Tag Archives: registered physical therapists mississauga

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Low back Pain, PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Posture, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sciatica

Sciatica? 10 warning signs

November 28,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

What is Sciatica?

Sciatica is a pain in the back, neck, or buttock that radiates to the leg or arm. Sciatica is also quite common and affects almost 40% of adults. It travels through the sciatic nerve, which starts in your lower back and extends to run down your leg. A proper diagnosis that confirms and best sciatica treatment is all that you need to lead a pain-free life.

Sciatica pain

10 signs which confirm the diagnosis

Before knowing about sciatica treatment, one needs to understand the nature of pain. The symptoms of sciatica are as follows: –

Calf pain – pain that stretches down the lower leg and back of the knee.
Lower back pain running down the leg. A pull sensation from your lower back to buttocks and thigh, that further extends from calf to the foot.
A pain in your butt or leg that worsens while prolonged sitting.
Numbness in your leg or foot.
Tingling sensation in your extremity (lower body).
Persistent pain on one side of your butt.
Muscle weakness in the distressful leg or foot.
Shooting pain down the leg which makes it tough to stand up or extend the knee.
Pain in one part of the leg while numbness in another part.
Lastly, a sensation of pins and needles only in the toes or feet

Early Symptoms Of Sciatica

Apart from the 10 signs above, sciatica pain often starts in the back. However, occasionally, pain may start at the hip or knee; which may not look like sciatica. Although, you may feel isolated symptoms like feet numbness, knee pain, buttock pain, tingling, etc.

What contributes to Sciatica?

There are many factors that can lead to sciatic pain but the most common ones are listed below,

• Strain and Occupational Stress: People in more physically demanding jobs as a result affect your nerve.

• Obesity and genetic factors: The excess weight in the body put prolonged pressure on the backbone, leading to a slipped disc.

• Accidents and Injuries: Unexpected physical damage from accidents can crack the vertebrae and irritate the nerve.

• Gender: Studies have shown that men are more prone to slipped discs than women.

Treatment options available

Moreover, depending on the severity of the case, sciatica pain can be treated in the following ways:

• First, medication and pain management: Pain can be controlled with various pain relief treatments including medication.

• Second, surgery: In rare cases, the pain doesn’t subside for a prolonged period (6 weeks or more), and surgery can help relieve the pressure on the sciatic nerve endings caused by Sciatica.

• Third, spine rehabilitation:

Effective exercises for Sciatica

There are multiple approaches to physical therapy in spine care and they can stabilize the spine and help patients with disability or restricted physical movement. This helps improve the mechanical functioning of the spine, manages pain, promotes regeneration of the affected tissue and disc, and with functional training, improves strength and flexibility.

• Lastly, even in the case of surgery, follow-up rehabilitation helps sustain and improve the results.

If you are experiencing any such symptoms, our team of qualified physiotherapists at Physio Now will help you diagnose and guide you through your treatment. Book your appointment now!

General Category, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga

DIASTASIS RECTI

June 21,2022 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Diastasis Recti is a condition where there is a partial or complete separation due to overstretching of the Rectus abdominis muscles.

Rectus abdominis muscle or the six-pack muscle is a long muscle of the abdominal wall running from the lower rib cage to the pelvic bone, it runs vertically on both sides of the Linea alba.

The function of the muscle is to help in trunk flexion, expiration, and compression of abdominal viscera.

It is commonly seen in

Pregnancy and post-delivery.
Multiparous or multiple pregnancy.
Obesity in male and female.
New born mostly premature due to muscle being not fully developed or connected.

How to identify if you have one.

When you notice a bulge in your stomach while straining or contracting your abdominal muscles.

Lying on your back with knees and hip bend / crook lying, keep your fingers just above your belly button area, lift your head and shoulders up, finger width or more separation between the two muscles does indicate Diastasis recti.

Diastasis recti can lead to

low back pain.
Alters your posture and stability of your trunk.
Pelvic pain.
Pelvic floor dysfunction.
Hernia in extreme cases.

