Shockwave Therapy benefits

Shockwave Therapy: Common Conditions It Cures and Its Benefits

Persistent pain like chronic joint or muscle pain restricts you from carrying your day smoothly and often makes you feel lethargic and lousy. Chronic pain requires multiple sessions that can take up to more than 7 weeks to resolve. Not quite intriguing, is it? 

However, what might be compelling to you is the new highly popular SHOCKWAVE THERAPY that we acquire here at PhysioExperts in Kanata! 

WHAT IS SHOCKWAVE THERAPY? 

Shockwave therapy is the most progressive non-surgical technology that helps to heal chronic inflammation, stimulates collagen (which connects and supports tissue), and also breaks up excessive calcium deposits. This therapy has proved to be a great leap of success in multiple disciplines like orthopaedics, physiotherapy, sports medicine, etc. 

WHAT IS THE “MECHANISM OF ACTION” INVOLVED IN SHOCKWAVE THERAPY? 

Shockwave is an acoustic wave that carries the energy of low to high intensity promoting energy to the painful spot on your body. This energy endorses the healing process of the smallest tissue as well as the repairing process of the bones. 

The therapy is initiated in 3 simple steps

  1. Location of the area to be treated

This is done so by using palpation to precisely detect the location of the pain. 

  1. Gel application 

Applying gel helps to transfer the waves efficiently and smoothly.

  1. Therapy initiation

Finally, with utter care, the therapeutic motions of the shockwave machine begin under the supervision of an expert. 

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT OF THE SHOCKWAVE THERAPY? 

There are umpteen benefits of this painless treatment of which some are: 

  • Helps to stimulate blood flow necessary for the regeneration of new healthy cells and tissues
  • Accelerates the repairing and healing process of the scar tissues
  • Controls muscle spasms 
  • Helps consolidate ligament tear and tendon ruptures 
  • Heals chronic inflammation 
  • Breaks excessive calcium deposits 
  • Restoring mobility 
  • Relive pain and relax muscles


WHAT CONDITIONS DOES SHOCKWAVE THERAPY CURE?

Some common conditions for which shockwave therapy used are:

  • Frozen shoulder
  • Shoulder tendonitis and calcifications
  • Achilles Tendon Pain
  • Neck and Back strains
  • Shin splints
  • Muscle trigger points
  • Chronic knee tendinitis
  • Shoulder rotator cuff pain
  • Hamstring tendinitis
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shin splints
  • Hamstring tears
  • Chronic neck pain
  • Chronic back pain
  • Muscle tightness
  • Stress fracture
  • Tennis elbow
  • Jumper’s knee
  • Scar tissue

The effectiveness of shockwave therapy is excellent, typically with a success rate of 90% when combined with exercise therapy. Many times, relief is achieved after just 2 or 3 sessions, with an overall success rate of: 

  • 91% for calcific tendinitis of the shoulder and Achilles tendinopathies
  • 90% for plantar fasciitis
  • 77% for tennis elbow

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF SHOCKWAVE THERAPY? 

Shockwave therapy shows minimal to no side effects but, you may expect mild bruising, swelling, numbness or tingling sensation in the treated area. However, these are all a result of increased blood flow to the injured spot and the constructive repair of damaged tissues, muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. This is a pathway to optimal recovery that is appealing to athletes especially. 

DID YOU KNOW, a consistent course of shockwave therapy could save you from undergoing surgery? 

To know more about Shockwave Therapy Treatment in Ottawa, book an appointment with us at PhysioExperts in Kanata. 

For any concerns, Call Us: 613-672-6000 or drop us an email: info@physioexperts.ca
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Stiff Upper Back

How a Stiff Upper Back Can Spiral into More Issues and What to Do About It?

Is the work-from-home situation turning you into a couch potato due to lack of physical activity? This could be one reason behind the sturdiness of your thoracic spine leading to an unrecognized disrupted posture. 

The neck and the lower back are usually more prone to injuries and common pain as compared to the upper back which over time can turn into something serious. As unusual as the pain to the upper back is, it is also not easy to distinguish the upper back pain from the neck strains. This is why, by the time you realize the pain, it’s a red flag. 

