• 4.6 million Canadian adults (aged 15 and older) report suffering from arthritis
• By the year 2036 that 4.6 million is expected to grow to an estimated 7.5 million
• 2/3 Canadians affected by arthritis are female
• 2/3 of people with arthritis are under the age of 65 – including an estimated 300,000 children

Everyone’s heard about arthritis, but what’s not as common is what causes it, who can get it, and what are the best ways to manage and treat it. There are many over the counter medications that are beneficial in treating arthritis, but when those meds are coupled with physical therapy it can be just as effective as surgery. Bracing and injections are also great methods of fast relief from arthritis. The two main forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) . They can attack any joint, but typically the hands, knees, spine, and hips, are most common which can make daily activities very difficult and painful.

Causes of Arthritis:

Normal wear and tear causes osteoarthritis, but your risk of developing it may be higher if the disease is a common thread in your family history. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. It develops when your body’s immune system attacks the tissue in your body.  This prevents the synovium from producing the fluid which lubricates and nourishes your cartilage and joints.

Risk Factors:

• Family history (genetics)
• Age
• Occupation
• Gender
• Previous Joint Injury/Infection
• Obesity

Managing your pain:

Medications help, but a physiotherapist can tell you about other methods of pain relief that work alongside with your medications.

• Changing your activity level/sleep
• Weight loss
• Pain Relievers
• Physical Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Bracing/Custom Bracing
• Corticosteroid injections
• Viscosupplementation injections

Injections:

In the early stages; arthritis of the knee is treated with nonsurgical methods. Your doctor may recommend treatments including; changing your activity level, weight loss, pain relievers, physical therapy and corticosteroid injections. If pain and mobility is still unmanageable, an effective treatment option such as a viscosupplementation injection may be recommended.  Injections such as Multi Visk™, Cingal™, Durolane® , Synvisc-One®, Monovisc®, and Orthovisc® are designed to relieve pain in your joints like the knees, ankles, fingers, and toes. Some injections, including Multi Visk®, contain an anesthetic to lessen the pain. Cingal™ is a single-injection treatment that relieves pain, and provides anti-inflammatory benefits. In these procedures a gel like fluid is injected in the knee joint. It acts as a lubricant to enable bones to move smoothly over each other and as a shock absorber for joint load. Your physiotherapist or doctor can recommend this highly effective treatment and which type of injection is best suited for you.

Bracing:

Braces can help to treat and ease the pain of an arthritic knee. Specialized braces apply pressure on your knee joint, creating a space between the two bones providing relief and preventing harsh rubbing. The GenuTrain® knee brace is often recommended for mild to moderate cases of arthritis. And the Össur ® custom brace is often recommended for more severe cases.Your physiotherapist can recommend a brace that best meets your needs.

Sources:

http://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis#overview1

https://www.ossur.ca/

http://kneepainrelief.ca/treatment/#corticosteroid-injections

http://www.multivisklife.com/health-professionals/

http://www.arthritis.org/get-involved/jingle-bell-run/

• Avoid carrying more than 5% of your body weight
• Distribute weight as equally as possible between both shoulders

No matter what your age or profession, most people carry some sort of bag, whether it be a school backpack, a purse, a diaper bag, shoulder bag or even a lap top carrier.  Although this is a convenient way to tote a lot of things around, or even make a fashion statement, most people overlook the fact that these bags may often be the source of serious neck and back pains. These muscle pains are very common and are often linked back to an over loaded or improperly fitted bag.

What happens when you carry an over loaded bag:

Alignment:

When all the weight of your purse or bag is put onto one shoulder, it forces your body to carry an asymmetric load, and this changes your natural posture. Most people tend to wear their purse or bag on their dominant side which enlarges the muscles on that shoulder, particularly the trapezius muscle (a muscle on top of your shoulder). Over time, this can result in one shoulder being higher than the other, putting your whole body out of alignment. All that extra pressure on one side of your body can result in a lot of tension in your neck and shoulder, and in some cases, it can become more serious and cause muscle spasms.

Throws off natural gait and posture:

When you constantly wear a purse or bag on the dominant side of your body, it can throw off your natural gait. The arm on the side carrying the bag is unable to swing properly, forcing the other side to compensate. Holding bags in the crook of your arm or in one hand can build tension, and damage your posture.

Tension Headaches:

Carrying over loaded bags can cause a lot of pain and may even develop into tension headaches. The additional weight and pressure put on the trapezius muscle, can force it to tighten and spasm. When the muscles in the neck and shoulder area spasm, it can cause pain in the back of the head that radiates towards the front of the skull.

