Tag Archives: Sports Injuries

Shockwave Therapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Top 5 Sports Injuries Treated with Shockwave Therapy

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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

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Sports Injuries are common in the knee

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

Man with shoulder pain from rotator cuff tear

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

Brace for tennis 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

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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

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

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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?

Common 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:

Rehabilitation for 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

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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

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!

ACL REHAB, ACL Rehabilitation, ACL Tear, Applewood Physionow, Applewood Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd, Custom Knee Brace, Custom Knee Bracing, Custom orthotics, Erin Mills Physionow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Erin Mills Physiotherapy Ltd., Etobicoke Physiotherapy, General Category, Hurontario-Eglinton PhysioNow, Knee Pain, Long Branch PhysioNow Ltd., Long Branch Physiotherapy, Lorne Park PhysioNow, Lorne Park Sports & Physiotherapy Ltd., PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapist Etobicoke, Physiotherapist Mississauga, Physiotherapy, physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Physiotherapy Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Etobicoke, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Say Goodbye to Knee Pain with Orthopedic Custom Knee Brace!

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Say Goodbye and Beat knee pain with an Orthopedic Custom Knee Brace!

Here at PhysioNow, we can help you recover from your knee pain faster by providing you with a Custom Knee Brace. There are many types of knee braces available for purchase. Therefore, it can be overwhelming to know which brace is best for you so does the type of knee pain. In this article, we will give you an overview of custom knee braces. Also, provide instructions on how to start the process of ordering your custom knee brace.

Who can get a custom knee brace for knee pain?

Custom knee braces are most used for individuals with/after:

  • Post-operative recovery
  • Knee instability
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Ligament or meniscal injuries

Moreover, the brace is constructed using precise measurements taken from your leg. It is designed to only fit you.

Why get a custom knee brace? Is it worth it for knee pain?

Many patients have found that bracing has returned them to a level of function that they were previously thought to be unattainable after their injury. Some of the benefits of a custom knee brace include:

  • Firstly, get you back to doing the activities you love.
  • Second, reduce pain and increase the function of the knee.
  • Support and prevent further injury while you await imaging, surgery, or after surgery.
  • Individualized to your needs and level of activity ex. Lifestyle vs performance braces.
  • Ideal for long-term use.
  • Lastly, lightweight and can fit underpants for a subtle look.

What types of custom knee braces are there?

The most common type of custom-made knee brace is a rigid knee brace. They are usually made of metal, with a hinge to allow the knee to bend, and are the most supportive type of brace.

They are designed for individuals who need moderate-maximum support. The conditions that require a rigid custom knee brace include moderate to severe osteoarthritis, and athletes that need more support after an injury. Also, pre and post-surgical repair of ACL, MCL, PCL ligaments, or menisci.

Moreover, under the umbrella of rigid knee braces, there are unloader braces for osteoarthritis. These braces provide more support to the painful, arthritic side of the knee to offload it. This can preserve the joint space while reducing knee pain and increasing knee function.

Another category of rigid knee braces is ligament braces for ACL, MCL/LCL, and PCL injuries, including pre and post-surgical repair. These provide knee support to the sides of the knee to prevent any unnatural twisting or movements. However, our PhysioNow team of physiotherapists will be able to determine which brace is best suited to your goals and lifestyle.

How can I get a custom knee brace?

Follow these simple steps below to get one.

  1. Contact us at PhysioNow to book an appointment time for a custom knee brace assessment.
  2. On the day of your appointment, your PhysioNow Brace Specialist will perform a series of tests and ask you questions to determine which type of brace is right for you.
  3. Make sure you tell your Physiotherapist what activities you are currently doing, and any activities that you would like to get back to doing (ex. Golf, running, walking)
  4. Your PhysioNow Brace Specialist will measure and take recordings of your knee, and discuss any considerations like the desired weight of the brace, special features (ex. Straps and clips), materials, colors, etc
  5. Lastly, we will be able to make inquiries to determine whether your custom knee brace can be covered by extended health care coverage. Care plans that include physiotherapy service coverage will usually have coverage for a custom knee brace as well. This process requires a physician’s note, but our clinic will be able to walk you through the process and provide you with the documentation needed to send to your insurance company for inquiry.

Once ordered, delivery will normally take around 7 business days but can be expedited upon request. We will ensure that the brace fits properly and can make adjustments if needed once delivered. So get your own customized brace NOW!

Acute Ankle Sprains, Applewood Physionow, Erin Mills PhysioNow, Exercise, General Category, Lorne Park PhysioNow, PhysioNow, Physiotherapy, Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga, Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga

Is your ankle sprain not healing? Know what’s wrong.

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Why is your ankle sprain not healing?

ankle injuriesAn ankle sprain is one of the most common injuries. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation, or the RICE rule, will be the go-to’s for ankle sprains. In most cases, ankle sprains heal between 4-12 weeks depending on the severity of the injury. Though many people will have them to heal with time. However, a failure to seek treatment and physical rehabilitation for your ankle after just one injury is enough to leave it weak. This makes your ankle more vulnerable to future sprains or chronic instability.

What causes you chronic instability after an ankle sprain?

After an ankle injury, there is damage to the ligaments, tendons, and potentially even the ankle joint itself. Here, the function of the ligament is to limit abnormal movement in the joint. Because of the injury, they will get lax (stretched out), making the ankle more unstable. Additionally, this will also result in a loss of strength in the muscles, further increasing the instability of the ankle. Also, sensory receptors are impaired which communicate to our brain where your ankle is or where it is relative to the rest of our body. At last, this decreasing sensation makes it hard to balance and control the ankle which will have contributes to ankle instability.

How do you know if you have instability post ankle sprain?

Consider the questions below if you ever sprained your ankle and feel weak.

• Does your ankle ever give out?
• Avoid walking on uneven surfaces out of fear of falling?
• Feel like you can’t “trust” the ankle?
• Try to avoid putting all your weight onto one ankle?

If you said yes, to these questions and you may have chronic ankle instability.

Is it permanent?

Chronic ankle instability is not permanent. You can improve your ankle stability with the help of a physical therapist and an individualized exercise plan. But, If the injury is left treated it results in chronic instability and vulnerability to injuries. In this case, the first step to treatment will be a proper rehabilitation program with a health professional.

How to treat your unstable and weak ankles?

Physical therapists are the first step in the conservative management of chronic ankle instability. Due to loss of strength and proprioception, rehabilitation is very important. They perform a complete assessment of your ankle range of motion, strength, and balance assessing for any laxity, or any abnormalities, and guide you through the management.

Balance exercisesExercises re-strengthen the muscles, increase ankle stability, and balance, and retrain the body awareness of the ankle. Moreover, Brace and/or taping may be recommended to support the stabilization of the ankle, especially for individuals who are engaged in high-risk activities like sports.

Next, surgery may be an option to repair the injured ligaments if there is any tear or fracture is sustained.

What happens if your ankle sprain and injury are left untreated?

The instability may worsen over time and you will have a much greater risk of reoccurring injuries. In addition, it results in damage to the bones and cartilage within your ankle joint as the muscles weaken and fail to sufficiently support the joint. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment from an expert to treat the issue before it results in a severe injury.

If you are having any instability or weakness with your ankle, which is stopping you from pursuing any hobbies book with PhysioNow today for an initial assessment and treatment. We have a team of highly qualified physical therapists that will be able to help your ankle recover!

ACL Rehabilitation, ACL Tear, Custom Knee Brace, Exercise, General Category, Knee Pain

ACL Rehabilitation

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ACL injuries are very common.  Most people know at least one other person who has gone through some kind of ACL injury.  But what exactly is the ACL?  Furthermore, what is ACL Rehabilitation?

ACL Rehabilitation is a term used to describe the physiotherapy treatment that takes place after an ACL injury.  It is an important part of the recovery so that individuals can get back to their work and sport

ACL Rehabilitation – What is the relevant Anatomy

The term ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament.  Ligaments are soft tissues that connect 2 bones together.  Ligaments provide stability to the joint.  The ACL is found in the knee joint.  It is one of the most important ligaments in the knee.

ACL Rehabilitation – Where is the ACL located?

The ACL is one of two ligaments found deep inside the knee joint.  The other ligament is called the PCL, or Posterior Cruciate Ligament.  These ligaments cross each other inside the joint, forming an “X”.  Together, they help keep the thigh bone (femur) connected to the shin bone (tibia).  The ACL stops the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone.  The PCL stops the shin bone from sliding back on the thigh bone.

ACL anatomy

ACL Rehabilitation – What is the function of the ACL?

