Community News
Improve Digestion with Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a trendy little superfood that can do amazing things for your digestion. They have a special type of soluble fibre called mucilage and act as a prebiotic to feed the good bacteria in your gut, as well as improve your digestive transit time (how often you go). Introduce fibre into your diet slowly to avoid any adverse reactions.
Chia Seed Pudding Recipe:
• 2 cups kefir
• 1/8 cup + 1 Tbsp. chia seeds
• 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla extract
• Combine and let set over night.
Ally Potrebka, RHN, RYT, Health and Happiness, HealthAndHappiness.ca

Treatment-Based Massage Therapy

Although massage therapy is an art form and each massage therapist has a different style, the intent of treating someone with a specific pain should be to find its source.
When you see a therapist for a specific pain, you shouldn’t expect a massage for the entire appointment. The therapist should start with tests to rule out conditions that might be more serious or need to be referred to someone else. Then there should be some assessments to determine where the pain is coming from: misaligned joints, reduced range of motions, fatigued muscles, or referred pain. After that, the best part, massage!
Finally, the therapist should discuss with you how often you should be back, based on your individual needs. Crossroads Rehabilitative Massage, CRMassageBrandon.ca

Orthopaedic Manual Therapy

Orthopaedic manual therapy is a branch of physiotherapy or physical therapy that is used in the management of nerves, muscles, and bones of the body (i.e., neuro-musculoskeletal conditions). It uses specific treatment approaches such as 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 specific area.
Paula Moreira, B.Sc., BMR.PT., MCISc., FCAMPT, Physio 4 U, Physio4U.net

Rotator Cuff Injuries

Injuries to the rotator cuff (muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder) are often related to overuse, especially in activities that take place above head height. Occasionally, these can be related to specific trauma. Injuries can be as simple as a strain to the muscle(s) and tendon(s), while in more extreme injuries, the tendon(s) may become partially or completely torn. The prevalence of rotator cuff disease increases with age, with four percent occurring in individuals 40 years of age and older. Fifty-four percent of rotator cuff injuries affecting those 60 years and older are usually more severe, resulting in partial or complete tendon tears. Symptoms of a rotator cuff strain or tear may include pain and swelling in the front or side of the shoulder, pain when raising or lowering the arm, pain when reaching back (putting on a jacket). Treatment involves avoiding activities that cause pain, and gentle stretching exercises as prescribed by your physiotherapist. Doug Treloar (BMR, PT, Acupuncture Certified) PhysioFirstClinic.ca

Thai Curry Carrot and Pumpkin Soup

• 2 cups carrots, peeled and diced • 1-1/2 cups cubed pumpkin • 1 can coconut milk • 4 cups chicken stock • 1 Tbsp. green Thai curry paste • 2 cloves garlic • 1 Tbsp. freshly grated ginger • 1/2 tsp. each, salt and pepper • 1/4 tsp. cumin • 1/4 cup shredded coconut • madras curry powder. 1. Cook carrots and pumpkin without browning over medium heat for 10 mins. 2. Add spices, curry, and ginger. Stir and cook for 2 minutes. Add chicken stock, coconut milk, and coconut. 3. Cook on medium heat for 35 minutes. Blend with blender. Enjoy! Lisa Kehler, OffYourPlateNutrition.ca

Book Club

Adventures for Your Soul: 21 Ways to Transform Your Habits and Reach Your Full Potential by Shannon Kaiser. Sometimes, the one thing you need to make a change is to see things from a fresh perspective. Discover 21 innovative explorations to boldly confront the habits that are holding you back. Shannon Kaiser’s program utilizes an empowering process that encourages you to go on adventures for your soul, so you can:

• Achieve your goals
• Remove limiting beliefs and self-sabotaging patterns
• Feel freedom from fear and live with purpose and passion
• Be unapologetic about your innermost desires
• Make happiness your natural way of life

Why Go Vegan?

Interest in a totally animal-free diet is at an all-time high, with celebrities like Bill Clinton, Alicia Silverstone, Jay-Z, and Beyoncé leading the charge. There are so many amazing ways that veganism can improve our lives – fantastic health benefits, less stress on our environment, more efficient ways to use our resources, and many more! Vegan diets tend to be higher in vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals, and fibre. Healthy vegan diets are abundant in vitamins B1, C, and E; folic acid; magnesium; and iron, while also being low in cholesterol and saturated fats. And saving animals is an added bonus!

Experience The World’s Best Massage Chair

Today, more and more people understand that massage is not only good for rest and relaxation, but also to help heal injuries or gain relief from specific symptoms or health conditions. Unfortunately, not everyone has the time in their busy schedules to commit to getting a massage as often as they need. A massage chair is the perfect tool to have access to the great benefits of massage in your own home – but not all massage chairs are created equal. The Inada DreamWave exceeds all expectations of what a massage chair can be. Designed and manufactured in Japan, the DreamWave’s precise massage movements have been expertly choreographed by Shiatsu Master Hideyo Matsuura to deliver a transcendent, effective, skillful massage. Add a DreamWave massage to your daily routine and restore tired muscles, reduce stress, sleep better and discover the quiet and calm that’s only possible with the World’s Best Massage Chair. Aviva Natural Health Solutions, AvivaHealth.com

Ingredient Spotlight: Collagen

Collagen is a prime structural protein located in mammal connective tissue and is essential for fully functional joints and muscles. A lack of collagen in your skin can lead to wrinkles and lacking collagen in muscles and cartilage can cause joint discomfort. Award-winning Liquid BioCell® Life puts that essential collagen back into the body, providing those suffering with fibromyalgia, arthritis or joint pain with relief. Liquid BioCell® Life combines the multi-patented power of Collagen/HA Matrix Technology™ with 10 phytonutrient-rich superfoods, which are infused into a unique liquid delivery system that provides fast absorption and results. And, it’s backed by a 100% money back guarantee! Lisa Tustin, Liveclean.Market

What is Tuina Massage?

Tuina Massage Therapy makes use of rhythmic compression techniques in different energy channels of the body to establish a harmonious flow of Qi (bio-energy). Tuina uses various hand techniques in combination with acupressure and other manipulation methods. In Tuina massage, that often focuses on the deeper layer muscle and connective tissues. This massage removes the blockages and keeps the energy moving through the meridians, as well as through the muscles and joints. The best part about it is that it relaxes as well as energizes. Tuina is a very effective therapy for stiff neck, sore back, arthritis, sciatica, and muscle aches and spasms. It also helps with stress-related disorders like insomnia, indigestion, and headaches. Dr. Li Lin, Brandon Acupuncture Chinese Medicine & Herbal Centre, Brandon-Acupuncture.com

Did You Know?

• 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