When you are engaged in sporting activities, your soft tissues develop adhesions over time. Adhesions, in the context of sports medicine, refers to when the soft tissues abnormally stick to surrounding structures. Adhesions can either occur from repetitive movements, injury, from lack of movement following an injury.
Sports massage therapy techniques are designed to breakdown these adhesions and increase blood flow to the affected areas to encourage healing.

Who can benefit from sports massage therapy?

You do not have to be an athlete to try sports massage therapy. Just about anyone can benefit from it. But those who might find the treatment most helpful include those with tension headaches, pain in the neck and shoulder, whiplash, upper and lower back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, tight claves or hamstrings, repetitive strain injuries in the forearms, hands and wrists, tennis elbow, and plantar fasciitis.

Types of sports massages

Sports massages fall into one of four categories: pre-event massage, post-event massage, maintenance massage and injury treatment.

• Pre-event massage

If you have a big sporting event coming up, you may want to consider a pre-event massage. This message will help to energize and prepare your muscles and joints and can be done either a few days or a few hours before the event.

• Post-event massage

A great way to ensure you do not have any injuries following a big sporting event is to get a post-event massage. This will help to soothe and ease muscles and treat any minor aches or pain flared up during your activities.

• Maintenance massage

Maintenance messages are great regardless of your activity level. This type of sports massage targets soft tissues that have become shortened, tight and painful and is helpful for preventing injuries.

• Injury treatment

As the name suggests, injury treatment is the form of sports massage therapy used for those who have suffered an injury. Injury treatment techniques include trigger point therapy, tissue release and K-taping.

How often should you go for a sports massage?

It is completely safe to get a sports massage every week. It would be a good way to prevent micro injuries from becoming more serious and keep your muscles healthy. However, most people do not have the time or money to visit a sports massage therapist so frequently. In fact, most people do not even think about getting a massage until they have pain or another symptom indicating that something might be wrong.

You should find a happy compromise. Try to see a sports massage therapist at least once a month. Do not wait until an injury starts affecting your ability to perform daily functions for then it will be harder and maybe even more expensive to treat.

Are you searching for a sports massage clinic in Burnaby?

If you are searching for a sports massage clinic in Burnaby, visit us at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. Our clinic is located near Coquitlam and New Westminster and we are open 7 days a week for your convenience.

Our experienced sports massage therapists will consider how your entire body moves and functions to provide comprehensive treatments for better outcomes. If you are ready to be free of pain and recover faster from injuries, give us a call today to schedule a consultation with one of our massage therapists.

If you’ve suffered an injury or illness that is causing inflammation, pain and/or limited mobility, kinesiology tape can help. Kinesiology tape can also help improve your sporting performance and prevent further injuries.

Kinesiology tape is a thin strip of elastic cotton with acrylic adhesive. This tape is nearly identical to human skin in its thickness and elasticity which makes it breathable and comfortable to wear. Instead of working against the muscles and joints to restrict movement, kinesiology tape works with them to offer support and repositioning. It provides stability without compromising range of motion or circulation.

Not only does its skin-like feel provide more comfort for the wearer, but it also has neurological benefits. When there is an injury the brain automatically adjusts the body to limit the pain resulting in uncoordinated movement. Kinesiology tape is designed to trick the brain into thinking that the injured body part can function without pain. This causes the muscles surrounding the injured area to relax as no longer must they compensate for the problem.

How to apply kinesiology tape

Before applying kinesiology tape, you should consult a physiotherapist who has been trained in the art of kinesiology taping for them to show you the most effective techniques to use when applying the tape. Your physiotherapist will also advise you of the type of tape that is best suited for your needs.

You will need to cleanse your skin with soap or alcohol to ensure it is free of lotions or liniments. Allow the area to dry and then apply the tape. You should also remove excess hair from the area in which you want to apply the tape.

