Physio Blog

Physiotherapy after breast surgery is helpful with post operative recovery in many ways. Breast surgery can result in increased pain, scar tightness, stiffness in the shoulder and swelling in the arm. These symptoms can affect your activities of daily living resulting in a decline in  the quality of your life and your ability to function.

Physiotherapy can help with:

1. Improving the range of motion of the shoulder through soft tissue stretches and myofascial techniques. Your physiotherapist will also educate you on home exercises to help regain your shoulder movement.
2. Help break down the scar tissue from the surgery that can be both a cause of your pain and also be contributing to the limitation in your movement.
3. Work on increasing and regaining strength of your arm through strengthening exercises you can do at the clinic and on your own at home.
4. Help improve your posture which if compromised, may be contributing to pain in both your neck and upper back.
5. Decreasing swelling in your arm through massage therapy techniques and education. This buildup of fluid can be both uncomfortable and painful.

If you require treatment feel free to contact our professionals at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic at 905-428-7800.

Gardening is a popular and rewarding activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.  It is a great way to get physical activity, enjoy the outdoors and beautify your home.  It is important to follow these precautions to avoid injuries, pain and discomfort.

1. Warm up before gardening. Just like any other physical activity, it is important to warm up before gardening to help prevent injuries. Stretches for the spine and your arms and legs are good way to warm up.
2. Use proper gardening tools. Using the right tools for the job can help reduce the risk of injury.  Consider using a wheelbarrow to help move heavy objects and use tools with proper ergonomic handles.
3. Watch your posture. Not only your whole body position but also the angle of your wrist when using hand tools.  Your grip strength is at its maximum when the wrist is in a relaxed and neutral position, not when it is bent upwards.  Consider this when pulling weeds.
4. Lift heavy objects properly. When lifting heavy objects such as bags of soil or pots, make sure to lift with your legs and not your back. Keep your back straight and use your leg muscles to lift the object.
5. Take breaks often. Gardening can be physically demanding, so it is important to take breaks often.  Take a break every 20 to 30 minutes to stretch and rest your muscles.
6. Wear protective gear. Wear gloves to protect your hands from cuts, blisters and scratches but also to protect your skin from bacteria and fungus that live in the soil. When exposed to soil, even the smallest cut runs the risk of developing a major hand infection. Also, wear sturdy shoes with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
7. Avoid repetitive motions. Repetitive motions, such as digging or pruning, can cause strain injuries.  Switch up your tasks often and take breaks to avoid overusing one set of muscles.
8. Be aware of your surroundings. Be aware of your surroundings and any potential hazards in your garden. Watch out for sharp tools or objects, uneven surfaces, and tripping hazards.
9. Stay hydrated. Gardening can be a hot and sweaty activity, so make sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Gardening is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, but it is important to take steps to avoid injuries. By following these tips, you can stay safe while enjoying all the benefits of gardening.  Remember, if you do experience pain or injury, seek medical attention and don’t push through the pain.

If you have been injured and are looking to start physiotherapy, contact the professionals at the Durham Orthopedic Clinic at 905-428-7800 and start your road to recovery today!

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, treatment, and prevention of physical dysfunction and pain. There are several different types of physiotherapy, including:

1. Orthopedic physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy focuses on the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, including fractures, sprains, strains, and joint injuries.
2. Neurological physiotherapy: Neurological physiotherapy focuses on the rehabilitation of patients with neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injuries.
3. Cardiovascular and pulmonary physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy is designed to help patients recover from heart and lung conditions, such as heart attacks, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.
4. Pediatric physiotherapy: Pediatric physiotherapy is designed to help children with physical disabilities, developmental delays, and other conditions that affect their physical abilities.
5. Geriatric physiotherapy: Geriatric physiotherapy is designed to help elderly patients recover from injuries and age-related physical changes, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, and balance problems.
6. Sports physiotherapy: This type of physiotherapy is focused on the treatment of sports-related injuries, including sprains, strains, and joint injuries. Sports physiotherapy may also involve injury prevention and performance enhancement.
7. Women’s health physiotherapy: Women’s health physiotherapy is focused on the treatment of conditions that affect women, such as pelvic pain, incontinence, and postpartum recovery.

