First thought of the morning: the bottom of my foot hurts! My heel hurts! Do you limp when you get out of bed? You are not alone. You may be experiencing symptoms of a foot condition called plantar fasciitis. Every year, millions of people seek care for this painful condition, especially when it interferes with work or daily activities. Key symptoms include: pain under the foot, particularly at the heel, pain and stiffness with the first few steps in the morning or after resting (laying or sitting) for long periods of time. “Plantar fascia” is a band of tissue that extends from the heel to the toes. It almost covers the entire bottom (plantar) surface of the feet. It provides arch support and shock absorption. The direct impact from heel strike and the repetitive nature of activities or sports cause microtears resulting in pain and inflammation. “Itis” means inflammation. Therefore, “plantar fasciitis” means inflammation of the plantar fascia, the sheath of tissue under the feet. Causes Some of the most common causes of plantar fasciitis include repetitive use, standing for long periods on hard surfaces, and injury from running and sports. Approximately 10% of active adults experience plantar fasciitis. However, Read more…
The Benefits of Acupuncture During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is such an extraordinary experience, but it can come with some quirks. The mom-to-be’s bodygoes through a series of physiological, anatomical, metabolic and psychological changes – the body is constantly adapting. It is not uncommon to experience some discomforts. Acupuncture can help! Acupuncture During Pregnancy Many moms-to-be sing the praise of acupuncture. In fact, scientific research reports acupuncture can help ease many of the common aches and discomforts of pregnancy. Acupuncture can have a beneficial role in complementary pregnancy follow-up and care. What is Acupuncture? Acupuncture is a form of therapy, healing art, that originated in China thousands of years ago. Traditional Chinese Medicine is based on the premise of Yin and Yang, two opposing and complementary forces in the body. The body’s vital energy is called Qi (pronounced “Chee”) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The Qi flows through meridians (meridians are like channels) through our body. During an acupuncture treatment, hair-thin needles are inserted through th e skin at specific points along the meridian to correct imbalances and restore a good flow of Qi. In more modern theories, acupuncture is found beneficial by activating specific nerves and releasing trigger points. This, in turn, triggers the release of several brain Read more…
Not all office chairs are created equal. The difference is always in the details. Just because a chair looks sleek and modern and is “certified ergonomic” doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your personal wellness situation. Today we break down the five vital features every office chair shares to ensure your time spent sitting is done in as ergonomic a chair as possible. Understanding your chair and its features will help you operate it correctly and sit comfortably without the pain and strain associated with the wrong chair adjustments. 1. Base Let’s start from the ground up. Your office chair’s base is the foundation for its stability. Most of today’s popular office chairs feature 5 Star rated bases, capable of providing adequate support for most people. The casters, or wheels, are an important consideration when selecting a new chair, and what type of caster you need all comes down to your office flooring. There are two styles of casters to know: carpet and hardwood casters. I’ll let you guess which one’s for which floor, but choosing the right caster makes a big difference in the chair’s mobility. Avoid using the plastic carpet-friendly casters on a hardwood floor or tile Read more…