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Services

VITALITY MULTITHERAPY IS AN INTEGRATED HEALTH AND WELLNESS CLINIC
PROVIDING THE FOLLOWING SERVICES

APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is a system that evaluates structural, chemical and mental aspects of health using manual muscle testing combined with other standard methods of diagnosis. AK, a non-invasive system of evaluating body function that is unique in the healing arts, has become a dynamic movement in health care in its relatively short existence.

 

The combined terms “applied” and “kinesiology” describe the basis of this system, which is the use of manual muscle testing to evaluate body function through the dynamics of the musculoskeletal system. Treatments may involve specific joint manipulation or mobilization, various myofascial therapies, cranial techniques, meridian and acupuncture skills, clinical nutrition, dietary management, counseling skills, evaluating environmental irritants and various reflex procedures.

ATHLETIC THERAPY

Athletic Therapy is the prevention, immediate care and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist.

It involves the assessment of physical function, the treatment of dysfunction caused by pain and/or injury in order to develop, maintain and maximize independence and prevent dysfunction.

 

WHO NEEDS ATHLETIC THERAPY?

Patients are varied and can include but are not limited to people with a musculoskeletal injury that may be active individuals, injured workers, motor vehicle accident injuries, recreational athletes, professional athletes and competitive amateur athletes.

 

SCHOOLING

A Certified Athletic Therapist, CAT(C), must have fulfilled the academic and practical requirements as outlined in the CATA document entitled “Procedures for Certification”. Certified members have successfully completed a comprehensive theory exam and a subsequent oral/practical exam developed and administered by the certification board of the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association.

 

WHERE DO THEY WORK?

An Athletic Therapist can be found working in a variety of settings. Probably the most recognizable area is when they are working in a field setting. If you have ever watched a sporting event on TV and saw a person running out onto the playing field to assist an injured player the likelihood that person is an Athletic Therapist is high. Other settings that you could find an AT are:

Universities and Colleges: Athletic Therapists work with varsity athletes providing expertise on injury prevention, emergency and acute care, assessment and rehabilitation of injuries as well as developing conditioning programs. Many Athletic Therapists also teach in related subject matter at these schools.

Private Health Care Clinics: A growing number of Athletic Therapists work in fee-for-service clinics, treating a variety of injuries and conditions. Treatment will include injury assessment and rehabilitation as well as conditioning programs for all active individuals.

Industrial Athletes: Historically, Athletic Therapy has been confined to the sports setting. Sport medicine has been a desired medical approach to the industrial worker both in injury prevention and active injury treatment methods. Athletic Therapists can work in area of workplace safety, occupational ergonomics, disability management and active injury rehabilitation.

Professional Sports Teams: Certified Athletic Therapists are currently employed by, professional teams in the NHL, CFL, NBA, MLB, NWHL, NLL as well as professional dance companies. These therapists are responsible for injury prevention, emergency and acute injury care, assessment and complete rehabilitation of injuries and development of conditioning programs.

National Sport Organizations: Certified Athletic Therapists are an integral part of the ongoing care of national athletes. Athletic Therapists either work directly with the team or are selected to the medical teams for games such as the Olympics, Pan Am Games, Universiade, Commonwealth Games, Canada Games etc.

Research Groups: It is becoming more and more common for Athletic Therapists to be conducting and/or involved with academic or scientific research. The demands of evidence-based medicine are increasing and research relating to the CATA Scope of Practice is on the rise. Many Athletic Therapists working at Universities or Colleges with a strong research background are involved in such research.

 

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

The Scope of Practice of a Certified Athletic Therapist includes the assessment, prevention, immediate care, and reconditioning of musculoskeletal injuries. Prevention includes musculoskeletal and postural evaluation, equipment selection, fitting and repair, warm-up, conditioning programs, prophylactic or supportive taping, and adapting to the activity environment and facilities.

The provision of on-field immediate care of athletic injuries by a Certified Athletic Therapist includes: injury assessment, basic emergency life support, recognition and management of acute traumatic neurological dysfunction, provision of first aid, preparation for entrance into appropriate health care delivery systems, or, where appropriate, utilization of techniques facilitating a safe return to participation.

