to come!

/by
,

What Is Athletic Therapy?

What is athletic therapy and what makes it different from physiotherapy? It’s a question we receive often and we’re happy to explain the differences and benefits between each.

It is a common misconception that Athletic Therapists only work with athletes.

Athletic Therapy is the treatment of Musculoskeletal issues and conditions using various treatment modalities. It is a common misconception that Athletic Therapists only work with athletes; however, the goal of athletic therapy is to facilitate a client’s desire to return to their desired activity level. Athletic Therapists have in-depth knowledge, education, and training in the human musculoskeletal system to provide exercise prescription, basic emergency care, manual therapies, and various modalities to work with not only athletes but everyone from kids to seniors. 

Athletic Therapists work with you to develop individualized, evidence-based rehabilitation which can include:

  • Rehab of physical injuries 
  • Recovery from surgery
  • Exercise programs
  • Various manual therapies
  • Supportive taping
  • Return to play and active lifestyle
  • Assessment of proper lifting techniques

What is the difference between physiotherapy and athletic therapy?

What is athletic therapy and what makes it different from physiotherapy?

While Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy have many similarities in their objectives of treating patients, they differ in their educational backgrounds and scope of practice. Physiotherapists’ education focuses on cardiology, orthopaedics and neurology with skills being used to treat a variety of ailments including pediatrics, stroke rehab and many more. Athletic therapists’ education focuses on the musculoskeletal system, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, and includes in-field and in-clinic practicums, and a valid First Responder certificate. Athletic therapy treatments are based on the Sports Medicine Model which is an active rehab approach with an objective to find and treat the root cause of the conditions, not just the symptoms. This method encourages patients to follow an active approach to rehab versus reliance on modalities. 

When Should I see an Athletic Therapist?

  • If you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort that is affecting your daily life, occupation, or ability to engage in physical activity
  • You are recovering from a surgery
  • You are recovering from an injury and would like to return to your original activity level
  • Return to sports training and reconditioning
  • Looking for corrective exercise training and programs

What can I expect at appointments?

The initial assessment will consist of medical history and understanding of your goals to get a snapshot of your overall health. Mark, Diversified Health Clinic’s Athletic Therapist, will then conduct a physical exam that will consist of movements at the injured joint and strength testing of the surrounding muscles, in addition to tests to isolate the injured structure or area that you are wanting to strengthen. Mark will create a customized treatment plan based on this assessment. 

Subsequent appointments will involve a short history to ensure Mark is aware of any changes that may have occurred since the last visit, and you and Mark will work through the customized treatment plan that could include exercise prescription, manual therapies, equipment assisted soft tissue work, and stretching. 

After treatment, you may be given some home exercises to complement and reinforce the treatment you received. Patient education is persistent throughout all treatments. 

Meet Mark Novak, Diversified Health Clinic’s Athletic Therapist

Mark graduated from Camosun College in June 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy. Mark uses both evidence and personal experience to approach each client with the goal of providing the most effective, well-balanced treatment. Mark uses both manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises to help patients get back to their daily activities or to reach a new goal.

Experience the Benefits of Athletic Therapy

Contact the clinic for more information on Athletic Therapy or to book with Mark Novak please contact us at 250-382-0018 or book an appointment online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

 

#victoriabc #athletictherapy #rehab #sportsinjury #surgery #postop #physiotherpay #multidisciplinaryclinic #exercise 

/by
, , ,

Is Personal Training for You?

Is Personal Training for You?

Yes! Personal training is for everyone! At Diversified Health Clinic, our Personal Trainer and Certified Kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf, works with individuals at all levels and different goals to help you achieve your best self. With our private gym space, Angelina will work one-on-one with you on strength training, cardio training, mobility, or whatever your own personal goals may be. 

What Personal Training Can Assist With

  • Helping you lose weight
  • Learn new skills
  • Train for sports
  • Rehab of an injury
  • Strength training
  • How to safely perform exercises 
  • Improve balance and mobility

There’s a difference between being fit versus being active. No one, not even elite athletes, is born knowing which specific exercises their bodies will respond most favourably to — let alone how to design a complete program that can deliver results within a realistic schedule. Different people have different needs and priorities, and because of this, fitness has never been a one-size-fits-all endeavour. A personal trainer takes the guesswork out of how to obtain your fitness goals by custom-designing an action plan for you (from beginner to advanced), taking into account your personal fitness status now versus your personal fitness goals.