The upper back is the region that lies below the cervical spine (neck) and above the lumbar spine (low back). The upper back is called the thoracic spine, and it is the most stable part of the spine. The range of motions in the upper back is limited because of the thoracic spine’s attachment to the ribs (rib cage). 

Some of the Upper Back Pain Symptoms are: 

The pain in the upper back region does not solely remain in one spot. There occurs: 

If your upper back pain is related to the bones, nerves, or discs of your thoracic spine, your symptoms may also include:

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Pain down the legs
  • Incontinence (bowel and/or bladder leakage) 
  • Numbness or weakness in your legs

Burning Sensation in the Upper Back Region: 

When the upper back pain becomes serious enough to limit your movement, there is a sharp pain and burning sensation localized to one spot along with pain in the neck, shoulder and elsewhere. This is due to the below mentioned two reasons. 

  1. Muscular irritation.

The shoulder girdle is the area where more than 1 bones attach. It is here that a large muscle attaches on our shoulder blade and the back of the rib cage. These large upper back muscles are prone to developing strains or tightness that can be painful and difficult to alleviate. Muscular irritation in the upper back is typically due to either de-conditioning (lack of strength) or overuse injuries (such as repetitive motions).

  1. Joint dysfunction. 

It is either from a sudden injury or a natural degeneration due to ageing, joints in the upper back can dysfunction and cause pain. 

However, you could yourself examine the stage of your pain. There are 3 stages to the pain: 

  1. Stage One: 

It is the pain in the centre of your back though aiming in the upper middle part. There is mild pain and on stretching a little you feel relaxed. 

  1. Stage Two: 

Now, the pain has elevated and you will feel it when you move quickly or even sneeze. If you are not sure if the pain associated with it is regarding the same issue, you can test so by taking a deep breath. 

  1. Stage Three: 

By this point, you are going to feel the pain so intense just as if it were a burning sensation by doing the simplest of the tasks or even by doing nothing! 


Exercises to Relieve Upper Back Pain:

To relieve upper back pain, try these simple home remedies: 

  • Gentle stretches
  • Ice to reduce pain and swelling
  • Heat to improve mobility and ease stiffness 


Exercises to improve posture and pain:

  • Imagery. 

Imagine there’s a cord passing through your body from ceiling to floor. Now imagine someone pulling that cord upward, slightly lifting your chest and ribcage.

  • Chin tuck.

Sit in a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Your shoulders should be relaxed and down. Now pull your chin in toward your neck. Count to five, then relax. Repeat 10 times.

  • Shoulder blade squeeze.

Put your hands on your thighs and keep your shoulders down, roughly at chin level. Slowly squeeze your shoulder blades together. Count to five, then relax. Repeat three or four times.

  • Upper back stretch.

Raise your right arm to shoulder level, directly in front of you. Bend your arm at the elbow and grasp that elbow with your left hand. Now gently pull it across your chest and hold for it 20 seconds. Repeat three times on each side. 

How Serious is an Upper Back Pain? 

Most cases of the upper back are not due to a serious underlying cause, but in some cases, it may be caused by an infection or from the compression of the spinal nerves further leading to spinal instability. With serious upper back pain, comes serious underlying symptoms. These may include, radiating pain or pins-and-needles tingling in the chest or abdomen, fever or chills, reduced coordination, problems walking, or severe headache. 

This brings us to conclude that DO NOT unsee or neglect any pain in the back as with time, the condition may get serious which might as well not be related to muscles or bones. 

Get an analysis as to what is causing you back pain and get a permanent solution to it at PysioExperts, Kanata. 

For any questions regarding Upper Back Pain, Call Us at 613-672-6000 or drop us an email: info@physioexperts.ca Book an appointment today with one of our experts and get the solution to all of your problems!  Follow Us Facebook | Twitter |Instagram

WHAT DOES PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY MEAN?

Children are the future, which means it is important that they get not only the right treatment but the best treatment. Working with children is often exciting, challenging, and enriching. Physiotherapists entering the field of pediatrics need to be prepared to adapt to the techniques that they have learned in relationship to adults to the ever-changing needs of the growing child. The physiotherapist must be able to communicate his/her observations, assessments, and treatment plans to the child, his parents, or other members of the family.

