Groin injuries are a common injury amongst active people, as well as those unlucky enough to strain the area by falling, tripping, or getting their leg caught on something. It is usually characterized by pain along the inner thigh where the muscles are thought to have been over-stretched. It also has a reputation for being a “difficult” injury to recover from, although this reputation is somewhat undeserved. Sometimes the nature of the injury is incorrectly assumed from the beginning, which can lead to ineffective treatments and prolonged pain. Groin pain following a strain can result from several different injury mechanisms, each of which requires a different management approach.

Groin or inner thigh pain can be a manifestation of a hip joint problem. The hip is a ball and socket joint that is lined with cartilage and surrounded by other supportive soft tissue for protection. Sometimes when the groin is “strained”, the soft tissue can become pinched and cause pain. The resulting pain comes from compression of this tissue by normal hip movements. Usually, though, the hip can be “unlocked” by moving it in the proper direction, which can be found under the supervision of a well-trained physiotherapist, and relief of pain will quickly follow.

Another possibility is that the ligaments and tendons of the groin take the majority of the force rather than the muscles themselves. These tissues have notoriously poor blood supplies and so don’t receive the nutrients and support needed for good quality healing. Therefore, they can remain painful for weeks or even months if the proper intervention is not undertaken. However, they are quite responsive to tension or resistive forces, and with a specific exercise program, they can be remodeled slowly to decrease the pain and regain the strength. This does require discipline, as the changes will occur slowly over a number of weeks, but should ultimately result in recovery.

When a groin strain primarily affects the muscular tissues, which is what most people assume groin injuries to be, healing will usually proceed over a number of weeks, because of the aforementioned good blood supply. As long as the muscles are not over-stressed during this healing period, and movement and strength are gradually regained as the symptoms allow, the recovery will proceed uneventfully.

For all the different injury mechanisms listed above, once full movement and strength of the area have been attained, treatment will focus on recovering a level of function required by the person’s work or athletic activities. For example, a physiotherapist can guide a tennis player to safely progress and return to running, cutting, lateral movements, and lunging, all of which are necessary components of the sport.

In summary, the crux of the matter with groin injuries is to determine what kind of problem it is. To say you have a “groin injury” on its own does not say enough for a healthcare professional to be able to treat it effectively; they have to be able to understand it on a deeper level to direct the appropriate treatment. The physiotherapists at PRI possess the assessment skills necessary to diagnose such injuries and help you to recover as efficiently and effectively as possible.

If you have a groin injury and would like to get back to healthy, pain-free living, please call or visit

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

No one can be blamed for wanting relief, especially when acid reflux makes it feel like molten lava is shooting up through your esophagus. Antacids can bring quick relief, but their long-term use can also bring lasting problems. It’s better to identify and address the underlying causes of acid reflux than simply to squelch the symptoms.

Acid reflux occurs when the contents of the stomach backwash into the esophagus. These contents can include stomach acid, bile, food, or sour liquid. Although the lining of the stomach is designed to handle such an acidic environment, the more delicate tissue of the esophagus is not. As a result, symptoms include indigestion, a burning sensation in the chest (heartburn), and tasting regurgitated food or liquid in the back of your mouth.

Many factors can cause acid reflux, including overeating, obesity, or the types of foods you eat. Spicy foods, fried foods, coffee, chocolate, and citrus are frequently cited as triggering acid reflux. When the reflux becomes constant, it’s worth exploring some of the common underlying conditions.

Possible underlying causes of acid reflux

H. pylori overgrowth: An H. pylori infection occurs in the stomach and is the most common chronic bacterial infection, affecting more than 50 percent of the world’s population. An H. pylori infection may promote acid reflux by decreasing stomach acid. Although acid reflux is associated with too much acidity, the truth is in many cases too little stomach acid causes acid reflux, which I’ll explain in the next paragraph.