A Personal Trainer Can Help You Start With the Basics

  • Suggesting activities that will work for your body, schedule, and available equipment
  • Showing you how to choose exercises, weights, reps and sets
  • Help teach you how to get the most out of your workouts
  • Help you to figure out how hard to work and how to monitor your intensity

Even if you are a more experienced exerciser, a personal trainer can be the element that takes your workouts to a whole new level, by:

  • Providing a fresh perspective and identifying key areas in your current exercise program that could be adjusted to increase the intensity, effectiveness and fun
  • Challenging you and helping you push harder through plateaus safely and with good form
  • Generating new ideas and uses for the fitness equipment you have access to

We believe everyone benefits from living a more active and healthier lifestyle, and we work with individuals of all fitness levels and ages. In addition, we can work with your schedule to provide you with a customized workout plan to meet your goals.

Suffering from Chronic Health Problems?

For most chronic health problems, exercise can often help people manage the condition and reduce symptoms. For example, chronic conditions that cause pain or other aggravating symptoms may make you less inclined to exercise. However, movement and strengthening specific parts of the body may help alleviate those symptoms in the long run. For example, people with different types of arthritis benefit from learning how to increase strength and joint stability while remaining mindful not to cause further damage to cartilage and joints.

A significant role of personal trainers is to help reduce the risk of injury, regardless of who they are working with or what training they are providing. Acute and overuse injuries commonly occur when people follow a one-size-fits-all program that is not tailored to their needs. Personal trainers are experts in human physiology who tailor specific exercises to people’s varying physical abilities and limitations.

What Are the Mental Health Benefits?

Exercise is beneficial for everyone’s mental health, whether you suffer from a diagnosis or not. Exercise promotes all kinds of positive changes in the brain, including releasing endorphins, which are powerful chemicals that energize your spirit and make you feel good. In addition, exercising can help to relax muscles, relieve tension, and boost the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which affect mood, focus, and attention. Other mental health benefits include:

  • Sharper memory and thinking
  • Higher self-esteem
  • Better sleep
  • More energy
  • Stronger resilience
  • Uplifted mood

What You Can Expect at Your Appointments

During your first visit: 

A complete health assessment will be taken to understand where you currently are, what you would like to improve on, and any injuries or issues you are currently experiencing. Next, we will do a physical assessment to get a baseline of where you are to create a customized training program for you. 

During subsequent appointments: 

We will work one-on-one with you through your customized training program in our private gym space. Angelina will focus on ensuring that you have the correct posture, form, and ability so she can modify any exercises as needed. 

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Contact the clinic for more information on Personal Training or to book with Angelina Schaaf. Call us at 250-382-0018 or book your appointment online today!

#personaltraining #fitness #victoriabc #kinesiology #physiotherapy #gym #healthandwellness #training #mobility #strengthtraining #loseweight #rehabexercise #stressmanagement #stronger #self-esteem

/by
,

Managing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Following Activity 

Managing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness Following Activity 

Lack of motivation may be the most significant barrier to approaching a new workout, but delayed muscle soreness (DOMS) doesn’t help either — after all, pain isn’t particularly motivating. Still, there are things you can do to help manage delayed onset muscle soreness and aid recovery as you approach new or increased activity.

First, What Is DOMS?

DOMS is the acronym used to describe Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – a phenomenon that typically occurs one or two days following new or increased activity. 

Common Signs & Symptoms of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness

  • Sudden and increased onset of muscle stiffness and soreness within one to two days following activity
  • Muscle soreness that typically peaks 12-48 hours following activity and gradually subsides in the days that follow
  • Muscle tenderness upon palpation or massage
  • Slight swelling or water retention in the affected muscles
  • Muscle soreness and stiffness that’s worse in the morning

Unlike the burning feeling you experience from acute muscle soreness during strenuous activity (such as the last few reps of a weightlifting exercise), delayed muscle soreness isn’t typically felt until 12 or more hours following activity. 

