Dr. Kirstie Griffiths Chiropractic & Yoga

When it comes to practicing yoga with back pain, sequencing matters. I recently had a new patient come see me who was interested in the Yoga for Back Pain program. He explained that he has experience with yoga, but has found it to be problematic in the past - sometimes it gave him relief, and other times it seemed to make the pain worse. Here’s the thing - all yoga poses are not created equally. If you have joint dysfunction in your lumbar spine, your body is probably not g...oing to appreciate a class with lots of backbends and deep twists because those positions are just jamming the irritated joint surfaces together. If you are recovering from a disc herniation or injury, a flow class with repetitive forward folds is not going to be your friend. The postures practiced in a class and the way they are linked together can make all the difference in the world for how you feel afterwards. Yoga for Back Pain is an online program that is available on your own schedule, from the comfort of home. It is designed specifically for back pain, which means you won’t see postures that are typically triggers for spinal pain. I’ve got a free class that you can access here: https://mailchi.mp/3e73ce74df/yoga-for-back-pain-demo-video Give it a try, and let me know what you think! #yogaforbackpain #backtowellness #yogaforeverybody #meditation #yoga #yogalove #yogapractice #quarantineyoga #yogapose #yogaeverywhere #yogacommunity #mindbodygram #mindandbody #bemindful #innerwork #mindfulness #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #mentalhealth #integrativemedicine #healthyliving #healthmatters #holisticliving #intuitiveliving #mindfulliving

A while ago, I was working with a patient treating his migraines for several weeks while waiting on an appointment with his neurologist to investigate his headaches. Following the appointment, he let me know his neurologist advised against spinal manipulation due to the risk of stroke. I asked the patient if it would be okay if I followed up with his neurologist directly to have a better understanding of this recommendation; there were no identifiable red flags that I coul...d see from our assessment, and research shows favourable results for adjustments being safe and effective for migraine management. During our phone call, the neurologist informed me that there were no specific contraindications he identified, but he was aware that there is an association with strokes and cervical manipulation. I explained that this relationship does in fact exist; but we also know that the risk of stroke is the same if the patient just left their Medical Doctor’s office. Why? Because patients in the very early stages of a stroke can experience pre-stroke syndrome - the symptoms are very vague and can include things like headache, neck pain, and stiffness. The patient feels unwell, and this prompts them to seek care from their healthcare provider. Unfortunately the stroke is not picked up in the clinical setting because these signs look very similar to mechanical neck pain, so it didn’t matter if you adjusted their neck, prescribed a medication, or told them to go home and rest - they ended up having the stroke regardless because they were already in the process of having a stroke. The neurologist replied, that makes sense. As clinicians, it is important for us to understand the difference between association and cause-and-effect. Sometimes there is a logical explanation that can be proven through data to explain stories misexplained by the media. If you have questions about this, send me a DM; my priority is to keep you feeling good, safely.

Hi! If we haven’t had a chance to meet yet, my name is Dr. Kirstie Griffiths and I am the founder of the Yoga for Back Pain program. When I started my career as a chiropractor, I would recommend yoga to my patients as a tool to manage their pain. Many of my patients were interested in the idea of yoga but intimidated by large classes offered in studios and gyms, and had fears around moving safely with pain. I created this clinical program that combines Education, Mov...ement, and Meditation to bridge the gap between doctors prescribing yoga to people with back pain, and people being able to access yoga in a therapeutic, safe, and effective way. After running this small group community program for a year, I decided to launch an online format that people could access from the comfort and safety of home during the pandemic. I normally open registration for my in-person program 3 times per year, but this year has looked a little different. The pandemic has created many challenges for the fitness industry, and this has placed instructors and studio/gym owners in a difficult position. I have made the decision to put this in-person program on pause for the winter, with plans to launch the first program of 2021 in April. I am viewing this time and space as an opportunity to refurbish the existing program, to enhance the participant experience upon our return. In the meantime, the online program is self-serve and available on demand. You can find the link to that in my bio. Thank you Guelph for your support of small businesses during this difficult time; please shop local this holiday season, and share, comment, and like your friends’ posts where you are not in a position to buy. See you in the studio in the Spring! #yogaforbackpain #backtowellness #yogaforeverybody #meditation #yoga#yogalove #yogapractice #quarantineyoga #yogapose#yogaeverywhere #yogacommunity #mindbodygram #mindandbody #bemindful #innerwork #mindfulness #thepowerofnow

