Osteoarthritis

Table of content:

  1. What is Osteoarthritis?
  2. What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?
  3. What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
  4. What are the 4 stages of osteoarthritis?
  5. What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?

1. Osteoarthritis – What is it? How does it develop?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that can start with no obvious reason. Degeneration of the cartilage on the ends of bone begins to degrade, thin and can disappear. Though the degeneration begins in the cartilage, osteoarthritis can affect the joint capsule, ligaments, muscles and underlying bone. The leading cause of osteoarthritis is physical inactivity in people over the age of 65 years of age, as cartilage needs moderate load through physical activity to regenerate itself.

Previously thought of Wear and tear disease which was completely wrong. Osteoarthritis = Joint failure.

Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in the hips, knees, wrist, hands and fingers.

How does a healthy knee joint look like?

     

To provide an example, let’s talk about the largest joint in our body and see how a healthy knee joint looks. The knee joint basically gets us moving every day as it allows the knee to extend and bend back and forth. As you can see in the left image, the knee joint is made up of cartilage, bone, fibrous articular capsule, synovial articular capsule, and ligament.

Fundamentally, cartilage doesn’t contain any blood supply; however, a lot of recent studies show that lack of physical activity, obesity, and sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of osteoarthritis around weight-bearing joints like hip, knee, and spine. cartilage damage happens leading to stiffness, pain, inflammation, and restricted joint movement.

Synovial fluid keeps the Cartilage nourished. With proper motion, cartilage can regenerate.

How do you know if you have osteoarthritis?

The most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain around the joints. To understand the condition better, you should observe the following symptoms and connect with your physiotherapist or family doctor for a clinical assessment and diagnosis coupled with an effective physiotherapy treatment plan.

According to the Arthritis Society, arthritis affects over 6 million Canadians. Over 20% of the population age 15 and older are having difficulties with activities of daily living. Arthritis causes pain, inflammation, and it can affect one or multiple joints at once.

People who suffer from osteoarthritis are observed reporting soreness and stiffness around joints, decreased range of motion, and pain or swelling around the joint. Contact our highly trained physiotherapist for an assessment today!

2. What is the difference between osteoarthritis and arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are just different types of arthritis that share similar characteristics but are different due to the cause behind the joint symptoms. Osteoarthritis is developed because of Overloading, Injury, Muscle weakness or physical inactivity whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that may affect multiple joints in the body.

The speed of onset in rheumatoid arthritis is comparatively faster or rapid in nature, ranging from over weeks to months. On the other hand, osteoarthritis is slower and its symptoms can sometimes come and go. For more information on arthritis, read the blog here.

3. What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

It is reckoned that all forms of arthritis cause a bit of pain around the joints. Soreness, stiffness, tenderness, and pain are supposed to be the most common symptoms reported by patients suffering from osteoarthritis. A feeling of discomfort and lack of motion is also identified to be a prominent symptoms of osteoarthritis.

The stiffness in the joint is most likely to be experienced in the morning or after long hours of a break but fortunately, physiotherapy exercises can act as a driving force to get you out of that pain. Our physiotherapists at BeActive will perform an in-depth physical assessment of all the joints in the body followed by a customized, effective, and productive physiotherapy treatment plan for pain management, improve range of motion and increasing strength

The feeling of instability or looseness or an urge of giving away are all red flags to be considered for an assessment. Don’t suffer in pain, call us today.

4. What are the four stages of osteoarthritis?

Stage 1: Minor

  • Least severe stage of OA
  • feel little to no pain 
  • very minimal damage to the cartilage 
  • little bone spur growth 

Stage 2: Mild

  • show more bone spur growth 
  • start to show some symptoms of joint pain, affected area will start to feel stiff after long sedentary periods 

Stage 3 – Moderate 

  • joint becomes inflamed and starts causing discomfort during normal daily activities
  •  obvious erosion to the cartilage surface between bones and fibrillation narrows the gap between the bones. 

Stage 4 – Sevre 

  • most painful 
  • cartilage is almost completely gone, leading to an inflammatory response 
  • The joint space between the bones are considerably reduced, causing the cartilage to wear off, leaving the joint stiff. 

5. What are the treatment options for osteoarthritis?

Treatment of osteoarthritis aims at reducing the key symptoms and improving joint function with adequate education, proper exercises, and a weight-reduction plan if required. Physiotherapy and exercises are considered to be the best relief options when it comes to the treatment of osteoarthritis, according to studies.

All physiotherapists at BeActive Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville are proactive and dedicated to patient health. Our committed team of physiotherapists ensures that patient health goals and needs are met, with a proper detailed assessment, and by creating an individual physiotherapy treatment program that suits them the best.

Each member of our team understands the impact of joint functions can have on your daily life. As a result, we at BeActive ensure to provide all our services to help our patients to tackle their key symptoms to restore and regain their strength.

 

As mentioned earlier, education, exercise and weight control are considered to be the first line of treatment. Physiotherapists can help you learn the neuromuscular exercise with right alignment.  

Patients with Moderate Osteoarthritis will benefit with First + Second line treatment to provide relief, Improving ROM, Increase strength. Second line can be complemented with TENS, manual therapy, orthotics, Brace  and Walking aids. 

Only for those with extreme symptoms and later stages of Osteoarthritis, surgery is suggested.

Read more about our team here and learn more about our services here. Check out some simple but effective exercises for osteoarthritis treatment for educational purposes on our website here.

Physiotherapy in Oakville

Looking for physiotherapy in Oakville? Look no further! BeActive loves Oakville and Oakville community and, we take pride in being part of the Oakville community. BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville aims to Restore, Recover, and Regain strength, mobility, and function of your body. If you are looking for Physiotherapy Services in Oakville, we can help!