Things to avoid:

• Carrying too many items in your purse or shoulder bag.
• Holding bags in the crook of your arm or in one hand.
• Hanging backpacks off of one shoulder, as it strains your neck and puts all of the weight on one side.

Things that can help:

• Pack light and swap shoulders.
• Make sure to regularly empty large bags to prevent carrying around unnecessary items.
• When carrying a big bag, wear the long body strap to balance weight between both sides of the body.
• Keep bag within 5% of your body weight.
• When wearing a backpack, adjust straps so bag sits high and fits snug to your back.

For more information, or if you have any concerns, please contact our clinic to book an appointment and consult with one of our therapists.

Sources:

Adams, Rebecca. “Why Your Purse Is Giving You Back Pain…and 11 Ways to Fix It”. The Huffington Post. Web, 12/09/13. <www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/purse-back-pain-n-4397727>

Armstrong, Rebecca. “How to Carry your Bag to Avoid Shoulder Pain”. Myodetox Web, 13/01/17

<https: //www.myodetox.com/learn/howtocarryyourbagandavoidshoulderpain />

1. Runner’s Knee

If you’re experiencing pain from the area around or beneath the patella or knee cap, you might be experiencing Runner’s Knee. The pain usually arises from putting an excessive load on the joint and surrounding soft tissues. There are many reasons why Runner’s Knee can occur, from something as basic to not stretching properly before a run, to a more complex technique issue. Treatment of the injury depends on what has caused the injury to occur.

2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS)

IBTS results in pain on the outside of the knee, due to the inflammation of the Iliotibial band (ITB), a thick band of connected tissue which runs from the pelvis down outside of the thigh. If left untreated, ITBS can cause great discomfort for runners, to the point where they feel like they can’t even run a few hundred metres. The injury can occur from anatomical irregularities such as length-leg discrepancies, or by increasing the intensity of training before the muscles have sufficiently strengthened. Treatment of ITBS usually involves a strength and conditioning programme to prevent the ITB from being over-worked.

3. Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles Tendinopathy is a soft tissue injury that affects the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. You might not pay this part of the body too much attention when running, but if it’s placed under undue stress, Achilles Tendinopathy can develop, causing inflammation, swelling and pain. While it is the role of the heel to absorb the shock of the foot when hitting the floor, if it is over-worked, Achilles Tendinopathy is likely to occur. If the condition does develop, you will need to avoid activities that may place stress on the ankle, as well as undertake a course of physiotherapy. If that should fail to improve the condition, shockwave treatment, occasional injection therapy, or even surgery may be advised.

4. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar Fasciitis manifests in the form of extreme stiffness or a stabbing pain in the arch of the foot. It can be decidedly unpleasant and make running impossible. It results from your foot pounding the ground without enough support. So, if you’re looking for something to blame for the injury having occurred, you probably don’t need to look further than your running shoes. They might either be unsuitable for your foot/action, or have insufficient cushioning which is not giving your foot the protection it needs. Treatment tends to revolve around getting plenty of rest, all the while using heel-stretching exercises to dull the pain.

5. Shin splints

We’d suggest that every runner has experienced shin splints at some point or another. For those that haven’t, it results in an aching, stabbing sensation in your shins, which only become properly apparent when you get into full stride. Shin splints occur when the muscles and tendons covering the shinbone become inflamed. Once again, treatment involves trying to decipher what it is that is causing your shin’s muscles and tends to over-contract, which could be down to an ill-fitting pair or running shoes, or an unforgiving running surface. Once you’ve got to the root of the problem, you can alter your training accordingly.

If you’re experiencing any of these injuries, or any other problem that is having an impact on your running, please consult with your physio.

Playing recreational or competitive sports can be such a great part of any child’s social and athletic development. The only drawback is, there is always that risk of being injured.

Statics Canada proves that 35% of Canadians were injured while participating in some sort of sport or exercise, and two-thirds of those injuries were young people between the ages of 12-19.

The most common body part injured by young people (between the ages of 12-19) are their feet and ankles – rating in at 33%. The second highest injured area for these kids are wrists and hands at 22%.

Taking your Kids to a Physio:

If you’ve ever compared the time it takes for your adult boo-boo to heal compared to your kids, then you will know that kids typically heal very quickly. Unfortunately sometimes young athletes’ injuries may be trivialized. They are often encouraged to “toughen up and play through the pain’. This approach is really not recommended, and is not in the young athletes’ best interest.

