Tag Archives: massage therapy mississauga

Stress and Burnout: Why More People Are Turning to RMTs in Mississauga

Life feeling heavier lately?

Let’s be honest—life is a lot lately. Many of us are working overtime, answering emails after hours, and trying to stay on top of everything from family responsibilities to the news cycle. Add in financial stresses, a lack of downtime, and the pressure to be constantly productive, and it’s no surprise that burnout is more common than ever.

More people in Mississauga are realizing the importance of slow downing, resetting, and taking time for themselves. As health care professionals, we fully encourage prioritizing self care. That’s where massage therapy in Mississauga comes in. Specifically, Registered Massage Therapists (RMTs) offer an effective way to manage stress and physical pains.

What is massage therapy and deep tissue massage?

College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO)

Registered Massage Therapy is a regulated health profession in Ontario, meaning that only certified individuals can call themselves RMTs. RMTs are trained to assess and treat the soft tissues and joints of the body using hands-on techniques. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage alongside others like Swedish massage, trigger point therapy, Thai massage, and more! We’ll be releasing a blog about the different types of massages soon so stay tuned.

To become an RMT in Mississauga, practitioners must complete an intensive program, pass licensing exams, and stay in good standing with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario. When you book a session with an RMT, you’re working with someone who understands the science of the body and thus, how to treat it.

So next time you’re googling for “massage therapy near me,” rest assured that choosing someone with RMT designation ensures you’re getting professional care. Additionally, you can read the RMT bio to see if they specialize in anything and choose one that’s suited to your goals, whether that’s for mobility, stress, pain, recovery, or more.

What are the benefits of registered massage therapy for stress and burnout?

Massage therapy offers both mental and physical benefits. It works on a deeper level to help your body and mind recover from the constant pressure of everyday life. Here’s why massage in Mississauga has become such a popular choice with our patients:

1. It calms your nervous system

First, massage has been shown to lower cortisol levels (your body’s stress hormone) and boost feel-good chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. That’s why our patients can leave a session feeling lighter, calmer, and better able to tackle life. Maintenance of consistent RMT treatments is how many of our patients stay on top of their stress and burnout.

2. It relieves physical pain

When stress builds up, it often shows up in your body. We all know the feeling of sitting, working for too long and feeling sore when we try to get up. Whether it’s tight shoulders, a stiff neck, or a sore lower back, RMTs know how to work through those tension points. You’d be surprised how much massage for neck pain, massage for back pain, or a good deep tissue massage can change how you feel. A lot of people aren’t aware of how much tension they’re carrying until it’s gone!

3. Better sleep

Nothing is worse than the feeling of being exhausted, and not being able to sleep well. Sleep deprivation has an incredibly negative effect on our entire body, especially long-term. If stress is keeping you awake at night, massage can make a real difference. By activating your body’s relaxation response, massage supports a more restful sleep, something many of us could use more of.

4. Focus on yourself

Many of our patients struggle to find an hour to give themselves to rest and do something for themselves. However, it is crucial that you take care of yourself. After all, you work so hard and deserve it! Booking regular massage therapy sessions gives you permission to hit pause and check in with yourself. If you’re struggling for time, we also offer massage in shorter 30 and 45 minute intervals to fit your busy schedule.

Ready for some massage and relaxation? Find your RMT in Mississauga

If you’ve been feeling worn out, mentally drained, or physically tense, you’re not alone. You don’t have to continue pushing through it. Whether you’re interested in deep tissue massage, massage for back pain, massage for injury recovery, or just need some stress relief, our brilliant registered massage therapists at PhysioNow can help you reset.

At PhysioNow, we have 10 beautiful clinic locations across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, to Etobicoke. Mississauga is home to 6 of our clinics, by itself. You’re never far from your next stress relief and relaxation session. Book your massage today at PhysioNow and give yourself the break you deserve.

Whiplash

Whiplash

What is whiplash?

When your neck is suddenly and forcefully jolted forward or backward, there is a possibility that you had a whiplash. It typically causes an intense stretch on the soft tissues around your neck, beyond the normal range of motion. As a result, there is acute pain, stiffness or tightness around your neck.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injury

There are different categories of whiplash. The Quebec Classification of Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) classifies it as-
• Grade 0: No complaints about the neck. No physical sign(s).
• Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tenderness only. No physical sign(s).
• Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s).
• Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s).
• Grade IV: Neck complaint AND fracture or dislocation.


What are the causes of whiplash?

