Tag Archives: Sports Injuries

acupuncture, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Wrist pain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

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CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is compression of the median nerve as it passes into the hand. The median nerve is located on the palm side of the hand (also called the carpal tunnel). It provides sensation (ability to feel) to your thumb, index finger, long finger, and part of the ring finger. Compression of the nerve produces numbness, tingling and, eventually, hand weakness. Proper Physiotherapy treatment can relieve the tingling and numbness and restore wrist and hand function.

Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome can be made worse if the wrist is overextended repeatedly
• Repeated motions of your wrist contribute to swelling and compression of the median nerve
• Poor positioning of your wrists while using a keyboard or mouse
• Prolonged exposure to vibrations from using hand tools or power tools
• Any repeated movement that overextends your wrist, such as playing the piano or typing
• Gripping frequently, even an iPad or book for long periods of time
• Lifting free weights
• Gripping weight machines at the gym or home
• Resting your head on your hand with your wrist in a bent position

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include:

• Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb and first three fingers of the hand
• Pain and burning that can travel up the forearm
• Wrist pain at night that interferes with sleep
• Weakness in the muscles of the hand

Physiotherapy Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Wrist splints that hold your hand in a neutral position, especially at night
• Avoiding activities that put your wrist into extreme positions up or down
• Ultrasound and Interferential current can help to reduce the swelling in the Carpal Tunnel
• Proper posture for work and home while reading, working on the computer, etc.
• Exercises done in physical therapy may also be helpful
• Acupuncture may help to stimulate the median nerve and relieve pain

Overall, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a very uncomfortable condition. It can interrupt your life and your sleep. Getting the proper Physiotherapy Treatment Program is very helpful! PhysioNow has fully trained Registered Physiotherapists standing ready to help you Now! Please call today to get started on relieving your pain!

acupuncture, Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Massage Therapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy, Sports Taping

Golfer’s Elbow

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Golfer’s elbow

Golfer's Elbow Treatment

The muscles that help to bend the wrist and fingers are called flexor muscles. These muscles form tendons and get attached at the elbow level. When you develop Golfer’s elbow, it becomes painful and inflamed at the attachment point on the inner elbow. Golfer’s elbow tends to occur after a period of repeated overuse. The bone of your elbow is like a boney bump at the end of the bone where the muscles get attached. Golfer’s elbow may be acute or chronic. Generally when it is acute, there will be pain, swelling, redness and warmth. Some of the symptoms involve pain in the elbow that spreads up or down the forearm. You may also feel weakness in the forearm. Pain may start suddenly or develop gradually over time.

Treatment for Golfer’s elbow

Treatment varies depending on the stage of inflammation. The best way to reduce the problem is to treat the symptoms with Registered physiotherapy. A good physiotherapy treatment program should begin with pain reduction. This can include ultrasound, laser, interferential treatment, acupuncture, and/or registered massage therapy. Sports taping can be used as an option. Physiotherapy treatment should include briefly reducing the activities that caused the pain. Physiotherapy treatment for Golfer’s elbow should also include a proper brace such as the “Bandit” brace that takes the pressure off the injured tissues. The “HAWK” tool is another option. It can be used to break down any scar tissue that has developed. This speeds up the healing time! The final stage of physiotherapy treatment should include strengthening the forearm muscles, and showing you stretches to do prior to activities.

PhysioNow provides full physiotherapy programming to treat Golfer’s elbow at both Mississauga locations.

We can help! Give us a call if you would like to book an appointment today!Golfer’s elbow

General Category, Health and Wellness, Manual Therapy, Physiotherapy, Shoulder Injuries, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga

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Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga

Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga are health professionals who specialize in recovery of the body from an illness or injury to the highest level of function possible. Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga can also be called physical therapists. This means the same thing.

Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga

Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga

To become a registered physiotherapist you must attend a university and graduate with a physiotherapy degree. The degree has changed over the years. You may meet some therapists who have an occupational and physiotherapy degree. These therapists are called POTS.

Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga that graduated before the late nineties have a bachelor of science (physical therapy). After the late nineties and more recently, physiotherapist graduates are awarded with a Masters of Science. Regardless of the degree they earned, all Registered physiotherapists in Canada must pass a licensing exam. This allows them to use the term Registered Physiotherapist (RPT). Make sure when you are seeking help, you ask for a Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga.