Too little stomach acid: Sufficient stomach acid is necessary to break down dietary proteins, ensure absorption of vital nutrients and minerals, and protect the digestive tract from harmful bacteria. It’s believed that low stomach acid, or hypochlorhydria, results in improperly digested food lingering too long in the stomach. Eventually it backwashes into the esophagus, and although the contents are not acidic enough for the stomach, they are too acidic for the delicate esophageal tissue. Factors that cause too little stomach acid include an H. pylori infection, a nutrient-poor diet, stress, and antacid medications.

Gluten: If you eat gluten, it could be a culprit in your acid reflux. One study found chronic acid reflux affected 30 percent of patients with celiac disease compared to less than 5 percent of those not diagnosed with the disease. Another study found almost 40 percent of children with celiac disease suffer from esophagitis, inflammation of the esophagus that causes heartburn.

Acid reflux usually just one of many digestive symptoms

Acid reflux is often just one of many digestive symptoms that can result from poor digestion, food intolerances, chronic stress, gut infections, and other factors. In fact, one study showed that participants with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) were nearly twice as likely as non IBS participants to suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic, advanced form of acid reflux. Conversely, another study found a majority of participants with GERD also suffered from IBS.

Although antacids can bring temporarily relief, they may also worsen your acid reflux problem in the long run. Ultimately, antacids reduce stomach acid, hinder digestion, and inhibit nutrient absorption. In addition, antacids are shown to weaken bones and increase the risk of food poisoning.

For natural ways to relieve your acid reflux, please contact the nutritionist in our office.

Tel: (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web: www.priclinic.com

IMS is a similar technique to acupuncture and uses fine needles to treat tight muscle bands that are implicated in many chronic and painful conditions such as neck and back pain as well as many other soft tissue injuries. However IMS differs from acupuncture in its application because needle insertion is indicated by the physical signs, as opposed to the non-scientific meridians of Chinese acupuncture.

The needle insertion into your skin is often not felt and if your muscle is normal, the application is painless. If, however your muscle is supersensitive and shortened you will feel a sensation like a cramp or a Charlie horse as the needling causes the abnormal muscle shortening to intensify very briefly and then release. This is a distinctive type of discomfort caused by the muscle grasping the needle, which then very quickly disappears and is followed by a feeling of relaxation in the muscle. It is important to experience this sensation in order to gain lasting relief. The effects of IMS are cumulative – needling stimulates a certain amount of healing, until eventually the condition can more fully recover and pain dissipates and muscles loosen.

There are many conditions treatable with IMS, more frequent are those caused by nerve irritation.   Pain that shows no obvious sign of tissue damage or inflammation such as headaches, backaches, “tennis elbow”, “frozen shoulder”, chronic muscle pain and a host of other soft tissue complaints are difficult to treat with traditional methods. The concept of “neuropathic pain” can help to explain this type of pain. Typically this occurs when nerves malfunction following minor irritation. Nerves and nerve endings become extremely sensitive and cause normal, harmless signals to be exaggerated and misperceived as painful ones. This is known as supersensitivity. The result is pain, even when medical tests show there is “nothing wrong”.

Supersensitivity cannot be operated on and muscle shortening from the supersensitivity cannot be readily stretched out. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication only mask the pain. The goal of IMS is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerves. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized and the persistent pull of shortened muscles released with IMS.

Do you have supersensitive areas and would like to learn more?

At PRI, most therapy services are covered by most extended health insurance companies and in some cases Veterans Affairs and Medicare – such as OHIP (Ontario). Not sure if you’re covered? No problem. We can help you find out (and usually within the hour). Just call us (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

What is IMS?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain syndromes caused by nerve irritation (termed neuropathy). Neuropathy is described as a nerve that is not functioning properly but has normal structure. The neuropathy results in pain, muscle shortening and spasm, localized tenderness in the muscle, and localized swelling around the spinal segments. Temperature changes, sweating changes and/or altered sensations around the spine and extremities can also be present.

The IMS techniques were developed by Dr. Chann Gunn, MD. The IMS treatment (which utilizes acupuncture needles) specifically targets the muscles that have contracted and become shortened. These shortened muscles compress and irritate the nerves. Through needling, the super-sensitive areas can be desensitized and the persistent pull and compression of shortened muscles can be released.