Most commonly, whiplash is caused during car accidents. However, it can also be caused by other reasons like-
-Fall from a height leading to over extension of the neck
-While playing sports like soccer, basketball
-Physical abuse where the neck or head is shaken
-Trauma to the neck with a heavy object
-Accidents during adventure sports


What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The symptoms may or may not start immediately. They can start even after 24 hours and gradually worsen. Mostly, the symptoms settle down in a few days. However, sometimes the symptoms can last for a long time causing significant distress.  Common symptoms of whiplash can include:
-Pain and tenderness in the neck and upper back
-Neck stiffness
-Restricted range of motion of the neck
-Headache typically around the base of the skull
-Dizziness
-Pain, tingling or numbness radiating down to the arm, forearm or hand
-There may be other symptoms including ringing in the ears, anxiety or memory disturbances


How do you diagnose whiplash?

You will be taken to a hospital if you are involved in a serious accident. There, they will assess you and do further investigations, if required. Usually, they will perform an X-ray to check for any bony injuries or to rule out arthritis. They may also do an MRI or a CT-scan to evaluate for inflammation and soft tissue damage. If the symptoms start after 1-2 days of injury and are persistent, you can get in touch with your doctor who will guide you further.
As whiplash is sometimes associated with concussion, a few additional tests may be done to confirm the same. Although, the symptoms of concussion might be more severe than that of a whiplash.


How can you treat whiplash?

Rest and pacing your activities:


It is advisable to rest for the first 2 days. This does not mean you have to be on bed rest but just less activities and resting when possible. Ice pack can give some relief. Applying an ice pack around the neck helps reduce the swelling and pain.
After the first 2 days, you can gradually start being more active. You should also try to return to school or work if possible and not wait for 100% recovery. You can also apply a heat pack now instead of the ice pack.


Medications:

Over the counter medications can help in reducing pain in the earlier stages of whiplash. However, if you have seen your doctor already, they might prescribe some medications for you as well.


Maintaining good posture:

It is very important to maintain a good posture after whiplash.  Specifically, a slouched posture will stretch the neck muscles more, leading to more pain.  Therefore, try to take a break from a sustained position every 30-45 minutes.


Physiotherapy:

Post whiplash, physiotherapy can help with improving the flexibility and strength of your neck muscles.  In addition, physiotherapists can also help with different pain-relieving methods and postural modifications.

Massage therapy:

Massage therapy can help to relieve your muscle tension, improve blood circulation and thus help in pain relief.


How can we help at PhysioNow?

We have a team of experienced physiotherapists and massage therapists that can help you. The physiotherapist will do an assessment and formulate a treatment plan for you. Thus, if you have had whiplash recently or a while ago and are still having persistent symptoms, contact us today at PhysioNow!

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Why choose PhysioNow for Physiotherapy Mississauga?

• Over 16 years of providing top rated Physiotherapy Mississauga
There are 4 convenient locations- Erin Mills, Applewood, Lorne Park and Long Branch

• Awards/nominations? PhysioNow: nominated for a Top Choice Award in 2020.

• A team of highly qualified physiotherapists and massage therapists

All of our physiotherapists and massage therapists have several years of experience in their field and are registered in good standing with the College of Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy.

• Services we offer

Services are provided for all ages and for a variety of conditions. For instance,  our therapists are specialized in several areas including manual therapy, acupuncture, vestibular rehabilitation, concussion , sports injuries, pelvic health and soft tissue techniques.

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Lower Back Pain Treatments

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Donjoy Defiance ACL Repair Brace

Physiotherapy Mississauga

Return To Sport After ACL Ligament Repair

In addition, we  do custom orthotics and braces.  For your convenience, we are currently also offering our physiotherapy services virtually .

• Direct billing available

In addition, Direct billing is available to most of the insurance companies so it is convenient for you.  For instance, we also deal with third party insurers like MVA and WSIB.

• Flexible hours and free parking available

Above all, we are open for extended hours ( ) to help you at a time that is best for you.

What to expect at Physiotherapy Mississauga?

First, you have an assessment with our physiotherapist.  They will do a full check up of the problem area .

Next, the physiotherapist will then prescribe a treatment plan especially for you.

Further, they can also help you understand more about your condition.

We will answer your questions .

Lastly, changes may be made  in your daily routine.

As a result, this will  help you to get better faster.

COVID considerations: We take excellent precautions!

