Kids | Sports Specialist Rehab Centre

Sep 07 0

Backpack Safety 101

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Backpack Safety 101

Carrying a heavy load that is unevenly or improperly distributed can result in poor posture and even distort your spinal column. This impact can throw your spine out of alignment, causing muscle strain, headaches, back, neck, arm pain, and even nerve damage. Prevention is key – teach your child how to properly use their backpacks and help them avoid an injury!

Choose the right backpack:

Go for lightweight vinyl or canvas material. Pick a pack that has two wide, adjustable, padded shoulder straps along with a padded back. The pack should also have a hip or waist strap with plenty of pockets.

Pack it properly:

Make sure your child’s pack contains only what they need for that day and that the weight is evenly distributed. The total weight of the filled pack should not be more than 10-15%t of your child’s body weight.

Put it on safely:

Put the pack on a flat surface, at waist height. Have your child slip on the pack one shoulder at a time and then adjust the straps to fit comfortably.

Wear it right:

Make sure your child uses both shoulder straps and ensure the pack is adjusted to fit snugly to their body, without dangling to the side. You should be able to slide your hand between the backpack and your child’s back.

More than 50% of young people experience at least one episode of low back pain by their teenage years. Research indicates one cause is improper use of backpacks. So, pack it light and wear it right!

If your child is experiencing back pain, consult a Chiropractor or other healthcare professional. They will help assess your child’s specific needs and identify a care plan that’s right for them.

Author: Dr. Marco De Ciantis, D.C

Apr 07 0

Newborn Back Pain!

Posted by ssrcadmin

You were up all night, your baby is crying and the telephone is ringing! For many

parents, this is a daily scenario. Parents are also continually faced with strenuous physical

demands, such as lifting, feeding, comforting and chasing after children.

As a new parent, you may be lifting a seven to ten-pound baby 50 times a day. By 12 months,

your baby weighs approximately 17 pounds, and at two years, that child has grown to a 25 to 30-pound toddler. Repeatedly lifting your child may put you at risk for back problems.

What’s a parent to do? Here are some simple tips that can help you avoid some

common aches and pains:

Lifting

Stand with your feet at least a shoulder-width apart. Keep your back in a neutral position and bend your knees. Lift using both arms and bring your baby as close to your chest as possible.

Carrying

Hold your child in an upright position, directly against your chest. Avoid carrying your child on one hip, this creates postural imbalances that can lead to low back pain over time. When carrying your little one, pivot with your feet instead of twisting your back. This ensures that you’re turning with your hips which will reduce your risk of developing back pain. Lower your child into the crib or onto the floor by bending at your knees, with a neutral back.

Feeding

Always sit in a chair with a back support. Avoid leaning forward to reach your newborn’s mouth.

Instead, use pillows or blankets to support and position your baby closer to you.

Exercise

Exercise can help increase muscle support for your aching back. While your baby is enjoying tummy time, join them on the floor and do some exercises to help strengthen your core.

Author: Dr. Marco De Ciantis, D.C.

Nov 24 0

Sprain vs. Strain!

Posted by ssrcadmin

Is it a sprain or a strain? What’s the difference?!

I am confident that most of us have been told at one time or another that we have experienced a “sprain” or “strain”. However, what do these terms really mean?

Quite simply, a “sprain” refers to injury of a ligament (i.e. dense fibrous connective tissue that connects one bone to another bone) while “strain” refers to injury of a tendon (i.e. dense fibrous connective tissue that connects a muscle to a bone). Medically, injury to a ligament (“sprain”) or a tendon (“strain”) is classified on a scale of 1 to 3. Grade 1 or “first degree” refers to minor injury of the ligament or tendon. Generally, there is little to no actual tissue compromise and, as a result, little bruising, bleeding or swelling but some pain. Grade 2 or “second degree” sprains or strains result in tearing of the ligament and/or tendon. As you can imagine, there is generally more pain and some moderate swelling and bruising. Finally, Grade 3 or a “third degree” injury refers to a complete tear of the ligament and/or tendon. This generally results in the most pain as well as significant swelling and bruising. Depending on the area affected, there may also be mechanical compromise of the joint or limb.

Your Chiropractor and Physiotherapist are trained to assess for the presence and degree of ligament and tendinous injury. They can also determine if the severity of your injury may warrant a referral to a medical specialist. If you think you have a “sprain” or “strain”, don’t hesitate to contact our office to book your next appointment and have one of our therapists assist you today!

Author: Dr. Paolo De Ciantis, B.Sc.(Hons.), M.Sc., D.C.

Aug 25 0

Backpack Safety!

