Tag Archives: physiotherapy

Hand Pain, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Wrist pain

TFCC Injury and Wrist Pain

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What is a TFCC (Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex) injury?

First, the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) is a critical structure located in the wrist,
specifically on the side of the pinky finger. It plays a role in stabilizing the wrist joint, particularly during activities that involve gripping or weight-bearing through the hands. It is comprised of a triangular fibrocartilage disc, ligaments, and associated structures. Importantly, the TFCC provides cushioning and stability between the 2 bones at the end of the forearm/beginning of the wrist (the radius and the ulna)

A closer look at the TFCC

The TFCC consists of several components, including the triangular fibrocartilage, the ulnar collateral ligament, and the dorsal and palmar radioulnar ligaments. These components work together to stabilize the wrist, absorb shock, and facilitate smooth movement between the radius and ulna. Especially, the complex is important for athletes and individuals who engage in activities requiring repetitive wrist motion or heavy lifting. Namely, it helps to prevent injuries in these high-stress situations.

How does the TFCC get injured?

TFCC injuries can occur due to various factors, primarily categorized into traumatic and degenerative causes. Traumatic injuries often result from a fall onto an outstretched hand, direct impact to the wrist, or sudden twisting motions. These injuries are common in sports such as gymnastics, football, and skiing. On the other hand, degenerative injuries, develop over time, often due to repetitive wrist motions or age related wear and tear. Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also contribute to the deterioration of the TFCC.

Symptoms of a TFCC Injury

Individuals with a TFCC injury typically experience a range of symptoms. This can include but is not limited to:

  • Pain, localized to the ulnar/pinky side of the wrist
  • Worsened by gripping, twisting, or weight-bearing activities on the hand/wrist
  • Swelling around the wrist
  • Decreased range of motion in the wrist
  • A feeling of instability in the wrist joint
  • Clicking or popping sounds when moving the wrist

How is a TFCC Injury treated?

Wrist bracing can help reduce pain from a TFCC injury and increase the function in your wrist while it heals

The treatment for TFCC injuries varies based on the severity and how it was injured. Primarily, conservative options are the first line of defense and often include rest, immobilization in a splint or brace, and physical therapy. Physical therapy goals include improving range of motion, strength, coordination, and a return to sport/activity plan. Pain management may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In cases where conservative treatments are ineffective, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options can include debridement, repair, or, in severe cases, reconstruction of the TFCC itself.

Where can I find help?

In conclusion, a TFCC injury can significantly impact wrist function and quality of life. Early
intervention with appropriate treatment are the best options. The longer you leave the injury untreated, the trickier it becomes to return to your normal function and activities. Thus, if you are experiencing wrist pain, look for PhysioNow! We have 10 convenient locations across the GTA and many Registered Physical Therapists highly experienced at treating sports injuries. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

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!

Back Pain, Health and Wellness, Low back Pain, Physiotherapy

Low Back Pain: 5 Tips for Prevention!

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Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a Physiotherapist. It can happen to anyone, at any age, and it often shows up without warning. However, the good news is that there are ways to relieve your pain and minimize the chances of it coming back. In this blog, we will explore what causes this type of pain, how to treat it, and how to keep it from becoming a regular problem.

What causes low back pain?

Minimizing risk of lower back pain
Infographic demonstrating a proper and improper lifting position for the back

There are many reasons why you might have pain in your lower back. For example, some of the most common causes include:

  1. Poor Posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture can put a lot of strain on the muscles and joints in your back. Consequently, over time, this can lead to pain and discomfort.
  2. Muscle Strain: Lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or overdoing it during exercise can strain the muscles in your lower back. This can cause pain that may last for a few days or weeks.
  3. Inactivity: If you spend too much time sitting or lying down, your back muscles can become weaker. Weak muscles are more likely to get tired and painful, especially when you try to do something active again.
  4. Injuries: Falls, accidents, or sudden movements can injure the structures in your back, including the muscles, ligaments, and discs. Furthermore, these types of injuries can lead to long-lasting pain if not treated properly.
  5. Age-Related Changes: As we get older, our spine changes. Namely, the discs between our vertebrae can wear down, and arthritis can develop. This is called degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis, and it can lead to low back pain.

