REHAB ROUNDS SCHEDULE – 2010/2011
Date Speaker Location
June 2nd 12:00 – 1:00 Sharon Staus
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine, UofT; Director, Knowledge Translation Program, LiKaShing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital
Rm 132
June 9th
12:00 – 1:00 Dr.Lyn Turkstra
Associate Professor in the Department of Communicative Disorders at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
Rm 132
CENTRE FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT SPRING WORKSHOPS
To view upcoming workshops and to register, please go to:
http://www.cfd.med.utoronto.ca/programs/upcoming-workshops.html
For more information, contact Jackie McCaffrey, Project Coordinator at: mccaffreyj@smh.toronto.on.ca (416) 864-6060 x6546
POST-STROKE LOCOMOTOR TRAINING – ICDR 2011 LECTURE DAY
Presented by the Philippine Working Group of the International Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation at UofT (ICDR)
Date: May 14, 2011 (Saturday)
9am – 12noon
Keynote Lecturer: Dr. Susan O’Sullivan
Author of the book “Physical Assessment and Rehabilitation”
Location: Earth Sciences Auditorium (University of Toronto), 5 Bancroft Avenue, Toronto
Registration: $80.00 for professionals and non-students
$50.00 for students
For Registration Form and Information: jeffrey.andrion@utoronto.ca
Jeffrey Andrion, The Holland Orthopaedic and Arthritic Centre
Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN - 2011 ANNUAL NICE KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
We are pleased to announce that registration is now open for the Annual NICE Knowledge Exchange, taking place May 19th, 2011 in Toronto.
Building on the success of last year's conference, this year's program features:
• Keynote Address:
• Dr. Carole Estabrooks, Enhancing the Aging Experience through Global Knowledge Transfer Interactive Workshops:
o Dr. Marnin Heisel, Mental Health of Seniors - Strategies that Work!
o Scott Dudgeon, Living with Dementia - Addressing the Needs of Individuals and their Families
o Elena Jara, Educate & Empower - Improving the Financial Literacy of Older Adults
o Alison Leaney & Dr. Lisa Manuel, Intervention & Advocacy for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
• Extended Theme Team Presentations
• Beta site for the cutting-edge Aging Application - participate in a hands-on exploration of this exciting new app, which will be launched at the Exchange and will revolutionize aging and caregiving by providing access to leading experts and innovative management tools, anywhere, anytime.
• Scientific Director's Reception
Space is limited so register now at www.niceke.ca/
For more information, visit our conference website at www.niceke.ca/
Should you have any questions feel free to contact us at anke@nicenet.ca
MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY FUNDRAISER
May 25th, 2011
The PT Student Council is holding a screening of the award winning documentary film, “Darius Goes West”. The film follows the life of a young man with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
The trailer can be viewed at: http://www.dariusgoeswest.org/
Location: McLeod Auditorium, Medical Sciences Bldg, Rm 2158
Date: May 25th, 2011, 7-9pm
RSVP to: dariusgoeswest.uoft@gmail.com
Admission is free. Donations will be accepted towards Duchenne muscular dystrophy research.
GO BACK TO SCHOOL FOR THE WEEKEND!! MAY 25 – 29TH
1. PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ALUMNI PUB NIGHT
Friday, May 27th, 7:30 – 11:59pm
Event Details:
An informal gathering with light refreshments. Cash bar. O’Grady’s on College (171 College St.)
2. PHYSICAL THERAPY AND OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY ALUMNI ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND BREAKFAST
Saturday, May 28, 9am – 12 noon
Event Details:
Breakfast, Annual Report 2009-2010, Address from current PT and OT Chairmen, Alumni Achievement Awards Presentation, Guest Speaker (Sunita Mathur - Recent Advances in Muscle Imaging in Rehabilitation), Pins and Medals Presentation and Building tours. Rehabilitation Sciences Building (500 University Ave.). Free.
3. UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO ALUMNI PRE-AGM BBQ
Saturday, May 28th, 11:30 – 2:00pm
Event Details:
Join us for lunch and take in the entertainment with other alumni, including our special guest, Professor David Naylor, President.
