Restore Balance through Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is a popular Chinese treatment practice that has existed for a long time. It's founded on the idea of energy flow throughout the body. It is thought to be essential to good health. A clinic for Acupuncture Clinic in Scarborough, ON, can help bring balance back to the body, relieve discomfort and enhance your overall health. The Body and Sole Physiotherapy Clinic offers acupuncture treatments to help you live an active and healthy lifestyle.
What exactly is Acupuncture Treatment?
Acupuncture is inserting small needles at specific points within the body to encourage the body's healing process and enhance general well-being. It's a secure and reliable treatment which has been utilized for various ailments such as stress, anxiety and chronic digestive problems, and much more. The acupuncture clinic we have located in Scarborough, ON, provides personalized treatments that are adapted according to your requirements and objectives.
The Benefits of Acupuncture Treatment
Acupuncture offers numerous advantages for your body, mind, and soul. These are the best reasons for you to try acupuncture treatment at our acupuncture centre located in Scarborough, ON:
1. Treatment for Pain: Acupuncture is a method to reduce pain by stimulating the release of endorphins. These are naturally produced painkillers by our bodies.
2. Reduce Stress: Acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and stress by stimulating serotonin levels, the hormone responsible for regulating mood.
3. Improved Sleep: Acupuncture can increase the quality of sleep by helping to regulate the natural cycle of your body's sleep and wake.
4. The benefits of Acupuncture for digestion: It can aid digestion by controlling the release of digestive juices and reducing gut inflammation.
5. Increased Immune Function: The benefits of Acupuncture can increase your immune system's effectiveness by increasing the production of white blood cells, which combat disease and infection.
6. Hormonal Balance: Acupuncture can help balance hormones in your body. This may help with symptoms associated with menopausal, PMS, and other hormone imbalances.
The reason to select Body & Soul Physiotherapy Clinic?
Our Acupuncture Centre in Scarborough, ON, is staffed with licensed, experienced Acupuncturists committed to helping you reach your wellness and health goals. The clinic uses state-of-the-art equipment and methods to provide secure, efficient, customized Acupuncture treatments. We're dedicated to offering our patients the highest level of care and personal care to ensure they are satisfied.
If you're looking for an acupuncture-based clinic in Scarborough, ON, Body and Sole Physiotherapy Clinic is the ideal place. Our clinic provides Acupuncture with various treatments to help you reach your goals for health and well-being. Call us now to find out about Acupuncture and make an appointment with our Licensed and skilled Acupuncturist.
Revolutionize Your Health: The Breakthrough Joint Pain Treatment in Scarborough, ON
This is a complete information guide to revolutionize your health using the latest Joint pain treatment in Scarborough, ON. If you or your family members have arthritis, then you are aware of how this can affect your life quality. In this post, we'll explore the most cutting-edge treatments available at Scarborough, ON, that can give you the relief you've been seeking and allow you to regain control of your overall health, from non-invasive treatments to more sophisticated surgical procedures that cover the wide array of methods that address joint pain and improve overall wellbeing. We'll dive into the possibilities!
Revolutionize Your Health: The Breakthrough Joint Pain Treatment in Scarborough, ON
Joint pain is a typical condition that impacts millions of people across the globe. It may be caused by different causes like injuries, age-related degeneration or other medical conditions. If not treated, joint pain could severely restrict mobility, create discomfort and hinder everyday activities. However, Scarborough, ON, offers revolutionary therapies that effectively relieve joint pain and improve function. Here's a look at the latest breakthrough therapies that are available in the region:
1. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Harnessing the Healing Power Within
PRP therapy is a revolutionary treatment that harnesses the body's healing abilities to stimulate tissue growth and ease joint discomfort. The procedure is carried out using only a tiny amount of the patient's blood, which is then processed to provide growth factors, platelets, and other important components. This plasma is rich in platelets and is delivered to the damaged joint, triggering the body's healing reaction and speeding up tissue healing. PRP therapy has proven to have positive results in reducing pain and improving joint functionality for patients with ailments like tendons and osteoarthritis.
