ArtSport Physio

Back Injuries- Pain with Backwards Bending! Back pain can happen for many reasons and people experience back pain differently depending on what the injured tissue or structure is in your back. In no way is back pain simple, but here in this series, I am trying to split back pain into two simple categories; Pain with bending FORWARD and Pain with bending BACKWARD. It can get more complex than this, but for education purposes this can be a great way to start learning about your... back and recognizing signs and symptoms and what it could be attributed to! Pain with BACKWARDS BENDING! Can be associated with the following! Local muscle pain= Muscle strain Pain at one or more segments of your spine = Lumbar joint strain or spondylothesis (anterior displacement of spine segment) or spondylosis (Bony compressive changes like sclerosis which is bone hardened to excessive pressure with lumbar extension) Pain local to posterior or anterior hip or top of posterior hip = Sacroiliac joint dysfunction Numbness of the anterior or lateral leg affecting leg function = Spondylothesis or nerve injury (pinched nerve or AKA radiculopathy) Soo you may ask, what can you do!? Stretching the associated muscles affected in the back or hip Light mobility exercises for the spine and hip And nerve flossing exercises if the nerve is affected and of course core exercises for strength and endurance! Sooo what should you avoid?! Sitting too often Lifting heavy objects Impact exercises And excessive backward-bending! That sounds simple right?!.... Though it isn’t, this is an introduction to what can help on a basic level, but when actually getting treated it can be more complex to solve the problem as everyone’s body is soooo UNIQUE! If you have any questions about back injuries leave a comment below! Also check out my page for some great starting exercises to help your back pain and get you moving! #backstretch #backexercise #selfcare #homeexercise #physiotherapy #selfmobilization #prehab #injuryprevention #desklife #deskexercise #hometraining #circus #gymnastics #yoga #calisthenics #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressrelieving #studybreak #studybreaktime #stretching #stayhome @ Toronto, Ontario

Back Injuries- Pain with Forward Bending! Working from home, sitting at your not so ergonomic desk, or doing more home workouts on hardwood floor and runs lately have been causing many people to get nagging back pain! Back pain can happen for many reasons and people experience back pain differently depending on what the injured tissue or structure is in your back. In no way is back pain simple, but here in this series, I am trying to split back pain into two simple categor...ies; Pain with bending FORWARD and Pain with bending BACKWARD. It can get more complex than this, but for education purposes this can be a great way to start learning about your back and recognizing signs and symptoms and what it could be attributed to! Pain with FORWARD BENDING! Can be associated with the following! Local muscle pain= Muscle strain Pain along your spine = Possible disc herniation Pain local to posterior hip or top of posterior hip = Sacroiliac joint dysfunction or strain to piriformis or other gluteal muscles Numbness of posterior leg affecting leg function = Sciatica or nerve injury (pinched nerve or AKA radiculopathy) Soo you may ask, what can you do!? Stretching the associated muscles affected in the back or hip Light mobility exercises for the spine and hip And nerve flossing exercises if the nerve is affected! Sooo what should you avoid?! Sitting too often Lifting heavy objects Impact exercises And excessive forward bending! That sounds simple right?!.... Though it isn’t, this is an introduction to what can help on a basic level, but when actually getting treated it can be more complex to solve the problem as everyone’s body is soooo UNIQUE! If you have any questions about back injuries leave a comment below! Also check out my page for some great starting exercises to help your back pain and get you moving! #backstretch #backexercise #selfcare #homeexercise #physiotherapy #selfmobilization #prehab #injuryprevention #desklife #deskexercise #hometraining #circus #gymnastics #yoga #calisthenics #stressrelief #stressmanagement #stressrelieving #studybreak #studybreaktime #stretching #stayhome @ Toronto, Ontario

Happy Friday Everyone! So as the long weekend start to roll on in, I hope everyone ahs a great time spend doing what they love! Dance, circus arts and hiking in nature are all the things I love and this weekend hiking and dancing will have to be on my top priority to celebrate the weekend!!!... Had the loveliest time this past winter doing this dance with @love.mingbo as I learned the fundamentals of contemporary dance! It was soooooOoOoOO fun and great to have collaborated with some many lovely people and share the feels, moves and emotions of dance! Dance is medicine to me and I LOVE doing it! Makes me feel grounded and in a flow state. What is your medicine? A movement practice? Breath work? Mediation? #dance #medicine #movement #TGIF #dancing #contemporarydance #physio #rehab #performance #prehab #injuryprevention #hometraining #dance #danceinjury #circus #gymnastics #yoga #calisthenics #stretching #calisthenics #circuseverydamnday #gymnasticsbody #rhythmic #flexibility #mobility

