Thursday, April 26, 2012
Sciatica
Leg Pain
The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest patients in the care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease. – Attributed to Thomas Edison
What is Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy is a natural method of healthcare that treats the causes of physical problems, such as low-back, hip and leg pain, rather than just the symptoms. Physiotherapy is based on a simple but powerful premise: With a normally functioning spine and nerves and a healthy lifestyle, your body is better able to heal itself. That’s because the spinal cord, which is protected by the spine, is the main pathway of your nervous system. The nervous system controls movement, feeling and function throughout your body.
What causes Sciatica?
Sciatica is an inflammation of the sciatic nerve, the longest nerve in your body. It runs from your lower spine, through your buttocks and into your leg and foot. When the sciatic nerve is inflammed it can cause numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in your lower back and leg.
• Inflamed Joint - If a bone (vertebra) in your lower back isn’t moving properly or is out of position, the joint can become inflamed and irritate the sciatic nerve.
• Bulging Disc - If one of the cushions (discs) between your vertebrae is bulging, it can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
• Muscle Spasm - If a muscle in your lower back or buttocks is inflamed or tightening (in spasm), it can irritate or put pressure on the sciatic nerve.
Can Physiotherapy Care Help Me?
Your physiotherapist looks at your overall health – focusing not only on your sciatic but also on your lifestyle. This total approach to wellness helps determine the best treatment for your problem.
History
To help find the cause of your sciatica, you and your physiotherapist discuss your symptoms, such as where you feel pain. Your physiotherapist also asks about any prior injuries, your health history and your lifestyle, including work related and leisure activities.
Physical Exam
Physical, orthopedic (bone and muscle), and neurological (nerve) tests can help reveal the condition of the vertebrae, discs and muscles in your spine. Your physiotherapist gently touches and moves your spine to locate muscle spasms and pain and to see how well each vertebra moves.
Tests
X-rays may be done to reveal any problems with your vertebrae. If needed other imaging tests, such as an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), may be used to show detailed images of discs, nerves and other soft tissue.
Diagnosis
Based on the results of your exam and tests, you physiotherapist may recommend a treatment program to relieve the irritation that’s causing your pain and other symptoms. If needed, your physiotherapist also consults with your referring or family doctor.
How Does a Physiotherapist Treat Sciatica?
Your physiotherapist is trained to restore the health of your spine and sciatic nerve. Special physiotherapy methods may relieve the irritation that’s causing your low-back or leg pain.
Spinal Adjustments
Your treatment depends on the cause of your sciatica. During a spinal adjustment, your physiotherapist gently presses on your spine to relieve irritated nerves and increase movement in your joints.
Related Treatment
Your physiotherapist may suggest other types of treatment to relieve irritated nerves. These may include electrical stimulation, ice or heat, massage, traction or ultrasound. Your physiotherapist can discuss these options with you.
What Can I Do to Keep My Back in Shape?
Whether you’re lying down, standing or sitting, keep your spine straight and well supported. Be sure to follow the exercise program your physiotherapist gives you.
To help mold and align your spine, lie down for 15-20 minutes a day with a small pillow or small rolled-up towel under your neck and lower back. Keep your knees slightly bent. Check with your physiotherapist before trying this.
Spinal Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Even if you don’t have symptoms, physiotherapy is one of the best ways to manage or prevent spinal problems and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
To book an appointment call 604-520-7375 or visit our website at http://www.physiotherapycentres.com/
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Working In Comfort
How can you stay comfortable working at your computer desk? By remembering simple ways to stay fit: the right posture and position and the right moves.
The Right Posture
Sitting correctly is the first rule of comfort. Good posture and position support the parts of your body that could otherwise get stiff or sore.
The Right Moves
Move into comfort by doing simple stretches and exercises right at your desk. They’re the perfect way to prevent everyday aches and pains.
The Right Posture
Sitting correctly is the first rule of comfort. Good posture and position support the parts of your body that could otherwise get stiff or sore.
The Right Moves
Move into comfort by doing simple stretches and exercises right at your desk. They’re the perfect way to prevent everyday aches and pains.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Understanding Ankle Sprains
Understanding Ankle Sprains
What causes Ankle Sprains?
The ankle is one the most common places in the body for a sprain. Every day thousands of people sprain their ankles. Landing wrong on your foot can cause the ankle to roll to the side. This can stretch or tear ligaments. Ankle sprains can occur at any time, such as when you step off a curb or play sports. Once you’ve had an ankle sprain, you may be more likely to sprain that ankle again.