Tips for Preventing Low Back Pain

Here are some simple steps you can take to minimize the risk and chances of having low back pain:

  1. Stay active: Regular physical activity keeps your muscles strong and flexible. For example, walking, swimming, and yoga are all great low impact ways to keep your back healthy.
  2. Lift safely: When lifting heavy objects, bend your knees and keep the object close to your body. Additionally, avoid twisting while lifting, as this puts further strain on your back in an already vulnerable position.
  3. Take breaks from sitting: If you work at a desk or sit for long periods of time, make sure to stand up and stretch every 30 minutes. Importantly, this helps reduce the pressure on your lower back. Alternatively, you may choose to have a standing desk so that you can switch between both positions.
  4. Sleep in a comfortable position: Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help keep your spine in a comfortable position. Additionally, make sure your mattress provides enough support for your back.
  5. Maintain a healthy weight: Extra weight, especially around your belly, can put more stress on your lower back. As a result, eating a balanced diet and staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight.

How can physiotherapy help?

Manual therapy is one of the potential treatment techniques used by physiotherapists to manage lower back pain

Despite your best efforts to prevent it, if you are struggling with Low Back Pain, Physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage a stubborn pain. A physiotherapist can help in the following ways:

  1. Pain relief techniques: Physiotherapists use various methods to help relieve pain, such as heat or ice
    therapy, massage and manual therapy techniques, or electrical stimulation. These treatments can help reduce your pain and make you feel more comfortable.
  2. Exercises to strengthen your back: Specific exercises can help strengthen the muscles in your back,
    core, and legs. Strong muscles support your spine better and reduce the risk of future pain. Your
    physiotherapist will show you exercises that are safe and effective for you.
  3. Stretching: Next, tight muscles can contribute to back pain. Your physiotherapist will guide you through stretches that help improve flexibility in your back, hips, and legs, which can ease the pain and improve your overall movement.
  4. Posture correction: Importantly, learning how to stand, sit, and move correctly can make a big difference. A physiotherapist can teach you how to maintain good posture and reduce the strain on your back during everyday activities.
  5. Education: Sometimes, understanding what is causing your injury or condition can help reduce your worries about it. Accordingly, your physiotherapist will explain what’s happening in your back, what that means for you, and how you can manage the pain.

When should you see a physiotherapist for low back pain?

If your lower back doesn’t get better within a couple days to weeks, or if it continues to worsen, it’s a good idea to see a physiotherapist. Also, you should also seek help if you have other symptoms, such as pain going down your leg, numbness, or weakness. Fortunately, a physiotherapist can assess your condition and create a treatment plan that’s right for you. With the right treatment, education, and some simple lifestyle changes, you can manage the pain and get back to doing the things you love. If you’re struggling with low back pain, look for PhysioNow! Book with us today for your first assessment and treatment!

Hip Pain, Physiotherapy, Total Hip replacement, Total Hip Replacement Surgery

I’m having a hip replacement! Do I need physiotherapy?

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A hip replacement can be daunting but with the right information and preparation, you can make the recovery very smooth. In this blog we’ll describe the essentials you should know before, during, and after your surgery, and the importance of Physiotherapy Treatment throughout the process. If you are worried about your upcoming surgery, read on to ease your fears!

What is a hip replacement?

A total hip replacement, or Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a procedure that replaces damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components. Specifically, there are two techniques.

  1. Cemented: For more elderly populations or patients who have more sedentary life
    style
  2. Uncemented: For a younger population or patients that have a more active lifestyle

Usually, an uncemented style is preferred as it usually results in more natural movement of the hip and less complications after the surgery. However, it takes a lot longer to heal than a cemented technique. Usually, it takes about 3+ months for there to be a strong fixation between the implant and the bone, whereas cemented is almost instantaneous at the sacrifice of future mobility.

