What's Moving at Lifemoves? Blog
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The body is a complex system of relationships that are governed by the nervous system and the brain. During this weekend's Level I Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) we investigated these relationships. It was a pleasure to learn directly from David Weinstock, who developed NKT.
How do We Move When Injured?
In the body every muscle works in a co-ordinated manner to create a movement. Injuries, surgeries or illnesses mess up the motor control center. Humans have a phenomenal capacity to develop compensatory patterns to get the job done but are still dysfunctional. Even when the original injured tissue is healed these compensation patterns persist for years unless addressed.
"Athletes are the best compensators" - David Weinstock
Our muscles are either prime movers, synergists, functional opposites or stabilizers depending on the movement. When there is an injury or trauma (direct or overuse) to the tissue these relationships get mixed up. Repeated inefficient movements lead to earlier onset of fatigue, further trauma and injury. An example of this is pec minor tension which brings the shoulder forward close the joint where the rotator cuff functions from. This reduces the ability to lift overhead and can lead to frozen shoulder or tendinitis.
What is Neurokinetic Therapy?
"NeuroKinetic Therapy is a sophisticated assessment and treatment
modality that addresses the causes of dysfunctional
movement/coordination problems at their root in the motor control center
in the cerebellum. The motor control center stores these patterns and
directs their completion through the spinal cord and the muscles. The
motor control center learns through failure." David Weinstock
How Does NKT Work?
A therapist using Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) is investigating how the
motor control center is function by testing various muscles and their
relationships. A muscle testing weak could be inhibited
by any tissue that has proprioceptive nerves - such as scars, tendons,
ligaments, joint capsules, fascia and organs not just muscles.We even found popliteus, a muscle behind the knee doing the work of 6 leg muscles for someone with recent knee surgery . I found a scar on my right abdomen from deep surgery that was preventing my
quadratus laborum from functioning properly - this has been ongoing
since 1977!
A place of soreness is often a symptom of what is going on above and below. With muscle testing we investigate inhibited and facilitated relationships, release what we think is inhibiting and retest to see if this relationship has changed; if not there is another relationship that needs to be addressed.
Clients are given homework to complete twice daily to continue the release and strengthening. This is highly important because it can take up to several thousand repetitions to get a new pattern ingrained in the motor control center. A "tight"feeling facilitated muscle will often start to soften as the previously inhibited one comes back online and the nervous system modulates to reduce the tone in the previously tight feeling muscle.
The motor control centre is quite adaptive. Improper motor control is often found in patients with low-back pain; pain inhibits(prevents) muscles from firing properly thus making them weak and prone to injury. Other tissues like tendons, ligaments and muscles which transfer load can take 6-12 weeks or even longer to truly get stronger. There are studies that show Achilles tendons and anterior cruciate ligament still remodeling a year after the original injury or surgery.
I am looking forward to helping clients move more efficiently and effectively by using more finely tuned movement detective skills.
Learn more about NKT
Discover your compensation patterns and become a more efficient mover by booking a session with Alfred
Labels: continuing education, fascia, myofascial pain, neurokinetic therapy
 Does your doctor know to you are seeing a Kinesiologist? Don't let it be a secret! In January we sent out postcards to nearly two hundred North Shore doctors encouraging them to prescribe exercise as medicine; we had two clinics call us directly inquiring about what we do and how we can assist their patients.
In the last month Andrea and I had lunch meetings with nearly a dozen family doctors on the North Shore. We were surprised to learn how many didn't know that Lifemoves existed. Our efforts are to encourage doctors to prescribe exercise as medicine. During our visits we were very encouraged to know how supportive they are about our services and our goals to help North Shore residents achieve greater movement in their lives.
They asked us about coverage under extended benefits plans. While we have had success with disability plans and do regularly receive payment from ICBC (Lifemoves is an approved service provider) we struggle with extended benefits providers. Now that Kinesiologists are a registered health profession in Ontario we are hoping that kinesiology will be covered under a greater number of extended health benefits packages. In the meantime try to get a prescription for Kinesiology, especially for an ICBC claim.
How to Spread the Word About Kinesiology and Exercise Therapy
Kinesiologist's guidance can have postive effects on both the prevention and management injuries, disabilities and chronic diseases. Please help us advocate for kinesiology and make it more accessible by speaking with your doctor and employers. We would be happy to provide you with additional support information.
