Could your hip pain be caused by FAI?

Written by: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc, DC

Hip pain is a common symptom that can come from a wide array of conditions. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is one such condition that is characterized by limited motion of the hip and pain over and around the hip and groin region. To best understand this condition it is helpful to first examine the hip in a normal state.

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that joins your pelvis and leg located along the groin. It is the joining of the upper leg bone, the femur, into the socket of the pelvis called the acetabulum. Hence the name, femoroacetabular joint, is really just the amalgamation of the femur (femoro) and the acetabulum (acetabular). This ball and socket joint provides a huge amount of mobility and is why we are afforded a such great range of motion in our legs. Muscles such as the glutes work to move our leg backwards, while muscles such as our quadriceps work to bring our legs forward.

In the case of impingement, we no longer have full motion of this ball and socket joint because of boney restrictions forming around the joint itself. As the bone growth begins to further encapsulate the joint it can no longer move as freely. If the bone growth is located on the femur it develops a raised lip near the joint. This is termed a ‘cam’ impingement. When the joint is moved this raised lip will now contact the opposing socket sooner than before, resulting in restricted movement and may also elicit pain. The opposite is also possible, boney growth of the socket can result in a ‘pincer’ that extends towards the femur. As the femur tries to move it will now collide with this new extended piece of bone again causing a restriction of motion and possibly pain.

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Removing the bony growth would require surgery, however, conservative care methods can help manage symptoms and progression. Practitioners can utilize various techniques to help maintain joint health, preserve remaining joint mobility, adjust biomechanics, and improve ergonomics.

If you are interested in a more in-depth explanation of the hip joint you learn more in a webinar hosted by Dr. Evan Steinke HERE.

If you are looking to book a personal assessment to get to the source of your hip pain book in at either AST location. Our many expert practitioners will assist you in your journey toward better hip mobility. If you are looking to book in with Dr. Evan Steinke, he works at AST Westman.

*The content contained in this blog is provided for general information purposes only. They content is general suggestions and not intended to replace the services of a trained physician, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 

The Benefits of Turmeric.

Written By: Kira Greasley, B.A., CHNC.

With summer behind us and, temperatures cooling, my thoughts always drift to those foods that bring warmth.

Turmeric, a relative to ginger, comes from the large, deep-yellow underground stem of the plant Curcuma domestica. This intense yellow-orange coloured root is a deeply warming spice that has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The active constituent in turmeric is curcumin which has been shown to decrease pain and inflammation in the pancreas, stimulate the production of insulin and reduce blood sugar levels, which helps reduce the risk of onset diabetes. Curcumin also protects the kidneys from the damage caused by drugs, chemicals, heavy metals, diabetes and kidney surgery. If that wasn’t already enough, turmeric is also known to inhibit platelet aggregation, which can reduce the risk of blood clots, a major risk factor for heart attacks and strokes.

Turmeric can be often hard to grind yourself, so most often, I buy my turmeric already ground. If you do the same, make sure you buy small amounts of good-quality powder and use it up before you buy more.

If you are curious and looking for ways to add turmeric to your diet book a consultation with Kira Greasley, B.A., CHNC to learn more.

**If you are on any medications, please consult your MD or ND before introducing turmeric into your diet.

Could You Have a Predisposition to Getting a Concussion?

Written By: Dr. Fiona Lovely, DC

What if I told you that there was a way to predict whether you might be more likely to have symptoms when you hit your head than the person sitting next to you?  It’s true.  If we were to line up 10 people at random and ask them a few questions, we could determine who was more likely to have a concussion.  Intrigued?  Read on…..

Things which can predict your likelihood to have a concussion:

1.  Playing recreational sports.  You are likely to injure yourself at some point when you engage in sporting activities.  And you will have a higher chance of having a concussion than someone who doesn’t play contact sports.  Make the decision to play with a full understanding of the risks and a plan for how you will manage injury when it does happen.  Get a baseline brain test at the start of each season so should an injury occur, you have a professional to help already cued up.

2.  Inflammation.  This is a very common problem fed by the human condition.  Stress.  Poor nutrition - the typical sugary, high-carb, processed food diet is a common cause of inflammation.  Toxic relationships.  Money concerns.  Work you dislike.  Health challenges like diabetes, high blood pressure, and food allergies (many of these are caused by inflammation.)  These things all fuel inflammation in the body.  Inflammation excites the brain tissues which support function.   This overstimulation of the brain tissues makes you far more likely to have symptoms if you bump your head!

3.  Gender. It is well documented that girls playing the same sports as boys their age are more likely to have a concussion that produces symptoms.  The female body is diverse anatomically and the muscles of the neck are less protective in the case of head injury than those of their male counterparts.  Additionally,  a head injury sustained during the second half of the menstrual cycle can cause a crash of high progesterone levels which can make symptoms of a concussion feel much, much worse.  Females are also prone to physical damage to the pituitary gland during a TBI event causing hormonal imbalances which can last a lifetime.  

