The Body Balance Quarterly
A newsletter designed for the patients of Body Balance Health & Physiotherapy Inc. that addresses current rehabilitative methods and addresses the current questions people may have regarding Physiotherapy related “HOT TOPICS”.
Well the weather in 2017 hasn’t been active but at Body Balance Health we have gone through many active changes including our name, logo and location. We are now located at 1315 Michigan Ave, next to the Goodwill. The changes have been positive and we are excited to present our new location during an open house on February 10th, 2017 from 2pm until 7pm. Our new location on Michigan Ave. is shared with Pure Powered by On Edge Fitness and because of this we are now in the process of developing new Integrated Health Programs. One of the programs we have initiated because of our new partnership is a hydrotherapy directed Physiotherapy treatment session. The benefits of Hydrotherapy are discussed further in this issue of the BBQ along with the rising concerns of reduced activity in the Paediatric population.
The Benefits of Hydrotherapy
- Stimulating the immune system
- Improving circulation and digestion
- Encouraging the flow of blood
- Lessening the body’s sensitivity to pain.
- Patients can start rehabilitation earlier and recover faster
- Decreases joint stress
- Increases strength and range of movement
- Improves balance and coordination
- Reduces muscle spasms
- Increases the patient’s feeling of achievement even in the acute stages of rehabilitation
“Generally speaking, heat is used to quiet and soothe the body, and to slow down the activity of internal organs. Cold is used to stimulate and invigorate, increasing internal activity within the body. If you are experiencing tense muscles or anxiety, heat is recommended.”
“When submerged in a body of water such as a bath or a pool, there is a kind of weightlessness, as the water relieves your body of much of the effects of gravity. Water also has a hydrostatic effect and has a massage-like feeling as the water gently kneads your body. Water, when it is moving, stimulates the touch receptors on the skin, increasing blood circulation and releasing tight muscles.”
http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/article/hydrotherapy#ixzz4XAIhJcaZ
Who Benefits from Hydrotherapy
Conditions that may Benefit from Hydrotherapy
- Arthritis
- Osteoporosis
- Sports Injuries/Rehabilitation
- Post Orthopaedic surgery
- Back pain and shoulder pain
- Hip, knee, or ankle pain
- Brain or spinal cord injuries
- Fatigue/ Weakness or Prolonged inactivity/immobility
- Fibromyalgia and other rheumatoid conditions
- Neurological disorders, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease
A review on the effects of Hydrotherapy on various systems of the body is referenced below. The studies conclusion was basically that Hydrotherapy works but the science behind how it works needs to be further investigated. The literature review concluded that “Based on the available literature”, “hydrotherapy has a scientific evidence-based effect on various systems of the body.” These systems included; the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, the musculoskeletal system, the nervous system and the gastrointestinal system. “Based on available literature, this review suggests that hydrotherapy was widely used to improve immunity and for the management of pain, asthma, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Fibromyalgia, fatigue, anxiety, and obesity. It produces different effects on various systems of the body depending on the temperature of water.”
N Am J Med Sci. 2014 May; 6(5): 199–209.
Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body
A Mooventhan and L Nivethitha1
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Hydrotherapy
All forms of therapy can have both positive and negative impacts and Hydrotherapy is no different. It is recommended that you discuss Hydrotherapy as an option with your Health Care Provider prior to initiating a program. Along with the fact that some people have a fear of water here are some of the potential risks and side effects of Hydrotherapy:
- Allergic reactions
- Skin irritations
- Overheating
Topic of interest – Keeping Children Active
“Can I play on the Wii?” “Can I watch Netflix?” “Can I play on the Ipad?”
These questions, along with many other similar questions are frequently asked by today’s children. While the use of some devices offers many opportunities to work on academic programs and the downtime of watching a program or reading a book is often necessary to slow the pace of constant day to day happenings; it is important to remember not to replace activity by answering yes to these questions all the time.
Obesity and physical activity in children
Mia Pradinuk, MD, Jean-Pierre Chanoine, MD PhD and
Ran D. Goldman, MD FRCPC⇓
“Obesity has become a leading public health concern, particularly for Canadian youth, for whom rates of obesity have tripled during the past 25 years. Statistics Canada now estimates that 26% of our children and youth aged 2 to 17 years are overweight or obese”
“Interventions aimed at improving diet, increasing physical activity, and decreasing sedentary behaviour form the foundation of childhood obesity prevention and management.”
The article reports that “the beneficial role of physical activity in delaying or preventing metabolic complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension is well recognized.” It also states that “Physical activity has also been shown to improve bone mineral density, increase school performance, and have a positive effect on mental health.”
The article states that “The Canadian Paediatrics Society (CPS) released a position statement in 2002 providing recommendations on healthy living for children and youth. Physicians and health care professionals are advised to encourage “children and adolescents to increase the time that they spend on physical activities and sports by at least 30 min/day, with at least 10 min involving vigorous activities.” The goal being the achievement of 90 minutes of Physical activity in total.
“A recent report from Active Healthy Kids Canada suggests that 87% of children and youth are not meeting Canada’s physical activity guidelines of 90 minutes per day. Given the known health benefits of physical activity, current levels of inactivity are of concern.”
The article made the following conclusions regarding the promotion of Physical Activity. Worth noting in this article is the fact that Physical Activity does not have to come with a cost (dollar value). Physical activity can purely be the direct result of more time engaging with our children in the great outdoors.
Excerpt from Article:
Tackling barriers to physical activity
Recommendations to overcome barriers to physical activity
- Recognize the problem. Measure height and weight, and plot body mass index on growth charts at each visit
- Ask children and their families about physical activity patterns. Encourage the whole family to become involved in daily activity
- Support progressive and well-defined steps. Limit sedentary behaviour
- Encourage adherence to daily physical activity programs in schools
- Support local community initiatives aimed at increasing activity
- Advocate for safer and more accessible communities that are more conducive to increased activity
Please feel free to follow the link below which was written in May of 2014. Canada was given a grade of D for overall activity in children.