We have a highly trained and experienced team of physiotherapists who are committed and dedicated to working with you on your recovery journey. We offer Physiotherapy treatment services and massage therapy treatments to get you back on your feet.

Ready to feel better? BeActive Physiotherapy in Oakville is here to help!

Book an appointment today. 

BeActive is a multidisciplinary physiotherapy clinic in Oakville and we have a professional team of physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, massage therapists, Kinesiologist, and Pedorthist. Our team has wealth of diverse and valued experience within the industry which allows us to tailor our services to the local community of Oakville.

Our physiotherapy services in Oakville cover a wide range of issues and problems like Sports rehabilitation, osteoarthritis, joint pain, balance or gait disorders, work injuries or TMJ Dysfunction, and many more. To check out all our services provided at our Oakville clinic, please click here.

Throughout our time in Oakville, we have developed a strong reputation and connections with the community to understand our clients better and provide them with a customized treatment plan.

We understand the importance of everyday body functions and as a result, we, at BeActive work hard to help our clients overcome any discomfort, pain, or after surgery rehabilitation. No matter the complexity of the condition, our team is committed to getting you back on your

In her own words

“Words and ratings cannot speak enough of the regard, appreciation, and professionalism, for this highly qualified team!

As a nurse, runner, and training for a 1/2 marathon, it was crucial to address my acute issues, in order to continue training. From the onset, PT Milay was informative, supportive, and as an athlete himself, acknowledged and planned my treatment plan accordingly with expertise, physiotherapy assessments, and ongoing teaching, pivotal to my ability to continue to run without pain or mobility issues. The experience was seamless, with easy accessibility to the clinic & no wait time appointments. Very grateful to this team and would not hesitate to refer or return for any needed follow-ups! Thanks again and now confident, will be able to improve my PB for the upcoming marathon!

She then completed my 1/2 marathon in Vancouver- Seawheeze and it was incredible but more importantly pain-free thanks to my PT- Milay!!! See u at the Oakville 1/2!

Deborah Doucette

How can our physiotherapists help you? 

Our customized physiotherapy treatments can be offered to people from every walk of life. Because everybody is different, suffer from different level of pain, or with a different type of condition, physiotherapy treatments are different too! Our physiotherapists will assess your particular condition, level of challenges and plan your physiotherapy treatment strategy which will be the most efficient.

The physiotherapist may decide to use soft tissue release, joint mobilization, dry needling, exercise therapy, ultrasound, or shockwave therapy all based on your condition and its severity. If you are able to, the physiotherapist will also recommend simple at-home exercises, walking, swimming, or cycling to assist with mobilization and strengthening.

Our Approach

Everyone deserves and strives for an active, healthy, and pain-free life. However, unfortunately, it is not always how things go. People who suffer from chronic pain are the most uncomfortable and they thought of it, scares us all. Exercising can be even more stressful and painful if you are suffering from an injury or after surgery.

Our Rockstar physiotherapists in Oakville clinic can help you achieve your optimum level of health and strength. Our highly trained physiotherapists are movement professionals and are trained to assess the root cause of your pain through a variety of diagnostic techniques. During the evaluation, we will examine the range of motion, strength, joint mobility, and mechanics of your joint motion to better evaluate and prescribe the treatment, exercises, and therapy.

How do we treat? 

It is commonly preconceived that physiotherapy treatments are only for people who are recovering from a surgery or injury. At BeActive, we treat using different techniques depending on the condition’s severity which can include, manual therapy, dry needling, manual traction, ultrasound, taping, and many more. Our state-of-the-art facility in Oakville is equipped with several tools to help our clients relieve their pain.

Your treatment plan will likely include several different therapies, all aimed at helping a specific function of your body. Some exercises may focus on improving your balance and strength, while others may focus on increasing your range of motion. Our physiotherapy in Oakville clinic team will work alongside you to ensure that you are best supported and will ensure the best possible results and outcomes are achieved.

Where and how do I start? 

Are you in pain? Do you wake up every morning with some nagging pain? Looking for physiotherapy in Oakville? For most people, pain comes and goes however, pain killers are not always the answer. Physiotherapy can help you treat the condition altogether. If you are in Oakville or surrounding areas and require physiotherapy services, look no further! BeActive Physiotherapy in Oakville and our team would be more than happy to help you.

Contact us today to request an appointment through a simple form here or call us at 905.849.9119. We will be happy to meet with you and help you start your journey to recovery. If you are experiencing extreme pain and are unable to book an appointment at the clinic for any reason, we also have online physiotherapy.

What if you’re experiencing pain, but CAN’T come to the BeActive Oakville clinic? 

We can help even if you are remote or stuck or are unable to visit the clinic. Don’t go crazy over searching Google non-stop just to find out something that you don’t even have!

Our physiotherapist will be more than happy to get you moving once again. How does online physiotherapy work? Read more here!

Discover how you can become healthier, stronger, and more active with physiotherapy

Maintaining a healthy, active and joyful life doesn’t come easy, it requires your dedication and commitment. Some people mask their symptoms or try to treat them temporarily with anti-inflammatory drugs or pain killers, but there is, fortunately, a simpler and healthier solution to treating your pain.

BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville clinic strives to offer the clients a safe, clean, and quiet space to work on their conditions and physiotherapy treatment plans which can help achieve measurable results. At BeActive, we also acknowledge how essential everyday body functions are, and therefore, we want to help our clients get better with our services and physiotherapy treatments.

What to expect?

