Tyler Tolman

When you have a cut or bruise on your leg, it usually heals itself quickly - How Amazing!

However, if we are not careful, it can fester, become infected and give us pain.

Pain is our body’s signal to us that it needs help. With a cut leg the course of action is obvious.   But what about tiny, invisible wounds that we can’t see, which are happening inside our bodies all the time?

What do YOU do when a subtle message of pain appears?

Too many of us reach for the nearest chemical ‘pain reliever’, when we could be doing something better to support our health and healing. Sadly, because most people do not trust or know how to embrace “Self-Care”, there are internal wounds festering and contributing to the ill health of millions of people around the world.  And the vast majority of them will become customers (and victims) of the pharmaceutical industry.

Our bodies are being damaged inside, invisible and mercilessly, by toxic chemical reactions. Toxic chemical additives and hazardous wastes in our air, water and food supplies will continue to pervade our living and working environments. These toxins are returning to us in everything we eat, drink and breathe. Thankfully much of the internal damage they do heals automatically, like that cut on our leg. However when our body is not adequately nourished it can’t neutralise and expel these poisons fast enough. They build up in our body, and so does the invisible damage they do. Toxic build up can severely damage our immune system and lead to disease.

A body that is toxic is like a cut with dirt in it. It is contaminated and may not heal properly. It needs to be cleaned and given the nutrients it needs to detoxify and rebuild and heal itself. Many of us have already recognised the fact of life and have altered our lifestyles to avoid as many chemicals as possible. Some of us have also recognised this fact of health and are being more careful about nutrients that can help our body detox – and rebuild our immune system.

Come hear more on the in’s and out’s of “Self-Care” – and take charge of your health!  Click Below for more info:

http://chiropam.fortuneevents.com

Tags: Chiropractic, chiropractor, female chiropractor, Gingin Chiro, Health, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Pulse, tolman, tyler tolman, Wellness

Tyler Tolman

Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired?

A detox may be in order…..Click on the link below for more info:

http://chiropam.fortuneevents.com/store

Check out:  ”14 Days to a New You”!

Tags: colon cleanse, don tolman, female chiropractor, Health, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Perth Chiropractor, Pulse, tyler tolman, Wellness

Dr John Demartini

As one of my greatest mentors, Dr John Demartini says, “Do what you love, love what you do” – this has been what I live by and where my greatest inspiration comes from. As a young child, I remember going in and out of doctor’s offices practically every other day. I suffered from chronic ear infections, chronic throat infections and several different allergies. I was prescribed several different medications, trying to find solutions to my problems. I also went for allergy shots in my arms regularly and was scheduled for grommets/tubes in the ears and for a tonsillectomy. My mother had a bad experience with a chiropractor several years prior (before I was born) and therefore had a very negative opinion of chiropractic. It took a family friend over a year to convince her to take me to a chiropractor that she highly recommended. Well, that was the moment that changed my life forever. I was one of the miracle type cases that responded straightaway, and instead of just alleviating my symptoms, the cause was dealt with specifically and most importantly, naturally. The chiropractor found misalignments in my spine, called vertebral subluxation complexes that was causing interference in my nervous system. To this day, I still have my tonsils, did not have the grommets put in, and don’t have any allergies. At 9 years old, I decided that I wanted to help people through chiropractic the way chiropractic has helped me. I consider myself extremely fortunate, as I have been able to live my dream, my true passion and inspiration through my chosen profession. I truly love what I do and do what I love. For that, I am truly grateful.

Tags: Breakthrough Experience, Chiropractic, Demartini, Demartini Method, Dr John Demartini, female chiropractor, grateful, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Hillarys Chiropractors, John Demartini, mentor, Northern suburbs chiropractor, Perth Chiropractor, Wellness

Running Injuries

Now that it is Springtime in the southern hemisphere, it is typical for most people to want to shed the extra weight that they may have put on over the winter months.  It has been my experience in dealing with patients on a regular basis, that moderation is key and a plan and specific goals to work toward achieving helps assist in a successful springtime exercise program.  The other key to remember is what you eat.  Exercise without watching what goes in the mouth, will not bring the health benefits as doing both.  Same with only watching what you eat, without exercising.  The two go hand in hand.