Physiotherapy rehabilitation before the surgery

You may have been seeing a Physiotherapist prior to the surgery to maximize your function, strength, and mobility. In some cases, Physiotherapy Treatment can delay or even remove the necessity of a hip replacement! However, in the cases where we know surgery is inevitable, Physiotherapy Treatment helps you preserve and “prehab” the hip to ensure you come out of the surgery as easily as possible. In this case, treatment may include:

  • Manual therapy for pain relief and mobility
  • Other pain-relieving strategies like electrotherapy, cryo and heat therapy
  • Therapeutic exercises to maximize your hip’s potential prior to surgery
  • Gait and balance training
  • Braces, gait aids and other movement strategies to minimize pain and fatigue

Physiotherapy rehabilitation after a hip replacement

Total hip arthroplasties (THAs) are highly effective procedures with a very smooth recovery process these days. Most patients are able to leave the hospital after a day if there are no complications. Furthermore, there can be immediate improvements in function and pain, especially in patients that had severe hip arthritis or hip joint damage prior to the surgery. However, as amazing as the outcomes can be, post-operative rehabilitation is crucial to ensure that you get there.

In the immediate post-operative phase

The immediate post-operative phase begins as soon as you wake up from anesthesia. Initially in the hospital, Physiotherapy starts right away and gets you moving as soon as possible. Hospital Physiotherapy may look like:

  • Gentle exercises to promote blood circulation and minimize swelling
  • Starting early muscle activation with exercises
  • Assessing and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (blood clots)
  • Early functional movements such as moving in bed, sitting or standing at the bedside, walking with a gait aid, stairs
  • Assessing you for discharge from the hospital and ensuring it is safe for you to return to your home
  • Teaching you your hip restrictions (if any, and as indicated by your surgeon)

In the early rehabilitation phase

The early rehabilitation phase spans the first few weeks after surgery. During this period, you will likely be attending an outpatient Physiotherapy clinic. In Ontario, you are entitled to some coverage under OHIP after a THA. Hospitals will give you a referral to Physiotherapy clinics in the area where you may continue your rehab after leaving the hospital. Our clinic, PhysioNow sees many post-operative patients just days after their surgery. In this stage, areas of treatment include:

A Physiotherapist helping their patient with their range of motion into hip flexion
  • Increasing the intensity and difficulty of exercises
  • Scar/incision care and how to manage it at home
  • Increasing the weightbearing ability of your hip
  • Gait, coordination, balance training
  • Education on using gait aids like walkers, canes, rollators
  • Effective pain management using modalities or manual therapy

Intermediate Rehabilitation Phase

The intermediate phase, typically from 4 to 12 weeks post-surgery, aims to build on the progress made in the early phase. Physiotherapy sessions become more intensive, and the focus shifts to normalizing your strength and mobility and starting to reintroduce activities of your normal life and hobbies that you enjoy. Physiotherapy Treatment may include:

Treatment will start to include more weightbearing exercises
  • Incorporating resistance training, weights and functional exercises such as stairs practice
  • Cardiovascular training with lower intensity activities including stationary biking, swimming, walking
  • Gait training without mobility aids, or swapping to aids that give less support
  • Harder balance exercises including dynamic balance with movements, unstable surfaces
  • Manual therapy to try to restore full range of motion in the hip

Late Rehabilitation Phase

The late rehabilitation phase, typically beyond 12 weeks post-surgery, focuses on
preparing the patient for a full return to normal activities, high intensity activities and, if applicable, sports. Physiotherapy sessions will include:

Whatever your sport or preferred activity is, the goal of Physiotherapy is to get you back to it!
  • Advanced balance and proprioception exercises mimicking complex movements and environments
  • A back to sport plan that will gradually expose you and increase your tolerance to high impact activities ex. running, jumping for basketball or volleyball
  • Practice of specific sport skills in the clinic ex. plyometrics, quick direction changes
  • Education on how to take care of your hip long-term

Having a hip replacement surgery soon?

Look for PhysioNow! It is important to make sure that your hip is as strong as possible prior to the surgery. After the surgery, your Physiotherapy will be a progressive process tailored to your individual needs. PhysioNow accepts OHIP patients after a hip or knee surgery, and also offers direct billing for extended health care benefits if you need to continue your treatment for longer. We have 10 spacious locations across the GTA from Burlington to Etobicoke and in between. Book with us today for your first assessment and treatment, or a free 15 minute consult!

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Physiotherapy

Just had a Motor Vehicle Accident? Get Treatment with PhysioNow!

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Is there treatment available after a Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA)?