Also, we value and encourage collaboration with other health care and medical practitioners including family physicians regarding the care of our clients. This means, with permission, forwarding requests for more information, progress updates, receiving diagnostic information and having conversations related to the conditions clients seek us for exercise therapy.
If your doctor doesn't know you are seeing a kinesiologist, please let them know during your next visit; after all they are your primary health care provider and kinesiology shouldn't be kept a secret!We can provide you with our rack card, business cards and even referral pads, just let us know.
Labels: BCAK, client appreciation, doctor referrals
 Every year the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, which Lifemoves is a member of hosts a business tradeshow to showcase businesses in North Vancouver. This five hour event was free, open to the public and held at the Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier.
Andrea and I had a lot of fun talking to North Vancouver residents and hearing their stories about the challenges they face staying moving for life with several expressing interest in booking a consultation. We also met a number of people in businesses which are complementary to ours including Naturopathic Doctors, Physiotherapists, Nurses, Home Care Providers, Disability Insurance companies and the North Shore Disability Resources Centre.
Last Thursday we also revealed the first of several videos to the public which was well received:
Why Choose Lifemoves Kinesiology for Rehabilitation
If you know of anyone who could benefit from Kinesiology please show them the video and have them call us at 604.283.1858 to book a 30 min complimentary consultation or a more comprehensive assessment for $80 + taxes. Labels: andrea brennan, BCAK, business development, choosing a kinesiologist, client appreciation, social media
It has been nearly four years since Lifemoves filmed a
promotional video. The first one was completed by Capilano University students because I was finalist for the North Vancouver Chamber of Commerce's Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2009.
We found out about Flip Vision Productions through
regular patronage at a Starbuck where Flip Vision's founder Jomari Dumalasa is a barista. Although their primary niche is wedding photography and video, I was
impressed with their talent and professionalism. After several conversations we decided to
work together to build a repertoire of videos to help promote Lifemoves® Health
and Rehabilitation.
Jomari came several weeks before to discuss a plan, see the
facility and figure out his equipment needs which included lighting and a boom. With only a week notice were able to
pull together ten enthusiastic clients to assist us with this project. Our
concept was to film both activity and testimonials so that we could use the
footage for several videos including a main promotional piece. Flip Vision came early to set-up and
reconfirm what type of shots we were looking for. I found it challenging to articulate my
vision and trust it would come out on film, however I gave over the creative
reins to Jomari and Neil. We decided to recruit current and past clients for starring roles. Who better to speak
about Kinesiology and its benefits than our own clients?
Filming started at 2:00 PM on Sunday February 24th
with clients rolling in just before their call times. Through clients in the film industry I have heard that
you can be called to set early but spend hours waiting before your turn; we
avoided this by scheduling everyone in 30 minute session times. The afternoon stretched into the mid-evening
with sushi delivered for dinner. Although it was along day the rewards were seeing see clients whom we hadn’t seen in awhile, getting reacquainted with
them and hearing how their lives have benefited from Kinesiology sessions at Lifemoves.
With our videos I really want to be able tell stories about
what brings our clients to Lifemoves and how we have helped them get moving for
life. I expressed to Jomari that it is important for potential clients to
really connect with our current clients and feel inspired by them. Flip Vision Productions didn’t disappoint. On
Monday evening I had a draft in my inbox available to show to those who
participated for feedback which was phenomenal!
After several rounds of feedback, yesterday we received our second draft
which is very close to being finalized for release by March 12th.
Labels: business development, client success stories, facility updates
This past year has been one full of transitions, changes and growth for Lifemoves. It has been a year of trying new things and moving to new places. As 2013 approaches we have been considering how to best serve our clients in the new year.
After a great deal of consideration due to some circumstances beyond our control we decided not to renew our lease at Austin Avenue. Effective December 31st, 2012 we will only be accepting clients who are able to train at various community centers within the Tri-Cities area. Perhaps in the future we will re-open our own space in Coquitlam.
Now that we are settled in our Copping Street location, our 2013 priority will serving our clients in North and growing this exercise therapy clinic. We thank our clients, friends, family and referral sources for their support during this past year. We are looking forward to a more settled 2013.
