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Category: The Alliance Blog S2 Q1

Chiropractic Care for Arthritis Management

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September is Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on a condition that affects over 6 million Canadians—1 in 5 people! This number is expected to rise in the coming years, highlighting the need for more awareness and support. 

Did you know:

➡2.4 million Canadians report that arthritis significantly limits their daily activities, impacting their ability to work and care for themselves.
➡ Nearly 60% of arthritis patients are women, with the condition affecting 1 in 4 women compared to 1 in 6 men.
➡ Among older adults, nearly 50% of Canadians aged 65 and over suffer from arthritis, making it a leading cause of pain and disability in this age group.

These numbers underscore just how widespread and concerning arthritis is in Canada.

Understanding Arthritis

There is no known cure for arthritis, characterized by inflammation of the joints, and often accompanied by debilitating pain. Imagine a pain so intense, it affects your ability to perform daily tasks and function, potentially reducing your overall quality of life. At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, we understand how challenging arthritis can be. We offer a variety of treatment options to help you manage your symptoms, promoting function and supporting your ability to continue to maintain an active and fulfilling life.

Arthritis encompasses more than 100 different types of joint diseases.The most common forms are:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA): Often referred to as degenerative joint disease, OA is caused by the wear and tear of cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones. This leads to pain, swelling, and decreased mobility (movement)  in the affected joints.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and joint damage.

While these conditions can significantly impact your life, chiropractic care can help patients manage arthritis symptoms using a holistic and drug/surgery free approach.

How Chiropractic Care Helps Manage Arthritis

Chiropractors are experts in musculoskeletal health, and offer a variety of treatment options to help patients manage arthritis symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with the early stages of osteoarthritis or more advanced rheumatoid arthritis, chiropractic care can provide significant symptom relief and improve your quality of life.

Early Detection and Diagnosis

Early intervention is the key to managing arthritis effectively. At Alliance Chiropractic, we start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your history and symptoms to identify the type of arthritis you’re dealing with. This may include a physical examination, imaging tests, and a review of your medical history.

By diagnosing arthritis early, we can develop a treatment plan to help alleviate pain, restore movement, and improve function. Many of our patients also cite reduced medication use as a benefit of ongoing chiropractic care.

A Variety of Treatment Options and Personalized Care Plans  

Once a diagnosis is made, we work with you to create a treatment plan customized to your needs. Treatment options may include:

  • Joint Manipulation: Gentle adjustments to improve joint mobility and reduce pain. This is particularly effective in managing osteoarthritis symptoms by reducing the pressure on affected areas.
  • Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques such as massage and myofascial release to relieve muscle tension and improve blood flow around the joints, helping reduce pain, swelling,  and stiffness.
  • Exercise Therapy: Customized exercises focused on strengthening the muscles around the joints, improving flexibility, and enhancing overall joint function. Movement and regular physical activity is crucial for managing arthritis and maintaining mobility.
  • Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice: Guidance on how to modify your daily activities and environment to reduce joint strain. This may include postural advice, guidance to create ergonomically correct office/work spaces, or providing safe techniques for daily tasks such as lifting and bending. 

An Integrated and Collaborative Approach for Comprehensive Support

At Alliance Chiropractic, we believe in a collaborative approach to arthritis care and management, and will work closely with other healthcare professionals, including your family doctor, rheumatologists, and physical therapists. If you require additional diagnostic tests or specialized treatments, we can collaborate with others on your medical team. This integrated approach allows us to monitor and understand all aspects of your condition so we can better support  pain management and help your restore and maintain your optimal level of health and well-being.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Arthritis Patients

Patients who incorporate chiropractic care for arthritis treatment and management plan, benefit from:

  • Pain Relief: Through joint manipulation, soft tissue therapy, and other treatments, chiropractic care can significantly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with arthritis.
  • Improved Mobility: By improving joint function and reducing stiffness, chiropractic care can help you maintain or even enhance your mobility, allowing you to stay active and independent.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Managing arthritis symptoms effectively can improve your overall quality of life, making it easier to perform daily activities and enjoy the things you love.

