Summer is finally here and it’s the season where people start to get a lot more active. As physiotherapists, we love to see people getting back to their sports whether its hiking, biking, running marathons, playing sports, or more! However, as people get back into the swing of things, we unfortunately see a rise in injuries around this time as well. Usually, we see a lot of overuse injuries, or strains and sprains, as people push their bodies just the slightest bit too quickly. To help combat this trend, PhysioNow has prepared a list of the best physiotherapy tips to…

What is fibromyalgia? Fibromyalgia is often described as a chronic condition where the body experiences widespread pain, stiffness, and fatigue. It can affect muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues, leading to discomfort in specific “trigger points.” These areas include the neck, back, shoulders, hips, and knees, but the pain can spread across the entire body. What causes this condition? For up to date research or more resources related to fibromyalgia, check the Fibromyalgia Association of Canada (FAC-HOME | Fibromyalgia Association Canada (FAC)) While the exact cause remains unknown, several factors are believed to contribute to the development of fibromyalgia: Genetics:…

Musculoskeletal injuries, ranging from sprains and strains to chronic conditions like tendonitis and back pain, are some of the most common reasons individuals seek medical care and/or physiotherapy treatment. Initially, they can be caused by a variety of factors, including trauma, overuse, poor posture, or aging. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, medications, and surgery are often used to address these conditions, acupuncture has emerged as a complementary and alternative therapy. Fortunately, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting it may be effective in promoting healing, reducing pain, and improving function. Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow. By targeting specific points, practitioners aim to restore balance and promote natural healing.  How does acupuncture work for musculoskeletal injuries? Acupuncture can be used on many different body areas Pain management: One of…

Both ice and heat therapy are commonly used in Physiotherapy clinics and at home for pain relief and injury recovery. Each therapy has its own mechanism of action (how it works) and advantages. Read more to find out how each therapy affects you, and which one may suit your situation more. What are the effects of ice therapy (cryotherapy)? Slows blood flow: First, the main mechanism in how cold therapy works is by constricting blood vessels (vasoconstriction). As a result, this can help reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling after an injury Reduces inflammation: Additionally, through vasoconstriction, cold therapy minimizes the…

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory disorder that can affect multiple joints, usually on both sides simultaneously. In other words, if it affects your wrists, it would likely be both, not just one. RA is an autoimmune disorder. Essentially, a flare up is when your immune system starts to attack your own body’s tissues. Ultimately, it has systemic (body-wide) effects and can damage your skin, lungs, heart and blood vessels in some cases.  RA mainly damages the lining of your joints causing large amounts of pain and swelling that can eventually result in joint line erosion and deformities. In most…

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. This condition is characterized by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. This tissue helps the foot absorb and disperse pressure and high impact forces through the foot. Preventing this condition will help you maintain a healthy foot and ensure you can continue living an active lifestyle. Below, we’ll explore various strategies to prevent plantar fasciitis in more detail. 1. Proper Footwear Wearing the right shoes is fundamental in preventing heel pain especially if you are participating…

What are compression stockings? Compression stockings, also known as compression socks, are specially designed clothing worn on your lower body. Sometimes, they help with certain medical conditions like issues with circulation, decreasing risk of blood clots or sometimes, they are worn to decrease pain and discomfort. They apply a gentle amount of compression, or pressure, to the feet, ankles, and sometimes legs. In turn, this helps deal with fluid retention and swelling in the lower body and/or to help improve blood flow in the area. There are many different kinds of compression stockings that can be obtained over the counter…

Strengthening the quadriceps is crucial for minimizing the risk of knee injuries. Notably, the quadriceps (the group of muscles on the front of your thigh) play a key role in stabilizing and supporting the knee joint. As a result, regular training and maintenance of this muscle group is crucial for knee health. The following are 6 reasons why you should train your quads strength! 1. Stabilizes the knee joint The quadriceps are the primary muscles that help extend your knee (straighten your leg). They work in tandem with the hamstrings (muscles on the back of the thigh) to provide balance…

Managing diabetes effectively is a task hat requires careful attention to diet, medication, and lifestyle choices. Among these, exercise stands out as a powerful tool for improving health and controlling blood sugar levels. This blog explores the numerous advantages of exercise for individuals with diabetes and how it can improve your physical health and wellbeing. 1. Improved Blood Sugar Control One of the primary benefits of exercise for diabetes patients is its direct impact on blood sugar levels. Physical activity helps lower blood glucose through several mechanisms: Increased insulin sensitivity: Exercise enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, which allows cells…

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…