2. Stem Cell Therapy: Unleashing the Potential for Regeneration
Stem cells are yet another modern treatment method found in Scarborough, ON, for advancing joint pain management. Stem cells possess the amazing capacity to differentiate into different kinds of cells and to promote rejuvenation. The stem cells are taken from the patient's body, generally from the adipose (fat) tissues or bone marrow. They are injectable into common areas affected by and work to heal damaged tissues and lessen inflammation. Stem cell therapy has enormous possibilities for people seeking alleviation from joint pain and increased mobility.
3. Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery: Precision and Efficiency Combined
Arthroscopic surgery can be described as a minimally incision-based surgical procedure that is used to treat and diagnose joint disorders. Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy provides numerous advantages, including less scarring, smaller incisions and quicker recovery time. In the course of surgery, it is performed using a camera known as an arthroscope, which is placed through an incision that is small. The surgeon can see the joint's structure and make precise adjustments or repairs. This procedure is often utilized to treat conditions such as tears of ligaments, damaged cartilage as well as joint instability. Through the advances in arthroscopic surgery, people living in Scarborough, ON, can benefit from an efficient and successful treatment for joint pain.
Re-invent Your Health with the Breakthrough Joint Pain Treatment in Scarborough, ON, offers a broad range of cutting-edge treatments that can effectively treat joint pain and enhance your overall health. Innovative therapies such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, stem cell therapy, and the least invasive surgery for arthroscopy, Scarborough, ON, provide the latest treatments that could revolutionize how you deal with joint discomfort. Be sure to talk with a medical professional to find the best treatment method for your particular health condition.
When you seek out these groundbreaking treatment options, you'll be able to regain control of your health and enjoy an improvement in the quality of your life. Do not let joint discomfort hold your back for too long. Start your journey to the pain-free life you want by investigating the cutting-edge treatment options within Scarborough, ON.
Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Healing: Explore Scarborough's Leading Acupuncture Treatment Clinic
In this modern age, where stress, chronic pain, and various health conditions are prevalent, individuals increasingly turn to acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment option. Scarborough's leading acupuncture treatment clinic stands out as a beacon of hope, offering a harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and modern healing modalities.
The History and Philosophy of Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient healing practice that originated in China over 2,500 years ago. Its foundation lies in the belief that the body possesses vital energy, known as "Qi" (pronounced "chee"), which flows through specific pathways called meridians. Health issues arise when there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi. Acupuncture aims to restore the balance of Qi by inserting thin needles into specific points along the meridians.
How Acupuncture Works
Acupuncture works on multiple levels to promote healing and well-being. Stimulating acupuncture points activate the body's natural healing response, release endorphins (natural painkillers), and improve blood circulation. Additionally, acupuncture helps regulate the nervous system, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Conditions Treated with Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a versatile treatment modality that can address various health conditions. It is particularly effective in managing chronic pain, such as back pain, migraines, and arthritis. Moreover, acupuncture has shown promising results in treating digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, fertility issues, and even mental health conditions like anxiety and depression.
The Benefits of Acupuncture
The benefits of acupuncture extend beyond symptom relief. This holistic approach to healing provides long-lasting results by addressing the root cause of the problem. Some key benefits of acupuncture include the following:
· Non-pharmacological pain relief methods
· Improved overall well-being
· Enhanced immune system function
· Reduced stress and anxiety
· Increased energy and vitality
· Better sleep quality
· Faster recovery from injuries
Scarborough's Leading Acupuncture Treatment Clinic
Scarborough proudly hosts a premier Acupuncture Treatment Clinic in Scarborough, ON with a reputation for its exceptional care, professionalism, and remarkable results. Here's why Scarborough's acupuncture clinic stands out:
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Scarborough's acupuncture clinic focuses on treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. The practitioners understand that physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being are interconnected, and their treatments encompass this holistic approach.