Yes, treatments provided by Registered Physiotherapists are available to help you manage your pain and impairments after the accident. Usually, this process starts by contacting your insurance company and reporting the incident. In Ontario, individuals are entitled to $3500 of treatment which usually covers 4-5 months of treatment. Additionally, coverage may be extended more depending on the severity and extent of the injuries. Not every Physiotherapy clinic accepts MVA referrals, but PhysioNow is one of the leading providers of MVA rehabilitation across the GTA!

What is MVA rehabilitation?

Car accidents are unique because they result in injury to multiple larges areas of the body at the same time. Fortunately, MVA rehabilitation will address any and all of those impairments, and the Physiotherapist may refer out to other health care professionals if necessary. For example, injuries can range anywhere from one to multiple of:

  • Fracture
  • Concussion
  • Whiplash
  • Soft tissue strains, sprains and tears
  • Internal injuries (requiring immediate medical attention)
  • Chest injuries/bruising
  • Other traumatic brain injuries
  • Injuries requiring surgical repair

How long is MVA treatment?

Treatment will address any impairments from the accident, the most common of which are neck and back pains

As mentioned before, the treatment is usually around 4-5 months for individuals with minor injuries. If you are qualified for a major injury guideline (requires approval from your adjustor and usually medical documentation), the treatment can cover you for years. Overall, injuries sustained from MVAs can take quite a long time to heal. However, many individuals will recover quicker than the entire duration of the treatment.

How do I get started?

After reporting the incident, your case will be assigned a case number. Usually, your adjustor or Motor Vehicle Insurance will have the clinic contact you directly to set up the first appointment, so all you have to do is await a phone call from us! In some cases, they may give you a list of clinics in the area that accept MVA patients, and you can contact us yourself. From there, we just have to find a date and time that works for your initial assessment.

What can I expect from the first Motor Vehicle Accident Physiotherapy appointment?

You will be asked to fill out some paperwork on your initial visit, but don’t worry, our PhysioNow staff are very experienced with MVA procedures and can easily walk you through it. Usually, we ask our patients to come 30 minutes early to the initial assessment to ensure that the paperwork does not impact your appointment time with the Physiotherapist. Next, your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive assessment of the injured areas. Finally, they will create a personalized treatment plan using your input to ensure the quickest recovery time possible.

If you have more questions or are looking for a clinic to start your Motor Vehicle Accident Treatment at, look for PhysioNow! We have 10 locations offering MVA services across the GTA including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. Get in contact with us today!

Headaches: Neck Pain, neck pain, Neck pain Treatment Mississauga, Physiotherapy

Tension Type Headaches: How do I stop them?

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What are Tension Type Headaches?

Tension type headaches (TTH) are one of the most prevalent types of headache. Unfortunately, they affect a significant portion of the population globally. When experienced, they feel like a dull, aching, type of headache that may wrap around the head. In fact, some patients describe it feeling like a tight band is compressing their skull. Unlike migraines that have symptoms like nausea, noise or light sensitivity, and visual manifestations, tension headaches do not have additional symptoms other than pain. Overall, frequent tension headaches could decrease one’s quality of life.

What causes them?

Tension Type Headaches are heavily influenced by stress and posture. You might be more likely to have them if your job is currently very demanding and you’ve been putting in many hours.

The exact cause of tension headaches isn’t known, but it has been linked to several factors including stress, posture, anxiety, muscle tension, poor sleep and more. The headaches may be be episodic as well as chronic, depending on the amount of time it is experienced in a month. To clarify, episodic means it is experienced for <15 days in a month, and chronic means it is experiences >15 days in a month for 3 months.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health provider will ask you questions about your medical history, triggers to the headache, type of symptoms, patterns and frequency of headaches, and more. As a result, this will help them rule in or out other causes of and other types of headaches.

Additionally, TTH requires a comprehensive physical assessment of the head and neck muscles to check for areas of tenderness, muscle tension and trigger points which are commonly associated with TTH.

How are Tension Type Headaches treated?

Physical Therapy treatment of the neck can help manage pain and provide relief from persistent headaches.

