Groundbreaking treatment for spinal stenosis now available to Ottawa patients

Painful spinal condition one of the most common causes of disability and loss of independence in older adults

OTTAWA, Jan. 27, 2015 /CNW/ - A groundbreaking treatment created by a renowned authority in degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis will soon be offered in Ottawa by the team at Keenan Health Centre.

Dirk Keenan, DC is one of the first doctors of chiropractic in the National Capital Region to be trained in the new procedure by the program's creator, Carlo Ammendolia, D.C., Ph.D. Dr. Ammendolia is a leading researcher in the non-surgical treatment of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis.

Developed at Toronto's Mount Sinai Hospital, the "Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp" is a research-backed program that focuses on improving patient function.

"When we see older adults walking with a stooped posture, often depending on canes or walkers, that's an indication of spinal stenosis," says Dr. Keenan.

"Many people think that's an inevitable part of aging," he says, "but it doesn't have to be. This program is showing that patient function can be improved—often significantly."

Usually caused by a type of arthritis that affects the lower spine, lumbar spinal stenosis is a painful condition that causes pain and weakness in the legs, buttocks and lower back, severely limiting a person's ability to stand or walk.

Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Boot Camp is a six-week program that involves a combination of specially designed exercises and manipulations. Twice a day, the patient performs exercises aimed at changing the way they walk and move. These are reviewed weekly by the health team. And twice weekly, a doctor of chiropractic or massage therapist performs mobilizations of the spine or soft-tissue procedures on the muscles.

The primary outcome is increased mobility, as measured with a weekly pedometer step test. Patients can double, triple—even quadruple—the number of steps they are able to take. (More details about the program are available at http://ottawahealth.ca/ottawa-chiropractic/spinal-stenosis-boot-camp-background.)

To launch the program, the Keenan Health Centre is partnering with Alavida Lifestyles. The first series of boot camps will be hosted at the Keenan Health Centre for six months. The program will then be offered on-site at Alavida's Park Place Retirement Residence.

The program is also available to the public. Patients can sign up directly or be referred by a physician or other health care provider. The program is partly covered by extended health insurance plans that include massage therapy and chiropractic care, and the initial screening appointment is done at no charge.

"The team at Keenan Health Centre is really excited to be bringing this new program to Ottawa," says Dr. Keenan.

"Our retirement years should be about doing the things we want to do, whether it's travelling, gardening or simply spending time outdoors, going for walks in the fresh air.

"I can't think of a better way for us to spend our time than helping people do more of the things they enjoy."

Founded in 1952 as one of Ottawa's first chiropractic clinics, Keenan Health Centre today offers a range of health services, such as non-force chiropractic and naturopathic care, physiotherapy, and acupuncture, massage therapy and nutrition counselling.

SOURCE Keenan Health Centre

Dr. Dirk Keenan, Keenan Health Centre, 613-728-9414, [email protected]