Posted by ssrcadmin

Everything regarding back to school is so confusing and up in the air right now. I don’t have young children so I can only imagine how all of the parents are feeling lost right now! However, if your child ends up heading back to the classroom in person, one thing you CAN control is how they pack and wear their backpack to help prevent back pain.

If a backpack is too heavy or worn improperly, there is a risk of back pain, neck pain, arm pain and headaches in your child.

The Ontario Chiropractic Association has some excellent tips on how to reduce these risks:

Picking a bag:
Choose a lightweight material like canvas or vinyl instead of a heavier material like leather.
Ensure there are wide, adjustable straps that can rest comfortably over the shoulders.
Even better if there is also a hip or waist strap to help spread the load out on your child’s body
Padding on the back can help with comfort
Lots of pockets to help distribute the weight around.
Ensure the bag is proportionate in size to your child and fits snugly around the shoulders.

Packing the bag:
THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF THE BAG SHOULD BE NO MORE THAN 10-15% OF YOUR CHILD’S WEIGHT
Make sure they only have what they need for the day, nothing extra
Pack the heaviest items close to the body and odd-shaped items further away
Try packing things among the different pockets to distribute the weight out

Putting on the bag:
Put the bag on a flat surface at waist height instead of lifting from the floor
Slip on the bag one arm at a time and then tighten the straps
Try to remind your child to lift using their arms and legs, not their back

Wearing the bag:
Ensure both shoulder straps are used and adjusted for a snug fit
You should be able to slide one hand between the bag and your child’s back.
Using the waist strap can help to evenly distribute the weight even further and add extra stability.

Is your child complaining of pain? One of our excellent practitioners at Sports Specialist Rehab Centre would be happy to help them get out of pain and return to their favourite activities! Get in touch if you have any questions!

Author:
Dr. Allie Dennis, BSc Kin (Hons), DC
Chiropractor | Acupuncture Provider | Functional Range Conditioning

Reference:
Pack it light. Wear it right. Ontario Chiropractic Association. https://chiropractic.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/Pack-it-Light-Wear-it-Right-Children-One-Pager-Aug16-1.pdf

Mar 27 0

Virtual Appointments now available!

Posted by ssrcadmin

We would like to announce that as of today, patients can book virtual appointments online with their Chiropractor, Fascial Stretch Therapist and Physiotherapist! Virtual appointments with your therapist can be used to guide home self-care management of pain, lifestyle recommendations, anxiety relief and rehabilitation activities. The virtual appointment option is particularly useful for certain members of the population who are at greater risk to COVID-19. Keep yourself motivated and on track while at home by booking your virtual appointment today.

Mar 21 0

COVID-19 Update Contacts and Stress Management

Posted by ssrcadmin

Here at Sports Specialist Rehab Centre, we are not only committed to your physical health but also your mental and social well-being. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic represents a new territory that we are all navigating together and as such, the SSRC team will be keeping you up-to-speed with the latest developments in disease prevention, treatment options and self-management care. Thus, below you will find techniques to cope with stress produced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For those with suspected COVID-19 symptoms or those with related concerns, please use the online assessment tool found at Ontario’s COVID-19 info page or contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000.

Please visit Ontario’s COVID-19 info page for the latest information regarding the pandemic: https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

Mar 21 0

At Home Therapeutic Exercises: Just Start Walking!

Posted by ssrcadmin

Walking – it’s the simplest thing you can do to get a workout in.

Even 15 minutes a day can start you on the path to an activity habit, keep in mind that movement is improvement! Walking is the easiest choice when the weather is agreeable but don’t let a little rain or light snow keep you indoors.

When to Walk

It’s easier to get into the habit of exercising if you choose a specific time daily. If you are a morning person, the best time for you to exercise might be before you go to work or after the kids are off to school.

Not a morning person? A walk during your lunch break will work up an appetite and aid digestion.

Alternatively, if the evening is the best time for you, schedule your walk after dinner and when evening chores are done.

The important thing is to decide on the best time for you and try not to allow other events to get in the way.

Here are some tips to get the most from walking:

1. Dress properly

In mild weather, wear several light layers so that you can remove a layer as your body warms up from the activity.

If it’s a chilly day, bring gloves and a hat. You want to be comfortable and enjoy your walk.

2. Wear supportive shoes

Thin-soled, untied or loose-fitting shoes may result in a twisted ankle or sore arches – not the benefit you are looking for!

Wear footwear that is appropriate for the weather. Your walk will not be enjoyable with cold or wet feet.

3. Bring a bottle of water

It’s surprising how quickly you may become thirsty, even during a short walk.

4. Walk at a comfortable, brisk pace

The quicker the walk, the greater the benefits.

A companion is a good idea. Ask your partner, a friend or one of your children to come along with you.

