Vestibular physiotherapy is a specialized form of physical therapy aimed at treating balance disorders caused by issues with the vestibular system, which controls your sense of balance and spatial orientation. The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and works closely with the brain to help you stay oriented and steady while moving.
When this system is disrupted, individuals can experience dizziness, vertigo, and difficulty with coordination, which can significantly impact daily activities. Vestibular physiotherapy uses specific exercises and techniques to help retrain the brain to compensate for these disruptions.
Therapists may employ a range of strategies, including canalith repositioning maneuvers to help alleviate symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), balance training exercises to improve stability, and gaze stabilization techniques for people who experience visual disturbances when moving their heads. Vestibular therapy can also help treat post-concussion syndrome and symptoms associated from mild traumatic brain injury.
By addressing the root causes of dizziness and imbalance, vestibular physiotherapy can restore normal function, enhance quality of life, and promote confidence in movement again. Whether it's recovering from an injury or managing an ongoing condition, vestibular therapy is a specialized option to get back to doing what you enjoy.
Understanding Acupuncture: A Gentle Solution for Pain Management
Written by: Dr. Wanda Duong, Doctor of Acupuncture, R.Ac, B.Sc, Dip. TCM and Natural Nutrition
Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used for thousands of years to address a variety of health concerns, especially pain. This technique involves carefully inserting fine needles into specific points on the body. While its origins are deeply traditional, modern research is shedding light on how acupuncture works to alleviate pain and improve well-being.
According to TCM, acupuncture revolves around “Qi” (“chee”), a vital energy flowing through pathways called meridians. These pathways are believed to connect the body’s organ systems and maintain balance (homeostasis) between opposing forces that are categorized into Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is disrupted, it can result in pain or illness. Acupuncture helps by restoring this balance and promoting the smooth flow of Qi. Although this traditional explanation may sound mystic, modern science offers a clearer understanding of acupuncture’s benefits, particularly for pain management.
Scientific studies have revealed several ways acupuncture can help reduce pain:
Nerve Stimulation
When needles are gently placed at specific points, they stimulate nerves in the skin and muscles. These nerves send signals to the brain and spinal cord, activating the body’s natural pain-relief systems. This process often creates a tingling, radiating, heavy, or pulling sensation which is linked to acupuncture’s therapeutic effects.
Release of Natural Painkillers
Acupuncture prompts the release of the body’s own pain-relieving chemicals, including substances known as endogenous opioids, which act similarly to pain medications by targeting opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord to ease discomfort. Additionally, acupuncture boosts the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which help regulate both pain and mood.
Engaging the Body’s Pain Control System
It may also engage a natural process called diffuse noxious inhibitory controls (DNIC). This system reduces the perception of pain by blocking pain signals in the central nervous system.
Reducing Stress and Tension
Stress, which often aggravates pain, can also be eased through acupuncture. By influencing areas of the brain like the hypothalamus and reducing stress hormones such as cortisol, acupuncture helps the body relax, indirectly alleviating pain and enhancing overall well-being.
Stimulating Adenosine Receptors
And finally, during treatments, a natural compound called adenosine is activated. This compound plays a key role in reducing pain and inflammation by binding to specific receptors in the body.
Some critics claim acupuncture works because of the placebo effect—the belief that a treatment will help. However, studies comparing real acupuncture to “sham acupuncture” (where needles are placed in non-therapeutic areas) consistently show that real acupuncture delivers greater pain relief. This demonstrates that its effects go beyond psychological benefits.
Acupuncture is widely used to manage a variety of pain-related conditions, including chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain, migraines and tension headaches, osteoarthritis, and pain and nausea following surgery. Many people find that acupuncture works best when combined with other treatments, creating a comprehensive plan for managing their pain and improving overall health.
Studying acupuncture scientifically poses challenges due to its individualized approach and varied techniques. However, continued research is uncovering new insights into how acupuncture interacts with the body’s systems, providing a clearer picture of its effectiveness.
Acupuncture offers a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern science, providing a natural, drug-free way to manage pain. By stimulating nerves, releasing natural painkillers, and activating the body’s pain-control systems, acupuncture is an effective and holistic option for addressing both acute and chronic pain. While there’s more to learn, acupuncture remains a powerful tool for enhancing quality of life and supporting the body’s ability to heal.