If you are interested in becoming a Physiotherapist of Physiotherapy Assistant, check out this link.

After Physiotherapists graduate

After graduating, registered physiotherapists will choose to specialize in a certain area. All the Mississauga Registered Physiotherapists at Physionow are orthopedic therapists. This means that they are experts in examining how bones, joints and muscles work. When you arrive for an assessment, they will look at specific movement patterns and strength to determine the best possible treatment program for you. As everyone has different goals, and different injuries, each program is created individually with your needs in mind.

Some of our Mississauga Registered Physiotherapists have secondary specialities including sports, vertigo, acupuncture and sports taping. A sports therapist has extra training to maximize performance including fitness protocols, concussion treatment and nutrition. Acupuncture treatment can be very effective for certain types of injuries such as Tennis elbow, Golfers elbow or Rotator cuff pain. Sports Taping can reduce the load on injured muscles to allow proper healing. Vertigo treatment focuses on reducing dizziness and nausea caused by inner ear and eye problems.

If you have any questions or are wondering if we could help you, please feel free to call our office and ask to see one of our highly skilled Registered Physiotherapists Mississauga.

Custom Knee Bracing, General Category, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Knee Arthroscopy

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Knee Arthroscopy

knee arthroscopy

Custom Knee Bracing


Knee arthroscopy done by orthopedic surgeons “clean up” or repair the cartilage or meniscus in the knee. Typically, knee meniscus injuries will happen one of two times. A large bucket handle tear is one that creates a three cornered flap. This is much like if you catch the sleeve of your coat on a nail. This flap can be stable or unstable. After the initial swelling and pain heals, a stable flap rests in place and does not interfere with your daily activities and use of your knee. An unstable tear will flip up much like the handle of a bucket. If this is occurs, often your knee will lock and you will have very limited movement in your knee. The second type of meniscal damage is wear and tear, or degeneration. This will consist of tiny tears, called microtears, which create a fraying of the cartilage.
All of the different types of meniscal damage can be treated by knee arthroscopy surgery. There are two small incisions used for this surgery. In one, the surgeon will place a scope, or a small camera. The other incision is used for a tool which will trim or shave the meniscus depending on the damage that has occurred. This procedure is typically a day surgery and you should be able to walk immediately after it is over. Some people prefer to use crutches or a cane, but if all heals well, you should be able to stop using these after a day or two.
Regardless of the injury, researchers are now suggesting that a course of physiotherapy focusing on strengthening and balance, or proprioception, is critical before knee arthroscopy surgery. Studies are indicating such a physiotherapy treatment program can reduce pain and increase function to the same degree as surgery in most cases. This can in some cases eliminate the need for surgery altogether. It also can eliminate the risk of infection and reduce the chances of future osteoarthritis.
Lastly, sometimes, custom knee bracing can be effective to offload the side of the knee that has a meniscus injury.
If you have knee pain, see a physiotherapist today. They can help!
knee arthroscopy

knee arthroscopy

Ankle pain, Exercise, General Category

Ankle Sprains – Causes & Treatment

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Ankle Sprains

Stretching before a walk or run

Ankle Sprains

Ankle sprains are very common.They occur in many of our favourite sports like soccer and running. They can also occur from simply stepping on tree root. The most common way that ankle sprains occur is by rolling the foot so the sole faces the opposite leg. This is called an inversion sprain.

Ankle Sprain

There are three ligaments, or thick bands of tissues, that join the outer leg bone, the fibula, to the bones of the foot. When you get ankle sprains, you can stretch or tear all three of these ligaments. This results in stiffness, swelling and pain!

What should you do? If you are unable to walk on it immediately following the injury, try again 5 minutes later. If you are still unable to walk on it, seek medical attention immediately. It is important that you make sure you did not break a bone.

If you can walk on the foot, even with a limp, then the treatment for the first 48 hours is rest, ice, compression and elevation.

Although there has been a lot of discussion lately regarding ice, it is still the best option for a new injury, especially a new injury that swells. If discomfort, stiffness and limping lasts more than three days then a referral to a physiotherapist is appropriate.

Physiotherapists will use modalities to decrease swelling. They should also use manual or hands on techniques to increase movement of the foot and ankle. Exercises are critical. Strengthening will help to build muscle around the foot. Balance exercises will help to restore the balance reflexes of the foot and leg. This is a critical component of preventing a second injury to the ligaments.