A Certified Athletic Therapist assesses injuries and conditions, utilizes contemporary rehabilitative techniques, therapeutic modalities, soft tissue mobilization, physical reconditioning, and supportive strapping procedures to promote an environment conducive to optimal healing in preparing the individual for safe reintegration into an active lifestyle.

The Athletic Therapist, in co-operation with all performance enhancement personnel, and members of the health care delivery team, is an integral part of a total service to maximize the performance and welfare of the individual. Concomitant with the execution of this role, the Athletic Therapist nurtures an attitude of positive health.

The Certified Athletic Therapist must present annual documentation demonstrating continued professional development to maintain their status with the Canadian Athletic Therapists Association. Guidelines are presented in the CATA document entitled “Maintenance of Certification”.

Click here – to book an appointment with one of our Certified Athletic Therapists.

 

OTHER SERVICES:

CHIROPRACTIC

CHIROPRACTIC

 

Source: https://www.chiropratique.com/en/chiropractic.html

The word “chiropractic” comes from the Greek and means “done by hand”.

Chiropractic is based on the scientific fact that the nervous system controls all of the body’s cells, tissues, organs, and systems. Any disturbance in the nervous system will cause problems in the body’s health balance. The goal of chiropractic is to help the patient’s recovery and to maintain a healthy body by interacting with the nervous, muscular, and skeletal systems. The attention is focused on the diagnosis, the treatment and the prevention of illnesses and injuries.

The philosophy, art and science of chiropractic revolve around preserving homeostasis (balance) of the human body and its natural self-healing capacity. It doesn’t concentrate only on symptoms and pain, but also tries to identify and treat the cause of the problem.

Adjustment of the joints of the body has been used in the healing arts for many centuries and is at the heart of modern chiropractic care.

Chiropractors are specialists in manual adjustment of the vertebrae of the spine and other joints of the body. Adjustment helps relieve pain and restore normal functioning to the joints and supporting muscles and ligaments – so you can enjoy your everyday activities again as quickly as possible.

Your chiropractor will recommend a course of treatment specific to you that may also include mobilization of the joints, ultrasound, muscle release techniques, muscle stimulation and therapeutic exercises.  Chiropractors are also trained to provide nutritional counselling, and recommend rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies.

 

Back health is important

The body’s information highway – your nervous system – is protected by the spine. The nervous system travels out between the vertebrae or joints of the spine to carry messages from the brain to every corner of your body. Stress and strain on the vertebrae can put pressure on the nerves in the affected area. That is why a problem with your spine can have far-reaching effects causing symptoms such as arm or leg pain.

 

When to consider chiropractic care

If aching joints and muscle pain are affecting your ability to get through the day and keeping you away from your favourite activities, consider chiropractic care.  Work, accidents, sports injuries, household chores, even the stress of daily living can cause painful joint and back problems. Even if you do not have painful symptoms, chiropractic care can help you maintain healthy spine and joint function.

Here are some of the most common reasons why more than 4 million Canadians visit a chiropractor each year:

  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Headache
  • Whiplash
  • Strains and sprains from daily activities
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Work and sports-related injuries
  • Arthritis
  • Restricted movement in the back, shoulders, neck or limbs

Benefits of chiropractic care

Chiropractic treatment is skilled, hands-on health care that relieves pain and helps your body be its best. Here are some of the ways it can help you.

  • Improved movement in your neck, shoulders, back and torso
  • Better posture
  • Relief from headaches, neck and back pain
  • Prevention of work-related muscle and joint injuries
  • Enhanced athletic performance
  • Improved flexibility
  • Relief of pregnancy-related back ache
  • Correction of gait and foot problems

NATUROPATHY

Give Your Body The Tools It Needs to Heal.

Our bodies have an incredible ability to self-heal. The primary role of the naturopathic doctor is to facilitate healing by identifying and then removing obstacles preventing optimal health.   Along with each patient, they support the creation and maintenance of a healthy internal and external environment so that each person can live their best life.

 

By Taking The Time to Understand The Whole Person We Discover the Root of Dis-ease.

Health and illness are dependent on a combination of many factors including physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, environmental, chemical, hormonal, social, etc…It is necessary to take all of these factors into account when treating the whole person. When these factors are functioning harmoniously it sets up the optimal environment for our bodies to heal, recover from illness, and prevent future disease.

