1 in 6 Canadian adults has arthritis, the majority being osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a disease of the joint cartilage with multiple contributing factors including genetics, previous joint injury, body weight and muscle weakness. Pain associated with OA may cause individuals to avoid physical activity which can lead to secondary complications and worsening of symptoms. Physiotherapists are experts in exercise prescription for conditions such as OA and can help you safely engage in exercise in a way that can decrease pain, increase strength, allow continued participation in activity and possibly prolong the life of your joint.
Community News
Brain Teasers
.1 I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I? 2. I’m tall when I’m young, and I’m short when I’m old. What am I? 3. What can you hold in your right hand, but never in your left hand? 4. What has to be broken before you can use it? 5. What did the doctor say to the patient when he finished removing his appendix?
Book Club
“Choosing Hope: One Woman. Three Cancers,” is the story of how Munira Premji battled three advanced cancers: Stage 4 non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Stage 3 multiple myeloma, and Stage 3 breast cancer. Written as a series of anecdotes from a blog the author started shortly after her first diagnosis, it tells an inspirational story about resilience, courage, and hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Choosing Hope captures the psychological, physical, and emotional trauma of a cancer diagnosis and treatment. It is easy to read and will have special appeal to recently diagnosed cancer patients, survivors and their families, to caregivers, and to many others facing health challenges.
Prepare & Strengthen Your Immune System
Do you have an underlying health condition that stops your immune system from protecting you the way it should? In today’s world you need a healthy body and immune system to protect yourself. Now is the perfect time to strengthen your immune system and increase your body’s ability to fight off infection. Your body needs to stock up on the immune boosting essentials it requires to fight the flu virus and Covid-19. Specific nutrients for the adrenals, spleen, lungs and lymph nodes are vital to boost your immunity. Now is the time to give your body what it needs to prepare for the months ahead.
Natural Health Products for Arthritis
More than 100 different kinds of arthritis have been identified, but two of the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the breakdown of the cartilage that forms a cushion between two joints. As this cartilage is eaten away, the two bones of the joint start rubbing together and wearing down. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis is caused from a swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane, the lining of the joint. Natural health products from Young Living such as essential oils, pain relief creams and supplements are recognized by Health Canada for relieving symptoms associated with arthritis.
Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain
Shoulder problems not only keep you from doing the things you enjoy but may also make your daily routine daunting and difficult. The fact is, more than 70% of people will suffer the effects of shoulder pain. Acupuncture is an essential pain management approach for relieving this type of pain. Acupuncture can increase blood flow and circulation to your shoulder joint by balancing the electrical gradient in the fascia, nerves, and cells. This medical specialty relieves pain, promotes healing, and increases the production of synovial fluid in your shoulder to encourage smoother movement. Acupuncture is a non-drug therapy being used more and more as it is side-effect-free, safe and affective.
September is World Alzheimer’s Month
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease that destroys brain cells, causing thinking ability and memory to deteriorate over time. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging and is irreversible. While it’s difficult to predict symptoms, the order in which they will appear or the speed of their progression, there are some warning signs you can look out for. Sudden changes to your loved one’s personality are often another sign that something is not right. These changes can include anxiety, paranoia, depression, and socially inappropriate behaviors, as well as sudden mood swings and physical aggression.
Daily Routine Important for Seniors
People are afraid of the unknown. If an older adult is losing control over their physical abilities, independence, or cognitive abilities, their world gets filled with more and more unknowns. Establishing routine is extremely important for seniors. A daily routine offers a level of stability that individuals often enjoy, as it allows them to settle into a schedule they understand. Doing the same basic activities like eating, dressing, and bathing at the same time every day is known to improve sleep quality. A predictable routine also helps to reduce stress and anxiety.
Cannabis for Arthritis Pain
Did you know that cannabis is gaining popularity as a treatment for arthritis? Cannabis can be used to ease pain and reduce swelling related to arthritis. It can also be a far less harmful and less addictive way to treat those suffering from chronic pain associated with arthritis. This can be done without getting “stoned” or feeling “high”. Products that are CBD-based (cannabidiol) can help manage pain and relieve symptoms without any “high”, while THC-based products (tetrahydrocannabinol) can cause a more intoxicated feeling. Some products offer a balance of both CBD and THC for another effective option for pain relief.
Treat Your Jaw Pain
Clenching and grinding your teeth, whether during the day or at night, is the most common cause of jaw pain. Over time, the heightened muscle activity can lead to trigger points within the chewing muscles that may cause pain, soreness, limited mouth opening, and even headaches. Physiotherapy can provide effective treatment for temporomandibular dysfunction. Your therapist may use a combination of manual therapy, intra-oral massage, dry needling, and home exercises to decrease muscle tone and encourage relaxation. Try to avoid the forward head posture, common when in front of a computer, as it negatively affects the biomechanics of the jaw.
Maintaining Oral Health
Here are some tips to improve your dental health: – Brush your teeth two times per day with fluoridated toothpaste. – Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily to rinse germs down the drain. – Floss daily to remove food particles that get caught in your teeth. – Don’t smoke! Smoking harms the body’s immune system, which makes it difficult to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. Smoking is a risk factor for gum disease, among other things. – Rethink your drink. Drinking sweetened beverages increases your risk of getting cavities. Visit Holt Dental regularly. When you take care of your oral health, you take care of your overall health.
