SamDillmanAthleticTherapist

Spinal Decompression is a technique that utilizes a specialized table to gently traction or gaps the joints of the lower back (lumbar spine). By gapping the joi...nts of the lower back, a negative pressure is created causing a vacuum-like effect to occur. This allows protruding disc material to be coaxed back into place, while also drawing in nutrient-rich fluid that will help with the healing process. This process helps relieve symptoms of stenosis, degenerative disease (osteoarthritis) and disc herniations. What sounds like a complicated process, is actually very simple. The discs that lay between the vertebrae in your spine are made up of a gel-like substance and act as a shock absorber for the spine. This gel like material can ‘herniate’ or protrude out from its normal resting position. This can occur for a number of reasons such as: injury, repetitive stress, overloading the spine, or poor posture. The spine is a very complex and compact structure. The spinal cord and its nerves have limited room to live and exist within the human body. This helps to protect the spine from excessive movement or trauma. However, when discs protrude they can actually start to compress these important structures in your back causing pain, numbness, and tingling symptoms. As we age, our body begins to undergo degenerative changes (arthritis) that can reduce the size of the spinal canal, or the canals the nerves travel through as they exit the spine. These changes are more difficult to treat, as we cannot physically alter the size of the canal openings. By gapping the joints of the spine and restoring fluid into the discs of the back we provide the nerves and structures of the back as much room to operate as possible. So is Spinal Decompression right for you? If you suffer from constant back pain, shooting pain down your legs, numbness or tingling of your lower limbs, or if you have been told you have ‘arthritis’ in your back, then the answer is a simple yes!. Spinal decompression can help alleviate all of these symptoms if used in the right situation. Our trained health care professionals will examine you and determine if spinal decompression is your best course of treatment. Bonus Fact: Contrary to popular belief, discs are less likely to become herniated as we age due to the fact that the material in the spine loses fluid and becomes less malleable this also explains why we become shorter as we age since less fluid in the discs means reduced disc height!

With August coming to and end soon don't let summer slip by. I know it is a strange time with all the Covid-19 guidelines but days are getting shorter and before we know it, its going to be cold. So get outside and enjoy the sunshine while we can

Did you give my breathing test a try? Did your belly only expand? Did one side of your rib cage move? Do you suffer from a chronic stiff neck or mid back tightness. Head over to my blog to check out my favourite breathing exercise. Give it a try and let me know what you think https://www.samdillmanathletictherapy.com//breathing-exerc

What is Fascia? Fascia is a network of layered connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones and joints. It looks like spider webbing, woven in and around our... muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves, arteries, veins, and even our internal organs. It encompasses everything from the skull to the toes. It is the fascial system that connects each and every part of the body to one another. When the fascia and joint capsules are restricted, it can cause: Decreased joint space; which can lead to degenerative joint diseases and osteoarthritis Decreased muscle tone; which can lead to trigger points, strains, tendonitis, and tears Increased nervous tissue tone which can lead to headaches, trigger points and muscle tightness Increased star tissue formation Decreased blood flow and energy levels, and much more What is Fascial Stretch Therapy? Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST) is a unique, complete and complementary system of table-based assisted stretching, focusing on the fascia and joint capsule as the key elements in achieving optimal flexibility, strength performance and pain relief. Fascia has become a ‘buzz’ word in the healthcare industry but what many patients don’t understand is that there are many forms of treatment that can be used to target the fascia to get it moving properly. At Cornerstone Therapy & Wellness we use fascial tools, dry cupping, and Fascial Stretch Therapy (FST). What are the benefits of FST? Improved posture Relieve chronic muscle tightness & tension Reduced risk of injuries Releases endorphins which are natural pain suppressants Improved strength, joint mobility, and overall flexibility Decreased stress Improved circulation, relaxation; resulting in better sleep and recovery Improved athletic performance Decreased muscle soreness Book your appointment for FST at Cornerstone Therapy and Wellness! (905) 934-2121

"Breath", I don't know how many of my clients have my voice engraved in their mind of me cueing breathing through exercise. But I learned some new information and thought I would share it with all of you. Give the test at the end a try and stay tuned for my follow up blog on my favorite breathing exercise.