 

What is a Naturopathic Doctor?

Naturopathic doctors are highly-educated primary care providers who integrate standard medical diagnostics with a broad range of natural therapies including diet and lifestyle changes, botanical medicine, clinical nutrition, hydrotherapy, homeopathy, naturopathic manipulation and traditional Chinese medicine/acupuncture, may also be used during treatments.

Some of the conditions treated by Naturopathic Doctors include:

  • Digestive complaints such as GERD, IBS, IBD, constipation, food intolerances
  • Stress management
  • Respiratory complaints, such as allergies, asthma, colds and flus
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
  • Hormone problems, for example, acne, infertility, menstrual complaints, menopause, thyroid issues
  • Pain management such as arthritis, and sports injuries
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular diseases such as cholesterol and blood pressure

FOOD SENSITIVITY

FOOD SENSITIVITY TESTING WITH APPLIED KINESIOLOGY

Our food sensitivity testing sessions involves a detailed medical case history and food diary to help the practitioner isolate the potential irritants to the body. The testing begins by locating an “indicator muscle”. A true “indicator muscle” is a strong muscle that becomes weak for a brief moment when approximating its neuromuscular fibers. This muscle can now be used as an indicator for stress or dysfunction in the body.

 

For the evaluation the practitioner will make note of :

  • Hip range of motion
  • Sensitive neurolymphatic points (chapman points)
  • Indicator muscle

 

We would then test specific food concentrates in the mouth of the patient and observe the neurological changes in the parameters listed above. A true food sensitivity will cause a generalized inhibition (weakness) of the muscles, decreased range of motion and increased sensitivity of the Chapman points.

A thorough food sensitivity exam in Applied Kinesiology includes all the above criteria. Be careful of individuals testing with just arm strength as seen often on “youtube”, this is not an accurate style of testing.

 

The following is a great link on research done on Applied Kinesiology and food sensitivity testing : http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10069623

MASSAGE THERAPY

Among its many benefits, massage lowers blood pressure, aids in the circulation of lymph and blood, relieves stress, reduces pain, and improves joint mobility and flexibility.

Our clinic offers Swedish Massage.

 

Click here – to book an appointment with our registered Massage Therapists.

 

OSTEOPATHY

HISTORY OF OSTEOPATHY

 

 

Osteopathy originated in Kansas in 1874 by Dr. Andrew Still (1828-1917).

Dr. Still was a Civil War surgeon who broke away from traditional medicine and founded the first school of osteopathy in Kirksville, Missouri in 1892.

 

OSTEOPATHS IN CANADA VS UNITED STATES

In the United States an osteopath is a medical doctor, trained in methods of diagnosis and treatment of health and disease, placing special emphasis on the inter-relationship of the musculo-skeletal system to all other body systems.

In Quebec, an osteopath receives a post-graduate diploma upon completion of their studies.
An osteopath in Quebec must possess a degree in a health-related field prior to admission into a 5-year program of study in the manual practice of osteopathy.

Upon completion of the required 1400 hours of study and passing written and practical exams, a designation of P.D.O. is granted. Once the P.D.O. has completed a thesis and presented it to an international jury, the designation D.O. (Diploma in Osteopathy) is given.

Osteopaths are licensed in Quebec under the Association des Diplomas en Osteopathy (A.D.O.) and the Registre des Osteopathes du Quebec.

The common feature between osteopaths from the United States and those from Quebec is their belief that the treatment of the patient’s problem involves the patient as a whole and in how their body works in terms of mechanics, rather than just treating the current symptoms they present with.

After a thorough evaluation, the osteopath’s job is to “set” the body to heal itself.

Osteopaths believe that the patient’s history of illness and physical traumas are written into the body’s structure. It is through a highly developed sense of touch that the osteopath evaluates the patient’s “living anatomy” and thus detects physical problems within the systems of the patient.

The osteopath then applies a gentle but precise force to the patient’s tissues, which promotes movement of body fluids, eliminates dysfunction in motion of the tissues, and releases compressed bones and joints.