Physical therapy management for TTH is a comprehensive and effective approach. Firstly, patient education is a key factor in every case. It is important for patients to learn about their condition, factors that may trigger their headaches, and strategies for managing their symptoms. Additionally, other techniques may include:

  • Myofacial release technique and other manual therapies in the cervical structures
  • Research suggests cold packs can have a positive effect on relieving pain and discomfort
  • Stretching and strengthening of cervical muscles
  • Postural correction techniques
  • Lifestyle and stress management advice

Need help?

Look for PhysioNow! Whether you are looking for relief from neck pain, stiffness, or headaches, we can help you. Our expert team of Registered Physiotherapists, Manual Osteopaths, and Registered Massage Therapists are all equipped with the skills to take care of you. Locations from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Fees and Financing, General Category, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy

Direct Billing for Physiotherapy: PhysioNow FAQs

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At PhysioNow, we receive many inquiries from our patients about our direct billing services. If it is your first time using your insurance and are unsure about the whole process, this article should help you out. Additionally, you are free to reach out to us for more personal questions and our team of experienced administrative staff would be more than happy to help you out.

What is direct billing?

Direct billing means that the clinic can submit the claims on your behalf to your insurance provider. Ultimately, this results in a streamlined process for our patients as you no longer have to pay at the clinic, submit the claim, and then wait for reimbursement. Instead, you are only responsible for paying the amounts, if any, not covered by your insurance plan.

Which insurances can PhysioNow bill to?

We bill to all the top extended health care providers including Sunlife, Manulife, Desjardins, Canada Life, Blue Cross, Greenshield, Johnson and more. We are able to bill to a long list of extended health care providers, which you may find here. Please note, this is not an all-inclusive list but rather the most common providers. If you do not see your provider on the list, you may call our offices and have them check for you.

How much does my plan cover?

This will be dependent on your individual plan and extended health care provider. Usually, insurance providers only release information to the insured member. Sometimes, you may have to call them or they may have provided you a login to a portal where you can check on the status of your benefits. Generally, for a health care claim, plans have a maximum coverage total within the year (ex. $1000) and a per claim maximum either as a % or a set dollar amount (ex. covers 80% or covers up to $60 of each session).

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

An example of a Manulife insurance card with necessary details for direct billing.

You will need your plan details with you in order to do direct billing at your first appointment. You may have a physical or digital insurance card with all the details that looks something like the image above that we can photocopy, or you can email to us. Then, you will proceed with the appointment and our administrative staff can bill your insurance while you’re inside. Once you’re done, our staff will be able to let you know how much your insurance covered (if you didn’t already know this information), and whether there is any co-pay to be covered by you. And that’s all! Direct billing makes the process very simple.

What if I have more than one type of coverage?

We can direct bill to multiple plans at the same time! We will submit to your primary plan first, and any outstanding balances we will submit to the secondary plan. This is true even if your benefits are from 2 different insurance providers. This is referred to as a coordination of benefits, or COB. It allows people with more than one benefits plan (whether from their own insurance, a spouse, or parent) to combine and thus, maximize their coverage.


What are the benefits of direct billing?

Now that we have been over the basic of direct billing, let’s talk about why it is important to you, and why our patients love it.

  • Convenience: It saves you the time and effort from having to navigate the claims website and submitting claims by yourself
  • Pay less upfront: You only have to pay the portion not covered by your insurance instead of paying the full amount and awaiting reimbursement
  • Predictable expenses: Knowing what your insurance covers right away can help you plan and budget for other expenses

Looking for treatment?

PhysioNow is here to help you get started. We offer direct billing for Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy so that you can get treated quickly and efficiently. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Hand Pain, Physiotherapy

Trigger Finger: Why is my finger locking up?

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What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a hand condition where the finger can get stuck in a bent position. Afterwards, it may straighten suddenly with a snap. Usually, the fingers most often affected are the ring finger and the thumb, but the condition can affect any finger. Depending on the severity, the locking and popping open of the finger may be quite painful.

Why does it happen?

The tendon sheathe becomes swollen and blocks movement.

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls that finger can’t glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it. This may occur if part of the tendon sheath becomes swollen or if a small lump forms on the tendon. In many cases, repetitive and prolonged work with the hands such as typing, lifting, and grabbing can increase the risk of developing a trigger finger. The condition is most common in women over the age of 50. Additionally, you may be at higher risk of trigger finger if you have diabetes, low thyroid function or rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of trigger finger

Symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include:

  • Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning.
  • A popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves.
  • Tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
  • Finger catching in a bent position and suddenly popping straight.
  • Finger completely locked in a bent position and unable to straighten.

