Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Christmas Baking Elbow injuries.....


Christmas baking Elbow (tennis elbow or Lateral epicondylitis)

So you have been busy baking all those holiday treats and now you are experiencing

  • Pain on the outer part of elbow (lateral epicondyle).
  • Point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle – a prominent part of the bone on the outside of the elbow.
  • Gripping and movements of the wrist hurt, especially wrist extension and lifting movements.
  • Activities that use the muscles that extend the wrist (e.g. pouring a jug of Santas milk, lifting with the palm down) are characteristically painful.
  • Morning stiffness.
You may have some Christmas baking elbow.  This is an overuse injury.  Massaging the arm above and below the elbow, as well as the attachment points in and around the elbow can help ease the pain you are experiencing.  So come in from the cold, you deserve a break after all that baking, and get a relaxing massage. 
 
Come and try our massage therapist at Family First Chiropractic and wellness, located at 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer
call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment
www.family1stchiro.ca

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Your body changes during pregnancy-Chiropractic care can help!





During pregnancy  there are many hormonal changes and chemical reactions that occur in both the mother and the baby.  These changes are controlled and coordinated through the nervous system. Chiropractic helps the nervous system function optimally by removing interference/ irritation.  The nervous system responds immediately and accurately to changing requirements of all parts of your body and, therefore, needs a healthy spine. Recent studies show that chiropractic care helps facilitate the process of pregnancy, increases comfort during the third trimester and delivery and reduces the need for analgesics (pain medications). One study found that women who received chiropractic care during their first pregnancy cut their delivery times by 24% and women who gave birth to their second or third child had a 39% reduction in labor time. Another study showed how the need for pain medication was reduced by 50% in those patients who received chiropractic adjustments. In addition, 84% of women reported relief from back pain during pregnancy thanks to Chiropractic Care. To book and appointment please call Family First Chiropracitic and Wellness for Dr. Stephen Kelly or Dr. Joelle Johnson at 403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

Tuesday, December 4, 2012


40 Christmas Family Ideas

1.      Decorate Christmas cookies.
2.      Decorate their room.
3.      Make Christmas cards.
4.      Sing carols for a cause.
5.      Volunteer at local area projects.
6.      Hunt for a Christmas tree.
7.      Trim a Christmas tree.
8.      Make tinsel-filled ornaments.
9.      Make ribbons and sparkles ornament.
10.  Sell Christmas trees with a youth group.
11.  Have a Christmas Specials and Movie marathon.
12.  Send a Christmas card and letter to a soldier.
13.  Journal this quick list: My Ten Favorite Christmas Specials.
14.  Journal this quick list: My Ten Favorite Christmas Songs.
15.  Journal this list: Top Five Gifts I've Received of all Time.
16.  Think about and journal what Christmas means to you.
17.  Make a Christmas wish list.
18.  String popcorn for the tree or mantel.
19.  Read a holiday story.
20.  Say this tongue twister 5 times: Snow slows Santa's sled.
21.  Write a poem about Christmas.
22.  Write a poem about snow.
23.  Make a music video using Christmas Carols.
24.  Wrap your bedroom door like a present.
25.  Organize a local coat drive.
26.  Make Christmas wrapping paper.
27.  Learn to make a traditional family Holiday dish or dessert.
28.  Adopt a grandparent or visit a nursing home with a group of friends.
29.  Take your younger sibling to see Santa.
30.  Offer to babysit for a Christmas shopping night for a family with younger kids - for free.
31.  Put your name in glitter on a Santa hat. Wear it.
32.  Make Puzzle Piece Ornaments.
33.  Make a gingerbread house.
34.  Make Candy Cane Fudge.
35.  Track Santa online.
36.  Make a holiday journal.
37.  Make a CD of your favorite or new this year Christmas songs.
38.  Write out Christmas cards for your friends.
39.  Learn something new about Christmas in a different culture.
40.  Sit in the room with your Christmas tree with all the lights out but the tree lights. Enjoy your Christmas.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson drive, Red Deer. We hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday
www.family1stchiro.ca
403-347-3261 to book an appointment today!

Thursday, November 29, 2012

How many CranioSacral sessions do I need?


How many CranioSacral sessions do I need?

The most important step is to make an initial appointment. From that point it becomes evident how many sessions are required depending on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment. Some people may need just two sessions to relieve the main symptoms of their conditions whereas others may need four or five sessions inside a month followed by maintenance sessions for some time afterwards.  I find that in general infants and children heal quite quickly.  As well, if the problem is more acute and not chronic our bodies release the injury more quickly.

One of the things that I am very conscious of is to not generate a level of dependence on myself, the therapist. As result I am always happy when the client decides that they have got what they needed from the therapy for the present and rebook when they feel they need another session - or indeed, they are happy to move on.
To book and Appointemtn please call Jeanette raskin at 403-347-3261. Jeannette practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer
www.family1stchiro.ca

 

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

“If I understand correctly, CranioSacral Therapy basically aims to improve the functioning of the central nervous system. Is that right?”


