Custom Knee Braces are a helpful tool in many knee injuries and degenerative conditions. If you’ve been dealing with knee pain, then you know how frustrating and life altering it can be. You want to play sports, you want to take the stairs, you need to go get groceries, but all of these things are difficult because of your knees. In this blog, we’ll discuss who benefits from custom knee braces and how they differ from off the shelf braces (pre-made). What is unique about a custom knee brace? Unlike a standard brace which is made to predetermined measurements, a…

A “bucket handle” tear is a serious type of meniscus injury occurring in the knee. Unfortunately, these typically require surgery. Let’s explore why. What is a meniscus? The meniscus (singular) or menisci (plural) are a pair of C-shaped cartilage structure which sits in our knee joints, between our femur and tibia bones.  There lies two menisci in each knee, the medial (inner) and lateral (outer) meniscus. The main function of the menisci is to absorb shock, making them an essential protector for our knees. For example, whether it’s a sport or just walking our menisci are helping to safely disperse…

Is joint pain connected to the weather? Many people are surprised when their knees ache before it rains, or when their back feels tight on cold mornings. At PhysioNow, we hear these concerns every single week, especially during seasonal transitions in Canada. Us Canadians know just how our weather can swing back and forth. While some people assume it’s “just age” or “just arthritis,” the truth is more complex: Weather changes can genuinely influence your joints, muscles, and nervous system. Importantly, this does not mean your joints are damaged. Rather, it means your body is reacting to subtle environmental changes,…

The Winter and Summer Olympics are awaited eagerly by both viewers and athletes across the world. We get to witness amazing feats of athleticism and elite performance across all kinds of sports! For a competing athlete, the Olympics can be everything to them. It’s the ultimate goal, allowing them to push through pain, injuries and intense stress, all for the chance to prove themselves on the world stage. For one incredible Team USA athlete, their leadup into the Olympics was one of resilience and determination. This is the story of Lindsey Vonn. What is Lindsey Vonn’s story? Lindsey Vonn is…

What’s the difference between leg extension and squats, and which ones better for you? If you find are an avid gym goer yourself, you’ve probably heard some version of this argument. When discussing leg workouts, there is much debate surrounding the importance of leg extension versus squat movement. Although both of these exercises can be performed in a gym setting, they provide different results based on how each exercise incorporates various types of movement patterns into your workout regimen.  Breaking down leg extensions vs squats Let’s begin with understanding the basis of these two exercises. Leg extensions are a targeted…

When knee pain shows up, it can impact everything from walking, climbing stairs, playing sports, even just sitting comfortably. One of the most common reasons people feel that sharp or nagging pain inside the knee is a meniscus strain. The good news? Many meniscus injuries heal well with the right care and guidance. Let’s break down what the meniscus does, how strains happen, and how physiotherapy helps you get back to moving confidently. What is the meniscus? The menisci are optimally located between the 2 bones to provide support and cushioning. The meniscus is a C-shaped piece of cartilage inside…

ACL REHAB is very important for you to get back to your normal life! Injuries, even minor ones, can lead to pain, inflammation, instability and a risk of further harm. What is the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)? The ACL is a very important ligament in your knee that prevents your tibia (shin bone) from moving too far away from your femur (thigh bone). This ligament is used extensively in all our daily movements including walking and standing. During sports, it must withstand huge amounts of forces during acceleration, deceleration, cutting, pivoting, jumping, and more! As a result, it is crucial…

A slew of setbacks, most notably a serious knee injury and the resulting muscular strains, are the cause of Neymar’s physical issues. In October 2023, Neymar ruptured his meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee while playing for Brazil. Consequently, he was out of commission for about a year which needed a surgery and prolonged rehabilitation. Afterwards, he returned in October 2024, making a fleeting appearance for his team, Al Hilal, in a Champions League game. However, Neymar sustained a thigh injury in a Champions League match against Esteghlal FC barely two weeks after his return. After just 29 minutes of play, he was forced to leave the field. Al Hilal acknowledged that he had to miss up to six weeks of action due to a hamstring issue.  These recurring injuries highlight the challenges athletes face when returning to play after significant injuries. Doctors had warned Neymar…

Deadlifting is a highly effective exercise for building strength, especially in the posterior chain (glutes, lower back, and hamstrings). However, improper technique or a lack of foundational strength can lead to injuries, especially in the hamstring. If you are an avid lifter or just looking to get started with deadlifting, here is a quick guide on preventing and recovering from hamstring strains related to deadlifting. What do the hamstrings do in a deadlift? The hamstrings are a group of three muscles located at the back of your thigh: the biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus. These muscles are primarily responsible for…

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…