Unfortunately, trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb. Not only that, but more than one finger may be affected at a time, and both hands might be involved. Triggering (getting stuck) is usually worse in the morning.

Treating a trigger finger

Treatment of trigger finger can include:

An example of a trigger finger splint by Vive.

  • Splinting

    • Trigger finger splints are designed to keep your finger in a straight position and minimize the amount of movement. This allows the finger to rest and can make the morning stiffness or locking more manageable.

  • Rest

    • Avoid or modify activities that require repetitive gripping, repeated grasping or the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held machinery until your symptoms improve.

  • Physical Therapy

    • Conservative treatment is always the first step. Your physical therapist will give you exercises to help keep the area mobile and strong, perform manual therapy, and use modalities like ultrasound or laser therapy to help your trigger finger.

  • Steroid injections

    • In some cases, an injection can provide an immediate relief in pain and locking. However, the improvements may be temporary so physical therapy should still be done at the same time to ensure a full recovery.

  • Surgery

    • As a last resort and in severe cases, trigger finger surgery can be done to restore the full range of motion in the finger. This is done by increasing the amount of space there is for the tendon to move in by performing a cut in the area. Afterwards, it is important to undergo physical therapy to ensure a full post-surgical recovery.

Need help?

If you are experiencing a trigger finger or any other kind of injury, look for PhysioNow! With locations across the GTA from Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke, our expert physiotherapists are at your service. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment.

Athletic Therapy, Shoulder Injuries, Shoulder pain, Sports Injuries

Could Your Biceps be Contributing to Your Shoulder Injury?

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Don’t Forget About Biceps

Rotator cuff injuries are a common cause of shoulder pain and dysfunction. It commonly affects athletes, manual laborers, and the general population alike. While the rotator cuff itself—the group of muscles and tendons stabilizing the shoulder joint—often takes center stage in discussions, the role of the biceps tendon in these injuries is equally significant yet frequently overlooked. This blog explores the relationship between the biceps tendon and rotator cuff injuries. It will shed light on diagnosis, treatment, and injury prevention strategies of the biceps tendon.

Anatomy and Function of the Biceps Tendon

The biceps muscle has two tendons at the shoulder: the long head and the short head. The long head of the biceps tendon originates from the superior glenoid tubercle of the scapula and travels through the bicipital groove of the humerus. This tendon plays a crucial role in shoulder stability and movement, especially during overhead activities.

The Relationship Between Biceps and Rotator Cuff Injuries

  1. Anatomical Proximity:


    The biceps tendon and the rotator cuff tendons are anatomically close, sharing the same space in the shoulder joint. This proximity means that injuries to the rotator cuff often involve the biceps tendon as well.

  2. Mechanism of Injury:


    Repetitive overhead activities, trauma, or degenerative changes can lead to injuries. When the rotator cuff is damaged, the biceps tendon can be subjected to increased stress and strain, leading to inflammation or tears.

  3. Pathophysiology:


    Inflammation of the biceps tendon (biceps tendinitis) often accompanies rotator cuff injuries. In some cases, the tendon may partially or completely rupture, exacerbating shoulder pain and dysfunction.
Diagram showing the close physical relationship between the biceps tendon and the rotator cuff tendon

Symptoms of Bicep Tendon Involvement

Patients with biceps tendon involvement in rotator cuff injuries often present with:

  • Anterior shoulder pain, particularly during overhead activities.
  • Weakness in shoulder movements.
  • A popping or catching sensation in the shoulder.
  • Tenderness over the bicipital groove.

How is this Diagnosed?

  1. Physical examination:

    Physical tests such as strength, range of motion, and special tests (ex. Speed’s test and Yergason’s test) can help identify biceps tendon pathology.

  2. Imaging studies:

    Ultrasound and MRI are crucial for visualizing the extent of tendon damage and identifying concurrent rotator cuff injuries.