Osteopaths are trained primarily to use their hands to treat patients. They use a variety of different techniques, but they will always be “hands on”. This enables the osteopath to monitor the state of the patient’s tissues and to tailor the treatment exactly to the patient’s needs at that time.

4 FOUNDATIONS OF OSTEOPATHY

When treating, the osteopath must consider the following principles:

  • Structure and function are reciprocally inter-related
  • The body is a unit
  • All cells in the body require blood supply in order to survive, and if the blood supply is disturbed through a dysfunction around a blood vessel, the tissues will suffer
  • The body has an innate ability to heal itself given the proper environment; thus through treatment, the osteopath tries to “set” the body in its position of homeostasis (balance)

Listed below are some of the illnesses treated through osteopathy:

  • Pediatric problems – colic, sucking problems, spitting up
  • Somatic pain – neck/back/sciatic pain, headaches, joint pain, traumatic injury, overuse syndromes
  • Respiratory problems – chronic problems after bronchitis, sinusitis, pleurisy
  • Pregnancy – back pain, groin pain, digestive upset, edema)
  • Systemic problems – digestive problems, neurological syndromes, head trauma, post-concussion syndrome, uro-genital problems

Click here – to book an appointment with one of our Osteopaths.

PHYSIOTHERAPY

WHAT IS PHYSIOTHERAPY?

Physiotherapists work with clients of all ages and with a wide range of health conditions.

Whether it’s pain management and rehabilitation from an acute injury like a sprained ankle, or management of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, a physiotherapist can help.

They also work with vestibular problems, stroke problems as well as other neurological diseases, and breathing problems to name a few. But physiotherapy is not limited to rehabilitation of injury and the effects of disease or disability.

A physiotherapist also provides education and advice for health promotion, disease and injury prevention. A good example is presurgical education for a good recovery and minimized risk of chronic pain and disability.

 

WHAT ARE THEIR CREDENTIALS?

Physiotherapists hold a masters degree from an accredited university in physical therapy and must have a current license with the Order of Physiotherapists in Quebec (OPPQ).

 

WHERE DOES A PHYSIOTHERAPIST WORK?

Physiotherapists work in a broad range of settings providing client and/or population health interventions as well as management, educational, research and consultation services.

Physiotherapy can be accessed in the community at private clinics and through home care services. Physiotherapy services are often affiliated with retirement residences and child development centres.

If you are admitted to the hospital for surgery, such as a joint replacement or heart surgery, chances are likely that the physiotherapist was an important member of your health care team.

 

HOW PHYSIOTHERAPISTS ASSESS?

A physiotherapist will assess you using detailed history-taking as well as specific physical tests and measures, such as flexibility or range of motion. He or she will then analyze the assessment findings and use clinical reasoning to establish a diagnosis.

Together, you will explore your current abilities and functional needs so the physiotherapist can plan treatments that are consistent with your goals and general health status, and which incorporate approaches and techniques supported by the best evidence available.

 

HOW PHYSIOTHERAPISTS TREAT

Physiotherapy treatments can include the following:

  • Personalized exercise programs designed to improve your strength, range of motion, and
    function
  • Massage
  • Joint mobilization and manipulation to reduce pain and stiffness
  • Hot and cold packs and modalities to relieve pain, reduce swelling, speed up the healing
    process, improve movement and function
  • Airway clearance methods to assist people with breathing difficulties
  • Skin and wound care
  • Management of incontinence including pelvic floor re-education
  • Functional activity and tolerance testing and training
  • Work and occupational re-training and return to work planning
  • Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective
    devices and equipment
  • Environmental change, focusing on removing barriers to function

 

PAYMENT AND REFERRAL

For many Canadians, health insurance providers cover all cost or a portion of the cost of physiotherapist care. Some extended health insurance plans may require a physician’s referral in order to reimburse you for physiotherapist service, but it’s not always necessary.

In Quebec we have immediate access so you do not require a physician’s referral in order to consult a physiotherapist. Call your health insurance provider to confirm your level of coverage beforehand and to determine whether or not you require a physician referral for reimbursement.

Physiotherapist’s fees range from province to province and can vary with practice conditions.

Physiotherapy services provided in a hospital clinic may be paid in full or in part by your provincial health plan. Physiotherapist services provided to patients who require hospital admission are covered by provincial health plans.

