Education Corner
Back Pain
Back Pain
One of the more common problems requiring treatment by health care professionals is back pain. Exercise is an important component of treatment, but its effectiveness is dependant on numerous factors. It is essential to first obtain a clear diagnosis which identifies which structures are contributing to the pain, and then have the appropriate exercises prescribed. Physiotherapists are trained to provide an accurate diagnosis, and develop and monitor an appropriate exercise program specific to your back condition.
Curling Injuries
Curling Injuries
Knee, back and shoulder pain are common symptoms experienced by curling participants, due to the sweeping motion, which involves repetitive upper limb movements, and the delivery position which requires sustained knee and low back flexion. Tips to avoid injury include proper warm-up, maintaining flexibility and possibly modifying body positioning and posture. Call us for an appointment, and we can address the above factors, to help maximize your performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Diagnosis vs Etiology vs Trigger
Diagnosis vs Etiology vs Trigger
Diagnosis: statement on the injury and tissue that is the source of the complaints
Etiology: predisposing factors that are the cause of the injury
Triggers: the immediate activities or factors that cause the injury to become symptomatic.
All three of the above definitions must be addressed, to properly manage injuries. The cause of symptoms often comes from areas distant to the pain. Recurrent problems may be a sign that although you have an accurate diagnosis, you do not know the etiology or cause. The trigger is often the “straw that broke the camel’s back” and may not be significant in terms of the cause of pain.
Early Intervention
Early Intervention
A common statement made by clients in the rehab setting is, “I should have done something about this problem earlier.” One way to prevent treatable problems from becoming chronic is to seek professional help early after injury. Optimal healing is achieved by understanding the stages of injury, applying specific treatment for each stage, and progressing exercise and activity at the appropriate times. Early intervention means an early and safe return to your activities.
Golfing Pre-Season
Golfing Pre-Season
The golf swing is an explosive and potentially stressful movement that requires the full rotational capacity of 127 joints and the dynamic activation and co-ordination of 400 pairs of muscles. Returning to action after being on hiatus for the winter can put enthusiasts at high risk of injury, and prematurely end hopes of that sub-par round. (or, in cases like myself, the sub 100 score…) Golfers need to prepare a few weeks in advance of the season, to help prevent the chance of injury. Some suggestions include walking, stretching, gentle practice swings, and a visit to the range, starting with the short irons and gradually building up to the longer heavier irons. For the first week, leave your driver at home.
Headaches
Headaches
There are various types and causes of head pain. It has long been accepted that dysfunction of structures in the neck are a cause of some headaches. This neck dysfunction can arise from trauma (ie whiplash), degenerative changes (ie arthritis), and postural strain. Some of the features of these headaches include, loss of neck movement, neck muscle tenderness, increased pain with neck motion, etc. If you experience headaches with any of these features, consult a physiotherapist for an assessment and treatment options
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the degeneration of joint cartilage, most commonly affecting the weight-bearing joints of the body. It is often falsely assumed that there is little that can be done about it, other than taking anti-inflammatory medications. Although much of the damage is irreversible, restoring full joint range of motion and developing muscle strength around the affected joints can help alleviate symptoms and enhance function. The best treatment involves identifying and addressing underlying biomechanical factors which may have led to the development of the condition in the first place. Come see us for an assessment.
Pain
Pain
Pain may be considered to be the opposite of pleasure, and therefore, one might deduce that all pain is bad. Pain, however, is a necessary and natural signal that encourages us to “tune in” to our bodies, and respond appropriately, to facilitate optimal healing. It is in cases where the experience of pain is excessive, and/or, the duration that it is perceived is lengthened, that pain is not beneficial. If you are experiencing excessive, or ongoing pain, your body may be telling you it is time to see a physiotherapist.
Plantar Fascitis
Plantar Fascitis
Do you feel sharp stabbing pain under your heel when standing up after prolonged sitting, or when getting out of bed in the morning? Do you find yourself looking in your shoe for that annoying pebble under your heel only to find nothing but your smelly foot.? Chances are you have plantar fascitis, inflammation of a deep ligament like structure which supports the longitudinal arch of your foot. Although heel pads, and other shoe gadgetry can be helpful, the best treatment addresses biomechanical causes such as an over-pronated arch, leg length discrepancy, ankle stiffness, hip muscle weakness etc.
Posture
Posture
Good posture is important for various reasons, and it is because of this, that physios are persistent nags. Static posture is the body’s tissue tension, joint position and muscle tone at rest, and ideally, distributes body weight so that it is in balance with the force of gravity. Dynamic posture is the position of minimal effort and maximum efficiency which adapts continually during movement. Good posture reduces strain on the body, and enhances the body’s performance by increasing strength, flexibility and balance.
Spinal Instability
Spinal Instability
Spinal stability refers to a state in which there is adequate control and support between two adjacent vertebral segments in the spine. This is accomplished by both:
a) passive elements, (the bone, disc, ligaments, joint capsules, etc)
b) active elements (muscles)
When there is a breakdown in passive elements (a) resulting in pain, it is essential that the active elements (b) are trained to compensate. This can be accomplished with spinal stabilization exercises administered by a physiotherapist.
Stages of Healing
Stages of Healing
1) INFLAMMATORY STAGE: (2-3 days) – the body’s initial response to injured tissue.
2) FIBROBLASTIC STAGE: (day 2 to 2-3 wks) – the body begins to lay down new tissue
3) REMODELLING PHASE: (2-3 wks) – the new tissue is reorganized and strengthened.
Proper care of injuries requires that one know what the needs are at each stage to optimize healing quality and rate. Stage 1 goal is primarily rest and protection. Stage 2 goal is gentle movement. Stage 3’s goal is to put controlled stress through the area in the form of stretching and strengthening exercises.
TMJ Disorders
TMJ Disorders
TMJ (tempo-mandibular joint) disorders can be both difficult to diagnose and to treat. Dysfunction in the “jaw joints”, which lie in front of the ears, can create a broad range of symptoms including jaw clicking and/or locking, painful chewing and local swelling/tenderness. Less obvious symptoms may also include dizziness, headaches, neck pain, ringing or plugging in the ears, eye pain, facial pain, etc. Many of these disorders go undiagnosed, so if any of the above symptoms sound familiar, it may be time for a detailed TMJ assessment.