Happy Friday everyone! Some of you may recall, I recently sat down with Dr. Nathan Kadlecek in his Facebook group Back Pain Support Group, to discuss all things Yoga and Back Pain. We had such a good time, we are going to do it again - but this time I have invited him to come over to chat with my group! I’m excited to announce Nathan will be joining me in my BACK To Wellness Facebook group this upcoming Monday, December 14th at 12 P.M. EST for a noon-hour discussion surround...ing the role that gratitude plays in pain management. As an athlete and physiotherapist, Nathan understands first-hand how important it is for individuals to be living and feeling their best so that they can continue to engage in those activities that bring them joy. From his own personal experiences, Nathan has tailored his practice to offer an innovative and customized approach that meets each person’s specific needs based on where they are at in their health journey. Based on our discussions, I know that he is also passionate about chronic pain management and loves to educate his patients on mindset and self-management strategies to help them lead better quality lives. You won’t want to miss out on this informative and uplifting discussion, so mark this date and time down in your calendar and we look forward to seeing you soon! #Chiropractic #chiropractor #chiropractors #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #healthyliving #healthmatters #holisticliving #intuitiveliving #mindfulliving #wellnesstips #bemindful #innerwork #mindfulness #peacewithin

A couple months ago, one of my longtime patients called the clinic on a Friday afternoon in distress. Her daughter did something to her neck at school and had been in painful tears all afternoon. Full transparency; I don’t do a lot of pediatric care. In fact, I have a well-known rule in the clinic that I will only take on children as new patients if they are old enough to verbally communicate. As for the very wee ones, we have an excellent chiropractor in the clinic who ha...s a special interest in newborn and infant care who is far more gifted than I am with this age group. But if they can talk to me, I can help them. This little one was around 5 years old, and beside herself when she came in. She had been looking down at an art project at school, and felt like her neck was now stuck in that position. She was in pain, and she was scared. I thought about what it felt like to be her age (pictured here). I can honestly remember it. If I were in her shoes, I would be terrified too. So I did the same thing I do with all of my patients; I got on her level, I stepped into her pain, and I told her I would keep her safe. As we worked, I asked her about school and the things she liked best. I asked her about her sister. I told her stories. I made sure she knew we could stop at any time if something hurt - I offered her control, and in return she offered me trust. 15 minutes later she hopped off the table with full range of motion in her neck and minimal discomfort. She skipped out the door, and I will never forget the look on her mama’s face when she turned to say goodbye; some feelings don’t have words. You and your family are important to me; you will be cared for here. Send me a DM to start your journey. #Chiropractic #chiropractor #chiropractors #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #mentalhealth #integrativemedicine #healthyliving #healthmatters #holisticliving #intuitiveliving

Today is the official one month countdown to the most wonderful time of the year - Christmas! In celebration of what this season is truly about, I am hosting a Gratitude Challenge in the BACK To Wellness Facebook group for the month of December. This community initiative will feature daily prompts for random acts of kindness and self care, and pieces of writing to uplift and inspire you. The Facebook group forum will create a space for everyone to share their experiences... with spreading joy and love. I participated in one of these last year (you might remember my daily posts on Instagram sharing my personal story), and it was the best holiday season I can remember in a long time. It took me out of the commercial/material world that we sometimes get wound up in at this time of year, and brought me back to what the season of giving is all about. It’s been an especially tough year for many of us, but I keep coming back to a mantra I have recited many times in my life; Gratitude breeds Abundance. Abundance breeds Gratitude. So let’s be kind and enjoy the positive collective energy this holiday season so we can close the year on a high note. To participate, join the group at the link below and stay tuned for our opening ceremonies on December 1st! https://www.facebook.com/groups/gettingbacktowellness #backtowellness #gratitude #decemberchallenge #kindness #holidayseason #christmas #community #love #yogateacher #yogaoffthemat #yogainspiration #yogawisdom #yogaquotes #chiropractor #healthyliving #holistichealth #gift #goodness #goodwill #thankful

