Re-Active Physio & Rehab

Happy Diwali This Diwali With all the lights and diyas eradicating dark shadows and evil, and all the prayers and love among people create a wonderful atmosphere full of goodness and purity. We wish this festival of Diwali fills everyone's hearts with an aura of purity and a happy, compassionate mood

RE-ACTIVE PHYSIO & REHAB WITCH YOU A HAPPY HALLOWEEN ****Safely celebrating Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic The CDC issues guidelines, advising against traditional trick-or-treating**** Halloween is an exciting time for kids. They get to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating around the neighborhood with friends. But many of those activities can lead to the spread of COVID-19. That’s why Halloween might look a little different this year....Continue reading

Happy Thanks giving!!!

CUPPING THERAPY was considered as an official therapeutic intervention in the 1950s across hospitals in China after research conducted by Chinese and former Soviet Union acupuncturists confirmed cupping’s effectiveness. Cupping therapy has been becoming more known to the public now with celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, David Arquette, and athlete Michael Phelps seen on media with post cupping therapy marks. What Is Dry Cupping Therapy? Cupping is a techniqu...e that uses small glass cups as suction devices that are placed on the skin to disperse and break up stagnation and adhesions by drawing congested blood, energy or other humors to the surface. In dry cupping, the therapist will place the suction cups on the skin and keep it on for few minutes to get the benefits of the therapy. In one another method after the suction has occurred, the cups can be gently moved across the skin which is known as Gliding Cupping. The suction in the cups causes the skin and superficial muscle layer to get pulled upward slightly. Cupping is much like massage to muscles. For most patients, this is a particularly relaxing and relieving sensation. Once suctioned, the cups are generally left in place for about five to ten minutes while the patient relaxes. The side effects of cupping are mild. Bruising should be expected, but skin should return to looking normal within 10-12 days. Other potential side effects include mild discomfort, skin infection, or burns. However, a trained health professional will apply an antibiotic ointment and bandage to prevent an infection. Where there’s adhesion, there would be discomfort and pain. Break down the adhesion and the pain would be gone. Pain results from the congestion, stagnation, and blockage of Qi, or vital energy, vital fluids, lymph, phlegm, and blood. Pain suffering is a result of obstructed or irregular flow in the body. Therefore, cupping is a method of breaking up the blockage to restore the body’s natural flow of energy. FOR MORE DETAILS CALL (416)624-1006 OR EMAIL US ON [email protected]

Shoulder Dislocations The shoulder is a fascinating joint with incredible flexibility. It is connected to the body via a complex system of muscles and ligaments. Most of the other joints in the body are very stable, thanks to the structure of the bones and ligaments surrounding them. However, the shoulder has so much movement and flexibility that stability is reduced to allow for this. Unfortunately, this increased flexibility means that the shoulder is more vulnerable to joi...nt dislocations. What is a dislocation and how does it happen? As the name suggests, a dislocated shoulder is where the head of the upper arm moves out of its normal anatomical position to sit outside of the shoulder socket joint. Some people have more flexible Joints than others and will, unfortunately, have joints that move out of position without much force. Other people might never dislocate their shoulders unless they experience a traumatic injury that forces it out of place. The shoulder can dislocate in many different directions, the most common being anterior or forwards. This usually occurs when the arm is raised and forced backward in a ‘stop sign’ position. What to do if this happens The first time a shoulder dislocates is usually the most serious. If the shoulder doesn’t just go back in by itself (spontaneous relocation), then someone will need to help to put it back in. This needs to be done by a professional as they must be able to assess what type of dislocation has occurred, and often an X-ray needs to be taken before the relocation happens. A small fracture can actually occur as the shoulder is being put into place, which is why it is so important to have a professional perform the procedure with X-Ray guidance if necessary. How can physiotherapy help? Following a dislocation, your physiotherapist can advise on how to allow the best healing for the shoulder. It is essential to keep the shoulder protected for a period to allow any damaged structures to heal as well as they can. After this, a muscle-strengthening and stabilization program can begin. This is aimed at helping the muscles around the shoulder to provide further stability and prevent future dislocations.

Things to Avoid When You Have Back Pain Back pain is such a common experience that it is estimated up to 80% of adults will have at least one severe episode of back pain in their lifetime. ... For many people, the pain quickly resolves and things go back to normal. However the first time this happens to you it can be scary, particularly as very severe pain can occur suddenly and without warning. Statistics, however, are on your side. Most of the time, acute low back pain resolves without consequence and doesn’t recur. If you happen to be in the middle of an episode, here are a few tips to help you get through. 1. Avoid heavy lifting While this may seem obvious, there are a few people who will always try to push through the pain. The expression "no pain, no gain" is in many cases outdated and if your work requires heavy lifting, it is more than reasonable to take a few days off. 2. Avoid too much rest. On the other hand, lying in bed all day is bad for you as well. If you have severe back pain, gentle movement under the advice of a physiotherapist is much better for you than complete rest. 3. Avoid long car or plane trips If possible, now is the time to avoid long distance travel. If you absolutely must travel, speak to your physiotherapist about how to manage your pain during the trip. 4. Avoid listening to horror stories There are always stories about pain that never went away, requiring surgery, which only made it worse. While worst case scenarios do happen, being fearful is a negative factor in a healthy recovery. That terrible story is probably not going to happen to you and hearing these stories is only going to impact your recovery negatively. 5. Avoid delaying treatment While your pain may go away on its own, it is important to have a professional assess your condition to screen for any serious injuries and advise you on how to best manage your pain while you are getting better. They can also help you recover as quickly as possible. 6. Don’t expect a miracle cure Back pain is complicated, and a single treatment that works for everyone does not exist. It is important to follow the directions of your therapist and work with them to set reasonable and realistic goals for your recovery.

