• That low back pain can be caused by your psoas (ˈsōəs) muscle, located on the front of your spine. Having it massaged can also help with menstrual cramps.
• That the inside of your mouth can be massaged. This can help with many TMJ (jaw) problems, like clenching your teeth, or popping/clicking/locking of your jaw.
• That if the pelvis is out of alignment, the body will overcompensate and massage can correct it.
• That headaches can come from other areas of the body. Assessments and massage can help.
• That massage therapists can re-align joints with specific assessments and treatments.Crossroads Rehabilitative Massage, CRmassagebrandon.ca

Whiplash and related soft-tissue injuries are often associated with a motor vehicle accident. To avoid whiplash, always ensure your headrest is adjusted properly to help reduce the distance between the back of the head and the headrest, which stops the neck from bending back. Make sure the top of the headrest is at least level with the top of your head. Position the headrest so it’s as close to the back of your head as possible. You may need to adjust the back of the seat as well. Be sure your passengers adjust their headrests too. Safe travels! Doug Treloar, BMR, PT Physio First Clinic, PhysioFirstClinic.ca

Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cats inside and worry they are depriving them of natural instincts. Generally speaking, a cat that spends his entire life indoors will live many years longer than a cat restricted to the outdoors. On top of the parasites and potentially fatal diseases it can contract (including feline leukemia and feline AIDS), your outdoor cat is always at risk of being struck by a vehicle. It’s a myth that going outside is a requirement for feline happiness. Playing regularly with cats and providing them with entertaining toys can easily satisfy their stalking instinct, keep them stimulated, and provide the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy. Rob Lamont, A Pet Lovers Warehouse, APetLovers.com

Attending to your brain function is not just an alternative consideration or luxury. It is fundamental to optimal brain health. When the network of your brain neurons works in synchrony, it is like having a wonderful jazz conductor supporting the engagement of the large number of musicians in their concert band. Your body needs the master regulator to listen, improvise, and interact with your body organs so you have a fluid system responding to the challenges of the moment. Brainwave Optimization supports your brain function in a comprehensive way so you can live your life with the dynamic “call and response” paradigm of jazz. Joanne Couture, RMFT, RSW. La Loba, LaLobaTraumaRelease.com

Your immune system works hard to protect you from injury, illness, and disease. This process usually involves inflammation, a natural response to stress, tissue damage, and harmful stimuli like viruses, bacteria, and toxins. Inflammation functions similarly to an engine warning light, alerting you to the presence of a problem through symptoms such as heat, pain, redness, swelling, and/or loss of function. 85% of the immune system is located in our gut. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E and the mineral selenium provides your gut with the ingredients it needs to bolster immunity and achieve optimal mental and physical health. Sean Miller, CMHA, mbwpg.cmha.ca

A well-balanced exercise program used as part of managing lymphedema can reduce swelling and help to continue with normal activities. Exercises should be customized by a lymphedema therapist and can include:
• Decongestive Exercise—active, non-resisted, repetitive to propel fluid back.
• Abdominal Breathing—movement of the diaphragm for sufficient return of the lymphatic fluid to the bloodstream.
• Aerobic Exercise—uses large repetitive muscle activity, but must be low-risk. Inappropriate weights present a RISK for injury.
• Aquatic Exercise—develops range of motion and flexibility and the hydrostatic pressure acts like a “full body compression garment”.
Marita Dowsett, B.P.T. Physio4U, Physio4u.net

The beginning of the school year is quickly approaching and it’s time to start preparing a number of things for the upcoming return. Let’s talk about backpacks. Proper backpack wear is extremely important to prevent issues such as muscle strains and poor posture, especially in children and teenagers who are growing and developing. The Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) outlines many important tips for backpack wear. The backpack should rest comfortably on the shoulders with both padded straps on, and the bottom should sit in the curve of the lower back (about 2 inches above the waist). The weight of the bag with contents should not be more than 1015% of total body weight. There may be a problem if you notice red marks on the shoulders, tingling in the arms, or pain. If you have any other questions, your physiotherapist would be happy to answer them. Have a safe school year!

Physio First, PhysioFirstClinic.ca

Here are some tips to help you and your child stress less:

• Ease back into a healthy bedtime routine. Routines are key for children, especially when it comes to sleep. An hour of quiet time with no electronics is a great way to help them relax.

• Lay clothing out and pack lunches the night before. This allows more time for you and your child to prepare for the day.

• Help your child set goals, rather than focus on good grades alone.

• Teach your child breathing or relaxation techniques to help them when they are stressed or overwhelmed.

Wendy Omilanow, Access BARS

A previous article spoke about another system (lymphatic) and its functions, which are not related to either your blood or venous system. With swelling caused by an insufficient lymphatic system, it is necessary to re-route the lymph flow around blocked area(s) into more central and healthy lymph vessels. This goal is achieved by:

a) manual lymph drainage

b) compression therapy

c) decongestive and breathing exercise

d) skin and nail care

Together, these make up complete decongestive therapy (CDT)—the international “gold standard” of treatment for patients affected by lymphedema. This is a chronic condition that has no cure, and therefore must be managed throughout one’s lifespan. Talk to a trained and certified therapist who can assess you and provide any additional information.

Marita Dowsett, B.P.T. Physio4U, Physio4U.net