5. Keep moving

Get your arms moving while you walk. Swing them gently front to back. As an added bonus, it will limber up your shoulder joints and muscles.

View your walk as an enjoyable break during the day – a time when there are no chores to do or deadlines to meet. Breathe deeply. Look up at the sky, the trees and the rooftops. Smile. Life gets better when you fit in a walk!

If you’re experiencing pain, consult a health care professional to assess your specific needs and identify a course of action that’s right for you. Canadian chiropractors are committed to helping Canadian’s get more physically active. A chiropractor can evaluate your strength and flexibility, and screen for anything that may limit your physical activities. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation!

Jun 22 Comments Off

Join Marco at APHA Expo!

Posted by ssrcadmin

Dear Colleagues,

Join me at the American Public Health Association’s 2019 Annual Meeting & Expo where the scientific research I co-authored will be presented. The APHA Annual Meeting is the premier public health event taking place Nov. 2-6 in Philadelphia, PA. With more than 1,000 cutting edge scientific sessions, 600 booths of information and state-of-the-art public health products and services, this is an extremely important meeting in the public health field.

My submission, titled “Application and effectiveness of educational programming in musculoskeletal evaluation and management led by chiropractors in a rural Ugandan population” is scheduled to be presented at session , “Public health & chiropractic “, at . View the session online for more details.

For general information about APHA2019 or to find out about other sessions and presentations visit the Annual Meeting home page.

I hope you can attend my presentation and join the public health community and APHA in exploring the latest public health practices and challenges.

Sincerely,

Marco De Ciantis

Feb 10 0

Stretch & Skate – Stretches for Hockey Players

Posted by ssrcadmin

Hockey! A great way to get fit and have fun.

STARTING OUT:

Invest in equipment, sticks and skates that suit your height and size.
Be ‘head smart’ – wear your helmet with the cage, shield or visor properly secured.
Sharpen your skates regularly for better performance.
Repair or replace damaged or broken equipment.

If you are new to the game, get checked by a health professional such as a chiropractor to make sure it’s an appropriate fitness activity for you. If you are a regular player, routine chiropractic check-ups can help optimize your muscle and joint function and deal with stiffness and soreness before they sideline you.

REMEMBER:

Never stretch a cold muscle. Always warm-up before pre-game stretches.
Don’t overstretch – be comfortable.
Don’t bounce when stretching.
If you experience pain that lasts longer than your usual post-game soreness, ice the area and consult a chiropractor.

#1 HAMSTRING STRETCH

Lay on your back and bend one knee towards the ceiling. Hold the back
of the thigh with both hands and straighten the knee as much as you can by raising your foot towards the ceiling. Hold the stretch for one second, then bend the knee and straighten again. Repeat 20 times on each leg.

#2 GROIN STRETCH

Stand with your feet slightly wider apart than your shoulders. Bend your knees. Shift your weight to the right leg. Reach down and across your body with your left hand to touch your right foot. Point your right hand up to the ceiling. Keep your back parallel to the ground. Shift your weight to the left leg. Repeat 10 times on each side.

#3 HIP FLEXOR STRETCH

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Step forward with your right foot into a lunge position. Your right knee should be directly over the toes of your right foot. Keep your left leg and your back straight. Extend your arms straight in front of you and bring your palms together. Turn your upper torso to the right keeping pelvis and hips stationary. Hold for one second and repeat 10 times on each side.

#4 QUAD STRETCH

Stand with your back to a wall or the rink boards. Kneel onto your right knee (use a pad for cushioning) with your right foot flat against a wall. Your left knee should be bent in front of you at a 90 degree angle for support. Place your hand on your left knee for balance and lean back slightly to stretch your right quad muscle. Hold the stretch for ten seconds. Switch legs and do three stretches on each side.

#5 GLUTE STRETCH

Sit on the ground with one leg slightly bent behind you and one leg slightly bent in front of you. Lower your chest toward your knee keeping your back straight and holding your chin up. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Switch legs and repeat three times on each side.

#6 HIP STRETCH

Lay on your back with your knees bent and feet flat apart on the floor slightly more than shoulder width apart. Lower your right knee to the floor and place your left ankle on top of it pushing the knee towards the ground. Keep your hips on the floor. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds. Switch sides.

Source: This post is originally written by the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

Nov 09 0

Comfortable Trick or Treat-ing for Kids!

Posted by ssrcadmin

With October 31st right around the corner, we’ll bet your kids already have an idea of who they want to dress up as for Halloween, if they don’t have their costume already! The team at Sports Specialist Rehab Centre thought to share our top three tips for a safe trick-or-treating, avoiding the potential for injury on the big night: