Tag Archives: Custom orthotics Etobicoke

Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries

Physiotherapy & Exercise

Pain and injury can happen to anyone.  Most people have at least one injury or episode of pain in their lifetime. As a result, this leads them to seek professional help.  The most common types of injuries are related to muscle, bone and joints.  However, underlying diseases can also result in pain that leads people to seek Physiotherapy & Exercise.

What are the different types of
Physiotherapy & Exercise available?

  • Physiotherapy
    • Physiotherapists use their knowledge of the body to provide Physiotherapy & Exercise treatment. In addition, they assess, diagnose and treat symptoms from injuries.
  • Massage Therapy
    • Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissues. For example: muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments and joints.
    • Massage therapy reduces pain associated with everyday stressors. For example, muscular over-use and chronic pain conditions.
  • Osteopathy
    • Osteopathy views the body as a unit. Above all, they believe that healthy tissues require proper circulation of our body’s fluids
    • Osteopaths use hands on treatments to assess and restore balance through our body’s systems. For example: musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and neurological,

Different Types of Physiotherapy & Exercise

There are many Physiotherapy & Exercise options to help with recovery from an injury. For example:

Electrical modalities
Electrical Modalities
  • Manual therapy
    • Soft tissue releases
    • Joint mobilizations
    • Joint manipulations
    • Passive stretching 
  • Electrical modalities
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser
    • Interferential Current
    • TENS
    • Shockwave
  • Decompression therapies
    • Mechanical lumbar traction
    • Mechanical cervical traction
    • Inversion tables
  • Alternative treatments
    • Acupuncture
    • Cupping
  • Supportive products
    • Braces
    • Taping
Meniscal Injuries
Custom Knee Unloader Brace for Meniscal Injuries


How do I know what treatment is right for me?

It is hard to choose what kind of treatment to try. In other words, deciding what would be most effective for treating your pain.  This is especially true if this is your first time experiencing an injury and/or pain. 

A lot of people end up trying what they are familiar with.  For example, if you have had previous injuries and had Physiotherapy & Exercise for those injuries, you would know what worked.  There is a personal preference regarding which Physiotherapy & Exercise treatments work best for us.

What Physiotherapy & Exercise provides the best overall results?

Physiotherapy & Exercise
Physiotherapy & Exercise

The one type of treatment that is the most beneficial is Physiotherapy & Exercise. This is mainly because our bodies are built to move.  There is truth in the saying, “If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.” 

Exercise has positive results for almost all injuries .  The type of Physiotherapy & Exercise that is best will depend on the injury.  There is no universal approach to exercise that works for everyone.  This is because we are all built differently. However, what works for one person doesn’t mean it will work for another. 


What type of exercises are most beneficial?

  • Muscle and bone injuries will require some form of mobility. Most importantly, progressive strengthening exercises. 
  • Nervous system diseases such as strokes or Parkinson’s Disease will require more balance and functional exercises. 
  • Respiratory illnesses like COPD or emphysema will need exercises that improve and strengthen the muscles of breathing and posture
  • Concussion rehabilitation will need visual and vestibular re-training exercises. 
  • Conditions such as diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions need a combination Physiotherapy & Exercise. Therefore, cardiovascular and strengthening exercises have been shown to be most effective in managing their condition. 


Which healthcare professional can prescribe Physiotherapy & Exercise?

It is up to the health care professional to assess your condition and prescribe the correct exercises for you.  Registered Physiotherapists are experts in the assessment of all types of injuries.  They will be able to give the most appropriate treatment for you. As a result, there is always a strong emphasis on exercise and promoting activity. 

A Physiotherapist will be able to develop a specific exercise program for you. They will factor in your age, fitness level and ability to do the exercises at home.  The physiotherapist will be able to guide you with adding exercises into your routine so that it becomes a habit.

Why is exercise therapy an important part of treatment?

A lot of times, people who are inactive think that exercise therapy refers to working out in a gym.  Exercise therapy can refer to any exercise that you enjoy doing. For example: stretching, riding a bike, swimming, yoga and lifting weights.

Pain or Fear of Injury

If pain or fear of injury is preventing you from exercise, seeing a Physiotherapist can help get the process started.  Firstly, a Physiotherapist can assess where the source of the pain or weakness is coming from. Secondly, they start giving the most appropriate exercises to overcome those restrictions. 

Subsequently, with effort, consistency and time, you can see the difference that exercise therapy can provide. As a result, this will lead you to include activity into your everyday life.  Feeling confident with your progress will help lead you to seek out similar active programs in your community.

In Conclusion

Exercise should always be a part of the treatment plan.  With an aging population, there needs to more emphasis placed on Physiotherapy & Exercise. As a result, this will prevent weakness related to ageing and frailty.  Strength and ongoing exercise will allow you to maintain your function and independence as you age. 

If you or someone you know would benefit from Physiotherapy & Exercise, please call today. At PhysioNow Mississauga and PhysioNow Etobicoke, we are ready to help!

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome

            Patellofemoral pain syndrome

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome

Patellofemoral pain syndrome happens when your knee cap does not track properly.  The knee joint consist of two joints.  The tibiofemoral joint which is between the two long bones in your leg and the second one is the patellofemoral joint.  This  is between the femoral condyle (end of thigh bone) and the knee cap. The cartilage on the back of the knee cap glides on the cartilage on the front of the condyles of the femur. The knee cap usually sits in a snug groove at the end of the thigh bone.

