What do the Canucks, Whitecaps, and Team Canada Tennis all have in common? – Their Sports Therapy Facility in Surrey, BC

January 22nd, 2013

Sports Therapy Facility in Surrey, BC

Are you getting back to fitness this January?  You’ll want to read this…

Sports Therapy Facility in Surrey, BC

Sports Therapy Facility in Surrey, BC

Guess what the Canucks, Whitecaps, and Team Canada Tennis all have in common?  They are all focusing on recovery and regeneration during their training camps.  That has kept our therapists very busy this month!  This January, LEGACIES therapists have worked the training camps for the Vancouver Canucks, the Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as with Team Canada Tennis for the upcoming Davis Cup.  This is because the Professional Athlete understands a crucial element of returning to sport (activity): returning to activity means a high risk of injury.

That’s right – when we challenge our bodies to adapt to a higher level of performance, we also elevate the risk of injury.  A good rule of thumb is to not increase overall fitness by more than 10% a week.  This allows the body to adapt to increased challenges without being overloaded and resulting in injury.

Here’s another secret: invest in recovery and regeneration.  Massage therapy from an RMT, chiropractic treatment, vitamin therapy from a Naturopath – all of these are amazing ways to keep you healthy and recover after exertion.  Many people overlook the benefits (or at least until its too late and there is an injury) of stretching, hydrotherapy such as warm baths or contrast showers, icing inflamed areas, and a healthy replenishing diet when returning to activity.

So take a tip from the Pros: when increasing activity, increase recovery and regeneration techniques – or you may not last the season!  Click Here to learn more about our Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation Services, located here in your home town of Surrey.

LEGACIES Prescribing Scarves?? Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

November 12th, 2012

Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

Do you suffer from chronic tensions headaches, upper back tension, or maybe even whiplash?  There’s a reason why you’re feeling more pain now when the weather is getting cooler.  Your body will naturally shunt blood away from the area that is cold which creates a physiological response creating muscular tension.  The McKinley Health Center in the University of Illinois states “wearing a scarf in cold weather helps keep you from hunching your shoulders.”

Wearing a scarf in surrey BC, especially when you have a neck or back injury, will increase warmth, which in turn increases circulation.  That has a positive physiological effect of increasing circulation, decreasing muscular pain, and even assisting the recovery of injury.  At our therapy clinic in Surrey, especially this time of year, we find ourselves prescribing a simple remedy: “wear a scarf”.  A simple solution that makes a huge difference!

Watch this 45 sec video to hear what our expert therapists have to say. Save your Neck! wear a scarf in Surrey BC!

Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

Wearing a Scarf in Surrey BC

Naturopaths provide advanced Biopuncture Therapy, Surrey BC

September 4th, 2012

Biopuncture Therapy, Surrey BC

Biopuncture therapy is emerging from Europe utilizing very dilute injections of natural products which are introduced into the skin or muscle to stimulate the immune system. Instead of just covering up the symptoms, the injections promote the natural healing ability of the body by attracting the immune system to the site for repair.  Watch the video below to learn more.

Biopuncture Therapy Surrey BC

Biopuncture Therapy Surrey BC

What conditions are typically treated with biopuncture therapy?

The common factor is pain and inflammation, be that in a soft tissue or joint or in the lining of the respiratory or gastrointestinal tract.  Each of these tissues has nerves that become chronically inflamed and cells secret chemicals that initiate and maintain pain and inflammation.

  • Musculoskeletal problems:
    • Sprains and strains, joint pain, tendonitis, back and neck pain, mild to moderate arthritis
    • Medical problems:
      • Asthma, hay fever, allergies, IBS, migraine headaches, PMS, Menopause, fibromyalgia

What is injected?

The two most commonly injected products are ultra-low doses of mainly medicinal plant and mineral-based products and/or glucose. The plant and mineral derived formulas were introduced in Germany in the 1930s. Currently, more than 100 million injectable vials are used per year throughout Europe, United States, and Canada.

Who can use Biopuncture Therapy in Surrey BC?

Biopuncture therapy is a great treatment for those people who have tried conventional medicine but have had no success, for those who have had to stop conventional treatments due to side effects, or for those who prefer alternative therapies to treat injuries. You can also use Biopuncture therapy in conjunction with existing treatments if you prefer.

When is Biopuncture therapy not appropriate?