The Expert Team of Practitioners
The clinic boasts a team of highly trained and experienced acupuncturists passionate about helping their patients achieve optimal health. They have extensive knowledge of acupuncture techniques and customize treatments based on individual needs.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Recognizing that every individual is unique, the acupuncture clinic in Scarborough creates personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's specific needs. This approach maximizes the effectiveness of the treatments and accelerates the healing process.
Restore Mobility and Enhance Well-being with Body and Sole Physiotherapy
Welcome to Body and Sole Physiotherapy, your premier destination for comprehensive Physiotherapy services in Scarborough, ON. We are dedicated to helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being through personalized care and evidence-based treatments. With our experienced team of physiotherapists, state-of-the-art facilities, and patient-centered approach, we are committed to delivering exceptional results and improving your quality of life.
Tailored Treatments for Your Unique Needs
At Body and Sole Physiotherapy, we offer a wide range of comprehensive physiotherapy services to address a variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. Our skilled physiotherapists utilize their expertise to develop personalized treatment plans that suit your specific needs. Some of our key services include:
1. Manual Therapy: Our physiotherapists are trained in various manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilization, soft tissue release, and spinal manipulation. These hands-on approaches can improve joint mobility, alleviate pain, and restore optimal function.
2. Exercise Therapy: We believe in the power of exercise to promote healing and recovery. Our team designs individualized exercise programs to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance overall physical performance. These programs are tailored to your abilities and goals.
3. Rehabilitation: Whether you're recovering from a sports injury, a surgical procedure, or a work-related incident, our rehabilitation services can assist you in regaining function and returning to your daily activities. We provide targeted exercises, stretching techniques, and other modalities to support your recovery journey.
4. Injury Prevention and Education: We take a proactive approach to injury prevention by educating our patients on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and postural awareness. Our physiotherapists can assess your movement patterns and provide guidance on injury prevention strategies specific to your lifestyle.
Experienced and Caring Team -
At Body and Sole Physiotherapy, we have a team of experienced and caring Physiotherapists in Scarborough, ON who are dedicated to your well-being. Here's what sets us apart:
1. Expertise: Our physiotherapists have extensive training and experience in treating various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries. They stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in physiotherapy to provide you with the most effective and evidence-based treatments.
2. Individualized Approach: We understand that each person is unique and requires personalized care. Our physiotherapists will conduct a thorough assessment, listen to your concerns, and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific goals and needs.
3. Compassion and Empathy: We prioritize building strong relationships with our patients based on compassion, empathy, and open communication. We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and actively participating in your treatment.
4. Continuity of Care: We believe in providing consistent care throughout your treatment journey. You will have the opportunity to work with the same physiotherapist from the initial assessment to the completion of your treatment, ensuring continuity and a deeper understanding of your progress.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Convenient Location
1. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest equipment to deliver the highest quality of care. We ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for all our patients.
2. Convenient Location: Body and Sole Physiotherapy is conveniently located in Scarborough, ON making it easily accessible for residents of the area. Our central location allows for easy transportation and ample parking, ensuring that your visit to our clinic is convenient and stress-free.
3. Flexible Appointment Scheduling: We recognize the importance of your time and make every effort to accommodate your schedule. We offer flexible appointment options, including evening and weekend appointments, to ensure that you can receive the care you need without disruption to your daily routine.
At Body and Sole Physiotherapy, we are dedicated to helping you restore mobility, reduce pain, and enhance your overall well-being. With our comprehensive physiotherapy services, experienced and caring team, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient location, we strive to provide exceptional care and results. Take the first step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle by scheduling an appointment with Body and Sole Physiotherapy today. Your well-being is our priority, and we look forward to being a part of your journey to optimal health and wellness.
Revitalize Your Body with Expert Physiotherapy Services in Scarborough, ON
As we go through our daily routine, it's not uncommon to experience aches, pains, and injuries that can affect our quality of life. Whether it's due to a sports injury, a chronic condition, or simply poor posture, these issues can be debilitating and impact our ability to perform even the simplest tasks.
