Healthview Blog

The Core Basics

5/25/2016

Core Exercises are fundamental basics for most of our patients who have diagnosed spinal complaints. Targeted exercises can improve strength, stability and help prevent or decrease frequency of symptoms of certain types of spinal conditions.

Core strength exercises strengthen your core muscles, including your abdominal muscles, back muscles and the muscles around the pelvis. Strong core muscles make it easier to do many physical activities.

You can do core strength exercises on a carpeted floor or mat. Breathe freely and deeply during each core strength exercise. Focus on tightening your transversus abdominis, the deepest abdominal muscle and the one you feel contracting when you cough.

All exercises should be pain free. If you have undiagnosed back pain or are unsure if you're ready see one of our professionals. Our clinicians can determine functional weaknesses and design a program specific to your needs.

Core Basics

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Spine-Actor Transmitters are Coming

11/3/2015

We have just ordered the new spine actor heads for our popular Shockwave Therapy. We hope to have them for next week. The new Spine-Actor heads are fork shaped and come in three sizes for different parts of the spine. This transmitter can be used as a stand alone treatment but is more commonly incorporated into a more complete therapy session. Treatment is primarily used with patients who are sub-acute or chronic.

The simple explanation is that it helps mobilize tissue and stimulate normal physiological behaviour. In theory, the therapy will assist in healing and improve soft tissue properties and in turn, function. The treatment sessions are measured relative to the clinical responses of individuals.

A few things we like about shockwave therapy is that it is safe and non-invasive. In addition we can determine if this therapy is beneficial after just a few sessions. Below is information from the Shockwave site.

From the ShockWave Site
Combined with EPAT®, fork shaped applicators / transmitters help treat spinal musculature.
These specialized EPAT® transmitters for the radial D-ACTOR handpiece optimally reach the vertebral joints of the entire spinal column in the neck, chest and lumbar areas. The muscles can be worked on paravertebrally. The contact surface of the U shape allows medical professionals to selectively reach myogeloses, tension and trigger points with EPAT®.

Laser and Ultrasound Therapy vs Shockwave Therapy

8/15/2015

Traditional ultrasound therapy was the go to modality for the conditions noted below for many years. Laser showed up on the scene in a big way in the early 2000s. Nowadays the modality of choice for our 10 practitioners is Shockwave. Our ultrasound machine sits idol most of the time and is only used on those patients who we cannot use Shockwave on, which is a very small percent. Our cold laser was rarely used; in fact so little it was sold as the practitioners lost confidence in that particular modality.

Shockwave is especially specific for tendinopathies such as:

Rehabilitation with an Anti-Gravity Treadmill

7/8/2015

I recently read a piece on the AlterG and was impressed with the technology and excited about the possibilities of this treadmill system. Initially I knew little about this particular advanced rehabilitation option. As a healthcare and technology geek new equipment is exciting and as I learned more, I found myself suddenly wanting an AlterG treadmill.

This unit as it is today does has a few challenges in certain markets and clinic types primarily due to its cost. On the other hand I personally see great potential with increased rehabilitation options for patients. Furthermore I know other healthcare geeks (Healthview staff) who would be as excited as myself to see one of these treadmills arrive at our door.

This NASA technology was originally designed to recreate the effects of gravity for astronauts in space.

Flexion Distraction Therapy

8/27/2014

Our new Flexion Distraction Table has arrived. This table is typically used by the Chiropractor and allows for a new gentle technique option. On the right are pictures of the new table. You can click on the images and enlarge.

Below is a video of Dr. Cox who is a pioneer in this treatment method. This video is more for practitioners but it will give you a good idea as to the actions and gentleness of this method.

As you watch the video you can see that this method is different from the more traditional adjusting techniques. We use numerous methods and this is one more option that may be suited for your specific condition and tolerances.

Be sure to ask the front desk or any of the staff if you have questions and they will be glad to help. We look forward to integrating this new method into the list of techniques, modalities and exercise tools we currently utilize at Healthview.

Can I Correct My Posture?

7/29/2014

Patients will sometimes ask if they can correct their posture. If we measured or took pictures of a persons posture before and after treatment we would often see little to no physical change. For example, someone may show you an x-ray of a crooked back and claim they can straighten the spine. This would be nearly impossible to accomplish and I have never seen any science supporting such claims. In my experience and in discussions with colleagues the general opinion is that dramatic postural change it is extremely challenging.

I do think however that postural management is an important component to treatment and in combination with other therapeutic tools can be very effective.....

June is Athletic Therapy Month

6/2/2014

The month of June is National Athletic Therapy Month. This is a good time to remember that anyone can benefit from seeing an athletic therapist, not just athletes. Kaylee Woodward, the athletic therapist at Healthview is currently accepting new patients and would be happy to hear from anyone who has questions about athletic therapy.

Exercise Programs with our Athletic Therapist

8/20/2013

Not feeling the way you want ? Need some help? See our Athletic Therapist

In addition to treating acute and chronic injuries Kaylee can help you with a clinic and home health and exercise program that can change your life. Furthermore her services are covered under most insurance plans.

With 2014 around the corner you may want to maximize your benefits. If you contact the office we can inquire and explain your coverage.

"This is more affordable and practical then a personal trainer. Our goal is to train you to be independent and put you in control of your health."

A consultation includes an interview and complete assessment of motion, strength, and flexibility. Now the fun begins as we create a plan to success so that you can reach your goals. A specific exercise and general fitness program will be developed for you to begin. Follow ups every 1-3 weeks to track progress and provide progressions.

Everybody is unique in body type, general condition and goals. My job is to put together a program to satisfy all aspects of each client. I am a motivated practitioner and would like to use my energy and specialized training to help you achieve your goals. I define my success as a therapist by results and satisfaction of my clients.

June is National Athletic Therapy Month

6/3/2013

The Canadian Athletic Therapist Association (CATA) is an organization devoted to the health care of the physically active individual, or those desiring to be more active and perform activities of daily living with decreased pain. A Certified Athletic Therapist must have fulfilled the academic, and practical requirements as outlined in the document entitled "Procedures for Certification" on the CATA website. Certified members have successfully completed a comprehensive theory exam, and a subsequent oral/practical exam developed and administered by the certification board of the CATA.

The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.

Treatments include a combination of heat and ice therapy, ultrasound, laser, electrical modalities, massage and joint mobilization, and safe and progressive exercise rehabilitation programs to get you back on your feet as soon as possible!

June is Athletic Therapy Month, seek out an Athletic Therapist today to see what they can do for you!!

Healthview Therapy Centre
5118 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg MB

Acupuncture Works

5/3/2013

Recent scientific studies have unlocked the mystery of acupuncture and were able to show anatomical and physiological mechanisms of acupuncture. The growing body of scientific literature is responsible for increased popularity of acupuncture in Western Medicine.
A study by Irnich et al. was able to show that a single treatment of acupuncture had immediate effects on pain and mobility (range of motion) in patients with chronic neck pain(1).

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