4. PERSONALIZED HEALTH CARE PANEL PRESENTATION
Saturday, May 28th, 2:30 – 5:00pm
Event Details:
Join our host, Dean Catharine Whiteside as she discusses with a panel of researchers, the outstanding advances being made at U of T in the field of personalized health care. Afterwards there will be reception, where alumni can mingle and reconnect with former classmates and faculty members. Health Sciences Building (155 College Street at McCaul), 610 Auditorium
Register for these events: springreunion.utoronto.ca
Contact: Simone Olivero 416-978-1820 ptotalumni.facmed@utoronto.ca
General questions about Spring Reunion, contact: 1-888-738-8876 or
spring.reunion@utoronto.ca
CANADIAN BOBATH INSTRUCTORS ASSOCIATION
Treatment and Management of the Hemiplegic Shoulder and Upper Limb
A three day introductory course. The Bobath Concept.
Dates: Friday May 27th to Sunday May 29th, 2011
Location: William Osler Health Centre, Brampton Civic Hospital, Brampton, Ontario
Cost (HST included):
NSD members $474.00
CPA/CAOT members $508.00
Non members $604.00
Lunch is not included in course fees.
Instructors
Libby Swain PT, MA, IBITA Instructor and Catherine Eustace PT, Advanced IBITA Instructor. The Canadian Bobath Instructors Association (CBIA) is a component of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, Neurosciences Division, Bobath Special Interest Group.
This course is an introductory level course to expose the course participant to the treatment and management of the hemiplegic upper limb based on the principles of the Contemporary Bobath Concept and an understanding of human movement. The course will consist of lectures, patient demonstrations and practical sessions.
The following topics will be explored and discussed:
Musculoskeletal review of the shoulder girdle and upper limb with respect to hemiplegia
The painful hemiplegic shoulder; causes and intervention
Neural control of upper limb function
Plasticity and expectations for functional recovery of the upper limb
Critical review of the current research findings with respect to upper limb recovery and treatment following stroke.
Course Objectives:
The Course participant will gain an understanding of:
The relationship between musculoskeletal alignment and movement control.
The role of sensation and motor control of the hemiplegic upper limb.
The relationship between plasticity and functional recovery of the upper limb..
Contact: admin@cbiaorg.com; http://www.bobathcanada.com/
THE SECOND FESTIVAL OF INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES ON CAREGIVING, DISABILITY, AGING AND TECHNOLOGY (FICCDAT)
Location and Date: Toronto, June 5-8, 2011
This is an amazing event where six international conferences come together under one roof. You pay one registration and then attend sessions in all six conferences and events. You can also submit abstracts to as many of the six conferences as you like.
Visit www.ficcdat.ca for more information.
http://www.ficcdat.ca/main.cfm?cid=1559
MANAGEMENT OF THE NEUROLOGICAL UPPER EXTREMITY – AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL NDT WORKSHOP
Date: June 17-18, 2011
Location: Toronto Rehab’s University Centre - Auditorium, Toronto
This year, we will again offer the NDT/Bobath Certificate Course in the Management and Treatment of Adults with Hemiplegia. Successful completion of this 16-day course provides eligibility to apply for the NDT Certification Program.
Contact: Conference Services at 416-597-3422 x.3693 or conferences@torontorehab.on.ca. For more information, please visit http://www.torontorehab.com/Events/Corporate-Events/NDT-(Bobath)-Certificate-Course-in-the-Management-.aspx.
PHYSICAL THERAPY WORLD CONGRESS 2011
Date: June 20 – 23, 2011
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
The congress has a main scientific programme, planned over two years to reflect the best of world physical therapy, consisting of 140 sessions. Before, during and after the main congress, there are also education sessions and clinical visits, the satellite programme.
And then, there's a bustling social programme, allowing physical therapists to relax together and sample some of the best of Dutch culture.
For more information, and to register, visit: http://www.wcpt.org/congress
EHPIC 2011 - ADVANCING THE FUTURE OF HEALTHCARE THROUGH INTERPROFESSIONAL LEARNING
A certificate course for Health Professionals, Educators & Leaders
Sponsored by the Centre for Interprofessional Education, University of Toronto.