If you're struggling with such issues, physiotherapy could be the answer you're looking for. At Body & Sole Physiotherapy in Scarborough, ON, our team of expert physiotherapists provides personalized treatment plans to help you regain your mobility, strength, and overall well-being.
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of musculoskeletal and movement-related disorders. Physiotherapists use a range of techniques, including manual therapy, exercise, and modalities such as ultrasound and electrotherapy, to address a variety of conditions.
Some common issues that physiotherapy can help with include:
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Joint pain
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Motor vehicle accident injuries
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Neurological conditions
- Postural issues
How Can Physiotherapy Benefit You?
Physiotherapy offers a wide range of benefits to individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider physiotherapy as a solution to your musculoskeletal issues:
1. Pain Relief: Physiotherapy can help alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a wide range of conditions. By identifying the root cause of your pain and developing a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, physiotherapists can help you reduce your reliance on pain medication and improve your overall quality of life.
2. Improved Mobility: Whether you're recovering from an injury, surgery, or a chronic condition, physiotherapy can help you regain your mobility and independence. Through targeted exercises and manual therapy techniques, physiotherapists can help you improve your range of motion and flexibility, allowing you to perform daily tasks with greater ease.
3. Injury Prevention: Physiotherapy isn't just about treating existing conditions; it's also about preventing future injuries from occurring. By identifying areas of weakness or imbalance in your body, physiotherapists can help you develop a customized exercise and stretching program to help you avoid future injuries.
Why Choose Body & Sole Physiotherapy?
At Body & Sole Physiotherapy in Scarborough, ON, we're dedicated to helping our clients achieve their health and wellness goals. Our team of skilled and experienced physiotherapists uses a multidisciplinary approach to provide personalized care to each individual we see.
Some of the reasons why you should choose Body & Sole Physiotherapy include:
- Expertise: Our team of physiotherapists has extensive training and experience in a wide range of techniques, ensuring that you receive the best possible care.
- Personalized Treatment: We believe that every individual is unique, which is why we develop customized treatment plans based on your specific needs and goals.
- Convenient Location: Our clinic is conveniently located in Scarborough, making it easy for you to access the care you need.
- Flexible Hours: We offer flexible hours to accommodate your busy schedule, so you can receive treatment at a time that works best for you.
- Positive Environment: We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment that makes you feel at ease and comfortable during your treatment.
The Benefits of Physiotherapy: How It Can Help You Achieve Optimal Health and Wellness
Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that aims to help individuals recover from injuries, manage pain, and improve physical function and mobility. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques and modalities to achieve these goals, such as exercise, manual therapy, and education.
At Body and Sole Physiotherapy, we understand the importance of physiotherapy in maintaining optimal health and wellness. Here are some of the benefits of physiotherapy that you should know about:
· Pain Management
One of the primary goals of physiotherapy is to manage pain, whether it is acute or chronic. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, such as massage, heat therapy, and electrical stimulation, to reduce pain and improve function. They may also provide advice on lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help manage pain in the long term.
· Injury Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is often used to rehabilitate individuals who have suffered from injuries, such as sprains, strains, and fractures. Physiotherapists work closely with patients to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan, which may include exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques. The goal is to help patients regain function and mobility, and to prevent future injuries.
· Improved Mobility and Function
Physiotherapy can help improve mobility and function in individuals who have physical impairments or disabilities. Physiotherapists can work with patients to develop a personalized exercise program that is tailored to their specific needs and abilities. They may also use assistive devices, such as crutches or wheelchairs, to help patients move around more easily.
· Management of Chronic Conditions
Physiotherapy can also be beneficial for individuals who have chronic conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease. Physiotherapists can work with patients to develop a comprehensive management plan that includes exercise, education, and lifestyle changes. The goal is to help patients manage their condition and improve their overall health and well-being.
· Sports Performance Enhancement
Physiotherapy can be used to enhance sports performance in athletes. Physiotherapists can work with athletes to develop a personalized training program that focuses on strength, flexibility, and injury prevention. They may also provide advice on nutrition and hydration to help athletes perform at their best.