Although kinesiology tape is made from a breathable and water-resistant material, you should wait for at least an hour after applying it before doing any activities in which you will get sweaty or wet. When you do get your kinesiology tape wet, simply dry it by patting it with a towel.

Do you need kinesiology tape services in Burnaby?

If you want to try kinesiology taping to improve your movement and reduce pain and inflammation, contact us at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. At Pacific Health and Sports Therapy, we will assess your movement and show you how to use kinesiology tape for optimal results. In addition to kinesiology taping services, we also offer chiropractic care, physiotherapy, sports therapy, massage therapy and other rehabilitative care that will help improve your movement and overall way of life. So, what are you waiting for? Contact us today to book an assessment. Let us help you on your journey to recovery.

Research has shown that massage therapy is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. There are various types of massage therapy. Each of these techniques focuses on treating different conditions and parts of the body. If you are considering massage therapy, here are some of the popular techniques:

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage therapy is a type of full-body massage therapy that is great for those who have a lot of tension but are sensitive to touch as it is gentle. The main purpose of a Swedish massage is to help a person relax but it can also be used to treat minor pain. A session normally involves kneading, long strokes, and deep circular motion along with other techniques.

Deep tissue massage

If you have chronic muscle pain and tightness, injury or imbalance, you may want to consider a deep tissue massage. During a deep tissue massage session, a registered massage therapist (RMT) will slowly stroke your muscles and apply deep pressure with their fingers. This will help to relieve tensions in the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissues. Even though a deep tissue massage is intense, it should not cause any pain or soreness.

Sports massage

If you regularly participate in sporting activities and have sustained injuries due to repetitive use of certain muscles, a sports massage is what you need. This type of massage therapy can treat pain and muscle tension. A sports massage is great for preventing injuries as well. With regular sports massages, you will notice more flexibility and better performance. A sports massage can treat anxiety too. Depending on your complaints, your RMT can perform a full-body sports massage or focus specifically on the affected areas. Sports massages use both deep pressure and soothing strokes.

Trigger point massage

A trigger point is an area with muscle tightness that causes pain in other areas. Trigger point massage therapy treats this problem. With a trigger point massage, your registered massage therapist will relieve the tension in the affected areas to reduce your pain. This type of massage includes gentle, relaxing strokes and strong, deep pressure. Although your RMT will focus mainly on trigger points, they will massage your entire body as well.

Prenatal massage

If you are experiencing body aches, stress and muscle tension because you are pregnant, prenatal massage therapy can help. A prenatal massage is similar to a Swedish massage and focuses on the lower back, hips and legs. Although you can get a prenatal massage at any point in your pregnancy, you may want to wait until after your first trimester as then there will be a lower risk of complications.

Do you need a Burnaby massage therapist?

If you need any of the above-mentioned types of massage therapy in Burnaby, contact us at Pacific Health Sports Therapy. Pacific Health Sports Therapy is a Burnaby chiropractic and massage therapy clinic located near New Westminster and Coquitlam. For your convenience, we are open 7 days a week. And we’re here to help you, whether you were recently injured, battling chronic pain or simply looking to improve your overall health and movement. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our Burnaby registered massage therapists or for us to answer any questions you may have.

Your feet bear the weight of your entire body. That why it is important to select footwear that provides enough cushioning and support for your feet. If not, you could end up with painful conditions like Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, shin splints and bunions. Uncomfortable footwear can also result in pain in the legs, back and hips as well. If you have conditions caused by excessive stress on the feet, you may want to consider custom orthotics.

What is a custom orthotic?

An orthotic is a biomechanical medical device that is designed to align the foot and ankle in an anatomically efficient position. Custom orthotics are made to address your specific imbalances. A custom orthotics provider will assess your foot and the way you walk to design your devices.

How do custom orthotics differ from insoles?

