For more than four decades, on telethons featuring celebrity performers and children in wheelchairs, Jerry Lewis has been raising money each Labor Day for the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the disease that helped make “poster child” part of the American idiom.

But for all the money collected toward a cure, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of the disease that afflicts children, still confines thousands of boys in this country to wheelchairs in their early teens. Many do not live past their 20s.

It is a stark reminder of how Western Medicine with its focus on breakthrough treatments can sometimes fail a complex, rare and stubbornly uncurable disease. Single-minded in their pursuit of a cure, doctors and researchers for years all but ignored the necessary and unglamorous work of managing Duchenne as a chronic condition.

The approach is changing at a few medical centers, which are focused on making better use of available therapies to eke out higher quality lives for their patients. Rather than concentrate only on a cure, some researchers are now intent on developing drugs that may alleviate the effects of the disease.

One such option is an exoskeleton Keego^TM  device, that facilitates people with Duchennes with locomotion. Without the Keego^TM device, patients had a difficult time moving their legs, had to stop when taking stairs from exhaustion, had a difficult time picking up objects from the floor, exerted strenuous effort, when getting up from a chair to walk down the hall.

These same patients wearing a Keego^TM device were able to achieve much more fluid movement patterns during several clinical trials. These same patients were able to move quicker from one location to another, were able to promptly walk up or down the stairs, picked up objects from the floor with little effort, and were able to easily sit down, and get up from the seat without propping themselves up with their hands.

If you have been suffering from Muscular Dystrophy, please see a specialist at the PRI clinic. This multi-disciplinary team is specifically trained to properly introduce your body to the Keego^TM device, which will allow your body to achieve a remarkable improvement in your lifestyle. To book an appointment, please call or follow these links.

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

We look forward to helping you out!

Marathons are on the rise and people are striving to improve their marathon performance. If this is you or you know someone who is into extreme sports, you will love the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall.

Flying through the book, we’ve come up with two things, that we  believe are the most important two things anyone training for a marathon, ultramarathon, iron man, etc. should consider; sleep and chiropractic care.

We all know sleep is important, whether we’re training hard or just doing our normal routine, but I think we fail to realize just how important sleep actually is for athletic performance. Studies have shown an increase in sprinting speed by 9% among basketball players who slept two extra hours each night. Their shooting accuracy also improved. Imagine carrying these benefits over to running and how your time will improve! It might be difficult to get an extra two hours of sleep every night while you’re training, but even increasing your sleep the week leading up to the event can boost your race-day performance.

A reduction of time spent sleeping reduces your reaction time, regardless of what sport you play or participate in. Just one night without sleep can reduce reaction times by up to 300%. If you’re training for a race and you’re also a student studying hard for finals, a CEO running a company, or a mom just trying to keep up with daily life, make sure you’re getting at least eight hours of sleep each night to keep your reaction times on point.

You might think the strongest predictor of sports injuries would be how many hours you practice, and you’d be in the majority. However, studies have shown that sleep is actually the biggest predictor of injuries. Without adequate sleep, your body doesn’t have enough time to regenerate cells needed to heal and protect your body. Without adequate sleep, your reaction times are slower, as previously discussed, so you can’t stop an injury as it’s about to occur. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to keep you healthy and off the sidelines as you train.

Another benefit of getting enough sleep is improved growth hormone regulation. Growth hormone is vital to sustaining athletic performance as it aids in muscle repair, muscle building, and bone growth. Almost 75% of growth hormone is released during sleep. Getting a regular seven to nine hours of sleep each night guarantees the production of growth hormone and your ability to recover so you can keep up with your training schedule.

Sleep is something most people understand when it comes to athletic performance. Something that not many people understand is how chiropractic care can help athletic performance. Chiropractic adjustments balance the body while also enhancing the function of the nervous system, the master control system of the body. The nervous system controls everything; the thoughts we think, our hearts beating, digestion of our food, breathing and muscle contraction. Studies have shown that after a single adjustment, athletes had stronger muscle contractions measured by EMG technology. By maintaining a healthy nervous system as a part of a healthy lifestyle, your muscles will be bigger, faster and stronger. Imagine how having faster and stronger muscles will improve your athletic performance!

There you have it. If you’re looking to increase marathon performance, or any other athletic activity, adequate amounts of sleep and chiropractic care are two things you can implement immediately. To find a provider near you, click here. Good luck on your training endeavors!