Activities to avoid:

Strenuous exercises involving strong abdominal muscle contraction or loading like crunches, ab twists, planks, certain yoga stretches like arching backwards
Lifting or carrying heavy loads.
Carrying child on one hip.
Coughing without abdominal bracing or support.
Episodes of severe constipation.

A pelvic floor therapist can help you in educating and providing you with service that would help to overcome this situation.

Starting prenatal exercises will help to maintain and control the tone of the abdominal muscles reducing the pressure over the Linea alba.

Postnatally or clients with Diastasis recti have to target the deep abdominal muscles. This includes the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles. Superficial abdominal muscles are not part of this. To get an effective result in helping to tone up the muscle and to reduce the gapping between the muscles to get a better quality of life it is important to get a Physiotherapy Assessment and treatment.

After deep muscle recruitment, the superficial muscle recruitment can be initiated.

Breathing exercises,

postural awareness,

lifting technique, and

abdominal support

are other entities that the therapist can educate on and train you in. This will help to overcome the situation and help in the recovery process

Book with us today PhysioNow

For More information on the topic refer Cleveland Clinic

acupuncture, Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Exercise, Fibromyalgia, General Category, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Low back Pain, Manual Therapy, Massage Therapy, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga, Physiotherapy

Fibromyalgia

January 14,2021 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

FIBROMYALGIA

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition. It is often associated with widespread symptoms including fatigue, pain and sleep disturbances.

Causes and Risk Factors

It is unclear as to what causes fibromyalgia. However, there are some causes which might be increasing your risk of getting fibromyalgia:

Genetics-

You could be ay a higher risk for fibromyalgia if it runs in your family

Stress-

Emotional or physical stresses have been known to aggravate or cause this condition

Age-

Women have been found to be at a higher risk

Symptoms of Fibromyalgia:

The symptoms may vary from individual to individual but, following are some of the commonest symptoms-

Fatigue-

One of the commonest symptom is fatigue

Pain-

Pain that lasts > 3 months and widespread pain at several sites in the body

Sleep disturbances-

You could have sleep disturbances or non restorative sleep (sleeping for long but not feeling rested)

Reduced exercise tolerance and morning stiffness.

Other symptoms include trouble with concentration/memory. It is also called ‘fibro fog’ or ‘brain fog’. Headaches and depression are also common. It is common to have fluctuations in the symptoms. You may experience pain that may range from a mild discomfort/ache to an unbearable pain.

Although it may mimic more like an arthritis/ bone related pain, it actually comes from the soft tissues. Fibromyalgia can start at any age. However, mostly it is by early to middle adulthood that people start feeling it.

Diagnosis:

Your doctor will take a detailed history to understand all of your symptoms. There is no definitive test to diagnose this condition. However, the doctors may prescribe you to do other tests like blood work or X-rays to rule out other conditions that show similar symptoms.

How do you treat it?

Drugs-

The treatment is usually focused on relieving the symptoms. For instance, your doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants, pain killers, anti-depressants or sleep medications,

Acupuncture-

To help relieve pain

Fibromyalgia. Acupuncture

Cognitive Behavior Therapy-

Cognitive Behavior Therapy can help to reduce stress. Can be individual or group therapy.

Nutrition-

A healthy balanced diet is good because it helps to keep your body healthy and keep the energy levels high.

Massage therapy-

Helps in relaxing the muscles and relieve pain

Activity pacing-

There may be good and bad days in this condition. Thus, it is important to make sure you prioritize your activities for the day. This is helpful in order to reduce excessive fatigue.

Physiotherapy-

Physiotherapy can help to firstly, reduce your pain. Secondly, they can give guidance on modifying activities and finally, prescribe exercises. In addition, aerobic fitness and strengthening exercises help in this condition.

Physiotherapy for fibromyalgia

How can we help?

Our physiotherapists will take a detailed history followed by a thorough evaluation of all your symptoms and problem areas. Then, they will formulate and discuss a treatment plan for you. Also, we have massage therapists and therapists who do acupuncture. Thus, if you are having fibromyalgia or know anyone who needs help with the same, contact us today at PhysioNow!

