Inactivity in Youth and Adults

Physiotherapists recognize inactivity as a growing and reversible problem. One-third of youth and adults in Canada have one or more chronic health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cancer and heart disease. Obesity is also noteworthy in this context. Some 23% of Canadian adults are clinically obese and 59% overweight. Among youth, obesity rates are rising…

Managing Pain

Learning How to Decrease Pain and Improve Your Function 1. Ask your physiotherapist to provide you with education about pain science and pain management 2. Practice relaxation, breathing exercises and body awareness exercises every day. Work with your physiotherapist to bring these techniques into your exercises and daily activities. 3. Understand that pain does not have…

Is Your Backpack Weighing You Down ?

Physiotherapists advise the following tips when selecting and using backpacks to avoid back and arm injury: Backpacks should have the following features: Made of lightweight materials, like canvas, to reduce the weight, and have lots of storage compartments to balance the weight of the contents throughout the entire pack. Place larger flat items closest to…

Healthy Computer Habits for the Office

Physiotherapists are seeing an increase in electronic injuries, and the aches and pains that come from sitting at a computer for long periods of time. Physiotherapists offer these guidelines for computer: Stretch – Include regular stretching into your work routine. Every 20 to 60 minutes, do three or four stretches – for hands, shoulders, neck…

Running

On your mark, get set, go! Running is an activity that many enjoy and can be extremely beneficial to one’s health. A 30 to 40 minute run, three or four times a week can help to maintain flexibility, increase mobility and build strength and endurance. Proper posture and body mechanics will help lessen the strain…

Getting Fit !

Physiotherapy Advice for Fitness Fans! Enthusiasts are in a big hurry to get trim and they don’t always take the time to make sure they are exercising properly. Fitness is a journey and not a destination. Working out and expecting to look better than last year in two or three weeks is unrealistic, and can…

Knee Injuries

Anyone can be a victim of a knee injury; whether you are a professional athlete, a weekend fitness buff or someone just busy carrying out your day-to-day activities. The knee joint is unique in that it carries body weight at the same time as it provides flexibility and mobility. It is formed by the femur, the tibia and the…

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…

Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture ? Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology originating in ancient China that treats patients by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin. According to Traditional Chinese medicine, stimulating these points can correct imbalances in the flow of qi through channels known as meridians. According to traditional Chinese…