If you are looking for physiotherapy in Oakville, look no further. BeActive Physiotherapy & Wellness Clinic in Oakville shows in a chart on what to expect when booking an appointment with us.

Pain and restricted movement can be frustrating!

Ready to Relieve Pain the Natural Way? Say Goodbye to drugs with physiotherapy treatments at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville.

Visit our Oakville Clinic Today!

Types of Physiotherapy

Table of Content 

Move Better With Physiotherapy! 😊 

BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville offers a wide range of physiotherapy services and treatments to treat all types of pain caused by different conditions or injuries. We have always been dedicated to our local community of Oakville to help them regain, restore and revive their health and fitness. At BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville, you will get personalized care from our experienced team of physiotherapists at every step of the way. 

Get back to doing what you love! Contact our Oakville clinic today and book an appointment today.

Physiotherapy’s benefits have been known for a long time now as it helps individuals with myriad benefits which can range from active and pain-free life with increased mobility and bodily functions to a healthy lifestyle. However, there are several types in which physiotherapy can be branched into to be offered to various individuals. Therefore, in this post, we will cover different types of physiotherapy.

What are the different types of physiotherapy?

1. Physiotherapy for Sports Injuries 

Who doesn’t love to engage in sports, outdoor activities, or exercises? You don’t have to be an expert or an athlete when it comes to playing sports however, sometimes unfortunate incidents result in sports injuries. Sports injuries may occur while performing any athletic activity, it may be weight lifting at the gym or swinging golf driver.

We, at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville, take pride in treating sports injuries. We care for our community in Oakville and offer tailored physiotherapy treatments for different patients with sports injuries. Our team of licensed, highly trained, and experienced physiotherapists have designed these type of physiotherapy treatments for a myriad of sports injury patients.

After physical evaluations, they carefully curate a physiotherapy treatment plan tailored to the patient’s condition in order to maximize the impact and improve the results of physiotherapy treatments.

Also read, which types of Sports injuries we treat at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville.

2. Physiotherapy for Musculoskeletal Reasons

Physiotherapy plays a key role in treating and alleviating pain caused by musculoskeletal reasons like back pain, knee pain, arthritis, etc. This type of physiotherapy is also known as Musculoskeletal Orthopaedic Physiotherapy. We at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville place a strong emphasis on treating muscle and joint conditions including neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, ligament sprains, tendon injuries, and many more, and ensure that patients return to their normal and optimal level of function after the physiotherapy treatment.

This type of physiotherapy comprises complete restoration and unrestricted function of the musculoskeletal system of our bodies. Looking to gather more information about this type of physiotherapy, click here.

3. Physiotherapy after a surgery

Rehabilitation and pain management post-surgery is as important as it is pre-surgery. Our team at BeActive Oakville, with their extensive knowledge and experience, focuses on coping up strategies with post-surgery. Post-surgery challenges may include swelling or inflammation, loss of motion, or difficulty in resuming daily activities.

Our team of physiotherapists will help you with a tailored physiotherapy treatment plan of strengthening the body with simple and effective exercises that will help gain back your independence. Through these deliberately created customized treatments, we will make sure that you achieve optimal physical functioning!

Ready to book an appointment?

4. Physiotherapy for Neurological Reasons

Physiotherapy is an imperative part of rehabilitation following neurological problems like stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. That’s why BeActive Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville has a diverse team of experienced physiotherapists!

Physiotherapy treatments help restore movement and regain strength, enabling people with such problems to become more independent. A physiotherapist also advises on exercises and physiotherapy treatment plans to tackle bladder problems, treat tremors, and improve the overall well-being of the patient. BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville Clinic can help.

Don’t suffer in pain, contact us today!

5. Physiotherapy for Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular diseases include conditions that relate to heart and blood circulation which can be a heart attack, stroke, or angina. How Physiotherapy can help? Well, it has been studied that cardiac rehabilitation is effective. It not only improves the overall health with a suitable exercise schedule but puts you back on your feet both physically and mentally. You can see and understand the bone is broken, but cardiac problems take a toll on the patient’s mental health too.

Ready to feel better? BeActive Oakville can help – Contact us today.

6. Physiotherapy for Vestibular Rehabilitation

Do you ever feel unsteady? Or you don’t feel sure-footed? Do you find yourself reaching out for support? If you find yourself answering yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing balance or gait disorder. Vestibular Rehabilitation is the type of physiotherapy that helps people with this type of disorder to regain and restore their body balance. Not many people are aware but, body balance is associated with a fluid present in the inner ear and it plays an important role therefore, it is highly recommended that you don’t ignore these symptoms because they may lead to conditions such as chronic dizziness or vertigo which can result in sudden fall or injury.

If you are experiencing any type of dizziness, nausea, or have improper body balance, BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville Physiotherapists can help! Call today.

Read more about Balance & Gait Disorders here!  

7. Geriatric Physiotherapy

As we get older, our body becomes prominent and prone to several conditions relating to our old age. We provide quality physiotherapy programs and treatments for our seniors in Oakville to prevent these conditions to happen and to manage geriatric symptoms that may be painful. This type of physiotherapy helps them with fitness, recreational activities, and maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. We love our seniors in Oakville and their health, contact us today!

Check out our love for seniors!

8. Physiotherapy after an Acquired Brain Injury (ABI)

Dizziness and headache are common after a traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) or Acquired Brain Injury (ABI). Our licensed physiotherapists at BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville clinic work around the clock to understand, identify and treat these symptoms. Headaches and Concussion can also be triggered after a head injury, sports injury, or acquired brain injury. Moreover, many people may not know this, but headaches can be of different types which develop from varied causes. Don’t let medicines or painkillers be your friend, contact BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville for an assessment and target the root cause of the pain.

