Accelerating Recovery: The Impact of Manual Osteopathic Treatments After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents can have profound and lasting effects on the human body, often leading to physical injuries, pain, and reduced functionality. Seeking prompt and comprehensive care is crucial for minimizing long-term consequences and promoting healing. Manual osteopathic treatments emerge as a valuable ally in this recovery process, offering unique benefits that can make a significant difference after a motor vehicle accident.

Understanding the Aftermath:

Following a motor vehicle accident, the body undergoes tremendous stress and trauma. Impact forces, sudden jolts, and unnatural movements can result in a range of injuries, from whiplash and soft tissue damage to more severe conditions affecting the spine and joints. Even seemingly minor accidents can cause hidden injuries that manifest later, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.

The Role of Manual Osteopathic Treatments:

1. Addressing Structural Imbalances:

 Manual osteopathic treatments focus on the musculoskeletal system, targeting imbalances and misalignments that may arise after an accident. By employing gentle manipulation and hands-on techniques, osteopathic practitioners work to realign the spine and joints, promoting proper structural balance. This is essential for preventing long-term issues such as chronic pain or postural abnormalities.

2. Alleviating Soft Tissue Tension:

   Accidents often lead to tension and tightness in the soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments. Manual osteopathic therapy employs methods to release this tension, facilitating improved blood circulation and nutrient flow to the injured areas. By reducing soft tissue restrictions, the body can better initiate the healing process.

3. Optimizing Nervous System Function:

Impact from a motor vehicle accident can affect the nervous system, leading to heightened pain perception and stress. Manual osteopathic treatments aim to optimize nervous system function by releasing tension and promoting better neurological communication. This not only reduces pain but also supports the body's natural ability to heal.

Preventing Long-Term Consequences:

1. Reducing Inflammation and Swelling:

 Swift intervention through manual osteopathic treatments can help minimize inflammation and swelling associated with injuries. By addressing these issues promptly, the risk of chronic inflammation and its associated long-term consequences is significantly reduced.

2. Enhancing Range of Motion:

 Manual osteopathic therapy focuses on improving joint mobility and flexibility. This is particularly beneficial after a motor vehicle accident, as it helps prevent the development of stiffness and enhances the overall range of motion. Restoring proper movement early in the recovery process can prevent long-term limitations in mobility.

3. Holistic Healing Approach:

   Manual osteopathic treatments take a holistic approach to recovery, considering the interconnectedness of the body's systems. This comprehensive perspective contributes to a more thorough healing process, addressing not only the immediate injuries but also potential secondary issues that may arise over time.

Getting manual osteopathic treatments after a motor vehicle accident is a proactive step towards minimizing long-term consequences and supporting the body's natural healing mechanisms. By addressing structural imbalances, alleviating soft tissue tension, and optimizing nervous system function, manual osteopathic therapy plays a vital role in promoting a faster and more complete recovery. If you've experienced a motor vehicle accident, consider incorporating manual osteopathic treatments into your rehabilitation plan for a holistic and effective approach to healing.

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

The Healing Touch: Unlocking Your Body's Potential through Therapeutic Massage

In our fast-paced and hectic lives, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. The demands of work, family, and social commitments can leave us feeling stressed, fatigued, and disconnected from our own bodies. However, taking the time for self-care is crucial for overall well-being, and one powerful way to achieve this is through therapeutic massage. Let's explore how the healing touch of a skilled massage therapist can provide the self-care needed for your body to function at its highest potential.

Stress Relief and Relaxation:

One of the primary benefits of therapeutic massage is its ability to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. The gentle manipulation of muscles and tissues helps release tension, reduce cortisol levels, and trigger the release of endorphins – the body's natural mood enhancers. As stress melts away, you'll find yourself more grounded and present, allowing your body to enter a state of deep relaxation.

Improved Circulation and Oxygen Flow:

Therapeutic massage also plays a crucial role in enhancing blood circulation throughout the body. As the massage therapist applies pressure to specific areas, blood vessels widen, promoting better blood flow. Improved circulation means that oxygen and nutrients can reach your cells more efficiently, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products. This increased oxygenation is essential for optimal bodily function, providing your muscles and organs with the resources they need to operate at their best.

