Physiotherapy Blog

Pickleball has exploded in popularity in the last couple of years across North America, with outdoor courts and racquet clubs popping up everywhere. The appeal is obvious as a fun, competitive or casual, social sport that can accommodate all ages and fitness levels. Whether you’re previous athlete or just trying for the first time, the greatest draw of pickleball is it’s accessibility. As Physiotherapists, we have also encountered a lot more pickleball-induced injuries recently. In this blog we’ll discuss the most common ones we see and a couple of tips to help you stay injury free this summer! What are…

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’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…

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:…

Concussions are one of the most prevalent and most misunderstood athletic injuries. Also known as an “invisible injury,” because it cannot be seen, but has a huge impact on brain function. Usually, a concussion happens when an individual suffers a direct or indirect force to the head that causes the brain to accelerate and decelerate rapidly within the skull. Unlike what people think, there does not have to be a direct blow to the head for someone to develop a concussion. While it can happen from a hit to the head from a ball, puck, or person, it can also happen…

Pelvic Health Physiotherapy is an underappreciated part of the Physiotherapy profession. Most people would assume that this applies only to women, especially to pregnant women, but we are here to emphasize that pelvic health is for everyone! There is a wide variety of problems pelvic health physiotherapy can help with. Alternatively, it can be done proactively as part of preventative health measures. We will describe 5 different ways that pelvic health can change your life! 1. No more leaking or urgency issues! Urinary or fecal incontinence is the term for a loss of function, or accidental leaking/passing of urine or…

What is cervicogenic dizziness? Cervicogenic dizziness is a type of vertigo or imbalance that originates from dysfunction in the neck, particularly the cervical spine. Unlike inner ear (vestibular) or neurological dizziness, this form of dizziness is related to how your brain interprets signals from the muscles, joints, and nerves in your neck. Key characteristics include: A sensation of unsteadiness or disorientation Dizziness triggered by neck movements or poor posture Often accompanied by neck pain, stiffness, or headaches What causes it? People who have cervicogenic dizziness will complain about issues with their neck as well. The upper cervical spine has rich sensory input that communicates with your brain to help control balance and spatial awareness. When there’s an injury (like whiplash), chronic poor posture (like from prolonged screen use and/or desk work), or joint dysfunction, the brain may receive conflicting signals — leading to dizziness. Common causes include: Whiplash injuries (common…

Have you ever noticed a bump on the side of your big toe that gets bigger over time? This is a common foot condition known as hallux valgus, or more commonly, a bunion. While bunions may seem like a cosmetic issue, they can cause discomfort and pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes. If you’re dealing with this condition, don’t worry – Physiotherapy can help! What is a bunion? Hallux valgus is a deformity where the big toe (also called the hallux) points toward the second toe, causing the base of the toe to stick out. This creates a noticeable…

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…

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…