Call us today.

9.Physiotherapy for TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint)

TMJ Dysfunction or jaw pain can be frustrating because it hinders everyday functions like speaking and chewing. This painful and debilitating condition can occur because of misalignment of jaws, grinding, posture, or injury but our highly trained physiotherapists can successfully eliminate your symptoms. 

Our physiotherapists assess the root cause of pain and create a treatment plan to help them improve TMJ mobility, reduce muscle tension, strengthen the jaw muscles. In this type of physiotherapy treatment, physiotherapists at BeActive may also prescribe postural training to strengthen postural muscles and adjust your workstation to promote a better body position. 

Read more about how we treat TMJ here. 

Physiotherapy in Oakville

We love Oakville and Oakville Community and we take pride in being part of the Oakville Community. BeActive Physiotherapy Oakville aims to Restore, Recover, and Regain the strength, mobility, and function of your body. If you are looking for Physiotherapy Services in Oakville, we can help! We have a highly trained and experienced team of physiotherapists who are committed and dedicated to working with you on your recovery journey. We offer Physiotherapy treatment services and massage therapy treatments to get you back on your feet.

Ready to feel better? BeActive is here to help. Book an appointment today.

Physiotherapy After Surgery Can Significantly Improve Your Recovery Process

Surgery Coming Up? Physiotherapy Can Help You Get Back to Your Life Faster with a great recovery process!

Facing surgery can be a little scary. Not only are you unsure how the operation itself will go, you may not be clear about what to expect once the anesthesia has worn off. Fortunately, our physiotherapist can walk you through the precise recovery process for your surgery.

Call today to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, these reasons to attend post-surgical rehab will shed some light on how physiotherapy leads to a better recovery.

1. Reducing the amount of scar tissue from surgery

Surgery and scar tissue go hand in hand. Anytime a surgeon has to cut layers of skin, fatty tissue, connective tissue, and muscles, they must repair them as well.

In the process of the body finishing what the surgeon started, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue forms from inflammation and irritation around joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making it difficult for the area to move.

Once scar tissue has formed and solidified, it is difficult and painful to break. The sooner a physiotherapist can help create movement in the area that has been affected by surgery, the less scar tissue will develop, the less pain a person will have during recovery.

Even though physiotherapy is often uncomfortable right after surgery, it is far less painful than waiting to begin rehabilitation.

2. Moving safely and comfortably, as soon as possible

A physiotherapist will often begin the therapy process within 24 hours of surgery. Multiple studies have found that patients who are up and moving right after surgery have faster recovery times than those who are allowed to rest and recover before rehabilitation. Patients who have a knee or hip replacement are required to stand and walk within 24 hours.

Patients who have surgery on other areas of the body are often referred to a physiotherapist even before surgery, so they can begin therapy as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. The sooner you begin rehabilitation after surgery, the faster your recovery, the better your outcome.

3. A physiotherapist is a movement expert

We often forget that a physiotherapist is a medical specialist. Not only have they completed extensive training and education, they are also skilled diagnosticians.

In your first meeting, your physiotherapist will assess your current movement capabilities and discuss your surgical procedure. They will then schedule your post-surgical rehab appointments in a way that is appropriate for your goals and procedure.

Your first thought may be, “It’s too soon!” or “There’s no way I’ll be ready.” Trust their skill, experience and expertise. Committing to physiotherapy the way it is prescribed, with the recommended timing and order, will have you back to optimal health much faster than fighting the process.

Common reasons for surgery

People may require surgery for a variety of reasons.

It may be required to remove diseased tissues, fix a broken bone, implant an electronic device, remove an obstruction or to explore a condition for the purpose of diagnosis.

Common surgeries include appendectomy, Cesarean section, hip replacement, coronary artery bypass, and low back surgery.

Find relief after surgery with passive and active therapies

Once our physiotherapist has isolated the underlying cause of your chronic joint pain, we can prescribe techniques to help you start feeling – and moving – more like your old self.

Physiotherapy for joint pain may start with passive exercises, in which we move the afflicted joint for you to increase its pain-free range of motion.

Exercises that reduce the amount of weight on the joints can also be extremely helpful. For instance, we may recommend swimming or water walking as a means of exercising the hips and knees without also forcing them to bear your full weight.

Other types of exercises can also help you overcome your joint pain while improving joint function. Strengthening exercises help by reinforcing the muscles and connective tissues that serve the joint. Corrective exercises and neuromuscular re-education can help you maintain a straighter, more symmetrical posture.

Last but not least, physiotherapy offers a variety of helpful modalities beyond exercise. We may treat your joint pain with heat, ice, and manual therapies such as massage, just to name a few.

Looking for help? Contact us!

If you are facing surgery, don’t wait to schedule your appointment with a physiotherapist.

Not only will they be able to outline your rehabilitation schedule and recovery process, they may also have valuable insight into things you can do now to prepare for your surgery date.

Call our office today!

Improve Your Balance Today with Core Strengthening Exercises

Become Steady on Your Feet with the Help of Physiotherapy!

Did you know that strengthening your core muscles is related to the development of better balance? It’s true!

When your core muscles are good, they have a better chance of stopping you from suffering chronic lower back pain and other injuries.

They can even stop you from losing your balance or falling over. A strong core helps hold you in an upright position, particularly as you get older and become more at risk of falling and injuring yourself.

If you are interested to learn more about developing a core routine to strengthen your balance, please contact our office. Schedule a meeting with one of our licensed physiotherapists today!

