tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45380355119028667232011-07-30T12:07:44.633-04:00This is the personal and professional blog of Dr. Michael Berenstein - Chiropractor and founder of Bend Chiropractic & Laser Therapy in Toronto, ON.DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comBlogger271100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-28856815796622454642010-06-07T08:50:00.003-04:002010-06-07T09:07:09.938-04:00

To the small subsect of my readers who are also Blue Jay fans. A most bizarre, ridiculous, and possibly unprecedented event happened this weekend. In the midst of the media and the Blue Jay organization wondering where all the Jays' fans are (see 2nd worst attendance in baseball), the Rogers' Blue Jays organization just inflicted a self strike on its image. If you read beyond the headlines

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-50303972832312970052010-06-02T16:47:00.002-04:002010-06-02T16:53:56.778-04:00

Hi folks,To my regular readers (or, reader - I know there is at least one of you), I thought I'd give you a quick update regarding the goings on with my practice. As you may recall, I am changing office locations in July. If it were not for the fabulous new location I would be sad about leaving Wellpoint. But, alas, I am really excited to introduce you to my new office at Satori Urban Wellness

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-27351740639674302252010-05-24T15:53:00.005-04:002010-05-25T10:24:38.922-04:00

For six seasons and 17 episodes Lost - the t.v. show - was steeped in mystery, asking the characters and viewers questions about spirituality, faith, science, fate, and free will. Incomplete answers to these questions only left further questions in their wake. The final episode did not disappoint by staying true to its nature. We are left with no more story and many questions. The questions

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-39512225608729602772010-05-17T09:31:00.002-04:002010-05-17T09:39:47.564-04:00

Normally I reserve this blog for writings about chiropractic, wellness, fitness, and the latest research. But, as many of you know, this is an exciting week in the world of pure entertainment. The final episodes of the greatest t.v. show ever air this week on Tuesday and Sunday. My wife and I, my brothers, parents, friends, and millions more have been looking forward to this week. Explaining

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-74519769376756040222010-05-05T10:55:00.003-04:002010-05-05T11:11:26.610-04:00

I just read an excellent, interesting, and relevant research review of an important concept in the world of physical therapy. Serendipitously, I read this research only moments after a regular patient of mine left the office after we discussed this very topic - the topic of spinal joint "cavitation" - otherwise known as the "popping" sound you hear when you have your joints manipulated. The

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-73386224551509879012010-04-27T12:55:00.002-04:002010-04-27T13:32:26.771-04:00

As of last week, it is now official. After almost five great years practicing chiropractic at 1240 Bay (aka Wellpoint Health Centre), I will be changing my office location as of July 1st. But, if you love my current location due to its proximity to either the subway, your family physician, beautiful Yorkville, or all of the above, don't fret because I'm not going very far. In fact, only a

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-60772274906987703012010-04-10T18:39:00.003-04:002010-04-10T18:45:01.452-04:00

The evolution continues. I just finished a two day continuing education seminar this weekend - 10 intensive hours focused on shoulder rehabilitation and spinal manipulation. Courses like these really inspire me to get back to work the next day and build on the healing capabilities of chiropractors! So, at your next visit, be very excited for your adjustments or your next shoulder rehab session

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-48405454094788734552010-04-06T09:43:00.005-04:002010-04-06T16:15:28.480-04:00

Have you ever gotten out of bed in the morning after a sleepless night with extra pep in your step? I know, this sounds absurd, but it describes me today. It might sound overly dramatic to say that today is the first day of the rest of my professional career, but it is what I believe. Let me explain:I feel privileged to have helped so many people recover from their aches and pains in the first

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-90265946180934800442010-03-12T11:43:00.006-05:002010-03-12T16:07:46.350-05:00

Below is the official advertising for a fabulous idea created by Canadian chiropractors. Simply put, we're all too busy. Some have found the time and motivation to stay active and pursue fitness and athletics. Others have not. Unfortunately, patters develop and we end up stuck in our ways. We come home, plop on the couch, and then it's bedtime and we do the whole thing over again the next