This course will enhance your natural leadership abilities to teach excellence in interprofessional Education (IPE), helping to build an IPE community of leaders in healthcare.
Objectives:
Recognize and teach the importance of professional role understanding as an essential component for collaborative practice
Experience and teach ways of effective team communication and the role of reflection in health care teams
Practice skills in facilitating interprofessional teams particularly within an educational context
Acknowledge professional attitudes and cultural values and recognizes their impact in the educational context
Understand and develop a program to teach how collaborative practice is used to enhance patient-centered care
Learn ways of evaluating the role of collaborators in educational contexts; and
Define the current challenges facing educational leaders in moving IPE experiences forward at an institutional level and analyze these using an organizational framework.
Date: June 20-24, 2011
Location: The University of Toronto Conference Centre, Toronto, Ontario
For more information: The office of Continuing Education and Professional Development
416-978-2719 info-IPE1102-C@cepdtoronto.ca
www.cepdtoronto.ca
Abstract Submission: http://events.cepdtoronto.ca/website/index/IPE1102-C
Deadline to apply is April 1st, 2011!
THIRD NORTH AMERICAN CONGRESS OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
Date: June 21-24, 2011 – Sheraton Centre Montreal
Please visit the website to download the submission form. www.epicongress2011.org
Epidemiologic researchers, educators, and policy makers from academia, public health, government, and industry are invited to come together at the Third North American Congress of Epidemiology. The Congress aims to showcase and promote the diversity of study, practice and policy within epidemiology as a whole, and has no theme other than epidemiology. This meeting is held only once every five years and provides a unique opportunity to interact with a diverse group of epidemiologists from more than 20 professional societies. The meeting will include plenary addresses from visionary leaders; symposia addressing emerging issues cutting across topical fields; spotlight and poster sessions selected.
For more information: www.epicongress2011.org
NDT (BOBATH) CERTIFICATE COURSE IN THE MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT OF ADULTS WITH HEMIPLEGIA
October 17-21, 24-28, and November 28-December 3, 2011
Location: Toronto Rehab’s University Centre - Auditorium, Toronto
This intermediate level workshop for PT and OT assistants will build on NDT principles and handling skills presented in the NDT Introductory Course in the Management of Adults with Hemiplegia. The goal of the course will be to enhance the clinician’s knowledge of thoracic and rib cage alignment and movement, scapulothoracic alignment and movement, their impact on upper extremity function as well as their contribution to commonly seen dysfunction such as pain, tone, oedema.
Contact: Conference Services at 416-597-3422 x.3693 or conferences@torontorehab.on.ca. For more information, please visit http://www.torontorehab.com/Events/Corporate-Events/Management-of-the-Neurological-Upper-Extremity---A.
FIRST ANNUAL SYMPOSIUM ON REGENERATIVE REHABILITATION
HOLD THE DATE: November 3, 4, 2011
Location: Pittsburgh, PA.
As you know, medical advances in the field of Regenerative Medicine are accelerating at an unprecedented rate. Biological technologies such as stem cell transplantation, scaffolds, and artificial devices are now being tested in clinical trials throughout the country, opening up a novel population of patients to clinicians and exciting new areas of investigation for rehabilitation scientists. As a field, physical therapists would benefit from a careful examination as to the implications of such advancements on our clinical practice, research agenda, and educational programs.
This conference has the goal of stimulating reflection and debate as to the emerging role of physical therapeutics in the field of regenerative medicine.
Who should attend? Program directors/ faculty members of Physical Therapy and Physiatry programs, Scientists and clinicians working in the fields of Regenerative Medicine and/or Rehabilitation, and graduate students with related interests are all welcome to attend.