Have you tried the drawing in maneuver?

To start with, stand up straight. Find the right pelvic position by moving your hips forward and backward until you are relaxed. Then take a deep breath and draw your belly button to your spine. Make sure you don’t hold your breath because this isn’t a breathing exercise!

You’re supposed to be able to speak, breathe, and walk around your house with your belly button pulled in. It sounds pretty straightforward on paper, but if you’re older, recovering from injury, or out of shape in general, it’s going to be a little difficult at first.

The goal is to build up your core strength until you can keep your belly button for 30 seconds. Then you can move on to some more demanding core exercises.

If you feel any pain at all from this maneuver, stop right away, as it shouldn’t be painful!

As you build up your core, your physiotherapist will recommend that you move on to more strenuous tasks and workouts that are better suited to your age and capacity.

They range from bridges and planks for more athletic individuals to gentler routines (like yoga) for older individuals. Your therapist will also work with you on clear core activities to help you balance.

Improve your core strength and balance with PT!

You don’t need a bunch of expensive gym equipment to start working on your core strength. In fact, here’s a quick exercise that many physiotherapists will recommend if you’re just starting out. It’s called the “drawing in maneuver,” or if you prefer the less fancy term, “sucking your gut in.”

Contrary to what many believe, it’s not necessary to go out and buy a ton of expensive gym equipment or memberships to work on your core strength. According to the Mayo Clinic, any exercise that involves the use of your abdominal and back counts as a core exercise.

Here is a fast and easy exercise that many physiotherapists recommend to patients who are just beginning to work on theirs. It’s referred to as the “drawing-in maneuver.” We all have probably done it before; ever heard of the phrase “suck your gut in?” This is pretty much the same thing!

What should I know about my core?

Most people believe that when you’re working on your core, you’re just doing abs, but your core muscles are more than just abs! There are two types of core muscles: the inner core and the outer core.

The inner core muscles are attached to the spine. These are the muscles that balance the core and hold it in the correct place. The outer core muscles work together with the inner core muscles when you need to rotate your body to perform much of everyday physical activities.

Core stability has to do with the inner core muscles. These muscles are stabilizing for the spine. Core strength relates to the outer core muscles, and when properly formed, works to help you move about with ease.

Frequent visits with a licensed physiotherapist may be able to help you train your inner and outer core muscles for improved balance and movement!

How balance and core strength complement one another

In total, your body has three systems that help regulate and sustain your balance. The first one is the vestibular system, which is responsible for giving your brain the necessary information it needs about how we move, our head position, motor functions, etc.

The liquid in your inner ear functions as part of this system, sort of like a “carpenter’s balance” to keep you level. If you’ve ever found yourself feeling off-kilter or dizzy, it means that the liquid in the vestibular system is off a bit.

The second balancing system is your visual system. Your eyes send informational signals to your brain regarding your position in relevance to the world around you. The third balancing system is the proprioceptive system, which deals with your core and the muscles in that area.

Your proprioceptive nerves are sensory nerves located all over your body. They make you aware of your posture, as well as aware of where you are positioned compared to things surrounding you.

In order to stay properly balanced, all three of these systems need to be in equilibrium. A weak core is one element that can not only throw off this internal equilibrium but can also make you feel off-balance to the point of falling over.

Improve your balance today!

Physical therapy will help if you have a poor core or are struggling with balance!

Your physiotherapist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your condition, determine your physical ability, and build a personalized care plan to suit your needs.

Please contact BeActive Physiotherapy and arrange a meeting today to get started with a physiotherapist.

Living With Sciatica Pain? Give Physiotherapy Treatment A Try

You Don’t Have to Live in Pain Any Longer

Our bodies are made up of a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Your sciatic nerve is the biggest nerve you have in your body. It stretches from the lumbar spine through the buttocks region, and if there is unnecessary pressure applied to it, it can cause you a world of problems.

Sciatica, also known as “lumbar radiculopathy,” is a very painful condition arising from the inflammation of the sciatic nerve. This kind of pain is commonly felt in the lumbar region and behind the thigh. It is also a common symptom of individuals suffering from sciatica that they feel the pain radiating deep into the lower limbs.

Sciatica can make it painfully hard to bend, walk, and exercise. The most common cause of sciatica is lumbar disc herniation, but it can also be caused by back damage and disc degeneration.

How can physiotherapy benefit me?

Physiotherapy for sciatica is a non-invasive, effective, safe treatment plan that is targeted to the root cause of your pain.

A physiotherapist will devise specialized treatment specific to you and your needs.

Your physiotherapist will help you learn how to prevent sciatica and other pain in the future by teaching you at-home exercises for maintenance.

By practicing good posture, proper body mechanics and staying in good shape, you can also prevent sciatica from occurring again.

What can I expect from a PT treatment plan?

Passive therapy

Passive therapy may include massage therapy, electric therapy, heat therapy, or ultrasound therapy.

All of these different kinds of treatment can help reduce pain, stimulate proper blood circulation and speed up the healing process.

Active therapy

Active therapy includes exercises, specific motions and stretches meant to speed up the healing process and provide pain relief.

Your physiotherapist will educate you on the different stretches and exercises you can do at home for pain relief.

Ultrasound therapy

People typically associate this kind of therapy with pregnant women, but that’s not all ultrasounds are used for! Ultrasound therapy helps relieve pain by sending soothing sound waves into deep tissues for relief.

Massage therapy

Massage therapy helps alleviate sciatic nerve pain. It loosens tight back muscles that may be pressing on the sciatic nerve, and it increases the release of endorphins for pain relief. Heat therapy helps relax muscles and reduce inflammation.

