Physiotherapy Articles

Osteoporosis is a condition which affects millions of North Americans and millions more are at risk. Osteoporosis, which means “porous bone” is characterized by decreased bone density and structural deterioration of the bone. As a result the bones become weak and brittle. This brittleness can then result in bones that can fracture much more easily than normal. For example, fractures may occur with just coughing or sneezing, bending over, or lifting. The fractures typically occur in the hips, spine, or wrists. Women are four times more likely to develop the condition than men.

In most cases of osteoporosis, the bones weaken when you have low levels of calcium, phosphorous and other minerals in your bones. Many more individuals may have low bone density (osteopenia) and are at risk of developing osteoporosis. Your bone density can be evaluated by a bone density test.

An important factor in decreasing the risk of developing osteoporosis is ensuring your diet includes adequate vitamin D and calcium. And even if you already have the condition, it can help to prevent bones from getting weaker. Exercise, especially weight bearing exercises, in the first two decades of life is the best way to ensure you develop good levels of bone density because as we age our bone density will gradually decrease. So if you don’t have good density to begin with, you are greater risk later on.

Nevertheless, exercising throughout life is an important way to keep your bones stronger. The best exercises include strength training, weight bearing, and flexibility. Strength training consists of using resistance (eg. free weights, resistance bands, weight machines etc.) to build muscles. In particular, the arm muscles and posture muscles. Weight-bearing exercises slow down mineral loss in the bones and include activities such as walking, dancing, and hiking. Flexibility exercises help to maintain joint and muscle mobility and this in turn improves posture as well as balance. Improving balance decreases the risk of falls which can easily cause fractures in osteoporotic bone.

If you have osteoporosis it is a good idea to consult your physician to determine the severity through a bone density test before embarking on any exercise program .A physiotherapist can then assist you to develop an appropriate and safe program. In general, individuals with osteoporosis should avoid high impact activities such as running, and jumping. As well, exercises that involve bending and twisting, such as touching your toes, rowing machines, and full sit-ups, should be avoided as they increase the risk of compression fractures in the spine.

Nordic pole walking is the fastest growing outdoor sport. It is a walking sport that is safe and effective for fitness. Walking with poles is more beneficial than walking without poles. Walking with poles gives you a total body workout. It incorporates more than 90 percent of the muscles in your body. Walking alone uses only 35 percent of your muscles.

Have you tried cross-country skiing? Do you remember how you had an amazing workout? Nordic pole walking is very similar to cross country skiing. You use the same technique but you are using running shoes instead of skis. You can use Nordic poles on any terrain, any place, anytime.

There are many health benefits to using Nordic poles.

• Nordic pole walking burns up to 46% more calories than walking without poles.
• Nordic pole walking improves cardiovascular training.
• Since you are using 90% of your body muscles you also increase the endurance of arm, back, neck, shoulder and abdominal muscles.
• When using Nordic poles you will have 26% less impact on your hips, knees and feet.
• Exercise gives you a feeling of well-being. This will decrease feelings of depression or feeling low.
• Nordic pole walking improves posture.

Activity helps you keep a desirable lifestyle.

We hope you will join us at York Rehab for a Nordic pole walk. All are welcome.

We all have stress in our lives. However, not all of us are able to successfully deal with stress and the negative effects it can cause. Massage Therapy is a useful tool to combat the effects of stress. Of the many benefits massage therapy offers, stress management is often looked at as one of the most important. Not only can massage therapy help with headaches, neck and back pain, joint and muscle pain, but also help reduce the amount of stress you endure by providing a relaxing therapy where your mind and body are at ease. The oxford dictionary defines “stress” as – a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. Massage therapy can help reduce the amount of mental and emotional strain we all put on ourselves, which can help you get back to your daily routine.

There are several issues that can cause stress. Stress can be caused by personal situations such as, problems with your significant other, caring for a family member, daily hassles like traffic and schedules, the busy holiday season, major life events and of course your job! It is important to identify stress as soon as possible in order to take pre-emptive measures to limit the effects on body and mind. You will be able to cope with stress once you identify the problems behind it.

Stress becomes a problem when we are uncertain of how to effectively deal with such an event or situation. The way each of us copes with our issues, will have a large impact on the amount of stress we induce upon ourselves. Stress is difficult to detect, it cannot be seen and is challenging to diagnose.

Here are some symptoms of stress:

• Feeling irritable and frustrated
• Experiencing headaches, chest pains and tension in your neck, back or shoulders
• Overeating, especially when you do not feel hungry
• Shortness of breath
• Feeling fatigued all the time

By no means is this an exhaustive list, there may be other symptoms of stress. It’s important to recognize these symptoms as soon as possible to take action which will help reduce the effects that stress can cause.

One solution to healthy stress management is a regularly scheduled massage therapy session. Massage therapy can help with the symptoms of stress by providing a calming, relaxing environment, where you can allow your body and mind to recover. Mental health plays a crucial part in allowing us to lead the lives we desire. Massage therapy has many positive effects on the body, such as; maintaining tissue health, reducing pain in over exerted muscles, increasing range of motion, increasing recovery time with injuries, increasing circulation, promoting great sleeping patterns, increased energy levels while improving physical performance and mental awareness.

Taking care of your body and mind should be at the top of your priorities. Introducing massage therapy to your routine can help you feel and look healthier. In my mind there is no better way to deal with the issues of stress. What better way to start or end your week, than a relaxing massage?