Muscle Tension Release:

Whether you're an athlete pushing your physical limits or someone experiencing the strains of a sedentary lifestyle, muscle tension is a common issue. Therapeutic massage targets these tension points, using various techniques to release knots and tightness in the muscles. This not only provides immediate relief but also contributes to long-term flexibility and mobility. By addressing muscular imbalances, a regular massage routine can help prevent injuries and improve overall physical performance.

Enhanced Immune System Function:

The connection between massage and immune system function has been a subject of scientific study. Research suggests that regular massage can boost the activity of natural killer cells – a vital component of the immune system. Additionally, the reduction in stress hormones achieved through massage contributes to a stronger immune response. By fortifying your body's defense mechanisms, therapeutic massage supports your overall health and well-being.

Mind-Body Connection:

Beyond its physical benefits, therapeutic massage nurtures the mind-body connection. Taking the time to be present in your body, focusing on the sensations experienced during a massage, promotes mindfulness. This mental clarity can extend beyond the massage session, helping you manage stress and make more conscious lifestyle choices. The mind-body connection fostered by therapeutic massage contributes to a holistic approach to self-care.

In a world that often glorifies hustle and productivity, taking time for self-care is a revolutionary act of prioritizing your well-being. Therapeutic massage offers a profound way to connect with your body, alleviate stress, and unlock your body's potential for optimal function. Incorporating regular massages into your self-care routine can be a transformative journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. Remember, investing in yourself is not a luxury but a necessity for a fulfilling and vibrant life.

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Photobiomodulation and Pain Management

Chronic pain is defined as pain persisting longer than 3 months, and based on Pain Canada, 8, 000,000 people in Canada live with chronic pain. Chronic pain affects the mental and physical health of those experiencing it and can inhibit their ability to be active in their lives - this includes enjoying time with family and friends, working, and their quality of life.

Based on a study done in 2011, done by Dr. Schopflocher, et al; Alberta had the second-highest prevalence of chronic pain in Canada in 2007 with 20.6% reporting persistent pain, while British Columbia reported 21.8%. This was a while ago, and it would be reasonable to assume that this number has increased since. 35.5% of surveyors experiencing pain reported lower back pain, making it the most common area of pain, followed by upper back with 15.4% and knee with 14.9%. Of those surveyed, 22.5% reported that they have been experiencing chronic pain for 20+ years with their last pain flare-up being at least a 5/10 (10 = worst), and 40% of the surveyors had experienced pain for 2-10 years.

With the amount and duration of pain experienced, there’s no doubt that these people have tried anything and everything in their power to decrease their pain. Unfortunately, the most common prescription for pain is opioid drugs - which are highly addictive and have contributed to the opioid crisis. As a result, alternatives are being sought after as a way to decrease pain without causing addiction. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is one of these therapies that are of interest.

Photobiomodulation has many different mechanisms of action that can lead to a decrease in pain, and it is a very safe therapy, with few side effects. This makes PBM a very promising therapy to use for pain management. It is able to create more ATP energy in the cells by interacting with cytochrome C oxidase in the mitochondria increasing membrane potential. It also reduces swelling and inflammation, increases circulation, increases nerve regeneration, increases collagen and cartilage production and increases bone formation. This last one is particularly helpful with fractures, while the other are extremely helpful for healing in general.

In acute cases, the sooner and more regularly you can come for PBM, the better it is for outcomes. That being said, it can help with chronic pain or difficulty healing as well, it is common for more chronic concerns to take longer to heal than the typical 5-10 treatments. Treatment time is depended on the area being treated, with most areas requiring between 30 or 45 minutes.

If you are interested in learning more about PBM, I have linked additional blogs below for you to enjoy. Otherewise, if you want to book an appointment for PBM, click the link below to book with Dr. Charmagne.

~Dr. Charmagne

Other Blogs:

Photobiomodulation (AKA Low-Level Light Therapy)

Laser Therapy and Concussions

Citations:

Schopflocher D, Taenzer P, Jovey R. The prevalence of chronic pain in Canada. Pain Res Manag. 2011 Nov-Dec;16(6):445-50. doi: 10.1155/2011/876306. PMID: 22184555; PMCID: PMC3298051.

Li BM, Zhang CK, He JH, Liu YQ, Bao XY, Li FH. The Effects of Photobiomodulation on Knee Function, Pain, and Exercise Tolerance in Older Adults: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2023 Jul 5:S0003-9993(23)00375-1. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2023.06.016. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37419235.