The ACL is more commonly injured than the PCL.  This is likely because the PCL is wider and stronger than the ACL.  However, the ACL is more important to the overall function of the knee.  Injury to the ACL means that there is too much forward movement of the shin bone.  This has huge impacts on the stability of the knee, especially when doing any weight-bearing activities.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of an ACL injury?

  • A loud ‘pop’ or a ‘popping’ sensation in the knee
  • Severe knee pain and unable to put weight through the knee
  • Immediate swelling of the knee
  • Loss of range of motion
  • A feeling of instability or ‘giving way’ with weight bearing

How does the ACL get injured?

Another important part of ACL Rehabilitation is understanding how the injury happened.  This information helps explain why the injury happened and may help prevent a re-injury.  Specifically, the ACL can be injured in many ways.  Some examples of mechanisms of injury include:

  • Quickly changing direction while running
  • Suddenly slowing down or stopping
  • Incorrectly landing from a jump
  • Twisting the knee with the foot planted on the ground
  • Direct blow to the knee

What are some of the risk factors for ACL injury?

For ACL Rehabilitation to be successful, there has to be an understanding of risk factors.

  • Firstly, female gender seems to be a risk factor
    • Women have a higher incidence of ACL injuries according to the research
    • There are a variety of factors, including differences in anatomy, muscle strength and hormones
  • Additionally, certain sports have more risk for ACL injury
    • Sports that involve a lot of sudden direction changes and collisions are more likely to result in ACL injuries
    • Examples include soccer, football, basketball and downhill skiing
  • Lastly, poor strength through the hips and lower legs is an overall risk for ACL injury

ACL injuries – Are they all the same?

ACL injuries can vary from person to person depending on the extent of the injury.  The term for an injury to a ligament is called a sprain.  Sprains are graded based on how severely the ligament is damaged.

ACL Tear

Grade 1 – there is mild damage to the ligament

      • The ligament is slightly stretched
      • The knee joint is still stable
      • There is no requirement for surgery.

Grade 2 – there is a partial tear in the ligament

      • The ligament is stretched to the point where it becomes loose.
      • There is still some stability in the knee joint.
      • There is usually no requirement for surgery

Grade 3 – there is a complete tear or rupture in the ligament

      • The ligament has been split into two pieces
      • The knee joint is unstable
      • Due to the level of damage, there is usually requirement for surgery

Additionally, other structures may be injured at the same time as the ACL.  Specifically, a lot of patients who injure their ACL, also injure their Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) and/or medial meniscus.  This combination increases the overall severity of the injury.

Unfortunately, ACL injuries can also lead to the early development of osteoarthritis in the knee.  The arthritis can vary in severity depending on the person but can contribute to long term pain for some people.

How do we diagnose ACL injuries?

A doctor or Registered Physiotherapist can assess the knee after the injury.  They may perform some physical tests that may confirm an ACL injury.  However, these tests are not always 100% accurate.  Additionally, with a very acute injury, it is difficult to complete the tests properly due to intense pain and swelling.

As a result, imaging is usually required  to confirm an ACL injury.  Understanding the severity of the injury is important because it will determine if surgery will be required.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI is the most commonly used imaging test to diagnose an ACL tear.  An MRI uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to create images of the tissues in the body.  An MRI will be able to show the extent of an ACL injury and any other tissues that may have been damaged.  However, there is usually a lot of swelling soon after the injury happens.  As a result, an MRI is usually not done immediately afterwards.

ACL Rehabilitation – What are the treatment options?

Physiotherapy

    • For grade 1 or 2 sprains, the treatment is usually conservative.
    • This means that the doctor would refer the patient to physiotherapy to regain range of motion and strength.
    • The physiotherapist will assess the patient and work on restoring their function
    • The physiotherapy treatment may involve:
      • Electrical modalities to reduce inflammation
      • Hands on treatment to release muscle tension, promote circulation and improve flexibility
      • Exercises to help regain range of motion and recover strength and function through the knee
      • The physiotherapist may also recommend a custom knee brace to help protect the knee from instability
      • Education regarding home management and using any necessary gait aids or braces if required
    • The time required for recovery varies from patient to patient, but generally ranges from 8-12 weeks

Surgical repair

    • For sprains that are severe, the family doctor will refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon.
    • The surgeon will assess the patient and determine if they need surgery for their injury
    • Circumstances where surgery may be recommended include:
      • The patient is an athlete and their sport involves a lot of jumping, cutting or pivoting movements
      • There is injury to more than one structure in the knee
      • The knee buckles regularly with everyday activities

 How does surgery affect ACL Rehabilitation?