Treatment Options

  1. Conservative management:


    Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications.
    Physical therapy focusing on strengthening the shoulder muscles and improving flexibility.

  2. Medical management:


    Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

  3. Surgical Intervention:


    In cases of severe tendon damage, surgical options such as biceps tenotomy or tenodesis (reattaching the tendon to a different location) may be considered.
    Rotator cuff repair may be performed simultaneously to address both issues.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing biceps tendon involvement in rotator cuff injuries involves:

  1. Strengthening exercises:


    Focus on building shoulder and rotator cuff strength to support joint stability.

  2. Flexibility and Mobility:


    Regular stretching and mobility exercises to maintain a full range of motion.

  3. Proper Techniques:


    Ensuring correct techniques in sports and activities to minimize undue stress on the shoulder tendons.

  4. Gradual Progression:


    Avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity or duration to prevent overuse injuries.

Need more help?

The biceps tendon plays a critical role in shoulder function and is often implicated in rotator cuff injuries. Understanding the relationship between these structures is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. By combining clinical expertise with appropriate diagnostic tools and tailored treatment plans, healthcare professionals can significantly improve outcomes for patients with these complex shoulder injuries. PhysioNow is a leading provider of Physiotherapy Services. Whether it is a sports injury or long term shoulder injury, our therapists can set you on the road to recovery. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

 

Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Taping

5 Benefits of Physiotherapy Taping

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What is Physiotherapy Taping?

Physiotherapy taping, also known as athletic or kinesiology taping, is a type of therapeutic technique used for rehabilitation and for enhancing sport performance. First, strips of adhesive tape are applied to the skin with the location depending on the area of injury or the goal of the treatment. A physiotherapist can help you apply the tape and teach you how to tape yourself at home as well!

Why do people receive Physiotherapy Taping?

There are many benefits to using physiotherapy tape, we’ll describe some common applications of taping to help you understand why taping has become so popular!

Physiotherapy tape being used to support an athlete after a shoulder injury
  1. Stability or support: While watching professional athletes, you may notice tape around their bodies. The tape acts as an external support and adds stability to a joint or muscle, minimizing the risk of injury. For example, many athletes have had repeated ankle sprains resulting in laxity, (allowing excessive movement) at the ankle ligaments. They may use tape to provide the support that their ligaments can no longer give. This can help prevent too much turning in or out of the ankle and limit their risk of re-injury.
  2. Pain Relief: Taping can provide pain relief to an injured area. It can improve blood circulation to the area where tape has been applied, reduce pressure on injured tissues, and can modify our nerve receptors to reduce the sensation of pain. As a result, it is often a popular treatment choice for overuse injuries as well such as tennis and golfer’s elbow.
  3. Postural Correction: The tape may be applied in a certain alignment to help an individual correct poor posture such as slouching or rounded shoulders. For example, the tape is applied in an upright posture with high tension. Next, when a person slouches, they feel the tape pulling on them as a reminder to sit back up. In this way, taping can help reduce and prevent posture-related pain and discomfort.
  4. Improved Awareness: Another benefit of taping is by enhancing our sense of proprioception. In other words, proprioception is our body’s ability to know where it is in space and its relative position. For balance, this is a very important ability to have. This helps individuals connect more with their muscles and joints, improving their ability to move.
  5. Non-restrictive: One of the favourite things about tape from our patients is it is non-restrictive. Unlike a brace, the tape is very subtle and allows them to move freely. The tape can stay on for several days at a time and will eventually come off on its own.

Where can I find physiotherapy tape?

Tape is relatively easy to find. You may look for it online or at some drug stores, pharmacies, and health-related stores.

There are many different brands of tape that you can use. Some of them are more rigid while others are more flexible. If you are confused on where to start, you can seek help from a sports physiotherapist. They can teach you the techniques for your specific goal and ensure you perform the tape job correctly.

Looking for more help?

Many different tape jobs exist and some of them can be trickier than others. Consider learning from a health care professional like a physiotherapist to ensure the tape has been applied correctly.

Look for PhysioNow! Sometimes a tape job isn’t enough to treat your condition and you want an expert opinion. We have experienced sports physiotherapists and athletic therapists that can assist you. Whether you want injury prevention, relief, or to enhance your performance, we have the skills to help you out. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!