 

• Providing a face mask and use of 70% alcohol hand sanitizer for each patient upon arrival into the clinic

• Installation of sneeze guards at the front desk

• In addition, Sanitization of treatment beds after before each patient use

• Disinfecting commonly touched surfaces between every patient

• Switching out pillowcases with each patient use

• All staff will wear a gown and mask and wash hands between each patient contact

  • Social distancing throughout the clinic.
  • Lastly, no visitors are sitting in reception

If you are in need of Physiotherapy or Massage Therapy, Contact PhysioNow today.

Physio for Car Accidents


Treatment after Car Accidents

Physio for Car Accidents
Physio for Car Accidents

Car accidents are events that no one wants to be in.  Unfortunately, traffic, weather conditions and bad driving result in hundreds of car accidents. These accidents occur daily, such as in Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville.  These accidents can range from minor to horrible accidents. As a result, these terrible accidents can cause serious injuries. Thankfully, many of the accidents have few long lasting effects on your health.  However, any accident can really affect your life. Physio for car accidents can help restore your health.

Role of your Car Insurance

There many things you need to do after a car accident. Firstly, you will need to tell your car insurance about the accident. Secondly, you will need to deal with the damages of the vehicle.

Above all, you need to recover from your injuries.  It is important to report the accident as quickly as possible.  As a result, it makes dealing with the car insurance a lot easier. If there are injuries , you can use the car insurance benefits to get physio for car accidents.

You will be assigned an adjuster from your car insurance to help you with your claim. As a result of the injuries, your adjuster will suggest Physio for car accidents.

The adjuster has a list of preferred clinics that provide Physio for car accidents. Many of these clinics will be located in Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville.  PhysioNow is a preferred car insurance provider that will be included on the list from your adjuster. 

What to expect at your assessment?

PhysioNow has 4 locations across Mississauga, Etobicoke and Oakville. We receive many referrals from people involved in car accidents. Our front desk staff will call you to book your initial Physio appointment.  When you come in for the assessment, firstly we will get a bit of information about you and the accident.  The role of the clinic administrator is to simplify the process of booking and billing. 

Physio for Car Accidents Plan

Secondly, you will meet with the Registered Physiotherapist. The Physiotherapist will ask about the accident and assess your painful areas.  Once the Physiotherapist has all of the information, they will complete your treatment plan. We will submit this to the car insurance adjuster on your behalf.  This document will outline your injuries, and any medical history. It will also include the number and type of treatments that the Physiotherapist is recommending for you.

Car Accident Physio Options

Your Physiotherapist may also recommend massage therapy or other products to help you get better faster.  The exact timeline of the treatment plan and how many visits are allowed will be dependent on whether the injuries are considered “minor” or “major” by the car insurance company.  The Physiotherapist will be able to decide which treatment guideline that applies to you and they will discuss this with you.  Once the forms are completed, the Physiotherapist will review the contents of the plan with you.

Follow-up Car Accident Physio Appointments

Follow-up appointments will focus on treatment and helping you to get better.  The type of treatment received depends on the injuries. Normally, treatments will be as follows:

Firstly, you will get machines put on that reduce pain.

Secondly, hands on treatment techniques and lastly, exercises for home. 

Recovery from a car accident can take time. The body takes in a lot of stress from the accident. Therefore, these injuries take a long time to heal.  As a result, it is important to stay consistent with your treatment. In this way, the body can benefit the most.  The goal is to help you to return to all of the activities that you were able to do before the accident.


FEES for Physiotherapy/ Massage Therapy after a Car Accident

All fees should be covered for the treatment you receive after a car accident. By law, your Physiotherapy clinic is required to first bill any extended health insurance (EHC) that you may have. Anything that is not covered by your EHC insurance is then passed on to your car insurance. You should never be out of pocket for treatment received for Physio after Car Accidents.

Our Physio clinic administrators will try to take the work out of the billing and paperwork for you! If you or someone you know has been involved in a car accident, Please give us at 289-724-0528. At PhysioNow we are ready to help! Same day appointments are often available. We have highly trained Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists at all of our locations.

