Pediatric Physiotherapy is a specialization that focuses on infants, and children. It is widely recognized that the bodies and brains of our children are vastly different than an adults. From the way they learn, heal, and constantly are developing, we need to treat them differently as well. While the average sports injuries, strains, sprains, fractures and more are all still present in this age group, there are also unique conditions that are managed by pediatric physiotherapists. In this blog, we will discuss the more specialized situations that are unique to a pediatric population, and how Pediatric Physiotherapy is uniquely configured…

Getting help from your back pain can feel very scary. Namely, words like x-rays, MRIs, surgery, disc bulges degeneration, and nerve impingement are extremely common when going to the doctor. It’s easy to get the wrong idea and feel like your issue can’t be solved, or is permanent. In Physiotherapy, we see people with imaging everyday, who have no clue what any of it means. In fact, it often makes them feel worse, and more scared to move. Today we want to clear up the misconceptions with disc bulges and what a realistic treatment program actually looks like. What is…

Medical terminology can be a patient’s biggest nightmare. During a session, a lot of unfamiliar terms describing symptoms, conditions, muscles, and more can be used. Today, we will be discussing a process called centralization and peripheralization that is encountered a lot during physiotherapy. To elaborate, spinal and musculoskeletal pain and other symptoms can sometimes move, change location, or feel different with certain movements or exercises. The two important terms physiotherapists use to describe these changes are centralization and peripheralization. Understanding these concepts helps you understand your treatment, reduce fear, and improve your rehabilitation outcomes. What is centralization? Centralization occurs when pain that was felt farther…

What Is Bell’s Palsy? Bell’s palsy is the most common form of facial paralysis worldwide. While the sudden onset of facial weakness can be alarming, the condition is usually temporary and, with appropriate care, highly treatable. Bell’s palsy is an acute, often temporary paralysis of the facial nerve, also known as the 7th cranial nerve. This nerve controls the muscles responsible for facial expression, including smiling, blinking, and closing the eyes. When the facial nerve becomes inflamed or compressed, it can result in: Pain or discomfort on one side of the face Sudden facial weakness or paralysis Difficulty performing everyday…

What is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive neurological condition resulting in difficulty starting and maintaining movements in the body. Importantly, there is a loss of some neurons (brain cells) that contribute to coordinating muscles and creating smooth movements. As a result, individuals with this condition experience a range of symptoms that impair their strength, mobility,  flexibility, and posture. 4 hallmark features Tremors: Firstly, tremors are usually the initial symptom. The tremor is mostly when the body is resting, such as sitting, but may worsen over time to affect the individual while they’re performing other tasks like writing, eating, or shaving. Rigidity: Secondly, rigidity refers to stiffness of the muscles and joints. In Parkinson’s, it can affect the arms, legs, trunk, and even the face. Bradykinesia: Next, bradykinesia means slowness of movement which may include stopping or hesitating during movements. Postural Instability: Finally, difficulty balancing and correcting postural faults…