Electrotherapy

Electrotherapy uses electricity to strengthen muscles, reduce pain, increase circulation and improve physical function.

Gentle, pain relief stretches

Physiotherapy will usually use several different forms of care to reduce the pain and symptoms you feel with sciatica. Active therapies, passive treatments, aquatic treatments, and more are available.

On the chance that your physiotherapist finds any weak muscles, you will be given adequate corrective exercises to reinforce your core strength. Not only should these strengthening exercises concentrate on the lower back, but also on the abdominal muscles, hip muscles, and glutes.

All of these exercises help strengthen the spinal column, including tendons, ligaments and supporting muscles, while keeping the spine aligned properly.

The stretching exercises that your physiotherapy will teach you are supposed to target muscles that are stiff and tight.

Hamstring stretching is a normal and essential aspect of the physiotherapy treatment regimen for alleviation of sciatica. A physiotherapist can also be recommended for a curriculum of aquatic exercises. You can exercise comfortably with the buoyancy of the water.

So, how can I tell if I have sciatica?

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.”

Sciatica is typically diagnosed with questions regarding your medical history, alongside a physical exam. Many physiotherapists may also have a CT scan or MRI performed to locate the root cause of sciatica.

A physiotherapist will work with you to:

  • Help you return to normal activities.
  • Improve your flexibility.
  • Improve your range of motion.
  • Reduce sciatica pain.
  • Educate you on how to stand, bend and twist properly so as to prevent future injuries.
  • Increase your strength.

What are you waiting for? Get started today!

If you or a loved one is suffering from sciatica, be sure to contact BeActive Physiotherapy for your personalized appointment with one of our physiotherapists.

A thorough test will be completed, and your physiotherapist will make sure you’re back on your feet in no time at all.

You’re just a phone call away from living a pain-free life—what are you waiting for?

Sources:

Surgery Coming Up? Recover ASAP and Get Back to Normal Life with Pre-Hab

You Can Do A Lot for Yourself by Participating in PT Both Before and After Surgery!

Surgery can be very painful and traumatic for the body to go through, so it’s typically only performed when there are simply no other choices available. If surgery is in the immediate future, you might have already addressed a post-operative physiotherapy appointment with your doctor.

It is incredibly normal (and highly recommended!) to see a physiotherapist during rehabilitation. Without the aid of a physiotherapist, it can be impossible to get back up and move on your own. It also may be beneficial to see one prior to your surgery as well!

This is referred to as pre-habilitation” or “pre-hab.” Pre-hab is a method of consulting with your physiotherapist to brace your body for your upcoming surgery. Pre-hab with a physiotherapist has been shown to minimize recovery time and improve the overall quality and result of the surgery. It’s extremely important, and definitely something everybody can take advantage of!

Contact our office today to talk to a physiotherapist about pre-hab and how it can benefit you before your operation.

What can I expect with a pre-hab plan?

Anyone who has undergone surgery before may relate to the fact that the anticipation of the surgery can leave you feeling very nervous. However, pre-hab services may be able to put your worries to rest.

A pre-surgical recovery program can help not only to be physically prepared but also to be psychologically prepared for your imminent operation. This is a win-win scenario.

Our office will make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists for you. From there, your physiotherapist will do a complete evaluation of your condition, review your medical history, and provide you with an activity plan to make sure you are successful before and after your surgery.

How will pre-hab benefit me?

Pre-hab is a pretty straightforward concept to grasp, but has it been proven successful? The answer is: absolutely!

You can also get out of the hospital following surgery much quicker if you have a few pre-hab sessions. A perfect example of this is seen in patients who have had knee replacement surgery. Patients who had already completed a physiotherapy pre-hab program were able to meet the required discharge criteria much faster than patients who had opted out of pre-hab.

Typically, knee replacement patients may be released after walking a certain distance and ascending several sets of stairs. Patients who met with a physiotherapist prior to surgery may be able to fulfill these criteria much more easily than those who elect not to.

Rehab vs. pre-hab: defined

Pre-habilitation, defined

Pre-hab can help you get a jump start on your recovery process with the help of a licensed physiotherapist. It can also make your surgery more successful! Pre-hab therapy is designed to strengthen your body before your surgery. It also decreases discomfort and inflammation, so your surgeon will have an easier time completing your operation.

Think of pre-hab as an opportunity to “stock up” on your health for later. Even just having a few sessions with your therapist can set you up for better success after your surgery, so that when you’re out of the game for a while after all is said and done, you’ll have more strength to draw on.

Rehabilitation, defined

When you have surgery, it’s expected you’ll feel discomfort and pain afterward. This pain can make you avoid moving in certain ways. You might also have to limit how much you’re moving for a while as well to make sure you’re healing properly.

However, not moving often can cause serious problems over the long term. Your body will experience inflammation and adhesions. You absolutely must move to some degree to prevent these undesirable issues.

There should be no attempts at avoiding rehab after surgery. A physiotherapist may be able to help you learn how to move safely to keep adhesions from forming and combat inflammation. Physiotherapy also improves your strength, so you can return to your normal life quicker.

Get started today!

Please contact BeActive Physiotherapy today to learn more about your pre-hab choices. We’re here to make sure your surgery and recovery time is as quick and comfortable as possible.

Ready to Relieve Pain the Natural Way? Say Goodbye to Drugs with PT

Kick Pain Management Drugs to the Curb Today!

