Tag Archives: Sports Injuries

Shockwave Therapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Top 5 Sports Injuries Treated with Shockwave Therapy

April 22,2024 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Shockwave therapy has been gaining popularity in the field of physiotherapy as an effective treatment modality for various sports injuries. Athletes and sports enthusiasts alike are turning to shockwave therapy to help alleviate pain and promote healing.

Why choose shockwave therapy for athletes?

One of the key benefits of shockwave therapy is its ability to target specific areas of injury with high-energy acoustic waves, stimulating the body’s natural healing process. This non-invasive treatment option can be particularly beneficial for conditions such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and other soft tissue injuries commonly seen in sports. By incorporating shockwave therapy into their treatment plans, athletes can accelerate their recovery time and return to play quickly. Physiotherapists and sports therapists are increasingly recognizing the value of shockwave in managing sports injuries effectively.

Shockwave therapy and sports injuries

Sports injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and can range from minor sprains to more serious conditions like tendonitis or stress fractures. One effective treatment option for certain sports injuries is shockwave therapy. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the healing process in injured tissues. It can help alleviate pain, improve blood circulation, and promote tissue regeneration.

Here are some sports injuries that could benefit from shockwave therapy:

1. Plantar Fasciitis: This is a common overuse injury among runners and athletes that causes heel pain. Shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and promote healing at the origin of the plantar fascia at the bottom of the heel.

Shockwave therapy applied to the heel for plantar fasciitis

Shockwave therapy applied to the heel to treat plantar fasciitis

2. Tennis Elbow: Also known as lateral epicondylitis, this condition results from repetitive use of the forearm muscles. Shockwave therapy can target the affected area to relieve pain and improve mobility.

3. Achilles Tendonitis: A common injury among runners and athletes involved in jumping sports, Achilles tendonitis causes pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle. Shockwave therapy can stimulate healing in the damaged tendon.

4. Rotator Cuff Injuries: Athletes who participate in sports that involve overhead movements, such as baseball or swimming, are prone to rotator cuff injuries. Shockwave therapy can help reduce pain and improve shoulder function.

Woman experiencing tennis elbow/lateral epicondylalgia

Shockwave therapy can be used to treat lateral epicondylitis, more commonly known as tennis elbow

5. Shin Splints: This condition is characterized by pain along the shin bone and is common among runners and athletes who engage in high-impact activities. Shockwave therapy can help accelerate the healing process and reduce pain.

Can I get shockwave therapy for my injury?

It’s important to note that while shockwave therapy can be effective for certain sports injuries, it may not be suitable for every case. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider or a sports medicine specialist. Then, they will help you determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific injury. Additionally, some pre-existing medical conditions like cancer, bleeding and blood clotting disorders are contraindications for shockwave therapy.

Try PhysioNow!

In conclusion, shockwave therapy is an effective treatment option for various sports injuries. It offers patients a non-invasive and effective way to manage pain and promote healing. By incorporating this innovative therapy into their rehabilitation programs, patients can potentially expedite their recovery and return to their active lifestyles sooner. Shockwave Therapy is offered at our Applewood location of PhysioNow by qualified physiotherapists. Contact us today to book your first treatment!

ACL Rehabilitation, Elbow injuries, Fracture Rehabilitation, Golfer's elbow, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

10 Common Injuries For Athletes

March 26,2024 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Sports injuries can vary widely depending on the type of sport, the level of competition, and the mechanisms of injury. Some of these injuries you may have experienced yourself while others you may have heard of or even seen them happen on television. Our team at PhysioNow has treated many athletics and sports injuries over the years and would love to share our experiences with them!

1. Ankle sprains/tears

Rolled ankles are very frequently seen sports injuries

Often, injuries to the ankle ligaments are seen as a result of a running or jumping sport. In most cases, the ankle gets bent too far in a certain direction, resulting in fibers of the ankle ligament(s) getting torn. In the initial stage, ice, rest and management of pain and swelling are key. Most people will require some sort of brace or boot and take around 8 weeks to recover with physiotherapy.

2. ACL Tear

ACL tears are a very serious injury that many athletes require surgical intervention for. Tears or ruptures happen in this stabilizing ligament during sudden movements, especially rapid changes in direction, starting and stopping, and pivoting on the knee. After a surgical repair, a strict rehabilitation protocol with a physiotherapist is key for athletes to recover.