One big exercise that is commonly chosen is running.  I have heard people say that they’ll take that up and get out in the fresh air, and the weight will drop, and it will look after itself.

Wrong! Running to lose weight and/or keep fit can invariably lead to running injuries.  I highly recommend educating yourself, doing some ‘homework’ and getting informed on some of the possible injuries associated with running. Then make a wise and informed decision if running is the best option for you.

Many Running Injuries Are Caused By Overuse

When you think about taking up running, or just starting to run, it’s best to learn how to prevent running injuries.

The Most Common Running Injuries

•    Knee
•    ITB (Iliotibial Band)
•    Foot
•    Calf

Chondromalacia, or Runner’s Knee is due to wearing of the cartilage under the patella (kneecap) when the patella is tracked incorrectly while running, causing pain in the knee.

Lateral or side knee pain is usually due to Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome.  This band runs from the outside of the pelvis, over the hip and knee and inserts just below the knee.  The ITB is meant to stabilize the knee while running.  If this gets irritated, it can get inflamed and cause pain in the knee or band itself. This leads to ITB Syndrome.

Another contributor to knee pain as well as foot pain, is Plantar Fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the thick fibrous connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.  It’s job is to absorb the shock of the running motion.  Plantar fasciitis is when this tissue gets inflamed due to wear and tear, resulting in pain.  This can be temporary or a long-term problem.

Shin splints are usually caused by stepping up the volume of training too quickly.  Achilles tendonitis can cause leg pain and or ankle pain, and may eventually lead to rupture of the tendon itself.

Running May Lead To Back & Pelvis Injuries

Besides the injuries listed above, some runners may suffer from acute back pain, pelvis or hip pain, groin pain, and chronic back pain.  Running can also irritate the discs in the lower back, which may lead to things such as Sciatica.

Running Injuries Take Long To Heal

Running injuries may take months, or even longer to heal, easily putting fitness and weight loss programs on the back burner.  There are also the injuries that may lead to other problems that cause long term effects that can irritate other areas of the body.  I believe that it is wise to learn about the preventative measures so that we can make better choices and better decisions on the type of exercise we undertake.

Running for exercise is not for everyone – but if you currently run, or are thinking of taking up running for exercise, then the following may be of benefit to you:

Useful Tips For Preventing Running Injuries

1.    Strengthen the areas which are vulnerable.
2.    Buy and utilize the correct footwear.
3.    Use the Correct running posture
4.    Warm up before your running workout.
5.    Gradually step up your running program.
6.    Cool down appropriately to minimize stiffness and soreness.

Check with a health professional such as a chiropractor or sports massage therapist for advice that is unique to your specific needs.  Each body is different, so to adopt generic advice is not wise, nor will it assist in prevention or overall achieving of goals.

Preventing injuries involves listening to your body and basic common sense, so make sure that is Number One on your list!

Tags: back pain, benefits, disc, discs, exercise, female chiropractor, groin, Health, Health Benefits, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Hillarys Chiropractors, Hip Pain, ITB Syndrome, Northern suburbs chiropractor, Perth Chiropractor, posture, running, running injuries, sciatica, springtime, Wellness

Reading for Relaxation

I was having lunch the other day with a good friend that I haven’t seen in a while. Life got busy, and our monthly lunches decreased to a quarterly if not a bi-annual event. After we caught up on the usual family, work, friend details, my friend mentioned to me that she has ‘re-discovered’ a good form of stress relief.

She asked me to recall the last time I read a good book. I responded by saying, “Well, I read all the time….personal development books, subscriptions, notes, Facebook posts, blogs, professional development books and publications, etc.”