While a very effective natural therapy, Biopuncture used by itself is not appropriate for serious or life threatening illnesses or disorders. It is also not appropriate for depression or other mental disorder, if you are needle phobic or your immune system is impaired.

Video Interview on Biopuncture Therapy in Surrey BC:

Doctor Robert Davis discussing Biopuncture – 2011

Low Back Pain – stop it now!

October 25th, 2011

Low back pain is one of the leading causes for a work injury claim in Surrey and Delta BC.  In fact, just over 25% of all WorkSafeBC claims are for back strains.  It is also a BC statistic that 60%-90% of the population will experience low back pain in their lifetime.  At Legacies Sports Massage & Chiropractic, we want you to know some interesting facts that will help you the next time you injure your back.  We also have a special “Lifting Ergonomics” handout at the end of this article…

low back pain

Did you know:

  • Aging of the back begins before 30 for most people.
  • Smokers are more likely to get back pain.
  • If you’ve had a previous back injury, you are more likely to reinjure.
  • More than 90% of low back pain has no specific cause.

Lets face it – a low back injury is painful.  But how you handle that pain is crucial.  Studies show that activity more than rest will help your injury recover faster.  Try to keep moving.  Aches and pains can linger even after you have returned to work.  Gradually return to your normal activities as you recover.  Seek the expert advice of your physician, massage therapist, or chiropractor to help control pain, speed recovery, and guide you to a full recovery.

FREE Lifting Ergonomics handout

Prevent a low back strain!  Read these simple tips on correct lifting ergonomics…  Look at what most people aren’t doing!  CLICK HERE for your free Lifting Ergonomic Handout.

 

Back to School Routine

August 30th, 2011

Soon, the “back to school routine” will begin.  Parents will be packing lunches, driving kids, and taking them to soccer practice.  Universities & colleges start, and the countdown to exams begins.  How does your body handle this “back to school routine”?  Well, at first you might be a bit tired waking up earlier – or anxious to see what teacher you get this year…  but we actually do quite well once a daily pattern has been set.  We do well with “routine”, and it helps us organize our life.  So what a great time to also make your therapy part of that routine!  Plan your treatment into your busy week, and put your health first.

Legacies & Back to School

At Legacies Sports Massage & Chiropractic, we want to wish everyone a great start to the Fall, and to remind our patients that we head into a very busy season at the clinic.  Many people are trying to schedule their extended medical visits before the end of the year.  With planning, you can schedule your appointments ahead to get the appointment times you want.  Enjoy these last few days of summer!

Get better faster & cheaper!

August 2nd, 2011

How important is it to follow my massage therapist or chiropractor’s treatment plan?  Simple: do you want to get better as soon as possible and at the lowest cost?  Because that’s what the goal of your treatment plan is all about!

Get better faster & cheaper!

At Legacies Sports Massage & Chiropractic, we’re all about getting results – its what we’re known for and is likely why you were referred to our clinic.  So that means outlining a specific Treatment Plan (like a road-map to recovery) for each of our patients.  This is specific to you – based on your assessment – to ensure you get better as soon as possible.  Sooner means cheaper, right?  You bet it does!  Without a clear Treatment Plan (or if you don’t follow your practitioner’s advice), you will find that it is “pain” that keeps bringing you back to the clinic – and that is often too late.  You may find you get into a chronic cycle, and never fully recover if this is the case.  So what’s our advice?  Follow our advice! Do your part, and we’ll do ours – and the results will be amazing!

If you are unclear about your Treatment Plan that your practitioner has designed for you, please just ask.  ** Did you know that Legacies Sports Massage & Chiropractic is one of the only clinics in Surrey & Delta that gives written Treatment Plan slips to our patients, and sends a Patient Progress Report to all referring doctors? We’re proud to be your choice – thank-you!

 

The benefits of Chiropractic treatment and Pregnancy

June 17th, 2011

Low back pain with pregnancy

Is your pregnancy causing you pain? Maybe you know someone who is having discomfort with their pregnancy?   A pregnancy can be an exciting time but often not without a few challenges on the woman’s body.

Both bio-chemical and bio-mechanical changes that occur during pregnancy can cause back pain, pelvic pain, sciatic referrals, and even headaches to name a few. Chiropractic treatment can help!  Treatments are safe and effective when conducted by a qualified professional.

Our chiropractors at Legacies Sports Massage & Chiropractic are highly trained, and will conduct a thorough assessment before treatment.  They will gather a complete medical history, and listen to you and answer all your concerns.