More conference details to come! If you have any questions, contact Fabrisia Ambrosio ambrosiof@upmc.edu
PAIN MANAGEMENT: BRIDGING THE GAP FROM ACUTE CARE TO REHABILITATION AND INTO THE COMMUNITY
Date: Friday November 18, 2011
For more information: Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Conferences Services
Phone 416-597-3422 x 3693 Email: conferences@torontorehab.on.ca
Website: http://www.torontorehab.com/Events/Corporate-Events/Pain-Management-Across-the-Continuum--Bridging-the.aspx
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
THE TIME PROGRAM: BUILDING EXERCISE CAPACITY IN THE COMMUNITY
By Jo-Anne Howe and Karen Brunton, Clinical Educators-Physiotherapy, Toronto Rehab, Lecturers, University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy.
TIME, which stands for ‘Together in Movement and Exercise’, is a community-based exercise program for people with a range of conditions usually of neurological origin, such as stroke, MS or brain injury. The rationale for the program is to assist individuals to take steps out of the health care system and re-integrate into local, community centers after discharge from rehabilitation.
The exercise program is a circuit station design for people who have reduced community mobility and ambulate for short distances often with assistive devices. Accordingly, the program exercises emphasize task-related training (for example, walking, step-ups and sit-to-stand), balance and strengthening especially of the core and legs. TIME has been running at two community centres in Toronto since the fall of 2007 and is in pilot phase at a third site.
Why is the TIME program unique?
The interesting innovation was the development of a partnership between a rehab facility, Toronto Rehab, and a municipal organization, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR). The unique collaboration pools the strengths and resources of the two organizations. Toronto Rehab physiotherapists
• designed the evidence-based exercise program that is safe, do-able and effective for the participants
• provide ongoing education and support for the fitness instructors and volunteers
• maintain program quality through site visits to guide and problem solve with the instructors
• established the process for screening of the participants including a physician referral and telephone screen
• modify the exercise program as best practices evolve over time.
The community partner provides:
• space for the program
• human resources, that is, the fitness instructors who lead the exercise classes as well as their hiring, scheduling and performance management
• equipment, kept to a minimum to increase the feasibility of implementing the program in local rec centres
• expertise in community programming including participant registration, safety and emergency procedures.
How does the TIME program improve access to exercise?
TIME provides a much-needed option for exercise/fitness for clients living in the community after discharge from rehabilitation. As length of stay shortens even more, many therapists and patients grow increasingly concerned about how to maintain or even extend the benefits of rehab after they return home. To counteract the cycle of deconditioning, ongoing access to physical activity and exercise are essential. The partnership between health care and community recreation builds capacity for exercise and fitness as well as community re-engagement for clients living with mobility impairments.
Keeping it safe
When the pilot was implemented in the fall of 2007, our first priority was to evaluate the safety of the program. Would it be safe for community-based fitness instructors to lead exercise classes for people with neurological conditions without the direct supervision of the health care team? The results of the pilot evaluation were that in 293 attendances, there were two near-misses: a near-fall where the participant required steadying by the caregiver and a possible hypoglycemic episode. Since then, with 9 additional sessions running
at the two sites and approximately 3400 attendances, there still have not been any adverse events. The question then arises, how is the positive safety record maintained? The contributing factors likely include:
• the commitment and skill of all PFR staff involved
• the high instructor to participant ratio (1:4) plus volunteers and caregivers
• adherence by the instructors to the carefully crafted exercise program designed by physiotherapists
• provision of ongoing education to the instructors
• the use of admission screening tools before participants enter the program
The evolution of TIME
The program is not static and we continue to modify it. For example, more participants are now accepted into the program as the circuit stations have been modified to include more group work. As well, the functional inclusion criterion of ability to walk 10 metres with or without a walking aid has been maintained throughout but the diagnostic criteria have been expanded to include individuals with mobility limitations regardless of the underlying diagnosis.
A step-by-step Toolkit based on the TIME program has been published to enable health care professionals in other regions to implement a similar community-based exercise program. Contact renaud.marie-claude@torontorehab.on.ca for more information.
Contact howe.jo-anne@torontorehab.on.ca for any questions or comments about the TIME program.
“TIME demonstrates how you can take an evidence-based exercise class and partner with a municipal organization to provide universal community-based access to a regular exercise class for people with neurological conditions who wouldn’t otherwise have opportunity.”