She asked me again, “When did you read for pleasure?” Ah, I sat back, thought about it and couldn’t actually recall – it has been that long…

There are many forms of stress relief out there, and not all will benefit the same with people, but if you look and match them to your own personal values, the benefits will be there.

The suggestion did not resonate with me at first, as I thought I’m way too busy to find time for that. However, after a few weeks, I remembered what she shared and decided to give it a try. My friend couldn’t describe enough how different it made her feel and how beneficial it was. I’m not a big television watcher, so instead of getting back on the computer, I went to Borders and bought 3 books to ‘just read’.

I had forgotten that reading is one of the simplest forms of relaxation for the mind and body. Picking up a book and allowing our minds to use our imaginations to add colour to the black and white pages can be a form of stress relief that modern life places upon us.

The pressures of the modern working day, the television and the computer game culture we live in, often hide the pleasure and benefits of reading. Although we can read, or even listen to books on the internet, a book can open a whole world of escapism and adventure for the reader, as our imagination is guided by the author.

The choices are virtually endless. It’s no different than choosing a DVD! If it is a difficult choice, the ‘best sellers’ list is always a good place to start. The reader may find a book that inspires them elsewhere like at the library or by recommendation from family or friends. Actually, you may even be lucky enough to stumble upon a book which literally changes your life!

Tags: benefits, female chiropractor, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Northern suburbs chiropractor, Perth Chiropractor, Stress, Wellness

Feeling the Cold?

How many times have you said to yourself or heard someone say:  “My joints hurt when it gets cold or damp”?

There is a popular belief that weather affects arthritis. But is there any proof of this?

It’s been unusually cold in Perth this Winter, and patients have asked this question numerous times.  Let me shed some light on this…

Arthritis can occur as a result of injury, when cartilage is damaged. This is known as traumatic arthritis. It can also occur as a result of “wear and tear” over time. This is the most common form of arthritis, and is called osteoarthritis, aka degenerative arthritis. There are also other diseases in which the body’s immune system forms antibodies which attack the cartilage in joints. The most well-known of these types of arthritis is called rheumatoid arthritis. This shouldn’t be confused with the term “rheumatism”, which has taken on the meaning of any aches or pains related to aging, or weather.

So what about the effects of weather? Some studies have demonstrated a worsening of arthritis symptoms with low barometric pressure and high humidity. There is a theory that low pressure systems, usually associated with damp or rainy conditions, could cause joints to swell. The swelling causes stiffness of the joints, as well as pain. High humidity may have an effect through other mechanisms.

Key:  Keep the Muscles Warm and Loose

We know that arthritis symptoms can be worse when the muscles around the joint aren’t strong or supple enough. Cold weather stiffens muscles, so this may also worsen arthritis symptoms.  I believe this is the key here.  The muscles really need to be kept warm and loose.

Each person is different in how weather can affect them. Some people say they can predict rain based on their arthritis, and others say that they feel worse during or after a storm. This simply shows that the correlation between weather and arthritis is poorly understood.

There’s no actual evidence that weather actually causes damage to joints, and there’ s no more arthritis in the population in rainy, damp climates than there is in dry, sunny climates!

So keeping all this in mind, here are a few tips to deal with arthritis:

Keep joints warm. Dress warmly in cold weather, scarves and gloves are effective; and stretch once warmed up for cold-weather activity.

If you feel your arthritis symptoms worsen in specific weather, try to avoid heavy activity at those times. Even if nobody can prove that arthritis and weather are related, if you feel that it does affect you, then listen to your body and act accordingly.

Stay warm!

Chiropam

Tags: Activator, arthritis, cold weather, exercise, female chiropractor, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, joints, Perth Chiropractor, Wellness, winter blues, winter weather blues

Instrument Adjusting

I was speaking with a group of people over the weekend, and I’ve come to realise that there are people who still share a few untruths about chiropractic.  Let me share these 2 myths primarily, and shed some light on these topics:

Myth #1:

“Chiropractic care is only for back pain.”

