Chiropractors Attack $8 Billion Annual Cost of Injury Treatment

Chiropractors are physicians who have studied for 7-8 years, earning the title of Doctor of Chiropractic.  They use their superior manual approach to provide non-invasive, hands-on techniques to diagnose, treat, and prevent disorders related to the spine, pelvis, nervous system, joints and muscles. 

 

Dr. Paul Davison, a Chiropractor at We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres, says that “by specializing in spinal and joint manipulation, Chiropractors play an important role in the Canadian health care system by getting patients back on their feet quickly and cost effectively”. Studies indicate earlier return to work, reduced costs and high patient satisfaction with chiropractic treatment for spinal and other musculoskeletal disorders. This directly attacks the $8 billion a year cost of back pain and related disorders (Canadian chiropractic association, 2006).

 

Chiropractic care can benefit a wide range of people, from infants, to the elderly, athletes to chess players. Chiropractic care may also be used to gain symptomatic relief for patients who suffer with chronic conditions.  There are many reasons to seek chiropractic care:

·        Back pain

·        Neck pain

·        Headache

·        Whiplash

·        Strains and sprains

·        Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

·        Work and sports injuries

·        Arthritis

·        Limited range of motion in the back, shoulder, neck or limbs

·        General health and well-being

When seeing a Chiropractor, the goals of treatment are to return the patient back to their daily lives with pain-free activity. Once the practitioner and patient feel sufficient progress is being made, a gradual reduction of treatments occurs and the patient is then placed on maintenance care. Maintenance care is the prevention of future injury.  “You don’t wait until the engine seizes up before you change the engine oil right? No, you change the oil every 5,000km’s to prevent that from happening. Well, you need to help keep your body “tuned up” so injury is less likely to occur”, says Dr. Davison.

Chiropractic is a regulated health profession, recognized by statute in all Canadian provinces. Almost 2 million patients in Ontario rely on Chiropractic care every year to help them live healthy, active lives.  Although Chiropractic care is not covered by O.H.I.P, it is generally covered under extended health benefits.  You do not require a family doctor’s referral to see a Chiropractor.

About Dr. Paul Davison, Hons B.Kin, DC, ART (Chiropractor / ART provider):

 Dr. Davison was born and raised in Cobourg. He graduated from Brock University with honours in Kinesiology and then went on to graduate with distinction from the New York Chiropractic College.  His area of special interest is in treating athletic injuries.  He is a competitive athlete himself, and helping his fellow competitors recover from their injuries is his passion.  Dr. Davison volunteers his time as a trainer with the Cobourg Cougars Jr. A hockey team.  Dr. Davison is now accepting new patients at both the Cobourg and Port Hope offices of We-Fix-U. 

About We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres: 

We-Fix-U understands that pains and disability impact your life and you don't always have enough time to take care of yourself.  That is why We-Fix-U's goal is to get you better, faster, and keep you going, longer.

Employing a large team of experts:  Physiotherapists, Chiropodists, Massage Therapists and Chiropractors, We-Fix-U has the ability to give you the best and most comprehensive approach to getting you better.

We-Fix-U co-founders David Evans (Physiotherapist) and Cristol Smyth (Chiropodist), employ a standard at each clinic, appropriately called "The Dave and Cristol Standard".  Through this standard, We-Fix-U takes a three-pronged approach to treating your ailments:  The first is to resolve your symptoms so you can start to feel better, faster.  The second is to discover the root of the problem so we can prevent it, and new ones from returning. The third is to make your treatment fun, friendly and effective.  Visit www.we-fix-u.com

 

David Beckham and now Ryan Howard: Achilles Tendon Injury

David Beckham, and now Philies’ slugger Ryan Howard, are among many professional athletes who have suffered through an Achilles tendon injury. More specifically, they tore their Achilles tendon.   While an Achilles’ tendon tear can be seen in all levels of competitive athletes, they are commonly linked with male recreational athletes; especially the weekend-warrior type, who may be somewhat de-conditioned.