Acute Ankle Sprains, Ankle pain, Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, Falls Prevention, Foot Pain Management Mississauga, Foot Pain Treatment Mississauga, General Category, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., Manual Therapy, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Acute Ankle Sprains

December 2,2018 Sharon Tierney Leave a comment

Acute Ankle Sprains

How do Acute Ankle Sprains happen?

Acute Ankle sprains are common injuries in people of all ages. They can happen in many different circumstances. However, they always involve some type of fall or twisting movement to the ankle. For example:

Going downstairs and missing the last step resulting in twisting the ankle
Landing on the ankle in a twisted position after coming down from a lay-up in basketball or in a Sports Injury
Slipping on an icy street while walking

In all of these situations, the ankle gets a sudden movement and/or trauma that causes it to twist more than its normal range of movement allows.

Acute Ankle Sprains

What structure gets injured with an acute ankle sprain?

The structures that are injured with acute ankle sprains are the ligaments around the ankle joint. Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect two bones together. Their function is to prevent the bones from moving too far away from each other. Ligaments help maintain normal movement between the bones.

With ankle sprains, the ligaments get over-stretched beyond what they can tolerate which causes tears in their fibres. The ligaments that are involved in acute ankle sprains are present on the outside (lateral), inside (medial), and top of the ankle.

Are there different types of acute ankle sprains?

There are three main types of ankle sprains:

Inversion
Eversion
High Ankle Sprain

The terms relate to the direction of ankle movement that caused the injury to occur.

INVERSION ANKLE SPRAIN

An inversion sprain occurs when the ankle is forcefully turned inwards.
- This type of acute ankle sprain is the most commonly occurring of the three because the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are generally weaker than the rest.
- Another name for an inversion ankle sprain is lateral ankle sprain
- A lateral ankle sprain injures the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

EVERSION ANKLE SPRAIN

An eversion sprain occurs when the ankle is forcefully turned outwards.
- This type of force injures the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.
- The ligaments on the inside of the ankle are called the deltoid ligament
- An eversion ankle sprain is also called a medial ankle sprain

HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN

A high ankle sprain is the rarest of the three types and it occurs when there is excessive twisting of the shin.
- The ligaments that are injured with this type of injury are located above the ankle.
- The location of the ligaments is why this injury is called a ‘high’ ankle sprain.

Are some people more at risk for Acute Ankle Sprains than others?

There are certain risk factors that may make ankle sprains more likely to happen. However, the research is a little inconclusive on why this is so. Some of these possible factors include:

Poor muscle strength/fitness
Increased weight
Decreased muscle-reaction time
Previous history of ankle sprains resulting in poor balance

Can there be different severities of Acute Ankle Sprains?

The severity of the ankle sprain depends on how much the ligament was overstretched in the process of the injury. Sprains are classified by different grades to explain the severity:

Grade I: mild stretching or tear of the ligament, with little or no instability at the joint
Grade II: incomplete tear of the ligament, with some instability in the joint
A Grade III: ligament is completely torn or ruptured and there is no stability in the ankle

Ligaments affected in Ankle Sprains

What should you do if you think you have sprained your ankle?

In all three types of Acute Ankle Sprains, it is important that you see a health care provider. The health care provider, whether it is a doctor or a Registered Physiotherapist, will first rule out the possibility of fracture. There is always the possibility of a fracture with Acute Ankle Sprains. The ligaments attach onto a bony area and if the twist is severe enough, it can pull off a chunk of the bone. When this happens, it can cause a fracture. Signs and symptoms of a potential fracture include:

Lots of swelling
Increased bruising
Increased tenderness over specific areas of the ankle
Difficulty or inability to put weight through the injured ankle

When the signs and symptoms are suspicious of a fracture, then an X-ray must be completed. If there is no evidence of fracture, then your doctor may send you for an ultrasound. In the end, they should refer you for Physiotherapy treatment. So ask your doctor to send you to Physiotherapy if they don’t think to recommend it themselves.

What will happen during my first Physiotherapy appointment?