This is just not so.  Chiropractic care can benefit a wide variety of health problems that stem from the spine and nervous system.  Old injuries, everyday wear and tear, stress (emotional, physical, mental) or repetitive daily activities can contribute to the spinal bones (vertebrae) losing their proper position and/or motion.  This dysfunction of spinal joints may cause pain and nerve interference in one or more areas of the body.  Any type of dysfunction of these spinal joints can be a source of irritation to the nervous system.

Myth #2:

“Chiropractic care is either rough, painful, dangerous, or all three!”

I would like to share with you that there are alternatives to what would be considered mainstream manual chiropractic techniques.  There are several other low-force, gentle, safe techniques that would be an alternative, yet with health benefits.

One of the main techniques on instrument adjusting is the Activator Method Chiropractic Technique (AMCT).  The Activator Method uses an activator instrument.  An activator instrument is a hand-held instrument designed to give the patient a very specific, low-force adjustment.  The activator instrument delivers a controlled, light and fast thrust without causing undue strain to patients.  The activator adjustments are so quick and controlled, that the body’s muscles are less likely to resist, allowing for a more precise and exact adjustment.  It’s so gentle and it is actually relaxing.

Activator Instrument

Another technique involves an instrument called the Impulse Instrument.  This is an electric powered instrument that offers specific, low-force adjustment to the affected area.  This instrument offers all of the benefits associated with the Activator instrument.

Impulse Instrument

Perhaps there is an ankle or wrist, hip or shoulder, or hand or foot that may need an adjustment.  There are bones and joints in these areas as well that can benefit from an adjustment by a chiropractor.  This may not be well known either as chiropractors can be streamlined as “back doctors” only.

Conditions that have been helped through chiropractic care include, but not limited to:

Neck Pain

Headaches

Sciatica

Infantile Colic

Reflux

Hip Pain

Pain between the shoulders

Pain associated with arms & legs

Bedwetting

Pain associated with Pregnancy

I hope this sheds some light on the 2 very common myths associated with chiropractic.  Have you had an experience with ‘instrument adjusting’? Activator or Impulse?  Are you aware of the health benefits that can be obtained through chiropractic care?  Comments welcome…

Tags: Activator, Activator instrument, benefits, Chiropractic, female chiropractor, Health, Health Benefits, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Impulse, Impulse instrument, instrument adjusting, Stress, Wellness

Life of a Female Chiropractor 4

Happy 2010!  It sure has gotten off to a very fast start.  I feel like it just rolled in and we’re getting ready to turn the page on the calendar to February.  One of the most significant things that has happened in my life as a female chiropractor, is the 2 new chiropractors that have joined my team at Hillarys Chiropractic.

When The Teacher Is Ready, The Student Appears

I have taken on a mentoring role in the practice with 2 new associate chiropractors.  They are both vibrant, enthusiastic and eager to learn. I am committed to assisting them while they embrace and develop into being the best chiropractors that they can be.  With the experience and wisdom of my years in practice, I plan to share and nurture that chiropractic spirit in them to love, give and serve the patients to the best of their ability.

When the Student Is Ready, The Teacher Appears

One of the new mentorees has been a wellness patient of mine for many years.  His understanding of the chiropractic paradigm and commitment to helping people is from the heart.  The other mentoree I had the pleasure of meeting through the other, as they went through the chiropractic course together.   His heart and commitment matches the core values, mission, vision statement of our practice.

Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship that involves a more experienced person helping a less experienced person to achieve their goals.

Mentoring provides a unique opportunity to contribute to a student’s career development by sharing knowledge you have acquired through years of experience.