Click here – to book and appointment with our Physiotherapists.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the most known and prominent practice embedded in Traditional Chinese Medicine. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is a pre-scientific fully equipped medical system based on various healing practices, which were part of what is called philosophy-based medicine, with extensive documentation in ancient and modern literature on its effectiveness. It was brought to the West around 1600 by European missionaries who had travelled to the Far East. TCM is a very ancient method, which could be dated of more than 3,000-year-olds.

 

THE THEORY

The underlying theory concerns the concept of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang: the health of our body is linked to the equilibrium between these vital forces, which are constantly striving to keep homeostatic balance from environmental stress, emotional challenges, trauma and unnatural life style. They represent the adaptive and innate ability of the body to heal itself.  The ancient eastern doctors understood that those forces are reflected in the pathways of a network of channels, called “meridians”.  When these pathways become blocked, an imbalance is created within the body’s energy flows, and for this reason illness takes place.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Acupuncture consists of stimulating specific points with needles located along the complex structure of the meridians network, which run throughout our entire body. Today, modern technology gives us a better understanding of how the classic terminology of Qi, Blood Yin and Yang takes place in our internal body anatomy and physiology. Various publications show that when acupuncture points are stimulated, the specific therapeutic effect is due to the secretion of various biochemical and signalling pathways, which stimulate the corresponding area in the central nervous system. The insertion of the needle has multiple biological effects. In addition to direct brain connections and stimulation, it has been recently demonstrated that acupuncture points are dense in nervous tissue and blood vessels, and the stimulation of those specific areas triggers the release of endogenous substances, which relaxes muscles, has a local anti-inflammatory effect and an action on nerve electrical conduction.

 

CAN IT HELP YOUR CONDITION?

Acupuncture throughout the years has shown evidence of effectiveness in the treatment of several medical conditions, and is considered safe and side effect free. It is an excellent practice to help assess and initiate the innate ability of the body to heal itself and keep mental and physical balance.

Wide range of conditions commonly treated by acupuncture:

 

Upper Respiratory System
  • Acute sinusitis
  • Acute rhinitis
  • Common Cold and Flu
  • Acute tonsillitis
  • Respiratory System
  • Acute bronchitis
  • Bronchial asthma (Most effective in children and uncomplicated conditions.)
Eye Disorders
  • Acute conjunctivitis
  • Central Retinitis Myopia (in children)
  • Cataracts (without complications)

 

Mouth Disorders
  • Toothache
  • Post Extraction Pain
  • Gingivitis
  • Acute and Chronic Pharyngitis
Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Spasms of oesophagus
  • Hiccough
  • Gastroptosis
  • Acute and Chronic Gastritis
  • Gastric Hyperacidity
  • Chronic Duodenal Ulcer (pain relief)
  • Acute Duodenal Ulcer (without complications)
  • Acute and Chronic Colitis
  • Acute Bacillary Dysentery
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Paralytic Ileus
Neurologic and Musculoskeletal Disorders
  • Headache and Migraine
  • Trigeminal Neuralgias
  • Facial Palsy (early stage, i.e., within 3-6 months)
  • Pareses Following a Stroke
  • Peripheral Neuropathies
  • Sequelae of Poliomyelitis (early stage, i.e., within 6 months)
  • Meniere’s Disease
  • Neurogenic Bladder Dysfunction
  • Nocturnal Enuresis (bedwetting)
  • Intercostal Neuralgia
  • Cervicobrachial Syndrome
  • Frozen Shoulder
  • Sciatica
  • Low Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Back and Knee Pain
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Sports Injuries and Pains
Reproductive & Gynecological Conditions
  • Premenstrual Syndrome
  • Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
  • Spotting and Excessive Bleeding
  • Amenorrhea (Loss of Menstrual Period)
  • Impotence
  • Infertility
  • Incontinence
  • Prostatis
  • Mental Emotional Problems
  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Insomnia

HOMEOPATHY

The benefits of homeopathy are many, for example cases of depression and anxiety, including patients undergoing cancer treatment see a great benefit in associating homeopathy with conventional medicine treatments. Homeopathic is a branch of CAM (Complementary Alternative Medicine) which treats the patient not only the symptoms.

REIKI

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy.