Health Conditions
Curious about how we might address a particular condition?
Fertility and Pregnancy
Whether you are trying to get pregnant or find yourself already there, these are times when drug-free options are most important.
Chiropractic
The joints in a woman's pelvis need to move to accomodate the baby during birth. When these joints are fixated, pain can be felt and it is suggested that labour may be harder and/longer. Chiropractic adjustments during pregnancy are a safe and effective option - especially since many pain medications like anti-inflammatories are not safe to the developing baby.
Treatments during pregnancy are adjusted to accomadate the growing 'bump'. Our tables have pieces which can be raised to allow the woman to lie on her stomach without putting pressure on the baby. Also, techniques are adapted since less force is needed as pregnancy progresses due to increased ligamentous laxity.
Acupuncture
Many women seek acupuncture treatments for fertility help, either alone or in conjunction with medical fertility treatments such as IVF. Some studies have shown increased egg production and quality, as well as increased likelihood of success of ART procedures when acupuncture is included in the treatment regime. Certainly acupuncture is very effective at helping to regulate a women's menstrual cycle, and this alone can help with charting and conceiving.
Pregnant women find acupuncture helpful when dealing with morning sickness (or all-day sickness, as it should really be called!) as well as the aches and pains that can accompany this time.
Massage
Prenatal massage... every pregnant woman needs this. Simply put, the physical changes your body will go through, especially from the second trimester on, are exponential. Organs are shifting, ribs are spreading, posture is changing and you are putting on weight in a short period of time... and all the while, your muscles are trying to compensate. Prenatal massage is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
Pregnancy pillows are often used so that the expectant mom can lie face down, but many women choose to alternate from side/back/side, and support themselves with strategically placed pillows. The massage therapists at RHCC are all skilled at and qualified to perform prenatal massage.
Rotator Cuff
Chiropractic
Shoulder injuries are the most common complaint at RHCC, after low back and neck problems. The rotator cuff is actually just a term for the main four muscles controlling and stabilizing the shoulder, and when these muscles become out of balance (as they are prone to do), pain and problems arise.
The typical approach to treating the rotator cuff is to identify which muscles are too tight or too weak, and to stretch or strengthen these respectively. We often use ultrasound or current to help, as well as myofascial release, a scar tissue 'stripping' technique. Finally it is important to examine the upper back and lower neck to see if restrictions in these spinal areas are contributing to the shoulder problem.
Acupuncture
Shoulder problems are often due to inflammation, and acupuncture is an extremely effective tool at reducing this.
Pinched Nerve
Chiropractic
The term 'pinched nerve' is fairly misleading - more often the nerve is simply irritated by nearby inflammation, affected by the misaligned joint nearby. Occasionally a muscle may be doing the 'pinching'. Knowing what is causing the 'pinching' is important, so that we can 'unpinch' the nerve, releiving the pain and restoring function. Chiropractic adjustments are remarkable effective at relieving the pinch of a 'pinched nerve', by reducing inflammation, restoring normal joint movement, and releasing spastic muscles.
Sprained Ankle
Chiropractic
One tiny mis-step, and you go over on your ankle. The severity depends on how much force went through the ligaments, how much tearing there is. Initially the ankle will swell, may even turn black and blue. There is not much to be done at this point but rest. Once the swelling starts to subside, chiropractic care can help emme term 'pinched nerve' is fairly misleading - more often the nerve is simply irritated by nearby inflammation, affected by the misaligned joint nearby. Occasionally a muscle may be doing the 'pinching'. Knowing what is causing the 'pinching' is important, so that we can 'unpinch' the nerve.
Headaches
Chiropractic
Many people choose chiropractic care to manage their headaches, and even though headaches can have a variety of causes, most seem to have some element of musculoskeletal involvement. Perfect for a chiropractor to work with!