Beyond Pain Relief: How Acupuncture Can Help You Feel Your Best Year Round

Dr. Wanda Duong, Doctor of Acupuncture

We’re already halfway through the year, and with summer in full swing, calendars quickly fill with travel, activities, and time outdoors. As you enjoy the warm weather, don’t forget to prioritize your health. Regular acupuncture treatments can help you feel your best so you can fully embrace the season.

It’s also the perfect time to make use of your extended health benefits. Rather than cramming appointments into the end of the year, spacing treatments throughout the months provides more consistent and effective support for your body.

While many people think of acupuncture primarily for pain—like backaches, neck tension, or injuries—its benefits go far beyond pain management.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body is seen as an interconnected system. Acupuncture helps restore balance—physically, emotionally, and energetically. This holistic approach supports a wide range of everyday health concerns, not just pain.

Here are five common ways acupuncture can help:

1. Stress and Anxiety

We all experience stress—whether from work, family, or the pace of daily life. Anxiety is also increasingly common, affecting both mental and physical well-being. What many people don’t realize is that acupuncture offers a natural, effective way to help the body manage stress and return to a state of balance.

Acupuncture gently stimulates specific points on the body to regulate the nervous system and encourage the release of natural chemicals like endorphins—your body’s own mood boosters and pain relievers. It helps shift your body from a constant state of stress (“fight or flight”) to a more relaxed, restorative mode.

How acupuncture helps ease stress and anxiety:

2. Hormonal Imbalance & Menstrual Health

Irregular periods, PMS, painful cramps, or the ups and downs of perimenopause are common—but they don’t have to be something you just "put up with." Acupuncture provides a gentle, natural way to support hormonal balance at every life stage.

In TCM, many hormonal or menstrual issues are signs that the body’s internal systems are out of sync. Acupuncture supports these systems, helping the body regulate hormones more effectively and naturally.

Modern research backs up what TCM has long understood: acupuncture can influence the nervous and endocrine systems, promoting hormone balance, ovulation, and improved blood flow to reproductive organs—while also reducing stress, a major disruptor of hormonal health.

How acupuncture supports hormonal health:

3. Digestive Health

Digestive issues like bloating, constipation, acid reflux, or IBS can seriously impact quality of life. While diet and stress are often to blame, TCM views these symptoms as signs of internal imbalance.

Acupuncture targets specific points that help regulate digestion, reduce inflammation, and calm the gut-brain axis—the connection between your digestive system and mental state.

How acupuncture supports digestion:

4. Insomnia & Restless Sleep

Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrested? You’re not alone. Sleep issues are incredibly common and can affect your mood, focus, energy, immunity, and digestion. Fortunately, acupuncture offers a drug-free way to reset your sleep cycle and restore rest.

In TCM, poor sleep is often linked to imbalances in organ systems that affect both emotional and physical regulation. Acupuncture helps correct these imbalances while calming the nervous system and quieting a racing mind.

Many people experience improved sleep after just a few sessions.

How acupuncture supports better sleep:

5. Post-Viral Fatigue

Ongoing fatigue, brain fog, shortness of breath, and muscle aches weeks or months after an illness are signs of Post-Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS), including what’s commonly referred to as Long COVID.

Western medicine identifies several possible causes:

In TCM, post-viral fatigue is often described as a pattern of deficiency at the root with excess at the surface—meaning core energy is depleted, while lingering “pathogenic factors” create symptoms like heaviness, foggy thinking, or weakness.

How acupuncture supports recovery:

Because every recovery is different, acupuncture is often paired with other therapies—such as Chinese herbal medicine, dietary changes, nutrient support, gentle exercise like qigong, and rest—to create a tailored, comprehensive recovery plan.

Conclusion

Whether you're dealing with pain, stress, poor sleep, or lingering illness, acupuncture offers a time-tested, holistic approach that supports the body’s innate healing processes. It treats not just symptoms, but the root causes—helping restore balance across body, mind, and spirit.

Modern research continues to confirm what Traditional Chinese Medicine has taught for centuries: true health is harmony. When that harmony is disrupted, acupuncture can help gently guide you back.

Curious about how acupuncture might support your health? Reach out or book a consultation. Healing isn’t one-size-fits-all—and you don’t have to walk the path alone.