Are you looking to experience acupuncture yourself? Contact AST Westman Village to book an appointment with Dr. Wanda Duong, to learn more.
Sources:
Audette, Joseph F., and Angela H. Ryan. "The role of acupuncture in pain management." Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America, vol. 15, 2004, pp. 749-772, doi: 10.1016/j.pmr.2004.04.009.
Chen, Lucy. "The Role of Acupuncture in Pain Management." Acupuncture in Modern Medicine, IntechOpen, 2013, http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/.
Ondrejkovičová, Alena, et al. "Why acupuncture in pain treatment?" Neuroendocrinology Letters, vol. 37, no. 3, 2016, pp. 163–168.
Preventing Injuries When Shovelling Snow
One of the most common winter injuries that we see in our clinic is lower back injuries from snow removal. If you’re not careful, this snowy chore can lead to serious pain and injury. As a Canadian, shovelling is just part of life so take a minute to read our winter shovelling tips.
Shovelling snow is considered an exercise. Think of shovelling snow the same way you think of any other exercise or physical activity. Which is great… if you’re ready for it.
Problems can arise if your body is recovering from injury, or you are not exercising regularly. If this is the case you might find a session of shovelling to be overwhelming to your body, especially after large amounts of snow have fallen and need removal. Here are a few tips on how to make the best of this regular winter activity.
Ensure regular exercise is part of your daily life so that a seemingly non-dangerous activity like shovelling snow doesn’t take you down.
Warm up! Why not, after all, it’s absolutely an exercise that requires strength, flexibility, and endurance. You could do a few stretches (lower back and hamstrings would be a good start) and run on the spot or do a few stairs before heading out.
Take breaks. After a heavy snowfall the job ahead of you could take upwards of an hour. (Longer if you’re one of those fabulous Snow Angels who likes to help others). Every 10-15 minutes, or as needed, put the shovel down and stand up straight. Do a short walk around and drink some water to stop yourself from overheating. You’re likely dressed in your warmest winter wear and sweating up a storm so stay hydrated.
Use an ergonomic shovel. Shovels have come a long way in the past few years and there are many brands that are designed to take some of the effort and bending out of snow removal. They will have a curved handle that minimizes the bending angle required. Also, a plastic shovel will be lighter than a metal one. A full shovel can weight up to 20 lbs so a proper shovel is a must.
Push the snow aside instead of lifting it away as often as possible.
Avoid twisting your body with a full shovel. Instead just pivot your whole body to face the direction you’d like to put the snow.
Do not extend your arms with a full shovel. Keeping it close to your body when it’s heavy will keep you in a more stable position. You can accomplish this by sliding your hand down the shaft of the shovel as close to the blade as possible and comfortable, and bending your knees before lifting a full scoop.
Lastly don’t be afraid to ask for help!
Your family, your neighbour or a nearby friend. Everyone needs a little help sometimes and don’t be afraid to ask if you feel your body is not up to the challenge. You could also assign the task to someone else entirely!
If an injury does occur, our Unified Team Care approach is here to help.
Any of our Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and more, are here to help keep your body safe and moving well this winter.
When it comes to achieving total-body wellness, few approaches address the importance of core strength and pelvic health as comprehensively as the CORE to FLOOR Program by BTL. This innovative treatment plan combines two cutting-edge technologies—EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo—to target areas often overlooked in traditional fitness and wellness routines.
What is the CORE to FLOOR Program?
The CORE to FLOOR Program is designed to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles simultaneously, delivering transformative results for overall strength, posture, and confidence. It’s perfect for anyone seeking improved muscle tone, enhanced mobility, better bladder control, and increased physical performance.
EMSELLA is redefining pelvic health with a non-invasive treatment that uses High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology to stimulate the pelvic floor muscles. Often referred to as the “Kegel Throne,” this chair-like device helps rebuild muscle strength and improve neuromuscular control.
Key benefits of EMSELLA:
Improves bladder control: Ideal for addressing urinary incontinence.
Strengthens pelvic floor muscles: Supports core stability and posture.
Boosts sexual health and confidence: Enhanced blood flow and muscle tone lead to better functionality.
Non-invasive and painless: Each 28-minute session delivers the equivalent of 11,000 Kegel exercises!
EMSCULPT Neo
EMSCULPT Neo combines HIFEM and radiofrequency technology to simultaneously build muscle and reduce fat. This dual-action approach makes it one of the most effective body contouring treatments on the market.