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain
Neck Pain

Physiotherapy for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common problem for a lot of people.  Physiotherapy for Neck Pain is one of the top 5 reasons why people go for physiotherapy treatment.  People can get neck pain after many different types of activities.  Some of the most reported examples are:

  • Getting a kink in the neck after a bad night’s sleep
  • Feeling pain in the neck and shoulder area after doing some heavy lifting at home or at the gym
  • Feeling pain in the neck when using the computer for long periods of time
  • Feeling pain in the neck after an accident, such as a fall or motor vehicle accident


Assessment for Neck Pain

Signs and Symptoms

There are many obvious signs and symptoms of a neck injury.  Some of these include:

  • Pain in the neck
  • Restricted movement of the neck
  • Sensations of tightness or stiffness in the neck

There are also some not so obvious signs and symptoms of a neck injury:

  • Pain in the arm
  • Headache
  • Pins & needles in the arm
  • Numbness in the arm
  • Weakness in the arm and/or hand

Patients who experience these symptoms may think that they have an injury to their arm.  They may get worried because of the unusual pins and needles or numbness they are feeling.  However, most of the time these symptoms are coming from the neck.  An experienced physiotherapist will be able to make the connection between a patient’s arm symptoms and their neck pain. 


Treatment for Neck Pain

 

The treatment for neck pain will vary depending on the nature of the injury.  Your Physiotherapist will first start with an assessment to figure out what the problem is.  During the assessment, they will ask some questions about how the pain started.  They will also get details on how the symptoms behave.  Some examples of these questions include:

  • How long have you been feeling your pain?
  • How intense is your pain on a scale from 0 to 10?
  • Was there an incident that started the pain?
  • Where exactly do you feel your symptoms?
  • What kind of symptoms do you feel?
  • What kind of activities make your pain feel worse or better?

In conclusion, answers to these questions will allow your Physiotherapist to understand the nature of your injury.  They will then perform a physical assessment.  Finally, certain physiotherapy tests that will help them further understand your injury. 

Physiotherapy Tests for Neck Pain

  • Movement of the neck and arm
  • Tenderness of the muscles around the neck
  • Sensation of the arm
  • Strength of different muscles in the arm
  • Reflexes of the arm

In conclusion, once your Physiotherapist is done gathering all the information, they can come up with a diagnosis for your neck pain.

Treatment for Neck Pain


Treatment for Neck Pain

Using the information from the assessment your Physiotherapist will develop a treatment plan for you.  The treatment plan will include different methods to reduce your pain and improve your function.  For example, some common Physiotherapy treatment tools at PhysioNow include:


Interferential Current (IFC)

  • This is electrical stimulation that helps with pain management
    • There are 4 pads that are placed around the painful areas of the neck
    • Moreover, the strength of the current is dependent on your comfort level – stronger does not mean better
    • We ask you to indicate when you feel a strong, but comfortable amount of sensation
    • In summary, IFC distracts the body’s pain signals to give relief of pain
    • Lastly, this electrical modality is usually applied for 15 minutes
    • If you are interested in knowing more about Interferential Current Treatment, please check out this article .


Heat therapy

  • Heat is used as another pain management tool
    • As a result, it is usually combined with the IFC so that you can have both at the same time
    • At PhysioNow, our therapists use moist heat packs for heat therapy
    • As a result, moist heat is the most effective form of heat because it allows the heat to get deeper into the tissues
    • In summary, Heat therapy increases circulation, relaxes soft tissues and reduces pain and stiffness
    • In conclusion, heat is usually applied for 15 minutes


Manual Therapy

  • Manual therapy involves “hands-on” treatment by the Physiotherapist
    • As an Example, the most common forms of manual therapy involve soft tissue work, mobilizations and passive stretching
    • Moreover, soft tissue work helps reduce tissue tension and improves circulation in the area
      • There are a lot of muscles around the neck and when there is injury or pain these muscles become tight and stiff
      • This Soft tissue work around the neck is gentle to generally loosen these tissues
      • In addition, soft tissue work can also be very deep to work out specific tissue knots
      • In conclusion, your Physiotherapist will always consider your comfort for these types of treatment

Mobilizations

  • Mobilizations help decrease the stiffness in the joint
    • In short, there are 7 vertebrae in the neck and stiffness can develop at any level
      • Your Physiotherapist can apply different levels of gentle pressure to get the joints of the neck moving

Passive Stretching

  • Passive Stretching helps lengthen tightened muscles
    • For example, some muscles that most often get tight in the neck include the scalenes, upper trapezius, sternocleidomastoid and levator scapula
      • Your Physiotherapist will be able to determine which muscles are tight
      • The stretches are usually held for about 20-30 seconds and repeated 2-3 times