PAEDIATRIC THERAPY 

Paediatric therapy is crucial for children with neurological complications and fine or gross motor problems related to growth and development. The treatment is designed to educate the family so that they too can-do simple exercises at home with their child to help facilitate and improve the outcomes of the treatment. paediatrics therapy includes any kind of treatment provided to children for their well-being. Children are not just mini-adults but they also function differently, move differently, and think differently. Because of this, kids and children will benefit from seeing a physical therapist who has years of experience in paediatrics. 

The physiotherapist will mainly focus on activities/exercises like rolling, crawling, and walking. Treatment is customized based on the unique needs of every child and their family. Paediatric physiotherapists help children to achieve their optimal physical development. Treatment may involve soft tissue massage, mobilization, stretching, specific therapeutic exercises, and posture education. Therapists encourage children to move to the best of their abilities through play and age-appropriate fun and instructions.

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY TECHNIQUES FOR INFANT AND YOUNG CHILDREN

The importance of play activities cannot be overstated. It is a vessel through which the child regains skill lost as a result of illness or injury. In paediatric physiotherapy, arm exercises may be combined with ball works or drawing pictures on a large sheet of paper on the wall. Leg exercises may be combined with touching well-placed objects with the toes. Any exercise may be reinforced by using an action song. Standing may be encouraged by placing an attractive activity on a suitable height surface. 

Movement may be encouraged by fetching and carrying games, e.g shopping. Obstacle courses provide endless possibilities for the therapist and fun for the child. The child should not be allowed to become bored. The therapist should try to keep activities simple and have a selection to choose from and if the first one fails or fades out quickly, they should be ready with the next one. 

PAEDIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY EXERCISES FOR OLDER CHILDREN 

From about the age of seven, children’s awareness of their bodies has matured enough to enable them to co-operate more actively in their paediatric physiotherapy treatment. They have sufficient body and spatial awareness to be able to carry out simply explained exercises and activities. The therapist should plan several short activities lasting 5 to 10 minutes. They could allow time to play as a reward between or after therapeutic activities. They should always explain to the child what is expected of him. Parents who are not present during paediatric physiotherapy treatment need to be kept informed about their child’s treatment, their progress, and any treatment that should be continued at home. A lot of the exercises can also be done at home, including strength training. It has cardiovascular and neuromuscular benefits, along with psychological and fitness benefits. Some other fun exercises can be:

  • Playing catch with a medicine ball, and moving the location of where to throw and the level from which the ball is thrown;
  • Hanging from a swinging bar and lifting legs to knock over objects; or
  • Rolling or crawling up and down inclines

HOW PHYSIOEXPERTS CAN HELP

The specialists at PhysioExperts are trained to assist you in performing certain difficult tasks which will include exercises and stretching. We have extraordinary facilities with world-class equipment that can help address all sorts of problems related to movement and restore the normal functioning of the body. If you or someone you know is looking for a good pediatrician in the Kanata area, then PhysioExperts Rehabilitation Clinics is the place to be. We have trained physiotherapists who have years of experience in pediatrics physiotherapy Kanata has seen in the last few years. We are your complete solution to all physiotherapy needs. For more information, check out our reviews.

THE ROLE OF PHYSICAL THERAPIST IN GERIATRIC PHYSIOTHERAPY

Elderly people lose their body strength, mobility, flexibility, and movement due to aging. Geriatric physiotherapy treatment offers preventive and curative measures to protect and enhance the quality of life of senior people. Physiotherapy for old people offers a chance to improve mobility & balance, build strength, boost confidence in their physical condition, boosts joint range, and enhances strength & flexibility which leads to a better and enhanced lifestyle. 