Together with you and often your family physician, our Doctors of Chiropractic will design a treatment plan that helps manage your pain so that you can stay active and have the benefits of a positive pregnancy.

Take a look at the video below to see Dr. Sharon Dhaliwal answer some questions about chiropractic treatment and pregnancy and perform a chiropractic adjustment on a pregnant patient:   What to Expect: Pregnancy Chiropractic Visit

Please do not hesitate to call our clinic and speak with one of our Chiropractors to see if this treatment is right for you.

604-591-5569 at 214 – 12080 Nordel Way, Surrey BC.  Scott Rd and Nordel Way.

If the Canucks win the Stanley Cup…

June 14th, 2011

Canucks win the Stanley Cup!!

If the Canucks win the Stanley Cup…  what would you do?  How would you feel?  Of course I’m assuming you are like us and you’re a crazy Canuck hockey fan, and not cheering for those other guys!  If the Canucks win the Stanley Cup, what would be your reaction?  Jump up and down?  Hug a complete stranger?  Tears of joy?  Honk your horn?  To sum it up: you’d feel pretty good, right?

In fact, if the Canucks win the Stanley Cup, your brain may be subject to some self-induced chemical changes!  I’m talking about the “happy hormones” such as the neurotransmitter Serotonin and even endorphins that may be released from such a positive experience.  You’ll feel pretty good – and you would be less aware of pain during this state.  This is a simple but important concept to remember during a recovery where pain is a factor:  Creating a mental and emotional state that is positive and uplifting will help manage your pain.

Its your choice to win it!

Now unfortunately it can’t be that the Canucks win the Stanley Cup every day, but try to surround yourself with positive people, experiences, and environments and you can achieve a similar effect.  It can be as easy as choosing to watch a Comedy vs. a Drama movie.  Choose to go for a walk vs. sitting on the couch watching the news.  It’s not always easy when you’re in pain, but it does start with a choice. Look at our Canucks – they don’t give-up and they keep moving forward, one win after another.  If you are tired of living in pain, visit our Massage Therapy & Chiropractic Clinic today.  We can help! Go ‘nucks Go!

 

 

3 Ways to save your neck and back driving to work!

June 3rd, 2011

Is your drive to work giving you a pain in the neck? Maybe a stiff back?

If you were in a car accident, would your headrest save your neck or break it? Here are the top 3 things you must do the next time you drive:

Yes, posture is everything

1. Position the seat’s headrest so that it is directly behind the center of your head. If the headrest is too low, you’re destined for a nasty whiplash injury if you are ever in an MVA.   Simply slide it up or down to the right height, and make this a habit even if you are the passenger as well. Most passengers just get in a vehicle without giving it a second thought. That headrest will greatly lessen any whiplash, and minimize any hyperextension during an MVA.

2. Sit up tall! Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to slouch? The posture of driving, along with most vehicle seats wants to push your back into a “C” slouched shape. This is especially true for cars, where your legs are forward and not much lower than your hips. The key here is often a lumbar support pillow. This pillow will reinforce and support your lumbar curve, and it will encourage a taller posture in a neutral spine. Newer vehicles usually have improved lumbar support. The best vehicles seem usually to be mini-vans, where the driver sits quite high. A neutral spine posture means much less compression and strain on your back.

Typical head-forward driving posture to avoid.

3. Stop slouching! …To the side that is. Try not to lean off to the side, such as supporting yourself on an elbow on the door or maybe the center console. A lateral shift in your spine creates asymmetry, and that leads to spinal compression and muscular strain. If you were ever in an MVA in this posture, your rehab becomes more complex and you will generally be looking at a longer recovery.

The following are the Most Common Poor Driving Postures that was recently published by TopSpeed Magazine:

The rollercoaster

The Rollercoaster

How to spot: Driver is leaned forward and sat upright, seat forward, bent legs, bent arms.

Symptoms: Shoulder pain, neck strain, leg cramp and side ache.

Solutions: Relax! Tense, nervous drivers are more likely to adopt this position. When buying a car, go for one with fully adjustable seats. Ensure the height of the backrest reaches the shoulders and try to sit back into the seat more to get better back support. Take regular breaks where you can get out of the car to stretch your legs.

The multi-tasker

The Multi-tasker

How to spot: Driver has straight back, arms bent, one hand on gear stick. 45% of mobile office workers are Multi-Taskers.

