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Accident Rehabilitation, Exercise, Health and Wellness, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy

10 Ways a Physiotherapist Can Improve Your Health

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Our physiotherapy clinic PhysioNow has 9 locations to serve you across the GTA, from Burlington to Etobicoke

Physiotherapists can improve your health by being champions of fitness and wellness. They are experts in a wide variety of topics and can help in many different areas. The following is a list of ways your physiotherapist can improve your health!

1. Prevention

Physiotherapists work to prevent injuries and physical health issues through education and awareness. For example, they may provide guidance on proper ergonomics, posture, and exercise habits to reduce the risk of developing pain, injuries and chronic conditions.

2. Rehabilitation

Sometimes, accidents happen and injuries can’t be avoided. Physiotherapists help individuals recover from injuries, surgeries, and medical conditions. They use various techniques, therapeutic exercises, and treatments to restore physical function, mobility, and strength.

3. Pain Management

Physiotherapists help manage and alleviate pain, whether it’s caused by injuries, chronic conditions, or post-surgical discomfort. They use techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and modalities like heat/cold therapy or electrotherapy to reduce pain.

4. Functional Improvement

Physiotherapists work to improve a person’s physical abilities and functional capacity. This can include activities of daily living, sports performance, and/or mobility. For example, helping individuals regain the ability to get out of bed, climb stairs, or run. Enhancing these aspects can significantly contribute to an individual’s overall well-being.

5. Promoting Physical Activity

Physiotherapists encourage and prescribe physical activity tailored to an individual’s needs. Oftentimes, people may be scared to increase their activity levels out of fear of pain or an injury. Physiotherapists are fitness experts that can determine which exercises are safe for you to perform, and progressively increase your fitness levels. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical health, preventing chronic diseases, and promoting mental resilience.

6. Education

Physiotherapists educate patients about their conditions, treatment plans, and how to manage their health. They provide guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and offer strategies for long-term wellness. As an example, this may include how to wear a brace properly, proper posture when lifting, safety concerns after a surgery, or using assistive devices like a cane or crutches.

There are many different types of assistive devices, a physiotherapist can help you choose one that fits your needs

7. Assisting with Chronic Conditions

Physiotherapists often work with individuals who have chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. They help manage these conditions through advising exercise and lifestyle modifications.

8. Aging Well

Physiotherapists work with older adults to promote healthy aging. They help manage age-related physical changes like changes in bone density or muscle mass. They will help you maintain or regain your independence and mobility.

9. Sports and Fitness

Physiotherapists support athletes and active individuals in injury prevention, performance enhancement, and rehabilitation following sports-related injuries.

10.  Rehabilitation after Surgery:

Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the recovery process following surgeries. Common examples include fractures with surgical repairs, total and partial hip and knee replacements, and ACL/MCL repair. They will help you follow your surgical protocols and develop personalized rehabilitation programs to optimize healing and regain function.

Overall, the role of a physiotherapist is multifaceted and can make positive influences in many areas. With a combination of prevention, rehabilitation, education, and collaboration with other healthcare providers, your physiotherapist can help you improve your health. To get started, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment with a Registered Physiotherapist.

 

Exercise, General Category, PhysioNow, Shoulder Injuries, Shoulder pain

How to Treat a Frozen Shoulder: Physio 101

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What is Frozen Shoulder?

Frozen shoulder, also called adhesive capsulitis, involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. The shoulder joint is enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. Then, frozen shoulder occurs when this capsule thickens and tightens around the shoulder joint, restricting its movement.

What does a typical case look like?

Often, signs and symptoms begin slowly, and start getting worse. Over a long period of time, symptoms get better, usually within 1 to 3 years. Additionally, having to keep a shoulder still for a long period increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder. For example, this might happen after having surgery or breaking an arm.

Treatment involves range-of-motion exercises. Sometimes, treatment involves corticosteroids and numbing medications injected into the joint. Rarely, arthroscopic surgery is needed to loosen the joint capsule so that it can move more freely.
It’s unusual for this condition r to reoccur in the same shoulder, but some people can develop it in the other shoulder, usually within five years.

What are the stages of a frozen shoulder?

Frozen shoulder typically develops slowly in three stages.