Sincerely,
Alfred Ball
President | Founder
Life Moves Health and Fitness Inc. Labels: business development
The B.C. Ministry of Health and the B.C. Medical Association has recognized Kinesiologists as part of the rehabilitation puzzle. We have been included in an initiative that they have been working on as joint venture with the the General Practice Services Committee and HealthLink BC to make it easier
and more timely for healthcare professionals and their assistants to provide
patients with appropriate referrals. The
database they have been working is called the Community Healthcare and Resource
Directory (CHARD).
In 2010, Lifemoves® Health and Rehabilitation was contacted
by HealthLink to provide information about our services and our providers even
before our professional association, the BC Association of Kinesiologists was.
As Kinesiologists we are proud to be recognized as healthcare professionals
and part of this online resource.
When asked about this new program and why were invited it
was because they thought that our company’s programs met their stringent
requirements. Last week we finally
received our login credentials to CHARD so that we are able to update our information.
What is CHARD?
“The British Columbia Medical Association and the Ministry
of Health Services, as members of the General Practice Services Committee
(GPSC), along with HealthLink BC, have committed to improving the patient referral
process by creating a Community Healthcare and Resource Directory (CHARD)
focused initially on mental health and addictions. This is a free, secure,
web-based service enabling physicians and other select practitioners to find
detailed information on healthcare specialists and resources. CHARD is built on
existing services offered by HealthLink BC.”
CHARD Website
What is Next?
At Lifemoves® one of our core values is education. Firstly,
we are working diligently at creating opportunities to provide educational
talks and documentation about Kinesiology to medical and healthcare
professionals, the general public and other referral sources such as Law firms. Our goal is to help them understand the positive impact we have on our clients' lives.
Secondly, we are examining our processes to make it easier for
people to be brought on board as clients, stay clients and refer new clients to us. CHARD includes sections on who our
typical clients are, what our services are and how to best refer to us. The referral section that
will include a digital referral pad.
We are also very excited to be conducting an in service in
December for Lions Gate Hospital’s Rehabilitation department on the topic of how Kinesiology services
fits in the rehabilitation process. If you would like us to present to your
organization please call Alfred at 604.283.1858
Labels: BCAK, business development, choosing a kinesiologist, Recognition
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| Lifemoves' Hilda & Alfred with client & fabulous RMT Julia Winter |
Saturday September 29th was the grand opening party for
North Vancouver's newest personal training and wellness facility - It's
Time Fitness Results. The excitement was palpable.
It was around May of 2011 when I was introduced to Sheila Hamilton of It's Time Fitness Results by a colleague who knew I was looking for a new space for Lifemoves® Health and Rehabilitation.
During our first meeting Sheila was kind enough to show me the plans for a building that didn't exist and dream she has had for several years. It has been a joy to see this space take shape from an idea, to plans, to the framed walls and into the space that everyone is raving about.
The afternoon started with clients and friends bringing in their spouses and kids. The children had a lot of fun running around the open turf, playing with the stability balls and having sword fights with the foam rollers. As the evening progressed the atmosphere became more of a casual adult party. It was really nice to talk to people for longer periods of time than we do when just in-passing between sessions.
It turns out that one of Sheila's long-term clients (who is also a good friend of hers) happens to be someone I know from nearly 15 years ago when I was cross country ski racing with the Nordic Racers up at Cypress Mountain. What also surprised me is that I know this gentleman's wife as well and have vague recollections of their son being born.
What makes this place special is not just the attention to detail with amenities and the equipment, but also the people. This includes the clients who use both organizations' services. It's Time's clients pulled together by fabricating signs, providing food, taking photos and bar tending.
Lifemoves ® would also like to thank all of our clients, including Julia Winter (client since 2004) who have stuck with us during the last nine months of transitions, until we found a home that we are proud to part of and proud to bring our clients to. We also appreciate how welcoming It's Time's clients have been towards Andrea, Hilda and me.
Thank you Sheila for inviting us to be part of your vision.
Visit It's Time Fitness Results
We are accepting new clients in both North Vancouver and Coquitlam. To refer a client call 604.283.1858. Labels: business development, choosing a kinesiologist, client appreciation
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