Knee movements are controlled by a number of muscles connected to the knee cap. Your  thigh muscle helps to stabilize the knee cap and enables it to move smoothly in the groove.  When this is pulled out of the groove, you can develop Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Causes of Patellofemoral pain syndrome or Anterior knee pain

Patellofemoral pain syndrome, is one of the most  common causes of pain in the knee. Pain is usually felt under the knee cap.  This is where it glides on the femur/thigh bone. If you have patellofemoral pain syndrome, it hurts when you bend and straighten your knee . There are a number of factors which can cause the pain.

Common Causes of Patellofemoral pain syndrome

  • Weakness in the hip and thigh muscles-Weakness in the thigh muscles can cause increased load which may lead to pain. Pain in your knees will further limit the activity of your muscles and over time can cause further weakness. Weakness of the inner thigh muscle  will affect the movement of the knee cap as you do your normal activities. Weakness in your hip muscles also can affect activities like climbing stairs and walking.
  • Excessive loading or rapid increase in the load for muscles around the knee-Depending on your usual activities, your knee will have a level of activity that is tolerated by your joint. Rapid increases in loading of activity may lead to a highly irritable or sensitive joint. This can cause Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
  •  Posture or position of hip, knee and feet-Flat feet or excessive turning in of feet can change movement mechanics further up the leg and cause excessive strain in your knee cap.
  • Tight muscles around the knee-Tightness in the muscles can reduce the movement of your knee and affect  how your joint works . This will lead to excessive loading during activities. The common muscles that become tight are your hamstrings, Quadriceps, Iliotibial band and calf.
  • Previous injury or dislocation of knee cap
  • Desk top work, where a lot of sitting can cause pressure on the kneecap.
  • Irritation of fat pad around the knee
  • Tendinitis of quadriceps tendon
  • Bursitis around the knee
  • Osteoarthritis

When poor biomechanics are repeated with each step of your walking and running it may lead to a highly sensitive joint and Patellofemoral pain syndrome.

Symptoms

  • The onset of  knee cap pain is normally gradual rather than traumatic.
  • Pain at the front, back and sides of the knee with or without swelling.
  •  Bending and straightening of knee can cause pain.
  • Pain after prolonged sitting or when you keep the knee bent for longer periods of time.
  • Clicking or grinding when you bend or straighten your knee.
  • Pain when you go up and down the stairs, up hill /down hill, squatting, running or jumping.
  • Poor knee control or stiffness

Physiotherapy Treatment

Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome treatment

  • Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment for short- and long-term management of Patellofemoral pain syndrome. Your Physiotherapist will fully assess you on your first visit to identify your functional limitation. They will also help to set goals and identify contributing factors for the pain.   They will  provide a customized rehabilitation program.
  • In the initial phase of rehabilitation, treatment is directed towards reducing the pain, swelling and muscle inhibition. To do this PhysioNow will  use electrotherapy modalities, acupuncture, rest, taping, gentle motion or joint mobilization and muscle setting exercises.
  • Once the pain and swelling reduces, treatment is focused towards modifying the  factors that have been identified as a cause for the problem.
  • Rehabilitation typically emphasizes increasing strength and pain free movements.  It also will address postural correction, improving the  stability of the pelvis, balance and functional abilities.
  • Stretching exercises to address the tight muscles and strengthening the weak muscles will improve your load tolerance.
  • Successful rehabilitation requires adherence to your exercise program .
  • You will also need to reduce the aggravating movements and slowly build the endurance and strength for those activities over time.
  • Prior to discharge you will be given a safe progression of exercises and functional activities.
  • For long term management, your foot and knee control will be assessed by your Physiotherapist.
  • As a result, you may require  custom foot orthotics to correct your foot position.
  • This will  help to improve foot and knee control.
  • Others might need a hip stabilization program and your Physiotherapist will be happy to discuss with you the long term rehabilitation plans if this is needed.Custom orthotics for Patellofemoral Pain syndrome

How long it will take to get better?

We expect to see improvements with Physiotherapy over a 3 to 6-month period.   Further improvements continue beyond this period. Adherence to your specific exercise program is important in maintaining the improvement. Most people will get back to their normal function with rehabilitation in the short term. Many patients can continue in their chosen activity during rehabilitation.  Some modification of activity may be all that is needed.

If you play sports, you will need to do sports specific exercises to ensure a safe return to sports. It is good to wear proper supporting footwear to help keep your feet in a good position.  This will  improve alignment of your knees.

How to book an appointment with a Physiotherapist at PhysioNow?

We have four Physiotherapy clinics of which three are located in Mississauga and one is in Etobicoke. You can call 289-724-0448 to book into any of these clinics  for an appointment with a Physiotherapist.

Most of the time we can arrange your initial visit on the same day in a location which is nearest to you. Your initial appointment will be a one to one 40-60 minute session with a Physiotherapist which includes treatment as well on the first day.

Your follow up appointments  will typically take  40 minutes.  Normally, we would recommend 2 to 3 sessions per  week depending on the factors identified on initial assessment, treatment plan and your goals.  If you have limited funding available, we will be happy to work with you to develop a home exercise program.

Please call today to get started on your treatment for Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome at PhysioNow!