  • Freezing stage – Any movement of the shoulder causes pain, and the shoulder’s ability to move becomes limited. This stage lasts from 2 to 9 months.
  • Frozen stage – Pain might lessen during this stage. However, the shoulder becomes stiffer and using it becomes more difficult. This stage lasts from 4 to 12 months.
  • Thawing stage – The shoulder’s ability to move begins to improve. This stage lasts from 5 to 24 months. For some people, the pain worsens at night, and can disrupt sleep.

Who develops frozen shoulder?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder.

1. Age and sex: Firstly, people aged 40 years and older and women

2. Immobility or reduced mobility: Secondly, people who’ve had to keep a shoulder still (i.e in a sling, immobilized). This restricted movement can be the result of many factors, including:

  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Broken arm
  • Stroke
  • Recovery from surgery
Immobolization increases the risk of developing frozen shoulder

Periods of immobilization like above increase the risk of developing frozen shoulder. Sling is Rolyan Deluxe Shoulder Immobiliser Sling

3. Systemic diseases: Finally, people who have certain diseases appear more likely to develop frozen shoulder. As an example, this may include:

  • Diabetes
  • Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
  • Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Parkinson’s disease

Frozen Shoulder and Physiotherapy

Fortunately, most cases can be managed in the primary care setting. Clinicians are encouraged to start the treatment with patient education. Explaining the natural progression of the condition often helps to reduce frustration and fear.

Common conservative treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), glucocorticoids given orally or as intra-articular injections, and/or physical therapy. Additionally, physical therapy has been shown to bring about pain relief and return of functional motion. Particularly, when used in combination with physical therapy, NSAIDs were proven to be more effective as compared to using NSAIDs alone.

Physiotherapy for each stage of frozen shoulder

Physical therapy and home exercises can be a first-line treatment, with consideration of the patient’s symptoms and stage of the condition.

  1. Freezing Stage: In the freezing (painful) stage, gentle stretching exercises can be done but should be kept within a short duration (1–5 seconds) and not go beyond the patient’s pain threshold.
  2. Frozen Stage: In the frozen (adhesive) stage, strengthening exercises can be added to the patient’s exercises for maintenance of muscle strength.
  3. Thawing Stage: In the thawing stage, the patient experiences a gradual return of range of motion; both stretching and strengthening exercises can increase in intensity, with a longer holding duration.

Assisted stretching and range of motion for the shoulder. Image by Freepik

What do I do if I have shoulder problems?

If you are experiencing any such above symptoms, our team of qualified physiotherapists at PhysioNow are ready to help! We will assist you and guide you through personalized treatment that will help you to improve mobility and quality of life. Book your first appointment with PhysioNow today!

Applewood Physionow, Modalities, Physiotherapy, Shockwave Therapy

Could Shockwave Therapy Solve Your Chronic Pain?

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What is shockwave therapy?

Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is a modality used as treatment for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions – typically chronic (more than 3 months), such as but not limited to:

Shockwave therapy applied to a patient's heel

Patient receiving shockwave therapy on their heel. Image by pvproductions on Freepik

  • Plantar Fasciitis
  • Achilles Tendinopathy
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
  • Calcific Tendonitis
  • Morton’s Neuroma

Importantly, SWT can facilitate the body’s ability to regenerate new tissue and can decrease your pain by stimulating your nerves at the site of the injury.  Not only that, it encourages tissue healing by increasing circulation around injured soft tissues and stimulating cells that generate new bone and connective tissue – triggering and accelerating the body’s natural healing response. Additionally, it breaks down calcified deposits such as in the case of Calcific Tendonitis.

How does it work?

Shockwave Therapy transforms electricity into shockwaves that are transmitted into the tissue with a small device similar to an ultrasound applicator. The treatment may cause mild discomfort during the application, but the duration is kept shorter. It may last around 5-15 minutes depending on the size of the area treated and the number of areas being treated.  You may also experience some redness, soreness, and tenderness around the area afterwards. These are normal side effects and should fade quickly within a couple of days.

What are the benefits of it?

Shockwave Therapy is an FDA approved, non-surgical treatment that is non-invasive and does not require lengthy recovery periods. It provides an alternative for chronic conditions that aren’t resolved with traditional therapy, such as Plantar Fasciitis or Tennis Elbow. It can be combined with physiotherapy to help return athletes or workers back to their sport or activity faster.

On rare occasions, side effects may cause slight discomfort and may include mild bruising or swelling as the injury heals. Typical treatment is 3-6 weeks and is recommended once a week.

