Back to school: Is your backpack fitting properly?

We are only a couple of weeks away from the kids heading back to school. It is  important to take a moment and address one of the major accessories that are used during the school year. Backpacks!!!! 

Backpacks can be used to carry the necessities of the school day as well as being part of your child’s style statement. When used properly, the weight can be evenly distributed using the body’s super strong back and abdominal muscles. But if not worn in the correct manner, they can strain muscles in your child’s neck, back and shoulders.  That can result to injury of the joints and muscles long term causing postural changes.

1. They should only be carrying between 10(elementary student)to 15(high school student) per cent of their body weight.

2. Pack it right! Heavier items should be placed low and in the back end of the backpack so that the heavier weight will be distributed properly.

3. The size of backpack should be proportionate to the student’s body size as it should never be wider /horizontally larger than your child’s torso and the bottom hanging more than 4 inches below your child’s waist.

4. Shoulder and back straps should be padded and adjustable. They should not be too tight around the underarm or shoulder area.  You should be able to fit your hand between the child’s back and the backpack. A strap around the hip/waist area is also a good thing to look for as it helps even out the strain on the spine by placing more weight around the pelvis area.

Carrying the backpack using the two straps will also lessen the pressure and likelihood of injury. Encourage that your child carry it this way as opposed to just wearing one strap and slinging it on to the shoulder as this puts more stress into the shoulder area, mid and lower parts of the spine.

5. Lightweight material such as  vinyl, canvas or nylon can also help decrease the weight of the backpack.

6. The more compartments to keep contents organized and from shifting, the better. This also helps in the redistribution of weight.

7. Children should try their best to bend their knees  and pick up their backpack as opposed to twisting the backpack and slinging it on their back.

Chiropractors provide diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disorders related to the spine, nervous system and joints. For more information on how to pack, lift, carry, and choose a backpack, visit the OCA Website at www.chiropractic.on.ca- Pack it Light and Wear it Right!

By: Dr. Teesha Geevarghese (B.Sc., D.C.) Chiropractor

Still not sure if your child’s backpack is fitting properly? Bring them by the clinic on Tuesday August 29, 2017 or Friday Sept 1, 2017 from 1pm-4pm to get their backpack checked by Dr. Teesha G!

To learn more about Chiropractic care click here!

Should you have any questions or concerns contact us for your free 15 minute meet and greet today!

 

We’re hiring!

An opportunity has opened up to come and join our team here at JointAction Physiotherapy in Whitby!  We are a multidisciplinary clinic (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic and Massage Therapy) looking for an RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) who is eager to work in a team setting and appreciates the value that each profession can bring to helping a patient achieve their treatment goals.

Applicants must be registered with and in good standing with The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. For more information please apply below.

Job Type: Part-time, must be willing to work evenings (to 7pm) and Saturdays (9am -1pm)

Job Type: Part-time

https://ca.indeed.com/cmp/JointAction-Physiotherapy-&-Wellness-Centre/jobs/Massage-Therapist-1be9618455087393?q=Registered+Massage+Therapist

 

 

What should I know about classic “tennis elbow”?

What is it?
Lateral epicondylalgia, more commonly known as “tennis elbow”, is a common chronic injury to the tendons (tissues that attach a muscle to a bone) that are attached to the outer part of the elbow. This type of injury will often lead to pain and/or tenderness around the outside of the elbow, and may affect the ability to grip and bend the wrist backwards.

Common causes
The main cause of lateral epicondylalgia is due to the overuse of the elbow and wrist over time. More specifically, it commonly results after performing activities that involve repetitive motions of straightening the elbow, and bending and turning of the wrist. This overuse can result in small tears and deterioration of the tendons that control these areas. These tendons are not given enough time to heal, which contributes to the duration of the injury.

Signs & symptoms
• pain and/or tenderness over the outside elbow
• pain travelling down from the elbow into the forearm and wrist
• increased pain with repetitive motions of the arm and elbow (especially with elbow straightening and backward bending of the wrist) that gets better with rest
• increased pain when pressure is applied over the outside elbow and forearm muscles
• pain that increases in the evening

Treatment plan
We provide individualized treatment plans that may include but not limit to guided stretching and strengthening exercises, hands on mobilization, transverse friction massage and modalities to reduce pain, improve muscle integrity and maximize participation back to work & daily activities.

 

By: Jie (Janet) Yang, PT.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us today for you FREE 15 minute meet and greet!