 

Recognition and treatment of an Achilles tendon injury is very important, as neglected or unrecognized ruptures can cause many future problems with both daily activities and sports competition.

 

Where is the Achilles tendon, and what does it do?

 

The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone.  The tendon is large and strong and must be able to resist and transmit large forces produced by the powerful calf muscles to move the foot.  The tendon is responsible for pushing the foot down, and is therefore necessary to perform in all sports, especially those in which jumping is necessary.

 

What is an Achilles tendon rupture (tear)?

 

 A tear at any point in the tendon, but generally it is seen slightly above where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. 

 

What causes injury to the Achilles tendon?

 

High impact activities that put repeated strain on the tendon.  Common activities that stress the tendon are running, prolonged walking, high–impact sports such as soccer, volley-ball and basket-ball, and even standing for prolonged periods of time.  Really, any activity which creates significant force placed on the leg with the knee extended and foot pulled up. This usually happens when awkwardly landing from a jump, and stresses the tendon when it is stretched to its maximum ability.

 

 A person is often at a higher-risk of injury if they have over-pronation, seen most commonly in those with flat feet.  The arch collapses during impact activities, causing the foot to roll inward, and puts stress on the Achilles tendon.

 

Other risk factors which initially create a weakening of the tendon, include cortisone injections in or around the Achilles tendon (which can weaken the tendon), pre-existing Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) which causes weakening of the tendon over time, certain medications, diabetes.

 

What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear?

 

A sudden sharp pain as if someone has whacked you in the back of the leg with something. This will often be accompanied by a loud “snap” or “popping” sound.  You will feel weakness in your leg and will be unable to walk properly or stand on tip toe. You will be unable to walk properly and unable to stand on tip toe. There may be a gap felt in the tendon. There will be a lot of swelling.

 

How is an Achilles tendon tear treated? 

There are two types of treatment options:  Surgical and non-surgical.  Prompt treatment is necessary as a torn Achilles tendon does not heal on its own. 

Non-surgical treatment typically involves placing the foot in a cast or rigid boot to hold the foot in a down-pointed position, to get the torn tendon edges as close as possible. Weight bearing is not permitted in the beginning, but is gradually encouraged after healing ensues at 4 to 6 weeks. Physiotherapy is always necessary, to strengthen the muscles of the leg and calf, and is initiated when significant healing has occurred.  Physiotherapy is also needed to build increased balance and proprioception.

The non-surgical form of treatment However, this form of treatment may result in incomplete or no healing; creating a high risk of re-injury; and it can take a year or more to return to athletic activity.

Surgical treatment involves surgically re-attaching the Achilles tendon, followed by the non-surgical treatment protocol as above. 

At our clinics, we use a multidisciplinary approach to treating Achilles tendon injuries, because we want our patients to get better quickly and we want to make sure that we address all areas of concern, to prevent re-injury.  While undergoing physiotherapy, our patients may also be treated by a massage therapist and/or chiropractor; and a chiropodist to address any mechanical foot problems which place increased strain on the tendon.

If you have noticed some discomfort in your Achilles tendon or the back of your heel, chances are you have strained the tendon and have Achilles tendonitis.  Click here:  http://www.we-fix-u.com/footCare/achilles.htm, to avoid further injury.

 

 

About We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres: 

We-Fix-U understands that pains and disability impact your life and you don't always have enough time to take care of yourself.  That is why We-Fix-U's goal is to get you better, faster, and keep you going, longer.

Employing a large team of experts:  Physiotherapists, Chiropodists, Massage Therapists and Chiropractors, We-Fix-U has the ability to give you the best and most comprehensive approach to getting you better.

We-Fix-U co-founders David Evans (Physiotherapist) and Cristol Smyth (Chiropodist), employ a standard at each clinic, approrpiately called "The Dave and Cristol Standard".  Through this standard, We-Fix-U takes a three-pronged approach to treating your ailments:  The first is to resolve your symptoms so you can start to feel better, faster.  The second is to discover the root of the problem so we can prevent it, and new ones from returning. a three-pronged approach to treating ailments: The first is to resolve symptoms, and the second is to discover the root of the problem, to prevent your problem (and new ones), from returning.   The third is to make your treatment fun, friendly and effective.  Visit www.we-fix-u.com

Are Your Feet Getting Old?