There are several different types of physiotherapy that focus on the treatment of specific conditions or populations. A physiotherapist will use their knowledge and expertise to design a treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s individual needs.

If you require physiotherapy for any sports or orthopedic injury, contact the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic at 905-428-7800 and get on the road to a quick recovery.

Lacrosse is a high-intensity sport that requires a lot of physical effort, which can lead to injuries. Some of the common lacrosse injuries that players may experience include:

1. Ankle sprains: Ankle sprains are one of the most common lacrosse injuries. They occur when the ankle is twisted or turned in an awkward position, causing damage to the ligaments. To prevent ankle sprains, players should wear supportive shoes with good ankle support and perform ankle strengthening exercises.
2. Knee injuries: Knee injuries can range from minor to severe and can include ligament sprains, cartilage damage, and meniscus tears. Players can prevent knee injuries by wearing knee pads and performing strengthening exercises to improve the stability of the knee joint.
3. Concussions: Concussions are a serious head injury that can occur when a player is hit in the head or experiences a sudden jolt or impact. Players can prevent concussions by wearing a properly fitted helmet and avoiding dangerous plays.
4. Shoulder injuries: Shoulder injuries are common in lacrosse due to the repetitive overhead motion required in throwing and catching. Players can prevent shoulder injuries by performing exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder joint and wearing shoulder pads.
5. Hand and finger injuries: Hand and finger injuries can occur when a player is hit with the ball or stick. To prevent these injuries, players should wear gloves with good padding and grip and should practice proper stick-handling techniques.

Lacrosse is a fun and exciting sport, but it can also be physically demanding and lead to injuries. Players can reduce their risk of injury by wearing appropriate protective gear, performing strengthening exercises, and practicing safe techniques.

If you have been injured and are looking to start physiotherapy. Contact the professionals at the Durham Orthopedic Clinic at 905-428-7800 and start your road to recovery today! 

Chronic pain is defined by pain that lasts for 3 months or longer. It often leads to physical decline, decrease in functional ability to perform daily tasks and often, depression and anxiety.  

Chronic pain can be there all the time or may come and go. It can happen anywhere in the body and continues long after your tissues have recovered from an injury. It can become a disease in itself, of the central nervous system. 

Physiotherapy can play an important role in managing chronic pain through:

Patient Education

By helping in the understanding of chronic pain, physiotherapy can help clients use pain management strategies to manage their pain and help educate on pain relieving techniques.

Exercise Therapy

Often, due to the severity of the pain, clients with chronic pain avoid exercise due to fear of aggravating their symptoms. Physiotherapy can help people with chronic pain start an exercise program with exercises that cause minimal increase in their symptoms. This will help them become mobile again and improve their function with activities of daily living.

Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Treatment 

Due to reduced movement, joints and muscles in a person with chronic pain will become stiff, irritable and tight. The physiotherapist will use manual therapy techniques and soft tissue mobilization techniques to increase movement and decrease pain. 

Posture Re-education

A physiotherapist will help improve abnormal movement patterns and postures that will aggravate pain.  

Acupuncture

Many studies have found that acupuncture is effective in helping treat chronic pain especially in the neck, back and with headaches. By settling down the pain, the client with chronic pain is better able to work on increasing their strength and flexibility with the prescribed exercises and is also better able to tolerate the treatments.

By using a combination of the above treatments, clients are better able to start controlling their pain and resume normal activities with physiotherapy. Individuals can be empowered to gain back control of their life.

If you have chronic pain, give Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic a call at 905-428-7800 and start your road to recovery. 

If you are new to Massage Therapy, you may think of its’ relaxing effects after a stress filled day, a shoulder rub when you have a headache, having your feet rubbed after prolonged standing or walking, or seeing athletes receiving a massage from trainers.  You may not realize the many other beneficial effects of Massage Therapy.

These include:

1. Reducing musculature pain

2. Improved mobility

3. Aids in recovery after surgery or injury

4. Helps improve sleep

5. Reduces stress and anxiety

6. Helps reduce discomfort and pain associated with everyday occupational stresses.

Massage therapy services are not covered by OHIP, however, many extended health benefit plans cover parts or all of the services provided by an RMT.  Massage therapy treatments may also be reimbursed by automobile insurance companies if injuries are due to a motor vehicle accident.  In the case of workplace injuries, WSIB will occasionally cover RMT treatments for its clients.