        • Once the surgery is finished, there will be a recovery process
        • Firstly, to keep the knee from bending, the patient will be placed in a brace
        • Additionally, to be able to move around safely, the patient will be given crutches
        • The surgeon will refer the patient for ACL Rehabilitation
        • The surgery repairs the torn ligament, but the knee will not be able function normally at first
        • Physiotherapy is needed to recover the knee movement, strength and stability.
        • The recovery time after the surgery can range anywhere between 6-9 months. This can be up to 12 months if the patient is returning to high impact sports.
        • For more information about ACL surgeries, please click here.
  • However, there are some patients who can choose not to have the surgery if they can regain function through physiotherapy and if their lifestyle doesn’t place too much stress on the ACL.
  • For example, surgery may not be needed for people who are:
      • Relatively inactive
      • Engage in moderate exercise and/or recreational activities
      • Play sports that put less stress on the knees

Whichever treatment pathway the patient requires for their ACL injury, physiotherapists play a huge role in their recovery.  It is important to seek out treatment as soon as possible to prevent chronic problems from developing.  Furthermore, starting your treatment sooner than later, helps you get back to your life.

Call PhysioNow today to book your appointment!

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Physiotherapy Mississauga

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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.

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Acute Ankle Sprains

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Acute Ankle Sprains

Acute Ankle Sprains

Acute Ankle Sprains

How do Acute Ankle Sprains happen?

Acute Ankle sprains are common injuries in people of all ages. They can happen in many different circumstances. However, they always involve some type of fall or twisting movement to the ankle. For example:

  • Going downstairs and missing the last step resulting in twisting the ankle
  • Landing on the ankle in a twisted position after coming down from a lay-up in basketball or in a Sports Injury
  • Slipping on an icy street while walking

In all of these situations, the ankle gets a sudden movement and/or trauma that causes it to twist more than its normal range of movement allows.

Acute Ankle Sprains

Acute Ankle Sprains

What structure gets injured with an acute ankle sprain?

The structures that are injured with acute ankle sprains are the ligaments around the ankle joint. Ligaments are soft tissue structures that connect two bones together. Their function is to prevent the bones from moving too far away from each other. Ligaments help maintain normal movement between the bones.

With ankle sprains, the ligaments get over-stretched beyond what they can tolerate which causes tears in their fibres. The ligaments that are involved in acute ankle sprains are present on the outside (lateral), inside (medial), and top of the ankle.

Are there different types of acute ankle sprains?

There are three main types of ankle sprains:

  • Inversion
  • Eversion
  • High Ankle Sprain

The terms relate to the direction of ankle movement that caused the injury to occur.

INVERSION ANKLE SPRAIN

  • An inversion sprain occurs when the ankle is forcefully turned inwards.
    • This type of acute ankle sprain is the most commonly occurring of the three because the ligaments on the outside of the ankle are generally weaker than the rest.
    • Another name for an inversion ankle sprain is lateral ankle sprain
    • A lateral ankle sprain injures the ligaments on the outside of the ankle.

EVERSION ANKLE SPRAIN

  • An eversion sprain occurs when the ankle is forcefully turned outwards.
    • This type of force injures the ligaments on the inside of the ankle.
    • The ligaments on the inside of the ankle are called the deltoid ligament
    • An eversion ankle sprain is also called a medial ankle sprain

HIGH ANKLE SPRAIN

  • A high ankle sprain is the rarest of the three types and it occurs when there is excessive twisting of the shin.
    • The ligaments that are injured with this type of injury are located above the ankle.
    • The location of the ligaments is why this injury is called a ‘high’ ankle sprain.

 

Are some people more at risk for Acute Ankle Sprains than others?

There are certain risk factors that may make ankle sprains more likely to happen. However, the research is a little inconclusive on why this is so. Some of these possible factors include:

  • Poor muscle strength/fitness
  • Increased weight
  • Decreased muscle-reaction time
  • Previous history of ankle sprains resulting in poor balance

Can there be different severities of Acute Ankle Sprains?

The severity of the ankle sprain depends on how much the ligament was overstretched in the process of the injury. Sprains are classified by different grades to explain the severity:

  • Grade I: mild stretching or tear of the ligament, with little or no instability at the joint
  • Grade II: incomplete tear of the ligament, with some instability in the joint
  • A Grade III: ligament is completely torn or ruptured and there is no stability in the ankle
Acute Ankle Sprains

Ligaments affected in Ankle Sprains

What should you do if you think you have sprained your ankle?