Nancy Salbach, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy
TIME, which stands for ‘Together in Movement and Exercise’, is a community-based exercise program for people with a range of conditions usually of neurological origin, such as stroke, MS or brain injury. The rationale for the program is to assist individuals to take steps out of the health care system and re-integrate into local, community centers after discharge from rehabilitation.
The exercise program is a circuit station design for people who have reduced community mobility and ambulate for short distances often with assistive devices. Accordingly, the program exercises emphasize task-related training (for example, walking, step-ups and sit-to-stand), balance and strengthening especially of the core and legs. TIME has been running at two community centres in Toronto since the fall of 2007 and is in pilot phase at a third site.
Why is the TIME program unique?
The interesting innovation was the development of a partnership between a rehab facility, Toronto Rehab, and a municipal organization, City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PFR). The unique collaboration pools the strengths and resources of the two organizations. Toronto Rehab physiotherapists
• designed the evidence-based exercise program that is safe, do-able and effective for the participants
• provide ongoing education and support for the fitness instructors and volunteers
• maintain program quality through site visits to guide and problem solve with the instructors
• established the process for screening of the participants including a physician referral and telephone screen
• modify the exercise program as best practices evolve over time.
The community partner provides:
• space for the program
• human resources, that is, the fitness instructors who lead the exercise classes as well as their hiring, scheduling and performance management
• equipment, kept to a minimum to increase the feasibility of implementing the program in local rec centres
• expertise in community programming including participant registration, safety and emergency procedures.
How does the TIME program improve access to exercise?
TIME provides a much-needed option for exercise/fitness for clients living in the community after discharge from rehabilitation. As length of stay shortens even more, many therapists and patients grow increasingly concerned about how to maintain or even extend the benefits of rehab after they return home. To counteract the cycle of deconditioning, ongoing access to physical activity and exercise are essential. The partnership between health care and community recreation builds capacity for exercise and fitness as well as community re-engagement for clients living with mobility impairments.
Keeping it safe
When the pilot was implemented in the fall of 2007, our first priority was to evaluate the safety of the program. Would it be safe for community-based fitness instructors to lead exercise classes for people with neurological conditions without the direct supervision of the health care team? The results of the pilot evaluation were that in 293 attendances, there were two near-misses: a near-fall where the participant required steadying by the caregiver and a possible hypoglycemic episode. Since then, with 9 additional sessions running
at the two sites and approximately 3400 attendances, there still have not been any adverse events. The question then arises, how is the positive safety record maintained? The contributing factors likely include:
• the commitment and skill of all PFR staff involved
• the high instructor to participant ratio (1:4) plus volunteers and caregivers
• adherence by the instructors to the carefully crafted exercise program designed by physiotherapists
• provision of ongoing education to the instructors
• the use of admission screening tools before participants enter the program
The evolution of TIME
The program is not static and we continue to modify it. For example, more participants are now accepted into the program as the circuit stations have been modified to include more group work. As well, the functional inclusion criterion of ability to walk 10 metres with or without a walking aid has been maintained throughout but the diagnostic criteria have been expanded to include individuals with mobility limitations regardless of the underlying diagnosis.
A step-by-step Toolkit based on the TIME program has been published to enable health care professionals in other regions to implement a similar community-based exercise program. Contact renaud.marie-claude@torontorehab.on.ca for more information.
Contact howe.jo-anne@torontorehab.on.ca for any questions or comments about the TIME program.
“TIME demonstrates how you can take an evidence-based exercise class and partner with a municipal organization to provide universal community-based access to a regular exercise class for people with neurological conditions who wouldn’t otherwise have opportunity.”
Nancy Salbach, Assistant Professor, University of Toronto, Department of Physical Therapy
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
What is Functional Active Rehab?
Our Kinesiologists specialize in Functional Active Rehabilitation exercise programs that are tailored to each client's specific goals. Not only do they concentrate on rehabilitation from different types of injuries, but our Kinesiologists also aim to help improve clients' general health and fitness, overall sport specific endurance, or simply increase their tolerance for activities of daily living and return to work.
