6 Things to Know About Acupuncture

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Over the years, acupuncture has become more and more popular because individuals see it as an alternative to western medicine. However, even now, many people do not know what to expect when they go in for their first visit.

Although, there are different techniques and styles of acupuncture,  there are the common tips to know about acupuncture.

1) It Will Be Treating More Than Just Pain

According to acupuncturists, patients must not skip sessions because they are feeling sick. Acupuncture not only aids with stomach viruses and common colds, but it can help with emotional and mental stress, skin diseases, dentistry, gout, cancer, neurological disorders, and infections, according to the World Health Organization.

2) Do Not Go On an Empty Stomach

It is important to have a –somewhat- full stomach before going in for your treatment. It is not important to indulge in a big meal, but your body just needs something that will energize you so you can get maximum benefits. If you get acupuncture on an empty stomach, it could lead to fainting, lightheadedness, and even dizziness.

3) You Will Not Need To Take Your Clothes Off

Sometimes, acupuncturists will need to be able to reach under your clothes, but if that needs to happen, they will put a covering on you so only some of your skin is exposed. You must keep in mind that wearing loose clothes is recommended so your sleeves or pants can be rolled up easily.

4) You Will Need to Get Your Pulse Check, Show Your Tongue, and Get an Abdomen Press

Since acupuncturists want to provide you with maximum benefits, they will want to see the “state of your internal organs.” These methods allow them to determine the ideal treatment for you. Similar to reflexology on your feet and hands, your pulse, the different parts of your tongue and abdomen have connections with the organs and systems within your body.

5) Be Prepared For Embarrassing Questions

For a thorough physical examination, the acupuncturist will ask you questions related to your lifestyle and health. Most of the time, the common questions will ask you for detailed answers related to your urination, bowel movements, and menstruation (for females). The more details you go in, the better the diagnosis will be.

6) Acupuncturists Use Tools Other than Needles Also

Needles are the main tool used during acupuncture, but acupuncturists have started looking for more tools that fall under the “Chinese Medicine” category. This includes Tuina (massage), cupping (suction of your skin), Chinese herbs, acupressure (using pressure on acupuncture points instead of needles), Guasha (scraping the skin), Moxibustion (heating the skin), or Qi Gong.

These are the top six things you must know when you are going to get acupuncture done. Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic has excellent acupuncturists on staff. Check out our website @ schroeder.wpengine.com or give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 to get started.

Does Massage Even Work?

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Before getting a massage, people usually wonder “does massage even work?” We leave the final decision up to you, but it is true that massage therapy has endless benefits.

The most common benefits are mentioned below:

Alleviates Stress

Whether you are getting a sports massage or a relaxation massage, your stress levels will be lower for longer periods.  This will benefit you thru increased energy levels will, less pain, and enhanced physical/emotional moods.

Intensive Muscle Relaxation

The main goal of massage therapy is to focus on the areas of your body that are aching. This will relieve tension from those muscles, improve your flexibility and provide  relaxation to your entire body.

Massage therapy is also known to release endorphins into your body, which leads to a boost in the serotonin and dopamine levels in your body. These beneficial hormones help your body emotionally and physically. While they deal with pain management and they promote healing, they will definitely calm your nerves.

Better Circulation

The long-term benefits of massage therapy should never be underestimated. Those who get massage therapy consistently will benefit from better blood circulation. The reason why better circulation is so important is because rich blood heals the tense, stiff, and damaged muscles.

Relieving muscle tensions improves blood circulation to your injured or affected muscles. This way, there is more oxygen and nutrients getting to your damaged tissues. When there is “increased activity” in these affected areas, there is less swelling and stiffness in your joints and muscles.

To get started with your massage, give our clinic a call @ 780-455-2112 or check out our website @ schroeder.wpengine.com.

 

carpel tunnel syndrome

3 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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Many people think of chiropractic as a treatment for neck and back problems, but in truth it is a whole body wellness practice and the neck and back are just one aspect. One application that is garnering a great deal of attention is the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Chiropractic is an effective, non-invasive treatment for CTS, relieving the pain and promoting healing without the use of medications. There are three ways the chiropractic has been proven to be effective in the treatment of CTS.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury, a condition that affects the hands and wrists. The most common symptoms include tingling, numbness, and weakness in the middle finger, index finger, and thumb as well as pain in the wrist or hand that gets worse at night.

It is typically found in hairdressers, typists, mechanics, cashiers, and other people who perform repetitive hand motions for long periods of time and it is estimated that about 3 percent of adults in the United States will deal with CTS at some time in their lives.

