Services Provided

Russell Hill Chiropractic Clinic provides hands-on care for all your aches, pains, and health care needs.

Chiropractic Care

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Chiropractic is a health discipline that addresses the musculoskeletal system in a holistic manner. Many common physical ailments are caused by dysfunction in the muscles, joints and nerves, or a combination of those. Chiropractic doctors are trained to analyze the relationship between muscles, joints and nerves in order to determine the source of physical pain. With this knowledge, chiropractors address the source of the problem to relieve present pain and prevent future pain.

Chiropractors are often thought of as 'back doctors' - and although we are back experts , we treat more than just the spine! Specifically, we treat nerves, muscles and joints - the neuromusculoskeletal system. This means that a Chiropractor can help with more than just low back and neck pain, but also rotator cuff problems, ankle sprains, sports injuries, pinched nerves and more.

Every chiropractor has his own way of practicing, of blending techniques with a personal touch. Dr. Fagen practices diversified technique, a system of primarily hands-on spinal adjustments. An adjustment is a specific force applied to a 'misaligned' or locked joint to correct its position and movement. Sometimes a 'popping' or 'cracking' sound is heard during an adjustment. This is simply gas escaping from the joint space, and is normal and safe. There is rarely discomfort with an adjustment; the minimal amount of force needed to move the joint is used. Correcting the joint function will free spinal motion, reduce the associated muscle guarding and tension, and remove nerve interference.

Deep-penetrating moist heat packs are often applied before an adjustment to relax muscle spasms, and make the adjustment easier. Interferential current (IFC), a method of electrical stimulation can also help with spasm and nerve pain.

For cases where manual adjusting is not appropriate or where the patient is uncomfortable with this technique, an 'activator' instrument may be used. Like a 'trigger gun', this is a device that gives a quick impulse directly to the joint. No 'crack' is heard, the body is not pressed or twisted, and no discomfort is felt. Gentle joint mobilizations are also used, as well as soft tissue techniques such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release techniques to break up scar tissue. This is a wonderful tool for injuries such as tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.

So what can Chiropratic help with and how does it work?

Low back pain - The majority of new patients complain of this. Since 4 out of 5 people will experience low back pain in their lifetime and the majority of those will have at least one recurrence, this is obviously a significant problem. Most cases of low back pain are uncomplicated and mechanical in nature and can be resolved within a few treatments.

Neck pain - This is the second most common reason people see a chiropractor. From chronic neck and shoulder tightness to acute neck pain with limited movement to one side, Chiropractic is extremely effective treatment. The relief is often instant and patients will report immediate increased range of motion ("I can look over my shoulder!")

Shoulder / Rotator Cuff - Shoulder injuries are extremely common, and are surprisingly easy to treat - but the sooner the better! Most shoulder injuries are due to repetitive stress, and can be resolved with specific muscle stripping and exercises. Other helpful tools include ultrasound and electrical stimulation. Many people don't realize that their shoulder problems may be caused by restricted and faulty spinal movement and the resulting muscular compensation. Shoulder problems have a tendency to become worse with time - take care of this problem immediately!

Rib pain - Most people are not aware that the ribs are attached to the spine with a costovertebral joint, and that this joint moves with bending, twisting and breathing. When the costovertebral joint is locked or 'goes out', the result is often very sharp and painful. It can even hurt just to cough or breathe! This is a bothersome problem, which can often be dramatically eased with a specific rib adjustment.

Pinched nerve - Our spine houses the spinal cord - a collection of nerves running from the brain to different parts of the body. When a vertebral joint is locked or inflamed, the associated nerves can become painful along their course. This is often referred to as a 'pinched nerve', although in fact it is rarely actually pinched. Once a nerve is activated, pain can be felt anywhere along the pathway; sciatic pain originating in the lower back can be felt in the buttocks and even in the legs and feet.

Headaches - Many headache sufferers find relief with Chiropractic care. Restricted neck joint movement and spastic muscles can cause headaches, which are fairly simple to solve! Why take pain medication daily if you don't have to?

The bottom line is that Chiropractic is safe and effective, non-invasive and gentle. Too often we go backwards in an attempt to cure a problem or ease a pain; we make an appointment with a doctor, take painkillers and anti-inflammatories, get put on a wait-list to see a specialist, who then determines that our problem is 'nothing', back to the beginning only the pain is now worse.

Chiropractic can't cure everything or everyone. But it fixes a lot of problems a lot of the time. It fixes them for good, too. Chiropractic is cost effective, and keeps you healthy down the road. Whether you 'slept funny' and can't turn your head to the right, bent down to tie your shoes and stayed that way, or are dealing with the same nagging back pain from 10 years ago, Chiropractic is the right way to go.

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Acupuncture

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Acupuncture treats the human body as a holistic system. Disease is understood as an imbalance within this system. Treatment is a return to balance. By insertion of single use, sterile, hair-fine needles the flow of Qi "vital energy" is attuned throughout the body. To paraphrase from the Huangdi Neijing, "No pain, no blockage; no blockage, no pain."