Physiotherapy in conjunction with SWT could include activity modifications, specific exercises and assessing contributing issues such as tightness and weakness in muscle groups.

Where can I get shockwave therapy?

If you are suffering from chronic heel or elbow pain or are curious about SWT, then consult a physiotherapist to see if the treatment is right for you. Shockwave Therapy is presently available at our Applewood location. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

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Motor Vehicle Accident: Injuries and Insurance

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Motor Vehicle Accidents / MVA and physiotherapy.

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident

Injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident affect your normal function in life differently. It depends on the extent of the impact. Thus, it is very important to address any pertaining issues from the accident to your doctor. Additionally, to start rehabilitation at the earliest to decrease the impact of injury and its effects.

MVA injuries can be as minor as  sprains or strains or it can be extensive that might include concussion, fractures, neurological involvement, other musculoskeletal involvements, etc.

Once you are involved in an accident and you are discharged from your preliminary care, you would contact your auto insurance company for guidance on starting physiotherapy sessions.

 

Physiotherapy sessions for a motor vehicle accident:

Once you decide to attend a physiotherapy clinic, these are the few things to do and to expect  on your first visit.

  •  Book an appointment in a clinic which you decide to proceed with.
  • Once you arrive expect to fill a few Auto insurance forms and clinic specific forms to start your assessment at the clinic.
  • You would be seeing a physiotherapist who could be your primary care provider.
  • The therapist would do a detailed assessment on your situation and would also go over your treatment plan pertaining to your injury.
  • Your treatment session would be patient specific and progressive to get back to your normal functionality.

 

Facts about your treatment plan and coverage:

Once you are in a motor vehicle accident, you are mostly covered by the auto insurance company for treatment sessions.

Your treatment coverage depends on the category that you fall into.

  • Minor injury guideline/ MIG, where your injury falls into  the category of sprains and strains and would need a shorter duration of recovery and treatment sessions. Your treatment sessions could extent up to 4 months or as needed. Reassessments are done as needed to see your progress and to plan further with your sessions.
  • Out of Minor injury guideline, where your injury is more extensive or catastrophic. Where the duration of recovery is longer and so the treatment allotment is longer when compared to MIG.
  • Any multidisciplinary approach needed would be advised and would be recommended to your insurance company for further proceedings.

 

Commonly seen injuries after a motor vehicle accident:

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident Whiplash

  • Whiplash injury to the neck: which can include one or more of the symptoms ; pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle spasm, headaches, tingling /numbness into the hands, weakness, difficulty sleeping.
  • Low back Sprain/ strain or disc related symptoms which includes, pain, stiffness, tingling and numbness into the leg, disturbed sleep.
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle sprain/ strain.
  • Seatbelt or airbag related pains in the chest area and abdominal area.
  • Fractures.
  • Concussion symptoms which might include dizziness, headaches, light and noise sensitivity, blurred vision, nausea, issues with concentration, imbalance, weakness, slurred speech, anxiety, depression, etc.
  • Vestibular symptoms with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with positional changes, sense of imbalance, etc.

 

Treatment sessions:

 These are patient specific.

  • Electrical modalities such as IFC, TENS, Ultrasound, LASER, heat or cold packs for pain relief and decreasing muscle spasm, and to improve circulation to the area.
  • Manual therapy which includes soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, joint traction. Muscle energy techniques to reduce pain, improve function in the joint.
  • Exercises for improving mobility, strength, and also function.
  • Braces and splints for immobilization as needed.
  • Post concussion therapy focusing on your symptoms and additionally presentation, which is provided by a physiotherapist trained in concussion therapy.
  • Vestibular rehabilitation services provided by a physiotherapist specifically trained in vestibular rehab.

Need some help?

Your assessment session would ideally be an hour and treatment sessions would be 45 min to an hour in our clinic.  Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your injuries. If you think physiotherapy may help with an injury from an MVA, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Applewood Physionow, Back Pain, Burloak PhysioNow, Clarkson Village PhysioNow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Low back Pain, Maple Grove PhysioNow, neck pain, PhysioNow

Scoliosis: Types, Symptoms and Treatments

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Scoliosis

Scoliosis

A side deviation or curvature in your spine is scoliosis. It could be in your neck, mid back and lower back. It can present in more than one area.

