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5 Evidence-informed Reasons Multifidus Training may be the Missing Link in Back Rehab

    Winnipeg chiropractor bird dog exercise for multifidus training

    We load squats and deadlifts for core strength, but multifidus training plays by different rules. After a back injury, many people return to lifting once pain fades. It makes sense—rebuild strength, regain stability. But research shows that one key spinal muscle, the lumbar multifidus, doesn’t always recover on its own. The multifidus is a deep stabilizing muscle that helps control small spinal movements. When back pain strikes, it can weaken… Read More »5 Evidence-informed Reasons Multifidus Training may be the Missing Link in Back Rehab

    Trick to relax your back while standing

      For some, standing can cause back pain. One reason for this is that the lower back muscles are chronically contracting when they don’t need to be.  Here is a quick and easy way to turn the activity of those muscles down.

      How do I cure a sore back?

        I recently received a question from someone on Klout asking the question, “How do I “cure a sore back”. Here is my response: “How do I cure a sore back?” It’s a difficult question to answer since there are multiple reasons for someone to have a sore back. Factors that may influence your lower back soreness may be: Postural Strain Staying in a stationary position for extended periods of time.… Read More »How do I cure a sore back?

        Self Myofascial Release of the Shoulder: Teres Major

          The teres major muscle is an important muscle that affects the shoulder and shoulder blade.  It originates near the inferior angle of the scapula (the bottom tip of the shoulder blade). It travels up through the armpit and attaches onto the humerus.  In the arm pit it runs right along side the latissimus dorsi muscle. Activities that use this muscle The teres major helps to adduct the arm, rotate the… Read More »Self Myofascial Release of the Shoulder: Teres Major

          Teacup dance: Shoulder Mobility Drill That Glides 3 Key Nerves

            Are your shoulders, elbows, or wrists feeling stiff or painful? Do you want a simple, flowing shoulder mobility drill that not only improves shoulder mobility but also gently encourages your nerves to move freely? The long-arm teacup drill might be exactly what you need. This smooth, figure-eight pattern looks like a simple shoulder mobility drill, but it’s much more than that. By guiding your arms through arcs and rotations, it… Read More »Teacup dance: Shoulder Mobility Drill That Glides 3 Key Nerves

            Quadruped Hip Circles (CARS)

              This is another one my exercises that I give to my athletes/patients in the controlled articular rotations (CARs) category. The training method and acronym is popularized by Dr Andreo Spina. It was taught to me at a Functional Range Conditioning course in Winnipeg.  I call them “circles” to my patients because it’s easier for them to understand.  What I like about CARs is that they are easy, yet challenging, and… Read More »Quadruped Hip Circles (CARS)

              Improving Mid-Foot Mobility: A Path to Healthier Feet

                Mid-foot mobility is crucial for foot health but often gets neglected. Our feet have complex structures that need to move freely. Modern shoes and flat surfaces can limit this movement. This blog will explore why mid-foot mobility matters, how it works, and how to improve it. Understanding the Mid-Foot The mid-foot contains several bones and joints. These joints should move to distribute synovial fluid. This fluid lubricates the joints, reducing… Read More »Improving Mid-Foot Mobility: A Path to Healthier Feet

                How to relax the Temporalis Muscle

                  The temporalis is the muscle that you feel  over your temples when you clench your teeth and as you chew. The muscle can be tender to touch and can refer to the upper teeth, over the eyebrow and on the side of the head and sometimes to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). It is responsible for closing the jaw (when both contract), moving the jaw from side to side (when one… Read More »How to relax the Temporalis Muscle

                  Disc herniation versus Disc Bulge

                    You just received your MRI results and it says that you have a disc herniation or disc bulge. I’m sure this might be worrisome to you. So what does this mean?  First of all, these terms are often used interchangeably but, in reality, there is a difference between the two. Anatomy of the disc The discs are spacers found between two vertebrae.  They are responsible for movement between the vertebrae;… Read More »Disc herniation versus Disc Bulge

                    Back Pain Rehabilitation Exercises for the Low Back

                      As a Chiropractor and Athletic Therapist I see a lot of clients with lower back pain.  When treating these clients we have to be aware of the sources of back pain. There are numerous sources of pain such the muscles (erector spinae muscles, multifidus muscles and quadratus lumborum muscle), joints, herniated disks, nerves, or even referred pain from pathology to the vertebrae of the spine or the organs in the… Read More »Back Pain Rehabilitation Exercises for the Low Back