If you’re like most people you were hoping to start the New Year by losing a few pounds. Now that we’re half way done through the year, hopefully, you were able to fully commit to your resolution.  Did you ever stop to wonder just where those pounds go when you lose them? Turns out most experts don’t know either, and the answer may surprise you.

Most people think that when we burn fat it creates heat and energy, but that’s not true. Instead, the majority of the fat we burn leaves through our lungs when we breathe – the more you breathe the more fat you can burn (providing of course you’re eating consciously). And what’s the best way to increase respiration? That’s right, exercise! So although exercise promotes weight loss by boosting metabolism and building muscle, simply increasing the number of breaths you take is going to help release those unwanted pounds from your body.

A recent Australian study was able to show exactly where our fat goes when we lose weight. For every 22 pounds of weight lost, more than 18 pounds are exhaled as carbon dioxide. The rest leaves as water through urine, sweat, tears, and other bodily fluid. The extra breathing you do when you exercise unlocks the carbon atoms found in fat, thus breaking the fat molecules down. The carbon then leaves through your lungs.

On average, people breathe about 12 times a minute when at rest, which takes with it 10 milligrams of carbon. If you’re completely sedentary and not going above that 12 breaths a minute it will put a cap on how much fat you can release.

And in case you’re wondering, losing weight is not contributing to climate change. It is simply returning carbon atoms that previously had been trapped in food to the atmosphere.

How you gain weight

We gain weight when we eat more food than we need. Those excess carbohydrates and proteins are converted into triglycerides (compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen), which are stored in lipid droplets inside fat cells. Losing weight requires breaking down those triglycerides to access their carbon.

Making triglycerides is an energy demanding process. Do you ever feel sleepy after a high-carbohydrate meal, like a big plate of pasta, a bowl or rice, a large dessert, or maybe simply too much food? That tired feeling stems in part from the energy your body requires to make triglycerides that can be stored as fat.

Other weight loss tips

Naturally, you want to avoid that sleepy feeling, not only because naps are inappropriate at your work desk, but also because you’re making fat! Try reducing the amount of carbohydrates you eat and/or the amount of food to avoid that fat-promoting sleepy feeling. If you still feel sleepy after eating a healthy meal of moderate portion size and sensible carbohydrate content, you may need nutritional support to address insulin resistance.

Regular exercise not only helps you breathe away excess fat, but it also better sensitizes and regulates cell function to be fat burning rather than fat promoting.

The key to promoting fat burning is to keep your blood sugar stable by not overdoing carbohydrates or portion sizes and by keeping your body active.

Ask our office for more advice on how to turn your body into a better fat burner.

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

Aquatic Therapy is often used in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, and post surgical movement and weight bearing restrictions. Aquatic Therapy utilizes the principles of buoyancy and viscosity of water to allow you to facilitate your rehabilitation.  Buoyancy allows for weight bearing activities while not allowing full body weight compression through your joints while performing exercise.  The viscosity of the water provides resistance to movements during exercise that helping to improve strength.

The physical benefits of aquatic therapy are astounding; however, our favorite aspect of aquatic therapy is the psychosocial benefits. Aquatic therapy can reduce stress and anxiety, increase one’s ability to concentrate, enhance a feeling of well-being and confidence, and allow a person in pain to find their center of calm. The pool atmosphere often seems less clinical than a P.T. gym, and most people equate the swimming pool with fun!

We love to see a well-worn wheelchair sitting empty by the side of the pool, while the wheelchair user walks in the pool with perhaps only minimal support from an aide or therapist. While observing a pool therapy session at our facility one day, we  noticed something unique. It was difficult to tell which person was the client (who was actually quite impaired) and which person was the therapist, as the two walked and joked side-by-side in the water. The pool atmosphere is very normalizing, especially if therapy sessions can be transitioned to a community pool. At the pool, it is easy for exercise and therapy to naturally evolve into games, recreation, and friendship.

One study showed how Aquatic physiotherapy is considered a safe and effective tool in the treatment of knee OA because immersion in hot water decreases the joint overload and pain symptoms and improves functional capacity and quality of life. On the basis of these assumptions, the following hypothesis was formulated: Aquatic physical therapy programs contribute to the increase in the pain threshold, improved functional capacity, and improved quality of life in older adults with knee OA.

PRI started offering Aquatherapy classes over 5 years ago. Join us in our 92-degree salt-water pool. This is the safest possible low-impact therapy with world-class fitness results. Includes cardiovascular strengthening, core work, and stretching. If appropriate for patients, there are also running and jumping exercises. Bring your own towel and lock. Spacious locker room and post therapy shower space are also available.