Discover the Benefits of Acupuncture!
You can now book with Wanda Duong, Doctor of Acupuncture, at AST Westman Village.
Experience how acupuncture can support your wellness and recovery—schedule your appointment today!

What Is Arthritis?

Written By: Dr Evan Steinke, Bkin, DC

Arthritis is often talked about when we discuss joint pain and stiffness but there are so many different kinds that it becomes overwhelming to know what it is and if it applies to you. The word arthritis comes from, “arthro” meaning joint, and “itis” meaning inflammation, so in the most broad sense arthritis is inflammation of joints. The inflammation of these joints leads to a host of symptoms including pain, stiffness and swelling and may range from mild to severe in intensity. While anyone can develop arthritis, including children, it is most common in older adults.

There are many different types of arthritis but two of the most common forms are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). While they both affect the joints, they’re quite different in terms of cause, progression, and treatment.

Osteoarthritis (OA):

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and usually develops slowly over time, nicknamed the “wear and tear” arthritis. OA occurs overtime when the cartilage in joints breaks down and no longer supplies a cushion between the two bony surfaces of a joint. Without that buffer, bones can rub against each other, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced motion. It is important to note that OA is due to the mechanical wearing down of a joint over time. The body has limited ability to restore these joint surfaces and treatment provided often looks to minimize progression and strengthen affected areas. Treatment could include active release technique on surrounding muscles, chiropractic manipulation of the affected joint, and joint rehabilitation and strengthening.

Key Features of OA:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):

Rheumatoid arthritis is not due to mechanical wearing down of the joint but rather is when your own immune system attacks the joint. The exact reason for why the immune system begins to attack your own joints is not fully understood. However, once the immune system begins to attack the joints it causes damage which in turn leads to swelling, pain, and stiffness. In general RA tends to attack the joints symmetrically, meaning you may see it in both hands, both knees, etc. Additionally, RA can affect more than joints including your skin, eyes, lung, heart and other organs. Treatment for this form of arthritis will often include being referred to your family physician for medications that target the inflammation and immune system to limit further damage to the joints. Physical therapies may also show benefits depending on the severity and progression of the arthritis. If you are unsure of where to start, checking in with your chiropractor will help get you the correct diagnosis and any referrals that may be necessary.

Key Features of RA:

Conclusion

Arthritis can affect people in many different ways, and understanding the type you are dealing with is key to finding the right treatment approach. Whether it's the wear and tear of osteoarthritis or the immune system involvement of rheumatoid arthritis, getting the right diagnosis and care early on can make a big difference in your long-term joint health and quality of life.

If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or simply have questions about your joint health, our Unified Team of Experts are to help. You can find Dr. Steinke at AST Westman — contact the clinic today to book your appointment and start your journey toward feeling your best.

Foot pain and the Tarsal Tunnel

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


Your foot and ankle are hosts to a considerable number of arteries, tendons, and nerves. These
structures have weaved in and around bones with very limited space. In the case of Tarsal
Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) they pass through a rather small tunnel where they have the potential
to be compressed. As a result, patients may suffer from pain at and below the point of
compression. This leads to the characterized pain along the inner ankle and sole of the foot
possibly with numbness or tingling. In some cases, it may feel like a burning sensation and be
accompanied by weakness of the foot muscles.

The tarsal tunnel itself is comprised of two main structures, the base and the roof. The base of
the tunnel is created by a concave in the bones of the feet with one peak being the ankle and
the other being the innermost part of the heel. The second structure is a fibrous connective
tissue running between the two peaks essentially acting as a roof and creating the tunnel. The
tunnel is filled by three tendons, an artery and vein, and the tibial nerve. Due to the high number
of structures running through a closed, narrow space any amount of swelling or inflammation
can lead to compression of the tibial nerve. It is this compression that causes the symptoms of
TTS such as the pain and tingling sensation.


Treatment is based on trying to relieve pressure on the tibial nerve as it enters and passes
through the tarsal tunnel. This often includes trying to reduce swelling and inflammation of
surrounding tissue or injuries, especially to any tendons that directly pass through the tunnel
itself. This may include icing or resting protocols or over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Adjustments to the base of the tunnel may be performed if there are any bony malalignments.
Additionally, soft tissue massage or ART/MRT may be applied to tight muscles to try and
alleviate pressure from the nerve.