Key Benefits of EMSCULPT Neo:
Builds muscle while burning fat: Perfect for sculpting abs, arms, legs, and glutes.
Enhances core strength: A stronger core means better balance, posture, and injury prevention.
Non-invasive and efficient: Each session is equivalent to 20,000 crunches!
Quick results: Noticeable improvement in as few as four sessions.
Why Combine EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo?
The pelvic floor and core are interconnected, forming the foundation of your body’s strength and stability. Weakness in either area can lead to poor posture, discomfort, and reduced physical performance. By addressing both simultaneously, the CORE to FLOOR Program offers a holistic solution.
Combined Benefits:
Enhanced functional strength: A stable core and strong pelvic floor improve everyday movement.
Better posture and balance: Reduced strain on your back and joints.
Boosted confidence: From improved continence, a stronger core, and more confidence in movement, you will feel empowered inside and out.
Non-invasive, quick, and effective: Fit seamlessly into even the busiest lifestyle.
Who Can Benefit from the CORE to FLOOR Program?
This program is ideal for:
Women recovering from childbirth, with diastasis recti, or dealing with pelvic floor issues.
Seniors with mobility limitations.
Men and women experiencing urinary incontinence.
Athletes seeking improved core strength and performance.
Anyone looking to enhance their body’s overall stability and functionality.
What to Expect During the Program
Each session is simple, non-invasive, and completely pain-free. You’ll begin with EMSELLA to target your pelvic floor and follow up with EMSCULPT Neo for core strengthening and fat reduction. Sessions are quick—usually under an hour—making them easy to fit into your weekly routine.
Transform Your Wellness Today
The CORE to FLOOR Program is more than a treatment—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. By strengthening your core and pelvic floor, you’ll not only look and feel better but also experience a renewed sense of control and confidence in your body. Ready to take the next step in your wellness journey?
Chiropractic care is a diverse health practice that has been around since the 1890’s. Since its founding it has been under intense scrutiny and the subject of many misconceptions. This can lead to confusion, misinformation, and make new patients unsure of where to begin. So, let’s discuss the big three myths about chiropractic care and the actual research that debunks them.
Myth 1: Chiropractic manipulations are dangerous
There is a common misconception that chiropractic care, particularly the chiropractic manipulation, is dangerous. Over the years there has been an increasingly large pile of evidence to state that spinal manipulations are safe and effective. In the case of chronic lower back pain, which is the leading cause of disability globally, the World Health Organization released guidelines in 2023 that recommended treatment with spinal manipulative therapy. Additional research has repeatedly shown that spinal manipulations are safe and do not impose an increased risk of mild or moderate adverse effects (1). In a separate study investigating stroke risk with chiropractic visits compared to primary care, they found there was no evidence of excess risk associated with chiropractic care compared to primary care (2).
1) Pankrath, Natalie et al. “Adverse Events After Cervical Spinal Manipulation - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.” Pain physician vol. 27,4 (2024): 185-201. 2) Cassidy, J David et al. “Risk of vertebrobasilar stroke and chiropractic care: results of a population-based case-control and case-crossover study.” Spine vol. 33,4 Suppl (2008): S176-83. doi:10.1097/BRS.0b013e3181644600
Myth 2: Chiropractors are not considered doctors
Most often people are familiar with MD’s or Medical Doctors such as their family physician, however, other doctors have different abbreviations. In the case of chiropractors, their title is Doctor of Chiropractic, and their abbreviation is DC. Most chiropractors begin with a four-year undergraduate degree often with courses including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and more. From there they can apply to a chiropractic graduate program which on average is an additional four years of education covering topics from rehabilitation, neurology, and biomechanics to name a few.
Additionally, significant time is spent on the development and training of manual adjustment techniques. From there graduates undergo an additional layer of testing to become certified in their province or state which includes both written and in-person skill examinations. In Alberta, these certification requirements are enforced by the College of Chiropractors of Alberta, which also requires additional training to be performed every year to keep chiropractors current and up to date.
Chiropractors are perhaps best known for their treatment of the spine and are most often sought out for low back pain. However, chiropractors are trained in all areas of the body and are considered muscle, nerve, and bone specialists. Additionally, manipulations can be provided for more than the spine and can include the hips, knees, wrist, ankle and more. Therefore, if you’re experiencing anything from carpal tunnel syndrome to jaw pain you can ask your chiropractor for advice and treatment!
