Pregnancy

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BODY 

DURING PREGNANCY?

Pregnancy is a time of rapid biological change. All bodily organs and systems are affected by the growth of the fetus and this brings with it alterations in body mass, a subsequent change in the centre of gravity and stretching and weakening of abdominal muscles. Within the early period of pregnancy, the woman will feel tired much more quickly and will often experience nausea. The abdomen shifts forward, forcing the body to compensate by increasing the curve in the lower back. This is known as “sway back”.

By the second and third trimester there is an increase in the hormones estrogen and relaxin which begin to affect the musculoskeletal system, causing softening of ligaments and increased joint laxity. During this phase the pelvic joints are relaxed and capable of greater movement. This allows greater rotation in the sacro-iliac joint and allows alteration in the diameter of the pelvis during childbirth.  

CHIROPRACTIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY

A common complaint that pregnant women have during pregnancy is back pain.

Chiropractors are trained to locate and correct problems that are causing back pain during pregnancy. It is a safe and effective method of care for both the mother and baby. You will be positioned in a comfortable manner during your adjustments and no manipulations that place unneeded stress on the baby will be performed.

Additionally some women report their labour time is shorter and more comfortable after receiving adjustments during their pregnancy.

Other conditions chiropractors can treat are: Sciatica, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck, shoulder, hip, knee, and foot issues.

For more information on chiropractic care and pregnancy, please feel free to speak to Dr. Barbara Rodwin.

PREGNANCY AND YOUR FEET

Foot pain is an often overlooked complaint during pregnancy. Due to the natural weight gain during pregnancy, a woman's center of gravity is completely altered. This causes a new weight-bearing stance and added pressure to the knees and feet. Two of the most common foot problems experienced by pregnant woman are over- pronation and edema. These problems can lead to pain at the heel, arch, or the ball-of-foot. Many women may also experience leg cramping and varicose veins due to weight gain. Because of this, it is important for all pregnant women to learn more about foot health during their pregnancy to help make this nine month period more comfortable for them. 

There are effective ways to treat both over-pronation and edema during pregnancy.

Over-Pronation can be treated conservatively with orthotics. Proper fitting footwear is also very important in treating over-pronation. Choose comfortable footwear that provides extra support and shock absorption.

It is recommended that a new foot scan/gait analysis be done during and after pregnancy to assess possible changes in the feet.

Edema in the feet can be minimized by the following methods: Elevate your feet as often as possible. If you have to sit for long periods of time, place a small stool by your feet to elevate them. Wear proper fitting footwear. Footwear that is too narrow or short will constrict circulation. Compression socks are also very helpful. 

Questions? Ask your Doctor of Chiropractic what to do. 

Success Stories

Over the past year we have had many patient success stories. Here is a sampling of some that highlight patients who have overcome tremendous physical limitations and are now living much healthier and happier lives! Please note that due to space limitations, only excerpts of these stories are included. If you would like to read the full stories, they will be posted in their entirety on the bulletin board in the clinic waiting room.

My Success Story - Anonymous Patient 

In the summer of 2005 I found that I was having trouble with my Achilles.  I went to the “Yellow Pages” looking for a place where I could possibly get some orthotics and called this place with this long name - Back to Health Wellness Centre.  That’s when I met Keri-Lyn Dudgeon. She informed me that I did indeed need orthotics, but also suggested that I make an appointment in order to be assessed by Dr. Barbara Rodwin. I was hesitant as I thought all chiropractors were “quacks,” but I decided to go for it.

I was assessed by Dr. Rodwin and she suggested that I see her twice a week to start.  “Ya right!!!  She just 
wants all of my money,” is what I thought.  Anyway, luckily I took her advice and have never looked back. Dr. Barbara Rodwin has been the person that I have consulted about all of my health issues that I have had since September 2005.  I consider her to be my prime health care provider.  I see her once a week. Back to Health Wellness Centre deals with the whole person; mind, body and soul.  I cannot express in words the gratitude that I have for finding this very special Chiropractor and health care provider.  Thank you for all that you do!!  I look forward to continuing my journey with the Back to Health Wellness Centre team.

