Bike fitting is the art and science of harmonizing a rider with their bike to improve comfort, reduce pain, and improve efficiency and performance. The process involves a thorough analysis of the side view, where adjustments can be made to the seat, handlebars, and stem, as well as a front view assessment, where the focus is on foot position on the pedal and lower limb alignment. When a bike fit is performed by a physiotherapist there is also the added benefit of the integration of injury assessment and a treatment plan. Bike fitting can be appropriate for the commuter to the elite cyclist.

Do you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time? Are you planning any long-distance air travel? Standing or sitting for extended periods can lead to swollen legs, varicose veins, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a blood clot) which is a serious medical condition. If you have diabetes or heart disease, you may also have venous circulation issues. Medical compression can prevent these problems. By applying controlled, graduated pressure, the venous pressure is reduced, which results in less swelling in the legs. Medical compression, like socks and stockings, come in a variety of sizes and colours.

Why is it that some injuries never heal, and go on to become areas of chronic pain and dysfunction? These localized areas fail to heal because of a localized decrease in oxygen utilization. And why do people heal so much more reliably when they are young than when they become older? The answer in both cases has to do with decreased oxygen utilization which serves as a foundation for chronic pain and degeneration. Break that cycle by the application of ozone therapy or Prolozone injections which maximizes oxygen absorption, and the cells and tissues can begin to do what they usually do so well – heal themselves.

Q: My friend said she got a sunburn on her eyes. Is this really possible?

A: Yes indeed, and she probably meant she suffered some acute discomfort. You probably know that prolonged sun exposure puts you at risk for eye problems like cataracts, but ultra-violet rays from the sun can also irritate the cornea and conjunctiva, resulting in pain, blurry vision, grittiness, light sensitivity and watering, much like a welding flash or snow blindness. Like a sunburn, the discomfort occurs a few hours after the burn itself. One more reason to protect your eyes against the sun!

Summer is the season of yang. It is a time of joy, heat, and abundant energy. However, the abundance of the yang energy can unfortunately bring on injuries. Sprains and strains are common at this time of year. Treating the injury with acupuncture can help to reduce inflammation, increase blood circulation, decrease pain and prevent the development of chronic pain. Overheating during the summer months can also be a problem, so it is suggested to eat smaller meals and cooling yin foods. Whether it’s running, biking, kayaking or just being active in your community acupuncture will help you to feel better and perform better.

When daily life is hectic, it can be difficult to keep in touch with our loved ones. It’s even more challenging if they don’t live in the same city that we do. If an aging parent is having trouble managing at home, it’s important to take action before more problems arise. Start by determining what Mom or Dad needs, perhaps with the help of other family members and your loved one’s physician. Explore the options for senior care in your loved one’s community. Home care services, such as personal care, housekeeping and companionship, can help older adults keep living independently for as long as possible.

Offering professional holistic and wellness services – from body work to mental health – Finding North’s team strives to support the whole person through positive change to discover their most optimal self. Each practitioner carries their own wealth of knowledge and specialized therapy, enabling them to meet clients needs with extensive resources and treatment options. Working together through their collaborative team approach, Finding North’s practitioners are able to provide clients with a unique, personalized and well rounded path to betterment, all at one convenient location.

Time spent being passive on the massage table feels wonderful, and for those living with insomnia, anxiety, and stress, for example, it’s just the ticket. However, relief is only temporary for those living with a fear or lack of movement due to pain. Another side of treatment needs to happen through movement. Are you ready to take a more effective approach? Would you like to feel more in control of your wellness? Work with a registered massage therapist to explore a combination of movement and massage therapy, and watch your trust in your body’s abilities to heal grow!