In conclusion, understanding the facts about chiropractic care can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. If you're seeking professional support, we invite you to experience the expertise of Active Sports Therapy's chiropractors.
AtAST our Unified Team is dedicated to providing safe, effective treatment tailored to your individual needs, whether you're dealing with spinal issues or other musculoskeletal concerns.
Don't let myths hold you back—schedule a today and discover how chiropractic care can enhance your well-being!
Chiropractors often will use the term adjustment (aka manipulation) when discussing treatment options with their patients. While I often explain this to people new to chiropractic treatment, both new and old patients need to understand what this treatment is and how it is effective in the treatment of various conditions.
Firstly, an adjustment refers to a manual therapy technique in which the chiropractor applies a force to a patient’s joint. The force applied is quick but shallow and is referred to as a high-velocity low amplitude force. The application of this controlled but precise force is aimed at specific joints that the chiropractor has identified as problematic. For many joints this force will lead to a rapid movement and a “pop” or “crack” sound may be heard. While the sudden sound may seem alarming it is quite harmless and is not the sound of bone hitting bone.
So where does the sound come from?
In most joints, the two bones come in close approximation and are held in place by a fibrous capsule. This capsule contains cells that fill the cavity between the bones with synovial fluid, a viscous fluid that acts like a lubricant. When the chiropractor applies a quick force to either side of this joint it causes the fluid inside to drop in pressure and form little bubbles called cavitations. As these bubbles collapse, they result in the familiar-sounding “pop” or “crack” of a joint.
However, this sound is merely a side-effect of an adjustment as the therapeutic effect is found by how it changes the tissues surrounding the joint. In fact, continued research into chiropractic manipulation as a treatment for conditions such as neck pain and back pain is very supportive of its effectiveness. Therefore, chiropractors may use an adjustment as a form of treatment if they identify that a joint is or is contributing to the patient’s condition. These problems may include if the joint has restricted ranges of motion, is misaligned, is compressing a nearby nerve, or is contributing to the patient’s pain.
Ultimately, chiropractic adjustments are found to be both a safe and effective treatment technique for a wide range of injuries. By applying the appropriate force precisely to joints it can bring about relief, increase mobility, and improve overall well-being.
Many times, I am asked by women feeling the impending menopause experience, “What can I do now to help myself” for those years? It’s a great question and there is much you can do.
First, let’s talk terms. Menopause is the time when you have been 12 months without a menstrual period. The 10-ish years before that are what is now referred to as perimenopause. As the typical age for menopause is 52, it is likely you have entered perimenopause by the time you are in your early 40s. For some women, it’s at 35. Let the math be fluid on this, as every woman is different.
How do you know you are in perimenopause? The early signs are the change in quality and length of sleep and a change in moods. You may not be easily able to elevate your mood to match the environment. Anxiety can show up or worsen. Same with depression. Perimenopause is a neuroendocrine transition which means the brain is signalling the hormones to create a new normal. This transition can be long, so its helpful to know you can expect change.
For many women in their late thirties and early forties, you may be in your child-birthing years and brush these early symptoms off as a lack of sleep, or the baby-blues or stress. These things may in fact be caused by the hormonal shifts of perimenopause. Your levels of testosterone and progesterone do a slow decline towards menopause. Estrogen levels can be quite high or low and can swing wildly. You can feel moody, sleepy, less strong, less sharp mentally and your cycle can get shorter, meaning you can bleed every 25 or 26 days instead of 28-30 days.
In the forties, women can experience the more classic signs of menopause like hot flashes, dryness, lack of libido, deepening insomnia, feelings of low self worth, low confidence, anxiety and/depression. This is a delicate time for a woman as she can easily be misdiagnosed with a mental health disorder instead of being treated for perimenopause. You may not have even had a hot flash or a skipped period at this point.
On a list of the top ten most common symptoms of perimenopause, hot flashes are number 10. Many women never have a hot flash, so please don’t wait to assume you are in perimenopause only when your periods change or you experience a hot flash!
Reducing stress, recognizing your symptoms are a result of changing hormone levels, getting enough rest, nutritious food, outside light and daily enjoyable movement are important for preparing yourself for a gentle perimenopause. Eating enough daily protein and strength training for maintaining muscle health is important too.