Take Action This Arthritis Awareness Month

Living with arthritis doesn’t have to mean living with constant pain and limited movement. With the right care and support, you can manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling, active life. If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis, consider chiropractic care as a safe, effective option for managing your condition.

At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, we’re committed to helping you navigate the challenges of arthritis. Contact us today to schedule an assessment and learn how our personalized care plans can help you manage pain and maintain function so you can continue to do the things you love.

Information for this blog was sourced from the Arthritis.ca, Ontario Chiropractic Association and the Canadian Chiropractic Association.

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Harnessing the Power of Positive Thinking for a Healthier Life

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Positive Thinking Day, acknowledged every September 13th, is a reminder of the profound impact that a positive outlook can have on our health and well-being. At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, our focus is on neuromusculoskeletal systems (think nervous system, spine, and muscles) but know that overall health consists of a variety of other factors. In honour of Positive Thinking Day, delve into why and how an optimistic mindset can impact your overall well-being. In fact, research shows that your outlook can significantly influence stress levels, immune response, and how you feel, impacting your overall quality of life.

The Link Between Positive Thinking and Health

You may have heard the phrase “mind over matter”? And when it comes to your health, there is truth to this saying. Research teams at Johns Hopkins Medicine showed that those with a positive outlook were significantly less likely to experience cardiovascular events, even when they had a family history of heart disease. The connection between positivity and heart health might be a result of an optimistic mindset helping protect the body against inflammatory damage caused by stress.

The Mayo Clinic lists the following health benefits associated with positive thinking:

  • A longer lifespan
  • Lower rates of depression
  • Improved coping skills during periods of stress
  • A lower risk of cardiovascular disease. 
  • Positivity enhances mental health AND supports physical well-being, contributing to a healthier, more resilient body.

Understanding and Shifting Your Self-Talk

Positive thinking often begins with your internal dialogue – “self-talk” can either be positive or negative, and plays a crucial role in shaping your outlook on life. If you often find yourself dwelling on negative thoughts or expecting the worst in situations, your self-talk may be affecting you more than you realize.

Recognizing and shifting negative thought patterns is the first step towards cultivating a more positive mindset. For example, reframe “I always mess things up,” to  something more positive such as, “I am learning and improving every day.”  Here’s a list of common negative self-talk phrases and examples of positive reframes. A shift in thinking can change how you perceive challenges and help reduce stress and anxiety. For those suffering from frequent anxiety bouts, here’s a great article on techniques to help manage.

Practise makes Perfect - Strategies for a Positive Mindset

Cultivating a positive mindset requires time, effort, and practise but the benefits are well worth it. Here are some strategies to help you start thinking more positively:

  • Smile Often: Even if you do not feel like it, try it. Smiling can reduce your heart rate and blood pressure during stressful situations. Research supports that even forced smiles can decrease stress levels. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, try watching a funny video or recalling a happy memory to help you smile and lighten your mood.
  • Shift Perspective: When faced with a stressful situation, try to see it from a different perspective. For instance, if you are stuck in traffic, instead of focusing on the frustration, use the time to listen to your favorite music or a podcast you enjoy. Reframing challenges as opportunities can help you maintain a more positive outlook.
  • Improve Resilience: The ability to bounce back from adversity, or resilience, is closely linked to positive thinking. Strengthen your resilience by nurturing strong relationships with family and friends, accepting that change is a part of life, and taking proactive steps to solve problems rather than avoiding them.
  • Surround Yourself with Positivity: The people you spend time with can greatly influence your mindset. Make an effort to connect with those who are positive and supportive, as they can help uplift your spirits and reinforce your optimistic outlook.
  • Engage in Healthy Habits: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining a positive mindset. Physical activity, in particular, has been shown to boost mood and reduce stress, making it a critical component of positive thinking.In a recent blog, we highlighted the power of routines and their benefits to your health.

The Long-Term Benefits of Positivity

Positive thinking not only improves your mental well-being but also helps safeguard your physical health. Optimism has been linked to numerous health benefits, including a stronger immune system, improved heart health, and protection against chronic diseases.

At Alliance Chiropractic, we encourage our patients to embrace the power of positive thinking as part of a holistic approach to health. Whether you are dealing with stress, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to improve your overall well-being, a positive mindset can make a difference.