Triple Threat Part 1 . Why called triple threat? This is an awesome exercises that works on the following: . Core stability... Shoulder stability Hip Stability . Amazing, am I right?! All you need is a chair and exercise band! . First place your hand on the floor and feed the band under your palm and hold tightly with the top hand. Then place your top leg on top the chair and lift your hips high while tucking your bottom leg in and under. In this exercise, you are in a side plank while balancing on the top leg only and moving your arm up to the ceiling resisting into the exercise band. Your shoulders are being strengthened with the band resistance as well as stabilizing your body in the side plank position. Your core is also on fire as you engage your abdominals stabilizing your body through this exercise! Lastly, you are strengthening your inner thigh while balancing on the top leg to chair. . Remember to do both sides and repeat for 8-10 reps and 3 sets! . Try it out! This is one of the many conditioning exercises I use with my athletes and patients while staying at home during quarantine! . Interested in an online session, you can always DM me to get things set up! . #core #homeexercises #conditioning #physio #onlinetherapy #prevention #injuryprevention #rehab #hipstability #shoulderstability See more

#tbt to Aspire Camp 2020; a event hosted by Gymnastic Canada for young aspiring rhythmic gymnasts which focused on ballet and gymnastic technique, strength and conditioning, flexibility, choreography and last but not least, injury prevention! . It was my pleasure to have presented to these aspiring young athletes on common injuries in their sport, injury prevention exercises, when to contact a health care practitioner about their injury and how to manage an injury during com...petition session! . Early detection of an injury is very important during an athlete’s training program. . Early signs of an injury can include: Pain Persisting soreness Muscle fatigue or giving away Difficulty with skill execution due to feeling of weakness or instability Numbness, tingling . During this time where a lot of athletes are at home training, the focus has been on maintaining skill level and maintaining fitness and injury prevention. This is a great time for athletes to be focusing on symmetrical movements that target key muscle groups for stability and muscle strength or endurance for their sport as well as maintaining flexibility. . Swipe right for our treatment guidelines and group photo! If you have any questions, you can DM me about how you can maintain your fitness and conditioning during this maintenance phase for your sport season! #gymnastics #injuryprevention #conditioning #ballet #choreography #fitness #health #prehab #physio #sportphysio #circus #rthythmicgymnastics @ Markham Pan Am Centre See more

#tbt to when I had the amazing opportunity working on #Hamilton! . To simpler times when I was able to work backstage and physically put my healing hands on people to help them with their injuries. . About over 1 month ago, before COVID19, I had the opportunity to work backstage with the cast of #Hamilton doing physiotherapy! It was a great experience and truly the cast serenaded me as they warmed up their voices before the show! Hoping to get back to normal city life and do ...as we all did freely; work, play and enjoy the arts among many people around us as we sat to watch a show! . Comment below of a musical you wish you could be watching right now! . #physiotherapy #hamiltonmusicial #musicials #performingarts #backstage #sportphysio @ Ed Mirvish Theatre See more

And that’s a wrap! It’s been a busy time coming back to Toronto and working backstage for multiple shows! Always so fun! I had the pleasure to work backstage for the musical The Band’s Visit! An amazing experience listening to Arabic and Israeli music and treating the cast and crew! #thebandsvisit #musical #backstage #sportphysio #middleeasternmusic @ Ed Mirvish Theatre

Lovely time backstage with the PMed team here in Toronto at Cirque Du Soliel’s Alegria! Wonderful time learning and connecting with Cirque artists and medical staff! #sportphysio #cirquedusoleil #alegria #toronto #emergencyrescue @ Ontario Place

Congratulations to this lovely group of ladies during their World Cup Challenge competition in the beautiful Portimão! Good learning points to prep them for World Champs and they crushed their 5 ball routine with a personal best! #portimao #worldcupchallenge #rhythmicgymnastics #canada #physio #sportphysio @ Portimão, Algarve, Portugal

And this is where all the magic happens! This morning I had the pleasure visit many of the studio spaces in Cirque du Soleil headquarters; where all the creative work is done for their spectacular shows! I also got to observe the therapy department’s medical rescue training session as well for a new creation for this year! It was a super exciting and interesting to see how safety protocols are made and executed based on high risk apparatuses. It was a great experience and thank you @melissap_pt for the pleasure to be there! . . . #mtl #cirque #circuseverydamnday #aerials #show #physiotherapy #therapy #rehab #prehab #circus #performance #backstage #cirquedusoleil @ Cirque du Soleil IHQ