As a parent, guardian or coach you need to ensure that you’re paying close attention to the healing process of a young person’s injury. It’s important for their growing bodies that their muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments heal fully. A physiotherapist can manage and monitor your child’s rehabilitation process, and provide them with valuable information regarding their activities, movements and mobility throughout their treatments.

What to expect from your Child’s Physio Assessment:

In most cases, your physiotherapist can make an accurate diagnosis by listening to your child’s injury history and performing a thorough clinical examination. The adolescent’s age, sex and level of participation in sports are important. A description of how the injury occurred is valuable. Your physio will want to know if there was a “pop”, swelling, history of previous injury, family history or similar injury, locking or giving way, or other signs or symptoms. They’ll also ask about how much training and game time your child is logging in order to detect if “overtraining” could be part of the reason for injury.

Tips for Parents and Coaches

• Allow your kids to play at their own intensity and pace.
• Emphasize stretching and flexibility exercises
• Make sure you child is conditioned properly before starting a team sport
• Encourage daily activity during off season sports
• Make sure fields are in reasonably good condition and that protective equipment fits correctly. (helmets, shoulder pads, shin guards etc.)

When in doubt, seek expert medical advice. It’s better to be safe than sorry. In general, kids are motivated to play sports because it’s fun. Parents and coaches who demand too much may be putting their children at risk.

…adding years to your golfing life, and life to your golfing years!

Believe it or not, golf season is almost here! So it’s time to start thinking about what can be done to help improve your game and get your body fit for golf this year.

The one thing most golf enthusiasts agree on is that they are striving for a better swing. There are those lucky few who are born with natural abilities, but fortunately for the rest of us a great swing is also something that can be developed and cultivated.

Building a strong core, and conditioning your obliques, back and shoulders is one of the best ways to help build golf specific strength and mobility, and optimize your rotational power.  A physiotherapist can help you build an exercise program that focuses on strengthening your core.

As it pertains to golf – spine and abdominal fitness not only improves performance and controlled motion, but decreases the risk of injury as golfers execute the repetitively hazardous action of the swing. A warm-up is also very important as we prepare our muscular engines for several hours of activity.

Physiotherapists are frequently involved with numerous clients experiencing stiffness, weakness, and/or pain in their spines, shoulders, elbows, knees and ankles. There are many exercises, manual techniques, and modalities that our therapists use to improve the physical health of these areas of concern. Strength and mobility in these areas is extremely important for a healthy and happy golf season.

Registered massage therapy for golfers may be used as a corrective, preventative and rehabilitative therapy. It helps in the return of soft tissue to a pain-free and improved functional range of motion. Massage can also assist the lymphatic system by eradicating toxins such as lactic acid. This hands on therapy can reduce tightness that may lead or cause postural imbalances, reduce muscle spasm and scar tissue, and create body awareness and a general feeling of well-being.

For more detailed information about treatments contact our clinic.

Back and neck pain are among the most widespread reasons patients seek treatments such as physiotherapy, massage therapy and chiropractic care.

Back pain in particular is one of the most common medical problems, affecting 80% of people at some point during their lives.

Physical therapy for back and neck conditions focuses on the structures that support the spine and its joints including muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

VARY YOUR POSITION : Sitting at computers all day puts increased pressure on your spine. After 30 minutes of sitting make sure you walk around to keep the flow of blood and fluids to your spine. If you work primarily at a desk, make sure your work station is set up properly to encourage optimal posture. Your physiotherapist will prescribe suitable and safe stretches and provide tips on how to correctly position yourself in front of your computer.

STAY FLEXIBLE: Optimal spinal health means having flexibility in all directions. If your thorax (upper-mid back and ribcage) has limited rotation movement, more load and stress can be transferred to your low back, neck or other body parts. Check your rotations by sitting in a chair with your arms crossed across your stomach; you should be able to run equally to the right and left and see behind you easily. If you have an asymmetry between the right and left directions, or reduced motion, your physiotherapist can assess the reason why, mobilize your spinal joint, and give you exercises to maintain your thoracic mobility – essential for a healthy low back and neck.

CHECK YOUR CORE: You need to have optimal control of your deep spinal muscles (core). If you’ve had an episode and are experiencing neck or back pain, your therapist will provide a thorough examination of your spine, provide manual therapy and other treatment techniques to help you regain any lost mobility and relieve your pain. They will instruct you on how to achieve ideal postural alignment and prescribe exercises that will support your spine.

