Knee Injuries

Knee InjuriesThe knee is a complex joint with many components, making it vulnerable to a variety of injuries.

The knee is made up of the lower end of the thighbone (femur),  which rotates on the upper end of the shinbone (tibia), and the knee cap (patella), which slides in a groove on the end of the femur.

The knee also contains large ligaments, which help control motion by connecting bones and by bracing the joint against abnormal types of motion.  The meniscus, is another component of the knee and is a wedge of soft cartilage between the femur and tibia that serves to cushion the knee  during motion.

Types of Knee Injuries:

ACL injury – Changing direction rapidly, slowing down when running, and landing from a jump may cause tears in the ACL.

MCL injury  – Usually caused by a direct blow to the outside of the knee. These types of injuries often occur during contact sports.

PCL injury  – Often injured when a person receives a blow to the front of the knee

Torn cartilage/mensicus  –  The mensicus is cartilage that is attached to the knee’s ligaments and acts like a shock absorber. Tears in the meniscus can occur when twisting, pivoting,  or decelerating.

Treatment of Knee Injuries:

A common method used to treat mild injuries is R.I.C.E., which stands for “rest, ice, compression, and elevation.” Rest the knee by staying off it .  Apply ice to control swelling. Use a compressive bandage applied snugly, but loosely enough so that it does not cause pain. Finally, keep the knee elevated.

Seek treatment as soon as possible if:

  • there is almost immediate swelling in the knee
  • the bones appear deformed
  • there is inability to bear weight
  • the pain is intolerable
  • there is loss of sensation below the injury site
  • the foot and ankle turn cold

At Diversified Health, our health care practitioners have many treatment options, such as Laser Therapy, Ultrasound, eToims, and Shockwave therapy for knee injuries.  A Rehab program will also be created specifically for you and will include strengthening exercises, joint mobilizations, myofascial work which will include the muscles surrounding the knee.

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Manage chronic pain in Victoria with eToims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Types of conditions considered for treatment:

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

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

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Victoria Clinic first in BC to use eToims | Needless IMS

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

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

Learn more about managing chronic nerve pain.

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

 How do nerves and muscles work?

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

How does eToims help?

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

What happens during a treatment session?

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

How many treatments will I require?

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

What should I expect post treatment?

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

 Conditions considered for treatment

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

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

/0 Comments/by
, ,

Living Without Chronic Pain

Living Without Chronic PainYour quality of life can be a constant struggle if you are dealing with chronic pain which can lasts for weeks, months, even years. Combining lifestyle changes with treatment will help manage your pain, and in many cases eliminate the pain all together.

Lifestyle Tips:

Deep breathing and meditation are techniques that help your body relax, which eases pain.

Listening to soothing music can lift your mood, reduce stress and make living with chronic pain more bearable.

Exercise will increase your endorphins, and these “brain chemicals” will help to improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain reducing effect — it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain.

Pain makes sleep difficult, however, alcohol or prolong use of sleep aids can make sleep problems worse.  Try a warm bath or shower before bed.

Find a friend, family member or support group that understands what you’re going through; you’ll feel less alone.

Keep a journal of your daily “pain score” use a pain scale from 1 to 10. This will help you track your pain and will be very useful when consulting a practitioner.

Treatment Options:

Massage is a therapeutic method that involves muscle manipulation and pressure to promote deep tissue and muscle relaxation, improved blood flow, and the release of stress and tension.  Massage for chronic pain works by releasing trigger points, restoring normal movement and removing harmful toxins from the body.

Acupuncture is a therapeutic method that involves the whole body. Pain is a feeling triggered in the nervous system, and alerts us to injuries and illnesses that need attention.  Acupuncture can help reduce your pain and will release body toxins, stress and tension.

eToims is aimed at alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by muscle and nerve injury. It involves the use of an electric current to produce a twitch in the muscle that is strong enough to stimulate the deep fibers of a muscle.

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

Chronic pain is a vicious cycle that creates painful trigger points, and shortened muscles that lead to more pain.  Please speak with one of our health care practitioners to discuss what type of therapies will work for you.

/0 Comments/by
,

Physiotherapy technology treatment options: an overview

Innovations in technology are giving health practitioners a new set of tools to treat musculoskeletal ailments. New equipment has enabled chiropractors, physiotherapists and other healthcare practitioners to offer healing and cessation of pain without the use of pharmaceuticals or surgery.

More Treatment Options with Modern Technology | physiotherapy victoria bc

Diversified Health Clinic

Spinal Decompression

At Diversified Health the state-of-the-art equipment & diagnostic tools can be used for evaluating range of motion, muscle balance, nerves or posture of your body, neck, arms or legs.  Chronic or acute back pain in the neck and lower back area can now be specifically targeted with a Spinal Decompression Table. This computerized table is set to manipulate only the area that has the problem. A series of traction and relaxation movements allows the disc to move back into its original place, taking pressure off the nerve and relieving pain.

Shockwave therapy

Accidents and sports injuries to soft tissue can now be treated with ultrasound , advanced laser and Shockwave therapy. These treatments penetrate into the deep tissue and ligaments, stimulating healing and cell regeneration.