In all three types of Acute Ankle Sprains, it is important that you see a health care provider. The health care provider, whether it is a doctor or a Registered Physiotherapist, will first rule out the possibility of fracture. There is always the possibility of a fracture with Acute Ankle Sprains. The ligaments attach onto a bony area and if the twist is severe enough, it can pull off a chunk of the bone.  When this happens, it can cause a fracture. Signs and symptoms of a potential fracture include:

  • Lots of swelling
  • Increased bruising
  • Increased tenderness over specific areas of the ankle
  • Difficulty or inability to put weight through the injured ankle

When the signs and symptoms are suspicious of a fracture, then an X-ray must be completed. If there is no evidence of fracture, then your doctor may send you for an ultrasound.  In the end,  they should refer you for Physiotherapy treatment.  So ask your doctor to send you to Physiotherapy if they don’t think to recommend it themselves.

What will happen during my first Physiotherapy appointment?

During the Physiotherapy assessment, your Registered Physiotherapist will assess everything to do with your Acute Ankle injury, including:

  • Pain intensity and location
  • Swelling
  • Sensation
  • Range of motion
  • Ankle stability
  • Strength
  • Balance

This will provide some baseline information for your Physiotherapist.

How can Registered Physiotherapy help treat Acute Ankle Sprains?

The treatment for acute ankle sprains depends on the type of sprain as well as the severity of the injury.

Immobilization

  • Because of their affect on ankle stability, a Grade II or III injury will require some immobilization. This is usually done through a removable walking cast.
  • The purpose of the immobilization is to protect your injured ligaments from movement and external stressors, so that they can heal.
  • The period of immobilization will depend on the injury and your health care provider will provide specific instructions.
  • A grade I sprain will not require any immobilization because the stability of the ankle is still intact. However, your Physiotherapist will recommend activity modification to help with the healing process.

Physiotherapy Treatment in the acute phase?

  • In the initial phase of the treatment, the Physiotherapist may focus on pain relieving modalities
  • Electrical modalities like IFC and Ultrasound can help relieve pain and swelling
  • The Physiotherapist will also prescribe gentle mobility exercises to help improve or maintain movement through the ankle
  • The length of the acute phase depends on the severity of the sprain
Registered Physiotherapy for Acute Ankle Injuries

Ankle Rotations for movement Recovery

Treatment in the later stages of Acute Ankle Sprains

  • Once the ligament healing is underway and the patient feels a little better with their pain, the treatment will get more progressive
  • It will focus on regaining mobility, strength and function through the ankle
  • Your Physiotherapist will prescribe exercises that are going to help regain the lost range of motion and strength.
  • Over several weeks, the exercises will be progressed as you improve.
  • Another important aspect of treating an ankle sprain is including balance re-training in the program.
  • Balance is very much affected after an ankle sprain and it is something that must be improved with specific exercises. This is very important no matter whether you are returning to Sports or just everyday living!  Balance Retraining is key to Falls Prevention!
  • We use our balance ability on a regular basis with walking on uneven surfaces or when trying to recover from a stumble. Therefore, it is important to improve balance ability to prevent any possible re-injury of the ankle.
  • If you have had an acute ankle sprain before, and DID NOT attend Physiotherapy, it is likely that you are at increased risk of reinjuring your ankle or falling again!
Acute Ankle Injuries

Physiotherapy Mobilizations

Do I need to get Physiotherapy treatment after Acute Ankle Sprains?

There are some people who have sprained their ankle multiple times and never sought out treatment for the injury. They usually give themselves some time for the pain to get better and then go about their usual activities.

This type of management is not usually recommended because multiple ankle sprains can affect the stability of your ankle. As a result, this may create problems in the future. Also, the reduced stability in your ankle may cause compensations in your knees and hips. This can complicate the picture and make your injury more complex.

It is therefore recommended that you seek out proper Registered Physiotherapy care to address an ankle sprain soon after it occurs. This ensures that your acute ankle sprain heals in a timely manner without added complications.  The most important part of treatment is regaining your balance.  If you do not do this, another injury in quite likely.

To get started on your Acute Ankle Sprain Treatment, Give PhysioNow a call Today!