CORRECT YOUR POSTURE: Be aware of habitual postures and positions (such as always sitting on one side of the couch, slouching with your feet on the coffee table, carrying your bag/purse always over the same shoulder, sitting cross legged, or with one foot underneath your bum, and leaning usually on the same elbow et.) Habitually poor postures may indicate weaknesses in certain muscle groups or stiffness with the body. Your therapist can assess reasons why you may adopt these positions and how to correct them.

Here are some Ergonomic tips to help keep your back & neck healthy!

• Chest out, chin in, stomach tight with standing, walking, lifting and bending
• Standing: Keep one foot in front of and more elevated than the other
• Sitting: Use lumbar support – and sit up straight.
• Sleeping: while lying on side: keep the bottom leg straight; top leg can be bent or rested on a pillow
• Bending: use a ½ kneeling position when putting dishes in dishwasher, getting laundry out of washer and/or putting items into trunk/cart etc.
• Lifting: Keep the object being lifted close to you; get down under it

If you are suffering from neck or back pain, schedule a visit with one of our therapists to assist in your recovery. Early attention to mobility issues, injury prevention, and injury treatment will help ensure long term physical health.

References:

http://my.clevelandclinic.org

https://chipperfieldphysio.ca

Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP injection is where a small amount of your own blood is taken, then put through a separation process to create the highest concentration of platelets or growth factors. These growth factors are then injected into your specific injured area to aid and enhance healing.

The entire injection process takes less than 30 minutes. The increased levels of growth factors have the potential to improve signaling and recruitment of cells.  This concentration of platelets (growth factors) can be 5-10 times greater than usual.

Since this injection is using your body’s natural properties, side effects are rare. Some insurance companies cover this procedure. Contact your insurance provider for coverage information on your plan.

Famous athletes such as; Tiger Woods and tennis star Rafael Nadal have received PRP injections for various problems such as sprained knees and chronic tendon injuries. Some athletes have credited PRP with their expedited return to competition.

Ask your clinician if PRP may be a healing option for you.

We can refer you to a Doctor for consultation.

As the temperature drops, the number of slips and falls rise. Winter’s wet and icy conditions are dangerous and it’s important to take the right precautions. Slips and falls during the winter months cause hundreds and thousands of injuries each year in Canada. While it is a threat to children, the adults and elderly have a much longer, harder fall – and are more likely to break things. A simple break or muscle sprain can cause a lot of pain and suffering, and for the elderly it can be life threatening. So in order to ward off any time in the hospital or emergency room take note of these slip and fall prevention tips:

1. Wear the right shoes. We see plenty of broken or sprained ankles from women walking in heels on a warm summer day, so in the winter heels would probably be your worst option. Men are not off the hook here either. Men’s dress shoes typically have flat bottoms with no tread. You might as well be walking on sleds. The right footwear should, and is, your best defense against slipping and falling. Try to find something with rubber bottoms with a good thick tread that will grip the snow and ice better.

2. Walk like a penguin. When walking on snow and ice take shorter slower steps. You want as much surface area of your feet to be in contact with the ground as possible. If you come across a patch of solid ice, shuffling your feet can be your best option as it will give you the most stability.
3. Know how to fall. When carrying a briefcase, lunch bag, or your children you are just asking for trouble. If you were to fall this now eliminates one or both arms from helping absorb the impact. Most deaths from falling on ice occur when the person hits their head on the ice. This also means keep your hands out of your pockets and gloves on. While you may injure your arms or shoulders you will protect your head.

4. Be cautious everywhere. Walk near something you can hold on to like handrails or a fence. Grab sturdy objects when possible… and your friend or child IS NOT a sturdy object. You will likely pull them down with you. When getting out of a car, hold on to the door until you find out just how icy it is. Test the ground before you hop right out.

Even if you follow all these tips and precautions we still cannot guarantee that you won’t have an encounter with the ground sometime this winter. But the better you prepare the less likely you are to slip and fall.

For those of you with balance issues already, your job is harder still. If you have not yet had physiotherapy to help you with your balance issues, or if you’d like a therapist to assess your balance concerns, please call us to book an evaluation.

If you have already taken a hard fall, let one of our Physiotherapists help you recover and get you back on solid ground.

The state of men’s health is in crisis. Men experience worse longer-term health than women and die on average six years earlier.