For more ideas on how to keep your body healthy, contact our office at

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or Functional Dry Needling (FDN) involves inserting a tiny monofilament needle into a muscle in order to release shortened bands of muscles tissue and decrease trigger point activity. Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even injury prevention. The definition of dry needling as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical therapists is described as the following:

“Dry needling is a neurophysiological evidence-based treatment technique that requires effective manual assessment of the neuromuscular system. Physical therapists are well trained to utilize dry needling in conjunction with manual physical therapy interventions. Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor end plates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation”

Is Intramuscular Stimulation or dry needling the same as acupuncture?

This is not traditional Chinese Acupuncture, but is instead a Western medicine based type of treatment. IMS is primarily directed at myofascial trigger points located within taut bands of muscle tissue. Traditional acupuncture uses points located along meridians. Meridians are channels of energy flow that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body.

What will I feel with IMS or FDN?

Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it has and is advanced into the muscle, the feeling of discomfort can vary drastically from patient to patient. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort from insertion of the needle; however if the muscle is sensitive, shortened or has active trigger points within it, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp. This sensation is often referred to as a twitch response.

Is IMS or FDN an appropriate treatment technique for me?

IMS or FDN can be used to treat a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions but can also be used to treat neuromuscular conditions such as increased tone. To find out if IMS will be right for you, contact one of our physiotherapy locations to book an initial assessment.

How does it work:

Nerves allow muscles to fire and when there is an altered relationship between how the nerve fires the muscle, pain and weakness can result. The insertion of the needle allows muscles to work with less pain.

Treatments can be scheduled by contacting our office.

Phone: (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

The most common daily activities, from bending down to climbing stairs, walking from your vehicle to the office, or simply getting out of bed can become difficult when you’re dealing with knee pain. It certainly has a huge impact on your ability to function optimally.

You don’t have to live with the pain, limit your activities, or take more pain medication.

You can give chiropractic treatment a try. In most cases, an experienced chiropractor can identify the underlying issues causing the pain and use a combination of techniques that yield knee pain relief.

Common Causes of Knee Pain

Your knees can be injured through direct trauma or can be affected by dysfunction and disease. Direct trauma pertains to a sudden injury like those incurred from a fall or vehicular accident, or from chronic conditions such as overuse or a genetic weakness. In addition to direct trauma, knee problems can be the result of disease or dysfunction, with the latter often accompanying muscle disorders or strains. Other common causes include the following:

Knee Joint Misalignment – this refers to a change in the normal anatomy of the knee joint. The usual changes observed include internal rotation of the femur and an inward facing patella, which is also known as “winking patella”. These lead to uneven pressures in the knee joint that cause pain and damage to the underlying articulate cartilage.

Flat Feet – People with this condition have either no arch in their feet or the arch is very low. The problem here is that when the arch flattens, it causes the tibia and the femur to rotate inwards, adding stress on the knee and eventually triggering pain.

Pinched nerve in the low back – The nerves that transmit pain sensation to the knees originate in the lower back region. With age or injury, the discs between the vertebrae protrude and press on these nerves. The affected nerve becomes irritated and sends pain signals to the brain. The severity of the pain depends on the size of the disc that‘s pressing on the nerve, specifically the sciatic nerve.

Symptoms of Knee Pain

The location and severity of the pain may vary, depending on what caused the problem.

Signs and symptoms that typically accompany knee pain include the following:

• Stiffness and swelling
• Weakness or instability (feeling that the knee will buckle)
• Redness and warmth to the touch
• Clicking or popping sound
• Inability to fully extend the knee

How a Chiropractor Can Provide Knee Pain Relief

Your chiropractor will evaluate your gait, meaning your manner of walking. From your gait, he/she will be able to determine the amount of stress that is being placed on your knees. Your chiropractor will then start aligning the joint through a variety of therapeutic techniques including the following:

Spinal adjustment – Any misalignment of the spine creates imbalance that puts added pressure on all joints, including the knees. Spinal adjustment aims to reestablish alignment and balance. This restores functionality to your knees and reduces wear and tear to the joints.

Trigger point therapy – This is a form of remedial massage therapy that utilizes the precise application of pressure on specific points in the body in order to alleviate pain and discomfort.

Posture Correction – Just like misalignment of the spine, poor posture puts pressure on muscles and joints. Your chiropractor may evaluate your posture and make the necessary corrections.

