A motor vehicle accident (MVA) can cause high degrees of neck and back pain, even if the impact seemed minor. Oftentimes, people will feel pain, stiffness, headaches, and/or reduced movement. Additionally, these symptoms may occur immediately, hours after, or even days or weeks after the accident. Thankfully, physiotherapy plays an important role in helping your body heal properly and prevent long-term complications. In Ontario, most people fall into the Minor Injury Guidelines (MIG) after a car accident that entitles them to $3500 of medical treatment, including physiotherapy. This is usually sufficient to treat less severe injuries such as strains, sprains and whiplash…

Why does shoveling cause many low back injuries each year? While shoveling is a simple, everyday chore which Canadians need to endure each winter, it is also one which catches many people off guard. Unfortunately, shoveling can lead to many aches and pains, injuries to the shoulders, slips and falls, and last but not least, low back pain. As physiotherapists, we often see patients with injuries which can be prevented with some tips and improvement to their technique.  Why does such a seemingly easy task cause so many injuries, you ask? Well, for those unfortunate enough to be placed on shoveling duty, they’ll be the first to tell you how physically demanding of a task it really is. Shoveling requires repetitive pushing, lifting, bending and twisting of the back while carrying heavy loads. Not to mention, the freezing temperature causes our muscles to stiffen up, causing them to be more…

Better sleep, a goal that many of strive for day after day. Unfortunately, the struggle to get a good night’s sleep may be known to many of us. Tossing and turning, waking up with a stiff neck or sore back, or feeling exhausted even after a full night in bed, sound familiar? At PhysioNow, we often see patients who come for back pain or neck pain, but once we treat the underlying physical tension, they start sleeping better too. Ultimately, that’s because your body and sleep quality are closely linked. Physiotherapy helps your body relax, realign, and recover, so you…

Unfortunately, Tech Neck, or neck and shoulder pain due to devices, have quietly become one of the most common complaints we see in our PhysioNow clinics today. With the rise of remote work, longer hours on laptops, back-to-back virtual meetings, and constant phone use, many people are experiencing a new kind of discomfort known as Tech Neck. This condition is more than just stiffness, it affects posture, sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. What is tech neck? Tech Neck describes pain and tightness caused by prolonged screen time in everyday life. The human body is not designed to spend hours leaning…

Back injuries are one of the most common workplace complaints, especially in jobs that involve lifting, moving, or carrying heavy objects. Prevention of back injuries and being proactive can help reduce workplace stress, missed hours, and healthcare costs. While the human spine is incredibly strong and flexible, improper lifting techniques combined with repetitive strain can lead to painful conditions. This includes muscle strains, herniated discs, or even chronic lower back pain. Why do back injuries happen during lifting? Back injuries typically occur when: You lift with poor posture (rounded back or twisted spine) The load is too heavy or awkwardly…

What’s the difference? To answer this question, we must first understand the differences between the practice of a physiotherapist and a chiropractor. In this article we’ll compare and the two professions, and explain how to choose between a physiotherapist and chiropractor depending on your symptoms. The following is quick summary of the biggest similarities and differences between the two: To treat your back pain, both professions may use manual therapy techniques such as the one depicted above. Similarities Regulated health care professionals Treat similar musculoskeletal conditions including back, neck pain, joint problems and more Both may use manual therapy, other…

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints worldwide, affecting millions of people. Common causes may include poor posture, prolonged static or sitting times, and weak core and lower body muscles. While many people focus on core strengthening to alleviate back pain, the role of the gluteal muscles is often overlooked. Ultimately, strengthening the glutes can play a crucial role in preventing and managing low back pain. As physiotherapists, we emphasize a holistic approach that includes glute activation and strengthening exercises to support the lower back and improve overall movement patterns. What is the role of the…

Shoulder blade pain can be a debilitating issue that affects your daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life. You may feel like there’s a constant ache in between your shoulder blades and feel like you are unable to find a comfortable position to sit in. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options is essential for finding relief. This blog will address your shoulder blade pain and give you some effective strategies for resolving it. Initial relief strategies When experiencing shoulder blade pain, immediate relief is what you search for. Here are a couple of methods to try to…

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a Physiotherapist. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and it often shows up without warning. However, the good news is that there are ways to relieve your pain and minimize the chances of it coming back. In this blog, we will explore what causes this type of pain, how to treat it, and how to keep it from becoming a regular problem. What causes low back pain? Infographic demonstrating a proper and improper lifting position for the back There are many reasons why you might have…

Anatomy of the “back” In order to understand a lower back strain/sprain, a small anatomy lesson must be done. The back is a complex structure of bones and muscles, supported by cartilage, tendons and ligaments. “Back” is a common term which can include portions of the neck, thoracic spine and lumber spine. The back—especially the lumbar, or lower portion of the back—bears much of the body’s weight during walking, running, lifting and other activities. Defining a strain vs. sprain A strain is a general term for an injury that affects a muscle or tendon. Then, the location of the injury…