Exercise prescription

  • Exercise prescription
    • In addition, Exercises are an important part of any Physiotherapy treatment
    • Special Exercises that will be given to you depending on your specific neck injury
    • The exercises can help get your joints moving, stretch the soft tissues and strengthen the muscles around the neck
    • Moreover, these exercises will allow you to keep treating yourself on a outside of your Physiotherapy appointments. This speeds up your recovery
    • As a result, we know that patients who perform their exercises on a regular and consistent basis will have the fastest results with their Physiotherapy treatment


Education

  • Education
    • In addition, Education is another important part of Physiotherapy treatment for neck pain
    • If you have a good understanding of your condition and treatment, you will have the best results with your recovery
    • Lastly, an experienced Physiotherapist should be a great teacher
    • For example, your Physiotherapist may suggest that you use a specific pillow for improved sleep, or suggest ways to maintain good posture during work hours

Massage Therapy for Neck Pain

We know that Registered Massage Therapy can also be a very effective treatment for Neck Pain. At PhysioNow, we have many excellent Registered Massage Therapists at all of our clinics.

In conclusion, using these Physiotherapy treatment options produces great results for neck pain.  Your Physiotherapist will work with you to help you achieve the best recovery possible and get back to doing the things you love.

If you or anyone you know is experiencing neck pain, please call today! At PhysioNow, we are ready to help!

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!

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder Injuries

Shoulder injuries are a common problem for many people. It can happen to people of all ages from children to the elderly. The pain from shoulder injuries can be very severe and cause a lot of limitations with work and activity. Shoulder pain is one of the top 5 reasons why people seek out Physiotherapy and Registered Massage Therapy treatments.

What Causes Shoulder Pain?

There are several reasons why people suffer from shoulder pain.

  • Trauma

    – any type of direct or indirect trauma can produce shoulder pain if the arm and/or shoulder is involved

    • Motor vehicle accidents
    • Falls
    • Sports injuries
    • Violent incidents
  • Poor workplace ergonomics

    – For people who work in offices, they may spend the majority of their time sitting in front of a computer. If the desk set up is not properly, then this may start to produce stress and pain into the shoulder. For example,  poor ergonomics can include:

  • poor desk and screen height
  • improper positioning of the keyboard and mouse
  • inadequate chair height and support

Proper desk ergonomics

Proper desk ergonomics

  • Poor posture

    – Many people have developed poor body postures over time. For some it starts young with spending a lot of time studying. It can also happen after carrying a heavy backpack or playing a lot of video/computer games. For others it starts later in life with workplace demands and poor office set up.

  • Good-Posture-vs-Poor-Posture

    Good-Posture-vs-Poor-Posture

  • Repetitive activities

    – Some people perform tasks that are repetitive at work and/or home. If the shoulder is not strong enough to support the work that it’s having to do, then injury may occur. For example,this can  include:

  • Overhead lifting
  • Sorting things on a belt
  • Operating heavy machinery
  • Typing

 

  • Congenital or Developmental changes

  • Some people are born with a unique bone structure that may place them at increased risk of injury. For example, the acromion of the shoulder blade can have 4 different shapes. For instance, if you have a hooked shape, there is more potential for rotator cuff injury.

Some Basic Shoulder Anatomy

Having some knowledge of basic shoulder anatomy will help with understanding why shoulder pain develops. The shoulder joint is quite complex. There are a lot of structures that attach to or around the shoulder. The shoulder allows for a lot of movement .  As a result, there is less stability through the area. It’s a joint that is held together by soft tissues.  Therefore, there is not a lot of bony protection. The shoulder is made of 4 separate joints that work together to allow function:

Shoulder Injury

Shoulder Anatomy

  • Glenohumeral (GH) joint – this is a ball and socket joint and is where majority of our arm movement happens. The socket is made up by part of the shoulder blade and the ball is made up of the humerus, which is the long bone of the upper arm.
  • Acromioclavicular (AC) joint – joint between the acromion of the shoulder blade and the collar bone.
  • Sternoclavicular (SC) joint – joint between chest bone and the collar bone.
  • Scapulothoracic joint – the joint between the shoulder blade and the ribs at the back of the chest.

The Soft Tissues around the Shoulder Joint

We know that the shoulder is held together by many soft tissues including ligaments, muscles and tendons.   Other important structures include the joint capsule surrounding the ball and socket joint.  Lastly, your shoulder has  subacromial and subdeltoid bursae. The function of the joint capsule is to protect the joint and produce a lubricating fluid. Shoulder bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion between the bone and other moving parts.