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-53147636580571194712010-03-09T14:15:00.007-05:002010-03-09T14:26:25.620-05:00

The sun is shining, the olympians have us motivated, and the annual CMCC Backs in Motion walk/run for chiropractic education is upon us!If you're a runner, this is a great opportunity to warm up for the spring and summer season: 5km or 10km. Last year I ran the 5km in about 28minutes! A personal best for me. This year, I'm aiming for 20 minutes!! Of course, I won't come close and probably

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-86597063076463885882010-02-24T16:07:00.004-05:002010-02-24T16:26:40.740-05:00

Sorry it has taken so long to post a new blog entry. I was waiting for my last entry (shoveling tips) to prove useful. But, it appears as though we're not really going to have a Canadian winter this season. Fine by me. Of course, this has not stopped me from enjoying the Winter Olympics. Besides the usual pride and occasional (maybe more than occasional) disappointment, it is especially

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-82083924851748360572009-12-08T17:04:00.002-05:002009-12-08T17:18:22.270-05:00

Today's blog post comes complements of the Ontario Chiropractic Association. Every winter I remind my patients that shoveling snow is just like working out, but harder! So do not treat it like a chore. It needs to be treated like exercise so that it gets done in a timely manner without sacrificing your back. Here are the highlights from the OCA's 'Lift Light, Shovel Right' brochure:When you

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-87426333285584662112009-12-01T14:05:00.006-05:002009-12-01T14:26:20.263-05:00

2009 has been a tough year for many. The economy went in the toilet thanks to our neighbours south of the border. As a result, many people earned less money this year, lost their health insurance, or even their job.Patients I came to know and help were forced to cut back or even stop their chiropractic health care. It is sad that those who were making healthy decisions were forced to stop due

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-21967097861281055782009-11-03T14:22:00.004-05:002009-11-03T14:42:10.304-05:00

For years, since I began private practice, patients have always asked me about back supports. Obus Forme, Therapeutica, home-made devices, etc. In search of being able to answer my patients properly, I have tried them all without much success. Each device has its pluses and miinuses. Despite being a significant player in the physical support industry, I have always found the Obus Forme back

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-88186527385599568302009-09-14T09:50:00.004-04:002009-09-14T09:54:27.451-04:00

Patient X, a 30 year old female nurse, presented to my office with pain and stiffness in her neck and back as well as daily headaches in the back of the skull and temple region. Her symptoms had been progressing for approximately one year. Following a thorough examination including appropriate orthopaedic, neurological and chiropractic testing patient X was diagnosed with cervicogenic headaches

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-5451748937630450652009-08-18T15:23:00.005-04:002009-08-18T15:42:36.721-04:00

This summer I began saving trees in a chiropractic sort of way. I successfully transitioned my office to paperless chiropractic files. Recently, the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) began endorsing and supplying (with a licensing fee, of course) Ontario chiropractors with ChiroWrite - an excellent electronic chiropractic records program. The office cannot be completely paperless, however

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-7328229815138294992009-08-09T19:13:00.005-04:002009-08-09T19:36:31.752-04:00

I write today's blog very proudly. After a year of training, I competed in my second triathlon of the summer today. Many aspects of today's triathlon were the same as my first one in June. The day started with a long drive out of town (Grimsby - near Niagara) with ominous weather overhead. I set up my transition zone in the rain while my cheering squad (4 parents, 1 wife) huddled under

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-43198499793063052512009-07-13T12:16:00.003-04:002009-07-13T12:22:14.058-04:00

Patient X, visiting Toronto on holiday, presented to my office with severe low back pain and an inability to walk without assistance. Patient X’s pain began a day earlier following a cough and a sneeze. The pain was similar to the pain he felt one year earlier when he herniated a disc in his low back. Following a thorough examination including appropriate orthopaedic, neurological and