About 50 percent of workplace injuries in the United States are attributed to CTS. There was a time when it was believed to affect women more than men, but research has shown that a person’s occupation plays a large part in how it is contracted and gender only plays a small role – if any at all.

The carpal tunnel is a band of fibrous tissue that lies on the front side of the wrist. It holds the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons that are necessary for the hand to move and work as it should. When that carpal tunnel becomes inflamed, damaged, or pressure on that area compresses the arteries and nerves, CTS develops. It usually starts slowly and the symptoms gradually worsen as the condition progresses.

How Chiropractic helps Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

There are three primary ways that chiropractors treat CTS. These three common treatments have been shown to be very effective in treating the pain and the condition as a whole.

Adjustments of the upper spine, arm, and wrist – When the spine is not in alignment, it could exacerbate carpal tunnel syndrome. A chiropractor will use spinal manipulation to realign the spine to its correct position. These manipulations, or adjustments, are often performed by hand, but at times he or she may use special devices or a special table made specifically for chiropractic treatments. In addition to the spine, the chiropractor may make adjustments to other areas of the body such as the arm and wrist.

Ultrasound therapy – This is another type of therapy employed by chiropractors. It uses low energy sound or high energy sound – both outside the range of a human’s ability to hear. The device that is used emits these sound waves that are extremely focused and penetrate the body’s tissue at a very deep level. These sound waves can be very effective in reducing inflammation, alleviating pain, and relaxing muscles. It may be used as a stand-alone treatment or with chiropractic treatments.

Wrist Supports – The purpose of wrist supports is to keep the wrist properly aligned with the rest of the arm to reduce pressure and compression. It is often used as a preventative measure against carpal tunnel. The chiropractor may choose this option if the patient does repetitive work that may cause the condition. This is often combined with regular chiropractic treatments such as spinal alignment and is used to prevent conditions such as CTS from developing.

When treating carpal tunnel, the chiropractor may also suggest specific exercises as well as a dietary program to promote overall wellness. This is intended to keep the patient from experiencing carpal tunnel as well as other conditions.

For more information about our clinic, visit our website @ www.ocwc.ca or call 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today

healthy eating lifestyle

HEALTHY EATING IS A LIFESTYLE

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Hi I’m Dr. Kent Ferguson (click to watch video), chiropractor @ Oliver Chiropractic Wellness Clinic. Why is healthy eating as a lifestyle so important?  Well, it’s because the statistics are sobering. The typical Canadian diet far exceeds the daily recommended intake levels in calories from sugars, solid fats, sodium, refined grains, and saturated fat. The typical Canadian diet is also lacking in the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, and oils. The result is obesity and experts project that by 2030, in Canada alone, half of all adults will be obese.

So what do people commonly do when the weight begins to pile on? The answer is they go on a diet – and that is what gets them into trouble. What people should consider instead is a change of lifestyle.

When you make the life changing commitment to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle you open yourself up to a world of better health, more energy, and better focus. Your body will heal faster and you will feel better.

A healthy eating lifestyle involves a regular diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, along with lots of water. Healthy eating as a way of life is far healthier than temporary diets that are out there and more effective too.

Making significant lifestyle changes related to food can be very difficult for many people to accomplish for various reasons. One of the most common reasons is lack of knowledge to understand the best first steps to take. That’s where a Holistic Nutritional Practitioner can be helpful.  A Holistic Nutritional Practitioner can help you develop a diet to meet your needs that is specific to you.

If you or a loved one is in need of additional dietary guidance, check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca or give us a call @ 780-455-2112.  Our helpful staff will work with you to find a time a time to meet our Holistic Nutritional Practitioner Karlien Bester.

For more health and lifestyle information, follow our clinic on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. Take care.

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utZRqRGpZCQ[/embedyt]

acupuncture, benefits

Everything You Need To Know About Acupuncture

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Acupuncture is the art of healing which has been used for thousands of years and practiced throughout the world. Although it has treated many people successfully, there is a misconception when it comes to acupuncture. It is not understood properly in the western countries causing it to be seen as a painful retreat.

Acupuncture has many benefits, but since there is lack of awareness regarding it, there are millions of people that are missing out on this therapy.

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Chinese medical practice that does not use any medication to treat the disease. The acupuncturist inserts thin needles in the pressure points of your body. These points can be on your back, leg, head, and other parts of your body.