The world we live in today is heavily medicated. Go to any grocery store or pharmacy and you’ll find countless over-the-counter drugs. Doctors also consistently prescribe more extreme pain relievers, including opioids that have been widely abused over the years. Drug abuse is everywhere, and it is an ongoing battle that patients are constantly fighting.

If you’ve ever experienced an injury, you know it can turn your everyday life upside down. If it’s a car accident, a sports-related injury, a workplace injury, or even an unintentional fall, the pain from a sudden injury can make you feel helpless. To fight this, many people resort to pain-relieving medications, such as opioids. However, what many people don’t know is how much more damage these drugs do to their bodies than they realize.

If you’re struggling with chronic pain but don’t want to pump your body full of addictive drugs, you’ll be delighted to discover a better, safer alternative: physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is a natural and effective approach to chronic pain that can make you feel better in the long term. Let’s look at how this kind of natural treatment will boost your quality of life!

You can choose the natural path to pain relief!

Your physiotherapist is going to show you what to do but they don’t have to do all the work! In order for physiotherapy to be effective for you, you have to make an effort.

Our physiotherapists here will take the time to teach you about your pain and the value of maintaining your stretches and workouts at home for long-term relief.

However, at the end of the day, you make the decision to completely partake in your journey to get rid of pain!

How can a physiotherapist help relieve my pain?

Because everybody is different, and the pain levels of everyone are different, physiotherapy procedures must be as well! Depending on your particular condition, your physiotherapy pain treatment strategy may be different from anyone else’s.

Your doctor might decide to use massage therapy, heat, ice, ultrasound, or other therapies to relieve your pain and speed up the healing process if you are dealing with pain from a recent injury.

If you are able to get up and exercise comfortably, a physiotherapist will recommend simple stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling to assist with the mobilization process.

These kinds of physiotherapy are excellent for helping to restore mobility to soft tissues, allowing them to function more freely and comfortably. They are also excellent at keeping arthritic joints mobile and lubricated.

Strengthening exercises can repair and rehabilitate weakened muscles to avoid causing pain. Physiotherapy often includes certain exercises to help strengthen your posture, balance, and gait.

Why YOU should choose physiotherapy

If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, you’ve most likely heard about the dangers opioid medications pose. The nation is currently facing an opioid crisis.

Steroids are another dangerous class of prescription medication and pose many risks and dangers to your health. Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve pain but can cause arthritis in the hips, cataracts, stomach ulcers, elevated blood sugar, and nerve damage stemming from the injection itself.

Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are capable of causing liver problems and bleeding in the stomach, which is worrisome, because many people who don’t even have chronic injuries use these daily.

Physiotherapy can prevent you from having to deal with all of these unpleasant side effects. Some cases of severe pain might still require you to take medication, but physiotherapy helps plenty of patients decrease — or even eliminate — their dependence on pain medication.

Our physiotherapists will use a combination of treatment techniques to help get your pain condition under control, no matter if it’s from an acute injury, or a wound from a recent surgery.

Physiotherapy is a good option for you especially if you’re looking for ongoing chronic pain management that doesn’t include constant drug usage, or if you’re already on other essential medications and you’re worried about how they will interact with your pain meds.

Ready to get started?

It should be clear now that opioids and over-the-counter medications are not the only choices for pain relief.

There are a variety of treatment services available to you via physiotherapy. Our therapists are here, waiting for your call!

Contact BeActice Physiotherapy today to learn more about our natural options and get back to a drug-free, pain-free lifestyle.

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Physiotherapy After Surgery Can Significantly Improve Your Recovery Process

Surgery Coming Up? Physiotherapy Can Help You Get Back to Your Life Faster with a great recovery process!

Facing surgery can be a little scary. Not only are you unsure how the operation itself will go, you may not be clear about what to expect once the anesthesia has worn off. Fortunately, our physiotherapist can walk you through the precise recovery process for your surgery.

Call today to schedule a consultation. In the meantime, these reasons to attend post-surgical rehab will shed some light on how physiotherapy leads to a better recovery.

1. Reducing the amount of scar tissue from surgery

Surgery and scar tissue go hand in hand. Anytime a surgeon has to cut layers of skin, fatty tissue, connective tissue, and muscles, they must repair them as well.

In the process of the body finishing what the surgeon started, scar tissue forms. Scar tissue forms from inflammation and irritation around joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, making it difficult for the area to move.

Once scar tissue has formed and solidified, it is difficult and painful to break. The sooner a physiotherapist can help create movement in the area that has been affected by surgery, the less scar tissue will develop, the less pain a person will have during recovery.

Even though physiotherapy is often uncomfortable right after surgery, it is far less painful than waiting to begin rehabilitation.

2. Moving safely and comfortably, as soon as possible

A physiotherapist will often begin the therapy process within 24 hours of surgery. Multiple studies have found that patients who are up and moving right after surgery have faster recovery times than those who are allowed to rest and recover before rehabilitation. Patients who have a knee or hip replacement are required to stand and walk within 24 hours.

Patients who have surgery on other areas of the body are often referred to a physiotherapist even before surgery, so they can begin therapy as soon as they are discharged from the hospital. The sooner you begin rehabilitation after surgery, the faster your recovery, the better your outcome.

3. A physiotherapist is a movement expert

We often forget that a physiotherapist is a medical specialist. Not only have they completed extensive training and education, they are also skilled diagnosticians.

In your first meeting, your physiotherapist will assess your current movement capabilities and discuss your surgical procedure. They will then schedule your post-surgical rehab appointments in a way that is appropriate for your goals and procedure.

Your first thought may be, “It’s too soon!” or “There’s no way I’ll be ready.” Trust their skill, experience and expertise. Committing to physiotherapy the way it is prescribed, with the recommended timing and order, will have you back to optimal health much faster than fighting the process.

