Articles

Keeogo for Knee Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee and hip is the most common chronic condition affecting patients over the age of 70. It is estimated that in adults over the age of 30, up to 6% of adults are symptomatic of knee arthritis and around 3% are symptomatic of hip arthritis. The prevalence of osteoarthritis increases with age, and with an aging population, the effect of this disease will represent an ever-increasing burden on health care.

Osteoarthritis of the hip and knee is the most common cause of difficulty in walking. It has a huge impact on the economy, with absence from work and early retirement exceeding 2% of the gross domestic product. It is estimated that over 1 million total hip replacements are performed worldwide each year, and in Canada and the United States alone it is predicted that between 1995 and 2020 an additional 19 million people a year will be affected by arthritis.

When the biomechanics of the hip and knee joint are altered or overused, the joint becomes more prone to the changes of osteoarthritis. Anatomical variants in hip morphology in the population have been linked to the development of osteoarthritis.

Obesity, previous knee injury, and sports activity have been shown to be risk factors for the incidence but not disease progression of OA of the knee. In the Western world up to 23.6% of men and 23.8% of women are regarded as obese. Both men and women with a BMI > 28 have been found to be 1.7 times more likely to have hip OA than those with a BMI < 24.5 . Occupational habits are also known to be a risk factor, with the risk of knee OA significantly elevated in those whose job involves more than 30 minutes per day squatting, kneeling, or climbing stairs, with one study finding the prevalence rate of osteoarthritis in female cleaners over six times higher than expected. The impact of sports activity and previous injury has also been shown to be a risk factor for developing OA. In a group of retired England football players, 51% of players who retired through a football related injury were diagnosed with lower-limb OA compared with 25% of players who did not retire through injury. A recent technological breakthrough has allowed patients with hip and knee OA to achieve a remarkable improvement in their lifestyle. Without the KeegoTM device, patients had a difficult time moving their legs, had to stop when taking stairs from exhaustion, had a difficult time picking up objects from the floor, exerted strenuous effort, when getting up from a chair to walk down the hall. Same patients wearing a KeegoTM device were able to achieve healthy movement patterns during several clinical trials. These same patients were able to walk about quicker, had no trouble walking up or down the stairs, picked up objects from the floor with little effort, and were able to easily sit down, and get up from the seat without propping themselves up with their hands.

Intramuscular Stimulation for Chronic Pain

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): What is it and how can it help get rid of your chronic pain?

In this article I am going to focus on the treatment of chronic muscle and nerve pain and why it can be so difficult to find a solution for this type of pain. It is estimated that over one third of the adult population in North America suffers from chronic pain. That is a staggering statistic! This means that 1 of out of every third person out on the street is dealing with ongoing daily pain. Research shows that suicide is nine times more prevalent in people with chronic pain than with depression and it is estimated that in Canada and United States, chronic pain affects more people than diabetes, cancer and heart disease combined.

So, why is chronic muscle and nerve pain so common? To understand this question we have to look at the gradual process that happens to all of our bodies to some degree over many years. As harsh as it sounds, the reality is that as we age our bodies are slowly ‘rotting’. By the time we reach our 50’s and 60’s we will all get some amount of arthritis in our spine. How fast we ‘rot‘ depends on a variety of factors including our overall fitness levels, nutrition, the types of jobs we do, family genetics and any traumatic injuries we sustain along the way ie. motor vehicle accidents. As the arthritis in the spine progresses, the nerves that exit the small spaces between each spinal bone (vertebrae) start to become irritated. In response to this irritation, the muscles that these nerves supply then start to form tight bands. These bands are the ‘knots’ you feel when you rub sore muscles. The muscle bands not only cause pain but they also begin to pull at joints and tendons as well as compress the already sensitive nerves at the spine. These tight bands often do not respond to traditional treatment approaches such as stretching, massage and spinal manipulation.

A form of treatment that has been gaining popularity in the last 5 to 10 years for chronic muscle and nerve pain is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). This treatment technique was developed by a Doctor in Vancouver by the name of Dr. Chan Gunn. Dr. Gunn developed this technique while working with people who were injured on the job and whose pain was not going away with traditional treatment approaches. What he found in these patients was that by stimulating their tight muscles with an acupuncture needle, the pain very often significantly improved or in many cases disappeared.