Effective Mentoring

• focuses on the needs of the person being mentored

• fosters caring and supportive relationships within the workplace

• encourages the person being mentored to develop to their optimum potential

As a mentor, the role is one that instructs, helps and guides another in the process of gaining knowledge, understanding and skills.  I want to take this a step further – pointing to something that is already present in the student.  It is like teaching someone to have shoulders.  You can’t really teach someone who already has shoulders, to have shoulders.  However, you can make them more aware of the shoulders they already have.

A mentoring relationship is usually where one wiser and more experienced person assists another person to grow and learn. Humans from the beginning of time have learned norms, values and behaviours by the example and coaching of others.

New adaptations of mentoring allows individuals to interact as colleagues in a helping relationship, on a more equal basis which can cultivate growth and learning to mutual benefit.

Experience, skills and a genuine desire to help are more valuable assets in a mentoring relationship than age or position. Open and assertive communication and the trust of both parties are essential.

Benefits to the Practice

•    Greater productivity
•    Discovery of talent
•    Development of leadership for future survival and prosperity
•    Communication of values, goals and plans
•    Increase in morale and motivation
•    Demonstration of personal and professional standards
•    Achievement of excellent service
•    Implementation of equity initiatives
•    Fostering of shared values and team work
•    Enhancement of leadership and people management skills
•    Revitalised energy
•    Increase in staff satisfaction
•    Building a learning organisation

Benefits to the Mentoree

•    Development of potential
•    Increased knowledge about the practice
•    Flexibility – Mentorees negotiate with their mentors to work within available time and other commitments
•    Self directed learning – Mentorees choose specific learning objectives
•    Give and receive feedback
•    Receive encouragement and support to achieve goals
•    Develop new networks
•    Develop new and/or different perspectives
•    Get assistance with ideas
•    Demonstrate strengths and explore potential
•    Develop visibility within or outside an organisation
•    Be challenged to use talents and share expertise
•    Develop and increase self confidence

Benefits to the Mentor

•    Obtain a greater understanding of the barriers experienced at lower levels of the practice
•    Enhance their own skills in coaching, counselling, listening and modelling
•    The sense of being needed and recognised professionally
•    Develop and practise a more personal style of leadership
•    Gain additional recognition and respect
•    Learn new perspectives and approaches
•    Contribute something to others in the organisation
•    Extend professional networks
•    Demonstrate expertise and share knowledge

Both partners in the mentoring relationship benefit. Learning must be a lifelong process and one of the most effective ways to learn is to assist in the development of others. The best teachers learn much from their students, counsellors constantly learn from clients and partners in any successful relationship grow and develop along the way.

I look forward to our journey ahead, and trust that all will benefit in many forms.

Tags: awareness, benefits, Chiropractic, female chiropractor, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Hillarys Chiropractors, mentor, Perth Chiropractor, Wellness

Piriformis Syndrome

One common cause of pain down the leg or leg pain is Piriformis syndrome. Piriformis syndrome is named after the piriformis muscle. The piriformis muscle is located in the lower part of the spine (sacrum), connects to the thighbone (femur), and assists in hip rotation. The sciatic nerve runs beneath the piriformis muscle. This muscle is susceptible to injury from a slip and fall, hip arthritis, or a difference in leg length. Such situations can cause cramping and spasm to develop in the piriformis muscle, thereby pinching the sciatic nerve – causing inflammation and pain.

Muscle spasms and/or contraction of the piriformis muscle itself can lead to pain along the back of the thigh, down to the knee, causing a possible loss of sensation or numbness and tingling in the sole of the foot. The piriformis syndrome can often mimic the well known complaint known as sciatica.  Because of the similar symptoms, it is often misdiagnosed as sciatica. The main difference between sciatica and piriformis syndrome is the cause. What both of these complaints have in common is that both can produce pain, and/or numbness and tingling below the knee and into the foot.

This has been the ‘special of the week’  in my practice.  It can be left or right, depending on the activity that can irritate the area.

Who Does This Affect?

