Pain Relief Comes in Many Forms - Bio-Structural Integration™ and LILT

Pain relief comes in many forms, but they're not always easy to find.

Sir Willam Osler, former professor of medicine at McGill and John Hopkins Universities once remarked, "A doctor does not fully understand a disease until he suffers from it."

Due to a recent illness, I couldn't agree more.

During Arthritis Month, I wrote a column about osteoarthritis, how it is possible to decrease the risk by losing weight, taking vitamin C to manufacture collagen (the major component of cartilage), and using your two legs to pump nutrients into damaged cartilage.

It's ironic that a few weeks later, I suddenly developed increased pain in one hip. Then one morning I could hardly walk, even with the help of a cane. Osler was right. You have to experience pain to know how crippling and soul-destroying it can be.

I believed that time and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs would cure me. I was wrong. Finally, I consulted an orthopedic surgeon, who wondered if I'd suffered an undetected fracture after a recent fall during a trip, or possibly had a bone malignancy. But tests showed osteoarthritis, not enough for a hip replacement.

While this was going on, I noticed an ad on TV during the U.S. Open tennis matches. Former tennis star Billie Jean King was stating authoritatively that playing tennis can fight pain. That's a very misleading remark. If Billie Jean had handed me the racket a few weeks ago and told me to play tennis to relieve pain, I might have said some unsporting things to her.

What she didn't acknowledge to viewers were her two knee replacements. I'll bet she wasn't hitting tennis balls before surgery relieved her agony. I totally agree that exercise can help decrease the risk of arthritis. But once acute pain strikes, patients are unable to exercise. The pain is simply too severe. Osler knew that, and so do I.

Moreover, there aren't a lot of options to relieve arthritic pain. I found anti-inflammatory drugs of no help. Neither were a couple of drinks at 5 o'clock. But at least these made me happier.

So what to do?  I once again relied on Dr. Fred Kahn, founder of Meditech in Toronto, and a pioneer in the use of low intensity laser therapy (LILT). Several years ago this treatment gradually eased spinal pain and saved me from surgery when I suffered a ruptured disk.

LILT is now used to treat a number of conditions, such as chronic and acute back pain, sciatica, tender joints due to arthritis or injury and other orthopedic conditions. I'm convinced this non-invasive therapy can spare many patients from the surgeon's scalpel.

How does low intensity laser therapy work?

Dr. Kahn says,

"LILT gives a jump start to the body's natural healing process. It delivers energy to the tissues that is then transformed into biochemical energy. This decreases swelling, accelerates healing and increases the pain threshold. LILT also triggers the release of endorphins, morphine-like substances that inhibit pain sensation. It also increases cortisol, the forerunner of cortisone and angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels."

So what was the result of my call? I limped with difficulty to Dr. Kahn's clinic in downtown Toronto for several days. But pain continued and I began to wonder if this time LILT would fail. Dr. Kahn, however, is a very persuasive physician. He urged me to continue. By his 12th treatment, pain began to subside and I was able to discard my cane. Now I'm back to work.

Today, arthritis is the leading cause of disability affecting 50 million North Americans. I don't know how many of these sufferers could be helped by LILT, as no therapy cures everyone. But it is non-invasive, does no harm, and I've seen many patients helped by it. And the sooner osteoarthritis and other painful conditions are treated, the better the result.

LILT is not available in all parts of the country and unfortunately treatment is not covered by government health plans. ...  - by Dr. W. Gifford-Jones, The Saturday Sun, First posted: Saturday, September 24, 2011 02:00 AM EDT http://www.docgiff.com/

LILT is available at Osteoklinika and forms part of our Bio-Structural Integration™ treatment!

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™ at Osteoklinika!  

Laser Therapy and The Benefits of Bio-Structural Integration™

As part of our Bio-Structural Integration™ process we use this amazing technology!

What is Laser Therapy? (Low Intensity Laser)
                     
The technology utilizes super luminous and laser diodes to irradiate diseased or traumatized tissue with photons. These particles of energy are selectively absorbed by the cell membrane and intracellular molecules, resulting in the initiation of a cascade of complex physiological reactions, leading to the restoration of normal cell structure and function.

The process is curative and therefore results in the elimination of symptoms including pain. In addition, it enhances the body's immune system response and facilitates natural healing.

The therapy is completely safe and has no adverse side effects.