3. AC Joint Injuries

The AC joint in the shoulder is usually injured through a fall onto on outstretched hand or in contact sports where the arm gets forcefully shoved across the body. This usually results in tears in the joint capsule and ligament that holds the 2 bones together. As a result, it may produce a bump above the shoulder from the collar bone sticking out. Depending on the extent of the tear, surgical intervention may or may not be necessary, with physiotherapy following to mobilize and strengthen the shoulder.

4. Hamstring or groin strains

The 2 most commonly pulled muscles occur at the back or inside of the leg. For athletes, the high speed and forceful movements of jumping, kicking, and sprinting put these 2 muscles under a lot of stress. Some strains may heal on their own, but many would benefit from athletic physiotherapy to speed the recovery process up, and ensure that strength, coordination and balance returns to the athlete fully.

5. Meniscal Injuries

The menisci are like little cushions inside our knees that act as shock absorbers. They are commonly injured alongside other structures in the knee including the MCL, LCL, and ACL ligaments. Outcomes for the menisci can be highly variable and will likely require thorough examination by a physiotherapist and orthopedic surgeon to establish a prognosis.

6. Rotator cuff injuries

Our shoulders are a very complex joint that sacrifices stability for mobility. As a result, they are commonly injured structures, especially in overhead and throwing athletes. The first line of treatment for athletes is physiotherapy to rehabilitate the muscle and where that fails, surgery may be required.

7. Fractures

Broken bones are common no matter what sport, but the type and severity of the fracture will change the rehabilitation. Some cases will require a surgical repair immediately, while others will need to be casted for 6-8 weeks. Afterwards, once cleared by a doctor, athletic physiotherapy will be started immediately to restore the mobility and strength of the affected area.

8. Tennis/Golfer’s Elbow

Bandit tennis elbow brace

Most likely to be seen in throwing or racket sports, this is an overuse injury affecting your elbow and forearm. The muscles that control or wrist experience a lot of strain when hitting and throwing which can result a stress injury. Usually, there is inflammation, pain, swelling, and difficulty gripping/carrying objects.

9. Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s knee is an overuse injury causing pain right below the kneecap, on the patellar tendon. High intensity and repetitive motions can irritate the tendon causing tenderness, swelling, and inflammation. Athletic physiotherapy may consist of education on bracing, activity modifications, and therapeutic exercises to help you restore your normal function.

10. Concussion

Concussions are traumatic brain injuries that are common sport injuries due to the high-speed nature of many sports. Contact sports like hockey, football and rugby athletes are at higher risk of concussions. They are usually paired with a neck/whiplash injury as well, and can produce a whole host of visual, vestibular, cognitive and physical symptoms.

All of these conditions are commonly seen in our physiotherapy clinics across the GTA. If you or someone you know is looking for athletic physiotherapy for one of the conditions above, or any other sports injuries, we would love to help! PhysioNow can offer same day emergency treatments as well. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Massage Therapy, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Stopping Shin Splints with Physiotherapy

March 19,2024 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

What is a shin splint?

Shin splints are a common complaint in runners or athletes with sports that involve a lot of high impact movements like dancers, volleyball, basketball players, etc.

Usually, it presents as pain in the front of the lower leg, or the shin area. Sometimes, it may be called medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Oftentimes, it’s caused by irritation of the tissues between the tibial bone and the muscles, and/or overuse of a lower leg muscle called the tibialis anterior. It can happen to just a single leg, or both simultaneously.

The muscle, tibialis anterior, may be involved in the development of shin splints.

The tibialis anterior play major role in lifting your ankle upwards (dorsiflexion). Functionally, it helps with shock absorption and is a major contributor during ambulation.

Why do shin splints happen?

1) Footwear: If you run or exercise a lot without proper running or sports shoes, it puts additional stress on the muscles around the leg. Consequently, this can result in the overuse and irritation of the structures in the area, and pain in the shin bone.

2) Sudden change in activity: Abruptly increasing the difficulty in your exercise routine like training more frequently, for longer periods of time, or increased repetitions increases your chance of developing shin splints.

3) Muscle imbalance: Muscle weakness or tightness can influence the biomechanics of your stride and gait. As a result, the areas you place more weight on may change and increase the pressure on certain areas of the body like the shins.

4) Sports like dancing, running, soccer etc: Notably, these activities focus more on lower body movements that are high impact. Therefore, individuals who practice these sports may be more at risk for developing shin splints.