My Recovery from Shoulder Pain, etc.
I had shoulder pain which caused a lack of strength and affected my sleep. I had tried physiotherapy but these treatments did not help my condition and I had also seen a chiropractor previously but felt discouraged as the treatments did not seem to get me anywhere.

I had come to Back to Health Wellness Centre to see Keri-Lyn Dudgeon to replace my shoe orthotics and it was she who suggested I see Dr. Rodwin.    Dr. Rodwin put me on twice weekly appointments which were time consuming but I stuck with it as I quickly saw improvements. Dr. Rodwin suggested I seek regular massage therapy from Ashley Rocheleau which also helped loosen my joints.

I would surely recommend Dr. Rodwin. I really felt in good hands. I really liked the warmth and friendliness of everyone at the clinic and the office was run “like a tight ship”.

Chiropractic will always be part of my life and I fully realize that I will need to see Dr. Rodwin for many years to come albeit on a reduced basis if I want to stay young.

A Chiropractic Success Story by Duane Faris
I have been a patient at Back to Health Wellness Centre for almost fourteen years. I was recovering from spinal trauma suffered playing contact sports at the time. I had four herniated discs and had aggravated the three other herniations that I had from a previous injury. I had terrible plantar fasciitis to the point where I would jump if someone even touched my foot. Since that time I have had a multitude of sports injuries, wear and tear conditions, one car accident, and a major work injury that forced me to miss almost two years at my job.    

Dr. Rodwin and the staff at Back to Health Wellness Centre have seen me through all these injuries. They have never treated me as a number. They have always taken the time to listen to me. They have been kind, patient and compassionate to a fault. They have found a way to get me in when emergencies have arisen and I called at the last minute. They work as a team and were clear that my health was a priority. In addition to the fantastic health care that I get from her, Dr. Rodwin has also provided me with dietary and supplement suggestions. She has created exercise plans for me that have brought me from a non-runner to having now completed four half marathons. She has never told me to stop doing something (rugby, running, jiu jitsu, kung fu), but has made suggestions as to how I can continue doing the things I love in a different way. She has suggested alternatives as well as additions to my training that have allowed me to continue being active on my terms. I have said with all sincerity that Dr. Rodwin is the reason that I am still walking. My spine and feet were very messed up. I was taking Robaxicet eight times a day when I started seeing her and was in constant pain. I don't need any of that now. 

When I had my work injury she made sure that I was treated properly. She helped me with forms and phone calls that needed to be made. She supported me personally and medically. There are not enough words to describe how amazing Dr. Rodwin is with her patients. Back to Health and Wellness is a fantastic clinic. I regularly refer people to them. It has been almost fourteen years that I have been a patient there. I look forward to the next fourteen.

Straighten Up Canada!

STRAIGHTEN UP CHALLENGE AND SELFIES!

What is the Straighten Up Canada app? Straighten Up Canada is a mobile app for improving posture and spinal health through twelve short exercise videos. Spend just three minutes a day doing these exercises and you'll be well on your way to better spinal health!

The app can be found at: www.straightenupcanada.ca.

We are challenging everyone to download the app and from October 15th to December 19th to complete a 30-day challenge of taking 3 minutes a day to do the exercises in the app! As well you could take Selfies, before and/or after if you like of yourself.

We will be having three contests with prizes: one for the individuals who complete the 30 days performing the exercises in the Straighten Up app, one for the selfies and the last for the individuals that complete both the app challenge and the selfies.

Stay tuned for the list of prizes!
Download your app now and try it out!

Research has demonstrated that poor postures and inactivity can contribute to the development of back pain, neck pain and other spinal disorders.

Some facts:

• Up to 80% of people will suffer from back or neck pain during their lives. 

• 50% of the working population will experience back or neck pain symptoms at least once per year. 

•Many every day activities can increase the risk of spinal pain.  

• Age is one of the most common risk factors for spinal pain, and the greatest effects of population ageing are predicted in low-and middle-income countries. 

