Normally I reserve this blog for writings about chiropractic, wellness, fitness, and the latest research. But, as many of you know, this is an exciting week in the world of pure entertainment. The final episodes of the greatest t.v. show ever air this week on Tuesday and Sunday. My wife and I, my brothers, parents, friends, and millions more have been looking forward to this week. Explaining LOST to you if you are not familiar with the show is too difficult for this blog. So I will not attempt such feat. Just a quick blog to remind everyone of this exciting, momentous week in t.v. entertainment.
Is this blog about health or wellness? Sort of. Having a fictional story to escape life can be very therapeutic. LOST is just that for me. The story, the mysteries, the confusion has brought family and friends together, challenged our minds, made us think outside the box and thoroughly entertained us for six years.
We'll miss you LOST ... until we buy the boxset and re-watch you!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Spinal Manipulation and the "pop"
I just read an excellent, interesting, and relevant research review of an important concept in the world of physical therapy. Serendipitously, I read this research only moments after a regular patient of mine left the office after we discussed this very topic - the topic of spinal joint "cavitation" - otherwise known as the "popping" sound you hear when you have your joints manipulated.
The question being asked is whether or not it is clinically important to hear the "pop" when manipulating a joint. Does the "pop" lead to improvement of the patient's symptoms or is it simply the act of the manipulation? The latest research sheds some light on this.
First, let's review what the "pop" / cavitation is. The popping/cracking sound you hear when your joint is manipulated/adjusted is the sound of gas escaping the joint space as the two bones are moved. Just like opening a can of soda, as the gas escapes it makes a sound. Bones are not actually "cracking", it just sounds that way. The bottom line with manipulation is that the act of manipulating improves joint mobility, realigns joint position, and reduces pain levels.
Today, in fact moments ago, my patient and I were discussing the fact that her low back spinal joints didn't "pop" when we adjusted them. My previous knowledge of this topic allowed me to explain that the "pop" is not necessary to still achieve mobility, alignment, and pain relief. Well, the research now supports this notion.
This research is and should be encouraging to both therapists and patients. Both therapists and patients can get caught up in the expectation and reliance on the "popping" sound for confirmation that a treatment has been effective. We all should rely more on the process of manipulation, rather than the audible sound it makes.
So, just a quick blog to update you on this important chiropractic topic - just in case you were wondering about the "pop".
Till next time ... thanks for reading!
The question being asked is whether or not it is clinically important to hear the "pop" when manipulating a joint. Does the "pop" lead to improvement of the patient's symptoms or is it simply the act of the manipulation? The latest research sheds some light on this.
First, let's review what the "pop" / cavitation is. The popping/cracking sound you hear when your joint is manipulated/adjusted is the sound of gas escaping the joint space as the two bones are moved. Just like opening a can of soda, as the gas escapes it makes a sound. Bones are not actually "cracking", it just sounds that way. The bottom line with manipulation is that the act of manipulating improves joint mobility, realigns joint position, and reduces pain levels.
Today, in fact moments ago, my patient and I were discussing the fact that her low back spinal joints didn't "pop" when we adjusted them. My previous knowledge of this topic allowed me to explain that the "pop" is not necessary to still achieve mobility, alignment, and pain relief. Well, the research now supports this notion.
This research is and should be encouraging to both therapists and patients. Both therapists and patients can get caught up in the expectation and reliance on the "popping" sound for confirmation that a treatment has been effective. We all should rely more on the process of manipulation, rather than the audible sound it makes.
So, just a quick blog to update you on this important chiropractic topic - just in case you were wondering about the "pop".
Till next time ... thanks for reading!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Exciting News!
As of last week, it is now official. After almost five great years practicing chiropractic at 1240 Bay (aka Wellpoint Health Centre), I will be changing my office location as of July 1st.
But, if you love my current location due to its proximity to either the subway, your family physician, beautiful Yorkville, or all of the above, don't fret because I'm not going very far. In fact, only a short minute walk from where I am now is where you'll find me in the future: 33 Hazelton Avenue (corner of Hazelton Ave & Scollard) in Yorkville will be my future home. I will be sharing space at Satori Urban Wellness. It is both an exceptional wellness clinic with fantastic holistic health providers (massage, physio, naturopath, acupuncture, etc.) and also an award winning spa. So, patients (and therapists) get the best of both worlds: excellent health care and the most serene environment.
I am really excited about the move for many reasons:
1. Beautiful, relaxing, friendly atmosphere.
2. Combining my skills and services with the other like-minded holistic healers.
3. Staying close to where you're used to finding me.
4. Steps from the subway and parking.
The only thing missing is that I won't be in the same facility as some of your family physicians. However, I will be maintaining my excellent relationship with all the Wellpoint family doctors so nothing will change in terms of coordinating health needs with your medical team!
More information is sure to follow. I will be sending out emails and snail-mails as July gets closer. I look forward to chatting about this with you all in person.
In the meantime, check out: Satori Urban Wellness
But, if you love my current location due to its proximity to either the subway, your family physician, beautiful Yorkville, or all of the above, don't fret because I'm not going very far. In fact, only a short minute walk from where I am now is where you'll find me in the future: 33 Hazelton Avenue (corner of Hazelton Ave & Scollard) in Yorkville will be my future home. I will be sharing space at Satori Urban Wellness. It is both an exceptional wellness clinic with fantastic holistic health providers (massage, physio, naturopath, acupuncture, etc.) and also an award winning spa. So, patients (and therapists) get the best of both worlds: excellent health care and the most serene environment.
I am really excited about the move for many reasons:
1. Beautiful, relaxing, friendly atmosphere.
2. Combining my skills and services with the other like-minded holistic healers.
3. Staying close to where you're used to finding me.
4. Steps from the subway and parking.
The only thing missing is that I won't be in the same facility as some of your family physicians. However, I will be maintaining my excellent relationship with all the Wellpoint family doctors so nothing will change in terms of coordinating health needs with your medical team!
More information is sure to follow. I will be sending out emails and snail-mails as July gets closer. I look forward to chatting about this with you all in person.
In the meantime, check out: Satori Urban Wellness
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