Physiotherapy Blog

Sports injuries can vary widely depending on the type of sport, the level of competition, and the mechanisms of injury. Some of these injuries you may have experienced yourself while others you may have heard of or even seen them happen on television. Our team at PhysioNow has treated many athletics and sports injuries over the years and would love to share our experiences with them! 1. Ankle sprains/tears Rolled ankles are very frequently seen sports injuries Often, injuries to the ankle ligaments are seen as a result of a running or jumping sport. In most cases, the ankle gets bent too far in a certain direction, resulting in fibers of the ankle ligament(s) getting torn. In the initial stage, ice, rest and management of pain and swelling are key. Most people will require some sort of brace or boot and take around 8 weeks to…

What is a shin splint? Shin splints are a common complaint in runners or athletes with sports that involve a lot of high impact movements like dancers, volleyball, basketball players, etc. Usually, it presents as pain in the front of the lower leg, or the shin area. Sometimes, it may be called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Oftentimes, it’s caused by irritation of the tissues between the tibial bone and the muscles, and/or overuse of a lower leg muscle called the tibialis anterior. It can happen to just a single leg, or both simultaneously. The muscle, tibialis anterior, may be involved in the development of shin splints. The tibialis anterior play major role in lifting your ankle upwards (dorsiflexion). Functionally, it helps with shock absorption and is a major contributor during ambulation. Why do shin splints happen? 1) Footwear: If you run or exercise a lot…

A pinched nerve, also known as a radiculopathy, is caused by pressure on a nerve as it exits the spinal cord, potentially causing pain, discomfort, weakness, and/or changes in sensation.  Unfortunately, it can have quite detrimental effects on your daily life, hobbies, and ability to work. In this blog, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and most importantly, how physiotherapy can help you recover from this condition. Why does it happen? Model of the spine showing how the nerves (yellow) exit through spaces around the spinal column. The nerves may get pinched in these spaces. A pinched nerve occurs when there is compression or pressure applied to a nerve, disrupting its normal function. This compression can happen in various areas of the body but is most common at the spine of the lower back or neck. Common causes include repetitive movements, sudden increases in activity (ex.…

What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the human body. Anatomically, it connects our calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. Its main action is to point the toes and ankle downwards when our foot is off the ground or raise the heel off the ground when our foot is on the ground. Functionally, it is used whenever we are engaged in walking, running, or hopping-like activities and helps us with force production and shock absorption. The tendon is extremely strong and can withstand high amounts of stress Unfortunately, this can also predispose it to injury and cause ankle pain. Stages of Achilles tendon injuries Diagram showing the different stages of Achilles tendon problems 1) Achilles tendinitis: Inflammation has developed or is developing in the tendon. 2) Achilles tendinosis: There is now degeneration along with or…

Whether you’re recovering from surgery, a fractured bone, or dealing with a temporary mobility issue, you’ve probably been recommended to use crutches! Using them can help you maintain independence while also reducing the amount of stress on your body.  In this guide, we’ll explore the basics of using crutches to get around. How do I choose the right pair? Firstly, you need to have the right pair for your needs. There are various types of crutches, including axillary, forearm, and platform. Usually, the most used are axillary (standard) crutches but they require good upper body strength and endurance. If you are unsure consult with your healthcare provider to determine which type is best suited for you. 3 different styles of crutches How do I size them? In order for crutches to be effective and comfortable, they must be the correct size for you. Luckily, most types…