What Causes DOMS?

While Delayed onset muscle soreness is harmless, it can vary in intensity and duration, which can be explained by the physiological process responsible.

Muscle fibres grow via a process of microscopic damage and repair. When your muscles are stimulated from progressively increased intensity, duration, repetition, or load, the stress creates microscopic tears in your muscle fibres. These small tears result in temporary inflammation and soreness while your body works hard to recover and repair. The good news is, pending you give your body sufficient rest and nutrition, your muscles are one step closer to growing stronger and more efficient. 

Who is Prone to Experiencing Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness?

Everyone suffers from occasional DOMS following activity, from elite athletes to exercise newbies. Delayed onset muscle soreness typically occurs one to two days after a physical activity that your body hasn’t adapted to yet. Activities that trigger DOMS includes anything from an intense workout or hike to a day of golf or gardening. Over time, and as your muscles adapt to the simulation you are placing them under, DOMS becomes less intense, requiring shorter recovery periods. 

Delayed onset muscle soreness is more pronounced when:

  • You engage in a new activity after periods of inactivity
  • You engage in eccentric exercises (exercises that place tension or load on a muscle when it’s lengthened, such as slowly lowering the weight during a biceps curl or the stretched position of a deadlift).
  • Your workout is harder or more intense than usual
  • You start a new sport or exercise routine
  • You add a new exercise to your workout
  • Your hydration, nutrition, or recovery is compromised
  • You overdo it during a workout or favourite activity

While it’s okay to return to light activity despite still being sore, it’s important to pay attention to the signs your body sends you about whether its ready engage in certain activities yet. While light activity can help relieve DOMS-related stiffness and pain, sometimes the best thing you can do for your fitness is knowing when to rest.

Pushing your muscles to perform beyond exhaustion and before they’ve had a chance to sufficiently recover can lead to injury and more serious conditions, such as rhabdomyolysis. 

Signs and Symptoms of Something More Serious

While delayed onset muscle soreness can leave you feeling pretty beat up for a couple of days, it’s important to be aware of signs and symptoms of other more concerning causes of muscle pain and soreness (that warrant prompt medical attention). 

If your muscle pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by any of the following signs and symptoms, contact your physician immediately.

Intense muscle pain or soreness accompanied by:

  • Flushing, fever, or chills
  • Dizziness or nausea
  • Dark, tea-coloured urine
  • Decreased thirst and urine output
  • Swelling, tightness, and redness of the affected area
  • Intense cramping or crushing pain in one affected limb
  • Rash, wound, or red streaks on or near the affected area
  • Sharp or shooting pain when you place weight on a limb or move the affected area
  • Stiffness and tingling or decreased circulation of the affected limb (e.g., extreme pain and swelling in calf muscle accompanied by numbness and pins and needles feeling in feet) 
  • Sharp, shooting pain when moving or placing your weight on the affected limb. 
  • Muscle pain and stiffness that get worse and don’t subside within 3-5 days of rest
  • Sudden intense crushing-like pain or pain that travels from one area to another

Managing DOMS

While delayed onset muscle soreness can’t be avoided entirely, there are things you can do to manage the discomfort and facilitate a faster recovery from DOMS.

Ease into activity and intensity: It can be tempting to jump into an activity you enjoy or a new exercise routine with enthusiasm and a desire to push yourself well beyond your comfort zone, but moderation is key! Overdoing things too early leads to increased muscle soreness and longer recovery periods. 

Adequate recovery and light movement: It seems counterintuitive when you’re already sore from activity, but one of the best ways to decrease delayed onset muscle pain and tension is by engaging your muscles in light activity. If your DOMS is particularly intense, it’s best to give yourself a day or two of complete rest. But resume light activity (such as yoga, swimming, or walking) as soon as you can to ease muscle stiffness and increase circulation. 

Eat and hydrate well: your body needs ample hydration and nutrition, including amino acids and glycogen from carbohydrates, to repair your muscle fibres and recover from inflammation. You’ll still experience occasional DOMS, but you’ll be helping your body to recover faster.

Take a bath or sauna: The magnesium your skin absorbs from an Epsom salt bath and increased circulation from a warm bath or sauna can help with muscle stiffness and soreness.