Bursae of the shoulder joint

What are some of the types of injuries that can happen to the shoulder?

  • Sprains/Strains of any of the muscles, tendons and ligaments
  • Tears/Ruptures of any of the muscles, tendons and ligaments
  • Rotator Cuff Tear
  • Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
  • Tendonitis/Tendinosis
  • Fractures
  • Bursitis
  • Dislocations
  • Adhesive Capsulitis or Frozen Shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Nerve entrapments/injuries

Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Injuries

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Restricted movement
  • Weakness
  • Instability
  • Bony deformities

 

Healing Times for Shoulder Injuries

The healing time for shoulder injuries will vary depending on the injury. Most simple sprains/strains will likely take anywhere from 6-8 weeks to get better.

Fractures of the Shoulder can take 6-8 weeks to heal the fracture.  After the fracture is healed, the soft tissues may require up to 4-5 months to heal fully with proper Physiotherapy.

However, frozen shoulders  can take over 1 year to improve. There are also a lot of individual differences in healing time amongst different people, even for similar injuries. For example, some of these factors  can include:

  • Age
  • Severity of Injury
  • Was surgery required ?
  • Level of fitness and/or mobility
  • Commitment to treatment
  • Ability to modify workplace or home environment to allow for best treatment response
  • Presence of other injuries
  • Amount of time that the injury/pain has been present

Physiotherapy/Massage Treatment for Shoulder Injuries

Treatment for shoulder pain will depend on the type of injury. It will also depend on the area that has been injured.

However, since the shoulder is made up of 4 joints, treatments should target the whole shoulder and not just the individual area injured. This will allow the shoulder to return to its full function. It will also reduce the risk of re-injury.

In sum, the main goals of any shoulder pain treatment will be to:

  • Decrease pain
  • Regain full movement
  • Recover strength and stability
  • Return to pre-injury activities

Registered Physiotherapy for Shoulder Injuries

A Registered Physiotherapist will start with a full assessment so that we can identify the source of the shoulder pain. This will allow us to provide the best treatment for you. Treatment can typically include:

  • Manual therapy
    • soft tissue work
    • mobilizations
    • assisted stretching of the shoulder and nearby areas
  • Modalities – these are usually used in the early phase for pain relief
    • Ultrasound
    • Laser
    • IFC or TENS
    • Heat/Ice
  • Exercise prescription
    • Movement and strengthening exercises that are specific to the injury
    • So, it is important that you complete the prescribed exercises on a regular basis at home.
    • In short, this will ensure that you are continually providing treatment to the shoulder even when you are not physically present in the clinic.
    • Shoulder Exercise

 

 

 

  • Education
    • Explanation of the condition
    • Rationale for the treatment choices
    • In essence, Do’s and don’ts to help the injury along

Registered Massage Therapy for Shoulder Injuries

  • Registered Massage Therapy can be very helpful to release tight muscles around the upper back, neck and shoulder blades
  • shoulder injuries

    Registered Massage therapy for shoulder injuries

 

 

 

 

Shoulder injuries can be quite debilitating, and it is important to seek out a Registered Physiotherapist for assessment and treatment sooner rather than later. Like most other injuries, the longer an injury is left untreated, the more chronic it becomes. As a result, it makes it more difficult to resolve in a timely manner.

Call PhysioNow today to get treatment for your shoulder injury!

 

Accident Rehabilitation

Accident Rehabilitation

Accident Rehabilitation

What is Accident Rehabilitation?

Motor vehicle accidents happen everyday in Ontario.  As a result, they produce a lot of pain, disability and stress for those involved. The impact can be quite debilitating. Accident rehabilitation is treatment that is given after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is important to seek out Registered Physiotherapists who are experienced in Accident Rehabilitation to ensure proper recovery. At PhysioNow we offer high quality Registered Physiotherapy and Registered Massage therapy treatments to help you recover from your injuries.

Accident Rehabilitation

Registered Massage Therapy

Who is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation?

Any person who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation benefits . This would include if you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.  It would also include coverage for treatment if you were involved in an accident outside of Ontario, but reside in Ontario.  However, if you are  injured and do not have your own insurance, you can still apply for accident benefits. The circumstances of the accident will determine which insurance company will pay for the benefits. For instance, you may be covered by the person that hit you or the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

How much accident benefit coverage is available?