At first glance, custom orthotics may look like over-the-counter insoles, but they are very different. Over-the-counter insoles provide general arch support and can help to provide immediate pain relief. They do not, however, provide a long-term solution. They are also not made to fit your specific foot structure and are not suitable for all shoe types. Additionally, over-the-counter insoles are usually made of low-quality material that will likely break down from repetitive use. On the other hand, custom orthotics are made from high-quality material and are designed from 3-D impressions of your feet. This provides precise contouring of your foot shape. These medical devices can also be adjusted to provide a more exact fit and supportive feel. Your custom orthotics may also be designed to fit a broader range of shoe types than an insole.

Benefits of custom orthotics

There are several benefits to be had from wearing custom orthotics. These benefits include:

• Pain Relief

Custom orthotics give you instant pain relief by giving your feet the support they need. Since they fit so well, you won’t be forced to stand or walk in an unnatural position.

• Support and Comfort

Custom orthotics are comfortable even after all-day wear. They absorb shock, provide maximum comfort, and support the precise shape of your arch.

• Improved Posture

Custom orthotics aims to correct your alignment. When this happens, your posture will improve.

Why custom orthotics sometimes feel uncomfortable

The purpose of custom orthotics is to realign the structure of your feet. Because of this, you may feel pressure in some areas as the custom orthotic does what it is meant to do. To ensure you do not feel too much discomfort when you first start wearing your custom orthotics, you should do so in two-hour intervals. You should then gradually extend how long you wear them over a two-week period.

Types of shoes that may be worn with custom orthotics

Once your shoes have removable insoles, it should work with your custom orthotics. All you will have to do is remove the insoles to replace them with the custom orthotics. It may, however, be a good idea to have custom orthotics designed for specific activities such as exercise.

How to get custom orthotics in Burnaby or New Westminster

If you are searching for custom orthotics in Burnaby or New Westminster, come see us at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. At Pacific Health and Sports Therapy, we will make a biomechanical assessment of each foot in order to create the best orthotic product for you. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

If you are planning to go see a massage therapist in Burnaby, you will find that there are many to choose from. It is important that you find the right Burnaby massage therapist, especially if you plan to visit on a regular basis. So, here are some things you must do:

1. Identify your goals

There are many benefits to be had from massage therapy. A massage can reduce stress, reduce muscle contraction and tightness, alleviate chronic and acute pain, improve posture, help to ease sports injuries and improve performance, help with the management of certain medical conditions and improve your overall health and wellness. Before starting your search for a Burnaby massage therapist, you must identify the goals you would like to accomplish from massage therapy. When you have identified your goals, it will make your search easier.

2. Ask for recommendations

If you have family members or friends who have used the services of a massage therapist, you may ask them about their experience and whether they’d recommend the clinic they visited. If you are searching for a massage therapist to help you manage a medical condition, you may even ask your doctor or another medical professional for a referral. Often, physicians and medical professionals have a list of massage therapists with specialized training and experience in techniques that are effective for treating various conditions and complaints.

3. Check for training and experience

Massage therapy is a highly regulated field in British Columbia, and for good reason. Receiving a massage from someone who has not undergone the required training may result in serious injuries. However, even when you’ve found someone who has undergone the required training and is duly registered and licensed, you still do not want a massage therapist who is fresh out of massage therapy school. Instead look for a massage therapist with at least 5 years of experience practicing in the field.

4. Do your research

When considering a registered massage therapist, check their website for information regarding their experience, treatment philosophy and types of massages they provide. Also, check for client testimonials on their website, Google My Business page and other external review sites. If you are satisfied with what you have read, make contact with the massage therapy clinic and ask some questions. Ask what training in special massage modalities they are trained in. If you are pregnant or have conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, ask about their experience dealing with your condition.

5. Go in to see the massage therapist

When all is said and done, you really can only tell whether a massage therapist is a right fit after you have gone in for a massage. After giving the registered massage therapist a try, evaluate your experience and see if you were happy with the service you received. Also, note if you were comfortable in the massage therapist’s work space. If you are satisfied, then you can go back to see that massage therapist. If not continue your search.