Chinese Herbs

Chinese Herbal Medicine has a long and dense history. Based on the same concepts as acupuncture, Chinese herbs are used in a treatment to balance the body's systems: to enhance any deficiencies, calm any excesses, or move stasis. The emphasis in Chinese medicine is to regain health, prevent further illness, and maintain proper organ function through a combination of treatments and lifestyle management.

The body of research on the use of traditional natural remedies is growing constantly; most pharmacies now have a section specifically for herbal supplements. However, there are some differences in the application of western herbs and Chinese herbs. For instance, one could go to the local drug store and get Angelica, generally used for menstrual ailments. In a Chinese medicine treatment, this herb may be only be used for certain illnesses. The practitioner has the opportunity to tailor each herbal remedy to fit a particular problem.

Traditionally, Chinese herbs were prescribed in raw form - this involved cooking and preparing each prescription. Today, many formulas are available in convenient tablet form - making it much easier to take.…

Cosmetic Acupuncture

What is it?

Acupuncture has a long history as a method enhancing one's health and beauty. In recent years, acupuncture has been adapted to include the treatment of lines, wrinkles, acne and other aesthetic concerns in what is called facial rejuvenation.

This system has become a popular alternative to cosmetic surgery and injections. It is a slower and subtler method of enhancing one's features. Cosmetic acupuncture uses the body's own resources to increase blood circulation and collagen production in the face to lift sagging skin, clear acne prone skin and decrease the look of lines and wrinkles.

How does it work?

A treatment involves the insertion of fine needles placed in acupoints on the body to treat systemic problems and support the body. Then extremely small and fine needles are used on the face. This treatment increases collagen production and blood circulation in the face causing lines and wrinkles to fill in naturally and smooth the complexion.

Treatment

A course of treatment is 10-12 ministrations once or twice a week. After the initial course of treatment is complete,  monthly maintenance is suggested to maintain its effect. One can choose to repeat the 10-12 treatments as they see fit.

Results may reduce ...

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Massage Therapy

Whether you need deep tissue therapy on an injured muscle or are looking to unwind and de-stress, massage therapy is a wonderful tool. With a number of modalities, our therapists are able to provide relief from sore muscles, tension, acute and chronic injuries and the stress of daily life.

Our massage treatment types include:

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Qi Gong

Qi Gong is a system of exercises which encourage the flow of blood and energy through the body.  It looks quite similar to Tai Chi, however in Tai Chi, one moves from one posture to the next, but in Qi Gong, we do the same movement for several minutes before moving onto the next. 

The exercises are very gentle, allowing for people of all ages to take part.  There is a very healing quality to Qi Gong.  Not only does it keep the circulation moving smoothly, it can rebalance the organs and rid the body of toxins.    It also has a very calming affect on the mind, helping to relieve stress, anxiety, and worry.

The final 15 minutes of the class is dedicated to a relaxing sitting meditation.

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Nutrition

Holistic Nutrition uses food as a tool, to improve a variety of conditions and more importantly, to improve the health of the whole person. A thorough assessment identifies deficiencies and imbalances and a nutrition plan of action is designed to address the cause of those problems.

"You are what you eat". This phrase gets thrown around, but think about it. What do we do more consistently, than eat food? The state of your health is so directly connected to the nourishment it gets, that if you have chronic health problems, unexplained digestive issues, allergies or even just an inability to lose those "last 10 pounds", you need look no further than the dinner plate in front of you. You are what you eat, and a nutritionist will help you eat, and become, healthier!

A nutritionist can help you:

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YOGA THERAPY

A Yoga Therapy session provides clients with a release of physical tension that is often connected to an emotional, mental or spiritual holding in the body. Yoga therapy is based on the belief that the mind, body and spirit are interconnected. This healing practice provides the opportunity to explore those connections through a combination of classical yoga techniques and elements of contemporary body-mind psychology. By increasing awareness in the body clients can begin to access core beliefs that dictate how they live in the world and create a deeper connection with the self.

Clients do not require prior yoga experience to benefit from this therapeutic modality. A Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy session is a one-on-one process lasting one hour. Through assisted yoga postures and non-directive dialogue, practitioners guide clients to experience the connection of their physical and emotional selves. Using focused breathing, this connection is held and explored, fostering release, personal growth and healing.

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PRENATAL & POSTNATAL CLASSES

We love babies! We offer the following classes, check news for upcoming dates.

Prenatal Classes are led by Janice Battiste of Growing Baby. These classes will prepare you and your partner for what to expect during labour, birth and the postpartum period. Knowing what to expect and understanding your options will help you make informed choices.

Hypnosis for Childbirth is taught by Shawn Gallagher. This is a powerful tool, taught in a weekend intensive course, to prepare the mind and body for childbirth.

Infant massage classes are led by Janice Battiste, and are held approximately monthly. These classes are a blast - enjoyable for baby and mom (or dad!!).

 

 

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