Iconic landscape and artwork at Cirque Du Soleil Headquarters! Today was a lovely day touring the founding grounds of Cirque du Soleil where not only did I get to see beautiful artworks but visit many places within the facility! I got see how these amazing and imaginative shows are created from the costumes to the creation studios and meet the working people behind it all! Therapists to the technical staff and performers! Thank you @melissap_pt for such a lovely visit! . . . #mtl #cirque #circuseverydamnday #aerials #show #physiotherapy #therapy #rehab #prehab #circus #performance #backstage #cirquedusoleil @ Cirque du Soleil IHQ

#tbt L’Hotel in Toronto @cirqueeloize! Had the pleasure to be the backstage physio for this great group of performers! . .... . #throwbackthursday #artsportphysio #physio #dance #gymnastics #circus #cirquegoals #circuseverydamnday #rehab #performingarts #aerialsilks #physiotherapy #chiro #movement #prevention #sportsphysio #cirqueduinsta #cirqueeloize #performance #therapy #ontheroad #touring

#tbt 2018 Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Sofia Bulgaria with Team Canada! . .... . #throwbackthursday #artsportphysio #physio #dance #gymnastics #physiotherapy #chiro #movement #prevention #sportsphysio #gymnasticscanada #performance #therapy #ontheroad #touring #competitions #rhythmicgymnastics #teamcanada @ Sofia, Bulgaria

#tbt Saloon USA tour last year @cirqueeloize! Had the pleasure to be the travel physio for this great group of performers! . . . #throwbackthursday #artsportphysio #physio #dance #gymnastics #circus #cirquegoals #circuseverydamnday #rehab #performingarts #aerialsilks #physiotherapy #chiro #movement #prevention #sportsphysio #cirqueduinsta #cirqueeloize #performance #therapy #ontheroad #touring

Lately, I have been thinking of three concepts of performanceTraining, Rest, & Nutrition. The question is how would we rank their importance for optimal performance? . Among popular belief, people often rank training to be of their first priority for performance as it allows them to learn and perfect skills, while nutrition and rest can be placed second and third respectively. Contrary to popular belief, in order to perform to your best rest is upmost important and first ran...ked! . REST is an essential component of health. It is an integral part of the recovery and adaptive process between bouts of exercise. It is associated with improved performance, and helps solidify the physical attributes achieved in training. Another important aspect of rest is SLEEP! Accumulating evidence suggests that increased sleep duration and improved sleep quality in athletes are associated with improved performance, and competitive success. It is important to develop healthy sleep habits when on the road and during competition season. . NUTRITION is the second most important aspect of performance. It helps our body rebuild tissues during the recovery period and is needed to assist our bodies during training to gain strength, and power. It is important to consult your team’s nutrition health care professional to review your diet to highlight areas for improvement. . And lastly... TRAINING is the third important aspect of performance that allows you to learn and perform the skills needed for your discipline. This involves training routines, skill-focused practice, & rehab/conditioning exercises. It is important to schedule your workouts, training session and conditioning/rehab exercises in a way that is centered around allowing your body to peak in it’s performance during competition season. It is important to consult your team’s physiologist, physiotherapist and coaches to review your training routine to highlight areas for improvement. . For any enquires, please DM or email myself on my @artsportphysio page! See more

If you do this You will need this! . In other words, as much as you USE your body you will need to HEAL and take good CARE of your body. A lot of patients that I see are travelling, with their sport, touring company or art projects, in some way. Sometimes, access to therapy and maintaining good health and wellness can be a HUGE barrier and often neglected when on the road. . Here are some tips to help ensure good health and wellness on the road!... . Body aches/pains: During travel, keep a diary of your injuries to track their progression or severity. Ranking your pain on a scale from 0-10 (0= No pain, 10= Most pain) can further quantify your pain and help you recognize the good days over the bad. Pre plan a therapy session before your travel to help you better deal with your injuries on the road. Remember to discuss with your therapist of tools/therapy equipment/tape to have on hand while on the road. If you don’t have a travel therapist with you, research of medical/therapy services in your future destinations. . Travel days and nutrition: Keep hydrated during travel days, which means bring 1-2 portable refillable water bottles. Avoid caffeine/alcohol as it may dehydrate you further when on the go. Eat on a schedule, have snacks every few hours, and try to time your meals based on the time zone of the next destination. In your suitcase pack different non-perishable snacks, like power bars, granola, nuts/trail mix, protein powders, etc. Also, bringing items like a small blender or food containers can aid with on the road nutrition for making meals. Circulation is key when on the road. COMPRESSION SOCKS can be a great way to prevent circulatory issues when travelling! . Mental health/ comfort: Bring the things that are most comforting to you along the way! Music, ear plugs/ eye mask for sleep or tokens from home. Meditation, diaries, books or relaxation techniques are ways to help your mind unwind during long and stressful days. Planned phone calls with family and loved ones are great ways to also know you are supported from afar. . For any enquires, please DM or email myself on my @artsportphysio page! Always here to help! See more