In short, if you are a woman between 35-55 years of age and something recently has changed with your health, it’s likely related to perimenopause! It begins long before you miss a period. Look for great practitioners who can coach you through this transition. Perimenopause can be a chaotic time where the help is thin on the ground.
Have you considered speaking with a Menopause Doula? We can help guide the way forward to better sleep, a peaceful mind and a calm and cool physical self.
Discover the Power of EMSELLA by BTL: A Revolutionary Solution for Pelvic Health
A Revolutionary Solution for Pelvic Floor Health
Pelvic health is an essential yet often overlooked aspect of overall wellness. For many, issues like urinary incontinence, weak pelvic muscles, and sexual dysfunction can significantly impact daily life. Traditionally, these conditions have been managed through exercises, physical therapy, or even surgery. However, there’s now a non-invasive, cutting-edge solution that’s transforming the way we approach pelvic floor health: EMSELLA by BTL.
What is EMSELLA?
EMSELLA is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment specifically designed to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary incontinence. Using high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) technology, EMSELLA stimulates deep pelvic floor muscles, inducing thousands of supramaximal contractions in just one 28-minute session. These contractions are much more powerful than what can be achieved through traditional exercises like Kegels, making EMSELLA an incredibly effective treatment option.
How Does EMSELLA Work?
The science behind EMSELLA is rooted in its ability to target and engage the entire pelvic floor. When you sit on the EMSELLA chair, the HIFEM technology penetrates deep into the pelvic region, stimulating muscle contractions without any discomfort. These contractions re-educate and strengthen the muscles, leading to better bladder control, reduced symptoms of incontinence, and improved overall pelvic health. One of the most remarkable aspects of EMSELLA is its convenience. The treatment is entirely non-invasive—there are no needles, surgery, or even undressing required. You simply sit fully clothed on the chair, and the technology does the rest. A typical treatment plan involves six sessions, spaced out over a few weeks, with each session lasting approximately half an hour.
Who Can Benefit from EMSELLA?
EMSELLA is ideal for both men and women who are struggling with pelvic floor issues, particularly those experiencing urinary incontinence. This condition is more common than you might think, affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s stress incontinence (leaking during activities like coughing, sneezing, or exercising) or urge incontinence (a sudden, intense need to urinate), EMSELLA offers a solution that is both effective and non-invasive.
In addition to addressing urinary incontinence, EMSELLA has also been shown to improve sexual health by enhancing pelvic floor strength, which can lead to better sexual satisfaction and function.
The Benefits of Choosing EMSELLA
-Non-Invasive: No surgery, needles, or recovery time required. EMSELLA offers a pain-free experience with no downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities immediately after treatment.
- Efficient: Each session lasts just 28 minutes, and a full treatment plan typically includes six sessions. Many patients notice improvements after just one or two sessions.
- Comfortable: The treatment is performed while you remain fully clothed, and most patients report that the experience is comfortable, describing the sensation as a tingling or muscle contractions.
- Effective: Clinical studies have shown significant improvement in urinary incontinence symptoms, with many patients reporting a substantial reduction in leaks and increased confidence in their bladder control.
Is EMSELLA Right for You?
If you’re tired of living with the inconvenience and embarrassment of urinary incontinence or other pelvic floor issues, EMSELLA could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. It’s safe, effective, and convenient—making it a game-changer in pelvic health.
To learn more about EMSELLA or to schedule a consultation, contact Active Sports Therapy today. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the first step towards a stronger, healthier you.
By choosing EMSELLA, you’re choosing to invest in your health, confidence, and quality of life. Don’t let pelvic floor issues hold you back —experience the transformative power of EMSELLA by BTL today.
Understanding Active Release Techniques and Its Many Benefits.
In the world of physical therapy and sports medicine, Active Release Techniques (ART) have emerged as a powerful method for addressing soft tissue injuries. Developed by Dr. P. Michael Leahy, DC, ART is a patented, state-of-the-art movement-based massage technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. This unique approach has gained popularity among athletes and non-athletes alike for its effectiveness in resolving various conditions that can hinder performance and daily activities. In this blog post, we'll delve into the types of injuries that ART can treat and how it helps in the recovery process.
What is Active Release Techniques (ART)?