• Back and neck pain is one of the most common reasons for workplace sick leave. 

• Back pain is the second most frequent reason for visits to the doctor’s office, outnumbered only by the common cold. 

The good news is that many of these common problems can be easily avoided!

Courses taken by our health care providers:

SPINE:

Ashley Rocheleau, registered massage therapist, has certified in the SPINE active release technique!  She is now full bodied certified which includes: spine, upper and lower body/extremity.

NERVE ENTRAPMENTS:

Dr. Barbara Rodwin is re-certifying in the Active Release Technique from November 1 to 2, 2014. This essentially would be where a nerve is pinched somewhere in your body. If you want to watch a video about how this works :click here

Dr. Rodwin is certified in: upper extremity, lower extremity, spine, nerve entrapments, biomechanics, and a Masters course with the Active Release Institute. She has been practicing this technique since 1998, for 16 of her 23 years in practice!

INDIVIDUALIZED NUTRITION FOR YOUR HEALTH:

November 8 and 9, 2014 Dr. Rodwin will be attending this course. The course is going to be an excellent! The course outline includes: Creating individualized treatment plans utilizing successful evidence-based therapies and effective dietary recommendations for your health, treatment guidelines will be addressed for thyroid conditions, adrenal stress, bone health, yeast infections, blood sugar, insulin resistance and diabetes, heart health, breast, ovarian cyst, PMS and prostrate health, menopausal and peri-menopausal symptoms.

Think about your body; it is the most important piece of equipment you have!

After all if you wear out your body where are you going to live?

Good posture will help you to:

• Look and feel even better than you already do,

• Prevent back aches and muscle pains,

• Decrease wear and tear on your joints,

• Use less energy for daily tasks, and

• Increase your spine’s flexibility and resilience.

Nutritional Supplements

Choosing the Best Supplement to Take
With thousands of nutritional supplements available, choosing the best supplements to take can be nothing short of overwhelming. It’s not only a question of the best supplements to take, but knowing how to identify which product is safest and most effective.

Nutrient Form: Read labels carefully to see what nutrient forms are included. These are listed in parentheses after the name of the nutrient. For some nutrients, there’s no special form to look for. Any kind of Vitamin C, for example, synthetic or natural, is acceptable. Vitamin E and beta-carotene, however, are another story. For these two ingredients, the natural forms are definitely superior. Minerals also come in various forms. 
Elemental minerals, such as those found in soil, are not readily absorbed, so manufacturers bind them to amino acids or other substances that our bodies are able to take in. These are known as “chelated” minerals, and have names like magnesium succinate, calcium citrate, etc. Magnesium when purchasing you should look for the Glycinate form, it is easier to absorb! B-vitamins you should look for the active form, methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin (non-active form)

Dosage Level: Once you've confirmed that a product has the right forms of the nutrients you're looking for, the next step is to make sure the product has enough of those nutrients to actually improve your health. Some products boast a wide range of really good ingredients. Yet when you look at their labels, the amount of each ingredient is so small that it couldn't possibly have a therapeutic effect! Know the recommended dosages for key nutrients before you go shopping so that you can better identify the best supplements to take.  

At Back to Health Wellness Centre, we are committed to provide patients with the best quality health care. In keeping with this commitment, we only carry nutritional supplements which meet the highest standards for quality assurance. 

Companies such as: Douglas, Pure, CanPrev, Genestra, Seroyal, Thorne and AOR (Advanced Orthomolecular Research) meet these high standards and their products are available to purchase at our clinic.

Reputable Manufacturers: Nutritional supplements are big business, and thousands of companies are in the market. Solid, reputable nutritional supplement manufacturers formulate supplements based on scientific research, buy the best raw materials and pay independent labs to make sure their products meet label claims and contain no contaminants.

Price: We’re all looking to save money, but understand that price has some bearing on quality. Do not purchase dirt-cheap or mail-order brands without carefully studying labels and learning something about the company. Manufacturers of discount products have to save money somewhere, and they may do it by using inadequate dosages, improper nutrient forms or other cost-cutting measures.

