New West Sports Medicine Physiotherapy
B1 - 65 Richmond St. V3L 5P5 New Westminster, BC, Canada

Shoes Q: Does it really matter what shoe I buy? A: As a Physiotherapist, helping patients select an appropriate shoe type is often a large part of recovering from a lower extremity injury. Not only are there different types of shoes for different activities (e.g. running, hiking, or court sports), there are different shoes for different foot types. Some people have flat feet (pronation), while others have high arches/rigid feet (supination). Different shoes are designed to c...orrect for these foot types, by modifying the curve of the shoe (the last), the rigidity of the shoe, and the amount of medial arch support. People with a high arch should be looking for a more flexible shoe, while those with fallen arches should look for stability shoes. A knowledgeable shoe salesperson will know what type of shoe is right for you. Choosing a shoe that is designed to match your foot type can go a long way in preventing injuries. See more

Q:I have been diagnosed with a meniscal tear in my knee. Do I need surgery? A: We have two moon shaped cartilage shock absorbers in each knee, called the menisci (plural of meniscus). In addition to absorbing forces applied to the knee, the menisci also act to improve knee stability by forming of a socket shape for the femur to sit in. In the past, the meniscus was thought to be unimportant, and removed if damaged. Currently, we know that the meniscus protects the knee, an...d even partial loss of it results in earlier onset of arthritis. Treatment strategy for meniscal tears has advanced, and the primary method of treatment is now physiotherapy. Surgery is considered if rehabilitation has been unsuccessful in resolving symptoms. Recent analysis of the research has shown that long term outcomes are better with conservative rehabilitation than with surgery. See more

Q: What does Exercise is Medicine mean? A: Exercise is Medicine refers to the fact that exercise therapy is very helpful in decreasing pain and increasing joint mobility. Exercise is a primary form of treatment for Osteoarthritis. In fact, regulated physical activity has been proven to be helpful in the prevention of up to 35 health conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2diabetes, and dementia. Some key points to consider when exercising include ensuring that ...your exercise program is tailored to your personal needs and preferences. Consider pool exercises if land exercises are too painful. A 6 to 12 week supervised exercise program is often helpful when getting started. Periodic booster sessions can be beneficial over the long term. Finally, be prepared to modify your program when pain increases during flare-ups. Info from: JOSPT Perspectives for Patients June2018. See more

Preparing for Golf Season Q: Golf season is approaching, how can I best prepare for the season? A: Golfing is a sport which demands rotational strength, power and body awareness. Preparing for the golf season requires appropriate and individualized strength and mobility exercises to support these demands. Our physiotherapists can conduct a detailed assessment to identify muscle imbalances, joint restrictions and strength deficits to help manage current injuries and assist in ...your performance on the course. An exercise program addressing core strength, midback and hip mobility as well as rotational power will help to ensure stress is not placed on unwanted areas such as the low back and shoulders. Learning a simple exercise regime can help you with your swing and power off the tee while also preventing injuries during the season. Your physiotherapist can assist in developing a program appropriate for you and your goals. See more

Q: I have a desk job, how can I manage my neck pain? A: There are a few adjustments you can make throughout your work day to help you manage your neck pain. First, taking micro breaks can be an effective way to give your body a break from static postures. Allowing yourself a few minutes to get up and move can help you manage and prevent further neck pain. Adjusting your desk set up is a simple fix that can help to minimize strain on your postural muscles. Next, stretching the muscles of the neck and trunk can help you to maintain the mobility of your spine and surrounding tissue. Establish a routine and set a reminder to cue yourself to move! Your physiotherapists can assist in developing an individualized program to help you work and live more comfortably.

Q: What can I do to prevent a traumatic knee injury in soccer? A: The most common severe injury in soccer is tearing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL). Females are 3 to 5 times more likely to sustain an ACL tear in soccer than males. Movements that produce the greatest risk of injury to the ACL are cutting and pivoting, landing from a jump, and decelerating from a sprint . The majority of ACL injuries in soccer occur without any contact with another player. There is good r...esearch to indicate that a significant number of ACL tears can be avoided. This is done through preventative programs that include retraining movement patterns such as learning proper landing positions and performing correct decelerating and turning/pivoting mechanics. Your physiotherapist can direct you in preventative measures to keep you from ACL injuries in soccer. See more

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO OUR PATIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES All of us at New West Sports Medicine Physiotherapy would like to wish you the very best of the holiday season! We are so grateful for this past year and would like to thank you all!... NWSM Physiotherapy remains open over the holidays CLOSED only December 25, 2017 December 26, 2017 and January 1, 2017

The snow is falling on the mountains, what can I do to prepare for the ski and snow boarding season? Entering the winter sport season appropriately conditioned for the demands of your sport will help you make the most of the season. Taking to the slopes requires muscle patterning, strength and control, specific to the sport. These demands are different than those of our everyday activities and other sports. Lower body weakness, decreased balance, poor flexibility and overuse ...can all contribute to injuries. Some of the most common injuries are ligament sprains, muscle strains, fractures and dislocations typically around the knees, shoulders and wrists. These injuries often occur at the end of the day when you are fatigued. Your Physiotherapist can assist you in developing an individualized program focused on injury prevention and improving your performance on the mountain. See more

Q: My neck is sore and I have a bad headache after colliding with another hockey player. Can you help? A: Definitely. Do not ignore these symptoms and seek medical advice from a doctor first and then a physiotherapist. You have a neck injury and you may have a concussion. You may not know that you can get a concussion even without a direct blow to your head. A quick movement of your head and neck is enough to causes hearing and damage to your brain. Common concussion symptoms... include headaches, nausea, dizziness, mood changes, light and noise sensitivity, balance problems and memory loss. The physiotherapist will evaluate your neck, test your balance and coordination and will provide treatment for your neck, headaches and concussion. Special exercises and education are invaluable to your recovery. Important: the physiotherapist must clear you before you return to hockey. See more

Q: Why do I feel a sharp pain in the arch of my foot each morning? A: The pain in your foot is caused by micro-tears and inflammation of the connective tissue that extends from your heel bone to the base of your toes. This is called Plantar Fasciitis. Your plantar fascia is designed to withstand a lot of force everyday, however sometimes the forces are just too much. A sudden increase in activity or a change in footwear (e.g. flip-flops) can traction or tear the fascia. Physiotherapy treatment will correct faulty biomechanics of your foot/lower limb, decrease pain and swelling, lengthen shortened muscles, and re-train muscles to support your arch properly. If you have a job or play a sport that puts excessive force through your feet your Physiotherapist may refer you for orthotics (arch supports).

Q: I have a sore shoulder and it’s getting stiff. What can I do? A: Shoulder pain is a common problem, presenting as pain in the shoulder and upper arm. People experience difficulty raising their arm, reaching out, carrying objects, and being unable to lie on that side. Shoulder pain can be caused by trauma, repetitive overhead activities, weak muscles, and muscle imbalances. Conditions that result in shoulder pain include tendinitis, rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability ...and impingement. A chronic shoulder problem may go on to become a frozen shoulder. A Physiotherapist will assess and determine the cause of your pain. The Physiotherapist will improve shoulder mobility with manual therapy, prescribe exercises to address strength and flexibility, and educate you on what activities to avoid. Shoulder pain can be difficult to overcome, but your Physiotherapist will help you get back to normal sport/activities as quickly as possible. See more

Happy Canada Day from New West Sports Medicine

Physiotherapist Amrit Purewal playing ball hockey at worlds in Prague.