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE ELDERLY

As we age, our body goes through several deteriorating changes leading to a decrease in strength in the muscles which affects mobility and flexibility. We experience changes in social and emotional functioning, affecting our quality of life and general well-being. Providing physical therapy to senior people can often be very challenging as it involves patients with a mix of problems like neurological, musculoskeletal, and other problems often found in the same person. Geriatric physiotherapy helps aged people to improve their physical balance and strength, as well as to keep them active. Geriatric care is pertinent as it involves a pattern of preventive and intervening measures to provide the care and support essential to improve and manage functional independence and the quality of life. 

Geriatric physiotherapy for older people aims to help seniors maintain functional independence and overall well-being. With some exercises, older people can regain strength and movement and their lives can become easier with increased movement and flexibility. The following exercises can help elderly people improve strength and balance:

  1. Single limb stance

It’s best to start with a simple balance exercise for seniors. Here’s how you do this one: stand behind a steady, solid chair (not one with wheels), and hold on to the back of it. Lift your right foot and balance on your left foot. Hold that position for as long as you can, then switch feet. The goal should be to stand on one foot without holding onto the chair and hold that pose for up to a minute.

  1. Walking heel to toe 

You might read this and wonder, “How is walking an exercise to improve balance?” This exercise makes your legs stronger, which enables you to walk without falling. Put your right foot in front of your left foot so that the heel of your right foot touches the top of the toes of your left foot. Move your left foot in front of your right, putting your weight on your heel. Then, shift your weight to your toes. Repeat the step with your left foot. Walk this way for 20 steps.

  1. Standing on one leg

Balance disorders are among the leading contributors to injuries in elderly people. Thus, learning to stay balanced is important to avoid harm. This doesn’t necessarily involve performing difficult movements. To get started, you can hold onto a chair or other support fixture and balance on one leg. The aim here is to maintain the center of gravity of your ankle. After some time, switch to the other side. The basic physical therapy exercise for the elderly helps to provide a baseline idea of how strong your sense of balance currently is.  

  1. Agility ladder exercise

Ladder drills are popular with professional soccer and football athletes for increasing agility, speed, and quickness. The players run down a flat ladder (usually made with rope or tape), and step in and out of the ladder as quickly as they can. Agility ladder exercises for seniors are a modified version of the athletic drills. They can be categorized as advanced balance exercises for seniors.

HOW WE CAN HELP

The specialists at Physio Experts are trained to assist you in performing certain difficult tasks which will include exercises and stretching. We have facilities with world-class equipment that can help address all sorts of problems related to movement and restore the normal functioning of the body. If you’re in the Kanata area and are looking for geriatric physiotherapy for senior people, please do visit Physio Experts as we offer individualized physiotherapy services that help our clients get the best quality treatment. Physio Experts Physiotherapy Centre is a Kanata-based clinic providing one-on-one appointments with registered physiotherapists. Our team strives to deliver the highest quality of care. For more information, check out our reviews.

COVID-19: Our responsibility as physiotherapists

The novel coronavirus is the biggest disruption we have ever experienced in the world. 

People are getting anxious and are unaware and lack clarity on this changing situation. As a responsible physiotherapy clinic in Ottawa, PhysioExperts team would like to share important information with everyone. Please take time to read and share with your colleagues, friends and family.

Since March 2020, the province of Ontario has witnessed over 19,000 positive cases with an average number of 400 cases coming daily. This is a serious problem and we would like to promote social distancing as the first step to stop this pandemic. The objective is to reduce the spread and delay its transmission to the peak and reduce the number of cases over time to relieve the pressure on the healthcare system.

According to the WHO report the incubation of the virus is somewhere between 1 and 14 days with symptoms most likely emerging after the 5th day. Therefore, healthcare professionals are promoting 14 days of self-isolation. So, it’s important to stay protected at all times. It’s very important that you follow proper hand hygiene, follow social distancing and make use of your Personal Protective Equipment(PPE)  applicable to prevent the spread of infection. 

Hand hygiene is equally important to reduce the infection from spreading. Wash your hands with soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. The reason is, the virus can stay in your hands for more than 30 minutes, which is enough to make your sick. In case of emergencies, always exercise caution and wear surgical hand gloves and a face mask. Use an alcohol-based sanitizer if you don’t have immediate access to soap and water. 

We only promote the right information and always try to stop the spread of the virus as well fake news. Stay home and stay safe.