Expiration Dates: Always look for an expiration date. While some nutrients, such as calcium and other minerals, maintain their potency for several years, others like vitamins B and C have a significantly shorter shelf life. 

Label Red Flags: Look for “red flags” on labels—sugar, artificial coloring and flavoring, preservatives, and additives such as shellac, chlorine and other chemicals should be avoided.

If you are unsure which nutritional supplement is best for you, please feel free to ask Dr. Barbara Rodwin or Dr. Kathy Van Zeyl.

Do you realize that some of the ingredients in many nutritional supplements are toxic and can actually because you harm?

“Excipients” in Vitamin Supplements
Excipients are substances other than the pharmacologically active ingredients which are included in the manufacturing process or are contained in a finished product. In many products, excipients make up the bulk of the total dosage form.”

Additives in supplements cause allergic reactions, impede absorption of the active form of the supplement (they can decrease absorption by over 65%!), cause cell death, have undesirable physiological effects and can cause many other health issues.  In many cases, an ingredient carries a negative connotation, so the manufacturer uses instead, a euphemistically derived alternative (such as “glaze” or “natural vegetable coating” for shellac).

CanPrev          
CanPrev's in-house research and development team and scientific advisory panel are composed of licensed natural healthcare practitioners, process and quality control engineers and functional experts in natural ingredients and nutraceutical manufacturing. All raw materials are sourced from trusted Canadian ingredient suppliers with whom they work directly to select only the finest quality raw materials from the best sources around the world. The Research & Development team carefully reviews each ingredient and it is given a Certificate of Analysis to ensure that it meets exact specifications for identity, purity and potency. CanPrev products are manufactured to exacting Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, in site-licensed facilities utilizing the most modern nutraceutical processing equipment. Every step of the way, stringent quality control measures ensure that the purest and freshest finished product is delivered to their customers. All formulations contain the most biologically active forms of nutrients (methylcobalamin vs. cyanocobalamin) at therapeutic levels. None of their products contain binders and fillers. 

AOR (Advanced Orthomolecular Research) Advantage
AOR is committed to researching the best that science and nature have to offer and has become a trusted leader in the natural health industry. By delivering the ‘right amount of the right ingredients to the right place at the right time,’ AOR offers a unique and truly orthomolecular approach to safe, effective and personalized nutrition for the future. Sourcing the right ingredients can sometimes be difficult, but AOR will not settle for less than the best. Every ingredient is third party-tested to ensure purity, safety and effectiveness. Each formula is meticulously quality controlled. AOR’s self-imposed standards are higher than any government-imposed standards or industry norms. When it comes to ensuring quality, it is often the most trivial of matters that matters the most, and this makes the AOR difference. AOR uses the most active forms of ingredients whenever possible in supplement formulations, and the high quality ingredients included in each formula are always dosed according to clinical research. AOR has become an innovative leader in the natural health industry because it delivers safe and effective health supplements of exceptional quality.

Genestra and Seroyal
Genestra/Seroyal ensures excellence through heavy investment and commitment to stringent Quality Assurance. The UNDA, GENESTRA BRANDS™, Pharmax and Wobenzym brands go above and beyond to ensure the highest quality dietary supplements, imposing rigorous manufacturing standards from start to finish. From the raw materials used for manufacturing of the products, to the preparation, bottling and storage, the Seroyal Quality Assurance team ensures stringent process adherence. All Seroyal dietary supplements are compliant with FDA and Health Canada Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) requirements.  Genestra/Seroyal is also NSF certified. Facilities include various ISO (International Organization for Standardization) accreditations – the global manufacturing standards that ensure quality, environmental friendliness, safety and reliability. 

Thorne
Thorne knows the purity of a supplement's raw ingredients makes the difference between an effective, well-tolerated product and an inferior, poorly absorbed one that may even cause allergenic reactions. This company’s commitment to using the purest ingredients possible is nothing short of obsessive. Thorne Research, for more than 25 years, has been the standard by which companies in the industry are judged for product purity. Practitioners rely on Thorne as the company they trust for their extremely allergic, chemically sensitive, and immune-compromised patients.