Low-level laser therapy – Also known as cold laser therapy, this stimulates the muscles and soft tissues to reduce inflammation, facilitate blood flow and speed up the healing process.

Ultrasound therapy – This technique uses ultrasonic waves to massage painful muscles and joints. It is effective in relieving pain, reducing stiffness and improving the mobility for patients.

Your chiropractor may also offer nutrition counseling to help manage your weight and store energy for exercise. He/she may provide some lifestyle advice and show you behavioral and lifestyle changes that will ultimately result in knee pain relief.

Chiropractic Adjustments for a Sore Knee

Chiropractic adjustments work well for sore knees and they are most effective when performed in conjunction with complementary corrective exercise. Chiropractic adjustments of the spine, hips and knees help mobilize these joints back into proper alignment. This, in turn, relieves joint stress, reduces inflammation, and facilitates healing. When combined with corrective exercises, chiropractic treatment for knee pain has been proven highly effective.

We have outlined the treatment process to give you a clear idea of our approach. Our chiropractor usually modify the process depending on the condition of the patient. This means the type of treatment that best suits one patient is not necessarily appropriate for another.

First Step: Reduce pain and soreness by addressing joint inflammation. This is achieved by using ice, laser, ultrasound and interferential therapy. You will also be instructed to avoid certain activities that will aggravate the problem or slow down the healing process.

Second Step: Normalize joint function through chiropractic manipulation and mobilization techniques. This will improve function and increase range of motion at the knee joint. Trigger point therapy and deep soft tissue massage may also be used.

Third Step: Rehabilitation exercise program. If appropriate, your chiropractor will introduce exercises meant to improve strength, endurance and stability of the knees. He will also work on improving your balance and proprioception so you can quickly return to your regular activities.

Whether your knee problem is associated with wear and tear, overuse, an injury or disease, it is important that you seek proper diagnosis and start immediate treatment. While over the counter drugs may help in reducing the pain and soreness, they will do nothing to address the underlying issue that’s causing your knee problem. If you want effective and lasting relief, you’ll need the help of a professional.

In case you have questions about chiropractic treatment for knee pain, or wish to know if it’s right for you, please feel free to contact us at 416-477-1101 or email us at reception@priclinic.com . We look forward to helping alleviate your knee pain and get you in tip-top shape as soon as possible!

Have you noticed signs banning the wearing of perfumes or heavy fragrance in some places? Or perhaps you yourself experience unpleasant or even debilitating symptoms when exposed to perfumes, scented products, gasoline fumes, car exhaust, or other chemical odors. A growing number of people suffer migraines, rashes, fatigue, mood changes, autoimmune flare ups, or more when exposed to chemical-based scents or fumes. Even formerly pleasurable products, such as scented dryer sheets, can tip some people into a tailspin.

Multiple chemical sensitivities is now called TILT

Although these synthetic scents and fumes are unhealthy for both people and the environment, those who react negatively to them are experiencing TILT, or toxicant-induced loss of tolerance, a condition in which the body loses the ability to tolerate these environmental compounds. Once referred to as multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS), TILT can affect anyone, including children.

For those with TILT, even minimal exposures can be a nightmare.

Almost any chemical or artificial compound can trigger reactions. They include, but are not limited to:

• Artificial chemicals and preservatives in food
• Manufactured scents such as gas fumes/exhaust, scented body products, industrial and residential cleaners, laundry products, new carpeting, the new car smell, pesticides and fertilizers
• Pharmaceuticals
• Heavy metal exposure, including even the wearing of jewelry.

TILT chemical sensitivity reactions can be debilitating

The list of possible reactions is a varied as the triggers and includes asthma, migraines, depression, fibromyalgia, fatigue, Gulf War syndrome, brain fog, memory loss, incontinence, neurological dysfunction, rashes, and such emotional issues as depression, anxiety, and lethargy.

When reactions are severe, those afflicted are often forced into a complete overhaul of their lifestyle, which in some cases can destroy relationships and careers as they must relocate to a less toxic location and often go on disability.

TILT chemical sensitivity reactions depends on your body’s antioxidant system

Why are some people affected by TILT and others not, and what can be done to prevent TILT?

According to more recent studies, TILT is not necessarily related to the amount of chemicals in your body as once thought, but rather how well your body can buffer itself from those chemicals and eliminate them.