The technology is highly effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions, arthritis, sports injuries, wound healing and a wide range of dermatological conditions.

What are the Clinical Benefits of Laser Therapy? 

Highly effective for many disease conditions Eliminates pain Reduces the need for pharmaceuticals Restores normal range of motion and physical function Easily applied Non-invasive Non-toxic No known adverse effects No drug interactions Often makes surgical interventions unnecessary Provides a treatment alternative for patients that have not responded to conventional therapies production and release of Endorphins - natural analgesics Cortisol - precursor of cortisone Growth hormone - instrumental in tissue repair ATP - improves and regulates cellular metabolism In addition, there is - Increased protein synthesis - collagen, DNA, fibroblasts Venous and lymphatic flow facilitated Increased angiogenesis - elevation of oxygen saturation Enhanced immune response, etc. These are just some of the many processes that accelerate cellular regeneration (cartilage, epithelium) and restore normal cell morphology and function. "To me, at this point in time, it would almost be medical negligence bordering on medical malpractice not to try laser treatment before prescribing drugs or surgery for conditions such as these. ..." Dr. Phil Harrington For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™.

Bio-Structural Integration™: Osteoarthritis

Did You Know?

• Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of arthritis; it affects one in 10 Canadian adults.

• It affects women and men equally (past 60).

• Anyone can get OA, but it is more common as we age.

There is no cure for OA, but when you are diagnosed early and start the right treatment, you can take control of your disease and may delay or even avoid severe damage to your joints.

Nothing lasts forever, including your joints. Decades of running, jumping, kneeling, and climbing stairs eventually wears down their cushioning cartilage, leaving bone rubbing painfully against bone. When joint cartilage erodes, joints become stiff, swollen, and arthritic.

Contrary to common belief osteoarthritis does not create inflammation in the joints and it is not a hereditary condition.

It is the result of chronic inflammation around a joint that the body can't heal on its own. The wear and tear caused by misalignment of the joints, tightness of the muscles and connective tissues and congestion of inflammatory fluids around the joints results in a reaction of the Central Nervous System to strengthen the compacted bones with deposits of calcium.

If this process goes uncontrolled it will lead to the destruction of cartilage and bone!

Living with a chronic disease like arthritis can be very frustrating, especially if the medications prescribed by your doctor don't seem to have the desired effect. In these instances, it can be tempting to exhaust all possible solutions for bringing your pain under control. A popular option for many people with arthritis is complementary and alternative therapies, which are treatments that fall outside the scope of traditional medicine. Examples include osteopathy, laser therapy, naturopathic medicine, special herbs, acupuncture, yoga and meditation.

Bio-Structural Integration™ realigns the joints using Osteopathic Structural Adjustments and Neuromuscular Massage Therapy to release muscular and ligamentous tension.

BioFlex Laser Therapy when used consecutively heals chronic inflammation by triggering numerous positive physiological reactions at the cellular level. This in turn aids in the structural stabilization of the joints and reduction of pain. In the absence of inflammation and when proper alignment of the body is achieved osteoarthritic changes will not form.

In the next step I recommend Rehab Yoga exercises. This, taught by a Certified Yoga Teacher, further assists in creating better range of motion and reduction of joint stiffness. These modified Yoga poses will stretch and strengthen muscle and connective tissue surrounding the joints.

My method of Bio-Structural Integration™ is designed to improve the quality of your life in a much shorter time compared to other alternative therapies. It is drug-free, safe and doesn't cause any negative reactions.

You can choose to feel this way!

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™!  

Bio-Structural Integration™ Includes Rehabilitative Yoga!

Rehabilitative yoga or restorative yoga is a gentle, relaxing practice using supported asanas (poses) and simple yoga props such as bolsters, pillows and blankets.

Props create a safe and supportive environment allowing for release and relaxation of the body/mind.

Slow, deep breathing with enable you to completely relax, revitalize and restore energy.


State of Being - State of Doing

The complete relaxation response allows for the release of deeply held tensions while strengthening the immune system.  It encourages a state of being rather than doing, therefore it is beneficial to our clients who have suffered chronic pain and who need a more gentle yoga experience.

Rehabilitative yoga is highly effective after receiving pain treatment and immediately after healing from injury and dealing with the fear of re-injury!   