Many athletes are prone to piriformis syndrome.  The athlete’s cause is primarily due to improper stretching and warm-up exercises as well as overuse during activity. In this case it is most likely that the piriformis muscle is irritated and usually in spasm.

People who spend long hours sitting are prone to this syndrome.  It can be from sitting at a desk, in front of a computer, students, riding in a car or truck for long periods of time, and sitting on a wallet.

People who sit for extended periods of time, especially with poor posture are prone to the piriformis being irritated.

What Causes Piriformis Syndrome?

The primary cause is due to tightness and contracture of the piriformis muscle. In this case the piriformis muscle is shortened and does not allow for the smooth movement of the sciatic nerve during leg motion.
The causes of piriformis myospasm are varied such as overuse, excessive fast walking without proper warm up and stretching, prolonged sitting.

Treatment for Piriformis Syndrome

As for treatment of piriformis syndrome, many variables can hinder your successful recovery:  including but not limited to smoking, obesity, job limitations and improper exercise (not warming up and stretching).  It is very rare to have a piriformis syndrome from a one-off direct trauma to the area.

Any treatment plan must include stretching of the gluteal muscles as well as stretching of the piriformis muscles.

Chiropractors can assist you by recommending the proper exercises and stretches to perform. Many Chiropractors may also suggest some form of muscle therapy to the piriformis muscle in the gluteal region in order to assist in relaxing these muscles.

Relevant adjustments to the spine, pelvis, sacrum as well as hip may be required to relieve the pressure from the nerve being trapped from the piriformis muscle.

Tags: Chiropractic, exercise, female chiropractor, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Northern suburbs chiropractor, Perth Chiropractor, piriformis, piriformis syndrome, posture, sciatic nerve, sciatica, syndrome, Wellness

Happy Halloween

As an American living in Australia, I have seen the American holiday creep into Australia over the years.  Now more than ever, there are decorations, costumes, party favours, candy/lollies to get into the Halloween spirit.  I must admit that it was one of my favourite holidays as a child.  I cherish those memories and really enjoyed celebrating the holiday with other fellow Americans when my daughter was little.  The American Women’s Club of Perth was so influential in facilitating the American holidays, as well as an excellent way to mingle with other Americans living in Perth.  This year I will be celebrating with some American friends, but not necessarily traditionally.  I had some Halloween decorations to use on a pumpkin cake recipe that I modified to call my own.  Celebrating with the superfood-pumpkin we will have Pumpkin Spice Cake and Pumpkin Spinach Salad.

Pumpkin Spice Cake  (serves 8-10)

Ingredients:

125g  butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 eggs
180g peeled pumpkin, steamed and mashed
2 cups sifted plain flour
1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
1-1/2teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1  teaspoon cinnamon
1  teaspoon nutmeg
1  teaspoon allspice
1  teaspoon ginger
1/2 cup buttermilk

Method

Pre-heat oven to 180C.  I used a fan forced oven.
Cream the butter, then add the sugar and beat till fluffy.
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each one.

Slowly beat in the pumpkin.
Sift all the dry ingredients together, then add some buttermilk, alternating until all mixed in.

Pour the cake batter into the Tupperware Kugelhopf and bake for about 40-45 minutes. Remember, every oven is different so time will vary.  Test with cake tester or knife.   It should spring back when pressed lightly.

Cool cake in tin on a rack for 5 minutes -this allows for air to circulate around the base of the tin too. Turn onto rack gently to cool completely.

Decorate as desired.  I frosted and decorated with Halloween sprinkles.  It can be used anytime of year, just sprinkle with icing sugar.

Have a Happy Halloween!  Try the cake recipe even if it’s not for Halloween.  It’s great all year round, let me know how it turns out:-)

Tags: egg, female chiropractor, Halloween, Hillarys chiro, Hillarys Chiropractic, Hillarys Chiropractor, Northern suburbs chiropractor, Perth Chiropractor, pumpkin, spinach, Tupperware Kugelhopf, Wellness