This week for #ModuleMondays we are talking all things social media. To begin, let me just say I am not an expert in this space. I have spent (wasted) a lot of time trying to figure these platforms out, but after a year and a half of throwing spaghetti at the wall, I feel like I have a grasp on this. Here is my non-conventional social media advice that has nothing to do with hashtags or photo editing. First: all you aspiring clinicians and entrepreneurs, I don’t want... to be the person who encourages you to add something else to your plate, but here’s the thing - a business is a lot like a house. Easier to build if there is already a foundation. Don’t wait until you graduate to start everything from scratch. Protect yourself from overwhelm; start building your online community now. Not sure what to post about because you aren’t licensed yet? Doesn’t matter! Share your stories, share things you are passionate and knowledgeable about. Spend time connecting and interacting with other accounts in an effort to learn from others while building your network. The nice thing about the virtual space is that it doesn’t matter that you don’t know where you will set up your practice yet because social media is mobile. This will be especially helpful if you plan to have online offerings. Number 2: connect with other local businesses. Follow their accounts. Reach out to them via DM and introduce yourself. Direct them to your website if they are interested in learning more about you. Ask if they want to meet up for a coffee. Integrate the virtual space and the real life space; those connections will be so much more meaningful. Number 3: there are a lot of gimmicky tactics for growing your account rapidly. Resist the urge. Treat people online the way you would treat them in real life. Follow/unfollow for increased engagement is not the best way to leave a lasting impression on people. If you find something important to say, people will find you. Thoughts? Let me know your favourite social strategies below and be sure to check back next Monday for our next instalment in this series! #chiropracticstudent #studentlife #universityofguelph #entrepreneur See more

There’s something I needle tell you - I so enjoyed day 1 of acupuncture certification #acupuncture #mcmasteruniversity #medicalacupuncture #biomedicalscience #evidencebasedmedicine #chiropractic #chiropractor #guelph #guelphchiropractor #yogateacher #painmanagement #backpainrelief #chronicpain

I’m teaming up with my friends @loyobofit for Friday night Happy Hour! Join me next Friday October 2nd at 6:30 pm for this restorative candlelit yoga class - the ultimate in relaxation. We will hold each pose for several minutes and use props to support the body in the most comfortable way possible. This is the perfect class to transition into fall - bring your cozy sweaters, sweatpants, big fuzzy socks, and anything else you would like to keep warm as this practice will d...rop the body temperature so please bring layers. If you have bolsters, throw pillows, or blankets, those will make for great props in this practice as well. You can use promo code CHIROYOGI to get 25% off your trial offer - 30 days of unlimited Love Your Body goodness for under $60.00 + tax. This is about more than just fitness. LOYOBO stands on four pillars that are key to loving your body - Movement, Mindset, Community and Nourishment. In addition to group fitness classes, you receive access to group coaching calls centered around mindset and nutrition, live cooking sessions, and member social events. I would love if you would join me - let's restore and reset together as a community. #loyobofit #loveyourbody #fitness #groupfitnessguelph #mindset #coaching #personaldevelopment #growth #yogapractice #restorativeyoga #guelphyoga #yogateacher #collaboration #guelphbusiness #supportlocal #downtownguelph #universityofguelph

I am super excited to be invited to present for World Congress of Chiropractic Students! Join me for this session to discover how good our bodies were designed to feel :)

I am a strong believer that learning is a lifelong process. This weekend, I am excited to continue my education and embark on a 4-month certification in acupuncture @mcmasteru. Acupuncture has been shown to provide a number of benefits related to musculoskeletal health and is an excellent tool in pain management. I am looking forward to incorporating this modality into my practice beginning in December.... I will share some highlights from our first session in my stories this weekend! Curious about acupuncture and how it works? Leave your questions in the comments below! #acupuncture #chiropractic #chiropractor #chiropractors #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #guelph #guelphchiropractor #dowtownguelph #guelphbusiness #yoga #yogaforbackpain

This is a picture of what my legs sometimes look like. Why am I showing you this? Because I never want you to feel like you have to apologize for your body.... I know this is easier said than done; I still battle with body consciousness that is magnified when I am the person on the table. I actually made an announcement about what stage my leg hair was in on the waxing cycle to my massage therapist just last week, to which she responded oh my goodness, you of all people should know, I don’t care about your leg hair. But sometimes we need more than one reminder. So this post is a reminder as much for me as it is for anybody else. Being on a treatment table can be a vulnerable place; my job is to create a safe space for you. Your body hair, odour, and sounds emitted are not things you need to apologize for - I promise you, none of those things are my focus. When you are on the table, my priority is finding ways to assist in making you feel well. Wellness is more than just leaving the clinic with less pain; it is how you feel as a complete person. Wholeness. All bodies, in the exact state they are in, welcome. Come as you are. #mentalhealth #integrativemedicine #healthyliving #healthmatters #holisticliving #intuitiveliving #mindfulliving #wellnessblogger #wellnesstips #healthyhappylife #backpain #backpainrelief #guelph #guelphbusiness #entrepreneur #womeninbusiness #stress #stressresponse #stressmanagement #yoga #meditation #mindfulness

Back by popular demand (that’s still a saying right?), I am super excited to offer another LIVE virtual training this month! During this session, I’ll be leading a discussion around what causes back pain, providing some of my top tips when it comes to effective pain management and teaching some of the best yoga postures to incorporate for a healthy, happy spine. Join me on Wednesday, September 30th at 7 P.M. EST live on Zoom - register at the link below, you’ll receive an e...mail with details the day of the event. See you soon! http://ow.ly/zwij50BxRAF #yogaforbackpain #yogaforeverybody #meditation #yoga #yogalove #yogapractice #quarantineyoga #yogapose #yogaeverywhere #yogacommunity #mindbodygram #mindandbody #bemindful #innerwork #mindfulness #peacewithin #thepowerofnow #guelph #guelphontario #guelphlife #guelphbusiness #guelphproud #guelphlove #guelphsmallbusiness #downtownguelph #guelphfitness #guelphyoga

When I was in chiro school, our years were divided by modules. These became fondly known by students as mods for short. My husband and I had this running joke - I would finish a set of exams and he would say (in some sort of Californian surfer accent) so - are you amped for the next mod? 12 mods over 3 years, managing upwards of 10 classes at any given time; I graduated and felt like I had learned everything I needed to know to be a chiropractor. Fast forward two years... into practice and I can tell you that that was half true. I learned what I needed to know to begin my career, but the lessons I have learned over the last 24 months didn’t show up in radiology, pathology, immunology, or any other ology in school. We were not formally taught how to effectively use social media, how to establish healthy work-life balance, how to take care of yourself in a career that immerses you in taking care of others. There was no class on managing expectations for business growth as a way to protect your mental health, how to establish professional boundaries in a close-knit community where friends are patients and patients are friends. No one ever talked about carving out time to work on your business in addition to working in your business, or how to cultivate vision and execute it as an entrepreneur. No, these are mods you learn after graduation, and they are just as challenging and rewarding as the ones you work to master in school. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing my journey through some of these real-life mods, complete with stumbles, fumbles, suggestions and successes in a series I’m calling #ModuleMondays. Whether you are a chiropractic student, an experienced clinician or entrepreneur, I hope you will join in on the conversation and share your stories as well. Check back here next Monday for our first session! #chiropractic #recentgrad #chiropractor #studentlife #smallbusiness #tipsandtricks #chirostudent #cmcc #healthcare

I’m not sure I can articulate the profound impact this book is about to have on my life. Let’s check back in a few years; I suspect it will be reminiscent of my stumbling across @brenebrown’s work. The beginning of an avalanche. The catalyst for irreversible change. Sometimes I think we find things at the precise time we are meant to experience them. I’ve known about this book for months. Several people have personally encouraged me to read it. But I chose this weekend,... the fall equinox - nature’s symbolic transformation - to dive into its pages on the serene dock of this lake. So many deep lessons spill across the pages. Gut-wrenching, Heart-breaking, Courageous stories that made my soul feel seen. I’ve spent so much of my life working toward the What. What are you? I was so focused on landing those letters and designations that I nearly missed discovering the person underneath it all. I forgot about Who. Who are you? Discovering Who has been a painstaking, fulfilling process. I’m still so early in my journey to becoming who I am, recognizing that change is the only permanent fixture in this life. This book has disrupted still waters and caused some shit to bubble to the surface. It has affirmed for me that sensitivity is a gift and not a weakness. It has strengthened my belief in imagination. And it has brought me back to the human connection that comes from vulnerability. Stepping into our authenticity, then exercising our right to share, inspires others to do the same. It offers us a permission that shouldn’t even be needed to be Who we are, unapologetically. I dream of a world where this isn’t novel, but for now, I think we can be brave together. Brave and Untamed. #untamed #courage #vulnerability #leadership #femaleleadership #womeninbusiness #humanity #socialservice #authenticity #truth #realtalk #change #2020vision #transformation #fallequinox #chiropractor #yogateacher #guelphbusiness #downtownguelph #universityofguelph See more

There’s something about the water #healing

Every day I feel so privileged to be doing what I love in the company and support of this community. I truly feel empowered to be connected with, and to have the opportunity to learn and grow from you all. This year, I am humbled that my business Dr. Kirstie Griffiths Chiropractic & Yoga has been nominated in two separate categories for the Reader’s Choice Awards - Best Chiropractor and Best Yoga Instructor ... This challenging year has put a lot into perspective - I have spent the last few months carving out time to envision the greater impact that my business might have on the world. This vision looks like lifting one another up to achieve our goals. It embraces a sense of togetherness. It asks us to really hear and see one another. It encourages us to push beyond what is comfortable, show up courageous and vulnerable for hard conversations, and keep fighting to rise (did you know that women make up less than 10% of executive roles in this country; the shift must continue). I am grateful to have been granted the privilege of leadership, and recognize the deep responsibility that comes with it. I will continue to show up for you in a way that is honest and work each day to fulfil the oath I took the day I walked across that graduation stage. It would mean the world to me if you have a few moments in your day to visit the website below to cast your votes in support of this vision. I couldn’t do this without your love and support, so thank you again for being here with me every step of the way. A personal win should be a shared celebration for the collective, and I am so glad to have you here for it. https://www.guelphmercury.com///subcategories/chiropractor https://www.guelphmercury.com//subcategori/yoga-instructor #chiropractic #yogateacher #chiropractor #chiropractors #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #guelph #guelphchiropractor #dowtownguelph #guelphbusiness #yoga #yogaforbackpain #yogateacher

When it comes to exercise, it can take some time to figure out what works and feels best for you and your body. This can involve experimenting with different forms of exercise as well as the order in which those exercises are sequenced. You want to ensure that while working toward personal fitness goals, you are not compromising safety.... To minimize risk for injury, I recently shared that a reverse pyramid structure with a descending number of reps or time can spare the tissues and keep you safe. In my most recent Youtube video, I put this theory into action guiding you through a 20-minute yoga sequence that incorporates this concept. This video also features a special guest appearance from Downie Roll out your mat, and try out the full class here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bW2OJyi3zQ0 (and be sure to subscribe to my channel to stay up-to-date with new videos) #yogaforbackpain #yogaforeverybody #meditation #yoga #yogalove #yogapractice #quarantineyoga #yogapose #yogaeverywhere #yogacommunity #mindbodygram #mindandbody #bemindful #innerwork #mindfulness #peacewithin #thepowerofnow #guelph #guelphontario #guelphlife #guelphbusiness #guelphproud #guelphlove #guelphsmallbusiness #downtownguelph #guelphfitness #guelphyoga See more

In August, I had the pleasure of chatting with Rachel from @iamwellandgood for an article on back pain as it relates to exercise. I am excited to share the second article that has been published from our discussion - this one titled Why Every Strength Training Routine Should be a Descending Pyramid. Never heard of a descending pyramid? This workout is structured so the highest load is placed at the beginning, and progressively decreases with each set of exercises. ... Curious to learn more about how this plays a role in injury prevention at the gym? Check out my thoughts by visiting the blog here: https://yogachiropractor.com/what-is-a-descending-pyramid-/ #chiropractic #chiropractor #chiropractors #chiropracticcare #getadjusted #backpainrelief #painmanagement #injuryprevention #spinehealth #guelph #guelphchiropractor #dowtownguelph #guelphbusiness #yoga #yogaforbackpain #yogateacher #gymlife #weightlifting #spinehealth #safeliftingtechnique

I recently started heavy weightlifting - if you have been following along on my life journey, you probably have a sense that this is out of the ordinary for me. I’m a yogi by nature, and a dancer at heart - a fan of group fitness classes where the heaviest weight lifted is whatever dumbbell is available on the rack. I felt great during workouts, but the period immediately afterwards was awful - I would finish my last set of ab work, run out the door, and immediately step in...to the next task for the day. I felt irritable and anxious - my hands trembled trying to cut up chicken for dinner, and I cried one night when I hit construction and couldn’t figure out the way around it. I’ve done some digging and this is the scientific rationale I have come up with for why there is a place for yoga in the weightlifting world: Intense physical activity sparks a sympathetic response in the nervous system. This is important for supporting the body through the physical exertion required to lift and run. Heart rate increases, blood pressure spikes, and blood flow is redirected to muscle to deliver oxygen. All of that in the long run is healthy and good - except if you are not allowing your body an opportunity to come down from that stress response. This is the magic of the cool down, the power of savasana; it allows the body to shift back into a state of rest so we can transition into the day feeling strong, but supple. It gives you a chance to absorb changes; it is recovery for body and mind. So now I roll around on turf at the end of my session like the little yogi that I am, and I leave feeling amaze. Give it a try - take 5-10 minutes at the end of your workout to be in stillness and breathe, and let me know how this changes how things feel once you leave the gym! : @ryanmcculloughphoto @heelsacademy #integrativemedicine #healthyliving #wellnesstips #healthyhappylife #backpainrelief #guelph #entrepreneur #stressmanagement #yoga #meditation #mindfulness