Are you searching for a registered Burnaby massage therapist?

If you are searching for a registered massage therapist in Burnaby, give us a call at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. At Pacific Health and Sports Therapy, our massage therapists are highly trained and skilled professionals, with extensive experience in performing a range of massage therapy techniques. We offer flexible appointment lengths and for your convenience, we are open on weekends and offer 24/7 online booking. So, why wait any longer? Give us a call to schedule an appointment with one of our registered massage therapist or book your appointment online now.

Did you know that sitting at a desk all day could have negative impacts on the musculoskeletal system and possibly affect your movement? So says the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). CCOHS asserts that prolonged sitting can cause injuries to the muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments—the parts of the body that are responsible for movement. That is why it is no surprise that many office workers seek help to alleviate aches and pains through chiropractic care. If you have suffered injuries from limited mobility at work, you too should seek chiropractic care.

Poor posture and musculoskeletal conditions

Simply sitting at a desk for prolonged hours without much movement is enough to cause damage to your musculoskeletal system. But when you add slouching and hunching at your desk, you compound the problem and cause misalignment. Therefore, many musculoskeletal problems that occur in office workers stem from poor posture.

Some conditions office workers may experience include:

• Neck pain
• Arm pain
• Pain and loss of function in shoulders
• Lower back tightness and pain
• Sciatic nerve pain

Ways chiropractic care can help office workers

Studies have revealed that when patients who suffer from musculoskeletal problems seek chiropractic care, they are able to return to work sooner than when they seek help from traditional medical treatment. These studies also showed that office workers saw significant savings in their overall medical costs. Chiropractors not only have the ability to treat musculoskeletal conditions and other work-related injuries but focus on reducing the likelihood of reoccurrence by helping patients to find self-management strategies as well. Additionally, traditional medicine focuses on treating the symptoms of musculoskeletal problems. On the other hand, chiropractic care focuses on identifying and fixing the root cause of the problem instead of masking symptoms.

What to expect when you visit a chiropractor

Before you start chiropractic treatment, the chiropractor will request a full medical history and conduct a physical examination to determine a diagnosis. During this physical exam, the chiropractor will test flexibility, muscle strength, joint health and other functions. He or she may use x-rays and other tests as part of the diagnostic process. After a cause of the problem has been identified, the chiropractor will create a treatment plan. To treat you, he or she will use hands-on manipulation, massages and in some cases electrical stimulation and other techniques to help alleviate your aches and pains. In addition to alleviating aches and pains, chiropractic care makes your muscles, bones and the rest of your musculoskeletal system stronger. When your body is stronger you will be less prone to other musculoskeletal injuries in the future.

Do you need chiropractic care in Burnaby or surrounding areas?

If you are suffering from work-related musculoskeletal problems, come see us at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. Our chiropractic and massage therapy clinic is located in Burnaby, near New Westminster and Coquitlam. We are also open 7 days a week for your convenience.

At Pacific Health, we provide chiropractic care using the latest techniques guided by advanced rehabilitation knowledge. We aim to go above and beyond expectation at all times. Additionally, our staff recognizes that one style of treatment does not fit all. That is why we use a combination of treatment strategies to provide effective care. Treatment techniques include chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue therapy such as Active Release Techniques (ART) and Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), Cold Laser Therapy, and athletic taping. This well-rounded approach helps place us at the forefront of healthcare providers. So, why suffer any longer? Give us a call to schedule an appointment today.

Weightlifting, as the name suggests, is a form of strength training which involves the lifting of heavyweights to make your muscles both stronger and bigger. While weightlifting has many benefits for the body, it can lead to strain on certain parts of the body resulting in injury.

Injuries that are common to weightlifters include:

Herniated disc

This injury is often caused as a result of poor lifting mechanics. If you have a herniated disc, you may feel localized back pain, numbness or tingling that travels down into the legs and other symptoms.