IMS relies heavily on a thorough physical examination of the patient by a physiotherapist who is trained to recognize the physical signs of neuropathic pain. This physical examination is indispensable since chronic pain is often neuropathic as opposed to structural. It is therefore invisible to X-rays, MRI tests, bone or CT scans.

How does IMS work?

IMS works in three ways:

1.The most significant result of IMS is the stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation (lengthening). The needling of the muscle ultimately results in muscle relaxation, in other words the muscle tone is ‘reset’.

2.The needle causes a small injury that draws blood to the area, initiating the natural healing process.

3.The treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again.

What is the difference between IMS and acupuncture?

Both techniques utilize the same thin needles. IMS is based on the work of Chan Gunn, MD who developed a system of needling treatment based on the findings of neuropathic changes in the musculoskeletal system. Needling the tight painful band of muscle releases tension. This in turn allows increased mobility. As the mobility improves there is less irritation in that area allowing a patient to feel better.

Acupuncture is theorized to stimulate the nervous system to release chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals will either change the experience of pain, or they will trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that influence the internal regulating system of the body.

Is anything injected?

IMS treatment involves dry needling of affected areas of the body without injecting any substance. The needle sites can be into the taut, tender muscle bands or they can be near the muscles of the spine where the spinal nerves have become irritated and super-sensitive.

Does IMS hurt?

Needle penetration of a normal muscle is painless. In contrast a shortened, super-sensitive muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle, in what can best be described as a cramping sensation. The sensation is unique to IMS and is definitely uncomfortable but typically only for a short time. Many people describe the cramp as a ‘good hurt’.

Are there any side effects?

The most common side effect is localized muscle soreness either that day or the next. Quite often people feel quite fatigued after treatment.

How many visits do I need?

IMS has a remarkable success rate, as proven by the elimination of symptoms and signs, even for chronic long-standing pain. It can sometimes take 3-4 sessions to notice prolonged improvements in symptoms, though improvement are often found after the first session. On average, 6-12 sessions are usualy required.

What conditions does IMS help?

IMS is helpful for the following musculoskeletal conditions:

How can I learn more? Please call or follow these links:

Tel: (416) 477-1101
E-mail: reception@priclinic.com
Web: www.priclinic.com

ADHD Helped With Chiropractic, A Case Study

In the October 2004 issue of the peer-reviewed research publication, the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (JMPT), comes a case study of a child with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), who was helped with chiropractic.

The case was of a 5 year old boy who had been diagnosed with ADHD at age 2. The child’s pediatrician prescribed methylphenidate (Ritalin), Adderall, and Haldol for the next 3 years. The combination of drugs was unsuccessful in helping the child.

At age 5 the child was brought to a chiropractor to see if chiropractic care would help. The history taken at that time noted that during the child’s birth, there were complications during his delivery process. The results of this trauma and complications resulted in a 4-day stay in the neonatal intensive care unit. The child’s mother reported no other incidence of trauma.

The chiropractic examination and x-rays showed noticeable spinal distortion including a reversal of the normal neck curve indicative of subluxations. Chiropractic care was begun and the child’s progress was monitored.

According to his mother, positive changes in her son’s general behavior were noticed around the twelfth visit. By the 27th visit the patient had experienced considerable improvement.

The child was brought by the mother to the medical doctor for a follow up visit and questioned the usage of the Ritalin. The medical doctor reviewed and examined the child and based on that assessment and his clinical experience, the MD felt that the young boy was no longer exhibiting symptoms associated with ADHD. He then took the boy off the medications that he had been taking for 3 years.

The conclusion of the author of the JMPT case study noted, “The patient experienced significant reduction in symptoms. Additionally, the medical doctor concluded that the reduction in symptoms was significant enough to discontinue the medication.”

If your child has been affected by ADHD, please contact PRI clinic for more natural solutions. To book an appointment, please call or follow these links.

