In my clinic, stress is one of many reasons clients complain of ongoing pain, tension and physical issues. I often get asked: “Can stress actually cause this much disease?” To answer that, we first have to understand stress and its effect on human function. Stress can be anything from exercise, change in routine, illness, caretaking, […] Read more
Why does stress affect health?
Fit to Farm: To know that, we have to understand what it does to how we function
Stages of healing after an injury
Fit to Farm: There are usually clear phases to indicate what is needed, but when that will happen can’t always be predicted
Healing is not a linear process. It does often have some clear phases and stages that can indicate what is needed when, however, the arrival of these stages isn’t always predictable. In healing work I often see one of two presentations: an acute onset of a complaint or a long-term issue held in the body. […] Read more
The value of healing modalities
Fit to Farm: Modalities are tools to be used in the process of progressive healing
We’ve all experienced some form of healing/therapeutic modality. Modalities are essentially any technique or tool that is used to facilitate healing. Examples could include massage/bodywork, NSAIDs/pain relief medication, ultrasound, acupuncture, TENs units, cupping, taping, etc. These modalities are tools to a larger process of healing. In theory they should be used as a stepping stone […] Read more
The truth behind physical compensations
Fit to Farm: How people move and hold themselves can reveal much of their life history
Even compensations and imbalances have a time and place — just like crutches have a place after breaking a leg. Though often when compensations begin to cause issues like pain, performance barriers and tension, they’ve reached the end of their purpose. Our body’s job is to keep us functioning and stable (a.k.a. safe) in an […] Read more
Stress management for uncertain times
Fit to Farm: During these pandemic times many have experienced stress-related symptoms
Big or small, we’ve all made sacrifices for the collective goal over the past months, and safe to say, experienced some level of stress-related symptom in our physical and emotional bodies. Common signs of stress, uncertainty, and overwhelm manifesting in the body include: Headaches, Fatigue, Malaise, Muscular tension, Stiff joints, Restlessness, Anxiety/depression, Transient moods, Bickering, […] Read more
Have you been diagnosed with sciatica?
Fit to Farm: If you have been dealing with lower back pain there’s a good chance that you have been
Sciatic is the name of the nerve that is supposedly causing the symptoms. The traditional description of what causes sciatica symptoms is that surrounding muscle groups tighten and impinge on the sciatic nerve as it exits through the pelvis and carries on down the leg. Some of the underlying roots as to why sciatic irritation […] Read more
Imaging and ‘big scary things’
Fit to Farm: The things most often seen through imaging of the spine are not always the cause of symptoms
Regardless of how back pain started, many sufferers go on to be referred for medical imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans. As a practising rehabilitation specialist I see imaging as both a blessing and curse, in the majority of cases I see. Research has shown that the big scary things we so often […] Read more
Some things to know about stretching
Fit to Farm: Newer research suggests this may not have as much benefit as once thought
Static stretching — or long holds of a position — is a thing of the past when it comes to correcting tight muscles. Over the last number of years research has suggested that static stretching doesn’t actually have as much long-term benefit as once thought. This doesn’t mean it’s bad, or harmful, but it is […] Read more
Is running good for you?
Fit to Farm: Yes it can be but there are some things you need to know
A fitness rumour that is often heard is, “running isn’t good for you.” Is it true? The short answer is — no — running is not bad for you. However, using running as your only form of cross-training does have the potential for harm. Running without a planned-out strategy will likely end in burnout and […] Read more
The truth about weight training
Fit to Farm: When done properly it can be a very effective exercise routine
“At your age, should you really be lifting weights?” “Isn’t weight training dangerous for your joints? Does that really help you feel better?” “Aren’t you worried about getting injured again?” “I heard that weight training is bad for you — doesn’t it cause arthritis?” These are some things my clients have heard when their peers/families/friends […] Read more
Cyber-Savvy Farmer