SLAP tear

When you do a lot of overhead lifting you may cause a SLAP tear. A SLAP tear refers to an injury of the Superior Labrum Anterior and Posterior (a part of the shoulder). You may have a SLAP tear if you are unable to raise your arm without pain or feel weakness in one or both of your shoulders.

Tennis elbow

If you are constantly over-gripping you might end up with lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow. With lateral epicondylitis, you may feel aches on the outside of your elbow and a stretch along the outer forearm muscle when you straighten your arm and then pull your palm towards you.

With the help of a registered massage therapist, you can help make your body more resistant to injury. So, if you are serious about weightlifting, here are some ways sports massage therapy can benefit you:

1. Sports massage therapy improves flexibility

As a weightlifter, you must possess a high level of flexibility to achieve optimal performance. However, as you lift, your muscles become tense and tight. This may result in collagen damage and adhesions that cause the muscle fibers to stick together. When this happens, your flexibility will be limited and you become more prone to injury. Sports massage therapy can help with that by stretching the muscle fibers to help increase your range of movement.

2. Sports massage therapy improves circulation

When your muscles are tense or damaged, this restricts the free flow of blood. Through sports massage therapy you can improve circulation by loosening those tight muscles. When your circulation is improved, oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood is taken to your muscles. The blood is also the medium via which toxins are taken away. Therefore, proper circulation is an essential part of the recovery process following injury.

3. Sports massage therapy relieves pain

If you’re in pain, you might not be able to keep lifting through it. Often this pain is caused by tight muscles and compressed nerves. When a sports massage therapist releases these muscles and nerves, the pain you feel, in most cases, will be alleviated soon thereafter.

4. A sports massage therapist will help you to sleep better

When you’re tense it is pretty hard to relax. If you can’t relax you will probably have trouble falling asleep or sleeping straight through the night. This is not good for your workout regime as your body repairs itself while you sleep. Sports massage therapy will help you to relax and improve your sleep pattern.

Do you need sports massage therapy in Burnaby or New Westminster?

If you are serious about weightlifting, sports massage therapy is more than simply a luxury. It is an investment in your health. For that reason, you should consider seeing a registered massage therapist (RMT) at least once a month for a sports massage. If you are in Burnaby, New Westminster or a surrounding area and you are looking for an RMT, come see us at Pacific Health Sports Therapy. Our chiropractic and massage therapy clinic in Burnaby is conveniently located near New Westminster and Coquitlam and is open 7 days a week. We are ready to help you prevent injury, recover from injury and improve your overall health and wellness. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to book a session with one of our specialists.

Back pain can occur in any area along the spine. This pain can come with other symptoms such as muscle tension or stiffness, weakness in the legs and feet, and tingling sensation travelling down the legs. In Canada, back pain is one of the most common chronic conditions. Chronic pain is pain that persists for longer than 12 weeks. Many people who suffer from this type of pain turn to prescription and over the counter pain medication. However, as with all drugs, pain medication can have serious side effects. Excessive use can result in stomach bleeding, ulcers, kidney damage or liver damage. Additionally, pain medication does not fix the cause of the pain but simply masks the symptoms. That is why millions of Canadians who are seeking a safe alternative for relief from chronic back pain choose chiropractic treatment. If you are suffering from chronic back pain, you should too.

What is chiropractic care?

Chiropractic care is a health care discipline which focuses on the health of the musculoskeletal system. This hands-on treatment is performed by a chiropractor. Because of their training, experience and skills, chiropractors in British Columbia are acknowledged by the government as doctors.

Chiropractors use mainly their hands to diagnose, treat and perform preventative care for conditions like back and neck pain, chronic headaches, arthritis pain, joint problems, scoliosis, vertigo and more. Sometimes, chiropractors use hand-held devices that act in a similar fashion to manual manipulation.