Common reasons for surgery

People may require surgery for a variety of reasons.

It may be required to remove diseased tissues, fix a broken bone, implant an electronic device, remove an obstruction or to explore a condition for the purpose of diagnosis.

Common surgeries include appendectomy, Cesarean section, hip replacement, coronary artery bypass, and low back surgery.

Find relief after surgery with passive and active therapies

Once our physiotherapist has isolated the underlying cause of your chronic joint pain, we can prescribe techniques to help you start feeling – and moving – more like your old self.

Physiotherapy for joint pain may start with passive exercises, in which we move the afflicted joint for you to increase its pain-free range of motion.

Exercises that reduce the amount of weight on the joints can also be extremely helpful. For instance, we may recommend swimming or water walking as a means of exercising the hips and knees without also forcing them to bear your full weight.

Other types of exercises can also help you overcome your joint pain while improving joint function. Strengthening exercises help by reinforcing the muscles and connective tissues that serve the joint. Corrective exercises and neuromuscular re-education can help you maintain a straighter, more symmetrical posture.

Last but not least, physiotherapy offers a variety of helpful modalities beyond exercise. We may treat your joint pain with heat, ice, and manual therapies such as massage, just to name a few.

Looking for help? Contact us!

If you are facing surgery, don’t wait to schedule your appointment with a physiotherapist.

Not only will they be able to outline your rehabilitation schedule and recovery process, they may also have valuable insight into things you can do now to prepare for your surgery date.

Call our office today!

Desk Job Getting You Down? You Can Still Be Active!

Get active with These 5 Tips!

Sitting too much is simply hard on the body. Excessive sedentary behavior—common and seemingly “unavoidable” if you have a desk job—can increase the risk for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, and other types of work-related musculoskeletal injuries. How much time do you spend in a chair or on a couch? Did you realize that sitting for 6-8 hours per day—or watching 3-4 hours of television—has been shown to increase the risk of chronic illness and early death? It’s stunning research, especially considering that the average American sits as much as 12 hours per day! It isn’t always easy to stay active, especially if you’re working a desk job. However, getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, your mobility, and your overall quality of life.

At our physiotherapy clinic, it’s our mission to help people move better and feel better—and minimizing chair time is a huge part of this.

There are several easy ways to increase your activity level that most people can include in their daily routine.

Talk to our physiotherapist staff if you’d like to set up an appointment and get going on a treatment plan that will help you start feeling (and standing) better than ever. In the meantime, check out these tips for increasing your physical activity during your workday.

Ready to get moving while on the job? These 5 tips can help get your more active!

1. Give yourself the option to stand

Many companies now offer sit to stand desks because they’ve seen the research: employees who get to stand more may experience increased job satisfaction, alertness, and productivity—while also reducing their risk for the physical effects of “sitting disease.”

Even if you can’t get an adjustable desk for your office, it may be possible to make your own DIY version with some sturdy boxes and other material. Get creative…and don’t hesitate to ask your supervisor or office manager about investing in adjustable desks or attachments.

2. Get help with technology

Wear a pedometer to track your steps and motivate you to get up and move around the office more often.

Also, consider setting a timer to go off once per hour to alert you when it’s time to take a break from sitting and get out of your chair.

3. Opt for the stairs instead of the elevator

Physical activity may not be able to offset all the negative effects of sitting too much, but it may help some to get you more active.

Meeting the American Heart Association’s minimum recommendation of 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise is important, but those “non-exercise” activities add up, too.

So: park farther away from the office, take the stairs, and if necessary, talk to a physiotherapist about custom orthotics and other strategies to make activity more comfortable.

4. Drink more water

Drinking at least one third to one half your body weight in fluid ounces per day can keep your body properly hydrated.

It’ll also force you to get out of your chair more, because you’ll find yourself needing to relieve yourself more often!

Keep a stainless steel or glass water bottle handle, drink regularly, and thank your body for the frequent signals that are sending you to the bathroom.

5. Get moving in your meetings

Instead of holding your meeting or phone calls while sitting in a boardroom, see if it’s possible to take that appointment on the move and talk while you walk.

Bonus: walking has been shown to boost creativity and problem solving!

When in doubt, physiotherapy has got you covered!

If you’re suffering with symptoms of an inactive lifestyle, physiotherapy can help. A physiotherapist can help you by providing manual therapies that can increase your flexibility and improve range of motion. An experienced therapist can also give you simple exercises you can do at home to become more active.

A physiotherapy program can be created that addresses your individual needs. It’s important to stay as active as possible to keep your muscles, tendons, and joints flexible and moving without pain and stiffness. You’ll want to add some type of exercise to your daily routine to keep moving.

You can pursue any or all of these aforementioned activities at your leisure, or you can ask our physiotherapist about integrating them into a full-scale physiotherapy program. The latter approach could prove especially wise if you’re rehabilitating an injury, unsure of your exercise tolerance, or battling a particular chronic pain issue.

Our physiotherapist can evaluate your health and prescribe the right activities for your needs and goals.

At the same time, you may be able to enhance the benefits of your activities with other safe, helpful modalities such as massage, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, cold and heat treatments, acupuncture or laser therapy.

These therapies can promote tissue repair, ease inflammation, reduce pain, and increase your ability to keep moving and having a great time.

Need more assistance? We can help!

The bottom line: sitting for too long just isn’t good for your body or your lifespan.

Our physiotherapy staff can help you manage an injury or condition that has limited your standing tolerance, and get you on your feet with greater confidence. Call us today to schedule an appointment!

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