Symptoms
Your symptoms depend on how badly the ligaments are damaged. You may have little pain and swelling if the ligaments are only stretched. If the ligaments tear, you will have more pain and swelling. The more severe the sprain, the less you’ll be able to move the ankle or put weight on it. The ankle may also then black and blue and the bruising may extend into the foot and leg.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your physiotherapist will look at your ankle and ask about your symptoms. You may also have x-rays to rule out a broken bone. Treatment will depend on how bad your sprain is. For a severe sprain, healing may take 3 months or more.
Exercises
After about 2 to 3 weeks, you may be given exercises to strengthen the ligaments and muscles in the ankle. Doing these exercises will help prevent another ankle sprain. Exercises may include standing on your toes and then on your heels and doing ankle curls.
Ankle Curls
- Sit on the edge of sturdy table or lie on your back
- Pull your toes toward you. Then point them away from you. Repeat for 2 to 3 minutes
Right after your injury
Rest: At first, keep weight off the ankle as much as you can. You may be given crutches to help you walk without putting weight on the ankle.
Ice: Put an ice pack on the ankle for 15 minutes. Remove the pack and wait at least 30 minutes. Repeat for up to 3 days. This helps reduce swelling.
Compression: To reduce swelling and keep the joint stable, you may need to wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage. For more severe sprains, you may need an ankle brace or a cast
Elevation: To reduce swelling, keep your ankle raised above your heart when you sit or lie down.
Contrast Baths
After about 3 days, soak your ankle in warm water for 30 seconds. Then soak it in cool water for 30 seconds. Go back and forth for 5 minutes. Doing this every 2 hours will help keep the swelling down.
Inside Your Ankle
Your ankle joint is where the bones in your leg and foot meet. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments connect these bones. Muscles run from the lower leg across the ankle into the foot. The ligaments and muscles help keep the ankle joint stable when you move.
When Ligaments Tear
If you twist or turn your ankle, the ligaments can stretch or tear. This is called a sprain. A sprain can be mild, moderate or severe. This depends on how badly the ligaments are damaged.
Mild sprains- occur when ligaments are stretched or slightly torn
Moderate sprains- occur when ligaments are partly torn
Severe sprains- occur when ligaments are completely torn
Preventing Future Problems
To help keep your ankle stable, wear sturdy shoes. You may want to tape your ankle or wear a brace if you play sports. Doing the exercise below helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your ankle. It also gives you better balance.
Balancing Exercise
- Stand up straight. With your eyes open, balance on the leg with the injured ankle. Life the other foot off the ground. Hold for 1 to 2 minutes. Then lower your foot
- When you are able, repeat the first step with your eyes closed.
- Do this 4 times a day.
For more information or an appointment, call 604-939-2833 to book an appointment of visit http://www.physiotherapycentres.com/
What causes Ankle Sprains?
The ankle is one the most common places in the body for a sprain. Every day thousands of people sprain their ankles. Landing wrong on your foot can cause the ankle to roll to the side. This can stretch or tear ligaments. Ankle sprains can occur at any time, such as when you step off a curb or play sports. Once you’ve had an ankle sprain, you may be more likely to sprain that ankle again.
Symptoms
Your symptoms depend on how badly the ligaments are damaged. You may have little pain and swelling if the ligaments are only stretched. If the ligaments tear, you will have more pain and swelling. The more severe the sprain, the less you’ll be able to move the ankle or put weight on it. The ankle may also then black and blue and the bruising may extend into the foot and leg.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your physiotherapist will look at your ankle and ask about your symptoms. You may also have x-rays to rule out a broken bone. Treatment will depend on how bad your sprain is. For a severe sprain, healing may take 3 months or more.
Exercises
After about 2 to 3 weeks, you may be given exercises to strengthen the ligaments and muscles in the ankle. Doing these exercises will help prevent another ankle sprain. Exercises may include standing on your toes and then on your heels and doing ankle curls.
Ankle Curls
- Sit on the edge of sturdy table or lie on your back
- Pull your toes toward you. Then point them away from you. Repeat for 2 to 3 minutes
Right after your injury
Rest: At first, keep weight off the ankle as much as you can. You may be given crutches to help you walk without putting weight on the ankle.
Ice: Put an ice pack on the ankle for 15 minutes. Remove the pack and wait at least 30 minutes. Repeat for up to 3 days. This helps reduce swelling.
Compression: To reduce swelling and keep the joint stable, you may need to wrap the ankle with an elastic bandage. For more severe sprains, you may need an ankle brace or a cast
Elevation: To reduce swelling, keep your ankle raised above your heart when you sit or lie down.
