Our physical wellness is the single most important factor in our lives, yet the most under-appreciated. We put our bodies through the ringer daily – not getting enough sleep, over-extending our attention and capacity – and then we wonder why we, as a species, are prone to sickness and dysfunction.
When it comes to seeking treatment for ailments or aches and pains, therapists generally categorize patients in three different groups: Acute, Chronic, and Maintenance-Based Prevention. Whether you are a victim of an accident, a worker in a repetitive or strenuous job, a seasoned athlete, or just someone who just “sneezed wrong”, each context necessitates a unique approach.
- Acute Injury
“Acute care” is known for its immediacy and urgent nature. These injuries are extreme and usually incapacitate the patient in some way, shape, or form. No matter where the injury is – a limb, your back, head, or neck – it is most likely a part of a complex system that needs attention in addition to the concentrated area of pain.
Each of the therapists at River of Life Rehabilitation considers the systemic approach when offering treatment. Osteopathy and Registered Massage Therapy are the most well-known for releasing tension, relieving soreness, and relaxing the body to allow it to heal itself from the inside out.
Reflexology is a lesser-known therapy that can be used to activate the sympathetic nervous system through pressure points in the feet associated with specific areas of the body. It initiates an internal response in the body that reduces blood pressure, and increases circulation which leads to improved healing capacity.**
- Chronic Illness
Ongoing challenges due to disease and dysfunction are categorized as “chronic” pain or illness. These issues necessitate a sometimes more in-depth look into a client’s history and movement pattern. The chronic issues that we face as a species are often a result of extended periods of stress – both external and internal. Clients may not even realize that their lifestyle has contributed to their malaise, but this is why a thorough intake assessment and analysis are essential as a part of a client’s initial appointment. Every-day habitual behaviours (at work and at play) can cause the body to compensate in ways that may not even be noticeable. How we sit, how we stand, how we move – these can each influence how our body holds itself and takes up space. Add to this the habitual consumption of substances like sugar, salt, alcohol, and even wheat, our body’s systems can be affected negatively to the point that our muscles and tissues don’t function properly or experience ongoing pain messages in the brain.
As such, each of our therapies addresses these issues from a different angle to correct imbalances and keep your body functioning optimally.
- Maintenance-Based Wellness
Lastly, we address the most commonly misunderstood reason for seeing a manual therapist. Similar to an annual visit to a dentist, a quarterly oil change for your car, or a weekly practice or “meeting of the minds” in your local extracurricular activity, a regularly scheduled visit to your therapist can be beneficial to keep your body in good working order. A wise man once said,
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
(Benjamin Franklin)
With this in mind, whether you have recently finished healing an injury, you’re in a stressful or physical job, or you’ve simply been finding life more challenging as you age, ongoing attention to your physical wellness will always benefit you.
At our clinic, each of our therapists believes in the benefits of a commitment to physical wellness for a better overall life experience. The team at River of Life are experienced and knowledgeable therapists, here to support your ongoing needs.
- For those looking to improve strength and dexterity, or needing support and accountability in movement, John Fingal is our resident Movement Therapist offering package pricing and scheduled follow-up.
- For maintaining function in previously injured areas, many will benefit from tune-up treatments with our Osteopath, Jacob Mitton, or RMT’s James Miller and Cindy Grove.
- For basic relaxation and preventing the body from staying stuck in “protective mode”, a monthly massage or reflexology treatment can make a huge difference.
Learn more about these therapies on our Services page here, or book yourself an appointment through our booking link here. For further questions about Benefits Coverage, our location, or anything else, feel free to email us at admin@riverofliferehab.com or call 519-854-2025.
**Visit our Foot Reflexology Blog to review scientific studies regarding its effectiveness in the context of acute, chronic, and ongoing conditions.