The amount of the benefits that you are entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries. There are two categories of benefits available:

  • Minor Injury Guideline (MIG)

    • This plan is for people who have minor injuries including whiplash and sprains and strains.
    • The majority of motor vehicle accident injuries fall within this category
    • The MIG plan is standardized across all of Ontario in terms of its entitlement to Treatment benefits no matter where you receive treatment.
    • If you are under a MIG, the maximum benefit under the MIG is $3500

 

  • Major Injury Guideline (non-MIG)

    • This plan is  for people who have suffered serious injuries from an accident
    • Examples include fractures, surgeries, major neurological trauma and concussions
    • The maximum entitlement under this plan will vary depending on your injuries, but could be up to $65,000.

What is the process of receiving accident benefits?

Once the accident is reported to the insurance company, the  adjuster will ask if there are any injuries from the accident.  The adjuster will send you a package of forms that you have to complete and send back. The adjuster will also likely put you in touch with an approved physiotherapy clinic in the area closest to you. The clinic will then contact you to schedule an initial assessment.

1st visits with a Physiotherapist can take place within 1 day of the accident.  You are also able to go directly to your Approved Physiotherapy Clinic to initiate a claim and get started on your treatment.  The Approved Clinic can get the paperwork started for you.

PhysioNow is an approved company for the purposes of Motor vehicle accidents in Ontario.  PhysioNow is allowed to directly bill your treatment to your Auto Insurance company. They can provide all of the forms that you need to get started.

 

Accident Rehabilitation

Whiplash Pain

What are the most common injuries from a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Most car accidents tend to be minor in nature. The most common types of injuries are:

  • Whiplash

    • Happens when the force of the impact pushes your neck back and forth really fast
    • This causes a sprain/strain of the your muscles and ligaments of the neck
    • Symptoms range from pain, stiffness, numbness/tingling into the arms and hands, headache and loss of motion
  • Thoracic & Lumbar strains

    • The impact causes the joints and muscles of the spine to be over-stretched
    • The mechanism is similar to whiplash
    • Symptoms include pain, limited movement, numbness/tingling into the arms and/or legs, weakness
  • Shoulder strains

    • It is common for the shoulder to get injured in a car accident, especially for the driver – this is because their arms are usually holding on to the steering wheel
  • Concussion

    • Concussions are a form of a traumatic brain injury and can vary from mild to severe
    • It is possible for Concussions to occur as a result of either direct or indirect trauma to the brain
    • The most common symptoms of a concussion are dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and fogginess
    • Accident Rehabilitation

      Concussion

What can I expect from my first visit at the physiotherapy appointment?

During the initial visit, you will have to complete some forms.  These forms are essential to submitting a successful claim. The experienced administrators at PhysioNow can help you to fill them out to make the process easier for you. The good thing about the  paperwork is that you only need to complete it once! After the initial paperwork, you can focus just on your recovery.

What can I expect from my Initial Assessment with the Registered Physiotherapist at PhysioNow?

Your Registered Physiotherapist will meet with you.  We will start by asking some questions to get an understanding of your injuries. For example, some sample questions can include:

  • How did the accident happen?
  •  Questions that will screen you for more serious injuries that could require further medical attention
  • Locating all the painful areas and injuries that have occurred
  • Details about past medical and injury history

Once this information has been collected, your Registered Physiotherapist will do a full assessment. We will check all of your  affected areas for movement and strength. This will start to give us an idea of the severity of your symptoms. We will then use this information to decide whether you will be classified as either MIG or non-MIG.

After this, we will then  fill out the required treatment plan for you.  In conclusion, we will go over what the plan will look like with you. Lastly, they will discuss treatment timelines and treatment goals. At PhysioNow, there will also be  time allocated  to start some light treatment to give you pain relief.

What kind of treatment will be provided for Accident Rehabilitation?

The types of treatment provided after vehicle accidents  will depend on the nature of your injuries.  It will also depend on  what your Physiotherapist feels is most appropriate for  you, taking into account all of your injuries. As a result, your treatment plan may include a variety of different treatments such as:

  • Treatment will start slowly at first and focus first on pain control,
  • Modalities – Ultrasound, Laser, Interferential Current
  • TherapyManual therapy – gentle soft tissue work, mobilizations, assisted stretching
  • Exercises – range of motion, postural and strengthening exercises
  • Concussion Treatment if needed
  • Education – explanations of the injuries and do’s and don’ts to help the recovery process
  • After that, this will be followed by recovery of movement, and then strength.
  • Lastly, we will work on helping you get back to all of your normal activities both at home and work
  • Neck Pain Treatment

    Accident Rehabilitation

How long will the treatment  take to complete for Accident Rehabiliation?