 

At Osteoklinika, our Bio-Structural Integration™ program includes an one on one yoga "treatment" from our Yoga therapist and free Yoga for one month at Hot Yoga Wellness.

Clients have been amazed at the results, especially those who had no yoga experience or had fear around the yoga experience.

No more Fear!

Please call us at Osteoklinika about our pain and stress management techniques.

For more information, Andrew and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about what we do at Osteoklinika!   

Bio-Structural Integration™ - Working with One Functional Unit

What would you expect if a chiropractor, a massage therapist and a physiotherapist worked on you at the same time?

A Disagreement!

• The chiropractor will tell you that the origin of the problem is in your joints;
• the R.M.T. will say that it is in the tight muscles; and
• the physiotherapist will find muscular weakness and recommend strengthening exercises.

Who would you believe?

The truth is that all of them could be correct!

The only problem is that they would not work as a team or in tandem on you in the same room and each treatment would be performed in isolation.

How the Body Works

The body works as a functional unit and all of the systems are interconnected. A therapeutic approach that concentrates only on one of the systems will not produce good results. In addition, outside of the joints, ligaments and muscles, there is also the Central Nervous System (CNS), viscera (internal organs), and fascia that can create restrictions which are not addressed in chiropractic, massage or physiotherapy.  Chronic inflammation very often cannot be removed using these modalities either and taking anti-inflammatory medication can have serious side effects.

Only 1 Hour!

Bio-Structural Integration™ is a method of treatment combining Osteopathy, Massage Therapy, Electrotherapy, Low Intensity Laser Therapy (LILT) and rehabilitative exercises. Within a one hour treatment, osteopathic adjustments correct the issues within the CNS, the joints, connective tissue (including fascia and ligaments) and viscera. Neuromuscular Massage Therapy releases tight muscles and electrotherapy breaks the pain cycle.  In many cases this is still not enough because the chronic inflammation, creating congestion of dense fluids around the joints, muscles and internal organs, will prevent healing and structural stabilization. In this case, I recommend LILT.

BioFlex Laser Therapy triggers many positive physiological reactions at the cellular level removing inflammatory fluids. When this is achieved adjustment of the subluxated joints and release of the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, tendons, etc.) becomes much easier.

Rehabilitative exercises stretch and strengthen muscles and connective tissues allowing for optimal alignment of the body. Utilizing this method of Bio-Structural Integration™ restores normal range of motion, eliminates pain and ultimately will improve your quality of life. - Andrew Subieta  M.Sc. R.M.T. C.L.T.

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™ at Osteoklinika!  #biostructuralintegration #osteoklinika

Varicose Veins Are Common

In varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein.  Pooling of blood in a vein causes it to enlarge.  This process usually occurs in the veins of the legs, although it may occur elsewhere. Varicose veins are common, affecting mostly women, however an increasing number of men are coming forward asking for treatment.

Causes

• congenitally defective valves
• pregnancy 
• thrombophlebitis 
• occupations like teachers, traffic police, waitressing, hairdresser, etc. 

Primary varicose veins occur because of congenitally defective valves, or without a known cause. Secondary varicose veins occur because of another condition, such as when a pregnant woman develops varicose veins.

Symptoms 

• heaviness, aching pain in the legs
• visible, enlarged veins 
• mild swelling of ankles 
• brown discolouration at the ankles
• skin ulcers near the medial malleolus 

Tips for Avoiding or Helping Varicose Veins

 

• Wear compression stockings.  The correction over a few months only is remarkable.
• Exercise regularly to increase circulation and to allow blood to move freely through your legs.
• Elevate your legs when resting as much as possible.
• Avoid standing or sitting for long periods of time.
• Avoid wearing tight clothes, especially at the waist.

Some Natural Remedies for Discomfort

Carrot juice and spinach juice in 300ml:200ml proportion is good for varicose veins.

Massage rosemary oil onto affected parts.

Taking an Epsom salt bath at least twice a week has been found to benefit the condition.

Natural remedies for varicose veins like this one provides instant relief from associated discomfort.

Another one of the natural remedies for varicose veins that have been proved to be effective is the application of essential oils. 12 drops of cypress and other essential oils are added to 4 ounces of a carrier oil like almond oil and applied to affected areas in upward strokes.