The needles are often inserted in the areas where there will be no pain experienced. However, what an individual should keep in mind is that any pain experienced depends on the person’s pain endurance levels.

People often think that acupuncture helps with pain but the truth is that I can help relieve stress and treat diseases.

Does it hurt?

Having needles inserted in your body can arouse this question. Similar to the blood test prick, acupuncture can be painful for some and some might not even feel it.

The truth about this treatment is that it does not hurt. The needles do not go deep enough into your body to encounter the nerves. The needles are so fine that some people might not even feel them. Some people find the needle insertion relaxing. The needle pressure promotes blood flow and decreases inflammation.

Is it safe?

When going for acupuncture, you need to make sure you are going to practiced acupuncturists. Do not make compromises on your health so make sure you choose the right person. Go to place that is reputable and hygienic.

What are the Benefits?

Acupuncture has many benefits. Here are the most common ones:

  • Acupunctures reduce headaches and migraines. Studies have proven that acupuncture gives long-term relief from headaches and migraines.
  • Acupuncture decreases chronic pain that is present in your body.
  • It reduces stress levels and anxiety by balancing the hormones in your body.

Would You Go For It?

After finding out the benefits of acupuncture, would you opt for it? It comes with long-term benefits and allows you to live a healthy, future life. To find out more about our office visit www.ocwc.ca or give our office a call @ 780-445-2112 to book  your appointment today.

4 Ways Chiropractic Can Help Those That Suffer From Fibromyalgia

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Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions.
This condition is very problematic because it is extremely difficult to diagnose. It is also difficult to treat because it tends to be a chronic condition. Many doctors use pain medication that treats the symptoms, but there is evidence that shows chiropractic treatment as a very effective way to treat fibromyalgia, minimize the pain, and even control.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Doctors don’t really know what fibromyalgia is or what causes it, but researchers believe that that the condition affects the way that the brain processes pain, causing it to be amplified and spread throughout the body. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include pain, excessive sleeping, mood swings, fatigue, memory loss, fuzziness, and depression. It seems to be more prevalent in women than in men.

The condition may develop suddenly after severe psychological stress or physical trauma such as infection or surgery. However, it may also develop gradually with no known triggers. Often people who suffer from fibromyalgia also have irritable bowel syndrome, tension headaches, anxiety, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and depression.

4 ways that Chiropractors can Help Fibromyalgia Patients

There are four primary ways that a chiropractor can help patients with fibromyalgia. Chiropractic focuses on whole body wellness and has been shown to be very effective in treating the condition.

Chiropractic Adjustments. This chiropractic technique helps to realign your body and re-establish the connection between the nervous system and nerves throughout the body. It essentially resets the nervous system so that the brain can process pain more accurately. In fibromyalgia the pain is believed to be caused by the central nervous system receiving faulty or inaccurate pain signals and the result is pain felt throughout the body.

Physical Therapy. This is an important part of treatment that your chiropractor will recommend. Fibromyalgia can cause severe muscular pain and patient stop moving or exercising because it simply hurts too much. When the patient stops moving they lose muscle tone which actually exacerbates the effects of the condition.

Lifestyle Adjustment Recommendations. The chiropractor may also make recommendations regarding lifestyle adjustments. This can include incorporating exercise into the patient’s daily routine or finding ways to control the pain without medication. A patient who spends most of their day sitting behind a desk may be advised to take periodic walks. The recommendations will depend on the patient’s everyday activities and lifestyle.

Nutritional Recommendations. Nutrition plays a large part in every aspect of the body. It can cure conditions and help alleviate symptoms. The chiropractor will often make recommendations regarding changes to the diet and supplements. It helps both the psychological aspects of the condition as well as they psychological ones. This type of treatment is often recommended in conjunction with chiropractic treatments as part of a whole body wellness approach.

Chiropractic treatments have been shown to be very successful in treating fibromyalgia patients, particularly in alleviating pain. Patients report a significant decrease in neck, back, and leg pain after just one visit. Because it provides immediate relief without medication, chiropractic is regarded as one of the best treatments for the condition. When the spine is properly aligned the entire body functions more efficiently and effectively.

One of the most attractive benefits of chiropractic treatments is that it treats pain and mobility issues without the use of medications. In the case of fibromyalgia, because so little is actually known about it, chiropractic is an optimal treatment method because it does work but it does not put an additional burden on the body by introducing medications.

For more information on our clinic, check out our website @ www.ocwc.ca or call 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

 

How Acupuncture Helps Athletes

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Acupuncture is a fantastic therapy for athletes, but that does not mean that others cannot gain from its benefits. Whether you are a devoted yogi, a gym rat or a marathoner, acupuncture has the ability to improve your performance while providing you exceptional health benefits.