Contrast Baths
After about 3 days, soak your ankle in warm water for 30 seconds. Then soak it in cool water for 30 seconds. Go back and forth for 5 minutes. Doing this every 2 hours will help keep the swelling down.
Inside Your Ankle
Your ankle joint is where the bones in your leg and foot meet. Strong bands of tissue called ligaments connect these bones. Muscles run from the lower leg across the ankle into the foot. The ligaments and muscles help keep the ankle joint stable when you move.
When Ligaments Tear
If you twist or turn your ankle, the ligaments can stretch or tear. This is called a sprain. A sprain can be mild, moderate or severe. This depends on how badly the ligaments are damaged.
Mild sprains- occur when ligaments are stretched or slightly torn
Moderate sprains- occur when ligaments are partly torn
Severe sprains- occur when ligaments are completely torn
Preventing Future Problems
To help keep your ankle stable, wear sturdy shoes. You may want to tape your ankle or wear a brace if you play sports. Doing the exercise below helps strengthen the muscles and ligaments around your ankle. It also gives you better balance.
Balancing Exercise
- Stand up straight. With your eyes open, balance on the leg with the injured ankle. Life the other foot off the ground. Hold for 1 to 2 minutes. Then lower your foot
- When you are able, repeat the first step with your eyes closed.
- Do this 4 times a day.
For more information or an appointment, call 604-939-2833 to book an appointment of visit http://www.physiotherapycentres.com/
Foot Ganglions
Foot Ganglions
What Are Ganglions?
A Ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Although ganglions can form on any part of the foot, they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglions tend to change in size and usually grow slowly.
Causes
Repeated irritation can weaken the lining of a joint or tendon and lead to ganglions. People who wear boots are more vulnerable to ganglions, as this type of footwear puts stress on the ankle. Bone spurs (bony outgrowths) may also cause ganglions by irritating the joints and tendons.
Symptoms
Ganglions often form with no symptoms. But if the ganglion puts pressure on the nerves in the overlying skin, it can cause tingling, numbness or pain. Ganglions sometimes swell and their size can change with different activities or a change in weather.
How Are They Diagnosed?
Because Ganglions are sometimes mistaken for tumors its important to have a complete examination and, possibly, tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Medical History
Your physiotherapist may ask you questions such as how long you’ve had the ganglion, what kind of symptoms you’re feeling. If it has changed in size, or if its size varies according to your activities.
Physical Exam
During your evaluation, your physiotherapist may do a translumination exam, shining a light through the swelling (usually you can see through a ganglion but not through a tumor). When your foot is palpated (pressed), a ganglion feels spongy and the fluid moves from side to side.
Tests
If a bone spur is suspected, x-rays may be needed. Fluid removal (needle aspiration) may be done to help determine the degree of swelling and to decrease pain. To confirm a ganglion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done, which reveals images of soft tissue and bone. Sometimes, special dyes may be injected into the area.
How Are Ganglions Treated?
Ganglions are often difficult to treat without surgery- but nonsurgical methods may be helpful in relieving some of your symptoms
Nonsurgical Care
• Pads placed around the ganglion can ease pressure and friction.
• Fluid removal may also relieve symptoms, though ganglions mat recur.
• Limiting movements or activities that increase pain may bring relief
• Icing the ganglion for 15-20 minutes may temporarily relieve inflammation and pain.
• If your inflammation is severe, your podiatrist may treat your symptoms and medication.
Will I Need Surgery?
If a Ganglion is causing ongoing or severe pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. The entire ganglion wall is removed during the procedure; some surrounding tissue may also be removed.
After Surgery
You may feel pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling for several weeks following surgery. You’ll probably be able to walk soon afterward, though your foot may need to be wrapped or in a cast. Be sure to see your podiatrist if you notice any problems in the future. Although surgery is usually successful, there is a chance that the ganglion will recur.
For more information call to book an assessment with a physiotherapist at 604-941-3055
What Are Ganglions?
A Ganglion is a fluid-filled swelling of the lining of a joint or tendon. Although ganglions can form on any part of the foot, they most often appear on the ankle or top of the foot. Ganglions tend to change in size and usually grow slowly.
Causes
Repeated irritation can weaken the lining of a joint or tendon and lead to ganglions. People who wear boots are more vulnerable to ganglions, as this type of footwear puts stress on the ankle. Bone spurs (bony outgrowths) may also cause ganglions by irritating the joints and tendons.