ART is a hands-on therapy that involves the practitioner using their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness, and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. By combining precisely directed tension with specific patient movements, ART aims to break up adhesions and scar tissue that cause pain and restrict movement. The technique is highly specific, and each treatment is tailored to the individual’s needs.
The Types of Injuries That Can be Treated by ART:
1. Muscle Strains and Sprains
- Hamstring Strain: Common in athletes, a hamstring strain can cause significant pain and limited mobility. ART helps by breaking down scar tissue and promoting proper healing.
- Shoulder Strain: Often seen in activities involving repetitive overhead motions, ART can relieve shoulder pain by addressing issues in the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
2. Tendonitis
- Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon can be debilitating. ART helps reduce inflammation and promotes healing by improving blood flow and breaking down adhesions.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition is caused by repetitive stress on the elbow's tendons. ART targets the affected areas to reduce pain and restore normal function.
3. Nerve Entrapments
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition arises when the median nerve is compressed at the wrist. ART can alleviate symptoms by releasing the entrapped nerve and reducing inflammation.
- Sciatica: Characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, ART can help by addressing muscle and fascia tightness that may be compressing the nerve.
4. Fascial Restrictions
- Plantar Fasciitis: This common cause of heel pain results from inflammation of the plantar fascia. ART helps by releasing tension in the fascia and promoting healing.
- IT Band Syndrome: Often seen in runners, this condition involves inflammation of the iliotibial band. ART can reduce pain and restore proper movement patterns by breaking down adhesions in the IT band.
5. Post-Surgical Scar Tissue
- Knee Surgery Recovery: Post-surgical scar tissue can limit the range of motion and cause pain. ART helps by breaking down scar tissue and improving mobility.
- Rotator Cuff Surgery: After shoulder surgery, ART can assist in breaking down adhesions and restoring normal shoulder function.
How Active Release Techniques Work:
ART works by isolating specific muscle groups and applying tension while the patient actively moves the affected area. This combination of movement and pressure breaks up adhesions and scar tissue, which can restore normal function and reduce pain. The practitioner’s hands-on approach allows for precise treatment, targeting the exact areas of dysfunction.
Benefits of Active Release Techniques:
- Pain Relief: ART effectively reduces pain caused by soft tissue injuries and nerve entrapments.
- Improved Mobility: By breaking down adhesions and scar tissue, ART restores normal movement patterns.
- Enhanced Performance: Athletes benefit from improved range of motion and decreased injury risk.
- Quick Results: Many patients experience significant improvement in just a few sessions.
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a versatile and effective treatment for a wide range of soft tissue injuries. Whether you're an athlete dealing with repetitive strain injuries or someone recovering from surgery, ART can offer relief and expedite your recovery process. If you're experiencing pain or restricted movement, consider consulting an ART-certified practitioner to explore how this innovative technique can help you get back to your best self.
Please contact the front desk to book an appointment to experience Active Release Techniques for yourself.
It's allergy season and many of us find ourselves reaching for medication for our itchy eyes and runny noses! When it comes to an ND's perspective, most natural approaches to allergies should begin prior to the season, as we hope to soothe and cleanse necessary functions in the body. When these functions become overwhelmed, we see a worsening of allergy symptoms. This also explains why many adults "grow into" allergies.
Many patients are surprised to experience hay fever for the first time, wondering why they never had allergies as a child or young adult. The question is usually "Don't we grow out of allergies?". It would appear that stresses to proper immune response, such as stress in particular, throw off our body's natural response to pollen, snow mould, and more. This may even include food allergies and sensitivities too.
It becomes really important to look at your diet going into your worst allergy season. Try a "break-up" with coffee, sugar, and for some, dairy products. If stress has been high, work diligently on stress reduction and talk to your naturopathic doctor about supplements to help.
Quercetin, a flavonoid antioxidant found in many vegetables can be purchased as a supplement and seems to calm the immune system very effectively for some. Nettle, as a tea (provided you are not allergic to it!), can be an effective anti-inflammatory and immune stabilizer due to its quercetin content. This can interact with several medications so talk to your pharmacist or naturopathic doctor first. Probiotics and Vitamin D are other important nutrients for stable immune responses.
For more information, book a free meet-and-greet session with Dr. Gayle Maguire at AST Willow Park,4032781405.
*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.
