Musculoskeletal injuries are injuries that happen when our muscles, tendons, ligaments or bones are damaged. Examples include a bone fracture, muscle strain, or tendinitis. These types of injuries can be caused by a traumatic event (such as a fall or car accident), by a pre-disposition due to an underlying condition, or from chronic low grade stress over a long period of time (like repetitive postures or movements).

he shoulder is one of the most frequently injured joints in the human body. This is largely due to its structure. The shoulder is a “ball and socket” joint similar to the hip, however, it has a very shallow socket. This shallow socket is necesary to allow our shoulders to have a huge amount of mobility. We are able to reach high over our heads, far out to the side, and twist and rotate to reach behind our backs.

Acupuncture is an ancient technique that involves inserting extremely thin needles into specific points in the body. These acupuncture points come to us from traditional Chinese medicine and have been successfully used for thousands of years. As physiotherapists, we are increasingly seeing individuals seek out acupuncture as a drug-free option for pain relief, as well as physicians recommending it for their patients.

Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, which can lead to an increased risk of fracture.  We often think of our bones as solid structures, but the fact is, our bones have a rich blood supply and cells called osteoclasts are constantly breaking down and reabsorbing old bone while osteoblasts are creating new bone. In osteoporosis there is an interruption in the balance of this activity and more bone is broken down than created. As a result, the bones become more porous with a “honeycomb” like structure. 

The term “FOOSH” may be fun to say, but it certainly is not a fun experience to have.  FOOSH is a medical acronym for Fall On an Outstretched Hand.  When we slip and fall it is natural for our body to reflexively reach out the arm and hand (palm first) to break the fall.  Winter conditions involving icy parking lots and sidewalks result in a high incidence of FOOSH injuries this time of year. 

There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that exercise has a positive impact in regards to the prevention of dementia, as well as in slowing cognitive decline. Aerobic (cardiovascular) exercise in particular has been shown to have neuroprotective effects.  It is not hard to believe that exercise, which boosts the circulation to the entire body, results in healthier brain tissue. Exercises involving new and different movement patterns can also be very beneficial to the brain …

Physiotherapists use various “tools” when treating their clients. These tools include, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise, joint mobilizations, acupuncture and different electro-physical modalities such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) and ultrasound.  Massage has always….

We are hearing more and more in the news about the “opiod crisis” across Canada and the great number of people affected by addiction to these drugs.
Physiotherapists are primary health care providers who do not prescribe or administrate drugs. As such we are well positioned and educated to help …

“My balance isn’t what it used to be.”
“I’m nervous to walk around in a dimly lit place because of my poor balance.”
“I keep losing my balance and falling.”  …