Two in One Benefit

Acupuncture is highly recommended and effective for any sport injuries as it eases pain, speeds up the recovery process and improves range of motion. This is done by minimizing the inflammation, bruising, and swelling caused by the injury. Acupuncture allows the muscles to relax and relieves spasms, which leads to lowering the body’s pain responses and helps with blood circulation.

Studies prove the benefits of Acupuncture

Studies have showed that acupuncture can remove all types of pain, ranging from neck pain to shoulder pain and any chronic pains. In addition, the World Health Organization states that acupuncture is a safe and effective way of treating injuries, alleviating acute & chronic pains and any orthopedic conditions. In this case, it is a fantastic option for athletes as their bodies are always in use and can suffer from wear and tear.

Acupuncture naturally boosts energy levels, helps with post-workout recovery and can visibly improve the performance levels of any athlete. Athletes who make acupuncture a part of their regular training regime get better results, are prone to lesser injuries. This means athletes can have more fun when they are playing their sport.

4 Benefits of Acupuncture

1.      Lessens Anxiety and Stress

Athletes often are stressed before a big race or feel anxious before a big game; therefore, acupuncture is a healthy resort. Acupuncture has the ability to balance the mind and lower anxiety and stress levels.

2.      Improves Sleep

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way of solving sleep-related problems. Getting acupuncture regularly can be helpful, as it will make you feel well rested and energized.

3.      Stronger Immune System

Studies have showed that acupuncture improves the functions of immune cells. It increases the production of T-cells that destroy bacteria and defends the body against viruses.

4.      Increases Awareness

People that get acupuncture feel more aware of their body, mind and emotions at deeper and subtler levels. Being mindful about you and your surroundings is a key trait that every athlete must have on and off the field.

Consider adding acupuncture to help support your training activities. Our clinic offers acupuncture to help solve an array of problems. To book an appointment call 780-455-2112 today.

Shin Splints

GOT SHIN SPLINTS?

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I’m Dr. Kent Ferguson, in my chiropractic practice we see many conditions holding people back from being fully active. Shin splints are one of those conditions. Chiropractic care is a powerful choice for treating shin splints and reducing their recurrence. Three significant ways chiropractic treatment benefits those suffering from shin splints are:

REDUCTION IN PAIN

Chiropractic care is proven to relieve the pain associated with bodily injuries and conditions, including shin splints. Sometimes one visit is enough to relieve the pain, other times the pain decreases over a series of appointments. Being able to diminish a high degree of pain down to a manageable level is possible for shin splint patients through chiropractic.

FULL BODY ALIGNMENT

The premise behind chiropractic is that it treats the body as a whole, and, in doing so, promotes healing and health to the injured or diseased areas. Chiropractors may work on your neck to help your calf. With shin splints, your chiropractor may align your spine and joints to lessen the impact of activity on your shins. Again, the entire body is treated in order to create the best environment for health restoration.

DRUG FREE TREATMENT OPTION

A primary benefit of chiropractic care is it requires no over-the-counter or prescription drugs. Individuals who suffer from stomach issues, or simply prefer to avoid drugs, find chiropractic visits a productive alternative to manage pain and promote healing.

If you are one of the many people dealing with shin splints, consider chiropractic care as your main treatment option or in conjunction with other modes of treatment. Within a few visits, you can experience pain reduction, and enjoy a decreased risk of ever dealing with painful shin splints again.

For information about our clinic visit www.ocwc.ca or call 780-455-2112 to book your appointment today.

massage therapy

Alternative Therapy for Arthritis – Get a Massage

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As time has evolved, more and more people have started to resort to massage therapy as a way of getting rid of arthritis pains. For those who are unaware, massage therapy is best for those who have joint stiffness or inflammations as this can make sure all these problems vanish. However, one may wonder how massage can be the best way to fix arthritis issues the answer is simple. Read on to find out.

Overview on Massages

Massaging is one of the oldest arts used for healing. It was first practiced by the Greeks, Chinese, and Egyptians and later brought to the US. When an individual gets a massage, the massage therapist has to press, rub, knead, and manipulate the soft tissues and muscles of the body.