· Mental Health Benefits
Physiotherapy can also have mental health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety. Physiotherapists may use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and meditation, to help patients manage stress and improve their mental well-being. They may also provide education on the connection between physical and mental health.
At Body and Sole Physiotherapy, we believe that physiotherapy is an essential component of optimal health and wellness. Our team of highly trained physiotherapists is dedicated to providing personalized care to each and every patient. We use evidence-based techniques and modalities to help our patients achieve their goals and live their best lives.
If you are interested in learning more about physiotherapy and how it can benefit you, please contact us today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness!
Misconception about Iliotibial Band Syndrome
After working many years as a Physiotherapist I encountered a lot of patients/people suffering from Iliotibial Band Syndrome either from Athletes or ordinary working class people. They will usually complaints of pain from their hip/buttocks area to the lateral thigh to the lateral part of the knee. They will be either positive in Ober’s test or can be negative in the test as well. They will have tenderness upon palpation on the ITB.
For sometime, ITB Syndrome has been considered a ‘friction syndrome’ with the ITB thought to cause friction on the structures beneath it, leading to pain. More recent research however suggests that ITB pathology is more likely to involve compression of sensitive structures beneath the ITB rather than friction. This distinction is important as it has influenced treatment which has been targeted at stretching the ITB (to reduce friction) and steroid injections to reduce inflammation (e.g. in the bursa).
The ITB is a strong, complex structure with multiple attachments along the femur and distally around the knee. It provides stability for both the hip and knee joints and is thought to store and release energy like a spring. Current thinking is that a) you can’t stretch it; and b) you wouldn’t want to anyway!
The main culprit for this is loss of strength and control around the hip are thought to be key in the development of ITB Syndrome, especially weakness in hip abduction and external rotation, and increased hip adduction during loading. Treatment should focus on strengthening hip muscles especially Hip abductors, External Rotators and Extensors. Here are some of the exercises people can do at home.
Rehabilitation Protocols should be strengthening exercises of the hip, modify or reduce excessive activities, Education and Reassurance of patients. Physiotherapist like myself can definitely help with this condition and it is crucial to seek medical help during the early course of the syndrome for better outcome.
What I did not learn in PT school
It has been more than 20 years since I graduated from Physiotherapy school and even though I have learned all the skills and technical things I need to practice, I found out that majority of learning happened along the way.
Words Matter- The most effective thing we can offer to our patients is reassurance and support. We, as a PT, are in the perfect position to reassure our patients, encourage them and empower them. We have the incredible opportunity to help them re-write their story in a way that benefits them. Through our dialogue, we can help them shift their perspective, feel more confident and become more resilient.
Uncertainty- We, PT’s usually do not have all the answers to your questions. We will always try our best but the best we can do is to guide you to where you want to be.
Physiotherapy is a customer service profession. It is our job to help take people where they want to be, not where we think that they should be. If a patient wants to be able to do something, it is our job to help them get there, not to tell them that they can’t. If they want to run marathon again, we try to help them with that goal in a realistic way.
Know your patients- If we want to be an effective Physiotherapist, we need to build a relationship with our patients that is set on a foundation of genuine interest, compassionate caring and empathetic love. In the most basic terms, we need to get to know our patients and actually care about them so that they feel comfortable and compelled to invest their time, energy and effort [not to mention money] into letting us help them.
We cannot help everybody- I might not be the right Physiotherapist for everyone and as much as I do not want to accept it, despite my best efforts, I won’t be able to help everybody I treat. There are some people who, for one reason or another, might need something else, whether that be a surgical procedure or another kind of therapeutic discipline (e.g. mental health). However, even if I can’t help someone in the “healthcare” sense, I can, without a doubt, leave them better off for having met me. In everything that I do, strive to make people better, even if that just bringing a smile to their face or giving them a few minutes of undivided attention.