• 1 in 6 men may be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and 1 in 2 men may be diagnosed with some form of cancer by the age of 85.
• Prostate cancer rates will double in the next 15 years.
• Testicular cancer rates have already doubled in the last 50 years.
• Obesity has taken centre stage as a major risk factor for chronic disease and almost 2/3 of Canadians are considered to be overweight or obese.
• 1 in 8 men experience depression and three quarters of suicides are men.
• Poor mental health leads to half a million men taking their own life every year. That’s one every minute.

Why is men’s health in such bad shape?

• Most men do not like to openly discuss their health and how they are feeling.
• Men can be reluctant to take action when they don’t feel physically or mentally well
• Men engage in risky activities that threaten their health
• Stigmas surrounding mental health
• Men are less likely than women to seek help for health concerns.

5 ways exercise can help men live longer and better.

• Have a healthier heart . Regular exercise can lower unhealthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• Keep your brain sharp. Exercise helps keep blood vessels throughout the body healthy and helps reduce the risk of stroke. Several studies suggest that exercise may also help ward off Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
• Control blood sugar levels. Regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight, and boosts sensitivity to insulin, reducing blood sugar levels. One study found that only 2 ½ hours of brisk walking a week cut the risk of diabetes by 30%.
• Possibly lower cancer risks. Evidence suggests that regular physical activity reduces risk for colon cancer by 24% in men. There is no proof that exercise lowers the risk of developing prostate cancer, but once a man is diagnosed, physical activity can reduce the chances that it will spread.
• Beat depression . 1 in 8 men can experience depression. Not just a rough patch, or bad mood – but an emotional disturbance that affects overall health. Regular exercise such as walking, weight training, swimming, or any form of exercise moving both arms and legs can help with depression for men.

Pelvic Health for Men

Being a guy with pelvic health problems can be a challenge. And as you age there can be any number of issues that can result in pain and dysfunction.

Although the prostate is often blamed for many male pelvic problems, there can be many other reasons for bladder, bowel and sexual problems. Pelvic floor muscles, connective tissue and lower lumbar nerves can all be potential culprits in male pelvic pain. In addition, joint and muscle problems such as chronic groin strains, un-resolving hip and low back problems can all contribute to chronic pelvic pain.

Although hidden from view, your pelvic floor muscles can be consciously controlled and therefore trained, much like your arm, leg or abdominal muscles. Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles will help you to actively support your bladder and bowel. Like other muscles in your body, your pelvic floor will become stronger with a regular exercise program. This is important for both men and women.

With so many different potential sources of pelvic pain, it’s important to work with a health professional that understands the pelvis. Contact our clinic and we can connect you with a pelvic floor health specialist.

Let’s help the men we know to talk about their health, and take action when needed.

STAY FIT, STAY HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE

Sources:

www.platinumphysio.com

www.prostatecancer.ca

https://ca.movember.com/mens-health

Fall has arrived! If you’re a homeowner, there is likely some lawn work that you’re trying to get done – and raking leaves usually tops the list. This is a physically demanding activity that involves twisting, reaching, pulling, bending and lifting repetitively and with weight. If these movements are not done properly, and if underused muscles are being overtaxed in a short period of time, it can lead to sore and stiff muscles, painful shoulders and most commonly it can cause injury to the mid and lower back.

Here are some helpful tips :

Stretch before you rake : Warm up with light exercise before heading out to rake. Take about 10 minutes to gently stretch your neck, shoulders, torso, back, wrists and hips prior to raking. (Our physio’s can provide you with some great stretches to help you with this.)

Use your legs :  When you’re bagging the piles of leaves, (which can often be heavy because they are wet) make sure you bend your knees. Keep your back straight and let your legs do the bulk of the work – not your back.

Avoid twisting from the waist : People often plant their feet and over-rotate their spine which can really cause stress and strain to the lower back. Pivot towards your forward foot first, your hips should follow next, then the rest of your body.

Use the right equipment : The rake you use should be the right size for your height and strength. The width of the rake head doesn’t much matter. A light weight, ergonomic rake that has bent or side handles ensures that your elbows are slightly bent and helps with good posture. Light weight plastic leaf rakes are also a good option.

Pace yourself : Section off areas of your yard and complete in stages, especially if it is a large property. Take frequent breaks, and as with any physical activity, drink plenty of water before, during and after lawn work.

If you do experience low back pain or neck pain, our therapists can identify and safely treat your pain, and provide you with strengthening exercise to help your spine and improve your posture.

Contact us to book an appointment.

STAY FIT, STAY HEALTHY, STAY ACTIVE