Tag Archives: Athletic Therapy

Fees and Financing, General Category, PhysioNow

Extended Health Care Benefits: Use Them or Lose Them!

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It’s almost the end of the year, don’t forget to take advantage of your Extended Health Care (EHC) Benefits! Whether you’ve been putting off getting an ache, a pain, or stiffness looked at, or just looking for some rest and relaxation, PhysioNow has many different treatment options to suit your needs!

What services does PhysioNow offer?

PhysioNow is pleased to offer a variety of different services that are usually covered through EHC. This list includes:

What conditions are treatable?

There is no defined list, but the most common examples of conditions or reasons people come to get treated at Physiotherapy Clinics and their associated services include sports injuries, osteoarthritis, sprains/strains, over-use injuries, post-fracture, post-surgery and more. If you aren’t sure, you can book a 15 minute free consult with PhysioNow to determine whether your issue is something we are able to help. Some people do not know the source of their pain when they first arrive and that’s okay! You and your clinician can work together to discover the root of the problem and work on resolving it.

I have an old injury/pain, is that okay?

Yes, the date of injury does not matter under your extended health care benefits. Whether it is a new issue or an older reoccurring injury, you can find help at PhysioNow. Our clinicians are experts at assessing the body and can help manage and even resolve chronic issues.

How do I use my insurance?

Our clinic accepts and can direct bill to many insurance providers including to Johnson, Desjardins, Sunlife, Canada Life, Manulife, Claimsecure, Greenshield, and more!

If you haven’t used your insurance before or it’s been a long time since you’ve done it, don’t worry! Our experienced staff has lots of experience and can easily walk you through the process. First, you should double check that you have coverage for the service you want, usually by calling your insurer or logging in to your account. Once you have that and your insurance information, all you have to do is give our front desk your information and we can directly bill your insurance. Ultimately, this saves you time and makes each appointment more efficient. You can also check out our Fees and Financing page and this page about Direct Billing for more detailed information.

Why choose PhysioNow?

PhysioNow offers clean, spacious, and private treatment rooms at each clinic.

PhysioNow has been providing exceptional service to the GTA region for 2 decades. We are proudly created and owned by a Physiotherapist. Starting with just one clinic in the Mississauga region, we have grown to include 10 clinics across Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. Each clinic can offer:

  • 1 on 1 time with your clinician guaranteed at each session
  • Direct billing services
  • Private and spacious treatment areas
  • Evidence-based treatment techniques
  • Flexible appointment times including early mornings, late evenings, and weekend hours
  • A large quantity of free parking at each clinic

Find out why PhysioNow has been a leading provider in the last 2 decades. Book with us today for your first assessment and treatment!

Athletic Therapy, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Hamstring Strains and the Young Athlete

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Hamstring strains are a common injury among young athletes, particularly in sports that involve sprinting, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. Importantly, the hamstrings, a group of muscles located at the back of the thigh, play a crucial role in movement and stability. When these muscles are overstretched or torn, it can lead to pain and functional impairment, impacting a child’s ability to participate in sports and other activities.

Causes of Hamstring Strains in Young Athletes

Hamstring strains are usually a result of an injury at a particular moment in time. It can be a fall, or an awkward movement that causes excessive stress and/or overstretching in the muscle. As a result, you get a strain or tears in the muscle fibres. Several factors contribute to the risk of hamstring strains in children:

  1. Overuse and repetitive stress: Young athletes often push themselves during practices and games. Consequently, overtraining without adequate recovery can lead to muscle fatigue which increases the likelihood of injury
  2. Insufficient conditioning: Many kids may not engage in structured strength training or flexibility exercises, making them more vulnerable to strains. A strong, well-conditioned muscle is less likely to be injured
  3. Poor technique: Inexperienced young athletes might have proper form for their sport’s movements which can place excessive strain on the hamstrings. Thus, teaching proper techniques from an early age is essential for long term injury prevention
  4. Fatigue: As children tire during a game or practice, their muscles can become less coordinated and more susceptible to injury. Fatigue can reduce a child’s awareness of their body, leading to poor movement choices
  5. Previous Injuries: A history of hamstring injuries can predispose young athletes to future strains due to weakened muscles or improper rehabilitation

Symptoms of Hamstring Strain

Recognizing the symptoms of a hamstring strain is crucial in order to treat it as soon as possible:

  • Sudden pain: Often described as a sharp pain at the back of the thigh, occurring during activity
  • Swelling or bruising: Visible swelling or discoloration may develop in the affected area, depending on the severity of the strain. Additionally, it may travel farther up or down the leg than the area of pain
  • Limited range of motion: They may struggle to fully extend or flex the knee due to pain and stiffness
  • Weakness: Difficulty running, jumping, or performing activities that require the leg to straighten. In severe cases, you may have trouble putting weight on the leg or walking

Treatment Strategies

When a hamstring strain occurs, prompt treatment is the key to quick recovery:

  • Rest: The injured athlete should avoid activities that cause pain. Depending on the severity, rest is usually for a couple days but the modification or avoidance of sports and physical activity may last longer
  • Ice: Initially, for the first couple of days post-injury. Applying ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling and numb pain
  • Compression: Using an elastic bandage or compression wrap can minimize swelling and provide support
  • Elevation: Keeping the leg elevated above heart level can help reduce swelling
  • Physical therapy: Once the initial pain subsides, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program that includes strengthening and stretching exercises tailored to the child’s needs.
  • Gradual return to activity: Physical Therapists can also assist with return to sport planning and decide when and how much is appropriate. Athletes should ease back into their sports gradually, starting with light activities before progressing to more demanding exercises and games.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing hamstring strains is vital for young athletes. Implementing the following strategies can significantly reduce the risk:

  • Proper warm-Up: Encourage kids to engage in a thorough warm-up that includes dynamic stretches and light aerobic activity before practices or games
  • Strength training: Incorporating strength exercises focused on the hamstrings, quadriceps, and core can help improve overall muscle balance and stability
  • Flexibility exercises: Regular stretching routines can enhance flexibility, making muscles less prone to injury. Static stretching should be included in the cool-down phase after activity
  • Education on technique: Coaches should emphasize proper running and jumping techniques to reduce undue strain on the hamstrings
  • Adequate rest and recovery: Ensure that young athletes have sufficient recovery time between practices and games to allow their muscles to repair and strengthen

When to Seek Medical Attention

If a child experiences severe pain, significant swelling, or if symptoms do not improve with home treatment, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. A doctor may recommend imaging tests, such as an Ultrasound or X-Ray to assess the extent of the injury and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

Hamstring strains can pose significant challenges for young athletes, affecting their performance and enjoyment of sports. If you or your child are experiencing a hamstring strain or any other kind of sports injury, look for PhysioNow. With 10 locations across the GTA, our Registered Physiotherapists are ready to assist you in getting healthy again! Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

Photos by FreePik

Athletic Therapy, General Category, Sports Injuries

Athletic Therapy: Try Our New Service!

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Athletes put their bodies to the test daily by playing the sports they love. However, high-impact athletics can take a heavy toll on your body. Practices like athletic therapy provide prevention, rehabilitation, and maintenance care to improve athletes’ physical outcomes.

What is Athletic Therapy?

Athletic Therapy specializes in the prevention, evaluation and management of neuromusculoskeletal injuries (muscles, bones and joints, etc.), especially sports injuries. Their focus is on athletics and physical activity to help athletes return to their sport or individuals to return to an active lifestyle. They work with individuals of all ages and abilities, from amateur and professional athletes to the general population. During a session, they use a variety of techniques to help their patients manage and recover from injuries, improve their physical function and performance, and reduce the risk of future injuries. These techniques include manual therapy, exercise prescription, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, and more. They also provide education on injury prevention, injury management, and safe return to activity.

What is the scope of care for an Athletic Therapist?

An Athletic Therapist is a healthcare professional who has the expertise, skill sets and ability to:

  • Make use of sports and exercise principles to optimize performance, preparation and injury prevention programs
  • Offer the immediate care of injuries and fundamental life support in a recreational, exercise &
    competitive environment
  • Assess, treat and, where needed, refer on for other specialist advice and treatment
  • Deliver appropriate sport and therapeutic massage in a sport & exercise context
  • Plan and implement appropriate rehabilitation programs

5 Areas of Expertise

The range of skills that Athletic Therapists must possess is developed within five key areas of
expertise related to injury and illness in the sport and exercise environment.
These are:

  1. Prevention
  2. Recognition & evaluation
  3. Administration, treatment & referral
  4. Rehabilitation
  5. Education

More importantly, Athletic Therapists are not just rehabilitation experts. They have the education, expertise, skills and competence to provide immediate care in a first response role such as on the field care during a game. Also, Certified Athletic Therapists are required to show evidence that they are up to date with these skills.

Who benefits from Athletic Therapy?

Athletic Therapy is not just for high level athletes! Instead, they specialize in returning individuals to any level of activity, be it recreational sports, high level competition or leisure activities. Typically, rehabilitation techniques provided by Athletic Therapists utilizes a wide variety of manual therapy, exercise prescription, modalities and supportive tapping techniques. Additionally, your Athletic Therapist will personalize your treatment plan, helping improve the efficiency of treatments which may result in faster recoveries, and decreased chance of re-injury.

Athletic Therapists may use different techniques including sports taping to treat sports injuries.


For example, some of the conditions we work with regularly with our Athletes are:

  • Ligament injuries
  • Meniscus Injuries.
  • Lower back pain
  • Shoulder pain
  • Neck pain
  • Shin splints
  • Sciatica
  • Tension headaches
  • Tennis or golfer’s elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • And more!

Athletic Therapy at PhysioNow

Our treatment approach is focused on Performance, Wellness, Mobility, Balance & Proprioceptive training, Bracing, Compression, Modalities, Myofascial techniques and more. Initially, a thorough Assessment is essential to highlight problem areas and understand the cause of injury.

Athletic Therapists work with you and your specific interests, whether it’s soccer, baseball, boxing or more!

Areas that we focus our assessment on include:

  • Posture
  • Muscle weakness
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle & Fascia Tightness
  • Mobility
  • Exercise Prescription
  • Home Exercises
  • Sports Specific Training
  • And Much More!

Athletic Therapy vs Physiotherapy

Athletic therapists work with clients of all ages and abilities, from amateur and professional athletes to the general population, and they may work in a variety of settings such as sports teams, clinics, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and fitness facilities. Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists are both healthcare professionals who specialize in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions.

Both Athletic Therapists and Physiotherapists are licensed healthcare professionals, and they often work closely together to provide the best possible care for their patients. Both professions have a strong focus on patient-centered care and work with clients to improve their overall health, fitness and well-being.

Need help?

PhysioNow is an expert provider of athletic services in Oakville. We specialize in addressing posture, muscle weakness, stiffness, muscle and fascia tightness, mobility, and sports-specific training. Our team of experienced Physiotherapists and certified Athletic Therapists are dedicated to helping our patients achieve optimal health and wellness through personalized exercise prescription and home exercises.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury or looking to improve your athletic performance, PhysioNow has the expertise and resources to help you reach your goals. Currently, we offer Athletic Therapy at our PhysioNow Oakville North location! We are committed to providing the highest quality of care and personalized attention to help our patients achieve optimal health and wellness. Contact us to schedule an appointment and take the first step towards improving your posture, mobility, and overall health. Get started today!