Why is Physiotherapy SO Important RIGHT NOW?

There is NO time like the present!

If you are anything like us these last 2 years we have been binge-watching Netflix series and making charcuterie boards for supper!

But we need to be reminded that movement, exercise, and mobility are what help keep our bodies from getting sore and injured.

Already feeling the stress of 2 years in a pandemic? Don’t worry, it’s never too late to get started on your physiotherapy journey to feeling healthier, moving better, and getting back to doing the things you love!

Rebecca and Katrina- Physiotherapists

Avoid or prolong the need for surgery -

Especially with COVID19 and the current hospital situation the health of our muscles and joints has never been more important. No one WANTS surgery, but if the need for surgery is in your future, completing physiotherapy prior to undergoing surgery can help the post-surgery recovery/outcomes.

Learning self-management strategies -

Chronic conditions or chronic pain can be managed. The education component of physiotherapy is very important, the more knowledge we have about our injuries/bodies the more empowered we are throughout our recovery/rehabilitation. Education also helps improve confidence when it comes to returning to activities.

Improve strength and mobility through exercise-

During the winter months, we tend to become less active due to the weather limiting our options for physical activities. Physiotherapy can help establish a safe and effective exercise program that can keep you moving and strong throughout the winter months. You can even do a lot of your stretches while you binge the office for the 10th time!

Fall-related injuries –

Physiotherapy can also help if you are experiencing dizziness (such as vertigo) that is affecting your balance or coordination. Winter is a slippery season so improving your balance and coordination can help you prevent a fall.

Pain management-

Many of us have been conditioned to push through the pain! We are here to tell you DO NOT PUSH THROUGH THE PAIN! There are many ways that we can help relieve pain or give you suggestions on positions or activity modifications that may help your pain. Often times Massage Therapy is a great way to help manage pain. We even have a Registered Massage Therapist on staff that might be able to help!

Injury prevention-

Prevention is Key! If we work to prevent an injury first there may no longer be a need for more drastic measures like surgery. Physiotherapy can help to improve your strength, mobility, coordination, and balance to prevent the injury from occurring in the first place. In an ideal world, everyone would visit their physiotherapist for a yearly checkup just like we would with our family physicians.

Recovery from COVID19 –

It has been shown Covid patients may have problems for many weeks or months following recovery. Physiotherapy can help improve your heart and lung health and get you back to feeling more like yourself through education and exercise.

Improves independence –

We all want to have our independence. When that is taken away from us it can feel like a HUGE loss. Physiotherapy can help improve overall strength/mobility to incontinence issues. We can provide a wide variety of services/treatments to help you regain independence in many aspects of life.

Improve pre and postnatal outcomes/recovery -

We can help establish safe and effective exercise programs to help improve pain and mobility before birth and to help facilitate a safe return to activity after birth (for both vaginal and cesarean deliveries).

It all comes down to 1 thing. Physiotherapy is an important part of our daily lives! You need to make sure to take time to invest in our health and wellness so that you can continue to do the things you love and stay happy and healthy!

Rebecca and Katrina - Physiotherapists

Cold Winter Weather and Sciatica

Sciatica and hip pain. What is bringing it on and what can we do about it?

There are many factors that can affect these conditions, but let’s talk about some of the seasonal changes that can cause them.

What is bringing it on?

- The Fall to winter weather change

With the fluctuations in the weather, people tend to notice the slight aches that they had before getting worse as the temperature turns cold.

- Cold weather can cause us to tighten

The new cold weather can always mean that we may start to tighten our muscles more causing us to be stiffer.

- Changes in the way we walk

As it gets colder we often change the way we walk. We may start to shorten our strides and again tighten up as we walk due to icy sidewalks or colder than we want weather! This can cause new or increased aches and pains.

We also tend to be more sedentary as it gets colder. If you are anything like me, we don’t have the same motivation to be outside in the cold getting active when we can be warm and cozy inside watching all those Christmas movies.

When we do get to go outside the activities we get to do aren’t so great for the hip or back - like shoveling and snow blowing. 👎

What can we do about it?

1. STAY ACTIVE!

If you catch the pain before it gets too bad, try to stay as active as possible, even as the weather changes. Try doing activities like, short walks (inside or out), snowshoeing, or building a snowman!⛄️

Make sure to add stretching into your regular routine - paying special attention to the hip and back.

2. If you already have significant hip pain or sciatica, finding the proper stretches and activities that reduce your symptoms is key. You shouldn’t have to suffer through severe pain while doing your exercises or activities. This could actually slow down your progress. Make sure to chat with your physiotherapist or health care provider to see if they can help offer you some stretches or exercises that will not be painful.

3. Change positions frequently. If you are less active in the winter or your job requires long periods of sitting, make sure to take breaks to change positions and move around. Our muscles and joints need this regularly in order to avoid being stressed or strained in one position for too long. A great way to do this is by trying some indoor exercise activities such as chair yoga or simple stretches in bed.

Of course, all hip and sciatic pain is not the same and can’t be treated in the same way. Make sure to have it checked out by your physiotherapist so you have the right set of exercises and specific advice tailored to your condition.

Click below to watch our in-depth video about sciatica!

Exercise For Proximal Hamstring Tendinopathy

For many runners with this type of injury, the first thing they want to know is "When can I get back to running?" Discussing the importance of gradual loading is crucial in educating your patient. Understanding how to get back to running by following proper loading principles will lead to better compliance during the rehab process and better outcomes.

Check out these resources for management of proximal hamstring tendinopathy.

http://www.running-physio.com/phtvids/