One of the most effective natural remedies for varicose veins is preparing a mixture of 2 cups of calendula flowers, leaves and stem in melted lard. After a period of 24 hours this mixture is heated and strained. Application of this strained liquid over affected areas would provide relief.

Mild forms of exercise, yoga and deep breathing routines are also helpful for varicose
veins.

Try these natural remedies and find relief!  Or ... ask what we would do at Osteoklinika!

For more information, Andrew Subieta and the clinic staff can be reached at Osteoklinika Pain Management & Rehabilitation 905.660.8810.  Also, please check our website www.osteoklinika.com for more information about Bio-Structural Integration™ at Osteoklinika!  

 

For Pain Relief - Think Green!!

Many of us are now aware that diet is a basic means of pain control.  Good food choices can subdue pain and pain’s side effects: listlessness, fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, and digestive problems.

Unhealthful eating, on the other hand, will increase your suffering and need for  medication.

Eat 5 - 6 servings of fresh fruits & vegetables!

If your body is worn down by pain – if you suffer from frequent illness, fatigue, or weakness – fruits and vegetables can act as tonics, strengthening your body with an array of nutrients. Your body will especially appreciate the benefits of phytochemicals, plant substances that bolster the immune system. For the most phytochemical, eat a mix of produce that is richly colored, such as berries, red grapes, leafy greens, carrots, pumpkins, tomatoes, and peaches. By eating these fruits and vegetables, you could even affect pain on the cellular level: Certain substances in deeply colored produce appear to stabilize the cell membranes, making them less likely to produce substance P and other pain-promoting compounds.

For pain relief, think green  and Eat the right fats!

Do your joints feel hot and tender? Is your chronic pain characterized by a burning quality? Do you suffer from PMS pain? If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, the kinds of fats you eat can make the difference between a flare-up and significant relief. That’s because some fats increase inflammation, while others cool it down. Normally, inflammation is your body’s response to an injury. When inflammation develops in the absence of an injury, it becomes a chronically painful problem. Inflammation pain is a sign that certain hormones in your body, called prostaglandins, are out of balance. Prostaglandins come in two types: One encourages inflammation, while the other inhibits it. Since both kinds are constructed from fatty acids, the kind of prostaglandins that predominate in your body depends to a large extent on the kinds of fats you eat.

Anti-inflammatory fats:

 1.Eggs fortified with omega-3 fatty acids
 2.Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
 3.Herring 4.Pumpkin seeds
 5.Mackerel
 6.Olive oil
 7.Salmon
 8.Sardines
 9.Walnuts

Pro-inflammatory fats:

1.Butter
2.Corn oil
3.Full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk and ice cream
4.Margarine
5.Sesame oil
6.Sunflower oil
7.Tropical oils (such as coconut, palm and palm kernel oil)
8.Vegetable shortening

Substitute white bread & rice with whole grains!

Whole grains are a source of many nutrients important for a vital immune system and for pain control, including B-complex vitamins. They are also high in magnesium, which relaxes cramped muscles, and in fiber, which reduces constipation from irritable bowel syndrome or pain medications. By contrast, refined products, especially sweet baked goods, cause terrible flare-ups. Avoiding refined grains may stabilize your nerves and keep them from firing extra or intensified messages of pain. Remember that pain lives in the central nervous system, so the extent to which you can keep it on an even keel is the extent to which you’ll feel better.

Multi-symptom triggers!

The following list includes the foods most often identified in research studies as triggers for migraines, arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, and fibromyalgia.

1.Dairy products
2.Wheat
3.Citrus fruits
4.Corn
5.Caffeine
6.Meat
7.Nuts
8.Tomatoes

PAIN can be a CHOICE!

Try to shift a few of the "pain-maker" foods into your good food choices!  For the most part, PAIN IS A CHOICE (to have or not to have).  For consultation on pain management and treatment, please contact andrew@osteoklinika.com or call us at 905.660.8810  - Andrew Subieta M.Sc., RMT. CLT 

References:   Barnard, Neal.Foods That Fight Pain. New York, NY: Harmony Books, 1999.Tearnan, Blake H. 10 Simple Solutions to Chronic Pain. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2007.Schneider, Jennifer.  Living with Chronic Pain:  The Complete Health Guide to the Causes and Treatment of Chronic Pain.  Long Island City, NY.  Hatherleigh Press, 2004

For the most part, PAIN IS A CHOICE (to have or not to have).