Did you know?
​90% of pregnant women experience pregnancy related low back pain with 35% describing it as moderate to disabling

• LBP is defined as pain between the costal margins and the inferior gluteal folds. This pain is often described as dull and may be exacerbated by forward flexion. Palpation of the lumbar erector spinae muscles may intensify symptoms. 
• PGP is defined as pain in the symphysis pubis and/or between the posterior iliac crest and gluteal folds
• When these occur simultaneously this should be referred to as “combination” or “combined” pain
• Pregnancy related back pain often resolves after delivery although some may experience pain up to 3 years postpartum 

Side Effects can be mild...

• Mild and transient side effects have been reported after lumbar spine Spinal Manipulation Therapy (SMT) and, although rare, serious adverse events have been reported following cervical spinal manipulation therapy in a few case reports. If red flags are identified during pregnancy and early postpartum, clinicians should fully discuss the risks of SMT in each of the spinal regions they are considering adjusting.

Pain Patterns:

• Pain can start at almost any time during pregnancy but is often reported to starts around 18th week of gestation (peaking between the 24th and 36th weeks).
• LBP occurs in the lumbar region, between the lower rib and the iliac crests.
• LBP is not as common as PGP during pregnancy; how-ever, it is more prevalent in the postpartum period
• 5 classifications of PGP

1. Anterior pain at the symphysis pubis (best prognosis for recovery)
2.  Unilateral sacroiliac joint pain
3.  Bilateral sacroiliac joint pain
4.  Pain in all 3 areas
5.  Miscellaneous pain (daily pain from one or more pelvic joints, but inconsistent objective findings from the pelvic joints)

Diastasis Recti of the Abdominal Muscles 

• Diagnosis of DRAM is rendered if horizontal palpation of the linea alba is greater than 2 fingerbreadths (or>2.5 cm) as they perform an abdominal crunch

Treatment Interventions 

• Self-care: remain active and continue normal activities, if possible, follow individualized exercise program, ergonomic advice, pillow recommendations 
• Patient education on anatomy, biomechanics and reassurance that back and pelvic pain are common and not dangerous, water or land based exercises 
• Adapt SMT and soft tissue techniques to the comfort level of the patient 
• High velocity SMT may be appropriate for some pregnant and postpartum women with LBP, PGP or combined 
• High-velocity SMT for the pregnant and postpartum patients can be considered safe and may have only minor side effects occurring with lumbar SMT. Regarding cervical SMT, adverse events are extremely rare in the pregnant and postpartum populations with only a few case reports.
• STT, Taping, activator, drop piece adjusting, graston or other IAT and pelvic/abdominal belts have limited evidence, but a trial of care may be reasonable. Belts for PGP should be worn just below the anterior superior iliac spine rather than at the level of the symphysis pubis.
• There are no known adverse events to the mother or fetus associated with electrostimulation when being used as an adjunct modality to relieve pregnancy-related back pain. If treatment options including advice for activities of daily living, exercises, and/or manual therapies do not provide pain relief for the pregnant or postpartum patient, and the alternative may be medication that would cross the placental barrier, a trial of TENS care could be considered. Current density should be kept low and avoid acupuncture points used to induce labour.

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There are many benefits to regular massage. At Bodylab, we offer different types of massage to best target your specific needs and offer relief. If you’re not sure which style of massage would benefit you most, we’ve outlined the key differences below to help make your decision an easier one.

​Swedish Massage – Generally used for relaxation purposes, Swedish massage focuses on enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system. This involves long soothing strokes that allow the patient to enter a very relaxed state. It often concentrates on the entire body, and is the more common form of massage.
 
Deep Tissue Massage – When a patient has a specific area of complaint, deep tissue massage is used to target the problem. Deeper techniques will often be interspersed with lighter techniques to soothe the trouble areas. This type of massage helps with range of motion, pain release, and eases tightness.
 
Sports Massage – Normally for athletes and those with an active lifestyle, sports massage can also be used for patients who have a specific complaint. The technique used it often called “muscle release therapy”, and involves putting the targeted muscles through a full range of motion to lengthen them and allow the trigger points to be treated.
 
Pregnancy Massage – An expectant mother’s body goes through a great deal of change during the 9 months she is pregnant. Pregnancy massage is effective for decreasing discomfort, treating swelling, and helping with associated low back pain.
 
Lymphatic Massage – Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, and are very important. They house cells that collect and destroy bacteria, and the lymphatic system also helps to bring blood plasma to different parts of the body to be filtered. When there are issues with the lymphatic system, this can cause uncomfortable, painful swelling. Lymphatic massage is a slow technique that will help the lymph move towards the heart to facilitate proper filtration.
 
If any of these techniques sound beneficial to your current needs, book your next massage appointment with Bodylab – give us a call at 905 228 3130, or book online.

​As we age, our musculoskeletal (MSK) system goes through changes, and can affect the health and function of the rest of the body. The Canadian Chiropractic Association reports that over 80% of seniors suffer from chronic pain, and over 25% are limited daily due to musculoskeletal issues.
 