After 20 years of practice I realized that the best knowledge I acquired are not from school but from each and every patients I met. I am hoping that as I practice more I will learn more things that we cannot find in any physiotherapy books
The Truth about Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy refers to the breakdown of collagen in a tendon. This causes burning pain in addition to reduced flexibility and range of motion. Although there are some inflammatory biochemical and cells involved in tendinopathy, it is not considered to be a classic inflammatory response. Anti-inflammatories may help if you have very high pain levels but it is unclear what effect they have on the actual cells and pathology. Tendinopathy is a very common injury due to vulnerability of tendons to repetitive and wear and tear injury. The most common types are Tendinopathy of the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, Rotator cuff tendinopathy, Achilles Tendinopathy and Quadriceps Tendinopathy. The wrist extensors and the Rotator Cuff are the most overuse tendon of the upper extremity while the Achilles and Quadriceps tendon are in the lower extremity.
Tendinopathy can be caused by many different risk factors. The main factor is a sudden change in certain activities – these activities include 1) those that require the tendon to store energy (i.e. walking, running, jumping), and 2) loads that compress the tendon. Some people are predisposed because of biomechanics (e.g. poor muscle capacity or endurance) or systemic factors (e.g. age, menopause, elevated cholesterol, increased susceptibility to pain, etc). Predisposed people may develop tendon pain with even subtle changes in their activity.
Tendinopathy does not improve with rest – the pain may settle but returning to activity is often painful again because rest does nothing to increase the tolerance of the tendon to load but Modifying load is important in settling tendon pain. This often involves reducing (at least in the short-term) abusive tendon load that involves energy storage and compression.
Exercise is the most evidence-based treatment for tendinopathy – tendons need to be loaded progressively so that they can develop greater tolerance to the loads that an individual needs to endure in their day-to-day life. In a vast majority of cases (but not all) tendinopathy will not improve without this vital load stimulus whereas it rarely improves long term with only passive treatments such as massage, therapeutic ultrasound, injections, shock-wave therapy etc. Exercise is often the vital ingredient and passive treatments are adjuncts. Multiple injections in particular should be avoided, as this is often associated with a poorer outcome.
Exercise needs to be individualised. This is based on the individual’s pain and function presentation. There should be progressive increase in load to enable restoration of goal function whilst respecting pain. Lastly, Tendinopathy responds very slowly to exercise. You need to have patience, ensure that exercise is correct and progressed appropriately, and try and resist the common temptation to accept ‘short cuts’ like injections and surgery. There are often no short cuts.
Why Do Muscles Feel Tight?
Why do muscles feel tight? Does that mean they are short? That they can’t relax? And what can you do about it?
Here are some of my thoughts about why muscles feel tight and what to do about it.
When I was in Physiotherapy school, my textbook will describe Tightness as a condition in which there is Limitation of movement in a particular joint due to a shortened muscle. It is the right definition for sure but as I saw a lot of my patients with complaints of muscle tightness and stiffness with no definite objective finding I started to think that muscle tightness or stiffness could be a feeling of not being relaxed.
This ambiguity means that the feeling of tightness is just that – a feeling – which is not the same thing as the physical or mechanical property of excess tension, or stiffness, or shortness. You can have one without the other.
For example, I have many patients tell me their neck or shoulder feel tight, but they can easily lift their arms all the way up or bend their neck fully. I also have patients whose hamstrings don’t feel tight at all, and they can barely get their hands past their knees. So the feeling of tightness is not an accurate measurement of range of motion nor is it an accurate reflection of the actual tension or hardness of a muscle or existence of knots.
So why would a muscle feel tight even if it physically loose?
I think we can use pain as an analogy. Pain can exist even in the absence of tissue damage, because pain results from perception of threat and perception does not always match reality. Pain is essentially an alarm, and alarms sometimes go off even when there is no real danger. Perhaps it is the same in the feeling of tightness. The feeling happens when we unconsciously perceive that there is threatening condition in the muscles that needs a movement correction. So what is the threatening condition that a feeling of tightness is trying to warn us about. It could be the absence of adequate rest or inadequate blood flow to the muscle. It can also be staying in a position for prolonged period of time. With this in mind, I think of the feeling of tightness is perhaps a pain too mild to deserve being called pain. But it is definitely bothersome and it push us to change our resting posture, or move around or stretch.
