117 Centrepointe Drive | Nepean | ON | Tel: 613-225-1127 Improving the lives of those we touch.
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Putting Your Best Foot Forward
Published May 1, 2010 | 
By Dr. Eric Wiens
Most people come to me with common conditions such as low back pain, sciatica, knee pain, neck pain and shoulder pain to name a few. I also see a lot of foot related problems such as plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis and ankle sprains.
Many times, people come with several conditions. The question is, are they related, and if so, how do you help someone as quickly as possible with the best chance for long term success?
From a mechanical perspective, looking at the feet and how you stand, walk and move makes a whole lot of sense. It is vital to take into account your entire kinetic chain to give the best chance for success. This is especially true if your health complaint is related to your spine, pelvis, hips or any part of your legs.
Laser therapy is about kick starting tissues to heal and function in a normal physiological way. Many get some device stuck in their shoe or spend many dollars on fancy shoes, but never get the benefit because the physiology of the tissues is never changed. Laser is the most effective way to do this.
Correcting mechanical problems increases long term stability and potentially decreases the chance of a problem coming back.
Dr Gauthier our pedorthist, is a specialist in analyzing your feet and kinetic chain (feet, ankles, knees, hips & low back on up) both statically and dynamically. That is both standing and moving.
He is also a specialist in determining appropriate footwear and prescribing orthotic devices. Sometimes the best advice given is that you don't need anything other than a more appropriate pair of shoes. Working with him offers another perspective but also a better probability of a longer term solution to your health problem.
Dr Gauthier offers a complimentary consultation and analysis to see if your feet are a component of your health problem.
Stress and Its Effects on Your Well-being
Published August 1, 2009 | 
By Eric Wiens, DC
Stress is an important risk factor that affects all areas of one’s health and life. It does not only affect the state-of-mind but can also affect the health and well-being of the body.
Luckily, it is not yet too late to remove the stress and its effects to be able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
People who frequently experience tension headaches, acne, and stomach ulcers are also suffering from a lot of stress.
But the list does not end here. The effects of stress on the body are long-term, even causing symptoms of asthma.
A lot of common illnesses are also caused by stress including angina pain, allergies, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal upsets, and colds.
Stress is not often thought to be the culprit of all these sicknesses since stress is viewed as an emotional and mental problem, rather than a physical one.
There is no exact reason as to why the physique is affected by stress but it is assumed that too much stress plays a role in the immune system of the body.
When a person is stressed, it gets less quality sleep, which leads to a breakdown in the health of the immune system. When this happens, the body becomes open to several ailments and conditions.
Eating is one avenue that people turn to in order to be relieved from stress. Unfortunately, this is not a good way to do it.
Physical activity has been proven, especially one with a high level of aerobic activity, to be a stress reliever since it makes you focus more on what you are doing at present and moving aside other troublesome stressful thoughts.
Discover what relieves your stress so you can have a healthier and better lifestyle and know how to leave stress where it belongs.
My wish is for everyone to be checked by a chiropractor. Not because you have pain, but because it’s a smart thing to do. It will ensure you have the best chance for optimal health by identifying and correcting sources of stress on your nervous system.
We offer a complimentary examination and review of the results at no charge to you.
Postpartum and Massage
Published March 1, 2009 | 
By Tara Hagan-Fields, RMT
The joy of having your new baby in your arms is finally here. You have spent the last 280 days/ 40 weeks/ 9 months, preparing for this moment. The hard part is over…. OR is it? You will continue to change physically, emotionally and mentally. How can postpartum massage treatments help? After the baby is born, postpartum massage can alleviate the musculoskeletal complaints of new mothers and provide emotional support and nurturing during this life transition.
Postpartum women need help re-orientating their bodies. Structurally, in the last 9 months, the pelvis and shoulders have adapted to an anterior position. This can lead to pain of the neck, upper and lower back. The abdomen has stretched. Massage immediately after birth can help to minimize the distortion of connective tissue layers that often follow pregnancy. There may be the presence of spinal headache due to epidural anesthesia. Lymphatic drainage can help to pump excess fluids and residual anesthesia into general circulation for elimination. After the immediate supply of colostrum, the breast will start to swell and produce milk after 72 hours. Massage can help with the discomfort, ease the engorgement, help prevent blockage of milk ducts, and help avoid infection. Postpartum afterpains (uterus shrinking through muscle contractions) may be present for weeks. Relaxation massage and guided breathing can help to decrease such pains so you can enjoy your time more with baby.
Birth is elating. It can last for hours, sometimes days. All women eventually go through postpartum emotional adjustments. Hormonal changes are presented as increased mood swings, emotional intensity and exhaustion. Add to that altered sleep cycles, eating patterns, work schedules, other children/family; the postpartum mom can develop negative thoughts, fear, worry, sadness, anger, blame and powerlessness. These feelings can be described as the "baby blues". Massage can provide a safe, calming, non-judgmental environment. A nurturing touch can relax a new mom so she feels safe to unburden negative feelings about the birth and about postpartum life. Being allowed to tell her story, honestly, can be healing.
An educated massage therapist has the opportunity to share with you a skilled therapeutic touch, reassurance and education. Massage can help the postpartum mom cope with this life transition so you can enjoy this new life, to the fullest!