If you are seeking Massage Therapy, call the Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic to see one of our knowledgeable professionals at 905-428-7800 to help get you on the road to recovery.

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Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a healthcare profession that focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and management of physical impairments, disabilities, and pain. 

Physiotherapy can provide several benefits for injury recovery, including:

1. Pain relief: Physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and discomfort caused by an injury. Techniques such as myofascial release,  joint mobilization, and correction of muscle imbalances can help to reduce pain and promote healing.
2. Improved mobility: Physiotherapy can help to improve the range of motion and flexibility of the affected area, which is essential for injury recovery. This can be achieved through strengthening and stretching exercises and manual therapy techniques.
3. Strengthening: Physiotherapy can help to improve the strength of the affected area, which is important for injury recovery and preventing future injury. This can be achieved through specific exercises and resistance training.
4. Improved healing: Physiotherapy can help to improve circulation and reduce swelling, which can speed up the healing process.
5. Prevention of complications: Physiotherapy can help to reduce the risk of developing complications associated with injury, such as chronic pain and limited mobility.
6. Return to normal activity: Physiotherapy can help to get you back to your normal activities as soon as possible, by improving function, reducing pain, and increasing mobility.

It is important to seek professional help from a physiotherapist to design a rehabilitation program tailored to your specific needs and injury.

If you have been injured and are looking to start physiotherapy. Contact the professionals at the Durham Orthopedic Clinic at 905-428-7800 and start your road to recovery today! 

With the new year started, many people have decided it’s time to start a new workout routine. Some important exercise tips for beginners include:

1. Start with a proper warm-up: A proper warm-up is essential to prepare your body for the workout and to prevent injury. A good warm-up can include light cardio, such as jogging in place or fast walking, and dynamic stretching exercises.
2. Set realistic goals: Setting realistic and attainable goals will help you stay motivated and on track. Start with small, achievable goals and work your way up to more challenging ones.
3. Choose exercises that you enjoy: The key to a successful workout routine is to choose exercises that you enjoy. This will make it easier to stick to your routine and to achieve your goals.
4. Incorporate a variety of exercises: To achieve overall fitness, it’s important to incorporate a variety of exercises that target different muscle groups and improve different aspects of fitness.
5. Start with low-impact exercises: If you’re new to exercising, it’s best to start with low-impact exercises that are easy on the joints. Examples include walking, cycling, swimming or yoga.
6. Focus on proper form: Proper form is important to avoid injury and to get the most out of your workout. Make sure to learn the correct form for each exercise before you start.
7. Be consistent: Consistency is key when it comes to seeing results. Try to work out at least 3 times a week, and gradually increase the frequency and intensity of your workouts as you become more comfortable.
8. Get enough rest and recovery: While it’s important to stay active and consistent, it’s also important to give your body enough rest and recovery time. Make sure to take rest days and listen to your body when it needs to rest.

If you have experienced a work out  injury or any other sports injury, call us at the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic, 905-428-7800, to have one of our physiotherapists get you on the path to recovery.

Exercising in the cold can be an enjoyable and refreshing experience, but it is important to take certain precautions to stay safe and comfortable. 

1. Dress appropriately.  Wear layers of clothing to help regulate your body temperature and protect yourself from the cold. Choose materials that are moisture-wicking and breathable to help keep you dry and comfortable.
2. Warm up properly. It is important to warm up your muscles before exercising in the cold to help prevent injury. Start with some light stretches and gradually increase your intensity as you get warmer.
3. Protect your hands and feet.  These areas of your body are most susceptible to the cold, so it is important to wear gloves and warm socks to protect them.
4. Stay hydrated. It is easy to become dehydrated in the cold, so it is important to drink plenty of fluids before and after your workout.
5. Pay attention to the weather. Before you head out for your workout, check the weather forecast and plan your route accordingly. Avoid exercising in extreme cold or hazardous conditions, such as blizzards or icy roads.
6. Listen to your body. If you start to feel cold or uncomfortable, it is important to listen to your body and take a break if necessary. It is better to take a brief break and warm up than to push yourself too hard and risk injury.

If you are in need of physiotherapy call the Durham Orthopedic and Sports Injury Clinic to see one of our knowledgeable professionals at 905-428-7800 to get you on the road to recovery.