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Acupuncture Can Help!

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Contemporary Medical Acupuncture

What is Contemporary Medical Acupuncture?
Contemporary Medical Acupuncture, sometimes also known as Neurofunctional Acupuncture or Electroacupuncture, is “a precise peripheral nerve stimulation technique, in which fine solid needles (acupuncture needles) are inserted into neuro-reactive loci, and stimulated manually or with electricity for the therapeutic purpose of modulating abnormal activity of the nervous system.”

How does it work?
There are several mechanisms by which acupuncture works to help patients move better and feel better. Our body really prefers to be in homeostasis, the tendency toward a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained by physiological processes. When an intervention like acupuncture is brought into the mix, it helps to precipitate the process of maintaining that equilibrium. This commonly happens by either up regulating or down regulating specific cellular processes based on the body’s need to “return to normal”. For example, if a muscle is “tight” or has high neural tension, the acupuncture will aid in reducing that tension.

Is it safe?
In short, YES. Of course, as with all treatments, there are some risks involved. However, in Ontario, practitioners who utilize acupuncture are all regulated healthcare professionals with extensive training in anatomy. Part of the training includes comprehensive discussions on the safest way to needle and how to best avoid any adverse events. Your safety, comfort and health are our top priority!

Does it hurt?
Generally, NO. However, at times, a patient may feel a dull ache or a twitch in the muscle; this dull ache is actually a positive thing and means we are affecting our target in the muscle. If there is ever too much discomfort, it’s important to let your practitioner know and things can be adjusted, or needles can always be removed.

What types of conditions can be treated with Neurofunctional Electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture can be used to treat a wide variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Some of the more common conditions that respond well to acupuncture are:
Back pain
Neck pain
Headaches
Tennis elbow
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Shoulder, hip and knee pain
Many more!

 

Author: Dr. Allie Dennis


Resources:
Elorriaga Claraco A, Fargas-Babjak A. Contemporary Acupuncture for Health Professionals. Handouts Unit 1-5. Fall 2016.

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Partners in Healthcare

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As a rule, we at the Sports Specialist Rehab Centre recognize that there is no “i” in “team”.  A team is always stronger than the individual.  With respect to the healthcare of our patients, we apply the same rule.  

 

It is our perspective that no one medical professional is superior to the other.  Every healthcare provider, be it a physiotherapist, chiropodist, nurse, dentist, optometrist, family physician, chiropractor, etc. all possess a unique set of knowledge and skills.  Their individual knowledge and skill set are developed over a period of years of formal education as well as practical implementation.  However, there is a limit to what an individual can do.  That said, the great thing about the knowledge and skill set of an individual provider is that when it’s combined with those of complementary healthcare disciplines, it results in a formidable assemblage of expertise.  When this expertise is applied to a patient, the patient benefits from an overall healthcare perspective, rather than just a narrow scope from one healthcare discipline.  

 

Moreover, there can be limits to the scope of practice for an individual healthcare provider.  For example, a registered massage therapist could suspect a fracture but does not have the ability to order an x-ray.  Establishing and nurturing relationships between different healthcare disciplines allows for the circumvention of these limitations so that the patient does not unduly suffer as a result.

 

In summary, a team based approach allows for an efficient and robust approach to the treatment of a patient.  As a matter of practice, we at the Sports Specialist Rehab Centre make it a point to work together within the clinic and externally with other healthcare providers for the benefit of individual patients.



Author:  Dr. Paolo De Ciantis

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Keto Bombs!

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Check out this recipe from our registered massage therapist Lesley Andress for a healthy and  tasty keto treat!

 

-½ cup a nut butter (eg. cashew butter)

-¼ cup of ground cocoa

-¼ cup of melted coconut oil

-1 tbsp (or less) of erythritol or xylitol

-⅛ tsp of salt (optional)

-add hemp hearts, chia seed, ground coconut and pumpkin seeds (optional)

 

Pour the blend into mini cupcake paper cups on a flat tray and place in the freezer for 1 hour then enjoy!

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Hurt versus Harm

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One question I hear from many of our patients at The Sports Specialist Rehab Centre is “Should physical activity be painful?”.  Generally, the answer is “No”.  

 

Physical activity can be loosely defined as a voluntary activity performed by an individual for a specific purpose that leads to movement and force generated from the body.  This can include exercise, sports or rehab.  The forces generated during physical activity can place stress upon the muscle tissue, joints and supportive tissue.  As such, it is common and sometimes expected that during physical activity, there can be some discomfort (i.e. “hurt”).  For example, if I am playing tennis, I would expect some minimal discomfort in my wrist, elbow and possibly shoulder.  That said, this “hurt” does not necessarily translate to damage of body tissue.  However, if a physical activity is ever painful (i.e. “harm”) while being performed, generally, that is not a good sign.  This may indicate that you are damaging tissue as opposed to just engaging it.  As such, should a physical activity ever become painful, please stop the activity immediately!  The age old adage of “no pain, no gain” is not a fruitful one.  The pain generated while performing an activity could represent significant trauma to an area and could have long term and far reaching implications. 

 

Everyone’s definition of pain is completely subjective.  So you, the individual, become the best judge at deciding when an activity becomes harmful, and not just a bit hurtful.  If you should have any questions or questions regarding when an activity is hurtful versus. harmful, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our therapists who would be more than happy to explain!

 

Be active but be safe!

 

Dr. Paolo De Ciantis

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Comments Off on COVID-19 Policy

COVID-19 Policy

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To our valued patients, we have updated our COVID-19 policies and procedures in order to reflect the current change of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario and current government and regulatory college guidelines and recommendations.