Dry Needling Dry needling, also known as trigger point dry needling and myofascial trigger point dry needling, is a procedure that treats myofascial pain. Muscles sometimes develop knotted areas called trigger points. These trigger points are highly sensitive and can be painful when touched. They are also often the cause of referred pain (or pain that affects another part of the body). Clinicians push thin solid needles through the skin into trigger points. The needles are us...ed to stimulate the tissue, not to inject medication. Pain affects how your body moves. It is thought that dry needling changes the way the brain and muscles talk to each other to let the system return to a more normal movement pattern. A patient may experience different sensations when being needled, muscle soreness, aching and a muscle twitch when a needle is inserted is considered to be a good sign. The needles may be placed deeply or superficially, for shorter or longer periods of time, depending on what type of pain is being treated and how long it has lasted. Shorter periods of time would mean that needle would stay in the muscle for seconds, while longer periods could mean 10 to 15 minutes. What kinds of pain does dry needling treat? Dry needling is almost always used as a part of an overall plan that will likely include some type of exercise, manual therapy, heat therapy, and education. Dry needling is used to increase range of motion that may be limited due to muscle tightness or scar tissue. Dry needling may also treat: Joint problems Disk problems Tendinitis Migraine and tension-type headaches Jaw and mouth problems (such as temporomandibular joint disorders or TMD) Whiplash Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome) Spinal problems Pelvic pain Night cramps Phantom pain Post-herpetic neuralgia (pain left behind by shingles)

Upper Traps Pain: Love this kinesiotaping technique for reducing soreness following dryneedling of the upper traps. The key is very light tension

Happy Canada Day!

TRIGEMINAL NERVE chronic pain: Physiotherapy Intervention at Re-Active Physio & Sports Rehab would help to take away your symptoms from you. Solutions :... ***Medical Acupuncture has been seen as very successful treatment for on descending inhibitory pain pathways and also to stimulate endorphins (as well as the body's natural cortisone). ***TENS therapy delivered on significant number of patients appear to get good benefit, and this appears in some studies to be better than placebo. ***Hands On Therapy for Facial Musculature proven to be best providing immediate relief from the symptoms ***Home self-care education given from our team of medical experts would help to manage symptoms on your own following physiotherapy interventions which would minimize chances of re-occurrence.

Steps To Less Pain And More Energy Pain and lack of energyalways go hand in hand. Constant chronic pain can sap your energy levels. Human body is meant to move and sitting back for long hours can have an adverse effect on your health. It is said that sound mind resides in a sound body. The key to lead a healthy life is incorporating exercises and some movement into your daily routine. A proper mix of good nutrition and exercise can boost your energy levels....Continue reading

Neck And Lower Back Pain Everyday life is not so kind to the lower back and spine. With so many of us staring straight into our smartphones and gazing into Pc’s most of the day, we may be familiar with the crick that gets us down while cradling the phone between the ear and shoulder, or the strain we feel at the lower back. Back and neck pain is a common problem that can hinder your daily activities. If the pain gets in the way of your routine chores, some of the following ti...Continue reading

Happy Mother’s Day!

Keeping Healthy While Working from Home Over the next few months, many of us will be spending more time at home. For each of us, this will mean something different; however, regardless of your circumstances, there are a few things you can do to make your time at home a little easier and healthier. Maintain a routine. ... A new routine may take a while to develop and will depend on the demands placed on you by your work or children, however, some things can help with both mental and physical health when staying at home for long periods. Waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day can have a significant impact on wellness, ensuring that you have a better sleep and also feel more settled when you wake up. Use screens thoughtfully. Technology can help us to connect with those who are not there, yet can also take us away from things happening around us. Delete the apps that you find distracting, such as news or social media and schedule in quality catch-ups with friends and family via video. Take time to adjust your home workstation. If you will be spending hours at a time on your computer, it is essential to take the time to ensure your workstation is set up optimally to reduce stress on your body while working. You can chat with your physiotherapist for some tips on how to set up your home office. Stay in touch with your physio. If you are struggling with pain at home, your physiotherapist can offer a variety of online treatment solutions, even if you can’t make it to the clinic. Reach out to your physiotherapist if you are in pain either via email or telehealth sessions to see how they can help you you might be surprised at how much they can help. Join an online fitness group and workout with others. Joining a daily online workout session is one way to keep active and also stick to a schedule. Many of the videos allow you to join in live, helping to increase commitment and a sense of community with your fellow athletes. Stretch before bed. Start with just three simple stretches, calf, hamstrings and triceps and slowly build up your repertoire. Stretching before bed can help to prepare your body for rest while also improving flexibility. Try to hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds for optimal effect.