During the Physiotherapy assessment, your Registered Physiotherapist will assess everything to do with your Acute Ankle injury, including:

Pain intensity and location
Swelling
Sensation
Range of motion
Ankle stability
Strength
Balance

This will provide some baseline information for your Physiotherapist.

How can Registered Physiotherapy help treat Acute Ankle Sprains?

The treatment for acute ankle sprains depends on the type of sprain as well as the severity of the injury.

Immobilization

Because of their affect on ankle stability, a Grade II or III injury will require some immobilization. This is usually done through a removable walking cast.
The purpose of the immobilization is to protect your injured ligaments from movement and external stressors, so that they can heal.
The period of immobilization will depend on the injury and your health care provider will provide specific instructions.
A grade I sprain will not require any immobilization because the stability of the ankle is still intact. However, your Physiotherapist will recommend activity modification to help with the healing process.

Physiotherapy Treatment in the acute phase?

In the initial phase of the treatment, the Physiotherapist may focus on pain relieving modalities
Electrical modalities like IFC and Ultrasound can help relieve pain and swelling
The Physiotherapist will also prescribe gentle mobility exercises to help improve or maintain movement through the ankle
The length of the acute phase depends on the severity of the sprain

Registered Physiotherapy for Acute Ankle Injuries

Ankle Rotations for movement Recovery

Treatment in the later stages of Acute Ankle Sprains

Once the ligament healing is underway and the patient feels a little better with their pain, the treatment will get more progressive
It will focus on regaining mobility, strength and function through the ankle
Your Physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that are going to help regain the lost range of motion and strength.
Over several weeks, the exercises will be progressed as you improve.
Another important aspect of treating an ankle sprain is including balance re-training in the program.
Balance is very much affected after an ankle sprain and it is something that must be improved with specific exercises. This is very important no matter whether you are returning to Sports or just everyday living! Balance Retraining is key to Falls Prevention!
We use our balance ability on a regular basis with walking on uneven surfaces or when trying to recover from a stumble. Therefore, it is important to improve balance ability to prevent any possible re-injury of the ankle.
If you have had an acute ankle sprain before, and DID NOT attend Physiotherapy, it is likely that you are at increased risk of reinjuring your ankle or falling again!

Physiotherapy Mobilizations

Do I need to get Physiotherapy treatment after Acute Ankle Sprains?

There are some people who have sprained their ankle multiple times and never sought out treatment for the injury. They usually give themselves some time for the pain to get better and then go about their usual activities.

This type of management is not usually recommended because multiple ankle sprains can affect the stability of your ankle. As a result, this may create problems in the future. Also, the reduced stability in your ankle may cause compensations in your knees and hips. This can complicate the picture and make your injury more complex.

It is therefore recommended that you seek out proper Registered Physiotherapy care to address an ankle sprain soon after it occurs. This ensures that your acute ankle sprain heals in a timely manner without added complications. The most important part of treatment is regaining your balance. If you do not do this, another injury in quite likely.

To get started on your Acute Ankle Sprain Treatment, Give PhysioNow a call Today!

Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Custom orthotics, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, General Category, Knee Pain, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Taping

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

November 16,2018 Sharon Tierney Leave a comment

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome happens when your knee cap does not track properly. The knee joint consist of two joints. The tibiofemoral joint which is between the two long bones in your leg and the second one is the patellofemoral joint. This is between the femoral condyle (end of thigh bone) and the knee cap. The cartilage on the back of the knee cap glides on the cartilage on the front of the condyles of the femur. The knee cap usually sits in a snug groove at the end of the thigh bone.

Knee movements are controlled by a number of muscles connected to the knee cap. Your thigh muscle helps to stabilize the knee cap and enables it to move smoothly in the groove. When this is pulled out of the groove, you can develop Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Causes of Patellofemoral pain syndrome or Anterior knee pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, is one of the most common causes of pain in the knee. Pain is usually felt under the knee cap. This is where it glides on the femur/thigh bone. If you have patellofemoral pain syndrome, it hurts when you bend and straighten your knee . There are a number of factors which can cause the pain.