Tel: (416) 477-1101
E-mail: reception@priclinic.com
Web: www.priclinic.com

Summertime means lazy lounging days basking in the sun, enjoying friends by the poolside, and backyard barbecues. Children play in the backyard, you hear the ice cream truck music in the distance, and humid air creates a relaxed spirit.

Unfortunately, the season can also become an invitation for sunburn, bug bites, and other problems that can derail your health and ruin your week. When it comes to summer safety, prevention is the best medicine.

With that in mind, you want to do everything possible to create your best summer ever, from how you prepare your meat to avoiding sunburn and mosquito bites, these five hacks can keep you healthy, happy, and enjoying all the wonderful things warm weather brings.

Choose  Healthier BBQ Food Alternatives

“There are so many reasons why I love the summer time: the green grass and warm sunshine, longer days and warmer evenings, more time to savor all the beauty of the outdoors,” says Mark Hyman, MD. “But the best part by far is the amazing abundance of healthy, fresh, whole foods everywhere you look.”

While ice cream is synonymous with summertime, for many people too much sugar as well as food sensitivities can create miserable side effects including weight gain.

While nearly everyone can handle an occasional indulgence, you needn’t abandon your dietary logic in the warmer weather. Here are some healthy barbecue foods the whole family can enjoy:

• Research shows kids and adults eat what you give them. Increase their vegetable and fruit intake; chances are, they’ll comply. Keep healthy options around including raw cruciferous vegetables with hummus, lettuce wraps with sliced turkey and avocado, and kale chips with guacamole.
• If your neighborhood has them, shop farmers markets for local produce and more. They make a great summer Saturday-morning outing for the whole family.
• Salads make a simple, easy meal on days when you’re too hot to cook. Throw some free-range organic chicken or wild-caught seafood (quality matters, especially with animal-based foods) over greens and drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar for a satisfying, effortless lunch or dinner.
• Keep fresh or frozen fruit (especially berries) around for children and adolescents. For a delicious ice cream alternative, stir frozen blueberries into no-sugar-added coconut-based yogurt.
• Fresh or frozen berries blended in unsweetened coconut milk and ice make a creamy alternative to milkshakes. Toss in some hormone-free grass-fed whey protein powder and maybe cacao nibs or almond butter to bump up nutrient intake.

Grill and BBQ Safety

Unless you’re vegan or vegetarian, a good backyard barbecue usually involves some sort of grilled meat —but overcooking meat can deliver a serious health whammy.

“Some processed meats also contain nitrates, which are not carcinogenic, but when those nitrates get grilled, charred, or heated to high temperature (over 266°F), they turn into nitrosamines, which are carcinogenic,” says Hyman in Food: What the Heck Should I Eat?.

Studies confirm this: High intake of well-done meat and/or high exposure to certain heterocyclic amines (HCAs) can increase the risk for certain cancers, including colorectum, breast, prostate, pancreas, lung, stomach, and esophagus cancer.

Researchers in one study found grilled, barbecued, and smoked meats intake that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) can increase risk for breast cancer and also increase mortality rates after having breast cancer.

That doesn’t mean you need to completely abandon your summer cookout. Here are some ways to cook healthy barbecue meat:

• Choose quality, unprocessed meats. Those including grass-fed beef, free-range organic chicken, and wild-caught seafood.
• Only buy quality processed meats. Nearly everyone loves a good hot dog off the grill, but many commercial brands come loaded with gluten as well as other preservatives and fillers. Look for organic hot dogs, sausage, and other processed meats.
• Go slow and low. “Slow, low-temperature cooking is best,” says Hyman. “Heat also creates two other toxic carcinogenic by-products — PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and HCAs (heterocyclic amines).”
• Throw vegetables on the grill too. Antioxidant and fiber-rich heartier vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and Portobello mushrooms give your meal variety and flavor. A big salad can also provide a nutrient punch that complements your grilled meats.
• Avoid sugary sauces. Barbecue sauces, ketchup, and even some marinades come loaded with sugar and other problem ingredients like gluten. Our BBQ Chicken Recipe gives you all the flavor with no sugar.
• Spice up your meat. Using seasonings and spices like garlic and rosemary can lower HCA production. As marinades or rubs, they can inhibit HCA formation as much as 70 percent.

