Hands On Health Windsor

04/09/2026

Please join us in congratulating Rachel on being one of the lucky winner of the office raffle! Rachel has won a brand-new TENS unit, and we hope it brings plenty of relaxation and relief. Enjoy your prize, Rachel!

Beyond the excitement of the raffle, I want to extend a sincere thank you to Rachel and EVERYONE who contributed to the Downtown Mission. Helping our community is the real win!

Because of your incredible generosity, we collected a significant amount of essential food that will go directly toward supporting those in our community who need it most. It is inspiring to see what we can achieve when we work together for a common cause.

Thank you for lending a helping hand! 🤝

04/08/2026

04/07/2026

𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗘 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁, 𝗜𝗰𝗲, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻) 𝘃𝘀 𝗣𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗘 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 (𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗔𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶-𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀, 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗼𝗮𝗱, 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗺, 𝗩𝗮𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗲) 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗮 𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝘆𝗻𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲

🦶 Lateral ankle sprain (LAS) is one of the most frequent musculoskeletal injuries in active adolescents, yet wide variability persists in diagnostic methods and treatment pathways (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514819/, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29886432/).

📋 For more than 20 years, acute care has relied on the PRICE (Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) approach, combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, guideline authors note a lack of high-quality evidence supporting PRICE as a universal strategy and warn that excessive rest and prolonged NSAID use may impair optimal tissue repair (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29514819/).

On the contrary, contemporary rehabilitation enhances early loading, progressive exercise, and patient education. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis reported that exercise-based rehabilitation reduces recurrent sprains risk compared with usual care, though optimal content and dosage remain unclear (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30612980/).

In order to avoid drawbacks of traditional treatment algorithm, PEACE and LOVE was suggested as a two-phase protocol covering immediate care (Protection, Elevation, Avoid anti-inflammatories, Compression, Education) and subacute recovery (Load, Optimism, Vascularization, Exercise), paying attention to education, early optimal loading, and graded activity (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31377722/).

❤️ ☮️ Traditional PRICE + NSAIDs and the PEACE and LOVE frameworks differ not only in clinical management but also in underlying physiological basis. PRICE concentrates primarily on early symptom control by reducing pain and swelling; however, prolonged rest and routine use of anti-inflammatory strategies may impair beneficial inflammatory cascades, macrophage activation, angiogenesis, and collagen remodeling required for optimal tissue healing (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22889660/).

Conversely, PEACE and LOVE supports early, gradual mechanical loading and patient education to stimulate mechanotransduction, maintain neuromuscular function, and support collagen fiber alignment. This protocol aims to optimize tissue regeneration and functional recovery rather than simply controlling symptoms (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31377722/).

📘 In a brand.new randomized prospective comparative study, Meškauskas and colleagues (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41840451/) enrolled 76 adolescents (12–17 years) with first-time LAS, allocated to PRICE + NSAIDs or PEACE and LOVE treatment group (s. comments). Functional performance was assessed at 1–2, 5–7, and 12–15 weeks using Biodex isokinetic dynamometry and the Y-Balance Test composite score (YBT-CS).

📊 Significant improvements over time were observed for strength, range of motion, and dynamic balance in both groups. However, no statistically significant group effects or Group × Time interactions were detected, indicating similar recovery trajectories between rehabilitation approaches during the 12–15-week follow-up period.

💡Clinical relevance
The PEACE and LOVE framework may represent a biologically informed and patient-friendly approach to LAS management in adolescents, emphasizing education, early optimal loading, and functional rehabilitation. Despite being a more recently proposed rehabilitation framework, PEACE and LOVE demonstrated short-term functional outcomes comparable to those observed with the traditional PRICE + NSAIDs approach. In the present study, both rehabilitation protocols were associated with comparable short-term improvements in strength, ROM, and dynamic balance. No statistically significant between-group differences were detected.

⭕The magnitude of these changes was modest, and their clinical relevance should be interpreted cautiously. Future studies incorporating minimal clinically important difference thresholds, patient-reported outcomes, and longer follow-up are needed to determine practical impact. Given the single-center design, application of these findings should be considered in the context of local clinical resources and expertise
Infographic: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31377722/

04/01/2026

At Dr. Reena Pathak, DC's office Hands On Health Windsor we believe that wellness extends far beyond our clinic walls. We are incredibly moved by the generosity our community has shown during our recent food drive!