4.  Brain function imbalance.  This can be from birth as the birth process is meant to toggle a number of primitive reflexes that are necessary for our early development.  With the rise of C-section births, this critical process can get missed.  When the brain develops without these switches activated, imbalances can occur.  Previous concussions, chemical exposures, poor nutrition, and other things can cause a functional brain imbalance which can make you more likely to suffer a concussion.  Your Chiropractic Neurologist can help correct these imbalances of the nervous system.

Knowledge is power.  If you or your child are going to play contact sports, please be conscious of the risks.  Prepare yourself ahead of time and have a plan should you have a traumatic brain injury (concussion).  Look at the list above and see what you can do to moderate the risk by making some diet and lifestyle changes.  Get a brain assessment before you begin to play to correct the functional concerns (lowering your risk for concussion). 

If you would like to book an appointment with Dr. Fiona Lovely DC, please contact Active Sports Therapy today.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  

Sciatica or Piriformis Syndrome

Written By: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc, DC

Many of us have heard of sciatica (SI), a painful compression of the nerve running down the back of your leg, however, not many have heard of Piriformis Syndrome. To understand the difference it helps to first understand what the sciatic nerve is and where it travels.

The sciatic nerve is the thickest nerve in our body and is the result of several nerve roots from the lower back and sacrum coming together to form one larger nerve bundle. This bundle is formed around the level of our hip joint and runs the entirety of our leg, from glutes to feet. Nerves branch off to supply everything from the muscles of our legs to the skin and joints. Therefore, any irritation or compression to the sciatic nerve, or the nerve roots it is comprised of, can cause symptoms along its length. In fact, this is what sciatica is in reference to, pain and other symptoms that affect the nerve roots or sciatic nerve. Typically we think of disk herniations, degeneration, or joint narrowing that compresses and irritate the nerve roots that form the sciatic nerve as the cause of sciatica. However, this is not always the cause, in some cases, the sciatic nerve itself can be compressed by muscles which leads us to piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome gets its name from the piriformis muscle, a slender muscle running from the sacrum to the hip. The location of the muscle places it dead center in the gluteal region and also right over the top of the infamous sciatic nerve. As a result, tension and tightness or inflammation in the piriformis muscle can lead to compression and irritation of the sciatic nerve which in turn may cause sciatica. This could include pain in the gluteal region with possible radiation along the length of the nerve as it travels down the leg to the foot. It can also be characterized by feelings of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg and/or foot. Due to its position and function, you may feel increased irritation with sitting for a sustained period or with exercises such as squats.

In any case, if you are experiencing pain along the back of your leg or feelings of numbness or weakness it is best to see your practitioner and have the exact cause determined. From here an appropriate treatment and management plan can be implemented to help you.

If you are interested in booking an assessment call Active Sports Therapy today.

Dr. Evan Steinke, BSc. DC recently hosted a webinar where you can learn more about Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome. You can check it out here.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Knee pain and Chondromalacia

Written by: Dr Evan Steinke, BSc, DC

Pain in and around the knee is a common occurrence but the causes can be broad and varied. Chondromalacia patella, sometimes known as a runner’s knee, is one potential cause of knee pain. It is characterized by pain to the front of the knee over and around the patella, or knee cap. It may increase with prolonged sitting with knees bent such as while watching a movie. It may also increase with running and other sports that apply pressure to the knee.

Chondromalacia might sound like a mouthful but very accurately describes the condition itself. The word is derived from the word chondros, meaning cartilage, and malakia, meaning softening, hence the softening and erosion of the cartilage on the kneecap is the source of pain in this condition. As the cartilage breaks down the kneecap no longer glides as easily over the knee and may even rub against the opposing joint surface. This can result in painful irritation and irregular movement of the kneecap overtop of the femur.

Treatment of chondromalacia patella often includes trying to reduce inflammation which may be done through rest and ice. If there is a specific cause of the condition, such as running, it should also be addressed with your clinician. This could include analyzing gait, correcting muscle imbalances, using orthotics or different types of shoes, and adjusting any misalignments in the joint.

If you are having knee pain and think you may have chondromalacia it is best to see a chiropractor or physio to have it evaluated. This way an individualized treatment and management plan that addresses your needs and concerns can be created.

If you would like an assessment book in at Active Sports Therapy, for a personal assessment and treatment plan. Dr. Evan Steinke, BSc. DC works at AST Westman

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Knee Pain

Healthy Food Habits For Busy Schedules

Kira Greasley - BA, CHNC

Is it that time again? With school starting back up and, schedules getting busy, what better opportunity to take some time to review some not-so-sweet facts about food? My hope is to inspire YOU and YOUR loved ones to set your stage for life!