So how can we cure tightness? Here are some ways to do:
1. Stretching- We stretch muscles that have remained in a short position for a while, and this usually makes us feel immediately better. But, as noted above, most people who suffer from chronic tightness have already tried and failed at this strategy, which suggests the issue is less about bad mechanics and more about increased sensitivity. This would of course make sense if the root of the problem was short or adhered tissues. But if the root problem is in fact increased sensitivity, then aggressive stretching might just make the problem worse. On the other hand, stretching can often have an analgesic and relaxing effect.
2. Soft Tissue work- There are various soft tissue treatments like deep tissue massage, Foam rolling, Graston and ART intended to lengthen short tissues, break adhesions, or melt fascia. These techniques will not lengthen tissues but it could decrease the sensitivity and make some feel less tight as well as increase blood circulation to the area.
3. Motor Control for Muscle Tightness- Motor control pertains to change of habits or posture. Improvement of posture, change position every few minutes and always be conscious of muscle tension.
4. Exercise and Strength Training- Full range of motion strength train increase flexibility, perhaps more than stretching. It creates local adaptations in muscle that may improve endurance and make them less likely to suffer metabolic distress and exercise also has an analgesic effect and can lower levels of inflammation that cause nervous system sensitivity.
Conclusion:
When you feel stiff, remember it is a feeling, and not necessarily a physical condition of shortness that needs an aggressive structural solution. Like other feelings, you feel it more when you are sensitive. And like other forms of sensitivity, it will go down if you improve your overall fitness, strength, awareness, motor control and health.
To ice or not to ice after an injury?
Ice is an extremely hot (or rather, cool) topic in sports medicine and acute injury rehab, and for good reason. The way we treat injuries is continually changing based on the most up to date research. Due to this, it’s no wonder there is confusion around whether ice is good, bad or indifferent for injuries.
When someone rolls their ankle, most of us instinctively grab an ice pack. When we see professional athletes get injured, they’re wrapped in ice before they’ve even made it off the field. Ice appears to be an ingrained part of the acute injury management process, but does this align with the latest research?
The earliest documentation of ice as part of the acute injury management protocol dates back to 1978 when the term RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) was coined by Dr Gabe Mirkin (1). His intention behind using ice was to minimise the inflammatory response in an attempt to accelerate healing. This initial protocol became deeply rooted in our culture and for 20 years we were ‘RICE-ing’ injuries before P was included for protection (PRICE). 14 years later, POLICE (Protection, Optimal Loading, Ice, Compression, Elevation) replaced PRICE (2).
The reason for the changes?
Research has since identified that ‘Optimal Loading’ (OL) aids recovery through cell regeneration induced by light mechanical loading in the early stages. Subsequently, Rest (R) or a lack of movement is detrimental to recovery (3).
But what about ice?
There is certainly a consensus throughout the literature that ice acts as a great analgesic (pain numbing agent) by cooling the skin’s temperature. However, the impact on underlying muscles is non-existent, as muscle temperature remains unchanged from topical ice application. What we are much less certain of now then we were in 1978, is it’s healing properties. Anecdotally (and likely due to the analgesic effect) most people report ice makes injuries “feel better”, at least in the short-term. But what impact does immediately icing an injury have in the mid to long-term?
In 2014, Dr Mirkin acknowledged changes in the research and, as any evidence-based scientist would, retracted ice from his initial protocol. He stated that coaches had been using his “’RICE‘ guideline for decades, but now it appeared that both ice and complete rest may in fact delay healing, instead of helping” (3).
What Dr Mirkin is referring to is the necessary benefits of the inflammation process. When we injure ourselves, our body sends signals out to our inflammatory cells (macrophages) which release the hormone Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF-1). These cells initiate healing by killing off damaged tissue. Although when ice is applied, we may actually be preventing the body’s natural release of IGF-1 and therefore delaying the initiation of the healing process (3).