Experiencing the Agony of De “Feet”?  You are not alone.  Foot problems are especially common in seniors for a variety of reasons.  Feet lose cushioning as they age, and the skin and nails can grow dry and brittle, and nails often become difficult to trim. Many seniors have poor circulation, and this can slow the healing of foot sores.

There are many different problems seniors commonly face.  Keep in mind that most of these problems can be prevented and treated.   Here are a few of the most common problems:

Dry Skin:  Apply a thick cream to your feet TWICE daily.  Avoid putting cream between your toes.

Athlete’s Foot:  Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection which can infect you anywhere on your feet:  soles, between the toes and the toe nails are the most common areas.  Feet are the best place for this fungus to cause problems.  The fungus loves a warm, moist and dark environment.  Common signs and symptoms are redness, peeling, itching (sometimes), and tiny blisters.  If you suspect that you may have athlete’s foot, please seek professional help.  To prevent this infection, keep your feet dry and clean and avoid walking barefoot in public areas.

Hammer Toes and Claw Toes:  Arthritis, heredity and a muscle imbalance in the foot or other foot dysfunction can cause hammer toes and claw toes.  Though they are not always painful, they can be.  Generally, the most common reason for pain is the development of a corn or callus on top or at the bottom of the toes.  This is generally due to shoes fitting too shallow in the toe area.  Always make sure to wear shoes with a deep toe box to avoid the pressure on the top of the toes.

Corns and Calluses:  Sometimes caused by ill-fitting shoes, but not always.  Most are caused by a mechanical problem in the foot, causing excessive pressure which causes a callus or corn to develop. Wearing properly fitting shoes and consulting with a chiropodist is the best way to prevent these often painful areas. If they do arise, you can file them down with a pumice stone or foot file. Avoid medicated corn pads sold in drugstores as they can cause damage to the healthy skin and cause serious problems and pain.

The very best thing you can do for your feet is to wear comfortable and SUPPORTIVE shoes.  Keep in mind that your feet can become wider, and seemingly longer (the arch may collapse) as you age.  Your foot size will then change.  You should always have your feet measured (while standing) before buying new shoes.  Spending a lot of money on shoes does not guarantee that the shoes are supportive…neither does the brand.  To find a supportive shoe look for three things:  The heel counter (back of the shoe) should be stiff when squeezed.  The arch of the shoe should not bend easily and the shoe should be stiff if twisted from side to side.  Proper footwear is essential in preventing foot problems and falls.

If you think you may have a foot problem, visit the office of a Chiropodist.  Members of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario are your regulated medical foot health specialists in this province. They are designated as primary health care professionals, and they are the only practitioners in Ontario trained and regulated exclusively to provide advanced foot care and orthotics.  We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres has a highly educated and highly trained team of Chiropodists who can help you get the results you need.

 

About We-Fix-U: 

 

We-Fix-U takes understands that pain and disability impact your life and you don't always have enough time to take care of yourself.  That is why We-Fix-U's goal is to get you better, faster, and keep you going, longer.

 

Employing a large team of experts:  Physiotherapists, Chiropodists, Massage Therapists and Chiropractors, We-Fix-U has the ability to give you the best and most comprehensive approach to getting you better.

 

We-Fix-U co-founders David Evans (Physiotherapist) and Cristol Smyth (Chiropodist), employ a standard at each clinic, approrpiately called "The Dave and Cristol Standard".  Through this standard, We-Fix-U takes a three-pronged approach to treating your ailments:  The first is to resolve your symptoms so you can start to feel better, faster.  The second is to discover the root of the problem so we can prevent it, and new ones from returning. a three-pronged approach to treating ailments: The first is to resolve symptoms, and the second is to discover the root of the problem, to prevent your problem (and new ones), from returning.   The third is to make your treatment fun, friendly and effective.

 

  Visit www.we-fix-u.com