There are numerous treatment options available to treat low back pain. At OC3 in downtown Ottawa, we believe in taking an evidence-based approach – i.e. doing what is proven to work! Along with the use of a structured exercise program and spinal mobilizations/manipulations, our physiotherapy and chiropractic low back care therapy often consists of acupuncture or dry needling (aka IMS). The Cochrane Database suggests that acupuncture and dry-needling may be useful adjuncts to other therapies for […]

An analysis of neurodynamic techniques was undertaken and the results published within the publication – Manual Therapy 2008; 13: 213-221. While working with two cadavers, the investigators were attempting to determine the mechanical effects on peripheral nerves (e.g. median nerve) that were subject to the gliding techniques often utilized in treatment techniques such as Active Release Techniques (ART). What they found is that nerve sliding techniques, such as those performed in Active Release Techniques, may be appropriate […]

“When I go out dancing in my high-heels in downtown Ottawa, does it have an effect on my back?”  Every Chiropractor and Physiotherapist across Ottawa has surely been asked this question by a patient at some point in their career.   And what is the typical response?  I’m guessing it has something to do with shortened calf muscles, a tilted pelvis, an altered centre of mass, a “compensation” pattern, or some combination of the above. […]

This study was published within the journal ‘Medicine and Science in Sport and Exercise’ – 2012; 44(1): 135-145. Research suggests that females are 2-6x more likely than their male counterparts to suffer non-contact ACL injuries and Patelofemoral pain syndromes when participating in sports involving pivoting and jumping motions.   Women have been shown to demonstrate the following: greater knee abduction during single-leg squats and while landing from a jump task greater hip adduction and tibial […]

Our registered physiotherapist, Shelagh Haynes, will be certified in Trigger Point Dry Needling (IMS) as of October 23, 2012. Dry needling, or non-electrical and non-chemical intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a treatment technique useful in the treatment of myofascial pain. This technique uses small needles to release tight muscles with the goal of permanently reducing muscle pain and dysfunction. Research has shown dry needling to be effective in the treatment of: low back pain with radicular […]

  An interesting article by podiatrist Ian Griffiths explores what is the “normal” foot position at rest, the relationship between injury risk and “overpronation” (or lack thereof), and conclusions about what to do with the term “overpronation”. Check it out! http://www.runblogger.com/2012/09/why-term-overpronation-should-be.html?m=1

Our new downtown Ottawa clinic is now excited to offer integrative initial examinations, where new patients will be examined by both our head Chiropractor & Active Release therapist (Chad Wilson) and head Physiotherapist who performs acupuncture (Shelagh Haynes).   We feel that this multidisciplinary model of health care will offer our patients the quickest possible recovery from their injuries and conditions.

A recent systematic epidemiological review has found that for both neck pain and back pain, spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) appears to be a cost-effective treatment strategy when used alone or in combination with General Practitioner (GP) care, advice and/or exercise, in comparison to GP care alone – yet another reason to encourage your family physician to consider recommending spinal manipulative therapy (often carried out by Chiropractors, Physiotherapists or Osteopaths) in the treatment of neck or back […]

Opioid pain medications are not recommended for the treatment of chronic low back pain and result in worse outcomes. See the link below to find out how prescribing opioids for the treatment of chronic low back pain is like using ear plugs to get rid of the noise coming from under the hood of your car. http://www.aptei.com/library/viewReport.jsp?report=724 Instead of medication, talk to your physiotherapist or chiropractor for alternative pain management strategies.

Thanks to everyone who attended our first seasonal OC3 Open House last Thursday evening.  We had a great time getting to know the local community and chatting with friends, patients, and local business owners.  Our second open house will be in early December.  Stay tuned for the exact date! Your Ottawa Chiropractor, Chad Wilson