If you are an athlete (even a weekend warrior), proprioception exercises will also help you return to sport earlier. Physiotherapists can also help you to determine if bracing would be helpful, and if so, which one.

Exercise, General Category, Health and Wellness, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Medical words

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Medical words

Tendonitis of the Shoulder

What does it all mean?
As a physiotherapist, I spent 4 years learning how to talk using medical words. And sometimes we forget that our clients do not understand these special medical words. In fact, we forget that we often sound like an adult from a Peanuts movie….. Waa Waa Waa.
So what do all these medical words mean?
First some basic anatomy: a joint is where two bones come together. That is a pretty simple one. But most joints are surrounded by a capsule. This is a leather-like sac that holds fluid that works to lubricate your joint – much like WD40 on a rusty hinge. This fluid is called synovial fluid. This capsule has reinforced and thickened areas called ligaments. The ligaments hold bones together. Finally, joints are controlled by muscles. We have big ones most people know – like the biceps and hamstrings. But there are hundreds of little muscles. These little muscles help us with precision and posture. In order to cause movement, muscles need to be connected to bones. The tissue that makes this connection is a tendon.
So what are the most common injuries? Some of the most common words heard are strain, sprain and tendonitis. A strain is a pull or tear of a muscle and a sprain is a pull or tear of a ligament. Sprains and strains can be graded one, two or three. Imagine that the ligament or tendon is like a rope. Grade one – you have pulled the rope tight, and made it sore. Grade two – you have pulled it hard enough to fray the rope. Grade three – you have pulled the rope in two. Tendonitis is when there is swelling and irritation in the tendon. This is usually due to overwork or poor positioning while doing an activity.
Remember that as physiotherapists, we are there to help you and it is very important to us that you understand what is happening to your body. Please ask any questions that you have, we will be happy to explain any medical words.

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Concussion- how do you know if you have one?

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Determining if you have a concussion

Concussions have been a hot topic in medicine for a few years, but many people still have questions regarding what exactly concussions are and how they should be treated.

Concussion

Simply, concussions are a bruise to the brain that occurs when the brain hits the inner side of the skull. This usually occurs when the brain has a sudden stop. Studies suggest that you are more likely to get a concussion with a sudden stop if there is rotation, or turning, of the head during the fall or hit. Diagnosing a concussion can be complex as there are no clear tests that can show the damage including MRI or CT Scan. Scientists are working on solving this problem, but there are no clear answers yet. Even the story of how the injury happened can be quite different. You do not have be go unconscious (or be knocked out) to shows signs of a concussion. In fact, you don’t even have to hit your head. Often the sudden forward and back or side to side motion of a quick and jarring stop can be enough.
Doctors and Sport therapists will look at many factors to decide if you have a concussion. They will look at your symptoms such as a headache or dizziness. Even feeling sad or angry more than normal can be a sign of a concussion. They will also assess your balance, ability to concentrate and remember facts to see how your brain is working. Baseline testing for people at higher risk, such as athletes, can be helpful. Then the medical practitioner can compare these results to what was normal for you before you were injured. If you have not had baseline testing, they will compare it to what is average for someone your age. If it has been decided that you do have a concussion, this medical professional can guide you through the proper treatment and process to return to activity.
For more information on this topic please watch “Concussion 101 – Primer for Parents and Kids”, by Dr. Mike Evans.

Custom Knee Bracing, Exercise, General Category, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Knee Pain- Teenagers

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Athlete Stretching

Athlete Stretching-  Knee Pain

As we start into the fall and winter sports seasons, many people have asked about knee pain in their early teenaged or pre teen children. This pain is at the front of the knee and is not usually due to falls or sudden injuries.

