The profession of Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy has a number of specialized areas of practice. Orthopaedic Manual Therapy is one such specialized area. The International Federation of Orthopaedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT), which represents groups of Manipulative Physical Therapists around the world, defines this area as the management of nerves, muscles, and bones of the body, i.e. neuro-musculoskeletal conditions, using specific treatment approaches which include manual or manipulative techniques and therapeutic exercises. Scientific and clinical evidence and detailed physical examination of patients are used to arrive at a diagnosis and to develop a management plan to restore and improve the movement and function of these individuals. Orthopaedic manual therapists, in addition to their physiotherapy/physical therapy degree, also have extensive post-graduate education and training in this specialized area and have attained internationally recognized qualifications in manipulative therapy.

Paula Moreira, www.physio4u.net

This month is all about heart! But it isn’t all about hugs and kisses! In this very moment, the Heart and Stroke Foundation estimates that 600,000 people are living with heart failure. Modern medicine is working tirelessly to come up with solutions, but we can also look to natural remedies like essential oils to lead us on the road to better health. For example, Rosemary improves circulation and works to help strengthen blood capillaries. Marjoram helps lower blood pressure and Ginger may lower cholesterol and prevent blood from clotting. Ylang Ylang not only reduces anxiety and regulates heart rate, but also helps alleviate hypertension. Helichrysum (from the sunflower family) is somewhat of a natural blood thinner! So perhaps Mother Nature is the best Valentine of them all! Let this month inspire you to look after your heart and open yourself up to new ways of creating a healthy life; mind, body, HEART, and soul by incorporating essential oils into your daily health regime.

Sylvia Provenski, Young Living Essential Oils, www.canadianmoms.ca

Over the past year, more and more Manitobans are making the switch to renewable energy. With rising energy costs of 42% over a 9-year period and Hydro’s recently announced solar program, the appeal is higher than ever. Hydro incentives are making it easier to become an independent energy producer. Offering a rebate of $1 per watt installed and a loan with a low interest rate of 4.9% and up to $30k in financing. There are free assessments available to you so you can learn what it takes to go green today!

Lorena Mitchell, www.evolvegreen.ca

If you were to hear your good friend being critical of herself for a mistake she made, what would you tell her? Most likely, you would tell her she was too hard on herself. You might also remind her of why she is a wonderful person. You would do this because you know people are not defined by one mistake, action, or imperfection. This is called compassion. And yet, while we often treat others compassionately, when it comes to ourselves, we do the exact opposite. We become our own worst critics and often set unrealistic expectations that we wouldn’t place on anyone else. Self-compassion requires a combination of self-kindness, awareness that many others have had similar experiences, and mindfulness in recognizing and accepting one’s negative emotions in a balanced way. Start small by choosing one of the three requirements to start with as you begin your self-compassion practice.

Brent Tocher, chooseauthenticity.ca

As you get older, your body produces less collagen which leads to crow’s feet, laugh lines, and other signs of aging. Venus Freeze™ is a non-invasive anti-aging treatment that works to firm up sagging skin and diminish lines and wrinkles by using heat to boost collagen production. Venus Freeze is great for anti-aging procedures on the face, neck and chest. This helps to restore a more youthful, refreshed appearance. It is also great at diminishing cellulite, blasting fat, tightening and toning for larger areas such as the stomach, legs, buttocks, back and arms. Treatments are virtually painless, with many patients comparing it to a relaxing hot stone massage. You can return to your daily schedule immediately afterward. Treatments use radio frequency technology, which is proven safe and effective for all skin tones. Sessions usually last around 30 minutes, depending on the area being treated. Most treatment providers will recommend a series of 6-8 treatment sessions done weekly in order to see optimal results.

Tannis Ortynsky, www.rejuvenatezone.ca