Trigger point therapy

Trigger point therapy is an area of high-nerve facilitation that is hyperirritable and painful when compressed, which may result in muscle dysfunction and/ or chronic condition.

There are trigger points all over the body. Every muscle has trigger points, whether inactive, active or latent, and most muscles have more than two trigger points. The location of a trigger point varies depending on an individual's  routine, exercise habits, or profession. I work on a lot of clients who sit at a desk and often have their workstation set up in a way that when they work a full shift using the same dominant hand answering phone calls or working on the computer they can develop a trigger point.  It is an indication of physiological dysfunction and is the first warning sign that things are not well in the neuromusculoskeletal system. Similar to the ''check engine'' light in a car, a trigger point is a warning of dysfunction, and if left unchecked could represent very serious consequences. 

The following is a list of reasons a trigger point might activate:

1. Contracture in the muscle

2.Increased muscle tonus

3.Constriction and hypersensitivity in the skin in local or referred area

4.Increased pressure in the joints associated with the muscle

5. Decreased activity in visceral organs associated throughdepressed autonomic nerve activity (especially with spinal subluxations)

6. Constriction in local circulation resulting from hypertonus of and constrction in the muscle

7.Vasoconstriction in referred area from effects in the autonomic nervous system

8.Development of secondary and associated trigger points as a result of compensation from the 

effects of the primary trigger point

9.Muscle overuse

10. Poor posture

11. Poor ergonomics

12.Overstretch

13. Lack of stretching

14. Incorrect technique when exercising

Guy Lacoursiere RMT, practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to make an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca.

Counteracting the Effects of Prolonged Sitting

Most individuals are dealing with some kind of postural stress and more often than not, it tends to manifest in the shoulders and neck. Advanced forms of postural stress show up as pain or weakness in the low back and gluteals caused by prolonged periods of sitting. Luckily, massage can counteract the imbalance caused from sitting, which means you can keep your desk job-as long as you schedule a regular massage.

Movement and exercise promote increased blood flow and prolonged sitting does the exact opposite, leading to high blood pressure. Massage by a professional massage therapist has the ability to reduce diastolic blood pressure. Massage also treats the underlying causes of high blood pressure by loosening tense muscles, improving blood flow, and decreasing stress and anxiety.

Depression and anxiety caused by extended sitting will spill over into your personal life and cause more damage there. Massage is regarded as effective for the reduction of depression and anxiety. For those suffering from stress, depression, and anxiety disorders, the calming effect of massage therapy as well as the resulting increased blood flow have the ability to greatly improve their mental state and subsequently their quality of life.

Massage is so much more than paying for someone to rub your back. Trained massage therapists have the ability to improve your quality of life by improving or eliminating the underlying causes for your symptoms. It is an undisputed fact that prolonged periods in a sedentary state (i.e. sitting at a desk for hours a day) cause numerous physical and mental ailments. Massage is a safe way to relieve many of these ailments simultaneously. 

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online at www.family1stchiro.ca

Prenatal Massage

While prenatal massage does share many of the goals of regular massage, such as relaxing tense muscles, easing sore spots and improving circulation and mobility, studies continue to show that being massaged during pregnancy can also reduce stress and anxiety and decrease symptoms of depression. It can also have a positive effect on labour and your baby’s health. Recent studies also reveal that hormone levels improve significantly when massage is used as part of prenatal care, especially those hormones associated with relaxation and stress.

Other benefits of Prenatal Massage are:

·         Reduce any swelling in your hands, feet and ankles

·         Lessen sacroiliac joint pain, the most common lower back/hip pain that usually flares up in the second trimester

·         Ease muscular discomfort in areas such as your lower back, legs and feet

·         Relax tense muscles in your shoulders and neck

·         Relieve cramping in your legs

·         Increase flexibility

·         Ease headaches

·         Relax and de-stress

·         Decrease insomnia

·         Increase oxygen in the blood

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Massage Therapy and Headaches

A remedy that many find effective, but not so many seek out, is massage. Massage Therapy can help relieve muscle spasms, improve blood flow and circulation, and promoting relaxation. It has been shown to be helpful in bringing relief for tension headaches and preventing migraines.

Massage has two roles when it comes to treating migraines and tension related headaches:

1. In a proactive role, massage treatments are performed on a regular basis to help the body maintain an optimal level of relaxation and stress-relief. This approach reduces the chances of migraine attacks and tension headaches significantly by relaxing muscle spasms and trigger points.
2. In a comfort role, massage is done to ease the pressure brought on during a migraine or tension related headache. By focusing on the neck, shoulders, and head, massage can decrease the pain and discomfort brought on by migraine or tension headaches.