Prior to initiating a Functional Active Rehab program, clients are booked in to see a physiotherapist to assess cause of pain/dysfunction. The Physiotherapist and Kinesiologist work together to develop an individual client-centered program suitable to begin in the gym.
What is Work Conditioning
The FAR program includes work conditioning, where sessions are performed to simulate various work tasks, or a typical "work shift". This is appropriate for injured clients looking to return to work in the future (who may be on a WorkSafe BC or ICBC claim). The Kinesiologist's initial assessment for the FAR program includes a meeting regarding work status and job demands, with subsequent functional tests. The Kinesiologist is then able to develop a program to simulate a work environment for each and every individual client.
Our Kinesiologists are also able to coordinate Gradual Return to Work Programs, including Job Site Visits, for off-work clients. This includes coordination between client, insurer, doctor and employer. Additionally our Kinesiologists will monitor the RTW program and are able to provide Job Coaching.
We also provide care in active rehab for high performance athletes, individuals suffering from chronic injury or disease (diabetes, obesity), or simply those interested in jump starting an improvement in thier overall physical health and wellness.
What does the Functional Active Rehab Program Consist of?
- Cardiovascular Conditioning
- Whole Body Stretching
- Spinal Stabilization & Core Strengthening
- General & Focussed Strengthening
- Functional Tasks & Work Simulation
- Education!
Prior to initiating a Functional Active Rehab program, clients are booked in to see a physiotherapist to assess cause of pain/dysfunction. The Physiotherapist and Kinesiologist work together to develop an individual client-centered program suitable to begin in the gym.
What is Work Conditioning
The FAR program includes work conditioning, where sessions are performed to simulate various work tasks, or a typical "work shift". This is appropriate for injured clients looking to return to work in the future (who may be on a WorkSafe BC or ICBC claim). The Kinesiologist's initial assessment for the FAR program includes a meeting regarding work status and job demands, with subsequent functional tests. The Kinesiologist is then able to develop a program to simulate a work environment for each and every individual client.
Our Kinesiologists are also able to coordinate Gradual Return to Work Programs, including Job Site Visits, for off-work clients. This includes coordination between client, insurer, doctor and employer. Additionally our Kinesiologists will monitor the RTW program and are able to provide Job Coaching.
We also provide care in active rehab for high performance athletes, individuals suffering from chronic injury or disease (diabetes, obesity), or simply those interested in jump starting an improvement in thier overall physical health and wellness.
What does the Functional Active Rehab Program Consist of?
- Cardiovascular Conditioning
- Whole Body Stretching
- Spinal Stabilization & Core Strengthening
- General & Focussed Strengthening
- Functional Tasks & Work Simulation
- Education!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Physiotherapists do that!
Two months ago Dianne was in a car accident and suffered a whiplash injury. After working with her physiotherapist, she’s now pain free and back to her regular work and home duties. Physiotherapists do that!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Recognize Symptoms Early for the Best Treatment
1. Tired, heavy-feeling legs
2. Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing
3. Swollen ankles at night
4. Varicose or spider veins, especially during or after pregnancy
5. Tingling, numbness, burning, or cramping in legs and feet
6. Discoloration of the skin
7. Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg
8. History of vein problems in the family
Indications
- Deep vein trombosis
- Venous diseases
- Lymphodema
- Lipodema
- Lipo-lymphedema
- Phlebolymphedema
2. Leg pain from prolonged sitting or standing
3. Swollen ankles at night
4. Varicose or spider veins, especially during or after pregnancy
5. Tingling, numbness, burning, or cramping in legs and feet
6. Discoloration of the skin
7. Open sores or ulcers on the lower leg
8. History of vein problems in the family
Indications
- Deep vein trombosis
- Venous diseases
- Lymphodema
- Lipodema
- Lipo-lymphedema
- Phlebolymphedema
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Back Pain
Oh, my aching back!
Almost everyone experiences some type of back pain during the course of their lives. More than 70% of back problems begin during routine daily activities. Accidents and other forms of trauma account for only 30% of back problems.