Ice was finally revoked in 2019 from the injury management process with the latest and most comprehensive acronym: PEACE & LOVE (Protection, Elevation, Avoid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Compression, Education & Load, Optimism, Vascularisation and Exercise) (4).
With all of this new-found evidence on the negatives of icing injuries, it begs the question:
‘If ice delays healing, even if it can temporarily numb pain, should we still be using it?’
Probably not.
I will however caveat this with one thing. While some inflammation may be warranted for recovery, too much or prolonged oedema (swelling) is bad news. Excessive oedema applies unwanted pressure on the tissues, restricts movement, can increase pain and decreases muscle function (5).
This is often seen in severe joint sprains (such as ankle sprains) where swelling is significant enough that range of movement is impeded. Another example is arthrogenic muscle inhibition of the quadriceps following ACL surgery.
In these circumstances ice may be a viable option, as the goal is not to necessarily prevent all swelling, but to limit the extent of it (6). In contrast, muscle tears often elicit less oedema and hence ice is likely not going to be of benefit in the early stages (or at all) during injury management.
So for now, based on the current research, I’d keep ice in the freezer for the most part. As we currently understand it, ice is less important than we once thought. The exception to this rule would be when injuries are severe and in circumstances where swelling will likely be the limiting factor for recovery. In these cases, ice may be beneficial in the early stages only.
What then should be our primary focus?
Encouraging people to return to movement safely again, as soon as it is practical.
The Role of Physiotherapist amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
Covid-19 Pandemic has created havoc in our lives. It has been more than a year now since this pandemic has started and we still has no idea when this will end. Small business like ours has been affected immensely and most people are still confused if Physiotherapy and other healthcare treatment is essential or not.
Physiotherapy care, whether delivered in the ICU, in clinics, in long-term care facilities, through virtual care, in homes, or in outpatient clinics is essential care. As autonomous self-regulated health care professionals bound by a code of ethics, physiotherapists, chiropractors, RMT’s and other regulated healthcare professionals exercise their judgement to act in the best interests of patients and the public to ensure that treatment that could be reasonably delayed is not pursued at the expense of public health precautions. During the pandemic, physiotherapy care has been safely provided across the health system in compliance with all required infection prevention and control measures. Physiotherapy care can and continues to be adapted using alternate delivery approaches, such as virtual care, to manage exposure risks during pandemic restrictions and ensure patients can safely continue treatment.
Many Canadians have had to delay treatments due to the mandatory measures enacted to slow the spread of COVID-19. As a result, the health conditions of many have deteriorated, pain has persisted or increased, mental health has worsened, and preventive or maintenance treatments have not been delivered.
A growing number of Canadians are living with pain and chronic conditions as a result of the surgical backlog created by the delay/postponement of elective surgeries1,2 during the initial phases of the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Post-operative physiotherapy helps patients to recover and return home more quickly.3
The care and treatment offered by physiotherapists is crucial in keeping Canadians healthy and in preventing the need to access urgent or emergency services in-hospital. In addition, research shows that physiotherapy can delay or prevent the need for elective procedures, such as hip and knee replacements, further decreasing the burden on our health care system during a second or third wave.
Care provided by physiotherapists with appropriate safety precautions contributes to the health of Canada’s workforce by helping Canadians stay mobile, healthy, and active contributors to our economy and communities. Further, physiotherapy care has not been a source of community spread.
Uninterrupted access to physiotherapy care in communities supports the wider health care system’s capacity by easing pressure on hospitals and improving recovery trajectory for patients.
In order to keep Canadians safe, physiotherapists and other regulated health care professionals, are trained in, and adhere to, strict infection control practices.
Canadians want to stay healthy and active during the pandemic and the last place Canadians want to be is in-hospital. The early months of 2020 saw a 25 percent decrease in ER visits compared to the same period in 2019