“If I understand correctly, CranioSacral Therapy basically aims to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.  Is that right?”

Yes, that is correct. The central nervous system (CNS), which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord, is encased within three layers of connective tissue. These layers are part of the craniosacral system (CSS) that forms a somewhat flexible container that is filled with the brain and spinal cord. If the container is distorted then the contents will also be affected in some way.

When abnormal stress occurs within the CSS layers such as twists, pulls, bends, overstretch, or compression, then the tissue of the CNS may become distorted. If the delicate brain or spinal cord undergo structural deformation then the tissue becomes overly stressed. This stress can alter the way cells work or inhibit their ability to work at all leading to a multitude of dysfunction.

One primary objective of CranioSacral Therapy is to assist the body in decreasing harmful strain within the CSS layers, which in turn helps to alleviate injurious stress of the CNS cells. As this occurs then the CNS cells can function, adapt or compensate to their optimal ability.
This post is brought to you by Jeanneatte Raskin, RMT,CST. Jeannette practices at Family Fisrt Chiropractic and Wellness, Red Deer Alberta. 304-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit our website at www.family1stchiro.ca
 

Thursday, November 22, 2012

How do little kids get nerve irritation?


The nervous system is the ‘Master Controller’

The nervous system is the master controller of our body and if its communication channels become fuzzy, distorted or damaged then we experience all sorts of communication errors. For babies and children, this ineffective communication may play out as colic or irritability, an inability to suckle and breastfeed, poor sleep, developmental delays, digestion issues, asthma, behavioural problems, low energy, inability to concentrate, headaches, etc – the list is endless. In fact, regardless of what the end result or symptom may be, all roads lead back to the body’s ability to self-regulate and function at a peak level.

While chiropractic may be able to help with a number of health issues, our focus is not treating or curing ailments; our focus is ensuring the nervous system has every opportunity to work efficiently and effectively.

Can you cook at night with the lights out?

Imagine your nervous system is like the lighting system in your home. If the lights start to dim, you might not be able to cook dinner very well, you may start banging into furniture, you may trip and hurt yourself, you may feel frightened, etc. Exactly how the dim lights influence you will vary but the issue is still the same – there is a communication problem between the wiring and the intended outcome which needs detecting and fixing.

In the same way, chiropractors spend years studying the nervous system to be able to detect and correct these ‘communication errors’ in the body.

 “How do little kids get nerve irritation?”

Nerve irritations (or vertebral subluxations) occur as a part of normal daily life. They result from physical, chemical and emotional stressors or ‘insults’ to our health, such as bad posture, prolonged postures, sleeping on the tummy, knocks and falls, poor food choices, dehydration, exposure to chemicals and toxins, and stress and anxiety. Even before these lifestyle stressors have an impact, nerve irritation can occur in the uterus from awkward positioning, restriction of movement, and exposure to toxins, and from birth complications such as long labours, very fast labours, or forceps or caesarean delivery.

When we appreciate how important the nervous system is and how easily it can be hindered and impaired it makes sense that more parents are having their child’s spine and nervous system assessed.

10 reasons parents take their children to see the chiropractor:

1.      To maximize their child’s neural plasticity (brain and nerve development).

2.      To enhance their child’s overall health and wellbeing.

3.      To strengthen immunity and reduce the incidence of colds, ear-aches and general illness.

4.      To help with colic and Irritable Baby Syndrome.

5.      To help with asthma, breathing difficulties and allergies.

6.      To improve spinal posture.

7.      To improve their child’s ability to concentrate.

8.      To assist with behavioural disorders and enhance emotional wellbeing.

9.      To help alleviate digestive problems.

10.     To assist with bed-wetting and sleep issues.

Your child’s health is their greatest asset. Help them achieve optimal health by having chiropractic care.Dr Stephen Kelly adn Dr. Joelle Johnson practice at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer.

www.family1stchiro.ca to book an appointment please call us at 403-347-3261.
We hope to meet you and your children soon.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

CranioSacral is Gentle yet Powerful


How does CranioSacral Therapy work?
CranioSacral Therapy works by helping the body’s natural healing mechanisms dissipate the negative effects of stress on the central nervous system. This is accomplished by utilizing a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which maintains the environment in which the central nervous system functions.  The craniosacral system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the cranium (head) down to the tailbone area (or sacrum). The role of this system in the development and performance of the brain and spinal cord is so vital that an imbalance or dysfunction in it can cause sensory, motor and/or neurological disabilities. For example, if the bite (or jaw) is out of balance, the whole head is out of balance, and often the whole body.

 

How can something so gentle be so powerful?
The craniosacral system has a rhythm that can be felt throughout the body, just like the pulse. I use a very light touch to monitor this rhythm from head to feet to pinpoint the source of an obstruction or stress. I can then encourage the natural movement of the fluid and soft tissues to help the body self-correct. This simple action is often all it takes to remove a restriction. Sometimes, like peeling layers of an onion, once some restrictions have released and balanced, others may show themselves and need attention.
Jeannette Raskin is located at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer
403-347-3261
www.family1stchiro.ca