Dr. Erin Hoffe

06/07/2018

Some exciting research being done right here at MUN looking at what happens to our back muscles when we sit for long periods of time:

"And the question is, does sitting for a long period of time change how our back would normally function, and maybe make us more at risk for hurting ourselves, say, if we pick up a pencil off the floor after we've been sitting in the office all day."

I'm looking forward to the results of this study and will be sure to share them when they become available. With this research in mind, take a second to stand up and give your back a break!

A study is underway at Memorial University in St. John's that could make things easier on your back. And wouldn't that be great?

03/16/2018

I had a great time yesterday at the Rabbittown Community Centre giving a Lunch & Learn presentation on safe shovelling! Stay tuned for some more upcoming talks!

02/09/2018

"What is that noise?!"

This is another common question that I get a lot in clinic. From clicks, to cracks, and pops our bodies can make some strange noises as we move throughout our day.

But where do these noises come from? Are they good, bad, does it matter? Let’s break down some of the common sounds we typically hear:

-Snapping or clicking: these noises are typically heard as the result of ligaments and tendons passing over our bones. Shoulders, hips, and knees are common areas in the body where these noises can sometimes be heard as our joints move through a range of motion.

-Grinding: this noise is typically heard when there is a loss of cartilage over a joint surface, causing bones to rub together more closely. Although there can be other causes, grinding noises are typically heard with joints that may be undergoing some arthritic, wear and tear, changes.

-Crack, pop, or release: this audible noise can sometimes be heard with chiropractic adjustments or mobilizations. This sound is the result of small bubbles of nitrogen gas being released from the joint, similar to what happens when you open a can of pop. The release of gas allows for increased mobility in the joint to help restore range of motion (among other things!).
*Side note: a popping noise that occurs with a trauma or during sport may be indicative of something more serious, such as a tear in a ligament or tendon.

As a general rule of thumb, pain associated with these noises typically indicates some form of structural impairment or irritation and is something that should be addressed with a health care professional.
However, no pain doesn’t always mean you’re in the clear. Adding strength and stability to the area in question can help to decrease the noises and prevent future injury.

WHEN IN DOUBT, SEEK IT OUT. If you’re unsure of what’s going on, consult a health care professional for an assessment. Chiropractors are trained in assessing how the body moves and can provide you with information, education, and different treatment or rehabilitation options to ensure your joints are happy and healthy!

01/31/2018

Mental illness is something that impacts us all. Today is day and it’s a great platform to help advocate for mental health awareness.

How can YOU make a difference today? Talk about it! Call, text, tweet, view, share, and filter on your social media platforms and Bell will donate 5 ¢ towards mental health initiatives.

Let’s get the conversation started today and work towards ending the stigma!

01/16/2018

Did you know the average shovel full of wet snow can weigh up to 15-20 lbs?

After getting dumped with some wet snow and ice these past 24 hours, here are some safety tips to keep in mind when it comes to shovelling!

https://www.chiropractic.ca/blog/7-ways-to-make-your-snow-shovelling-safer-for-your-back/

KEY POINTS:
-Activate your core muscles and lift with your legs by bending your hips and knees
-Keep the weight close to your body instead of reaching
-Avoid twisting, try to keep your shoulders and feet pointed in the same direction when you're dumping snow
-Take lots of breaks to stretch and hydrate, your back will thank you for it later!

7 Ways to Make Your Snow Shovelling Safer for Your Back Author: CCA Staff Team Date: Dec 14, 2016 Back Care Tips, Blog, Chiropractic Expertise, Chronic Pain, Common Conditions, Low Back Pain, MSK health tips, Posture Share Page: Facebook Twitter As the seasons start to turn, we sometimes forget thin...

01/03/2018

Happy New Year!

Things are back in full swing at the office and the new year brings with it lots of excitement and motivation as we set out new goals for ourselves.

Healthcare goals can include taking care of nagging aches and pains, looking to improve and optimize performance in sport, or seeking to integrate more activity into our day-to-day lives.

Although setting and working through our goals can sometimes be a daunting task, please know that you're not alone! Chiropractors are experts in managing muscle, nerve, and joint pain, but we can also help guide you to find the best resources for your specific needs and goals.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or would like some assistance in reaching your 2018 goals!

11/28/2017

This weekend the chiropractors of Newfoundland and Labrador were presented with the most up-to-date literature on concussions from our fellow colleague, Dr. Janice Drover. Here are some of the important take away points:

-Recovery from a concussion for an adult typically takes between 10-14 days, whereas recovery from a concussion for a child can take up to 4 weeks

-A brief resting period is recommended for the first 24-48 hours following a concussion, however; resting does not just mean a break from activity, school, or work, it also means a break from screen time. Limiting the exposure to cellphones, iPads, computers, and TVs is critical right after a head injury. After this initial resting period, it’s recommended to gradually add screen time back in 5-15 minutes at a time, as long as the individual remains symptom free

-It’s normal to see a rapid improvement in symptoms within the first 2 weeks of recovery, and a slower progression after this threshold. It’s important to continue monitoring symptoms and working through the stages of rehabilitation as each individual will recover at their own pace

-When it comes to children and concussions, returning to school comes before returning to sport/play. There is now a full return to school protocol in place for parents, teachers, and health care practitioners to follow

-Where to chiropractors fit in? Concussions can often bring with them muscle and joint pain that should be evaluated and rehabilitated in conjunction with returning to normal activities. Symptoms such as neck pain and headaches are commonly treated by chiropractors on a daily basis. Chiropractors are also an an integral part of the overall health care team and can serve as a liaison for a patient to ensure proper accommodations are made for school, work, and activity

Finally, the most important take away of all…

YOU ONLY GET ONE BRAIN!

It’s important to think long term when it comes to concussions. Rushing to return to activity can have serious consequences. Taking the appropriate amount of time to recover is the best thing you can do for your health and future quality of life!

If you’d like more information on concussions, or the proper steps to take when recovering from a head injury, feel free to send me a message!

11/20/2017

I had a great time providing treatment to the amazing runners who participated in the Daffodil Dash this weekend!

A common theme I heard from a lot of runners this weekend was tight hamstrings and pain when attempting to stretch them.

I've attached a link to a great video by Dr. Spina demonstrating a better way to stretch out your hamstrings.

The conventional straight leg hamstring stretch we commonly think of tends to put a lot of tension on the sciatic nerve, resulting in pain at the back of our knee. Modifying this stretch by bending your knee slightly and hinging forward with your hips should help move the stretch into the middle of your hamstrings, providing a more effective stretch for the muscle as well as a decrease in pain at the back of the knee.

Disclaimer: tight hamstrings are often a sign of an underlying issue with the mechanics of your pelvis. If your hamstrings are consistently tight, consider booking an assessment to address the whole clinical picture!

Dr. Andreo Spina shows you how to properly stretch your hamstrings without damaging yourself. Dr. Spina is the founder of the Functional Range Conditioning (...