Questions about how to cultivate positive thinking or the benefits to your health? Feel free to contact us. Our team is here to support you on your journey to optimal health and wellness.

Information for this blog was sourced from Johns Hopkins Medicine, Healthline and Mayo Clinic.

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The Power of Daily Routines: How Habits Can Enhance Your Well-being

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When we hear the word ‘routine’, many of us think of monotonous, boring, and repetitive tasks. However, the truth is that routines are powerful tools that can enhance our mental and physical well-being. At Alliance Chiropractic & Wellness Clinic, we are always on the lookout to share information that helps our patients achieve and maintain optimal levels of health. Research shows that consistent habits not only streamline daily tasks, but also provide meaning and can boost cognitive function. Read on to learn more about these benefits and the science behind them.

Routines Support Cognitive Function

One of the most significant advantages of maintaining daily routines is their effect on cognitive function. Regular habits reduce the mental load of daily decision-making, freeing up your mind to focus on more complex and creative tasks. Think about it – most of us have a typical morning routine that usually involves the same daily actions: for example, waking up at the same time, helping family members get ready for their day, eating breakfast, and heading to work. These simple actions are likely the same for each work day and can be performed efficiently, requiring minimal cognitive energy and essentially freeing up resources for more complex tasks and decisions throughout the day. Having a morning routine, sets the foundation for a productive day.

Studies show that routines are particularly beneficial for older adults, helping them maintain independence and reduce the cognitive decline associated with aging. For example, consistently taking medication at the same time each day reduces the risk of missed doses, while placing important items like keys in the same spot each time minimizes unnecessary stress and confusion.

Routines Promote Health

Beyond cognitive benefits, routines play a critical role in maintaining and improving health. For example, incorporating regular exercise into your daily schedule can help you meet recommended activity levels – vital for cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and overall well-being.

During the pandemic, many of us fell out of regular exercise habits. For some of us, a relaxed summer time schedule may also have impacted our usual levels of physical activity. A decrease in activity can have long-term effects so it’s important to ensure we maintain physical activity within our regular routines. Consider making time for walks, swims, bike rides, or attending fitness classes.

In addition to physical activity, daily routines that include regular meal preparation and consistent sleep schedules can contribute significantly to healthy aging. Simple habits like preparing your meals at the same time each day can prevent unhealthy eating patterns and ensure that you are fueling your body with the nutrients it needs.

Routines Add Meaning to Your Life

Routines are not just about efficiency; they can also bring joy and meaning to your life. Engaging in regular activities that you find fulfilling, be it morning walks in nature, playing a musical instrument, or participating in community events, can significantly enhance your mental health.

The concept of “flow”—a state of full absorption in an activity—demonstrates how routines can lead to deeply satisfying experiences. By regularly engaging in hobbies or interests that challenge and inspire you, you create opportunities for enabling ‘flow’, leading to greater happiness and fulfillment.

A Final Word about Routines

Routines can shape your health, productivity, and overall well-being. Take the opportunity to reflect on the routines that serve you best and incorporate them into your life with intention. Establishing routines creates a foundation for success by promoting cognitive function, boosting physical health, and providing a sense of purpose. 

If you have any questions on the benefit of routines or need support to create habits promoting  a healthier lifestyle, the Alliance Chiropractic team is here to help. Contact us to discuss your health goals, or to learn more about how chiropractic care can support your wellness journey.

How to Build Effective Routines

If you feel your daily routines could use some improvement, consider starting with small, manageable changes:

  • Use a planner: A day-timer or smartphone app (such as Google Calendar) can help you organize your day and ensure you prioritize the activities that matter most.
  • Set consistent sake and sleep times: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. This consistency will help regulate your body’s internal clock and lead to better overall sleep quality.
  • Incorporate physical activity: Start small with daily walks or short bike rides. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of these activities as part of your daily routine.
  • Explore new hobbies: Whether it’s resuming an old hobby or trying something new, engaging in enjoyable activities can add excitement and meaning to your day.
  • Seek out community activities: Participate in local events such as book clubs or walking groups, to enrich your social life and create connections.

Information for this blog was sourced from The Conversation, World Economic Forum, and LifeHack.

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