Bottom Line: Pain in and around the shoulder is very common after a car accident or work injury. The shoulder is considered an unstable joint which means that it has a tremendous range of motion but not much stability. The combination of fantastic mobility and limited stability make it extremely susceptible to injuries as a result of impact. Why it Matters: The shoulder is a ball and socket joint with 3 primary bones: the …
Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by trained Practitioners to help manage musculoskeletal injuries and pain while also addressing movement dysfunction. Dry Needling utilises a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin, fascia, and muscles to address adhesions, trigger points, and connective tissue. This speed’s up the healing process and relieves pain by decreasing muscle spasm, increasing joint range of motion, and correcting movement dysfunction by releasing trigger points. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DRY …
Bottom Line: The term whiplash is the term used to describe the injuries that result from a rapid back and forth motion of the neck. These injuries can occur during a car crash, sports accident, or during a slip and fall. The most common symptoms of a whiplash injury are neck pain, headaches, and radiating pain into the shoulders, arms, and hands. Why it Matters: Pain after whiplash happens when the delicate ligaments supporting …
Bottom Line: Your body wasn’t designed to deal with the forces that occur in a car accident. Even though modern cars have an array of safety features, the damage from an accident can range from small aches to life-changing injuries. The force that both your vehicle and body absorb while driving along the road is known as kinetic energy. Your vehicle has been carefully built to displace the (kinetic) energy that occurs during an …
Bottom Line: Your core is made up of the groups of muscles that provide stability in the abdominal and lower back regions. It includes your abs and the deep muscles that surround and support your spine. These muscles also coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and spine. Ideally, your core and low back work together in a balance of strength and flexibility. A lack of flexibility or strength in your core can contribute to …
Bottom Line: Restrictions and limited mobility of your lower back may be causing your pain. If your low back doesn’t have a full range of motion, then you are setting it up for future injuries. Bending forward and back (flexion/extension), side bending (lateral bend), and turning side to side (rotation) are the three movements that make up a full range of motion. You have to use it, or you’ll lose it. Neglecting your lower …
Bottom Line: It’s been estimated that over 90% of us will deal with low back pain at some point in our life. So, you may be wondering why. What causes most of us to deal with lower back pain? How we move our body, previous injuries, and the habits we do (or don’t do) each day can play a huge role in either increasing or decreasing your risk of an aching back. Why it …
If you’re alive, you’ve got stress. Stress is a natural physical and mental reaction to an experience that can have both positive and negative impacts on your health. Your body responds to stress by releasing hormones and increasing your heart and breathing rates. Your brain gets more oxygen, giving you an edge in responding to a problem. In the short term, stress can be a good thing. It keeps us alert, motivates us, and can …
Bottom Line: Nearly everyone will have back pain at some point in their life, but with sciatica, you’ll know something is different right away. Pain that begins in your back travels down to your buttocks, and shoots down your leg is a classic sign of sciatica. The shooting pain down your leg is caused by compression on one of the nerves exiting your spine. Even a small amount of pressure can cause a tremendous amount …
Bottom Line: Supplements are everywhere. Vitamins, minerals, bone broths, and protein powders are no longer only available at the health food store, you can find them nearly everywhere you shop. For those of us with diet’s that aren’t exactly pitch-perfect, dietary supplements can provide an additional way to gain the essential daily nutrients. Not only are supplements a way to get what you’re missing from your regular diet, but they may also have the ability …