Back pain can be due simply to a lack of exercise or a result of poor posture or body mechanics.
Poor posture or twisting movements during such routine activities as gardening, housework, picking up a child, reaching for an object or even coughing can cause acute back pain: pain that can last for hours, days or even years if ignored. The pain can be felt in the back or may be “referred pain” that is felt in the low abdomen, groin, leg or foot. Specific sensations can include pins and needles, numbness or a burning feeling. These should not be left untreated.
Normally, pain resulting from muscle or ligament strains will fix itself in the first 24 to 48 hours. If the pain does not subside after 24 hours, is happening regularly, is severe, or is getting worse, you should see your Physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist’s focus is to treat the problem quickly, reduce pain and return you to normal activity as soon as possible.
Since so many factors can be the cause of back pain, physiotherapists offer a range of comprehensive treatment programs designed specifically for your individual case, including hands-on treatment such as:
exercise prescriptions to strengthen and condition the back and stomach muscles that support the spine
mobilization involving small movements
of one or more joints in the spine
manipulation which improves spine mechanics
physical modalities which can include the use of heat, ice, or various types of electrical stimulation
posture correction
advice and education to prevent future back pain, as well as back protection strategies.
Your body will go through 3 stages of healing after every injury, and your Physiotherapist will help you through each stage.
1. Inflammation – Pain and swelling need to be controlled. Physiotherapists recommend: ice, activity reduction, ultrasound or electro-therapy to help with inflammation control and pain management.
2. Repair – scar tissue formation occurs, which is how your body mends; at this stage your Physiotherapist will prescribe therapeutic exercise for range of motion or stretching.
3. Remodeling – your body is rebuilding healthy tissue; your Physiotherapist will guide you through a strengthening or conditioning program.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming will help prevent injury and provide the condition a healthy back needs. A Physiotherapist will help you maintain your strength and fitness to minimize injuries and prevent re-injury.
Clinical research shows that early treatment of back pain prevents chronic back pain, and sufferers can return to work and other activity, enhancing their quality of life and general well being.
Almost everyone experiences some type of back pain during the course of their lives. More than 70% of back problems begin during routine daily activities. Accidents and other forms of trauma account for only 30% of back problems.
Back pain can be due simply to a lack of exercise or a result of poor posture or body mechanics.
Poor posture or twisting movements during such routine activities as gardening, housework, picking up a child, reaching for an object or even coughing can cause acute back pain: pain that can last for hours, days or even years if ignored. The pain can be felt in the back or may be “referred pain” that is felt in the low abdomen, groin, leg or foot. Specific sensations can include pins and needles, numbness or a burning feeling. These should not be left untreated.
Normally, pain resulting from muscle or ligament strains will fix itself in the first 24 to 48 hours. If the pain does not subside after 24 hours, is happening regularly, is severe, or is getting worse, you should see your Physiotherapist.
The physiotherapist’s focus is to treat the problem quickly, reduce pain and return you to normal activity as soon as possible.
Since so many factors can be the cause of back pain, physiotherapists offer a range of comprehensive treatment programs designed specifically for your individual case, including hands-on treatment such as:
exercise prescriptions to strengthen and condition the back and stomach muscles that support the spine
mobilization involving small movements
of one or more joints in the spine
manipulation which improves spine mechanics
physical modalities which can include the use of heat, ice, or various types of electrical stimulation
posture correction
advice and education to prevent future back pain, as well as back protection strategies.
Your body will go through 3 stages of healing after every injury, and your Physiotherapist will help you through each stage.
1. Inflammation – Pain and swelling need to be controlled. Physiotherapists recommend: ice, activity reduction, ultrasound or electro-therapy to help with inflammation control and pain management.
2. Repair – scar tissue formation occurs, which is how your body mends; at this stage your Physiotherapist will prescribe therapeutic exercise for range of motion or stretching.
3. Remodeling – your body is rebuilding healthy tissue; your Physiotherapist will guide you through a strengthening or conditioning program.