The length of the treatment plan depends on whether you are on a MIG or non-MIG pathway.

  • MIG (Minor Injury Guidleline)
    • 2 phases
      • 1st phase: 12 weeks in length
      • 2nd phase (if required): additional 4-8 weeks
    • Non-MIG ( Non- Minor Injury Guideline)
      • Timeline is at the discretion of your physiotherapist and will vary depending on your injuries
      • For post-surgical cases or individuals with multiple serious injuries, the timeline can be well over 1 year

As a result, it is very important to seek out Accident Rehabilitation as soon as possible when you have been involved in a car accident. The pain and limitations that you experience after an accident can really affect your quality of life. Therefore, scar tissue from injuries starts to form quickly after an injury.

At PhysioNow we want to help you get back on your feet and back to doing things that are important to you!  Give us a call at 289-724-0448 to get started today!

TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome is broadly classified into 2 syndromes.
The temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ) is the synovial joint that connects the jaw to the skull. These joints are located just in front of each ear.

TMJ syndrome

Classification of TMJ syndrome

TMD is broadly classified into 2 syndromes:
• Muscle-related TMD (myogenous TMD), sometimes called TMD secondary to myofascial pain and dysfunction
• Joint-related TMD, or TMD secondary to true articular disease

Causes of TMJ syndrome

• trauma
• disease,
• wear and tear due to aging
• oral habits, such as chewing gum, tobacco, candy or ice

  • grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw

 

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ syndrome

• Pain in the jaw
• Clicking and popping sound in the ear
• Pain while chewing the food
• Stiff and sore jaw muscles
• headaches

Treatment for TMJ syndrome

? general

  • • including heat to the joint,
    • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • avoiding chewing gum, candy, ice, or tobacco
    • stress reduction.

    • wear a mouth guard at night
    • avoid activities that require you to keep your mouth open such as fellatio
    • avoid eating food that is hard to chew such as steak

If you are interested in knowing a bit more about this syndrome, check out this link .

 

? Physical therapy techniques for TMJ syndrome may include:

• Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Heat therapy to improve blood circulation in the jaw.
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Massage to relieve overall muscle tension.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
• Movement of the temporomandibular (TM) joint to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion.
• Ultrasound therapy- to reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation.

If you have any further queries please call PhysioNow. Our experienced Registered Physiotherapists would be happy to help you recover from TMJ syndrome.  There are Registered Physiotherapists at each of our locations that are trained specifically to assess and treat this injury.  Assessment takes about 40-50 minutes and each treatment typically takes about 30-40 mins.  Resolution of TMJ syndrome can be quite rapid with some patients only requiring a few visits for the pain the stop.

Call today!

Benefits of massage therapy 

Benefits of Massage Therapy

There are many Benefits of massage therapy.  Below you will find some of the injuries that benefit most from massage therapy.

  1. Whiplash Injury

    A common injury from a motor vehicle accident, whiplash is a neck sprain resulting from the sudden forces typical of a car crash.

    Symptoms

    • Neck stiffness
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Paresthesia
    • Shoulder, back or arm pain

    Benefits of massage therapy

    Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.

  2. Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. It occurs more often in women than in men. It is not a disease, but rather a syndrome that can be managed.

    • Benefits of massage therapy
    • The first will be relaxation to improve sleep.
    • The second benefit is improved muscle tonicity
    • A fifth benefit is diminishing the effects of any anxiety or depression
  3. Low Back Pain.

    The low back is susceptible to strain because of its weight-bearing function. Connection in movements, such as twisting and bending can cause Low back pain. Muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are over-stretched or torn. Inflammation is common at the site of injury.  This is usually accompanied by pain with movement.

    Causes

    • Facet joint disease
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Muscle strain
    • Mechanical pain
    • Degenerative disc disease

    Benefits of massage therapy

    Some benefits of Massage therapy for Low Back Pain include the following:

    • Reduced pain.
    • Improved joint mobility.
    • Improving circulation.
    • Improving lymphatic drainage.
    • Reducing muscular tension.
  4.  

  5. Pregnancy

    Massage Therapy performed during pregnancy can:

    • Reduce anxiety
    • decrease symptoms of depression,
    • relieve muscle aches and joint pains,
    • improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Massage Therapy,  please call PhysioNow. Our highly experienced Massage Therapists would be happy to help you!