Laser Therapy

Class IV Laser Therapy or “photobiomodulation”, is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects.  These effects include improving healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Conditions treated include musculoskeletal injuries, chronic and degenerative conditions and wounds.

TENS Therapy

TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) – electrical current applied through two electrodes. This stimulation is usually very comfortable to the patient and provides immediate reduction of pain and muscle relaxation.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a sound wave that human year cannot hear. It is mechanical energy used to break down scar tissue, increase metabolism and decrease pain.

eToims

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

Spinal Decompression

Spinal Decompression is the therapeutic elongation of the spine in a slow, gentle manner in order to relieve pressure on compressed vertebrae and discs. This treatment is appropriate for those individuals who have low back pain that is caused by herniated discs or degenerated discs. To achieve the best results, spinal decompression is always combined with other types of physiotherapy such as active exercises and manual therapy.

The best technology

Modern technology and equipment used by Diversified Health is giving people more treatment options and empowering them to take control of their own well-being, while improving the quality of individual patient care.

/0 Comments/by

Easing the Pain of Osteoarthritis

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

Acupuncture, physical therapy or massage can help with osteoarthritis.

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

What is osteoarthritis?

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

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

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

Who is at risk of getting osteoarthritis?

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

How can I manage OA?

Physical Activity

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

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

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

Weight management

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

Other treatments

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

Does a balanced diet help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Are there medicines that can help?

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

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

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

Are there supplements that can help?

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

Bottom line

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

This article was written by Dietitians of Canada.

/0 Comments/by
, , ,

Diversified Health Explains Sprains & Strains

Diversified Health Explains Sprains & StrainsDiversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain; which is one of the most frequently asked question regarding an injury.

Sprains:

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, the fibrous tissue that connects bones to other bone. Ligament injuries involve a stretching or a tearing of this tissue.

A sprain typically occurs when people fall and land on an outstretched arm,  land on the side of their foot, or twist a knee with the foot planted firmly on the ground. This results in an overstretch or tear of the ligament(s) supporting that joint.

The usual signs and symptoms of a muscle sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and the loss of the ability to move and use the joint.

Strains:

A strain is an injury to either a muscle or a tendon which are the tissues that connects muscles to bones. Depending on the severity of the injury, a strain may be a simple overstretch of the muscle or it can result in a partial or complete tear.

A strain is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. Strains can be acute or chronic. An acute strain is caused by trauma or an injury such as a blow to the body; it can also be caused by improperly lifting heavy objects which over stresses the muscles. Chronic strains are usually the result of prolonged overuse or repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons.

The usual signs and symptoms of a strain include pain, muscle spasm and muscle weakness. There can also be localized swelling, cramping, inflammation and some loss of muscle function.

Now that Diversified Health Clinic explains the difference between a sprain and a strain, remember to treat the injury as soon as possible with Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation for the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury.

/1 Comment/by
, ,

Diabetes – The Silent Killer

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

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

Risk factors for diabetes:

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

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

Symptoms for diabetes:

Signs and symptoms of diabetes can include the following:

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

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

How is diabetes treated?

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

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

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

/1 Comment/by
, ,

Are you living with chronic pain? eToims can help

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

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

What is eToims and how does it work?

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

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

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

What happens during a treatment session?

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

eToims will treat the following conditions

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

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

/1 Comment/by

4 Steps to Developing Health Habits

4 Steps to Developing Health HabitsWritten By Douglas Robb
This study found that individuals who focused on behavior-changing strategies were much more successful than those people forced to endure their doctor’s cognitive approach to behavior change.

Instead of attempting to change their knowledge, beliefs and attitudes surrounding exercise and healthy eating, study participants were successful at increasing their physical activity levels by implementing 4 simple strategies:

Goal Setting

Setting SMART fitness goals involves 5 steps:

S – A specific fitness goal could be a walk each morning before breakfast.

M – For a goal to be measurable, you should define how far you are going to walk and how often you will perform the workout

A – To be achievable, you should start off with a task that you can achieve, knowing that the distance / intensity will increase as for fitness improves.

R – To be relevant, your goal should be in tune with your overall fitness goal – weight loss, improved blood pressure, etc.

T – To avoid ‘accidentally’ missing a workout, you should arrange a specific exercise appointment in your daily calendar.

Stimulus or Cues

Establish physical reminders to encourage yourself to exercise – Pack your gym bag and leave it by the front door every night, leave yourself notes encouraging yourself to work out, schedule your workout into your electronic schedule with an alarm, ask friends or family to call and remind you…really any reminder will help.

Self Monitoring

Keep a workout and/or food log book. It’s tough at first, but it pays off in the end.

Feedback

Reward yourself with a non-food based treat when you succeed. The rewards should become larger / more important to match the degree of fitness success.

Successfully completing today’s workout deserves a small treat, but not missing a workout for 3 months deserves a really big pat on the back.

Doug Robb is a personal trainer, a fitness blogger and author, a competitive athlete, and a student of nutrition and exercise science. Doug has expanded his impact by bringing his real-world experience online via his health & fitness blog, Health Habits. 

/0 Comments/by