Now offering Home Care Physiotherapy!
Happy Easter!
Happy Easter to everyone from our JA team! We hope everyone has a safe and happy long weekend with their loved ones!…
Posted by JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre on Thursday, March 24, 2016
Massage Therapy and Diabetes
What is Diabetes?
According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, diabetes is considered “a chronic, often debilitating and sometimes fatal disease, in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot properly use the insulin it produces.” The pancreas will release insulin which will decrease blood sugar levels. It does this by signaling cells to take in sugar for energy or to store as fat. In simple terms, your blood would become “sludge” if you produced no insulin. Your blood is what connects and ensures all your organs function properly and are nourished. With high levels of sugary blood constantly circulating your whole body, it will eventually cause damage to your organs, blood vessels and nerves.
Type 1 diabetes is when your own immune system attacks and kills those pancreatic cells that produce insulin. Therefore, none or very little insulin is released into your body.
Type 2 diabetes is when your body cannot use the inulin properly or does not make enough.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy affecting two to four percent of all pregnancies.
Signs and Symptoms
Diabetes signs and symptoms involve a wide range which includes:
- Unusual thirst and frequent urination
- Weight change
- Extreme fatigue or lack of energy
- Blurred vision
- Frequent or recurring infections
- Cuts and bruises slow to heal
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Massage and Diabetes
Although massage cannot fix nor treat the main cause of diabetes, it has other benefits that will treat secondary issues that arise. Some benefits include:
- Relaxation/Stress reduction. Living with diabetes is difficult not only physically but mentally as well. Massage will help you relax by releasing endorphins and reducing your anxiety and lowering your stress hormone levels.
- Increasing circulation. Massage will help increase not only blood but also lymph circulation. In most cases, diabetes will affect distal limbs which require more effort on your body to bring blood there.
- Myofascial benefits. Some studies do suggest that elevated blood sugar levels affect your connective tissue which in turn affects your mobility and the elasticity of your muscles. This can cause stiffness and reduce your range of motion. Receiving regular massage treatments will help you improve and maintain your skeletal muscle health and improve function and range of motion.
When coming in for massage, your registered massage therapist will ask critical questions in order to provide you with the safest and effective treatment possible. Before treatment, please make sure you have had a proper meal and that you come prepared with your medication on hand. If you are unsure if massage is right for you, please consult a doctor before receiving treatment.
Make sure to give massage a try and improve your lifestyle. For more information, check out the Canadian Diabetes Association at www.diabetes.ca or visit your local family doctor.
For any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Practising Pilates prior to pregnancy to help your body recover post-pregnancy
Abdominal wall separation sounds very intimidating, however, many women experience this throughout the course of pregnancy and into post-pregnancy. Abdominal separation, clinically diagnosed as Diastasis Recti, can happen to women of all ages throughout different stages of pregnancy. A combination of hormones and the uterus pushing against the abdominal wall creates a laxity, and in some cases will lead to a separation as wide as 2-2.5 finger widths.
Pilates can be used as a preventative method or as a treatment for this separation; by teaching the mother how to connect and properly engage with her deep core muscles, specifically the transverse abdominis (TA). For treatment, this connection with the deep core muscles will allow the abdominal muscles to close in a non-strenuous manner. Alternatively, as a prevention method, this will help build up strength in the abdominals to prevent a large separation during future pregnancies.
Pilates Thursdays at JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre at 8pm!
Register NOW to save your spot in the next class!
Pilates every Thursday at 8pm!
Pilates every Thursday at JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre. Reserve your spot today!! #JointActionPhysio #Pilates
Posted by JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre on Tuesday, March 15, 2016
To tape or not to tape…What is K-Tape and is it just for athletes?
We tend to see more and more athletes sporting different colours of tape on their joints and/or muscles. It must have you wondering what the purpose of the tape is. Does it enhance performance? Is it only for athletes? What is K-taping? and why use it?
When used in combination with other forms of therapy, K tape application has been proven as an effective method when it comes to preventing, supporting and treating injuries. The taping application relieves stress on the muscles and joints ultimately providing pain or discomfort relief. Most often seen in those who play sports however, K-taping application can be used on anyone. Once applied it may last between 3-5 days; and you can do your exercises, play sports, swim, and continue daily activities without damaging the tape.
There are numerous types of tapes and taping techniques available on the market. Our therapists at JointAction Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre are trained in prescribing and applying the right method to fit your needs by assessing the type of injury you have or would like to prevent.
By: Fatima Dias
If you have any concerns or questions contact us to book your free 15 minute consultation today
How to get the most out of your Massage Therapy session
1. Communication is key
Your visit to your RMT and the outcome of how effective the treatment will be, heavily depends on communication before, during, and after your treatment. Before your treatment, make sure you communicate clearly what your goals are and what you hope to achieve through your treatments. This will help your RMT formulate a treatment plan taking into consideration what you want. It is our priority to provide you with the safest and most effective treatment possible while achieving your goal. During your session, do not shy away from providing input concerning discomfort, pain, or pressure. Nothing is worse than enduring an hour of unnecessary pain. Make sure to share which techniques you liked and what you found to be most effective. After your treatment, provide input into how you feel and make sure to discuss future treatments. Your RMT will demonstrate using heat or ice, stretches, and exercises which will help you maintain and improve your overall health. Do not be afraid to voice your concerns or ask questions.
2. Do not neglect your home care remedial exercises
It is imperative that everyone does their home care stretches and exercises. The purpose behind remedial exercise is to make sure you continue forward and not backwards in your progress. You may feel instant relief, but without proper remedial home care, you may end up back where you started or worse. Make sure these exercises become a part of your daily life.
3. Breathe, relax, and enjoy
Whether you are receiving a light Swedish massage or a deep rigorous massage, it requires complete relaxation. Achieving this is much easier said than done. In order to get the full benefit out of a treatment, you need to relax and avoid tightening or contracting muscles which is counterproductive. Learn how to breathe deeply and rhythmically to relax the mind and your body.