-  Food is not only fuel for the body but it is used as information that directly communicates with our bodies, brain & DNA.

-  Food nurtures our gut bacteria (microbiome), allowing them to do what they do best which is keeping our bodies and brains healthy. Did you know that 70% of your immune system resides in your microbiome and that it is also responsible for your metabolism, hormonal systems, brain and levels of inflammation?

-  Unnatural food products such as refined carbs, sugar (which suppresses your immune system by 60% for up to 5 hours), & vegetable oils, cause the cells in the body to send out SOS signals & free radicals that are damaging (think of free radicals as bulls in a china shop). If these SOS signals & free radicals are left to their own devices, they can kill cells from the inside out.

-  No-one should consume more than 5 tsp of sugar a day most adults are consuming an average of 22 tsp/day and kids consume up to 35 tsps. There are over 115 names for sugar so the easiest rule to go by is if it ends in “ose” it is sugar.

-  Many bowls of cereal contain one spoonful of sugar for every three spoonfuls of cereal eaten.

-  4 grams of sugar = 1 teaspoon of sugar

-  Research from the Public Health Journal linked diets high in fast foods and refined sweets to a 40% higher rate of depression due to lower amounts of dopamine (the feel-good hormone and neurotransmitter).

“Your fork sets you on a path that leads you to a disease or back to health” - Dr. David Perlmutter

If you are interested in learning more about healthy nutritional lifestyle choices call AST Willow Park to book a consult with Kira Greasley today.

Tips for Choosing a Backpack for Kids

By: Active Sports Therapy

As we get our kids ready to go back to school, buying a new backpack seems to be a late August tradition. Although kids will often choose their pack based on colour and design, there are a few tips that you should watch for when narrowing down their choices.

Backpack features that reduce the incidence of back pain can be:

In terms of wearing the backpack, please remember the following:

If your child is complaining of pain, however, it’s important to listen to them as it could be a symptom of a larger problem or an issue that needs to be looked at by a professional. At Active Sports Therapy we have both sport and family chiropractors equipped to assess and treat your little one if needed.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Carpal Tunnel or Pronator Teres Syndrome?

Written By: Dr. Evan Steinke, B.Sc., DC

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a well-known condition that can cause wrist and hand pain. It is notorious for causing pain and/or numbness along with the hand among office workers, gardeners, and anyone performing repetitive tasks. It is caused by the squeezing of the median nerve as it passes through a narrow tunnel at the wrist. However, despite how prevalent CTS is it is not the only location the median nerve can become compressed.

Pronator Teres Syndrome (PTS) is a lesser-known form of median nerve compression and may mimic, and even be misdiagnosed, as CTS. The condition is named after the muscle that causes it, the pronator teres. This is a relatively small forearm muscle located at the inner elbow and is responsible for turning our forearm palm side up (known as pronation). What makes this muscle interesting is that in most people there are two heads to the muscle and the median nerve passes directly between the two. As a result, muscle tension or injury can lead to compression of the median nerve. Compression at the elbow will result in downstream effects such as pain, pins and needles sensation, numbness or muscle weakness in the hand, again mimicking the effects of CTS. Interestingly, around 1 in 7 people are missing the second head of the pronator teres muscle which is thought to reduce the risk of developing this condition.

Patients suffering from PTS may have increased forearm irritation when activating the pronator muscle and may also experience upper forearm pain. However, differentiating the conditions can be nuanced so checking with your doctor and having a detailed physical exam can help differentiate the two. While a physical exam is often sufficient in severe cases your doctor may recommend that additional nerve tests be ordered.

Management of PTS often includes the following:

Muscle release techniques: These techniques aim to help ease pain and release muscle tension to free up the median nerve.

Exercises and Stretches: A variety of programs can be performed at home that aim to improve flexibility and decrease muscle tension.

Activity Modification: Depending on your occupation and home needs your doctor may modify your daily routines and activities to reduce the use and stress on the pronator teres muscle.

Rest: Inflammation and swelling around an injured muscle can add pressure to the nerve. Allowing the muscle to rest and the body to clear the inflammation will aid in recovery.

Ice/heat: In cases of trauma or acute injury, the use of ice and/or heat can help reduce pain and bring blood to the area.

Ultimately both CTS and PTS are caused by the compression of the median nerve just at different locations. A thorough examination is vital in differentiating the two conditions and for appropriate treatment to be applied.

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms be sure to book in at Active Sports Therapy, for a personal assessment and treatment plan. Dr. Evan Steinke, BSc. DC works at AST Westman

Injury Prevention During Race Season.