The Lymphatic System

Your Lymphatic System

Is your body draining wastes properly?  Although we’re all familiar with the role of blood and the circulatory system in delivering nutrients to our cells, less attention has been paid to the system that drains wastes from our cells: the lymphatic system.

Your lymphatic system involves a complex interplay of lymph nodes and vessels (mainly in the neck, armpit and groin) and includes tissue in the thymus, spleen, appendix and lining (mucosa) of the digestive and respiratory tract.  This system works hard to drain metabolic wastes and toxic particles from the body. Lymphatic tissue also serves as a central “hub” for immune activity, allowing lymphocytes to collect, concentrate, and fight foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses.

The lymphatic system does not have an independent “pump” (compared to the heart and blood circulation) and is reliant on osmotic pressure and contracting muscle to push fluid and wastes through the system.

Signs of impaired lymphatic flow include:

• Chronic and recurrent sinusitis, bronchitis, yeast and other infections
• Persistent fatigue from impaired toxin clearance
• Chronic inflammation and pain
• Cellulite and edema (swelling in the upper and lower limbs)
• Fibrocystic breast lumps and tumours
• Acne and Impaired wound healing

If you suspect your lymphatic function may be compromised and would like to get things back in check, talk to our Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Kathy Van Zeyl for more information.

How can we support lymphatic drainage?

Simple manual techniques such as lymphatic massage and Chinese cupping therapy which can be performed by our Registered Massage Therapists and Naturopathic Doctor respectively. 

Also you can include techniques such as: dry skin brushing, hot/cold contrast showers and exercise to enhance drainage of the vessels and clear lymphatic fluids.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Lymphatic drainage massage helps to allow our body’s natural drainage and pump system to function at its best, helping to decrease our pain and heal us easier and faster. It’s also important because our lymphatic system can become backlogged from the mechanical stress imposed by an injury. Lymphatic drainage massage helps to take some of the pressure off the lymphatic system. Think of the drain in your bathtub getting clogged with hair; in essence, lymphatic drainage massage unclogs the drain and allows the water to resume draining naturally.

It is always good to prepare self-care plan in case of an accident. Injuries are unpredictable, but how you choose to plan your recovery is up to you. Recover faster and return to your activities with the help of one of the Back to Health Registered Massage Therapists.

Acupuncture, Ascupressure and the Laser for the Lymphatic System

Chronic sinusitis affects over 40 million Americans a year. It is the most common chronic condition in the United States today. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa and environmental conditions, such as molds, can cause sinusitis. It is important to combine a number of suggestions to aid in resolving issues with the sinuses and the lymph system.

When used in tandem with standard Western treatments, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, acupressure, the laser and dietary changes may spell significant relief for patients battling chronic sinusitis, a study suggests. (March 2012 Archives of Otolaryngology)

Lymphatic acupressure, acupuncture and the laser are methods used to stimulate specific Lymphatic nodes by breaking the particles which then activates the entire lymphatic system. Treatment with acupuncture can aid in re-routing the lymph flow around blocked areas into more centrally located lymph vessels or gently clears the congestion of the lymph vessels and nodes that eventually drain into the venous system.

The use of a combination of any of these methods will encourage the body’s lymph fluid to drain to the major lymph node stations within the body to stimulate the detoxification and purge of the body retained fluids.

Everyone can benefit from these treatments:

1. Athletes can accelerate the removal of lactic acid from their muscles, and have faster recovery from strenuous competitions, work outs and training.

2. Surgery patients can accelerate the reduction of swelling, pain, bruising, infections, and speed up the healing process. Cancer patients can benefit from these treatments.

3. Allergy sufferers can reduce the frequency of reactions and headaches.

4. Everyone can improve digestive and colon health, reduce water retention and edema (swelling), have healthier looking skin, and improve overall health.

By getting regular lymphatic treatments, the immune system is boosted. Keeping the body clean leaves less debris for microorganisms to attach to and invade the body as a virus. It is like cleaning food crumbs off of the kitchen counter to keep away the bugs!