Chow RT, Armati PJ. Photobiomodulation: Implications for Anesthesia and Pain Relief. Photomed Laser Surg. 2016 Dec;34(12):599-609. doi: 10.1089/pho.2015.4048. Epub 2016 Jul 15. PMID: 27419354.

Alayat MSM, Battecha KH, Elsodany AM, Alzahrani OA, Alqurashi AKA, Jawa AT, Alharthi YS. Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy in the Treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome of the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg. 2022 Oct;40(10):661-674. doi: 10.1089/photob.2022.0056. Epub 2022 Oct 10. PMID: 36219747.

Barbosa LM, de Luna Gomes JM, Laureano Filho JR, do Egito Vasconcelos BC, Dantas Moraes SL, Pellizzer EP. Does the use of low-level light therapy postoperatively reduce pain, oedema, and neurosensory disorders following orthognathic surgery? A systematic review. Int J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2022 Mar;51(3):355-365. doi: 10.1016/j.ijom.2021.06.006. Epub 2021 Jul 6. PMID: 34238645.

Huang Z, Ma J, Chen J, Shen B, Pei F, Kraus VB. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Res Ther. 2015 Dec 15;17:360. doi: 10.1186/s13075-015-0882-0. PMID: 26667480; PMCID: PMC4704537.

Osteopathic Therapy: Gentle and Effective Treatments for Underlying Physical Conditions

When it comes to healthcare, we often seek treatment options that are effective yet gentle on our bodies. Osteopathic therapy is a holistic treatment modality that focuses on restoring balance and promoting the body’s self-healing capabilities. With its comprehensive approach and gentle techniques, osteopathic therapy has gained significant recognition as a valuable option for individuals seeking natural and non-invasive treatments. In this blog post, we will explore what osteopathic therapy is and how it proves to be both gentle and effective in treating underlying physical conditions.

Osteopathic therapy, also known as manual osteopathic treatments (MOT), is a branch of healthcare that is around the belief that the body possesses self-healing mechanisms. Developed by Dr. Andrew Taylor Still in the late 19th century, osteopathic therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system and its interconnectedness with other body systems, including the nervous, circulatory, lymphatic, fascia, and visceral systems. This approach recognizes that a disturbance in one area of the body can affect the overall health and well-being. 

One of the key aspects of osteopathic therapy is its gentle and non-invasive techniques, which are tailored to each individual’s needs. Manual Osteopathic Therapists (MOT) utilize their hands to precisely palpate and assess the various conditions of the body. By having a clearer image of the body as a whole, the therapist aims to restore balance, improve mobility, and promote healing by addressing any structural imbalances or dysfunctions within the body. The basic foundations of techniques include:

• Osteoarticulation (OA): MOTs can either use precise movements to mobilize the joint, or place your body in very specific positions so that you can use your own muscles to mobilize and realign the joint. This technique helps to reduce pain, improve joint health and function, and restore balance within the musculoskeletal system. This is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from back pain, neck pain, and joint disorders such as arthritis. 

• Myofascial Remodeling (MFR): By applying sustained pressure to the connective tissues (fascia) surrounding the muscles, MOT practitioners aim to release the adhesion collected by the fascia, improve mobility, and alleviate the pain. This is highly beneficial for individuals suffering from limited range of motion as well as alleviates the feeling the being constricted. 

• Craniosacral Therapy (CST): This technique focuses on the gentle manipulation of the cranial bones, the spine, and the sacrum to promote the flow of cerebrospinal fluid and optimize the function of the central nervous system. It is particularly effective in addressing headaches, migraines, and chronic pain.

• Lymphatic Therapy (LMT): By mobilizing the lymph inside the body to a balanced state, we can allow the fluids in the body to flow naturally. Allowing the cells in the body to efficiently fight off bad bacteria and viruses while clearing away congestion, decreasing pain, and increasing the function of the physical body. This is highly effective for improving your natural immunity and decreasing inflammation and swelling thus increasing mobility without pain. 

• Visceral Manipulation (VM): All organs of the body have a natural rhythm of movement called motility. When the organs experience any type of trauma, they try to protect themselves by limiting movement and guarding the area around them, preventing the organs from functioning normally. By releasing the organ from the adhesion and state of alertness, we can bring the body back to rest, allowing its natural state of healing to occur and better movement throughout the body. This along with the other techniques are highly effective in treating both respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases as well as digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux. 