Chiropractic care over the age of 65 can help prevent further problems caused by aging. Most importantly, it can make a big difference in mobility and general function. A 2013 study showed that chiropractic was beneficial to this age group for the following reasons:

• 87% of chiropractic patients 75 years or older described their heath as good to excellent, while only 67% of non-chiropractic patients felt the same.
• Senior chiropractic patients exercised more regularly and had fuller social lives.
• They also experienced fewer chronic conditions by 15%, fewer symptoms of arthritis by 22%, less time in nursing homes by 15%, and less time in hospitals in the last three years by 21%

​Overall, chiropractic patients over 65 have reported better general health, with less symptoms of arthritis. Additionally, they are likely to use less medication than their non-chiropractic peers, and exercise far more regularly. As a person ages, their spine, joints, ligaments, and muscles get weaker and become more susceptible to injury. Chiropractic can help prevent these stresses and improve flexibility for better range of motion.
 
If you’re a senior looking to improve mobility and overall health, chiropractic may be the perfect option for you. Let Dr. Sarah put together a treatment plan made specifically for your needs. Call 905 228 3130, or book your appointment online.
 
 
Sources:
Canadian Chiropractic Association
Rand Study
 

Headaches are a common occurrence, especially among adult women. In many cases, those who suffer from headaches will get them frequently – this is true for migraine headaches as well. While medications are often prescribed for those who get them on a regular basis, many people prefer to find alternative ways to get relief. And one such effective method is via chiropractic care.
 
There are many different causes when it comes to headaches, as well as different types of headaches. For some they can be caused by stress, bad posture, certain foods, and alcohol. For others, they just occur regularly with no known cause. In some cases however, they originate from the cervical spine and surrounding areas.

Chiropractic can be an effective treatment – during your initial appointment, your chiropractor can properly examine whether the pain is coming from spinal issues, the muscles, or other areas of the body. Once the source is found, a chiropractor will utilize spinal manipulation, soft tissue therapy, or another form of chiropractic to provide relief.
 
Another option for relieving the pain of headaches is acupuncture. By stimulating different points in the body, acupuncture can help to alleviate the headache pain right at its source. Often, a treatment that joins chiropractic methods and acupuncture can be beneficial to those who experience recurring headaches.
 
If you’re suffering from regular headaches or migraines, a visit with Dr. Sarah can help determine the cause and then a personalized treatment can be made to suit your specific needs and offer pain relief. To book your appointment with Bodylab, use our online form or call us at 905-228-3130.
 

Chances are you’ve heard a lot of things about chiropractors. Glowing reviews, people who swear by it, and then the negative comments that refute those who have seen positive results. At Bodylab, we’d like to set the record straight so you know what’s true and what isn’t. We’ve put together 5 chiropractic myths you’ve likely heard but shouldn’t listen to.

​1. Chiropractors crack your bonesChiropractors perform adjustments and spinal manipulation, but certainly no bones are cracked in process. It’s much like how people “crack” their knuckles – they aren’t actually cracking them, but there is a gas released by the slight opening of the joint that causes the popping sound. Adjustments don’t hurt at all; in fact, most patients find immediate pain relief.

2. If you go see the chiropractor once, you have to keep going foreverWhile it’s true that most people do continue to see a chiropractor after their initial appointment, it isn’t mandatory. The reason is simply that they experienced relief and general improvement, so why not continue? But if you visit a chiropractor once and feel better, you don’t have to go every week after that to ensure the improved feeling remains. Ultimately, that decision is up to you alone.

3. Chiropractic is bad for children and the elderlyAs we’ve outlined in a past blog post, chiropractic can actually be beneficial to children – and that goes for the elderly as well. The key is that the chiropractic technique needs to differ between different people. For example, the treatment for a 30 year old athlete would be completely different from the treatment for a 5 year old or even an 80 year old. Every body has different needs.

4. Chiropractic is only good for back problemsOf course chiropractic is often used to treat back problems, but it isn’t the only ailment that treatment can aid. Chiropractic care is beneficial for headaches/neck pain, shoulder injuries, sciatica, arthritis, joint issues, sports injuries, and much more.

5. Chiropractors are not actually doctorsAll doctors must complete rigorous training and testing in order to use to the “doctor” designation. Chiropractors are no different – in Canada Chiropractors are regulated, and must have fully completed their Doctor of Chiropractic degree. As all doctors do, Chiropractors are trained diagnosticians.
 
To start your customized chiropractic treatment plan with Dr. Sarah at Bodylab, contact us today or book your appointment online.

​With the school year starting, parents have a long list of school supplies that their kids need. One of the most important, perhaps, is the backpack. A staple for every school-age child, it can unfortunately also cause some back and shoulder problems when used or worn incorrectly. To ensure you and your kids are ready for a safe new school year, we have some back-safe tips to share:

Watch out for the Weight: It’s not uncommon for backpacks to be far too weighed down with books and accessories, causing strain to children’s shoulders. Backpacks should not be more than 15% of a child’s bodyweight. If their books are weighing them down, have them carry a few to lighten the load.
 