Drink Plenty of Water

Hot weather demands extra water, and research shows low water intake or mild dehydration can increase the risk for chronic diseases. Researchers aren’t sure exactly how much water we need (numerous factors including age and activity levels determine amounts), but most agree staying hydrated in the heat is crucial.

“There may not be scientific confirmation on exactly how many glasses a day we need, [but] based on the trillions of cells in the body that need water to function, I’m going to continue to go with the assumption that when it comes to water, more is better,” says Jonny Bowden, PhD, in The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth.

Drinking extreme amounts of water — these amounts would vary from person to person — could lead to hyponatremia (excessive sodium loss or dilution) or water intoxication. However, Bowden says these are rare conditions and most of us would benefit from drinking more water:

• Once you feel thirsty, your body has likely already become dehydrated. Keep a canteen of fresh, filtered water nearby to prevent that.
• While other beverages including green tea and iced coffee contain mostly water, aim to get most of your intake from pure, filtered water.
• Zing up your water with fresh lemon, lime, or orange.
• Zero-calorie sparkling and mineral waters make great cocktails if you want to avoid alcohol or slow down your alcohol intake.
• Alcohol can dehydrate you, especially when you’re basking in the sun or grilling on the barbecue all afternoon. For every alcoholic beverage you consume, have at least two glasses of filtered water.

Be Smart in the Sun

Like many fundamental things in life, sunshine is a double-edged sword. Many people claim getting sufficient sun improves their mood. Sunlight also helps your body produce vitamin D, a hormone that strengthens bones, supports your immune system, and reduces the risk for certain cancers. About 25 percent of Americans have borderline low levels of vitamin D, and eight percent have very low levels.

Too much sun can create sunburn or sun poisoning. Sun poisoning is your skin’s allergic reaction to excessive amounts of UV rays that usually manifests in more serious symptoms including blisters and rashes.

Overexposure to the sun can also contribute to skin cancer. The National Cancer Institute says new cases of melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) among American adults have tripled since the 1970s. Other factors including genetics play a role here, but so does excessive sun exposure including ultraviolet radiation and severe sunburns.

Researchers debate how much sunscreens prevent cancer, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) believes people might over-rely on these products. You can enjoy the sun without worry with these strategies:

• Avoid sunburn, not the sun. Staying in the sun too long can burn your skin, increasing your risk for melanoma and other skin cancers.
• Higher doesn’t mean better. The EWG says some people use high-sun protection factor (SPF) products improperly, which might expose them to more harmful ultraviolet radiation than people relying on products with lower SPF values. “When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values in the range of 30 to 50 will offer adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn,” they say.
• Choose the right protection. Lab studies find that some active ingredients in sunscreens (including chemical filters) can mimic hormones. Those ingredients can also create skin allergies and other problems. The EWG provides a complete list of these ingredients and their potential hazards here.
• Don’t rely on sunscreen alone. A high-SPF sunscreen isn’t a hall pass to bask for hours in the sun. Seek shade, wear protective clothing (including sunglasses and hats), and be mindful that you might be getting more sun than you realize.
• Be consistent. Research shows regular sun exposure might not be as harmful as intermittent and high-intensity sunlight. Oscillate short periods in sunlight with shaded areas such as a beach umbrella.
• Use the EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. This might be the most comprehensive guide to buying safe sunscreen, including specific brands.

Repel Bugs Naturally

Your summer barbecue is going splendidly when you feel the bite and subsequently start itching. Flying insects and other bugs can quickly become unwelcome party guests, but many commercial insect repellents contain harmful ingredients that can irritate your skin and damage your health.

“Many people are understandably concerned about the possible drawbacks of common insect repellents such as DEET,” says the EWG, which spent 18 months determining the safest, most effective way to prevent bug bites for their 2013 report. “We concluded that there is no sure, completely safe way to prevent bug bites. All bug repellents have pros and cons.”