Hello IG world! It has been a while since I lasted posted, but I have been busy with things! I have some new updates and recently rebranded and edit my website for everyone to enjoy and learn what I am about and what services I offer! Definitely, check the link out on my main page > www.artsportphysio.com . . But for my recent new followers, I wanted to introduce myself @cristina.piticco and my brand @artsportphysio .... . My name is Cristina and am registered physiotherapist pursing my Sports Physio Certification here in Toronto! I work with performing artists, aerialists, acrobats, and rhythmic gymnasts to dancers and musicians. On the side, I personally do circus arts myself! . . I have worked on tour with circus companies like Cirque Eloize, @cirqueeloize, and am a travel therapist currently for Gymnastics Canada, @gymcan1, for Canada’s National’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Team. Locally in Toronto, I work at a Medical Sports Therapy clinic called Athletic Edge Sports Medicine and take new patients from all sport backgrounds to business professionals and anyone who is looking to better their health! Over the next few weeks, I will be posting a bunch of cool tips & preventative exercises for all to enjoy, as well as some action photos from my involvement with my clients! . . For any enquires, please DM or email myself on my @artsportphysio page! Always here to help! . . photo credit @kaylens_ca #artsportphysio #physio #dance #gymnastics #circus #cirquegoals #circuseverydamnday #rehab #performingarts #aerialsilks #physiotherapy #chiro #movement #prevention #sportsphysio #cirqueduinsta #cirqueeloize See more

It has been a while! . But I have been super busy doing a lot of physiotherapy backstage coverage for a great new musical in Toronto called The King and I @mirvishproductions . Have been treating various dancers from all walks of the planet from America to Asia and all places in between! It has been a great experience and the musical will be here until middle of August! A must see! . If you are a dancer or performing wanting to know more about how to get back on stage from injuries, you can comment below or DM me, always here to help! . #physiotherapy #rehab #health #artsportphysio #dance #musical #prehab #backstage #sport #art #injury #recovery

Travel UPDATE! . Over the past year I have been working hard doing ALOT of sport to backstage physiotherapy coverage! Towards the end of the year I will be writing my sport physiotherapy exam, but more importantly THIS FALL, I will be Canada’s Sport Physiotherapist traveling with the National Canadian Rhythmic Gymnastics team for their World Competition in Bulgaria . I am super excited for this opportunity as not only will I get to be apart of their journey thr...ough the competition but hope to aid them through the next years to help qualify for future events in 2019-2020, including the Pam Am to Olympic Games! . A true blessing and process to really sharpen my skills and more importantly to aid a team of beautifully strong and determined athletes achieve their dreams and goals! . Follow along in the next few months as I get prepped for the event and travel to Eastern Europe! . #FIG #gymnastics #rythmic #worldchampionships #canada #bulgaria #sportphysio #artsportphysio #prehab #injuryprevention #rehab #roadtoworlds See more

The BLOG is up! Take a look into the link below, there are many posts already for those movement goers looking for pre-hab exercises to help their joints be protected during training & performance! https://www.artsportphysio.com/b-l-o-g

Workshop ALERT! In partnership with Jamie Holmes located The Circus Fix (6 Carlaw Ave, Toronto), I will be hosting a shoulder injury prevention and treatment workshop called What the Shoulder?! on Saturday, January 20th 2018 @ 2pm. All those looking to better the health of their shoulders and learn the role they play in CIRCUS ARTS, & other forms of ACROBATICS/ YOGA, we will be going over how to better ASSESS, TREAT & PREVENT shoulder injuries. This sessi...on will include hands on assessment, and treatment & injury prevention guidance. This workshop will be provided by myself representing my personal brand ArtSport Physio Currently, I have had the pleasure to be doing travelling physiotherapy for Cirque Eloize and I plan to incorporate and blend my experiences and knowledge into the workshop for everyone to enjoy! Looking forward to it! Hope to see you there! Here is the link also look at my main page for the direct link! clients.mindbodyonline.com/classic/ws