Therapeutic massage: while your muscles may feel sore to the touch, a massage therapist will know what techniques to use to help facilitate lymphatic circulation and release tension in your muscles and fascia.

When in doubt, seek help: If delayed onset muscle soreness persists and interferes with your ability to return to activities after a few days of rest, it’s best to have things checked out to rule out muscle injury. A consultation with one of our practitioners can go a long way in helping you improve your physical strength, endurance and abilities while preventing pain and injury. 

Take the Next Step 

Give our team of practitioners a call at Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. If you’re not sure who to book your appointment with, ask us when you call. We’re happy to help answer your questions, address the cause of your pain and discomfort, and get you on the road to recovery.

/by
, ,

Vertigo, BPPV and the Vestibular System

Vertigo, BPPV and the Vestibular System

Do you find yourself losing your balance, feeling dizzy or nauseous? You may be experiencing vertigo caused by issues with your vestibular system. You would also benefit from a targeted assessment to determine the causes of your symptoms using specific techniques and exercises to improve symptoms and get you feeling back to normal. 

The Vestibular System is found inside your inner ear and sends signals primarily to your brain stem. It is responsible for integrating sensory stimuli and movement and for keeping objects in visual focus as the body moves.

Issues With Your Vestibular System Can Cause Symptoms Such As:

  • Dizziness
  • Spinning sensation
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lightheadedness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Double vision
  • Impaired balance

Vertigo and dizziness are symptoms rather than a disease. Vertigo refers to the sensation of spinning or whirling that occurs due to a disturbance in your balance system. In addition, vertigo is used to describe feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, faintness, and unsteadiness. Vertigo usually occurs because of a disorder in the vestibular system. The vestibular system is the structures of the inner ear, vestibular nerve, brainstem, and cerebellum. 

The Vestibular System

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is one of the most common vestibular conditions. BPPV is rarely serious except for the possible increase in the chances of falling. BPPV is caused by the crystals in the inner ear becoming unstuck from their usual place and freely moving in one or more of the three ear canals that make up the inner ear. These ear canals are filled with fluid and tiny hair cells, and they tell our brain and eyes about the speed and direction we are moving. When the crystals get into these canals, they disrupt the fluids’ normal movement past the hairs, sending our brain confusing information that makes us feel the spins (vertigo). You may also feel your eyes moving funny as they vibrate side to side, referred to as nystagmus. 

Anyone can experience this in their lifetime; however, it is more common in people over the age of 50 and more common in women. Injuries to the balance organs of the inner ear, head trauma or whiplash can also cause BPPV. In addition to vertigo, other symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Imbalance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

BPPV is typically unilateral, which means it occurs either in the left or right ear. Although, in more rare cases, it is bilateral, causing both ears to be affected. BPPV may be experienced for a very short duration, or it may last a lifetime, with symptoms occurring in intermittent patterns that vary by frequency, duration, and intensity. The most common cause of BPPV in people under the age of 50 is head injury and is presumed to result from a concussive force that displaces the otoconia. In people over 50 years of age, BPPV is primarily idiopathic, meaning it occurs for no known reason but is usually linked to natural age-related degeneration of the otolithic membrane. 

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo Treatment

Sometimes, BPPV will go away on its own within a few weeks or months; However, the symptoms can be debilitating. At Diversified Health, our Vestibular Experts, Chiropractor, Dr. Caitlin Sellan and Physiotherapist, Jennifer Mildon, can treat you with an in-office particle repositioning procedure. This procedure consists of several simple and slow maneuvers for positioning your head. The goal of these movements is to move the particles from the fluid-filled semicircular canals of your inner ear into a tiny bag-like open area that houses one of the otolith organs where these particles don’t cause trouble and are more easily resorbed. You will also be given home repositioning exercises to help maintain your treatment effect. In many cases, only 1-2 treatments are needed to resolve symptoms. 

What to Expect During Your BPPV Treatment

The procedure involves holding four positions for about 30 seconds each or for as long as you experience symptoms in that hold position. Once symptoms have stopped, your Vestibular Clinician will get you to stay in the position for an additional 30 seconds while watching your eyes for abnormal movements. The procedure may be repeated more than once within one treatment session. They may teach you how to perform the procedure yourself so that you can perform it at home as needed, although nearly 80% of people experience relief after the initial treatment. 

