When pain is present in many areas, how can we know what’s causing it? The Integrated Systems Model approach helps physiotherapists determine the primary cause when there are multiple sites of pain or impairment. The approach helps physiotherapists not only understand a patient’s pain, but also understand them as a person. The model considers the interaction and contribution of multiple systems, such as articular, myofascial, neural, visceral, hormonal, and neuroendocrine, and how these can contribute not only to pain, but also to overall health. A physiotherapist using this model can not only determine how to provide pain relief but can also offer steps for pain prevention.

Diane Lee & Associates, DianeLee.ca

Total knee replacement is the most definitive treatment for advanced osteoarthritis. This procedure is typically done in a hospital setting, with 3-5 days of hospital stay. In recent years, it has become clear that healthy individuals can be discharged from the hospital on the day of their surgery, to safely and conveniently recover at home. Having surgery done at a medical centre provides a welcome alternative to hospitals. This can help reduce complications associated with hospitalization, and for many patients, the convenience and comfort of being at home with family is much preferred over the rustle and bustle of a busy surgical ward.

Dr. Arno Smit, MD, FRCSC, Orthopaedic Surgeon, White Rock Orthopaedic Surgery Centre, Wrosc.com

Excess weight can be due to a variety of underlying causes, such as hormonal imbalance, emotional eating, liver dysfunction, and malabsorption. Weight management programs require a tailored approach to help clients successfully lose weight. Laser acupuncture uses a non-invasive cold laser to stimulate various acupressure points on your body. Stimulating these points causes your body to release endorphins, which can help with suppressing your appetite, controlling hunger cravings, speeding up your metabolism, and enhancing your current diet and exercise program, all of which can help lead to weight loss and successful weight management.

Imagine Laserworks, ImagineLaserworks.com

Spring and summer are typical times for allergies to trees, grasses, pollens, and dust to manifest increased symptoms. Simply rinsing nasal passages and eyes with a normal saline solution several times a day is a quick way to reduce symptoms before they become worse. Use of allergy medications (sprays and tablets) can help reduce symptoms further. There are many people who suffer from allergy-like symptoms who do not have the typical immunoglobulin response on testing. These sensitivities and intolerances still need to be identified and treated in order to obtain long-term symptom relief and allow the immune and detoxification systems to work properly.

Ocean Park Natural Therapies & BBRcnx, Neurofeedback Training. Janise O’Leandros, Certified Neurofeedback Tech. Dr. Timothy Brown N.D. WhiteRockNeurofeedback.com, OceanParkHealth.com

Our bodies can use a good cleaning as we move away from the slower pace of winter, when we tend to eat heavier foods and spend less time being active outdoors. A spring detox helps the body release toxins its absorbed from food, beverages, and the air as well as the metabolic waste products of the body’s natural functions. The benefits of a spring cleaning are reduced fatigue and increased vitality, which translate into feeling better and enjoying life more. We can guide you through a metabolic detox program and suggest complementary treatments, like IV vitamin therapy, to get you on the path to higher energy.

Students with learning difficulties have what can be described as a loosely woven cognitive basket. Teachers and tutors try to fill the basket with all kinds of information, but the loose weave means that much of the information will trickle through the cracks. If your child is experiencing learning difficulties, before sending them to a tutor, consider looking at options to help boost their brain’s capacity to ensure the information they’re given later actually sticks with them. Many students who work on strengthening their brain’s capacity find that they no longer need tutors and can learn at the same pace as their peers.

Women often approach investing differently from the way men do. There is the tendency to have emotional attachments to investments, and are often more socially responsible investors, dealing with companies that are a true fit with their values. Gathering too much information can sometimes cause a person to get caught up in analysis and get overwhelmed. There is no perfect investment strategy, and waiting for one can sometimes hinder financial success. Women may feel more comfortable working with female investment advisors, and may find they are better able to guide investors through the process more comfortably.

Research shows that validating our children’s emotions is a key player in fostering connection. We often miss the simplicity of validating their emotion because we want to provide a solution, or we miss the mark because we’re uncomfortable or afraid. The key to connecting is more in an openness to “be with” them in their emotions. Not so much about what solutions you’re able to provide or how swiftly you can move them through distress. Next time your child expresses an emotion, notice your reaction and challenge yourself to show them that they are truly heard. Connection is everything!

Q: What is Achilles tendonitis? A: The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the leg and connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. It can become inflamed due to overuse or inflexibility. An inflamed Achilles may feel tender and stiff. To deal with the pain, stop doing any aggravating activities and take an anti-inflammatory two or three times a day. In some cases, a 1 to 2 cm heel lift will reduce the tension in the tendon. Stretching before and after activities can help prevent the problem from recurring. If the pain persists after 10 to 14 days, you should see your doctor, a sports-oriented physical therapist, or a podiatrist.

Many find it hard to stay active during the long winter days. Once spring arrives, aches and pains can stand in the way of carrying on as you remember. Joints, muscles, and tendons decondition rapidly. Often, a little bit of concerted effort can get you back on track. A proper diagnosis and treatment plan will outline realistic options. Non-surgical interventions are often enough. Recalcitrant problems may respond to precisely administered injections; ultrasound imaging and careful local anesthesia make this well tolerated by virtually everyone. This smooth and effective treatment brings early and reliable improvement in pain, often allowing return to activity within days.