What to expect with chiropractic care for chronic back pain

Before you start treatment, the chiropractor must first take your medical history and perform a physical exam. He or she may also use lab tests and/or diagnostic imaging to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate for your back pain. The chiropractor will then create a comprehensive treatment plan involving manual manipulation of your joints with controlled sudden force. Chiropractic adjustments are a safe and effective method for relieving pain, improving joint flexibility and reducing muscle tension. The number of adjustments you will need depends on the severity of your problem. Many chiropractors include nutritional counselling and exercise as part of treatment as well.

Are you searching for a chiropractic clinic in the Burnaby?

If you are suffering from chronic back pain and you need to find a chiropractic clinic in Burnaby, come visit Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. Our clinic is conveniently located near New Westminster and Coquitlam. There, we use the latest techniques, guided by our extensive training and experience.

We know that every case is unique. That is why we combine a number of treatment strategies to provide you with the best possible, individualized care. Also, we will assess and treat your entire body because we know that chronic back pain can be affected by other parts of your body such as your hips and ankles. Our chiropractor will evaluate your movement and compensation patterns to determine your strengths and weaknesses. This will help us figure out how best to improve your overall health, reduce pain, and prevent injuries. Chiropractic care is covered by extended health care providers and you do not need a referral. Additionally, we provide discounts to senior citizens and children.

So why suffer from chronic back pain any longer. Give us a call to schedule a consultation today?

Chiropractic care for maintaining health. Chiropractic is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, joints, and connective tissues. This system gives the body its form and stability and enables its movement. Chiropractic care involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders through manual adjustment and manipulation of the body. Generally, chiropractic care is categorized as alternative or complementary medicine. Chiropractors treat people suffering from chronic back and neck pain, sciatica, accident and sports injuries, and other similar conditions. However, chiropractic care may also help to prevent some of the very conditions it can be used to treat.

Here are some of the reasons chiropractic care is so important for your body:

Preventive care

You might think that chiropractic care is not for you because you do not experience pain or any other symptoms of musculoskeletal problems. Yet, research has shown that chiropractic care can reduce your likelihood of developing these issues in the future. Chiropractic care helps to strengthen your body. The stronger your body is, the less susceptible it will be to injury. For those who have had musculoskeletal issues in the past, chiropractic care can be used to prevent a re-occurrence of those problems.

Lifestyle adjustment

Chiropractors are trained to provide a comprehensive plan that will help you maintain your health and overall well-being. They are able to offer guidance when it comes to exercise and nutritional practices, as well as injury prevention strategies as part of their treatment.

Fall prevention

While anyone can fall, senior citizens are more likely to. They also face an increased risk of sustaining a serious injury from a fall. As people age, there is a breakdown in sensory and motor functions which affects balance. If you are over the age of 65, a chiropractor will test your strength and balance to help identify your risks. He or she will then perform chiropractic adjustments that have proven to cause improvements in sensory and motor functions in the elderly.

Are you looking for a Burnaby Chiropractic Care Clinic?

If you are in Burnaby and want to benefit from chiropractic care, visit us at Pacific Health and Sports Therapy. Our centre is a Burnaby chiropractic and massage therapy clinic conveniently located near New Westminster and Coquitlam. With friendly and professional staff, we are here to help; whether you are suffering from an injury, battling chronic lower back and neck pain, trying to avoid a risky surgery, or simply looking to improve your health and movement. Our chiropractor and massage therapist will provide you with a thorough assessment, plan of action, and a treatment strategy tailored specifically to meet your needs.

You’ll never feel rushed when you make an appointment at our clinic as our treatment sessions are longer than most. This way, we can spend more time figuring out the right course of action to provide you with the best care. Furthermore, we recognize that one style of treatment does not always work. That is why we use a combination of treatment strategies to provide effective care. This well-rounded approach helps place us at the forefront of healthcare providers.

So, what are you waiting for? If you are ready to live your best life, contact us to schedule an appointment at our Burnaby chiropractic clinic today.