Why run in the winter? Current CSEP guidelines recommend adults (aged 18-64) accumulate a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic exercise per week. Recommendations are also made to add muscle and bone strengthening activities at least two days per week.

Running is a great sport to combine all of these recommendations.

Don’t hang up your shoes once the snow starts to fall though -if you’re prepared for the upcoming winter conditions you’ll be able to run all year long!

Pre-run:

• Monitor the weather forecast. Note the wind speed in addition to temperature. The steady flow of cold air can contribute to rapid cooling and subsequent “wind chill”.
• Dress in layers. Use the “Rule of 10” as a guide in choosing those layers -dress for temperatures 10 degrees warmer than that listed. Don’t forget important accessories such as a hat, balaclava, buff and gloves. Technical or quick-dry clothing is best, as they are lightweight, offer warmth without bulk and have effective properties to remove moisture away from the skin. To avoid overheating, you should feel cool as you head outdoors -you’ll feel warm within 10-15 minutes after starting of your run.
• Protect your feet. To increase traction in slippery conditions, you can purchase strap-on grippers which are attached to the soles the shoes you use year-round, or you can consider purchasing winter shoes with water-resistant uppers and deeper treads, or trail shoes. Technical or quick-dry socks can also help to keep your feet warm and dry.
• Make sure you’re lit. With the long nights of winter, darkness ensues. Be sure to include multiple points of reflection and/or light on your outer layers of clothing. View this video demonstrating what a driver sees at night with and without reflection: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5k_AVjtHGA&feature=youtu.be
• Run safe. Run with a buddy or, if you plan to run alone, notify others of your route and your expected departure and return times. Run in a series of loops and have a designated turn-around point should you need to cut your run short or seek shelter. Always run with identification and carry a cell phone in the event of an emergency.

Mid-run:

• Start against the wind. This way you can benefit from the support of the tailwind on the last leg of the run when fatigue often an issue.
• Shorten your stride. It’ll improve your footing with icy conditions.
• Monitor for early signs of frosbite. Frostbite presents as pain with reddening of the skin. With continued exposure to the cold, this leads to the sensation of prickling and numbness.
• Stay hydrated. With lower temperatures, you will feel less thirsty. With less intake of fluids, your risk for dehydration increases. Carry a water belt with you to replenish fluids lost through perspiration and respiration. Tuck your belt under your jacket and you’ll be sure to prevent your water from freezing solid!

Post-run:

• Avoid a chill. After you have stopped running, your heat loss will outweigh your heat production. To minimize this effect, be sure wear a warm jacket until you return home, when you can remove all of your dampened layers of clothing.
• Perform a cool-down. Low intensity activity, promoting functional range of movement is recommended.

Should you require information and recommendations for exercising safely with a variety of health conditions consult a member of our Physiotherapy Team at YRA. For details on beginning a structured running program, visit www.runningroom.com

“Physiotherapy can make you stronger in so many ways.” This phrase is front and centre on the Ontario Physiotherapy Association’s facebook site. With so many tools in our toolbox, our role at York Rehab is to help improve your pain and function, as well as improve the quality of your life! The team at York Rehab is committed to help you recover from injury, learn how to prevent injury, and improve all aspects of your fitness and health.

As described by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association, physiotherapy is rooted in movement sciences, using both a holistic and individualized approach. With extensive experience in post-graduate course work, the York Rehab team offers an assessment and treatment approach that is evidence based – meaning our therapy ensures the most optimal care and outcomes. Just as our degree program in Physical Therapy was completed within a Faculty of Medicine, our continuing education allows us to assume an important role within your health care team.

At York Rehab, we provide a treatment approach that uses specifically designed exercises unique to each patient, manual therapy, and various physiotherapy modalities (such as ultrasound, acupuncture, biofeedback). As the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists explains: Manual therapists are well trained to use their hands to diagnose and treat limitations in movement in the spine, arms and legs. Using gentle, hands-on techniques, we can help reduce muscle tightness, improve movement in the joints, reduce pain and improve function.

Did you know that we are also trained in joint manipulation? A joint manipulation is a passive high velocity (quick) low amplitude (small) thrust that is applied to a joint beyond its physiological limit of motion, but within its anatomical limit – intended to restore optimal motion, function and/or reduce pain. Well within our scope (or skill) of practice, and regulated by The College of Physiotherapists of Ontario, physiotherapists use manipulations selectively – when the assessment, clinical experience, evidence, and patient consent indicate it is the best treatment approach. Our manipulation techniques are extensions of our mobilizations, and isolated and localized to a specific direction. In fact, we often use a distractive technique that can offer immediate relief without torque, twist or strain.

Both Bob Lyeo and Jen Bladon are Fellows with the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapists in Canada, whereas Ann Botham, Fiona MacKenzie, and Liisa Ruomo-Reddy are credentialed MacKenzie therapists. Having completed rigorous training, mentorship hours, and qualifying examinations, their practice also includes safe and effective spinal manipulations. When identified as an effective and necessary tool – after thorough assessment and in addition to therapeutic exercise and education – manual therapy and safe manipulation practices are an integral part of the York Rehab approach –towards recovery and a stronger you. :)

As analytical and movement experts, you are in good hands at York Rehab!!