Research shows a primary cause for the development of TILT is the depletion or poor absorption of a particular antioxidant: glutathione, also known as the “mother of all antioxidants.” Everyday levels of an environmental compound do not necessarily trigger symptoms if the body’s glutathione levels are at healthy levels.

Other factors associated with loss of chemical tolerance include:

• Poor diet
• Vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acid deficiency
• Chronic inflammation
• Constant and/or sudden influx of high amounts of stress

Keeping glutathione levels sufficient is easier than you think, and you can start at your next meal. Foods that improve levels are those rich in sulfur, such as broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, garlic, onions, and scallions.

For more nutritional concepts that assist your health, please reach out to us:

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

Without much warning, a stroke—a.k.a. brain attack—can reduce or end your ability to move, talk and think. Stroke kills one person every four minutes. Yet according to the American Heart Association, roughly 80 percent of strokes are preventable. And while you can’t do much about your age, gender, race or family history, there are things you can change. Follow these five easy (and proven!) ways you can protect yourself against stroke, starting today

1. If your doctor has prescribed medication for diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure—all conditions that can raise your risk for stroke—take it.
2. Walk or bike five days a week and you’ll reduce your risk of stroke by as much as 20 percent. Some women may benefit even more.
3. Those snores, snorts and gasps can do more than annoy your partner. Sleep apnea, a condition where breathing is interrupted during sleep, can strain the heart, causing high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythm. Eventually, those problems can lead to stroke.

Not sure if you’re a loud sleeper? Try recording yourself at night—alone—so you can’t blame noises on your partner or the dog. If you think you could have sleep apnea, talk with your doctor or ask for a sleep specialist.

4. Sure, the drive-thru is quick and convenient, but it may be doing a number on your health. A far healthier option: the Mediterranean diet. Research shows how a diet rich in fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts, fish and poultry, limits red meat, salt and butter—all ingredients that can lead to hypertension, unhealthy cholesterol and stroke. Mounting evidence shows that eating a plant-based diet such as the Mediterranean plan may lower stroke risk by about 18 percent.
5. Workaholics beware: A 2015 analysis found that people who worked 55 hours or more every week were 33 percent more likely to suffer a stroke than those with regular nine-to-five jobs. Stroke risk increased with the amount of overtime.

If the stress of your job is getting to you, look for ways to improve your work-life balance. In the meantime, try these tips to relax:

• Use an app that reminds you to stand up every hour
• Take a 10-minute walk to boost circulation—preferably in the sunshine
• Sit in a quiet, dark room for five minutes

These little changes will calm your mind and your body by bringing down your blood pressure

6. Stroke protection includes recognizing its symptoms. Remember
7. Face drooping
8. Arms weak or drifting downward
9. Speech slurred or strange
10. Time to call the doctor.

Don’t delay—call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number.

Other stroke symptoms may include:

Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg, often on one side the body

Severe headache

Blurred vision or trouble seeing in one or both eyes

Trouble walking, with or without dizziness

Always note the time symptoms started. Doing so will help doctors determine if the patient is a candidate for certain treatments.

Treatment Option

Once a stroke has occurred, some post-stroke patients have a difficult time moving around. A recent technological breakthrough offers patients who suffered from stroke vast lifestyle improvements.

Without the Keego^TM device, post-stroke patients had a difficult time moving their legs, had to stop when taking stairs from exhaustion, had a difficult time picking up objects from the floor, exerted strenuous effort, when getting up from a chair to walk down the hall.

These same patients wearing a Keego^TM device were able to achieve much more fluid movement patterns during several clinical trials. These same patients were able to move quicker from one location to another, were able to promptly walk up or down the stairs, picked up objects from the floor with little effort, and were able to easily sit down, and get up from the seat without propping themselves up with their hands.

If you have been suffered from a stroke, please see a specialist at the PRI clinic. This multi-disciplinary team is specifically trained to properly introduce your body to the Keego^TM device, which will allow your body to achieve a remarkable improvement in your lifestyle. To book an appointment, please call or follow these links.

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

We look forward to helping you out!

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can cause a variety of serious personal injuries. Car accident injuries are typically due to slamming into another vehicle or object, a rollover accident or being hurt from broken glass or torn metal. A frontal crash can cause injury to the head, neck, chest, legs and feet. A side-impact crash can cause injury to the head and pelvis. According to the NHTSA, the head, neck, pelvis, abdomen, legs, knees and feet are the most common parts of the body to be injured in a motor vehicle collision.