The most common area where it develops is mid-back. Cervical and lumber spine are very common  when it comes to two curvatures.

Type of scoliosis:

  • C-shape: This is most common type, there is only one-sided curve. The most common area for C shape to develop is in the thoracic spine and also lumber spine.  In this type, scoliosis side leg could be short compared to non-scoliotic side. Sometimes, there are  changes in the scapular level. Scoliotic side scapula will be lower than non-scoliotic side.
  • S- shape: In this type, two curvatures are present in the spine. One curvature is the primary scoliosis and the other curvature develops in compensation of the primary curvature. In this type, the scoliotic sided leg is short and the scapular level is higher than the non-scoliotic side. S-shape will bring other complications such as respiratory issues, cardiovascular issues, etc.
'S' Shaped curve and 'C' Shaped Curve

‘S’ Shaped curve and ‘C’ Shaped Curve

Causes of scoliosis:

Usually, the cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, following are a few possible causes mentioned:

  1. Poor Posture habits: People who have habits of not following ergonomics pattern of posture are at risk. One who has the habit of leaning and sitting mostly on their right or left, are also at risk.
  2. Carrying heavy stuff on back: People who have to deal with the delivery of heavy packets and lifting heavy objects are at risk.
  3. Family history: Sometimes, scoliosis runs in family. There are higher chances in these cases.
  4. Congenital limb length discrepancy: Congenital limb length discrepancy needs immediate correction otherwise; it will lead to scoliosis.
  5. Neurological disorder: Neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, Down Syndrome which are progressive diseases have muscular imbalance.

 

Signs and symptoms:

  • Limb length discrepancy
  • Visible deviation of spine to one direction
  • Uneven shoulder and pelvis height
  • In anterior view, one sided rib is popping out.
  • Chronic neck and also lower back pain
  • Breathing difficulties in severe cases
  • Recurrent lung conditions like pneumonia, atelectasis, etc.
  • Pain and numbness
  • Fatigue due to muscle imbalance

 

Assessment of scoliosis:

Imaging: X-ray is the gold standard or MRI.

Physiotherapy Assessment:  assess in posterior view which means back view with open back.

  • Therapist will look for visible prominent border of scapula.
  • with bending forward the scapular border will be seen as well as deviation .
  • When leaning backward , a visible S shape or C shape will be seen.

 

Risk factors of scoliosis:

Scoliosis is bony disorientation which is irreversible. The best management is prevention. However, if it not managed well enough , it can lead to many complications.

  1. Lung disorders: Specially, thoracic spine scoliosis has a chance to affect the respiratory system as it disturbs the alignment of the rib cage. Deep breathing becomes limited or difficult and that is why the lower portion of the lungs get less air. As a result of this,  atelectasis develops in some areas of the lung.
  2. Limb length discrepancy: Lumber scoliosis has a major effect on pelvis alignment. As scoliosis is irreversible, it leads to permanent muscular imbalance. Thus, there is limb length discrepancy.
  3. Scapular winging: Thoracic scoliosis has drastic effect on scapular orientation.  The scapula takes part in shoulder movement. Indirectly, mid back, scapula and the shoulder joint are all affected because of spinal curvature.
  4. Herniated disc in spine: Lumber spine scoliosis has a higher chance to develop a herniated disc. Therefore, you may develop pain in the lower back and down the leg  into the thigh, knee or ankle. Please seek immediate attention in this case.

 

Management of scoliosis:

 Scoliosis is a irreversible bony deformity.

  1. Posture: Contact your physiotherapist for a better understanding for well maintained posture at work and home.  Correction in pelvis alignment will help in preventing it from getting worse.
  2. Deep breathing exercise: Deep breathing exercise will help in maintaining lung function. Additionally, with breathing exercises, chest mobility exercises will help in maintaining flexibility in the spine and avoid lung conditions like pneumonia, atelectasis, etc.
  3. Spinal mobility exercises: Contact your physiotherapist for proper exercises. Your Physiotherapist can better assess scoliosis and based on that provide spinal mobility exercises to stop it from getting worse.
  4. Orthotics: orthotics adjust leg length discrepancy from scoliosis.
  5. Education: Finally, a physician or physiotherapist can help you to better assess and understand this condition.

 

Need some help?

Your concerns are best managed by a health care professional. Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your issue. If you think you may have scoliosis or are diagnosed with it, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!