We kindly ask that any patients who may be experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who may live with someone who is experiencing symptoms or is confirmed to have COVID-19 to inform our administration staff and to reschedule your upcoming appointment. 

Our staff will continue to self monitor for COVID-19 symptoms prior to attending our clinics for in person treatments.

Furthermore, as per current government and regulatory college recommendations, our treatment staff is no longer required to wear protective face masks for in person treatments. As such, should you prefer treatment from a staff member who will wear a protective mask during in person treatments, please inform our administration staff at booking or prior to attending your appointment.

For those experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please contact the following:

Public Health Ontario: 1-877-604-4567

Telehealth Ontario:  1-866-797-0000

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Do I Have a Slipped Disc?

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In short, the answer is NO – our discs don’t ‘slip’.

I often get this type of question from patients with back pain and neck pain so I wanted to take some time and explain what our intervertebral discs are, whether or not they ‘slip’ and why they may sometimes contribute to pain in our back or legs.

⦁ What is an intervertebral disc?

Our spine is made up of 33 vertebrae and the majority of them are separated by intervertebral discs. These discs are made up of two components – the outer annulus fibrosis which is composed of strong connective tissue and the inner nucleus pulposis which is a softer, gel-like material. The disc allows for increased motion in our spine and helps connect each segment together.

⦁ Do discs slip?

Nope! The connective tissue attaching those discs to our vertebrae is very strong and much too stable to cause any slippage. Some things that might occur to the discs over time includes dessication (aka dehydration), bulging, herniations, and other forms of degeneration. These are all very common and the majority of adults will have findings of these things in their spine, regardless of whether or not they are experiencing pain. In fact, it has been studied quite often that degenerative findings in the intervertebral discs have little to no correlation with pain.

⦁ Can discs cause pain?

Sometimes. The most likely reason a disc will cause pain is a disc herniation. Over time, with repetitive stresses on our back the outer annulus fibrosis can begin to tear. If it tears enough, some of the inner, gel-like nucleus pulposis can herniate out of the disc and can irritate the nerve root sitting nearby. The pain can be a result of mechanical compression or chemical irritation to the nerve, or both. This can lead to symptoms along the entire course of the nerve. For example, disc herniations in your lumbar spine, or low back, may cause symptoms down your legs.


So what does this mean for the patient with back and/or leg pain?

Majority of cases of back and leg pain due to disc herniations are self-limiting and will get better on their own. Conservative care (e.g. chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy) can often help you get there faster. There are very few cases where disc herniations can lead to a medical emergency – if you are unable to urinate and/or unable to control your bowel movements, go to the emergency room. Additionally, if you have rapidly worsening neurological symptoms (e.g. weakness, loss of sensation), this also needs to be checked out urgently and more invasive approaches to care may be necessary.

Dr. Allie Dennis

**This is not intended to be a replacement for medical advice. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please see your healthcare provider for appropriate management**

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Sports Rehab TO joins forces with Inspira Athletica

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We have recently be privileged to meet Chas and Anne owners and operators of Inspira Athletica!

We were impressed and humbled by the care and dedication Chas , Anne and and the  team demonstrate to all clients at Inspira! The  team have a rare and unique ability to listen to clients and develop personalized, goal orientated programs that are for the unique client that you are.   It is truly inspiring to see such a caring and knowlegable group of personal trainers and therapists dedicated to the health and well being of others!
Should you require personal training services, please visit and/or contact Inspira Atheltica located at 3291-3293 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M4N 2L8,
Call 647-238-3094 (Chas) or 416-201-1348 (Anne)

Email : Chas@inspiraathletica.com
Website:  inspiraathletica.com
Instagram:   @inspiraathletica

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Walk Your Way Into the New Year!

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It’s a brand new year and for many of us this means setting new goals and personal resolutions. Focusing on improving our health and fitness is a common goal. For those looking to lose some weight this new year, to jump into an exercise program or just a desire to get active, walking is a simple and easy place to start. The knowledgeable staff at Sports Specialist Rehab Centre want to inform you why walking can make a real difference in your life this year!

Why Walk:

  1. It’s free.
  2. There’s no equipment necessary.
  3. You can start anytime.

Health Benefits of Walking:

  1. Can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and cancer.
  2. Can reduce blood pressure and cholesterol.
  3. Can improve your mood and mental sharpness.

Social Benefits of Walking:

  1. It’s a way to connect with your local community, making it stronger: More people in the streets means neighborhood crime rates go down and can improve the local economy.
  2. Meeting new people and connecting with neighbors not usually seen when at home.
  3. Improving family bonds: Walking can promote better communication within a family as a whole and with respect to children, walking can help reduce behavioral problems and improve academic performance.

How to Start:

  1. Make sure you discuss walking with a medical professional first in order to confirm that it’s the right activity for you.
  2. Begin with modest goals. For example, try a 5-10 minute walk for a week or two, then, in the absence of any pain or problems, add 5-10 minutes a week.
  3. When starting a walking program, we recommend that you avoid up hills and down hills at first and unpaved/uneven terrain until you build a routine. This will minimize the risk of injury.
  4. Dress according to weather conditions and avoid walking outside in rainy or icy weather.
  5. Most importantly, have fun!
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Recognizing Heat Illnesses in Children

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The hottest months of the year, July & August, are finally here upon us! While the kids are having fun in the sun, keep a keen eye out for the signs and symptoms of an oncoming heat illness – heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Click here to check out Canadian Family for an article Drs. Marco & Paolo penned on how to recognize and treat them!

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