If you have any questions about these treatments feel free to ask Dr. Barbara Rodwin, Doctor of Chiropractic or Dr. Kathy VanZeyl, Naturopathic Doctor

Preparing for Hockey Season

It’s that time of year to begin thinking about and preparing for hockey season.  

If you don’t take the time to properly prepare the body for the stress placed on it while playing hockey, then you are setting yourself up for muscle aches and soreness and also pre-disposing the body to injuries.

Your preparation should include the following:

1. Booking a biomechanical assessment with Dr. Barbara Rodwin
2. Preparing yourself through stretching and conditioning
3. Preparing your hockey gear

Ask us at Back to Health how we can help your pre-hockey season!

Is it Normal for my Feet to Hurt after Skating?
When you first skate in your new skates, yes, it is normal for there to be a little discomfort. It is normal to get the odd blister, or a bit of a pain. This discomfort should only affect you the first few times you use your skates. This is the normal process of breaking in a new pair of skates. After your skates are broken in you should be able to skate in them without any pain or blisters.

What happens if your feet hurt every time you skate in them?
If you’ve skated 10+ times and your skates still hurt your feet then there is a problem. Your skates may not fit you properly, or you may have problematic feet that need special attention. You can customize your skates by getting custom orthotics or off the shelf insoles for additional support, or by taking them to a pro shop to get them “punched”. Let’s say you have extra wide ankles, you can get the sides of your skates punched to give you some more room.

Some people only have sore feet with playing hockey and are fine with other sports. In this case we can make a custom orthotic designed specifically for the skate. The make and model is taken into consideration in their design. These are the same skate orthotics that NHL players use!!  

If your feet are hurting with skating, book an appointment with Keri-Lyn Dudgeon to evaluate ways we can help.

Dynamic Stretching and Warm Up: 
Dynamic stretching and warm up refers to a series of exercises geared towards getting the body moving in ways comparable with the demands of a specific sport. Body temperature rises as heart rate is increased allowing the major muscle groups to feel more “loose”, functional, and ready for an intense workout. The primary goals behind performing a proper dynamic warm-up are to improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. This is accomplished by: increasing the core temperature and joint range of motion, activating stabilizers, proprioceptors, and the central nervous system, increasing mental awareness and focus, and improving hockey related movement skills.

INTERESTED IN DYNAMIC STRETCHES, STATIC STRETCHES, PRE-SEASON CONDITIONING, OR STREGTHENING: ASK DR. BARBARA RODWIN

Injuries in hockey occur more commonly in games rather than practices.  Injuries more commonly occur during the final five minutes of a period, and 42% of injuries occur in the third period of a game, usually exhibition and preseason games. This is likely due to the level of competition involved and player fatigue.

Head and face injuries: 42% of injuries
Upper body injuries:     27% of injuries
Lower body injuries:     31% of injuries

Any type of hockey injury can be treated by the health care providers at Back to Health!

Think about your body; it is the most important piece of equipment you have!

Concussions and Hockey
If you have sustained a concussion while playing hockey, book an appointment with Dr. Barbara Rodwin as she is trained to properly evaluate and treat you. Dr. Rodwin is trained in the C.A.T.S. (Cranial adjusting turner style) method of concussion treatment, and has been practising this treatment for 2.5 years. 

Cranial Adjusting Turner Style (C.A.T.S) is a scientifically and neurologically based technique designed to address the cranial misalignments caused by an impact to the head. C.A.T.S practitioners are able to detect and correct any cranial misalignments. They function under the basic principle that if a cranial bone is out of place; put it back into place and restore its function. Certain injuries to the skull can cause the bones to be knocked out of their proper alignment. These misalignments can interfere with an individual’s nerve, fluid surrounding the brain and blood supply to the brain. A misaligned skull can also exert extra pressure on the brain which interferes with the brain’s nutrient and oxygen supply, where pain and altered functions can be a direct result of the added intra-cranial pressure.

Dr. Rodwin has had excellent success using the C.A.T.S. technique in treating patients for concussions. The sooner you seek out treatment, the sooner you will be back playing!