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-64006921655329458162009-06-24T15:08:00.005-04:002009-06-24T15:36:04.156-04:00

My very first triathlon came and went this past weekend. It was cold and rainy all day on Saturday in Guelph, where my first "try-a-tri" was located. Despite its name, I followed the illustrious words of Yoda and "did" the triathlon, not just tried it. The entire event, from pre-race preparation to post-race awards, was exciting and inspiring. As far as I know, all three hundred and

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-63613446267623600572009-06-18T10:52:00.002-04:002009-06-18T11:28:33.726-04:00

I am back from Italy. The picture above is of the beautiful town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Although the weather was a bit grey during this part of our vacation, the sights, food, fashion, and culture was still spectacular. Italy is a beautiful country with an envious lifestyle. In short, it appeared as though the Italians worked to live, rather than lived to work as so many of us do in

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-87159304307847310052009-05-16T11:10:00.004-04:002009-05-16T11:18:35.723-04:00

I am off to Italy! The clinic will be closed for a few weeks, and reopening on Monday, June 8. So, no injuries until then. But, if you need some physical therapy help while I'm away, our physiotherapist will be around to help and my assistant has the name and number of a chiropractic colleague in the neighbourhood.Until then, enjoy the beautiful spring weather. And, Go Jays Go !!

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-33257183028587653932009-05-12T13:22:00.002-04:002009-05-12T13:35:15.347-04:00

In my previous method of disseminating information about chiropractic, health, etc. (The Bend Newsletter), I included a section called 'Patient X-Files'. The X-Files told of a recent success story I had in my practice. Blogging now allows me to post information more regularly, including more Patient X-Files. Unfortunately, the switch to blogging meant that I lost my previous X-Files. So,

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-60376380372775715442009-04-26T10:25:00.004-04:002009-04-26T11:29:51.431-04:00

There are too many reasons to exercise to discuss in this blog. But, a recent consultation with a patient reminded me of my own reasons, and reasons that many other will relate to. This patient was a middle aged gentleman who knows he needs to lose weight, and recently learned that he needs to lower his cholesterol; Two related and excellent reasons to exercise. Increased energy, improved mood

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-71636461771622868042009-04-17T23:02:00.005-04:002009-04-17T23:49:59.772-04:00

Staying current with the latest news and research from the physical therapy / wellness industry is necessary to ensure I am providing the best care and advice for my patients. Sifting through the seemingly endless numbers of journals with the latest research can be tedious though. Thankfully, one of my classmates from CMCC does this job for me and any of my colleagues willing to subscribe to

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-78104585402835110342009-03-24T15:37:00.000-04:002009-03-24T15:53:36.313-04:00

Twenty years ago, when I was learning how to dance (not very well) to hip-hop at junior high school dances, one of the big hits on the radio was "Let your backbone slide" by Maestro Fresh Wes. In recent years, Canadian Wes Williams has been acting. His latest role is in a Toronto-filmed show, "The Line".When I read about Maestro celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hit song, I felt compelled

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-7101230062140452332009-03-17T15:27:00.000-04:002009-03-18T11:31:35.115-04:00

It occurred to me last week, after I posted my first blog, that I should include some form of explanation for why I decided to start blogging. The explanation is simple: Enhance the doctor/patient bond.And, this is why:I feel it is important to connect with my patients on more levels than just pain or biomechanical function. Chiropractic is a health care profession that exists along the entire

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4538035511902866723.post-35401487628024543702009-03-09T17:27:00.000-04:002009-03-09T23:25:15.817-04:00

Well, I've finally done it. I have jumped into the world wide web pool. Besides my website, I have been relatively unaware of all the net has to offer. But, no longer. The Bend Blog will serve as a way to communicate to my patients and anyone else about the goings on at Bend Chiropractic & Laser Therapy. But, further, I have also jumped back onto Facebook with an individual profile and a page for

DR. MICHAEL BERENSTEINhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02114858383398375142noreply@blogger.com