The most frequent motor vehicle injuries are:

Brain and head injuries

Neck and back injuries

Chest injuries

Diaphragm rupture

Pelvis and abdominal injuries

Leg and knee injuries

Foot injuries

Impact to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or a concussion. It may be mild or severe. Head injuries include jaw fractures and facial fractures. Whiplash is the most common injury incurred in a car crash. The neck stretches back and forth quickly. It can cause damage to the neck, back, ligaments or discs. Even less severe neck and back injuries can cause chronic pain. The crushing impact of a crash can break ribs and the breastbone. Even with airbags and safety belts, this can still occur. A diaphragm injury can occur by blunt trauma occurring to the lower chest. Pelvis and abdominal injuries include injury to the kidneys, spleen and liver. Leg and knee injuries are crush injuries. They can range from contusions and fractures to a meniscus tear. Ankles and feet can be easily sprained, strained or fractured in a car crash.

Auto Injury physiotherapy Services

Without proper rehabilitation, the injuries from a car accident can be devastating. Physiotherapy is an important treatment method. Without correct treatment, there’s a risk for long-term health issues. Typically, the first treatment after a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is painkillers, rest and a brace. While this may provide temporary relief, it doesn’t repair any part of the body that has been damaged. Physiotherapy actually repairs and strengthens injured tissue. A physiotherapist can also help reduce pain and swelling after a car accident.

A physiotherapist uses a wide variety of techniques to eliminate pain, increase mobility and return patients back to normal daily function. A physiotherapist will do a full evaluation to determine physical condition, pain level and limits. Stretching physiotherapy exercises may be done to improve range of motion. Ice and heat therapy, ultrasound and manual manipulation may also be done to get the patient on the road to recovery after incurring a car accident injury.

The benefits of undergoing physiotherapy are many. You can avoid the use of opioids for long-term pain. You can also avoid invasive surgery. Treatment by a physiotherapist has been found to be as effective as surgery. Plus, you’ll get to participate in your own recovery. Physiotherapists work collaboratively with their patients and their doctors to design personalized treatment plans to meet your individual challenges, needs and goals. For more information, contact us at

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com

Notice how easy it is to hang on to anger, shame, guilt, worry, and other negative emotions? Are these emotions so horribly delectable you just can’t let go?

You’re not alone. However, you could be worsening your health by giving in. Scientists have discovered negative emotions have an addictive quality that trigger the reward centers in the brain. In other words, you feel like you’re rewarding yourself when you succumb to negative emotions.

Worry activates areas of the brain that trick you into feeling soothed. Pride and its shadow twins of shame and guilt are the most powerful triggers of the brain’s reward centers. On some twisted level, these yucky emotions feel good.

As with many addictions, negative emotions are fine in moderation (and even beneficial , but toxic when indulged in regularly  They raise stress and inflammation, our two biggest foes when battling autoimmune disease and chronic illness.

Four scientific tips to boost happiness

Happiness is effortless for some people. Good for them. The rest of us have to work at positivity the same way we do at diet and exercise.

If you’re a pro at managing your autoimmune disease through diet and lifestyle, don’t overlook how influential feelings and attitude are on your health.

Here are some tips to wean yourself off an unhappiness addiction:

1. Activate the reward center of the brain with gratitude instead of negativity. Shame, guilt, and worry trigger the same brain chemicals gratitude does. Except gratitude doesn’t make you sick; it improves health.

Don’t have anything to be grateful for (c’mon…)? Doesn’t matter. It’s the searching for gratitude that elicits positive benefits.

2. Label negative feelings. Labeling your negative feeling in a few words activates different areas of the brain that lighten the negativity load. Practicing mindfulness is healthier than suppressing emotions.
3. Make a decision when overcome with worry and anxiety. When you’re besieged by worry, create an intention, set a goal, take action — just do something. This boosts the reward center of the brain and takes it off that exhausting hamster wheel. Don’t trap yourself with making the best decision or the one you should make. Instead, shoot for a “good enough” decision that you make for you.

4. Socialize and touch. Appropriately, of course. As far as the brain is concerned, social exclusion is an injury while healthy socialization is an elixir. Even little touches — handshakes, pat on the back, tap on the arm, a hug — amplify the health benefits of socialization. Got no one to touch? Get a massage. And don’t rely solely on texting or the Internet for your socialization. Research shows they don’t impart the same benefits “in-real-life” human company does.

For more ideas on how to keep your body healthy, contact our office at

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com