So the key to addressing this chronic pain process is to release the muscle tension. In an IMS treatment, when the needle enters the taut band the muscle will ‘grab’ the needle and a deep, cramping sensation is felt. Once the muscle grabs it then typically will ‘reset’ itself and begin to relax. When the tight muscle relaxes, a decrease in pain typically follows. IMS is now being recognized and used by physiotherapists and doctors around the world to treat chronic pain of musculoskeletal origin. If you are suffering from ongoing muscle or nerve pain and haven’t had success with traditional types of treatment, IMS may be worth trying.

Don’t take your arthritis lying down

Years ago, doctors hardly ever told rheumatoid arthritis patients to “go take a hike” or “go for a swim.” Arthritis was considered an inherent part of the aging process and a signal to a patient that it’s time to slow down.

However, recent research and clinical findings show that there is much more to life for arthritis patients than the traditional recommendation of bed rest and drug therapy.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis?
The word “arthritis” means “joint inflammation” and is often used in reference to rheumatic diseases.
Rheumatic arthritis is also a rheumatic disease, affecting about 1 percent of the U.S. and Canadian population (about 2.1 million people.) Although rheumatoid arthritis often begins in middle age and is more frequent in the older generation, young people and children can also suffer from it. Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the joints.

Several features distinguish it from other kinds of arthritis:
• Tender, warm, and swollen joints.
• Fatigue, sometimes fever, and a general sense of not feeling well.
• Pain and stiffness that last for more than 30 minutes after a long rest.
• The wrist and finger joints closest to the hand are most frequently affected. Neck, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle, and feet joints can also be affected.
• The condition is symmetrical. If one hand is affected, the other one is, too.
• The disease can last for years and can affect other parts of the body, not only the joints.

Should Arthritis Patients Exercise?
Exercise is critical in successful arthritis management. It helps maintain healthy and strong muscles, joint mobility, flexibility, endurance, and helps control weight. Rest, on the other hand, helps to decrease active joint inflammation, pain, and fatigue. Arthritis patients need a good balance between the two: more rest during the active phase of arthritis, and more exercise during remission.
During acute systematic flares or local joint flares, patients should put joints gently through their full range of motion once a day, with periods of rest. To see how much rest is best during flares, patients should talk to their health care providers. If patients experience unusual or persistent fatigue, increased weakness, a decrease in range of motion, an increase in joint swelling, or pain that lasts more than one hour after exercising, they need to talk to their health care providers.

Nutritional Recommendations
Nutrition may provide complementary support to arthritis medications. Some foods and nutritional supplements can be helpful in managing arthritis:
• Fatty-acid supplements like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and gamma linolenic acid (GLA). Deep-sea fish, (salmon, tuna, herring, and halibut) are excellent sources of EPA and DHA. Black currants and borage seed contain GLA.
• Turmeric, ginger and nettle leaf extract.
• A vegetarian or low-allergen diet.

The benefits and risks of most of these agents are being researched. Before taking any dietary supplement, especially if you are using medication to control your condition, consult with your health care provider.

How Can Chiropractic Help?
If you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor of chiropractic can help you plan an exercise program that will:
• Help you restore the lost range of motion to your joints.
• Improve your flexibility and endurance.
• Increase your muscle tone and strength.

Doctors of chiropractic can also give you nutrition and supplementation advice that can be helpful in controlling and reducing joint inflammation.

Acupuncture and seasonal allergies

Symptoms of running nose, sneezing, and watery itchy eyes that recur during specific parts of the year are a cause of much suffering of a large segment of the Canadian and U.S. population. Millions of dollars are spent on medications and the allergy shots for the treatment of seasonal allergies.

Western medicine views seasonal allergies as a form of immediate hypersensitivity reaction which occurs when anti-bodies produced by lymphocytes interact with airborne particles such as pollen. Western medicine describes the locations of lymphocytes in addition to being in the blood stream as also in Peyer’s patches in the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, lymph nodes, and bone marrow.