What makes osteopathic therapy truly unique is its holistic approach to healthcare. MOTs consider not only the specific condition or symptom but also the overall health and well-being of the individual. We take into account factors such as lifestyle, stress levels, nutrition, and emotional well-being while formulating a treatment plan. This comprehensive approach helps address the root causes of the condition, promoting long-term healing and preventing future issues.

Osteopathic therapy offers a gentle and effective alternative for treating underlying physical conditions. With its hands-on approach, Manual Osteopathic Therapists can address structural imbalances, improve mobility, and promote the body’s natural healing mechanisms. From musculoskeletal issues to respiratory conditions, from digestive orders to headaches and migraines, MOT has shown promising results across a wide range of conditions through its gentle touch and effective techniques.      

~ Derek Chiu, MOT, RMT

Photobiomodulation (AKA Low Level Light Therapy)

Photobiomodulation, also known as Low-Level Light Therapy or Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a way to utilize light and it’s healing properties to accelerate healing. It is a pain-free, non-invasive therapy that can be used to treat a number of different conditions. This may sound far-fetched - “light healing” - but it’s true! The medical profession has used light therapy to help treat various conditions. For example, using phototherapy (literally meaning light therapy) to treat babies with jaundice, or UV Therapy to treat eczema. More recently, there are studies looking at using Light Therapy to treat people with alopecia and Alzheimer’s Disease. So it’s not as far-fetched as you may have thought.

The photobiomodulation that I do in the clinic uses a combination of different wavelengths to treat a patient. It uses Red LED (wavelength of 630-680 nm range) for more superficial layers and infrared (810-840 nm) to treat the deeper musculoskeletal layers. These two wavelengths prep the area so that the laser can penetrate deep into the areas that are needing treatment (eg, within the knee joint). After these two types of light, I use an infrared laser probe. This can penetrate the deepest and can reach the bony layers to promote healing.

Video from BIOFLEX

Image from BIOFLEX

The reason photobiomodulation works is because it reaches the mitochondria in the area being treated, and allows them to create more ATP. ATP is the energy currency of the cell, and it is used in every process in the body - including healing. When a tissue is injured, the mitochondira’s ability to make ATP is impaired, causing the area to take a longer period of time to heal. So helping the cell create more energy, accelerates that area’s ability to heal. As a result, photobiomodulation can help treat a number of different conditions including:

• sciatica

• arthritis

• fractures

• keloids

• sprains and strains,

• plantar fasciitis

• nerve pain

• joint pain

• burns, etc.

Treatments are generally recommended to be 2-3 x week or more in acute cases. The number of treatments can vary depending on the patient and can vary from 1-30, with a minimum of 10-15 treatments being recommended. In most cases, there can be some change in symptomology after 3-5 treatments; however, this is not always the case. Acute problems generally respond faster than chronic problems, and each person is different, so this makes it difficult to predict how many treatments you may need. My goal will always be to minimize the length and number of treatments you need, but know that even with that, you will require multiple treatments (especially if a chronic condition flares). Be patient with yourself and the treatments.

To read more about the laser system and science behind photobiomodulation, click here.

~Dr. Charmagne

Laser Therapy

Summary

Light therapy is a non-invasive therapy that works by increasing the ability of the cell to create energy (ATP) to heal the area being treated. As a result, it can decrease inflammation, swelling, and pain in the area. Research in this area is expanding, with more in-depth research papers linked below for those who would like to learn more.

HIstory

Light therapy has been around for thousands of years and has been practiced in India and is seen in the Hindu texts (News Medical, 2018). In modern days, we still use light therapy, in cases like jaundice for babies, when they receive blue-green light spectrum therapy to help eliminate the excess bilirubin (Mayo Clinic, 2020). There is even evidence that shows that ultraviolet light therapy works on conditions such as eczema and vitiligo (Berthold E, 2019).