A study found that in adults with migraine headaches, massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances and distress symptoms. It also increased serotonin levels, believed to play an important role in the regulation of mood, sleep and appetite.

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment or visit us online.

Cupping Therapy

                Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine. It has been used all the way back to when the natives used the horns from the animals they hunted and use it on their own injuries with the use of the flame and pull out the toxins and eliminate pain. Now a days what a therapist would use are silicon cups and still give the same effect.

                What's nice about the silicon is that they come in a variety of sizes and provide an opposite stimulation than a typical massage. As opposed to the"pushing' down of the muscle, Cupping actually does the opposite. It is lifting up the muscle and connective tissue, fascia that surrounds the muscle. A therapist can move the cups around enhancing circulation, relieve congestion with someone suffering from colds, relieve pain and pulls out toxins that linger in your body's tissues. They do leave markings on the body but only last up to 6 days or so. Cupping is safe and has been very helpful with better range of motion in the joints and proper alignment to the body. Try cupping today!

Guy Lacoursiere, RMT, offers Cupping Therapy at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. Call 403-347-3261 to book your Cupping therapy today!

What is Trigger Point Therapy?

Most of us will suffer from stiff, achy muscles, and numerous musculoskeletal pain conditions that are caused by ‘knots’. These ‘knots’ besides causing pain, weaken and limit the full functioning of a muscle. If left untreated, ‘knots’ can also compromise surrounding muscles, which are forced into compensatory patterns. This imbalance can create new trigger points, which can further set the stage for injury, additional pain, asymmetrical bodily appearance, as well as loss of muscle flexibility and strength.

Trigger point Therapy uses a variety of techniques to ‘deactivate’ these painful knots, using cycles of isolated pressure and release. Trigger point is generally simple to perform, by yourself, with a partner, or by working with a trained therapist. For most musculoskeletal conditions, a combination of trigger point therapy together with some simple lifestyle changes will produce quick and lasting results.

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located at 142 Erickson Drive. Call 403-347-3261 to book an appointment, or visit us online at 403-347-3261!

Exercise should be enjoyed not painful.

Exercise should be enjoyed not painful.

Working out for personal gain or overall health and wellness can be rewarding. However, over training or over stretching can lead to injury. This is anything but gain or healthy, instead it creates setback or even take you out of training completely. There is no need to suffer to the point of disliking the workout or dreading the next one. I agree we need to push ourselves to overcome fitness plateaus, but exercise should be less about pain and more about fun.

Here are some tips to make your workouts more enjoyable:

• Choose a fitness program you like and can fit your schedule- You have the option to choose your fitness path. With so many styles of training and workout programs one can choose and personalize their own training programs to suit their goals. Programs that focus on core and strength training are recommended.
• Focus on a balanced Lifestyle - It’s good to be determined in achieving your goals. However, becoming obsessed with your workouts can leave you drained and even injured. 
• Change your mindset - Exercise is about personal well-being, which is body and mind fitness. Unnecessary mental stress to get fit leads to being counterproductive. Attitude should be towards making it a fulfilling journey and not being a serious no fun policy.
• Inspire to confidence - Seeing changes in your mind and body should be an inspirational thought, which adds confidence.

Avoiding pain and injury during your workout:

No pain no gain motto should not lead to injury and/or take you out of the fitness program altogether. So here are some guidelines to help you avoid injury.

• Warm up before your workouts and cool down after - It’s best to do light cardio before stretching then stretch. Stretching without warming up could lead to injury. More intense workouts should end with a cool down consisting of light cardio and then end with stretching.
• Use logic and listen to your body - Don’t run before you can walk. Going from inactivity to strenuous exercise could lead to injury. It’s healthy to be competitive and have enthusiasm to achieve fitness goals. However, it’s more effective to learn how to exercises properly and consistently. Finally, listen to your body: If it hurts Stop. Pushing through pain again can lead to injury and takes the fun out of your fitness journey.

Talk to the experts. They can help you start your workout program, guide you to work out properly and most importantly help you to achieve your personal goals. In addition, use your Chiropractor to help you get the most out of your exercise regime.

Dr. Elton Clemence is a Chiropractor at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness, located In Red Deer, AB 142 Erickson Dr ,www.family1stchiro.ca 403-347-3261 to book an appointment.

Low back stretches for Guy Lacoursiere RMT

One of the most common questions I get from my massage clients is “what stretches can I do to minimize my lower back pain?” So here are the top 7 stretches I give to my clients.

1. The hamstring floor stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds twice for each leg.

2. Knee to chest stretch.

This helps strengthen and relax your glutes. Hold for 20 seconds for each leg twice.