5) Flat Feet: Flat or pronated feet change the pull of muscles and weightbearing in the legs. As a result, this may create muscular imbalance and result in some muscles having to work harder, putting increased stress on them.

What are the signs and symptoms?

1) Dull, achy pain down the shin bone

2) Tender to the touch over the shin area, especially the inner portion

3) Swelling over the shin area

4) May experience redness on the lower leg after exercises

5) Exercise makes it worse while rest makes it better

How can shin splints be treated acutely?

Importantly, the RICE protocol is used often on sports injuries and works well on shin splints in the acute phase. RICE is an acronym that helps us remember what to do to treat our injuries.

1) Rest: Firstly, avoiding exercise for some time will allow muscles to recover and allow more efficient healing.

2) Icing: Secondly, icing on the shins will reduce inflammation, pain and swelling.

3) Compression: Additionally, compression bandages or braces can reduce stress on muscles and prevent pain.

4) Elevation: Finally, elevating the leg can help clear swelling and reduce inflammation from the leg.

How can shin splints be treated in the long term?

Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for shin splints as it is a common sports injury. The following steps will help improve your pain.

Orthotics: Custom made insoles can correct the muscle imbalance and takes pressure off from overworked areas

Orthotics may help correct foot posture increase the risk of developing shin splints

Footwear: Proper runners or sports shoes are needed as a proper base of support to your ankle and leg. Then, this will help the muscles and joints absorb less pressure.

Stretching exercises: Ankle stretches will correct muscle length and after exercising, helps to clear byproducts of exercise that can make muscles sore. Eg. Calf stretch, soleus stretch, tibialis anterior stretch.

One example of a calf stretch, but many other effective methods may be used

Massage: Self-massage or massage therapy on tender spots and the surrounding muscles will help reduce inflammation and reduce areas of high muscular tension.

Strengthening exercises: Strengthening certain group of muscles can make them more resilient, correct imbalances, and prevent pain. Eg. Strengthening exercises of the calves, quads, and glutes can help correct this issue, especially in areas of weakness.

Looking for treatment? Look for PhysioNow!

If you are experiencing leg pain or shin splints, you can get treatment quickly! Here at PhysioNow, we have many expert Registered Physiotherapist to help, with locations across the GTA including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, and Etobicoke. Book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

General Category

Sports Injuries: How Physical Therapy Helps

January 4,2024 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Image by Freepik

In the athletic world, sports injuries are a common occurrence while participating in competitions, organized sports, fitness activities, or training exercises. For starters, poor training methods, a lack of conditioning, and/or inadequate warm-ups are a few of the causes of sports-related injuries. At certain times, coping with these kinds of injuries often calls for physical rehabilitation.

Physical therapy helps people regain strength and movement in parts of their body after an injury. Additionally, it can help someone manage their pain and prevent permanent damage and recurring problems.

What are some examples of sports injuries?

Image by pressfoto on Freepik

Firstly, common ways that athletes get hurt depend on the kind of sports they participate in. They may be at risk for one or more of these kinds of injuries:

Ankle injuries

— Just about any athlete who is on their feet a lot is at risk for an ankle injury. If the athlete rolls their ankle or if they twist it, it can strain or tear the tissue.
Pulled muscles

— Overusing the muscles, especially muscles that are tired after a long period of use and performance can cause them to over stretch or tear.
Shin splints

— Running for long hours can cause the muscles and connective tissue around your shin to get inflamed.
Knee injuries

— A sharp twisting of the knee or bending it in the wrong way can cause a sprain to the ligaments in your knee.
Tennis elbow

— Known officially as lateral epicondylitis/epicondylalgia, tennis elbow happens when the muscles and connective tissues around your elbow become inflamed from overuse.
Hip Flexor Strain

— The hip flexors are muscles located on the upper-front side of your thigh. Typically, injuries to these muscles are caused by sprinting, running inclines and activities with sharp turns and/or sudden starts.
Concussion

– These are traumatic head injuries that may result in severe headaches and altered levels of alertness and consciousness. Usually, they occur when a moving object hits the head or the head hits an object. Unfortunately, concussions are one of the most difficult-to-manage injuries in sports today. Ultimately, physical therapy is an integral part of the multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of concussions.

Preventing Sports Injuries:

Physical therapy is not just about treating injuries—it’s also a powerful tool for injury prevention. By improving athletes’ strength, flexibility, and coordination, physical therapy can help to make
athletes more resilient and less prone to injury.