Determining your best option to repel mosquitoes and bugs depends on where you visit. A backcountry trip, for instance, creates a far different set of bug-bite problems compared with a backyard barbecue or beach outing. Remember too that no insect repellent works every place against every bug.

If you must use insect repellents, your best bets are products made with active ingredients registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Some insect repellents contain the aforementioned DEET, the most effective, widely used insect repellent to repel mosquitos and ticks (which can carry Lyme disease). Yet researchers report seizures among children and other adverse toxics effects from using this chemical.

Note: If you plan to visit any place that carries a threat for the Zika virus or other infectious diseases, please confer with a physician to ensure you are appropriately protected.

Fortunately, you might not need anything so drastic for your backyard barbecue. Repel bugs naturally with these tips.

• Consider alternatives and homemade bug sprays. There are many natural bug repellents including citronella candles for mosquitoes. While they might be hit-or-miss, peppermint and coconut oil are options for natural mosquito repellent. They are non-toxic alternatives to bug spray — only use commercial bug repellents as a last resort.
• Limit time outdoors during dusk and dawn. These seem to be favorite times for mosquitoes and other bugs.
• Cover up. Wear light-colored clothing and keep as much skin as possible exposed in bug-prone areas.
• Go green. Numerous plants including lavender, rosemary, and basil provide your environment with a lovely smell while naturally repelling bugs like mosquitos. This comprehensive list reveals which plants repel specific bugs.

Summertime creates a certain levity and whimsy, yet even something like a mosquito bite can ruin your day. Other situations like overcooking meat can create long-term health problems.

With the right perspective and these strategies, you can minimize your risk for bug bites, sunburn, and other problems that can make your vacation or even a beautiful late-June day absolutely miserable. Likewise, you’ll minimize or eliminate food risks including eating too much sugar or over-grilling meat.

Have a safe, happy summer!

For more tips on healthy, pain-free living, call or visit

Tel: (416) 477-1101
E-mail: reception@priclinic.com
Web: www.priclinic.com

With the FIFA craze on the way, many eyes are glued to TV’s following their favorite teams and players.

Soccer has come a long way in the North America.  An estimated 24.5 million Americans now play soccer at some level, second in numbers to only China. With the rise in popularity has come a rise in injuries and a closer look at how chiropractic care can help players avoid injuries and increase performance.

Soccer Injuries

Originally thought to be a no-contact sport, Americans have learned that, in reality, the opposite is true. Players crash into each other at top speeds, fighting for control of the ball, and are knocked to the ground. Players running in one direction must suddenly shift to another, leading with their shoulders and twisting at the knees, which results in common knee injuries.

Then there is “heading,” when players head-butt the ball as a means of intercepting and redirecting it. Heading can be especially dangerous. The average speed of a soccer ball is 67 mph at the point of impact, enough to shake up any player and cause injury. Another means of causing joint misalignment is the way players kick the ball, usually while twisting their hips and lower back.

Cause and Effect

All of the rough contact and repetitive movements can cause the spine to move out of alignment. When that happens, it applies pressure to nerves and can cause pain in an athlete’s arms and legs, as well as their back. The repeated twisting of the back while kicking can cause joint pain all up and down the legs and feet. Sometimes these injuries don’t surface right away, but they do chip away at an athlete’s speed, strength and kicking force.

Chiropractic Treatment

Chiropractors typically use spinal manipulation, or adjustment, to realign joints with decreased movement. The practice employs controlled force to move joints back to proper alignment. This not only restores mobility, but also eases pain and muscle tightness and allows damaged tissue to heal.

Regular and routine adjustments can benefit athletes by correcting misalignments before they become problems, allowing a better range of movement, which is a must for soccer players. Additional benefits include better flexibility and a boost in blood flow, as well as fewer injuries.

Soccer can be hard on the body. For more information about the benefits of chiropractic care for soccer players and other athletes, contact PRI clinic.

Tel:      (416) 477-1101
E-mail: reception@priclinic.com
Web:   www.priclinic.com