3. Spinal stretch.

This was a favorite of mine when I suffered sciatica. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat on the other knee. Do this as many times as you like but don’t overdo it.

4. The piriformis stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

5. The hip flexors stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds and then switch and repeat.

6. The quadriceps lying down stretch.

Hold for 30 seconds on each side. Do this one twice on each side.

7. The total back stretch.

Hold this for 30 seconds and then try this:

Hold for 10 seconds on both sides.

With any luck, this will have your lower back feeling great again!

Guy Lacoursiere practices at Family First Chiropractic and Wellness- 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer.T4R 2C3   403-347-3261 www.family1stchiro.ca

Massage to Help Soft-Tissue Injuries to Heal

Injury Massage to Help Soft-
Tissue Injuries Heal 

            Using targeted injury massage techniques on soft-tissue injuries (such as muscle pulls and strains, tendinitis, ligament sprains, and whiplash) can help them heal faster.

Massage reduces spasm, pain, and swelling. Massage can also prevent the formation of excess scar tissue or reduce excess scar tissue and adhesion (stuck together tissue) that weaken muscles and make you prone to another injury.

Guy LacoursiereR.M.T is located at Family First Chiropractic. 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer. To book an appointment with him call us at 403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca.

Runner's Knee

Runner’s Knee

Runner's knee happens when the kneecap (patella) tracks incorrectly over a groove in the thighbone (femur) known as the femoral groove when you bend and straighten your knee. In healthy knees, the patella rests in the femoral groove and slides easily up and down when you use your knee. But when the patella is out of place, it can irritate the femoral groove and wear away the cartilage beneath the patella, leading to knee pain.

What Are the Symptoms of Runner's Knee?

•        Direct trauma to the knee.
•    Excessive training or overuse. 
• Misalignment of the patella. 
•  Tight or weak leg muscles. 
•  Foot problems.

How Can I Prevent Runner's Knee?

If you're going to be doing an activity that puts a lot of stress on your knees, follow these tips:

       Warm up and stretch before running or doing any other knee-intensive activity, and be sure to stretch again after you're done.

       Keep yourself in good shape.

       Use proper running gear.

       Try to run on soft, flat surfaces. Increase the intensity of your workouts slowly.

How Should I Treat Runner's Knee?

Treatment for runner's knee depends on the specific problem that is causing the pain. Fortunately, runner's knee rarely requires surgery, and most cases heal in time. Regardless of the cause of your particular case of runner's knee, here are some things you should do at the first sign of pain:

       Stop doing activities that hurt your knee. This means no running, cycling, or skiing until the pain goes away and you can resume your activities without pain.

       Use the RICE formula as soon as you can:

o    Rest. Try to avoid putting weight on your knee as much as you can.

o    Ice. Use a bag of ice or cold compress to help reduce swelling.

o    Compress. Wear an elastic bandage or snug-fitting knee sleeve with the kneecap cut out.

o    Elevate. Lie down and keep your knee raised higher than your heart.

       Do stretching and strengthening exercises. Once the pain and swelling subside, talk with your chiropractor about an exercise program to improve your knee's strength and flexibility.

       Get arch supports for your shoes.

       Trigger Point Massage Therapy

Do you have Runners Knee? Book an appointment today with Guy Lacoursiere RMT TPT at 403-347-3261. Family First Chiropractic, Red Deer. www.family1stchiro.ca

About Guy

A little about myself.......

I graduated from the Alberta Institute of Massage in 2000 and has completed the full massage training program.
I have extensive experience in providing massage and trigger point therapy to all ages. In addition to pre-natal and post-natal massage, I enjoy success in providing relief of headaches as well as relief of pain in the upper and lower back and neck. Certification in Trigger Point Therapy has also assisted me in providing deep tissue massage when needed as well as pain relief in the arms, legs and rotator cuff injuries, WCB, MVA and sports injuries are also areas where I can help you to feel better in conjunction with chiropractic treatments at the clinic.

Guy is in the office on Monday, Wednesday through Friday. For an appointment call 403-347-3261. Family First Chiropractic. www.family1stchiro.ca

Six Benefits of Massage

Six Benefits of Massage

Sure, it can help you relax. But massage therapy can do much more than that. Here are six healthy reasons to book an appointment

It eases muscle pain

It soothes anxiety and depression

It improves sleep

It boosts immunity

It relieves headaches

It counteracts all that sitting you do

Book in with Guy or Natasha R.M.T today. 4033473261. 142 Erickson Dr, Red Deer, T4R 2C3.

www.family1stchiro.ca