History of low-level light therapy

Experiments were testing Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) - or photobomb modulation as it is often referred to now - after the invention of the ruby laser in 1960. In the first experiment, Dr. Endre Mester, used shaved rats and observing how the laser affected their ability to grow hair compared to the group that was not receiving LLLT. He found that the group of mice receiving LLLT were able to grow their hair back more quickly than the group of mice that didn’t receive LLLT (Hoon C, et al; 2012). In a separate experiment involving mice, he also noticed that LLLT helped to stimulate wound healing. Dr. Mester started to apply these LLLT findings on humans, for nonhealing skin ulcers.

mechanism of action

The word Laser came about as an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The energy released from the photos in light is referred to as electroluminescence - most of which is absorbed by the tissue and is responsible for the effects (Hoon C, et al; 2012). Though the mechanism of action is poorly understood; what the research has shown is that LLLT works in the cell’s mitochondria to generate more energy or ATP, modulate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) (which can cause damage to cells), and induce transcription factors (Hoon C, et al; 2012). It has been observed the LLLT has a wide range of effects at the tissue, cellular, and molecular levels, causing an increase in cell number and movement, modulation of cytokines, growth factors, and inflammatory mediators, and an increase in tissue oxygenation (which is different from creating ROS) (Hoon C, et al; 2012).

Basically, LLLT has been seen to speed up healing by creating more energy in the cells, which affects molecular, cellular, and tissue processes by giving them fuel; and increases the body’s ability to decrease inflammation, swelling, and decrease pain through its ability to interact with messengers in the body.

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT)

This therapy is termed this way to differentiate the difference between the lasers some professions use to cut (eg. in surgeries, or dental procedures). Low-level light therapy is painless, non-invasive treatment. It is used to decrease inflammation, swelling, and chronic joint disorders, reduce pain and accelerate wound healing of nerves and tissues (Hoon C, et al; 2012). In more recent literature, they have changed the term to photobiomodulation therapy, but I’ll be using LLLT for this article.

LLLT has a biphasic response, meaning that lower doses are generally seen to be more beneficial than higher doses. That being said, doses higher or lower than the optimal dose doesn’t affect (Hoon C, et al; 2012). For this reason, it can be difficult to have studies on LLLT with so many parameters. However, what has been seen is that wavelengths between 600-1200 nm have shown benefit in the studies (Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R; 2016; Huang Z, et al; 2015). So it becomes important to know if the machine that is treating you is providing these wavelengths.

It has also been shown that LED treatment with similar wavelength and parameters to low power lasers produced similar results to LLLT (Hamblin M.R; 2016). Migliario M, et al (2018) noted that red and near-infrared portion of the light spectra can be used for biostimulation, and promote cell survival and multiplication. This was awesome news because that means a larger area can be treated, than just the narrow space that a laser can treat at a time. Some companies combined the two (LED and laser) to provide a more well-rounded treatment since lasers can penetrate deeper than LED and infrared light (Norman Doidge, The Brain’s Way of Healing, 2015).

During treatment, the area that is being treated is exposed to LED light from a BioFlex Laser, which is at 660 nm wavelength, followed by infrared light at 830-840 nm wavelength. Our naked eyes do not see infrared light, so it looks like the machine has turned off - but it hasn’t (fun fact: your cellphone camera can see infrared light). These wavelengths are important because these wavelengths have been seen to be absorbed more by our mitochondria.

LLLT has been used for various conditions, and some awesome studies are displaying their benefits for certain conditions. Below, I will list what has been studied, along with the link to go to the actual study if you wanted to read more about it. Note that there are most likely other conditions that can be treated, and haven’t yet. The research is still expanding!

• Arthritis

  • Huang Z, et al. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2015) 17:360

• Chronic pain

  • Hoon C, et al. The Nuts and Bolts of Low-level Laser (Light) Therapy. Ann Biomed Eng. 2012 February; 40(2): 516–533.  

• Lower back pain

  • Huang Z, et al. The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for nonspecific chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arthritis Research & Therapy (2015) 17:360

  • Glazov G, et al. Low-level laser therapy for chronic non-specific low back pain: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Acupunct Med 2016;34:328–341

• Nipple pain in breastfeeding

  • Coca KP, et al. Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Relieving Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Aug;17(4):281-9.

  • Camargo BT, et al.I The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial. Lasers in Medical Science. 2020. 35: 63-69

• Oral Mucositis

  • Hamblin M.R. Photobiomodulation or low-level laser therapy. J Biophotonics. 2016 December; 9(11-12): 1122–1124

• Shoulder tendinopathy

  • Haslerud S, et al. The efficacy of low-level laser therapy for shoulder tendinopathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Physiother Res Int. 2015 Jun;20(2):108-25

• Stroke

  • Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2016. 34 (12): 587–598

• Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Thunshelle C, Hamblin M.R. Transcranial Low-Level Laser (Light) Therapy for Brain Injury. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery. 2016. 34 (12): 587–598

Happy LASERING!

~ Dr. Charmagne