Interestingly in practice of acupuncture the Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians are utilized to treat seasonal allergies a great deal. One can clearly see an overlap of Western and Chinese medical thought. Also, Chinese medical thought views sweets as being harmful to the Spleen function. Sweets are often a major factor in the persistence and intensity of seasonal allergy symptoms.

There is often a quick response when treating seasonal allergies with acupuncture. Often patients get some relief during the first visit while lying on the exam table with their acupuncture needles in place. Patients are asked to score their nose stuffiness on a zero to ten scale. Zero meaning no stuffiness at all and 10 being the worst possible stuffiness for the patient. A score may be determined before and after the acupuncture treatment. Patients can also determine the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment by tracking the number of sneezes per day and the number of itching episodes around their eyes. After an initial series of treatments, patients come in for further treatments on an as needed basis. Some patients come back in once or twice a year for a booster while others may come more often. In general, patients do better if they avoid sugar and milk in their diets. They have better and longer lasting responses. A lot of patients who failed medication and allergy shots respond to acupuncture. Patients continue with whatever standard treatments they are currently undergoing while getting acupuncture treatments. Most patients end up significantly reducing or eliminating their dependence on allergy medications.

There are many different ways of performing acupuncture, for example Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese, Korean, French Energetics, Worsley 5 Elements, etc. In choosing an acupuncturist the specific style a practitioner uses is not as important as the success rate a practitioner obtains with whatever style they use. Prospective patients should speak with the acupuncturist and inquire about past experience in treating seasonal allergies and their success rate.

Proper Sleep Ergonomics

“Sleep ergonomics” refers to our postures and positions during sleep. They either help us rest in safe mechanical positions for joints or they stress joints to the point that we wake up with more aches and pains than we fell asleep with. Sleeping position matters. Poor-quality sleep is proven to negatively affect overall health.

Sleeping Positions to Reduce Back Pain
It is possible and desirable to take strain off your back by making simple changes in sleeping posture. The healthiest sleeping position is on your side. If that’s how you sleep, draw your legs up slightly toward your chest and put a pillow between your legs. Some people even use a full-length body pillow to help maintain balance. Try not to put weight on your arms. This causes circulatory problems and a related pins-and needles sensation. Instead, try crossing them in a braced position.

If you sleep on your back, it is best to place a pillow under your knees to help maintain the normal lower back curvature. You might also try placing a small rolled towel under the small of the back for more support. Be aware that sleeping on your stomach is generally bad for your back and your neck. In this position, the neck spine undergoes considerable strain, which can cause nerve compression, muscular imbalance and muscle pain. Many people who sleep on their stomach wake up with pain and/or spasms in their neck.

Mattresses and Pillows
Your mattress and pillow should support your body in its natural position, allowing it to rest and recover from the day’s activities. The best mattresses are designed to conform to the spine’s natural curves and keep the spine in alignment. Some sleep experts recommend supportive memory-foam mattresses for this purpose.

A recent study investigated how spine support affects sleep in healthy subjects. It found that the relationship between bedding and sleep quality is affected by individual physical features, dimensions, and sleep posture. In particular, results indicated that a sagging sleep system negatively affects sleep quality.

Maintain your mattress
Remember to turn your mattress over every few months. If possible, replace the mattress after five to seven years of regular use. If you feel springs or bumps beneath the surface when you’re lying on the bed, or you and your partner unintentionally roll toward the middle of the bed, it’s time to go shopping for a new mattress. A worn-out mattress can reduce the quality of sleep and make back problems worse. You may also find that the mattress is to blame for insomnia if you notice yourself sleeping better in another bed—in a hotel, for example.

Pillows matter
An ergonomic pillow is designed to accommodate the user’s sleeping position and to minimize any associated tension that may result from prolonged time spent in one position. Ergonomic pillows are shaped differently from regular pillows. They are often made of foam or similar form-retaining material that offers greater support. Most ergonomic pillows are used for sleep, although some are used for lower back support while sitting. They vary in size from small neck pillows used for long car trips or flights to very large full-body pillows meant to cradle the entire body during sleep.

A healthful pillow is designed to keep the spine in natural alignment, which minimizes stress on the body. Most people do not maintain neutral positions while they sleep. This creates tension at problem spots like the neck and the lower back, resulting in pain in either or both of these areas. An ergonomic pillow can often correct such problems. A pillow of the wrong size can cause or aggravate neck and shoulder problems. When you sleep on your side, the pillow should fill the space between the head and mattress so that the cervical spine is in line with, and an extension of, the spine. The pillow should support the head, neck and shoulders and adapt to the contours of these areas. This will optimize your sleeping position throughout the night. A pillow also should be hypo-allergenic.

Keeogo for Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) was first described by Dr. James Parkinson in 1817 as a “shaking palsy.” It is a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by both motor and non-motor features.

The disease has a significant clinical impact on patients, families, and caregivers through its progressive degenerative effects on mobility and muscle control. The motor symptoms of PD are attributed to the loss of striatal dopaminergic neurons, although the presence of non-motor symptoms supports neuronal loss in non-dopaminergic areas as well. The term parkinsonism is a symptom complex used to describe the motor features of PD, which include resting tremor, bradykinesia, and muscular rigidity. PD is the most common cause of parkinsonism, although a number of secondary causes also exist, including diseases that mimic PD and drug-induced causes.

Although it is primarily a disease of the elderly, individuals have developed PD in their 30s and 40s. Gender differences pertaining to the incidence of PD are reflected in a 3:2 ratio of males to females, with a delayed onset in females attributed to the neuroprotective effects of estrogen on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system.

PD’s variable but pronounced progression has a significant impact on patients, families, and society. Advanced and end-stage disease may lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, which are often associated with death. Current treatment is focused on symptomatic management. Evidence suggests that PD patients may also benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to care that includes movement specialists, social workers, pharmacists, and other health care practitioners.

A recent technological breakthrough has allowed patients with PD to achieve a remarkable improvement in their lifestyle. Without the KeegoTM device, patients walked slowly, had to stop when taking stairs from exhaustion, had a difficult time picking up objects from the floor, exerted strenuous effort, when getting up from a chair to walk down the hall. Patients with PD wearing a KeegoTM device were able to achieve healthy movement patterns during several clinical trials. The same patients were able to walk about quickly, had no trouble walking up or down the stairs, picked up objects from the floor with little effort, and were able to easily sit down, and get up from the seat without propping themselves up with their hands.

Chiropractic for Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic disorder involving widespread pain and sensitivity in the entire musculoskeletal system. To be diagnosed with FM, a patient will typically possess a minimum of 11 out of 18 specific tender points on the body. In addition to pain, patients will also report long-term fatigue, and/or disturbed sleep and mood. Other disorders commonly associated with FM may include: irritable bowel syndrome, TMJ pain and dysfunction, psychological conditions and some autoimmune diseases.

What Causes Fibromyalgia?
Medical science is yet to discover the cause for this condition. Because there are so many different symptoms associated with fibromyalgia, there are just as many theories for what causes it. Since those with FM often experience an altered mood, such as depression, many medical experts focus on the psychological aspect of the disease. Others feel that FM is more a physiological entity, and has its origins in physical trauma or chronic postural alterations. Some suggest that FM is a central nervous system disorder, with imbalances in neurochemicals, since those with FM are hypersensitive to even the slightest stimuli. They often have a pain response to normally non-painful pressure or activity. It’s not out of the question that a combination of psychological and physical triggers can result in the onset of many of FM symptoms.

Chiropractors often offer their skills to FM patients, hoping to relieve some of their symptoms. In fact, evidence suggests that those with FM consult with chiropractors quite regularly. According to a study conducted at a tertiary Mayo Clinic, 37% of the 300+ FM patients surveyed had visited a chiropractor in the previous 6 months.

But does chiropractic work for them? Some recent studies indicate it does. In one example, chiropractors surveyed FM patients before, during and after a series of treatments to see if they responded favorably to chiropractic adjustments combined with a specific soft tissue technique known as ischemic compression. In this preliminary study, 60% of the subjects who were treated with this protocol experienced a significant improvement with respect to pain reduction, improved sleep and decreased fatigue. What was especially encouraging was the improvements were reported to be maintained in a 1-month follow up. Chiropractors are trained as neuromusculoskeletal specialists, and one of the main focuses of chiropractic care is the positive effects it can have on a person’s nervous system. Since all information from the outside world is collected and analyzed by the nervous system, it’s logical to assume that if a person with FM is sensitive to a stimulus that others are not, there may be something wrong with this system.

More studies are needed to show the positive effects that chiropractors can have with FM patients. However, some studies already indicate that having chiropractic care alongside other traditional treatment methods including exercise, massage techniques and cognitive behavioral therapy is likely to give these patients a better chance for recovery.

It is also important to note that not all chiropractors are the same and treatment can be quite varied. This is the same with medical doctors to some extent. To put it in the proper context, if you tried one medical doctor and you didn’t like them or what they did would you never go back to another medical doctor again? Most would say no to that. However, many people try chiropractic, not chiropractors. So, if you have gone to only one or a few chiropractors and he or she didn’t help you, consider trying PRI Clinic. This is especially true with Fibromyalgia.

I have done extensive research with Fibromyalgia and one of the main things to consider in treating a patient is their capacity to accept treatment. If you do too much with a Fibromyalgia patient, either later that day or the next day they will feel like they have been run over by a truck. However, if you treat them within their capacity they will show continual improvement. Often I will have a patient come back in after their first treatment stating that they slept extremely well the night after their treatment. This is exciting to the patient because they are finally getting the rest they need and it is exciting to me because I know that their body is finally beginning to heal. At PRI clinic, we have chiropractors, massage therapists and psychologists that are specifically trained to offer you the techniques that will help your fibromyalgia condition that is individually tailored to your needs.

Massage Therapy and Thyroid Health

January is National Thyroid Awareness Month. In this article, we talk about how massage therapy can assist some thyroid conditions.

Hypothyroidism
The term hypothyroidism encompasses any condition witnessing the thyroid gland’s inability to produce adequate levels of hormones known as T3 and T4. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune inflammatory condition that destroys the thyroid gland, is the leading cause of hypothyroidism. The other major cause indicates a broad medical treatment term that includes surgical procedures to remove all or a portion of the thyroid. Removal of cancerous tissue in thyroid cancer patients is a prime example of this cause.

Major signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue; muscle weakness; fluctuations in weight without an obvious reason; dry, thinning hair; rough skin patching; cold intolerance; depression; abnormal menses; decreased libido; and cognitive challenges.

A patient may be difficult to diagnose by her physician due to not manifesting many of these symptoms initially. Insidious changes occur slowly, leaving a patient wondering why he feels off-balance. Most people will not think to consider their thyroid as the culprit, resulting in symptoms worsening slowly over time. Serious complications can occur, including heart failure, coma and severe depression.
Goiters, or enlarged thyroids, may be witnessed in hypothyroid patients. These result from an overproduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. The constant stimulation from TSH will cause the thyroid tissues to swell. If the thyroid gland still cannot produce adequate T3 and T4 hormones, the patient will be considered to have goitrous hypothyroidism.

It is important to note that the presence of a goiter does not always equate to hypothyroidism. Other conditions featuring the development of a goiter include dietary iodine deficiency, the patient taking lithium carbonate, infectious disease, postpartum complications or a rare fibrosis condition called Riedel’s thyroiditis.

Massage for Thyroid Patient Health
Massage therapy and related bodywork can benefit the hypothyroid patient in many profound ways. First, a significant reduction in the patient’s symptoms can be witnessed with the usage of acupressure. This benefit was demonstrated by a research study in Russia conducted in 2011. Reflexology and Gua Sha technique were also utilized in this study involving Chinese medicine theory in addressing hypothyroidism.

A second benefit of massage therapy for the hypothyroid patient is aiding improved blood and lymphatic circulation. Since proper blood and lymphatic flow is vital for all endocrine organs, the thyroid could benefit from improved circulation.

Reduced inflammation is a third benefit derived from massage therapy and related bodywork. Research through the Buck Institute for Research on Aging in Novato, California, and McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, indicates that massage therapy may create a result similar to anti-inflammatory medications at a cellular level. This benefit will aid the hypothyroid patient with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or similar inflammatory concerns.

A fourth benefit of massage treatment is reduced stress within the body. This benefit can decrease cortisol and other stress hormones to help manage weight healthily.

Finally, increasing muscle strength will combat the fatigue and weakness often felt by the hypothyroid patient. A Swedish massage including a large percentage of petrissage strokes can enhance the size, strength and stamina of muscle tissue.
Please note that the information presented here is not intended to replace advice from a medical professional. If you are affected by hypothyroidism, please consult an MD.

Chiropractic Trivia

 • Did you know that 80% of Canadians will suffer from back pain at least once in their life time? Chiropractic has been proven to significantly help mechanical back pain and help prevent it.

 • Did you know that approximately 60% of headaches originate from problems in the mid-back or neck? Headaches are the third most common treated condition in a chiropractor’s office.

 • Did you know that a simple 15 minute stretching and exercise routine every day can vastly improve back pain?

 • Did you know that chiropractors are trained to teach rehabilitation and preventative exercise programs.

 • Did you know that there is a direct link to mechanical foot problems and back pain? Chiropractors are trained to evaluate and correct foot problems through the use of orthotics and chiropractic techniques.

 • Did you know that heal and arch pains are most commonly caused by the flattening of the long arch in your foot. Chiropractic treatments to the feet are very effective in eliminating these types of pain.

 • Did you know that poor posture is the most common cause of mid- back pain in children and adults? Chiropractors are trained in evaluating and correcting posture problems through the use of exercises and ergonomic counselling.

 • Did you know that the majority of women suffer mechanical back pain during their pregnancy? Safe, drug free, chiropractic treatments can commonly alleviate these symptoms.

 • Did you know that sciatic leg pain originates from the low back? Sciatica is one of the most common treated conditions in a chiropractic office.

 • Did you know that your lifestyle including diet and activity level can affect arthritis and other types of back pain? Your chiropractor is trained in nutritional counseling and in the treatments of arthritis.

 • Did you know that the most common extremity joints that are injured are the shoulder and knee? Sports injuries are a very common presentation in chiropractic offices.

 • Did you know that chiropractic is the third most commonly used medical group behind medicine and dentistry? There are over 5,000 chiropractors practicing in Canada.

If you experience any of the above, please check out the PRI clinic. We have great chiropractors, who will take care of your health using the latest research.

Computer Workstation Safety

We live in the technological revolution were time spent sitting in front of a computer is at an all time high. The Internet and various video games have put people in front of the screen for countless hours. Prolonged computer usage at work or at home is one of the most common causes of spinal pain and headaches. The following are some basic ergonomic rules to follow when setting up and using your new computer:

 • Chair – Your chair should be set at a height so that your feet are at ninety degrees to the floor. If your table is too high for this option then place something under your feet to raise your legs. The chair should always have an armrest so that you may support you elbows and avoid shoulder strain. A chair with a three quarter back is appropriate.

 • Computer screen – The screen should be placed at a height so that the top of the monitor is level with your eyebrows. The screen should also be no more than an arm’s length away from you and placed in a position so you are not turning your head to see it. Light reflecting off the screen should be eliminated so you can avoid eyestrain.

 • Keyboard and mouse – These items should be at the same level, in front of you, and assessable so that your elbows stay at ninety degrees and on the arm rests of your chair. A roller mouse and an ergonomic keyboard are a bonus to avoid carpal tunnel syndrome.

 • Posture and positioning – Good posture is easier to achieve when your computer is positioned properly. The most common problem we see in our office is what we call “computer back”. This occurs when one slouches the shoulders and sticks their chin out. A large amount of strain goes onto the mid back and shoulders. This can be avoided by a saying from my old typing teacher “sit up tall”.

Follow these basic rules and you will avoid getting “computer back” and those nasty headaches associated with it. Enjoy your new computer and happy surfing!