Since it has been around for so long, there are over 250 massage techniques; however, most therapists use one of the more basic ones. There are many different kinds of massages that have been invented. One form is known as the Swedish massage, which entails the use of long strokes that are supposed to calm the body. When the body is relaxed, the therapist begins to focus on the parts that are the stiffest. Another popular form is the deep tissue massage where a strong pressure is applied to soothe the deepest layers of the tissue. Then there are Asian methods that are called shiatsu or acupressure – these involve rubbing body parts until there is a positive response.

How It Helps With Arthritis

Relaxation

The number one thing that can be achieved by massage therapy is relaxation because massage is supposed to make the body feel good. Many therapists call massage the “Comfort Touch” as it uses slow yet steady pressurized movements to remove any tensions in the body. Some people say that massage has the tendency to trigger the parasympathetic nervous system as it allows the body to restore its energy. The flight or fight response is switched, the heartbeat slows down, and muscle tension is better.

Changes in Circulation

Although the mechanism is not completely understood, massage has been proven to promote the flow of lymph in the body – a liquid that goes around the body and with its presence in the cells, your body can fight diseases and infections. During a massage, the circulation increases, this can cause certain people to feel cooler during massages because the blood pressure is lowered.

Better Joint Movements

Apart from providing complete pain relief, massage therapy can help with joint movements. When direct pressure is applied, massage therapy can cause mobility in connective tissues, and muscles to improve. Therefore, for those who are suffering from arthritis, massage will allow their joints to be better and lessen the stiffness in their ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

 

Luckily, those who were hopeless with their arthritis condition can now get instant relief with the help of massage therapy.

Yoga, Chiropractic

4 Powerful Ways Yoga Increases the Effectiveness of Chiropractic Care

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Yoga hasn’t taken the world by storm, but it has gained steadily in popularity in the last decade. Originally developed thousands of years ago, the practice of breathing, posing, and stretching offers a variety of important health benefits. Reduced stress and blood pressure, increased flexibility and stamina, greater balance, and a better understanding of breathing techniques are all fabulous results of practicing yoga.

In addition to the normal exercise benefits yoga offers, the practice serves as treatment for a variety of injuries and health conditions. Yoga embodies the recognition of the link between physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness, and reaches its fans in deeper ways than other forms of traditional exercise.

Although the two disciplines come from entirely different histories, the concept that yoga heals the body in its entirety closely mirrors the concept behind chiropractic care. These similar foundations offer enormous benefits to those suffering from a variety of injuries and conditions that seek help from a chiropractor. By incorporating yoga sessions into their treatment, chiropractic patients often reap great rewards.

Here are four reasons why:

Yoga primes the body for healing

Practicing yoga stretches and elongates the body’s muscles, releasing tension and stress. Before patients visit their chiropractors, yoga can serve to warm up their bodies and clarify their minds, so the chiropractor can dig into the root problem. Yoga complements chiropractic treatment by readying the body to heal itself.

Yoga strengthens joints and ligaments

Dealing with a health condition or injury is frustrating and can seem like it takes forever to heal. Implementing yoga into a recovery plan helps strengthen joints and ligaments, which aids in promoting healing and cutting down the time it takes to get better.

Yoga works on the body as a whole and promotes greater well-being from head to toe. A stronger body absorbs chiropractic care more productively and deeply than one that is stiff, sore, and unhealthy.

Yoga increases range of motion

Depending on the severity of the individual’s specific condition, chiropractic patients may need several visits to "prep" their bodies before the main issue can even be addressed. Yoga sessions increase a body’s flexibility and help with the range of motion in the neck, back, hips, and other joints. By going into a chiropractic treatment equipped with better range of motion, the patient is more pliable, and the visit is able to offer more in-depth adjustments, for greater results.

Prevents future injury

Many reasons individuals seek chiropractic treatment are for recurring issues. Yoga provides an ongoing way for patients dealing with chronic issues to manage and reduce instances of pain, inflammation, and other symptoms. A regimen of yoga coupled with chiropractic care keeps the body aligned, its balance level, the muscles stretched and de-stressed, and the joints operating efficiently.

Both also serve to keep posture correct, and ligaments strong. All of these results create a body that is less susceptible to future injury, and less inclined for previous medical conditions to resurface. Individuals enjoy greater mobility longer, all without changing their active lifestyles.

Yoga has long been touted as the answer for many of the body’s issues, and it’s smart for individuals, whether dealing with current issues or in prime health, to check out the basics of yoga. Chiropractic care coupled with yoga offers a great many benefits to patients who are dealing with medical conditions or injury. Ask your chiropractor for an evaluation of your health issues, and whether adding yoga to your overall health plan would help you lead a better, more active life.