Symptoms
Ganglions often form with no symptoms. But if the ganglion puts pressure on the nerves in the overlying skin, it can cause tingling, numbness or pain. Ganglions sometimes swell and their size can change with different activities or a change in weather.
How Are They Diagnosed?
Because Ganglions are sometimes mistaken for tumors its important to have a complete examination and, possibly, tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Medical History
Your physiotherapist may ask you questions such as how long you’ve had the ganglion, what kind of symptoms you’re feeling. If it has changed in size, or if its size varies according to your activities.
Physical Exam
During your evaluation, your physiotherapist may do a translumination exam, shining a light through the swelling (usually you can see through a ganglion but not through a tumor). When your foot is palpated (pressed), a ganglion feels spongy and the fluid moves from side to side.
Tests
If a bone spur is suspected, x-rays may be needed. Fluid removal (needle aspiration) may be done to help determine the degree of swelling and to decrease pain. To confirm a ganglion, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be done, which reveals images of soft tissue and bone. Sometimes, special dyes may be injected into the area.
How Are Ganglions Treated?
Ganglions are often difficult to treat without surgery- but nonsurgical methods may be helpful in relieving some of your symptoms
Nonsurgical Care
• Pads placed around the ganglion can ease pressure and friction.
• Fluid removal may also relieve symptoms, though ganglions mat recur.
• Limiting movements or activities that increase pain may bring relief
• Icing the ganglion for 15-20 minutes may temporarily relieve inflammation and pain.
• If your inflammation is severe, your podiatrist may treat your symptoms and medication.
Will I Need Surgery?
If a Ganglion is causing ongoing or severe pain, your podiatrist may recommend surgery. The entire ganglion wall is removed during the procedure; some surrounding tissue may also be removed.
After Surgery
You may feel pain, swelling, numbness, or tingling for several weeks following surgery. You’ll probably be able to walk soon afterward, though your foot may need to be wrapped or in a cast. Be sure to see your podiatrist if you notice any problems in the future. Although surgery is usually successful, there is a chance that the ganglion will recur.
For more information call to book an assessment with a physiotherapist at 604-941-3055
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Scoliosis
Physiotherapy Care
Scoliosis
Spinal Curvature
What is Scoliosis?
Usually a result of heredity or injury, scoliosis is a sideways curve of the spine that can lead to increasing back pain and stiffness. Scoliosis is seen more often in females than in males, and it usually begins in childhood. If left untreated, symptoms can become severe.
A Balanced Spine
From the front, the spine looks like a straight line from the neck to the hips.
An Unbalanced Spine
Vertebrae, the bones in your spine, are curved to the side instead of straight.
Discs, which absorb shock between vertebrae, may bulge, rupture, or wear down.
Nerves, which travel through the vertebrae and carry the body’s messages, may be pinched or irritated.
Muscles, may be overused on one side of your body and weak on the other side.
History, X-rays, and Physical Exam
You and your physiotherapist will discuss your symptoms, any injuries, your family health history, and your lifestyle, including your physical activities. X-rays, the “blueprints” of your spine, may be taken to reveal the condition of your vertebrae. During the physical exam, a series of other tests may also be done.
A grid test or postural analysis shows whether your ears, shoulders, and hips are level.
The bend-over test shows whether one side of your back is raised and the spine curved to one side.
Diagnosis
Based on the examination and findings, your physiotherapist may begin an individualized treatment program to stabilize your scoliosis or improve your spinal health. If needed, your physiotherapist will also consult with other medical specialists about your condition.
Special Exercises
Your physiotherapist may suggest exercises that can strengthen the weak side of your body and stretch the tight side. Be sure to do only those exercises that your physiotherapist recommends.
Other Treatments
To help stretch your spine and improve its alignment and mobility, your physiotherapist may recommend other types of treatment – such as moist heat, ice packs, traction, or orthopedic support.
What Can I Do to Help My Spine?
Smart Support
Strengthen your spine by staying aware of your posture. Whether standing, sitting, or lying down, keep your spine straight and supported. Be sure to continue any exercise program that your physiotherapist may have recommended.
To help mold and align your spine, lie down for 15-20 minutes a day with a rolled-up towel under your neck and lower back. Check with your physiotherapist before trying this.
Spinal Checkups
Just as you need regular dental exams, you also need regular spinal exams. Physiotherapy is one of the best ways to detect and control scoliosis. Your physiotherapist can help you and your family maintain healthier lives with healthier spines.
Visit http://www.physiotherapycentres.com/ for more information or call 604-941-3055 to book an appointment now.
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