​Have you tried compression socks?
 
It can be hard to imagine that a simple garment could have so many benefits, but compression socks have just that. If you’ve never tried them before, or aren’t quite sure how exactly they work, this post is for you – we’ll outline uses, and who they’re most beneficial for.
 
Compression socks (and stockings) help the body move blood up the leg to avoid pooling that can result in aches and heavy legs. By acting like a layer of muscle, they gently squeeze the vein walls. As lactic acid in the legs can create aches and soreness due to physical activity, compression socks help to remove the lactic acid and assist muscles with recovery. Essentially, compression socks are much like a leg massage, helping to circulate the blood upward, meaning that more oxygen, blood, and nutrients can flow properly throughout the legs and body.

​Because of their benefits, compression garments are useful for a myriad of issues, including tired and achy legs, swollen ankles and feet, varicose veins, spider veins, and leg ulcers. Additionally, they are useful for travelling and prolonged sitting, which can decrease blood flow in the legs and increase risk of deep vein thrombosis and blood clotting.
 
Compression socks are also beneficial for pregnant women, who often experience swollen feet, heavy legs, and aching. We recently posted about how chiropractic and massage are effective for making pregnancies more comfortable, and we believe that compression garments are a helpful addition to those treatments.
 
As we work with many athletes, we especially understand the needs of those who are physically active. In the past few years, compression socks have been a must-have among those involved in sports, especially runners and cyclists. The socks help them recover from their workouts quicker, which allows them to push harder with less down time. 

​At Bodylab, we offer Lunatik Athletiks compression socks for purchase in-office, we’ve found that many of our patients who benefit from chiropractic, massage, and acupuncture can also benefit from compression garments.
 
For more information, visit the Bodylab office or send a message via our online form.

​Of all the aches and pains a person can experience, lower back pain continues to be one of the most common complaints. From an occasional annoyance to a severe and debilitating issue, lower back pain affects all ages and lifestyles. There are a myriad of reasons for this particular type of pain – it can result from lifting heavy objects, an athletic injury, and even something as simple as incorrect posture and sitting too much. Studies show that the majority of Canadians will experience lower back pain in their lifetime, often as a recurring issue. But there are options that provide relief, and we’re here to help!
 
As you likely know, chiropractic is often used to relieve back problems, including lower back pain. With regular spinal manipulation, we can make improvements and provide relief where it is needed most. Increasing function and reducing pain are the focus of treatments, but long-term care is also an important aspect for chiropractic for lower back issues. For those with more serious problems, this pain and discomfort can continue to return for many years – with ongoing visits, we can help to ensure that your pain is minimized and that the issue is less frequent or eliminated all together.

Whether you’re suffering from lower back pain due to muscle strain, movement restriction, injured discs, or weak core muscles, there are options for relief. In some cases, minor pain can become a long-term injury without the proper care, so it is important to be proactive and make a chiropractic appointment if the pain persists for more than a few days.
 
A personalized treatment plan will target the exact area of discomfort and get to the root of the problem. Utilizing massage therapy along with chiropractic treatment is recommended, as the combination often provides further relief than chiropractic alone. Your Bodylab doctors will perform an assessment and find the options that suit your needs most. As each patient is different, so are the effects and causes of lower back problems. We’re here to work with you to achieve optimal health and movement.
Contact Dr. Sarah at Bodylab and get started on your road to recovery. Reach us by phone at 905-228-3130 or make an appointment via our online form.