Use Both Straps: You’ll often see kids carrying their backpack by one strap, only using one shoulder. This causes strain and misalignment as only one side of the body is taking the brunt of the pack’s weight. Be sure that your child is using both straps, one on each shoulder, to distribute the weight evenly throughout the body and therefore causing less strain to one side.
 
Make Adjustments: If anything on the backpack is adjustable, make sure to adjust it to your child’s body. This should be shoulder straps, belt straps, etc. The better the fit, the better the posture.
 
Choose the Right Size: Not all backpacks are created equal, and it’s important to find the right size. Though they can hold more, bigger is not always better, as it can overwhelm you child’s small frame.
 
Choose a Backpack with a Belt: If you can, try to find a backpack with an adjustable belt at the waist. This will help to distribute the weight of the backpack, and make it easier to carry each day.
 
Watch for Signs: if you notice any signs of soreness or pain, change packs immediately. If the trouble persists, massage or spinal adjustments may be beneficial for back health. Contact Bodylab if you have any questions – or, make an appointment online.

Any athletic endeavour comes with the possibility of injury. Whether you’re a pro football player or working out on a treadmill in your basement, there is always a potential risk factor involved. But one of the most popular athletic pastimes probably has the most common injuries – avid runners are prone to a slew of ailments, some quite painful.
 
If you’re a runner, you’ve heard about – or experienced – these: shin splints, stress fractures, runner’s knee, spinal misalignment, plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, and the list goes on. Some are more serious than others, but most are due to use over a prolonged period of time. Repetition can cause a lot of wear. But there are ways to lessen chances of injury, and steps to take to prevent it

Warm up & Stretch – Tight muscles are part of running, but warming up and stretching those muscles will keep them loose and less prone to injury. Pay close attention to the hamstrings and calf muscles, and well as your hip flexors.
 
Take it easy – Always listen to your body, no matter what exercise you may be doing. If it’s difficult to go the speed or distance you’re running, slow down or shorten your time. One common mistake runners make is pushing themselves too far, too fast, and not adding short distances incrementally and safely.       
 
Wear the right shoes – before buying the first pair of running shoes that look good to you, it’s a good idea to have your stride and foot shape professionally checked. That way you’ll find the right shoe for your specific needs. Be sure to try on many different shoes until you find the ones that are the most comfortable with the best fit.
 
Check your form – The right form can go a long way to preventing running injuries. While every individual may have their own unique way of running, there are certain aspects that should always be done the right way, such as running with a straight back, swinging arms for stability, and landing lightly on your feet.
 
Massage & Chiropractic – Another great way to keep the body in top condition and prevent injury is with the help of regular massage and chiropractic. With massage helping to keep the muscles loose, chiropractic can ensure that the entire body is properly aligned and functioning well.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting out, these tips can help keep your body working at its best to help prevent painful injuries. At Bodylab, we often work with athletes and know what works best for their particular sport. To book your chiropractic, massage, or acupuncture appointment with Dr. Sarah, just give us a call at 905 228 3130 or even book easily online.

​From a young age, we’re told to sit up straight and walk tall to promote healthy spines and proper posture. Even so, many adults still have incorrect posture which often leads to back pain and recurring problems.
 
Unsure about your posture? Here are some helpful dos and don’ts that will have you walking tall:

​DO sit with your back straight and your legs firmly planted on the floor. If you’re at a desk, ensure that your arms sit at a 90 degree angle, and that your monitor is slightly higher than eye level to keep your head from pointing downward.
 
DON’T sit with your legs crossed, as this causes the spine to stay in a slightly bent position for long periods of time and can cause long-term issues. Additionally, this is bad for circulation in the legs.
 
DO keep shoulders back and chest out, with your chin forward. A good way to remember this is to imagine that there’s a string at the top of your head, pulling your spine, back, neck, and head upward.
 
DON’T sit with your wallet, phone, or anything else in your back pocket. This causes a shift in the spine to compensate for the extra space needed to sit comfortably. When done repeatedly, this can cause long-term, painful effects.
 
DO utilize the benefits of chiropractic to have adjustments made to the back and spine and correct any issues. Regular chiropractic can help keep posture straight, strong, and healthy.
 
DON’T sit for extended periods of time. Try to get out of your seat for a couple of minutes every hour or half hour. Stretch your muscles, take a walk, and remember the proper way to sit when you need to.
 
DO strengthen your core through yoga and pilates. These exercises are beneficial for not only keeping the body lean and fit, but also keeping the back and abdomen strong which is an asset to great posture.
 
To better improve posture, visit Bodylab for regular chiropractic or massage. That, in addition to the tips mentioned above, will make an impactful difference in your spine and back health. Call us at 905 228 3130 or use our online form to book your appointment.