The most common cause is something called Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. This is swelling and pain in the joint between the knee cap and the thigh bone. Often it will start at the beginning of a new activity or if the amount of training is suddenly increased. However, knee pain can also happen after a growth spurt or for no reason at all. The cause of the knee pain is the kneecap is not tracking properly. In a healthy knee, there is a groove in the thigh bone,  that the knee cap travels up and down as we straighten or bend the knee. If there is muscle tightness or weakness, the kneecap will be pulled out of the middle of the groove and the back of the knee cap gets painful. This knee pain is more noticeable on stairs, squatting or with activity because there is more pressure on the sore area.
Proper stretching is key to relieving Knee Pain . Although generally a forgotten part of fitness, it is very important that joints are flexible in order to stay healthy. If you are not sure which muscle needs to be stretched or strengthened, book an assessment with a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapists are trained to determine which exercises are best for you. Physiotherapy will include a full assessment of your knee and the muscles surrounding it. Treatment will focus on addressing the tight muscles and joints as well as education on prevention. Proper care at the start of any injury is key to preventing a longer term chronic injury. The goal is to keep you in the game and allow you to continue with your normal activities of daily living.

Physiotherapists-Sports Injuries

Knee Pain

 

General Category, Health and Wellness, Massage Therapy, Motor Vehicle Accidents, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

Registered Massage Therapy Mississauga – Benefits?

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Registered Massage therapy can be an effective part of any wellness program. Whether it is used for injury rehabilitation, pain relief, relaxation, general body maintenance, improved sleep, reduced stress, or anxiety/ depression, there are many good reasons to get a registered massage therapy treatment.

Massage Therapy

Benefits Of Registered Massage Therapy Mississauga

Many of the techniques that have been developed are used to improve the use of muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, fascia, joints, bones, blood circulation, and the lymphatic system. Massage therapy also helps the nervous system to release hormones that promote healing, reduce pain, and increase relaxation. Some of the conditions massage therapy has been shown to benefit include:

  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Headaches
  • Lower back pain
  • Sprains and strains
  • Tendonitis
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Pregnancy support
  •  Scoliosis and Kyphosis
  • Pain that comes from poor posture

Many people have aches and pains that they suffer with on a daily basis. Sometimes these pains will  go away, but other times they can linger for quite a while. Registered Massage therapy can help nip these problems in the bud before they become long term issues.

Massage Therapy Treatment

Stress is another issue that affects us all. It can cause health problems such as headaches, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Chronic stress can decrease your immune system making it easier for you to suffer from disease or infections.  It can also increase the time it takes you to recover from an illness or injury. Stress can affect your mood by making you anxious, irritable, or depressed. A massage therapy treatment can help you to manage your stress and improve your sense of well being.

There are many good reasons to get a massage therapy treatment. Whatever your reason is, mind, body, or both, book a treatment today with a registered massage therapist and feel the difference massage therapy can make for you. PhysioNow has Massage Therapists standing by to help you.

Custom Knee Bracing, Physiotherapy, Sports Injuries, Sports Physiotherapy

ACL Tear

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ACL Tear

ACL tear

Do you have an ACL tear?  Should you have surgery to repair your ACL tear? This is one of the most common knee injuries. It is typical that if you have only a partial ACL tear- no surgery is recommended. Even if you have suffered a full ACL tear – the decision to have surgery is not always clear.

ACL tear

Factors to consider include: are you a competitive athlete in the prime of your life and do you plan to continue competing in your sport of choice? If the answer is yes, then more than likely, you are going to be advised to proceed with an ACL surgical repair.

ACL Tears

If you have a full ACL tear, but are not a competitive athlete, then the decision to proceed with a surgical approach becomes less certain. For many people, treatment with a skilled physiotherapist can help you to strengthen your muscles around the knee joint. This will support the knee for everyday activities without the use of a brace. You can then continue to participate in sporting activities with the use of a brace.

Braces are now available in lightweight comfortable materials that are reasonably unobtrusive and effective at protecting your knee from further injury. Bledsoe custom knee bracing is on the leading edge of sports injury bracing and can be purchased through our office.

If you decide to proceed with the surgery, be advised that the surgery is significant and the recovery typically takes between 6 to 12 months with the close supervision of a trained Registered Physiotherapist. Check out this link to consider if surgery is the right decision for you.

Surgery does not guarantee a perfect outcome – it always comes with the possibility of unintended consequences. A proper Physiotherapy rehabilitation program can mitigate these factors and assist you with your recovery! We have Sports Physiotherapists trained to do the post-surgical rehabilitation program at our offices.

Call today to book a pre surgical consult with one of our skilled physiotherapists or to get fitted for a custom knee brace. We can facilitate the decision making process if you wish. Call PhysioNow today to get started!