Common Causes of Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Weakness in the hip and thigh muscles-Weakness in the thigh muscles can cause increased load which may lead to pain. Pain in your knees will further limit the activity of your muscles and over time can cause further weakness. Weakness of the inner thigh muscle will affect the movement of the knee cap as you do your normal activities. Weakness in your hip muscles also can affect activities like climbing stairs and walking.
Excessive loading or rapid increase in the load for muscles around the knee-Depending on your usual activities, your knee will have a level of activity that is tolerated by your joint. Rapid increases in loading of activity may lead to a highly irritable or sensitive joint. This can cause Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
Posture or position of hip, knee and feet-Flat feet or excessive turning in of feet can change movement mechanics further up the leg and cause excessive strain in your knee cap.
Tight muscles around the knee-Tightness in the muscles can reduce the movement of your knee and affect how your joint works . This will lead to excessive loading during activities. The common muscles that become tight are your hamstrings, Quadriceps, Iliotibial band and calf.
Previous injury or dislocation of knee cap
Desk top work, where a lot of sitting can cause pressure on the kneecap.
Irritation of fat pad around the knee
Tendinitis of quadriceps tendon
Bursitis around the knee
Osteoarthritis

When poor biomechanics are repeated with each step of your walking and running it may lead to a highly sensitive joint and Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Symptoms

The onset of knee cap pain is normally gradual rather than traumatic.
Pain at the front, back and sides of the knee with or without swelling.
Bending and straightening of knee can cause pain.
Pain after prolonged sitting or when you keep the knee bent for longer periods of time.
Clicking or grinding when you bend or straighten your knee.
Pain when you go up and down the stairs, up hill /down hill, squatting, running or jumping.
Poor knee control or stiffness

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for short- and long-term management of Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Your Physiotherapist will fully assess you on your first visit to identify your functional limitation. They will also help to set goals and identify contributing factors for the pain. They will provide a customized rehabilitation program.
In the initial phase of rehabilitation, treatment is directed towards reducing the pain, swelling and muscle inhibition. To do this PhysioNow will use electrotherapy modalities, acupuncture, rest, taping, gentle motion or joint mobilization and muscle setting exercises.
Once the pain and swelling reduces, treatment is focused towards modifying the factors that have been identified as a cause for the problem.
Rehabilitation typically emphasizes increasing strength and pain free movements. It also will address postural correction, improving the stability of the pelvis, balance and functional abilities.
Stretching exercises to address the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles will improve your load tolerance.
Successful rehabilitation requires adherence to your exercise program .
You will also need to reduce the aggravating movements and slowly build the endurance and strength for those activities over time.
Prior to discharge you will be given a safe progression of exercises and functional activities.
For long term management, your foot and knee control will be assessed by your Physiotherapist.
As a result, you may require custom foot orthotics to correct your foot position.
This will help to improve foot and knee control.
Others might need a hip stabilization program and your Physiotherapist will be happy to discuss with you the long term rehabilitation plans if this is needed.

How long it will take to get better?

We expect to see improvements with Physiotherapy over a 3 to 6-month period. Further improvements continue beyond this period. Adherence to your specific exercise program is important in maintaining the improvement. Most people will get back to their normal function with rehabilitation in the short term. Many patients can continue in their chosen activity during rehabilitation. Some modification of activity may be all that is needed.

If you play sports, you will need to do sports specific exercises to ensure a safe return to sports. It is good to wear proper supporting footwear to help keep your feet in a good position. This will improve alignment of your knees.

How to book an appointment with a Physiotherapist at PhysioNow?

We have four Physiotherapy clinics of which three are located in Mississauga and one is in Etobicoke. You can call 289-724-0448 to book into any of these clinics for an appointment with a Physiotherapist.

Most of the time we can arrange your initial visit on the same day in a location which is nearest to you. Your initial appointment will be a one to one 40-60 minute session with a Physiotherapist which includes treatment as well on the first day.

Your follow up appointments will typically take 40 minutes. Normally, we would recommend 2 to 3 sessions per week depending on the factors identified on initial assessment, treatment plan and your goals. If you have limited funding available, we will be happy to work with you to develop a home exercise program.

Please call today to get started on your treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome at PhysioNow!