By: Active Sports Therapy

Spring and Summer are a fantastic time to get the competitive juices flowing by signing up for various races and challenges in and around the city. Maybe it’s your first 5k, your second marathon of the summer or a community triathlon, either way, you’ll want to be ready for it.

In addition to the obvious…which is training properly for the event, we’ve compiled a list of a few more things that can help.

Gait Analysis: Have your gait looked at to determine if there are any corrective measures you can take. Orthotics can be a game-changer for many a runner especially if you have excess pronation, suffer from plantar fasciitis or in general, just have poor foot biomechanics.

See a Running Expert: Calgary is home to a very strong running community so you’ll definitely be able to find someone who can analyze your form and help you make injury-preventing corrections. One great example is Solo Sport Systems in Calgary.

Listen to Your Body: Not just in running, but in everyday life. This is advice we always give to our patients for injury prevention. If there’s pain, don’t dismiss it. We recommend you take quick action to nip the problem in the bud by seeing your practitioner as soon as possible before the pain bumps you out of the race completely.

Just RICE it!: Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. As soon as the injury happens RICE it for 10-15 minutes, several times a day. In addition to this, be sure to protect the area with crutches, rest, and avoidance of activities that cause pain in the area.

Stay Positive: Sounds simple enough right? This can be a challenge for many, especially if you've been taken away from an activity that you love. Focus on some brain conditioning during this time to help you achieve the best possible recovery by remaining optimistic and confident in your ability to recover.

See a Chiropractor: A chiropractic adjustment can help ensure there is the proper alignment of your spine and pelvis leading up to the big race. Active Release Therapy can also play a role in loosening up tight muscles by breaking up restrictive adhesions, allowing your movement to be more fluid and pain-free.

Visit an MAT Specialist: MAT stands for Muscle Activation Technique. This technique can assess and correct muscular imbalances, and instability of joints, and help correct any difficulties with a range of motion allowing your muscles to move, fire, and function at their very best.

Book in for Chiropractic, Active Release Therapy, a foot analysis to see if Orthotics are right for you, or MAT right here at Active Sports Therapy.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

The Top 4 Most Common Golf Injuries

By: Active Sports Therapy

As golfing is a seasonal sport, people often jump into it quickly and with high frequency. Since 18 holes are the most common way to play, overuse injuries can occur. If you develop an injury, it can result in a frustrating experience out on the links as injuries affect your swing, and ultimately, your game.

The most common injuries include:

Golfers Elbow - Will cause pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow. The pain may radiate into the forearm.

Wrist Pain - Can occur and is usually related to the wrist flexor or extensor tendons. Impingement syndrome and tendonitis can also occur.

Shoulder Pain – The lead shoulder is most often the one to be injured in a golfer with the rotator cuff is the most likely to become injured and it is often related to the style and form of the golfer's backswing.

Back Pain- In the upper, mid, or most commonly, the lower back can occur. Golf involves twisting, bending, and reaching down to get the ball out of the cup, all of which can add up to back pain for some.

Tips for Prevention

Swing Mechanics. Even the best golfers are taking 70-90 swings and putts per game. Considering that you can see how easily an overuse injury can occur. Learning proper posture from a golf pro might give you the corrections you need to prevent injury.

Avoid trying to hit the ball too hard. This is common for ‘new golfers’ as they opt for power over the form. Again, a lesson or two might teach you the proper pace required for a mechanically correct swing.

Be sure to use proper mechanics when lifting or carrying your bag, even if it’s just taking them out of the trunk of your car.

Just because golf isn’t a fast, contact sport, it doesn’t mean that you don’t have to stretch it out a bit before you play. Stretch your shoulders, chest, triceps, back, and lower body.

Here is a great resource from Golf Digest

How Can your Chiropractor Help with These Injuries?

ART stands for Active Release Techniques.  It is a new and highly successful hands-on treatment method to address problems in the soft tissues of the body, including the muscles, ligaments, fascia, and nerves.  ART treatment is highly successful in dealing with overuse injuries because it is specifically designed to locate and treat scar tissue adhesions that accumulate in the muscles and surrounding soft tissues.

By locating and treating the soft-tissue adhesions with ART, it allows the practitioner to, 1) break up restrictive adhesions, 2) reinstate normal tissue flexibility and movement, and 3) more completely restore flexibility, balance, and stability to the injured area and the entire kinetic chain.

This style of treatment can be applied to all of your common golf injuries. We can also help you to learn how to prevent further damage through exercises and stretches. Our physiotherapy area has specialized equipment to help speed healing with laser therapy and Game Ready ice machines. We can assign the proper stabilizing brace or suggest supplements if needed.

Book in today at www.activesportstherapy.ca and we’ll help you Get Back to Your Game!

Golf