Contact our clinic today for more information on Vertigo-related treatments or to book with our Physiotherapist Jennifer Mildon or with our Chiropractor Dr. Caitlin Sellan who specializes in Vestibular treatments. Please contact us at 250-382-0018 or book online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com.

 

#physiotherapy #vertigo #balance #dizzy #chiropractor #victoriabc #balance #health #multidisciplinaryclinic #vestibular

/by
, , ,

Fall in Love With Fitness Again. The Right Personal Trainer Makes It Possible

Whether you’ve taken a long hiatus from your fitness routine or you’re questioning the effectiveness of your current exercise program, there are a few common barriers that may be hindering your results and souring your relationship with fitness. The good news is that the right personal trainer can make a difference. Here’s how:

Common Fitness Barrier #1: You Don’t Know What You’re Doing

A personal trainer takes the guesswork out of your workout routine.

Perhaps it’s your first time visiting a gym, or maybe it’s been so long since you’ve picked up weights that you can’t remember what to do and how to do it properly. You know how that saying goes: when you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Winging it at the gym may feel productive, and it’s certainly better than doing nothing, but for your relationship with fitness to really stick, it needs repetition and consistency. But first, you need to familiarize yourself with the exercises you’ll be doing and why you’ll be doing them — you need a plan! Personal training takes the guesswork out of your workouts with a formula for success. 

Common Fitness Barrier #2: Your Workout Routine Is Painful, Boring, or Both!

The right personal trainer will identify what your workouts need to deliver results.

If your current workouts feel like a slog:

Something needs to change fast before boredom makes you part ways with your gym and question your commitment to fitness. There are several ways to get to your goal without suffering through workouts that make you feel like a hamster on a wheel (hey, hour-long treadmill sessions, I’m talking about you). If you hate what it takes to see results, heading to the gym won’t stand a chance at competing with other, more pleasure-inducing priorities such as Netflix. 

Even worse, pain puts the brakes on activity and progress faster than boredom:

When something hurts, your body screams, “stop!” And often for a good reason. Past or impending injuries, including your general health, should always be assessed before starting a new activity. And, if something hurts, have it checked out by a practitioner before proceeding. One of the key roles a good personal trainer plays in your relationship with fitness is to help you avoid injury by ensuring proper form and addressing any muscle imbalances.

A good personal trainer will also help you know how hard to push and how long to rest, which helps you feel less sore between workouts. While pain means “stop,” muscle soreness is part and parcel of muscle growth, but the right balance of personal training and rest can make delayed onset muscle soreness less severe and more manageable.

Common Fitness Barrier #3: You Stopped Seeing Results

Let’s face it, relationships stick when needs are met, and if your current workout routine is making you feel stuck, it’s time for an intervention. Time, after all, is your most precious commodity, so it makes sense to want to get something out of all the time you invest in the gym and your workouts. 

A good personal trainer and exercise plan takes into account your level of fitness now and what needs to be done to achieve your attainable goals. Personal training is more than jotting down a series of exercises.

The right personal trainer is a skilled strategist that considers:

  • Your current fitness level and abilities
  • Your lifestyle and time constraints
  • Your rest and nutrition 
  • Habits and attitudes towards food and activity that sabotage progress
  • Whether your goals are realistically attainable for your physiology
  • What exercises are best suited to your abilities and goals
  • Exercise frequency, duration, and intensity needed to achieve your goals within the time you can allot to fitness
  • How often your exercise plan needs to change to warrant progressive results
  • How to do each exercise safely and effectively, with proper form that takes into account your body’s dynamics, past injuries, and range of motion – slight adjustments can make a world of difference

Ready to Fall in Love With Fitness Again?

It’s easy to put off making changes, but the sooner you do, the closer you’ll be to attaining your goals (and enjoying your workouts). Our Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf, is here to help. Imagine how great you’ll feel seeing results from a customized workout plan designed specifically for you and your goals. 

Take the next step:

Book a consultation with our personal trainer and kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf. Call our clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book your appointment online.

/by
, , , , , ,

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

/by