Muscle, Bone and Joint (earlier named Arthritis)

Says Shirin Merchant, India’s pioneering canine behaviourist and trainer, while talking about assistance dogs, a relatively new concept in India, where dogs are specially trained to perform a range of tasks to assist individuals with disability. How and when did you become a canine behaviourist and trainer? My journey as a dog trainer and behaviourist started in 1995. What is an assistance dog and what is it trained to do? It is very difficult for an able-bodied person to imagine the…

Suffering from Arthritis? Stiffness in hips and knees? Stiff toes or stiff ankles? How can you ease the stiffness in your joints? Yoga is very effective in managing arthritis. It reduces pain, increases flexibility, and lowers stress.  It brings harmony to body and mind. We have worked with Divyayog to create a set of asanas for you to do in the comfort of your own home. Volume 1 is specifically focussed on the lower body - from hip to toe.  Please remember: Do not do these…

Chiropractic care has been successful in treating sciatica, slipped disc, neck pain and low back pain, besides being good for babies with colic and senior citizens with arthritis, informs Mumbai based chiropractor Dr Ismat Kanga.  Many people don’t understand what a chiropractor does. What exactly does your work entail? Chiropractors treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system, and the effects of these disorders on general health.  …

Tai Chi, the ancient martial art from China, may be widely known as a self-defense art, but has abundant health benefits that can help cure ordinary ailments to life threatening diseases, says Tai Chi guru Carlton Hill.  What is Tai Chi? How is it different from other martial arts? Tai Chi Chuan or Taijiquan is a five thousand year old martial art practised in China. Though, in present times, it is mostly practised for its health benefits. Tai Chi Chuan is unique because one can…

Struggling with joint aches and pains and not able to exercise. Is Aqua Therapy an option for you? PatientsEngage speaks to Mumbai-based Deepali Jain, a certified aqua specialist and fitness expert and Sucheta Talwar who conquered fear of water and severe arthritis with aqua therapy.  What is Aqua Therapy? Aqua Therapy is a specialized form of water-based exercises and work outs for relaxation, fitness, health benefits and rehabilitation. It refers to the use of water for…

Here is a round up of the PatientsEngage top 10 most popular stories of 2015 1. My Special Child Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, verbal and non-verbal communication. Mousumi Dutta shares her stirring narrative about bringing up her daughter, Aria who is on the Autism Spectrum with remarkable fortitude, dignity and unwavering optimism.  http://www.patientsengage.com/personal-voices/autism/my-special-…

What causes osteoporosis Limited formation of bone early in life, or loss of bone structure later in life leads to osteoporosis. The factors that help in bone growth during youth affect bone mass during the adult years, particularly the following: • Poor calcium intake  • Poor absorption of calcium from the gut • Reproductive calcium intake, i.e., the amount of calcium utilized by the body in women • Vitamin D deficiency • Lack of physical activity • Increased Parathyroid gland function,…

There are typically no symptoms in the early stages of bone loss. But once bones have been weakened by osteoporosis, you may have signs and symptoms that include: Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra (back bone) Loss of height over time Stooped posture Bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected

Different types of osteoporosis • Primary: This is a common type of osteoporosis associated with increase in age, improper diet and lack of physical activities. • Secondary: This is bone loss that occurs due to the use of certain medications. • Juvenile osteoporosis: This is rare. It occurs during the ages when bone growth is rapid, ie in the ages 8-14years.  Different stages of the condition Between the ages of 18 to 30, the bone attains its peak bone mass, ie, bone will reach their…

What tests do I need to have done The doctor may recommend some of the following : DEXA Scan (Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry): This is a type of bone densitometry test commonly used for osteoporosis, which measures bone mineral density. It usually focuses on the spine and the hip or on total bone density to gauge fracture risk. Know more on Dexa Scan or Bone Scan Blood test markers: Blood or urine tests check the chemical processes occurring within the bone. These tests reveal several markers…