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. The above 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. 

What is Vestibular Physiotherapy?

Written by: Rachel Grant, MSc PT, BKin

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.

Book an appointment today to learn if Vestibular Therapy is right for you!

neuritis

Discover the CORE to FLOOR Program by BTL

A Revolution in Wellness with EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo

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.

Here is how EMSELLA and EMSCULPT Neo work together:

EMSELLA

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:

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:

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:

Who Can Benefit from the CORE to FLOOR Program?

This program is ideal for:

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?

Contact AST today to learn more about EMSELLA, EMSCULPT Neo, and how the CORE to FLOOR Program can transform your life.

EMSELLA

What is a Chiropractic “Adjustment”? And Why Does It “Crack”?

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

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.

Experience the benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments by contacting Active Sports Therapy today. You can find Dr. Evan Steinke at our Westman Village location.


Perimenopause is the Cause

Written by: Dr. Fiona Lovely, Chiropractor, Functional Medicine Practitioner and Menopause Doula at AST


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.  

Contact AST Willow Park to schedule an appointment with Dr. Fiona Lovely today.

Not ready to make an appointment but want to learn more, head to Not Your Mothers Menopause Podcast. Hosted by Dr. Fiona Lovely.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine can help with a Cancer Diagnosis

Written by: Dr. Vikki McGuire, DTCM

We are all affected by Cancer. Whether you have been diagnosed or a close family or friend has, we have all struggled under the weight of this far-reaching disease. 

The majority of people who get diagnosed go through a series of emotions: fear, confusion, self-doubt and STRESS. 

In our society, we have not completely integrated all available therapies.  A patient may become unclear about which treatment journey to follow. It can be daunting as there are so many choices without much support from Oncology outside of their scope of practice.

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a great therapy for your whole system when undergoing cancer treatments and post-treatment. It works on the mind, body and spirit through needling, cupping, exercises (like Tai-Chi Qi-Gong), Herbal and Nutritional support. 

Dr. Vikki has been working with Cancer patients (and their families) for 10-plus years. During that time, she has learned the process of Oncology and how valuable holistic medicine is through all stages of cancer and beyond. She treats symptoms of cancer such as:

Anxiety/depression

Cognitive Issues (sometimes called chemo brain) 

Dry Mouth

Fatigue

Hot flashes

Lymphedema

Ileus (intestinal blockage)

Immune system recovery

Nausea

Neuropathy

Pain 

Post-operative pain

Dr. Vikki can help navigate the holistic system and guide patients to the right providers at the right time to aid in Cancer treatments and recovery. It can be a confusing, sometimes costly and frustrating process finding the right team for yourself. 

Just because your conventional cancer treatments have ended, your healing hasn’t.  This is where TCM can be a lifeline. Dr. Vikki can help you get back to your pre-cancer health. Chemo can take up to a year to leave your system and the damage it does to the good cells takes time and support to repair. 

Whether you are recently diagnosed, part way through Western treatments or looking for post-treatment care – give Dr. Vikki and Traditional Chinese medicine a try. 

Dr. Vikki McGuire works at AST Willow Park and is currently taking new patients. Call 403-278-1405 to book your appointment today!

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

Written by: Dr Fiona Lovely, DC

Many women are arriving in clinic with complaints of stiffness, sore, achey muscles and joints without experiencing this previously.  These women tend to be 40+ in age and lack an injury to cause the discomfort.  It’s important to consider how your hormones at midlife may be affecting your body.  

Menopause is not only characterized by hormonal changes and reproductive system adjustments but also by various musculoskeletal symptoms that can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. This is called the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause (MSM).  This encompasses a range of symptoms affecting the bones, joints, and muscles, which can be attributed to hormonal fluctuations.  

One of the most common musculoskeletal symptoms experienced during menopause is osteopenia and osteoporosis, a condition characterized by decreased bone density and increased risk of fractures. Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by inhibiting bone resorption and promoting bone formation. However, during menopause, declining estrogen levels lead to accelerated bone loss, especially in weight-bearing bones like the spine, hips, and wrists.

