Kevin Kelly Physiotherapy
230 East Ave N2H 1Z4 Kitchener, ON, Canada

THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF LASER THERAPY Reported effects of laser on the tissues involve a photochemical reaction in the cells causing: Increase in cell metabolism. Laser increases the level of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is a chemical within the cells known as the energy transporter. It is postulated that energy from the low intensity laser is collected in the mitochondria of the cell, which then increases the amount of ATP. Higher levels of ATP activity can increase...Continue reading

Keeping up Muscle Bulk as You Age We develop muscle bulk for a very good reason, it''s there to move us about the planet and to enable us to do the things we want and maintain the postures we need. Muscle makes up about 45% of our bodyweight so that indicates its importance as the body does not maintain any tissues which do not have a useful function, it is too expensive in energy. Our muscle bulk develops quickly in our teens and we continue to increase this in our twenties.... However, by about the age of 35 we start losing a small amount of muscle bulk every year as we age and do slightly less. This is usually not of any great concern for some time but by the time we approach our sixties the loss of bulk can become significant and start to get in the way of normal function. The most important muscles for the maintenance of independence are the anti-gravity muscles of the buttocks and the thighs. These muscles push us up from the ground or for sitting, allow us go up and down stairs and climb ladders and enable us to walk normally and mount buses and other obstacles. If these muscles lose significant bulk the functional activities associated with their strength and endurance will become affected, leading to a gradual loss of ability and in some cases of independence. Consulting a physiotherapist can help will all these problems as they can assess the health of your joints which is a major factor in maintenance of healthy muscle strength. They also will assess your overall muscle strength and pinpoint any weaknesses you may have. The physiotherapist will give you functional advice to maintain your muscles strength such as taking the stairs rather than the lifts whenever you can, avoiding pushing up with your arms when you rise from a chair and taking up moderately strenuous walking once or twice a week to maintain strength, coordination, balance and joint position sense. If necessary, specific exercises will be designed for your individual problem, focusing on using the muscle in functional situations rather than artificial exercises. The decline in muscle bulk and the associated strength can be halted and in some cases reversed as there is no bar to increasing muscle strength in older people. Your physiotherapist can advice you on the correct joint movements and strengthening exercises to perform. Author:Jonathan Blood-Smyth

The Treatment of Sciatica by Physiotherapists Sciatica results from a structure impinging on a lumbar nerve root, causing compression and/or inflammation enough to cause neurological changes in the skin, reflexes and muscles served by the affected nerve. Not a common syndrome, it is estimated that 3-5% of the population suffer this kind of problem at some time. It affects men and women equally with men most susceptible in their forties and women in their fifties. Up to a qua...Continue reading

I recently completed a Kinesio Tape course. It's an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is used for treating athletic injuries and a variety of physical disorders. Since the course I've had the opportunity to use it with great success in treating shoulder tendonitis and back spasms.... Check out the frequently asked questions on the Kinesio Tape web site. http://www.kinesiotaping.com/gl/corporation/about/faqs.html

lliotibial Band Syndrome Iliotibial band syndrome causes knee pain on the outside of the knee from friction of the iliotibial band on the side of the knee. It is also known as ITB syndrome or ITBFS and sometimes referred to as runners knee. Iliotibial Band Syndrome Symptoms... Pain on the outside of the knee at or around the lateral epicondyle of the femur (bony bit on the outside of the knee). The pain comes on at a certain time in a run and gradually gets worse until often the runner has to stop. After a period of rest the pain may go only to return again when running starts again. The pain is normally aggravated by running, particularly downhill. There might be tighness in the iliotibial band which is the long tendon that runs down the outside of the thigh. Tender trigger points in the gluteal muscles/buttocks area may also be present. What Causes Iliotibial Band Syndrome Certain factors may make you more susceptible to developing runners knee or iliotibial band syndrome. A naturally tight or wide IT band may make someone more susceptible to this injury. Weak hip muscles such as gluteus medius are also thought to be a significant factor. Over pronation or poor foot bio mechanics may increase the risk of injury. If the foot rolls in or flattens, the lower leg rotates and so does the knee increasing the chance of friction on the band. Other factors include leg length difference, running on hills or on cambered roads. Iliotibial Band Syndrome Treatment What can the athlete do? Rest and apply cold therapy or ice to reduce any inflammation. Ice should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every hour until initial pain has gone. When pain has gone and training starts again avoid downhill running. Iliotibial band stretches after training and throughout the day are important. Perform foam roller exercises to help stretch the iliotibial band and remove any tight knots or lumps in the tendon. Self massage techniques can also be very helpful in correcting excessive ITB tightness. See a Physiotheraist who can advise on a full ITB rehab program. What can a Sports Injury Professional do? Perform ITB massage to help relax and loosen the tissues. Suggest anti-inflammatory medication such as NSAID’s e.g. Ibuprofen. Use Myofascial release techniques which have been shown to be highly effective. Outline a rehabilitation strategy which may include stretches and exercises to strengthen the hip abductors. Use electrotherapeutic treatment techniques such as TENS or ultrasound to reduce pain and inflammation. If you suspect that you may be suffering from ITB syndrome have an assessment from your Physiotherapist. We've been waiting to run outside for too long this winter to be sidelined by knee pain.