Every item pictured here represents a helping hand for neighbours facing food insecurity. These donations are headed to Windsor Downtown Mission - DTM next Tuesday to help stock their pantry and support those in need. I personally will be delivering all of this!

NOTE:

🎁 There is Still Time to Help!

If you haven't had a chance to drop off a donation yet, the office is still collecting! Not only will you be supporting a vital local cause, but as a thank you for your kindness, every donor will be entered into a draw to win a TENS unit.

The Prize: We will be drawing TWO lucky winners for a TENS unit!

Deadline: Please drop off your non-perishable food items by end of day Monday, April 6, 2026.

Drop-off Location: 4050 Walker Road #200, Windsor, ON N8W 3T5

Thank you for helping us make a difference in Windsor. Together, we can help ensure no one in our community goes hungry.

02/27/2026

Working at a desk? Here are some ways you can reduce or avoid repetitive strain injury (RSI) at your workstation:

1. Adjust your chair: Your shoulders and lower back should rest comfortably against the backrest, thighs parallel to the floor, with knees inline or slightly lower than your hips.

2. Adjust your monitor - Position your computer screen directly in front of you with the top line of text at eye level. This helps to keep your neck in a neutral position while you work.

3. Adjust your mouse/keyboard - Position your keyboard and mouse so that your arms are relaxed and your wrists are straight. Place them high enough that your elbows rest at your sides, and forearms sit parallel to the floor.

4. Keep moving - Avoid sitting in one position for too long. Move frequently and take breaks to stretch, stand, and walk around.

5. Visit your chiropractor - Chiropractors are spine, muscle and joint experts. They can provide education, advice, and hands-on treatment to help you avoid or manage pain.

February 28 is RSI Awareness Day. Share these tips with your friends and colleagues!

Ontario Chiropractic Association

02/25/2026

𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗔𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰 𝗟𝗼𝘄 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗣𝗮𝗶𝗻: 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀

⬛ Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of years lived with disability in both high- and middle-income countries.
⬛ While 90% to 95% of cases are considered "nonspecific" (meaning no specific spinal pathology or radicular syndrome can be identified), the economic and personal burden is massive.
⬛ Although most patients recover from an acute episode within a month, between 4% and 25% of patients will drift into chronicity, defined as persistent pain lasting 3 months or longer.
⬛ A recent systematic review by Nieminen, Pyysalo, and Kankaanpää set out to understand why this happens by evaluating 25 studies to identify the prognostic risk factors that predict chronicity before it sets in.
⬛ Relying on the biopsychosocial model of LBP—which emphasizes that an individual's perception of symptoms is modulated by psychological and social influences, not just mechanical issues—the review categorized several critical predictors.

𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗥𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆

𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 🧍‍♂️
⬛ Lifestyle plays a massive role in pain chronicity.
⬛ The review identified several highly predictive personal factors:
⬛ Obesity and Higher Body Weight: Evaluated across multiple studies, higher body weight and elevated BMI are major risk factors for developing chronic pain.
⬛ Smoking: Smoking and ni****ne dependence were also highlighted as major lifestyle-related risks for pain chronicity.
⬛ Demographics and Health: Female s*x and poorer general health/multimorbidity prior to the onset of LBP were also found to be significant risks.

𝗦𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 👉
⬛ The nature of the pain episode itself can predict its trajectory:
⬛ High Pain Intensity: Experiencing a higher intensity of pain during the acute phase is one of the most frequently observed risk factors for chronicity.
⬛ Functional Limitation: Severe LBP-induced disability or functional impairment during the initial episode strongly predicts a longer-term problem.
⬛ Avoiding bed rest and maintaining functionality despite pain is essential.

𝗢𝗰𝗰𝘂𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 🏗️
⬛ Workplace physical demands can directly contribute to the prolongation of symptoms, potentially by preventing workers from recovering and returning to work in a timely fashion.
⬛ The most significant occupational risks include:
⬛ Carrying Heavy Loads: This was the most studied biomechanical risk factor and heavily predictive of chronic LBP.
⬛ Difficult Working Positions & Physical Work: Strenuous physical work, awkward or difficult postures, and exposure to vibrations and jolts at work significantly increase the risk.

𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 (𝗬𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗴𝘀) 🧠
⬛ Often referred to as "yellow flags," cognitive and emotional factors heavily influence disability.
⬛ Depression and Anxiety: Depression was the most studied psychosocial factor predicting chronicity, alongside general anxiety.
⬛ Maladaptive Coping Behaviors: Patients who exhibit fear-avoidance, pain catastrophizing, somatization, low pain tolerance, and those who perceive a high risk of their symptoms persisting are much more likely to develop chronic LBP.
⬛ Workplace Stress: High psychological job demands and a lack of recognition at work also increase the risk.

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 🛡️
⬛ Interestingly, the review also identified factors that protect against chronicity.
⬛ Physical exercise and a general sense of physical well-being were protective.
⬛ Additionally, having social support at work acted as a buffer.
⬛ Notably, one high-quality study found a statistically significant association between higher blood pressure and lower rates of chronic pain.

𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 🩺
⬛ The most important conclusion from this review is that a "wait and see" approach for acute low back pain is no longer advisable. Please see a chiropractor like Dr. Reena Pathak, DC at Hands On Health Windsor
⬛ Because nonspecific LBP is a complex, multifactorial condition, clinicians should not focus solely on mechanical diagnoses.
⬛ Instead, early screening is crucial to identify patients with the aforementioned risk factors.
⬛ By recognizing these "yellow flags" early, healthcare providers can subgroup patients and implement tailored, comprehensive treatment strategies that address the biomechanical, psychological, and psychosocial aspects of their pain to avert long-term disability.

02/21/2026

Ready to lend a helping hand? 🤝

At Dr. Reena Pathak, DC clinic - Hands On Health Windsor we believe in the power of Chiropractic—a word that literally means "done by hand."

For the rest of February and the month of March, we’re putting our hands together to support those in our community facing food insecurity, and we want you to join us!

🥫 The "Helping Hands" Food Drive

We are collecting canned and dry goods to stock local pantries at the Windsor Downtown Mission - DTM. Every bit of support helps strengthen the community we call home.

🎟️ Donate & Win a TENS Unit!

To say thank you for your generosity, we’re holding a special raffle.

The Deal: Every 5 items you donate earns you 1 raffle ticket.

The Prize: Your very own TENS Unit!
TWO winners will be drawn.

🤔 What is a TENS Unit?

If you've ever had "electric therapy" at our office, you know how great this feels! TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation.

It is a small, portable device that sends mild electrical pulses through pads placed on your skin. It helps by:

Blocking Pain Signals: It "distracts" your brain from feeling pain.

Boosting Endorphins: It triggers your body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

Reducing Muscle Tension: Perfect for managing aches at home between adjustments!

📍 How to Participate

Where: Drop off your goods to Dr. Reena Pathak, DC ’s office. She will keep track and add your name to the raffle.

What: Canned veggies, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and other non-perishables.

Why: Because a stronger community starts with a helping hand.

Let’s see how many shelves we can fill together! 🖤

02/17/2026

02/14/2026

Our type of love language?

✅ Better posture

✅ Easier movement

✅ A healthier spine - the real backbone of your health?

&
This Valentine’s Day, show your spine some love by scheduling a chiropractic appointment. Link on website (in bio).

01/07/2026

Let's Talk Safety. Concerns about neck manipulation and stroke are common. Large-scale studies, including one in Spine, have repeatedly found that a visit to a chiropractor is no more associated with an increased risk of stroke than a visit to a primary care physician. We perform thorough screenings to ensure safety and use techniques appropriate for your specific needs.

Have a safety question? Drop it in the comments below-we believe in transparent, evidence-based care. Please note: No Medical advice will be given or personal discussion related to health history.

Reference:
Spine Journal. Source: Cassidy JD, et al. Risk of Vertebrobasilar Stroke and Chiropractic Care: Results of a Population-Based Case-Control and Case-Crossover Study. 2008.