Regular aerobic exercise, such as walking, swimming will help prevent injury and provide the condition a healthy back needs. A Physiotherapist will help you maintain your strength and fitness to minimize injuries and prevent re-injury.
Clinical research shows that early treatment of back pain prevents chronic back pain, and sufferers can return to work and other activity, enhancing their quality of life and general well being.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Trigger Finger FAQ
TRIGGER FINGER FAQ
1. What is trigger finger?
The first sign of trigger finger is a feeling of stiffness and difficulty bending the finger. There may be swelling in the palm, Later, as the symptoms increase, the finger may “get stuck” in a bent position and have to be straightened with the help of the other hand. When the finger does move, it may snap, as it becomes “unstuck.”
2. Why does it happen?
The tendon that bends the finger passes through a pulley, much like a tunnel. If the tendon becomes enlarged by inflammation, it cannot pass trough this tunnel freely. A nodule, or bump, may form on the tendon making it even more difficult for the tendon to glide and causing stiffness and pain. When the nodule must pass under the pulley, it may stop or stick. It can be compared to trying to pass thread that has a knot in it through the eyes of a needle.
3. What causes the tendon to be inflamed?
Repetitive use of the hands may make trigger finger worse, but it has not been proven to be a cause of the inflammation. The cause is not certain, though it is most common in middle-aged women. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the chance of getting a trigger finger.
4. What can be done to help?
With a mild case, simply resting the finger may relieve the symptoms. Grasping and other painful activities should be avoided. A splint can be used to keep the tendon at rest. Wearing the splint and avoiding grasping for a period of time may be enough to relieve the symptoms.
If the symptoms are more severe and the finger is frequently getting “stuck”, a physician may recommend a steroid injection. The steroid can decrease the inflammation and therefore, the size of the tendon and nodule. This allows the tendon to move through the sheath more freely.
5. What about surgery?
Surgery is recommended when injections and conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms. In surgery, a small incision is made in the palm. The pulley is cut to allow the tendon to glide. The incision will be covered with a dressing for a few days. Full, comfortable motion is allowed. It is important during this recovery time to elevate the hand as much as possible to decrease swelling. There will be a scar on the palm. This can be softened and made more comfortable by massage.
Recovery form trigger finger surgery usually takes only a few weeks.
1. What is trigger finger?
The first sign of trigger finger is a feeling of stiffness and difficulty bending the finger. There may be swelling in the palm, Later, as the symptoms increase, the finger may “get stuck” in a bent position and have to be straightened with the help of the other hand. When the finger does move, it may snap, as it becomes “unstuck.”
2. Why does it happen?
The tendon that bends the finger passes through a pulley, much like a tunnel. If the tendon becomes enlarged by inflammation, it cannot pass trough this tunnel freely. A nodule, or bump, may form on the tendon making it even more difficult for the tendon to glide and causing stiffness and pain. When the nodule must pass under the pulley, it may stop or stick. It can be compared to trying to pass thread that has a knot in it through the eyes of a needle.
3. What causes the tendon to be inflamed?
Repetitive use of the hands may make trigger finger worse, but it has not been proven to be a cause of the inflammation. The cause is not certain, though it is most common in middle-aged women. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis may increase the chance of getting a trigger finger.
4. What can be done to help?
With a mild case, simply resting the finger may relieve the symptoms. Grasping and other painful activities should be avoided. A splint can be used to keep the tendon at rest. Wearing the splint and avoiding grasping for a period of time may be enough to relieve the symptoms.
If the symptoms are more severe and the finger is frequently getting “stuck”, a physician may recommend a steroid injection. The steroid can decrease the inflammation and therefore, the size of the tendon and nodule. This allows the tendon to move through the sheath more freely.
5. What about surgery?
Surgery is recommended when injections and conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms. In surgery, a small incision is made in the palm. The pulley is cut to allow the tendon to glide. The incision will be covered with a dressing for a few days. Full, comfortable motion is allowed. It is important during this recovery time to elevate the hand as much as possible to decrease swelling. There will be a scar on the palm. This can be softened and made more comfortable by massage.
Recovery form trigger finger surgery usually takes only a few weeks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)