Prevention strategies include targeted strength and conditioning programs to bolster weak areas and improve overall physical performance. Furthermore, physiotherapists provide valuable education on proper technique and body mechanics, both in general movement and sport-specific skills. Corrective exercises can be used to address any biomechanical abnormalities that may increase the risk of injury. Overall, this training helps athletes to move in safer, more efficient ways, significantly reducing the risk of injury.

Treating Sports Injuries:

Image by pvproductions on Freepik

Physical therapy plays a multifaceted role in treating sports injuries. At the core, physical therapy helps in the restoration of function, improving mobility, and relieving pain. Physiotherapists employ
a variety of techniques to achieve these goals. Importantly, these are customized based on the nature and extent of the injury and the specific needs of the athlete. Therapeutic exercises are used to strengthen weakened muscles, improve flexibility, and restore
range of motion.

Furthermore, modalities such as heat and cold therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound may also be
used to stimulate tissue healing, reduce pain, and decrease swelling.

Where can I get help with sports injuries?

At Physionow, we adopt a personalized approach to sports injury rehabilitation. The process begins with a comprehensive assessment, which helps us to develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that includes a combination of therapeutic exercises, and other physiotherapy techniques as needed. Overall, the goal is to facilitate healing, restore function, and improve performance.

However, rehabilitation doesn’t just stop at injury recovery. We also strive to prevent future injuries. This involves providing education on injury prevention, recommending sport-specific conditioning programs, and teaching proper body mechanics. Our treatment is comprehensive, personalized, and focused on helping athletes return to their sport safely and confidently.

Book with PhysioNow for your first treatment and assessment today! We have 9 locations across the GTA including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke.

Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Taping

Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease

August 30,2023 Erin Mills Physiotherapy Leave a comment

Osgood-Schlatter’s disease (OSD) is a fairly common condition in adolescents that results in knee pain and loss of function. Typically, it is characterized by pain and inflammation just below the knee, especially in individuals that are active and engage in sports and other physical activities. As a result, this condition can be quite disruptive to a young athlete, who suddenly finds themselves unable to participate fully in practices or games due to pain. Specifically, in this blog, we will discuss causes, symptoms, and effective physiotherapy treatment of OSD.

What causes Osgood-Schlatter’s Disease?

OSD is primarily an overuse injury causing the tendon under the knee, the patellar tendon, and the part of the bone it attaches to, the tibial tuberosity to become painful and inflamed. Eventually, the tendon and bone experience repetitive traction and strain through high intensity movements such as running and jumping, and the tendon pulls on the still developing bone. As a result, OSD is one of the most common causes of knee pain in adolescents.

Risk factors include:

Participation in sports like basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, track and field and similar activities
Males 12-15, girls 8-12
Experienced a recent growth spurt

In summary, here is a link that you may find helpful: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/osgoodschlatter-disease

What are the signs and symptoms of Osgood Schlatter’s Disease?

Occasionally, a bigger bump than normal at the tibial tuberosity
Painful to put pressure on the tibial tuberosity
Knee pain located just below the kneecap
Pain that worsens with pressure around the tibial tuberosity and with physical activities
No acute trauma, pain came on slowly over time

How does physiotherapy help?

If you think that your child is experiencing OSD, consulting a physiotherapist is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Your physiotherapist will perform a complete assessment including evaluating the knee strength, range of motion, functional abilities like squatting, and will help you rule out other potential issues.
Next, your physiotherapist will assist your recovery using some of the following treatments. Notably, treatment will vary depending on each individual.

1. Firstly, education on rest, and how to modify the sport and other high impact activities to give the knee
time to heal

2. Secondly, a home exercise program: They will address any muscular imbalances in the body and will assign
a variety of stretching and strengthening exercises to help recovery.

3. In addition, a brace with a patellar strap to relieve tension on the tuberosity (as shown above)

4. Equally, taping may help provide additional support to the knee and reduce strain

: Taping for Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

5. Additionally, a movement assessment may be necessary to teach the proper ways to perform skills and correcting form to minimize the stress on the knee

6. Lastly, a return to sport plan: Will be graduated and closely monitored to ensure safe and effective return to sport while preventing the risk of injury

In conclusion, if you think your child is experiencing Osgood-Schlatter or any other type of knee pain, PhysioNow has many experienced physiotherapists that would love to help! Meanwhile, book with PhysioNow today for you or your child’s first assessment and treatment!