Symptoms: Headaches and eyestrain, feet cramp, pain in coccyx.

Solutions: 45% of Multi-Taskers drive for work but they should try not to use the car as an office – twisting to access paperwork and the laptop can be more damaging to your back and neck than driving. Regularly adjust your seat on long journeys to help your coccyx. Consider changing to an automatic car to avoid constant gear changes and keep two hands on the wheel.

The racer

The Racer

How to spot: Straight arms, seat reclined, straight legs, low driving position.

Most common symptoms: Side aches and lumbar pain.

Solution: Be aware low seat positions (and bucket seats) provide limited support for the lower back and sides. To counteract assume an upright position. Knees should not be higher than your hips – it reminds you to sit up!

The pimp

The "Pimp"

How to spot: Seat inclined, arm on window ledge/outside window, one hand on wheel. Drivers aged 25-35-year-old men are most likely to be ’Pimps’ behind the wheel.

Symptoms: Arm and shoulder ache.

Solution: Sit in an upright position, with knees lower than hips. You should be able to reach the accelerator and brake without stretching your legs. Roll up the window and keep both arms on the steering wheel.

References and Acknowledgements:

  • Top Speed Inc.  for their 4 “Most Common Poor Driving Postures”
  • Images:  Swisher Pens Inc

 

What everyone needs to know about using a pillow.

March 27th, 2011

What everyone needs to know about using a pillow.

What type of pillow do you have on your bed for sleeping at night?  Down feather?  Foam?  Memory foam?  Gel?  The “water-pillow”?  Contour?  Now how much did you spend?  $20,  $50, 100,  $300?  These are all common answers I hear in my practice from my patients.  What’s even more interesting than those variety of pillows and cost range, are the mixed results people are getting from using these pillows.  Who thought it could be so technical?  It doesn’t have to be, and I’ll show you how.  The following information may make all the difference to the quality of sleep you are getting.  In fact, the most important things you should know about using a pillow are the same things most people don’t do…

In my experience of 15 years of being a registered therapist, I have found that it is not the type of pillow people use, but how they use it that will make the most difference to the support it gives to their neck, and therefore the quality of sleep they receive each night.  Now sure, the quality of the actual pillow does make a difference, but not as much as how you use it.  You can have the most expensive pillow – but use it wrong, and you’ll toss and turn all night.

The 2 biggest  mistakes people make when they sleep on a pillow is:

  1. Sleeping with their shoulders on the pillow.
  2. Sleeping in a position that is not “neutral” for the spine.

Lets look at these two “mistakes” individually, and solve these common problems:

DON'T DO THIS: Shoulders on pillow depress support under neck

DO THIS: "bunch-up" pillow under neck. Shoulders off pillow.

Good pillow support for back and neck.

Good pillow support side-lying.

 When you sleep with your shoulders on the pillow (probably the most common mistake), you depress the pillow in the area exactly where you need it to offer support: the cervical spine.  This is why contour pillows work well for the majority of people – because the curveof the pillow makes it very uncomfortable to put your shoulders on it, and it’s shape offers a supportive curve to the neck.  But did you know that a regular pillow (such as a feather or “standard” pillow) could do this as well?  Simply get your shoulders off the pillow, and “bunch-up” the pillow under your neck for support.  Try it, you won’t believe how good this feels until you do it!  And what did that just cost you?  Do not be fooled, pillows are a big industry and poor sleep fuels it!  A more expensive pillow does not always equal better sleep.  It’s how it is used that will make the greatest difference.A neutral spine is also very important.  This is the natural “resting” position for the spine, where there is little to no tension on joints and soft tissue.  Think of it as your “nice tall standing position” –but just horizontal.  You wouldn’t stand with your back twisted, or your neck bent to the side – so don’t spend the precious 8 hours you have during sleep in this posture!  The key here is to NEVER sleep on your front – the absolute worst position to sleep in for your neck.  You can sleep on your back, or on your side, and even a ¾ prone – but really try to avoid sleeping on your front, and having your neck rotated all night.Bonus Tips:

  1. If you sleep on your back, try using a large pillow under your knees.  This will support your lower back.
  2. If you sleep on your side or ¾ prone, try using a pillow to “hug” in-front of your torso, and another pillow under your knee.

Have more questions about using your pillow? Leave a comment below, or call the clinic to arrange a consultation to further assess what support and sleep strategies are best for you.