Menopausal women frequently report joint pain and stiffness, commonly attributed to osteoarthritis. Estrogen has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect joint cartilage and maintain joint function. As estrogen levels decline, inflammation increases, contributing to the development and progression of osteoarthritis, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips.

I like to say that estrogen is a lubricator of all tissues, this is especially true with joints.  For example: I see many women in their 40’s and 50’s with new shoulder complaints which can be attributed to the estrogen decline.  The shoulder is the most freely moveable joint in the body and when it isn’t working well, you notice!

Muscle weakness and decreased muscle mass, known as sarcopenia, are also prevalent musculoskeletal symptoms of menopause. Estrogen has anabolic effects on skeletal muscle, promoting muscle growth and strength. Declining estrogen levels during menopause can accelerate muscle loss and impair muscle function, leading to decreased mobility, flexibility and function.

Menopause-associated hormonal changes can trigger new onset musculoskeletal symptoms, including tendonitis and bursitis.

Understanding the musculoskeletal implications of menopause is crucial for implementing preventive measures, such as regular weight-bearing exercise, maintaining flexibility with daily stretching, keeping your spine healthy with regular chiropractic treatments, adequate magnesium glycinate and vitamin D intake, and hormonal therapy when appropriate, to mitigate the impact of these symptoms and promote musculoskeletal health and well-being in menopausal women.

Dr. Fiona Lovely is a Chiropractor at AST Willow Park and can help you with your perimenopause and menopause-related concerns. In addition to her practice at Active Sports Therapy Dr. Fiona Lovely is the host of the wildly popular podcast "Not Your Mother's Menopause" which can be found on all of your favourite podcast platforms.

Disc Herniations and Schmorl’s Nodes

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

Lower back pain can stem from a wide range of issues including disc herniations, however, not all herniations are the same. Schmorl’s nodes, named after the pathologist Christian Schmorl, were first described in 1927 and are a form of herniation. While they can occur in any part of the spine, they are most common in the middle and lower regions.

To better understand what a disc herniation is let’s first look at the structure of the spine. The spine is made of a series of vertebrae, bony structures with a hollow channel running down the back side that encases our spinal cord. Vertebrae by themselves we be extremely rigid and cause our backs to be stiff and unable to bend. To be flexible, the bones are connected to each other by a series of discs. The discs are made of a fibrous outer layer that allows for some movement between bony levels and an inner gelatinous layer that allows for shock absorption.

Disc herniations, sometimes referred to as “slipped discs”, are when the disc sandwiched between the two bony vertebrae is ruptured in such a way that the inner gelatinous fluid is released. The most common form is when the posterior aspect of the disc is ruptured, and the fluid pushes out towards the spinal cord. This can trigger nerve irritation that leads to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness wherever the affected nerve travels (often down the leg).

Schmorl’s nodes differ in that they are a vertical type of herniation. Rather than the inner fluid of a disc being pushed out the front or back it is pushed up or down into the bony vertebrae. Despite their first description nearly a hundred years ago there is still no consensus on the cause of Schmorl’s nodes. Some researchers view Schmorl’s nodes as a secondary finding of an underlying disease such as Scheuermann’s disease or lumbar disc degeneration. In fact, most Schmorl’s nodes are asymptomatic, and they are often incidental findings on imaging reports such as Xray or MRI. However, in some patients they can cause significant chronic pain and lead to reduced quality of life.

Treatment for Schmorl’s nodes often begins with conservative care, such as chiropractic, as they are often seen in conjunction with other spinal conditions. If unresponsive more invasive treatments such as nerve blocking or surgery can be considered.

If you suspect that you might have a Schmorl’s node mention this article to your chiropractor or physician. Expect your doctor to do a thorough examination and to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms first and be ready for possible imaging such as X-ray or MRI.

Contact AST to schedule your appointment today.

References:
1) Kyere KA, Than KD, Wang AC, Rahman SU, Valdivia-Valdivia JM, La Marca F, Park P.
Schmorl's nodes. Eur Spine J. 2012 Nov;21(11):2115-21. doi: 10.1007/s00586-012-2325-9. Epub
2012 Apr 28. PMID: 22544358; PMCID: PMC3481099.
2) https://radiopaedia.org/articles/schmorl-nodes-3?lang=us