By Lana Finley, DMO
Lana is now available at BOTH Energize Health locations!
Book an appointment with Lana at Energize Health - South
Book an appointment with Lana at Energize Health - North
Stress is an inevitable part of life, affecting us both mentally and physically. Stress can be due to external pressures, such as work deadlines, relationship challenges, or financial worries. Stress can also be due to internal conflicts and emotions. To better comprehend the multifaceted nature of stress, let's dive into the definition of stress, its effects on mental, emotional, and physical health, and what you can do right away to help manage and reduce your stress.
Hi, I'm Dr. Nicole Barry, a chiropractor at Energize Health. I'm excited to share with you some remarkable insights into the world of radial shockwave therapy and its incredible benefits. As a Calgary based chiropractor dedicated to helping my patients achieve optimal health and wellness, I have been successfully using shockwave therapy in my practice for over 5 years. I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of shockwave therapy and, in this blog, I will provide you with an overview of this cutting-edge treatment and back up its advantages with peer-reviewed research.
What is Radial Shockwave Therapy (RST)?
Radial shockwave therapy (RST), also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) or simply "shockwave", is a non-invasive treatment modality that utilizes high-energy acoustic waves to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions. Think of an opera singer who can break glass with their voice, or a sonic boom when a military jet flies by: these are more common examples of the power of acoustic wave. With shockwave therapy, specific frequency acoustic waves are delivered to targeted areas of the body, where they stimulate the body's natural healing processes and can help provide relief from chronic pain and discomfort.
Now, let's dive into 5 of the science-backed benefits of Radial Shockwave Therapy:
Work-related pain isn't just limited to construction and heavy manufacturing. Sitting at a desk in the same position all day, performing repetitive motions, can worsen and even cause musculoskeletal conditions, pain, and general discomfort. Take a few minutes and try some energizing, cost-effective and time-efficient exercises, right from the (dis)comfort of your desk. Get ready for a physical and mental reset: Physiotherapist Breanne Lyon's is here to help! Here's a quick video demo, and the descriptions and recommendations are below.
- One Arm Hug
Take one arm across your chest, and place your hand on your opposite shoulder. Use the forearm of your other arm to cradle your elbow, and pull your elbow into your chest for a deeper stretch. Hold for 25 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times on each side. - Reach for the Sky!
Begin by sitting straight up in your chair with your feet flat on the ground. Link your hands together, push your palms out in front of you, and reach your arms above your head. Make sure to keep your shoulders relaxed. Hold for 15 seconds, repeat 5 times. - Seated Lat Stretch
Take one arm above your head, reach to your opposite side with the forearm facing the front. Use your other hand to grab your wrist and pull for a deeper stretch. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Repeat 2-3 times per side. - Seated Tricep Stretch
Raise your arm and bend your elbow towards your back, reaching your palm as far down as you can. Use your other hand to push your elbow back for a deeper stretch. Hold for 15 seconds. Repeat 3-5 times per side. - Wrist Stretch
Start with your palms together in front of your chest. Slowly lower your hands toward your waist, keeping your palms together, until you feel a mild to moderate stretch in your wrists. Hold for 15 seconds. Next, push the backs of your hands together for a reverse stretch. Hold for another 15 seconds. Repeat 5 times on each side. - Seated Spine Twist
While sitting in your chair, cross one leg over the other. Twist your body toward the side with your leg on top. Use the arm of the chair to pull yourself into a deeper stretch. Hold for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times on each side. - Hamstring Chair Stretch
While sitting at the edge of your chair, with your heels on the ground and toes pointed up, reach your torso toward your legs. Keep your back straight. Hold for 25 seconds, repeat 3-5 times. - Calf Raises
Stand behind your chair, and place your hands on the back of the chair. Raise yourself onto the balls of your feet slowly, while tightening your calves, and keeping your back straight. Hold for a few seconds at the top, and roll your feet back down. Repeat 10 times.
Want help developing a customized, accessible, and attainable movement routine? Book an appointment with Breanne and get started today. Resolve discomfort and avoid pain and injury. Your body (and your boss!) will thank you.
Pregnancy and childbirth can have a significant impact on women and birthing peoples' pelvic floor muscles. This can lead to pain, discomfort, incontinence (the involuntary leakage of urine), and other issues, including pelvic organ prolapse. Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more of the organs in the pelvis - the uterus, bladder, bowel, or top of the vagina - slip down from their normal position and bulge into the vagina. A prolapse is not life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and even painful. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for these concerns and more, and can help new mom's and birthing people recover after pregnancy and giving birth.
Pelvic floor physiotherapy involves the use of techniques such as exercises, manual therapy, and education to help individuals restore and maintain optimal function of their pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles that support the pelvic organs, including the bladder, uterus, and rectum. During pregnancy and childbirth, these muscles can become stretched and weakened, which can lead to problems such as incontinence, pain during intercourse, prolapse, difficulty with bowel movements, and difficulty returning to sports and other activities post partum. By working with a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist, individuals who are pregnant or have given birth can receive a customized, effective treatment plan to help meet their specific needs and goals.
When should I see a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist?
An appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can be beneficial at any stage pre or post partum, even decades after giving birth.
Ideally, someone would have their first pelvic floor physiotherapy appointment before giving birth, while they are still pregnant. This is not a requirement for effective care, but it does provide an opportunity to assess your pelvic health prior to you giving birth, giving us something to compare to after the birth.
Another reason to see a pelvic floor physiotherapist for prenatal care is that they can help you prepare for giving birth. Your physiotherapist can teach you techniques to help prevent perineal tearing, which can sometimes occur during vaginal births. Additionally, a pelvic physio can teach you techniques to help manage constipation, which is a common occurance during pregnancy, especially if someone has a prior history of constipation.
How can a Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist help me recover from childbirth?
One way that a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help you recover after childbirth is by helping you strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Exercise and manual therapy techniques can be used to target the pelvic floor muscles, helping to improve their strength and tone. This can reduce incontinence, improve sexual function, alleviate discomfort and pain, and improve overall pelvic floor function.
Another way a pelvic floor physiotherapist can help is by fitting you for a pessary. A pessary is a medical-grade device that is designed to aid in the management of symptoms from either pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence. Your physiotherapist will conduct a pelvic exam to determine if a pessary would be beneficial for you. There are many different shapes and sizes of pessaries; your pelvic floor physiotherapist can help fit you with the most comfortable and effective pessary for your individual needs.
In addition to the physical benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy, an appointment with a pelvic floor physiotherapist can also provide a sense of emotional support and education for new parents. Our compassionate team members can help address any concerns or questions you may have about your postpartum recovery as a new parent, and provide guidance on how to manage any challenges you may be experiencing.
By incorporating pelvic floor physiotherapy into their prenatal preparation and postpartum recovery plan, new moms and birthing people can experience improved comfort, function, and overall well-being. If you are a new mom and/ or have recently given birth, and are interested in learning more about pelvic floor physiotherapy and pregnancy, we welcome you to contact us to discuss how we can support you during this exciting (and often challenging) time!
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