The CDC recommends surgical masks only for people who already show symptoms of coronavirus and must go outside, since wearing a mask can help prevent spreading the virus by protecting others nearby when you cough or sneeze.

What is Knee Osteoarthritis (OA)? Osteoarthritis is a type of degenerative arthritis often referred as a wear and tear condition. It occurs when the cartilage within the joint slowly wears away due to injury, overuse, and/or metabolic factors. Osteoarthritis occurs most commonly in the knee joint and is often seen in people 50 years of age or older. What are Knee OA Signs and Symptoms? There are many common symptoms associated with osteoarthritis of the knee, including:... Knee pain that’s located within the joint Morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes Tenderness when the knee is touched Cracking/popping noises in the knee with movement, which is called crepitus Decreased knee range of motion Knee pain is usually described as a constant or intermittent dull ache that may increase when weight bearing through the knee. The pain can cause limitations to certain functions such as walking, standing for prolonged periods of time, and running. Fact or Myth: Does Weather Impacts Pain in OA? Many people believe that certain weather conditions such as cold temperatures and humidity can worsen the pain experienced by knee osteoarthritis. However, this is only a myth! According to research, changes in weather conditions do not influence the risk of pain exacerbation in those with knee osteoarthritis. How can Physiotherapy Help? Pain management: Physiotherapists can administer pain-reliving modalities such as ultrasound and IFC Exercises: Physiotherapy can help determine which muscles are contributing to your knee pain/dysfunction and help you with stretching, range of motion, strength and balance Protection: Physiotherapists can fit you for appropriate braces and gait aids if your pain and dysfunction is continuing to impact your daily life References: Zhang W, Doherty M, Peat G et al. EULAR evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2010;69:483489. Altman RE et al. Development of Criteria for the Classification and Reporting of Osteoarthritis. Classification of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. Ferreira ML, Zhang Y, Metcalf B, Makovey J, Bennell KL, March L, et al. The influence of weather on the risk of pain exacerbation in patients with knee osteoarthritis a case-crossover study. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 2016;24(12):2042-2047.

What is a shoulder labrum? A labrum is a structure found within some joints of the body in order to help increase the stability of the joint. The labrum is composed of a rubbery tissue called fibrocartilage. The labrum in the shoulder is often called the glenoid labrum. It lines the rim of your shoulder socket in order to help keep your upper arm bone (humerus) in place. Your shoulder labrum also acts as an attachment site for important ligaments and tendons. One important te...Continue reading

What is sciatica? Often times when people are told they have "sciatica" they believe that this is their diagnosis. However, sciatica is actually just the name for a number of symptoms caused by a neural condition. These symptoms, including pain, weakness, numbness, burning and/or tingling down the leg, may cause people to experience limitations in their ability to live their normal everyday life. Understanding the underlying cause of one's sciatica pain is important as 10% of... individuals with low back pain will experience this symptom. Where does sciatica arise from? The sciatic nerve begins at the lower lumbar spinal region and passes down the back of your thigh, splits into two divisions and continues down to the soles of your feet. Sciatica pain is the result of either a neurological issue in the low back or an entrapped nerve in the piriformis muscle. The different sites that sciatica pain may arise from are differentiated by using the terms "axial" and "appendicular." Axial: Arises from compression of the nerve roots at the intervertebral foramina Appendicular sciatica: pain from nerve entrapment distal to the nerve roots Depending on the level of the spine that is affected, people will experience their symptoms in specific regions, such as: Symptoms beginning in buttocks and radiating posteriorly = S1 Symptoms radiating dorsolaterally = L5 Symptoms radiating anteriolaterally into the anterolateral thigh = L4 How does sciatica develop? Sciatic pain happens when either the root or the nerve fibers of the sciatic nerve become irritated or damaged. Symptoms may be felt anywhere along the nerve's pathway down the leg and may differ significantly between people. The most common cause of sciatica is disc herniation, however others include: Spinal stenosis Spondylosis Nerve entrapment Inflammation and swelling (arthritis, sprains, infection) Vascular problems (decreased blood flow such as late stages of pregnancy) Central mechanisms (smoking, cerebral hemorrhage or sclerosis) Trauma Resources: Koes, B. W., van Tulder, M. W., & Peul, W. C. (2007). Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 334(7607), 13131317. doi:10.1136/bmj.39223.428495.BE Sciatica. (2019, May 26). Physiopedia, . Retrieved 12:37, July 3, 2019 from https://www.physio-pedia.com/index.php B.W Koes, M.W Van Tulder, W.C Peul. Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ, 23 JUNE 2007, VOLUME 334, p.1313-1314