Introduction:

Participating in sports and physical activities is a great way to stay fit and healthy. However, sports injuries can be a common occurrence and can range from minor sprains to more severe fractures. When faced with a sports injury, it’s crucial to understand the nature of the injury and seek appropriate treatment to ensure a safe and speedy recovery. In this blog post, we will explore common types of sports injuries and how physiotherapy can play a vital role in their effective treatment and rehabilitation.

Types of Sports Injuries:

1. Sprains: Ligament sprains occur when ligaments, the bands of tissue that connect bones at a joint, are stretched or torn. Common sprains include ankle sprains and knee sprains.
2. Strains: Muscular strains happen when muscles or tendons are stretched beyond their limits or torn. Hamstring strains and groin strains are frequently encountered in sports.
3. Fractures: Fractures are breaks or cracks in bones. They can result from high-impact collisions, falls, or repetitive stress. Common fractures in sports include wrist fractures and stress fractures.
4. Dislocations: A dislocation occurs when the bones in a joint are forced out of their normal positions. Shoulder dislocations are frequently seen in sports like basketball and rugby.
5. Tendinitis: Tendinitis refers to inflammation of a tendon, commonly caused by overuse or repetitive motions. Tennis elbow and Achilles tendinitis are common examples.

Effective Physiotherapy Treatments:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis: A skilled physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the nature and severity of the sports injury. This assessment may include physical examinations, medical history review, and diagnostic tests like X-rays or MRI scans.
2. Pain Management: Physiotherapy treatment often begins with managing pain and inflammation. Techniques such as ice or heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be used to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
3. Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage can help restore normal joint range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and promote healing.
4. Exercise Rehabilitation: Physiotherapists design personalized exercise programs to restore strength, flexibility, and stability. These programs may include stretching exercises, strengthening exercises, and proprioceptive training to enhance balance and coordination.
5. Biomechanical Analysis and Correction: Physiotherapists assess movement patterns and identify any biomechanical issues that may have contributed to the injury. They then provide corrective exercises and techniques to improve movement efficiency and prevent future injuries.
6. Sport-Specific Training: As part of the rehabilitation process, physiotherapists focus on sport-specific exercises to help athletes regain their skills, agility, and performance. This may include sport-specific drills, functional training, and gradual return-to-sport protocols.
7. Injury Prevention Strategies: Physiotherapists also play a crucial role in educating athletes about injury prevention techniques. They provide guidance on proper warm-up routines, stretching exercises, and techniques to avoid overuse injuries.

Conclusion:

Sports injuries can be debilitating and frustrating for athletes, but with the right approach, they can recover fully and safely. Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the effective treatment and rehabilitation of sports injuries. Through a combination of assessment, pain management, manual therapy, exercise rehabilitation, and injury prevention strategies, physiotherapists help athletes regain strength, mobility, and confidence. If you have experienced a sports injury, don’t hesitate to consult a qualified physiotherapist for a comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plan.

At Goodwill Physiotherapy & Massage, our team of experienced physiotherapists is dedicated to helping athletes recover from sports injuries and help you get on your feet faster. 

Introduction:

Pregnancy and childbirth are beautiful and transformative experiences, but they can also bring about physical changes and challenges for women, particularly in the pelvic floor muscles. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in supporting the bladder, uterus, and bowels, as well as maintaining continence and sexual function. After pregnancy, many women experience pelvic floor issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic organ prolapse. Fortunately, pelvic floor physiotherapy offers effective treatments to address these concerns. In this blog post, we will explore how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help women regain strength, function, and confidence after pregnancy.

Understanding Pelvic Floor Changes:

During pregnancy, hormonal changes, increased pressure on the pelvic region, and the stretching of tissues to accommodate the growing baby can weaken the pelvic floor muscles. Additionally, vaginal delivery can further strain these muscles, leading to issues such as:

1. Urinary Incontinence: Many women experience stress urinary incontinence, which is the unintentional leakage of urine during activities such as coughing, sneezing, or exercising.
2. Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Weakening of the pelvic floor can result in the descent of pelvic organs, such as the bladder, uterus, or rectum, causing discomfort and a sensation of pressure in the pelvic area.
3. Pelvic Pain: Some women may experience pain in the pelvic region, including the lower abdomen, perineum, or during intercourse.

How Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Can Help:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses on assessing and treating the pelvic floor muscles. Here are some ways it can help after pregnancy:

1. Assessment and Education: A pelvic floor physiotherapist will assess the strength, flexibility, and coordination of your pelvic floor muscles. They will also provide education about the anatomy of the pelvic floor and teach you how to properly engage and relax these muscles.
2. Pelvic Floor Muscle Training: Pelvic floor exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, are a cornerstone of pelvic floor physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles, helping to improve bladder control and support pelvic organs.
3. Rehabilitation and Healing: Physiotherapy can aid in the healing process by promoting blood flow, reducing scar tissue, and improving tissue flexibility in the pelvic region. Manual techniques, such as soft tissue massage and trigger point release, may be used to address areas of tightness or discomfort.
4. Bladder and Bowel Retraining: If you are experiencing difficulties with bladder or bowel control, your physiotherapist can help develop strategies for retraining these functions, including techniques like timed voiding and bladder training.
5. Core and Postural Exercises: Pelvic floor health is closely linked to core stability and overall posture. A pelvic floor physiotherapist can provide exercises that target the deep core muscles and promote proper alignment, helping to support the pelvic floor and reduce strain.
6. Lifestyle Modifications: Your physiotherapist may offer guidance on lifestyle changes that can positively impact pelvic floor health. This may include advice on maintaining a healthy weight, optimizing hydration, and adopting proper lifting techniques.

Conclusion:

Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a valuable resource for women seeking to regain pelvic floor strength and function after pregnancy. By addressing issues such as urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and pelvic pain, physiotherapists can improve quality of life, restore confidence, and enhance overall well-being. If you are experiencing pelvic floor concerns following childbirth, don’t hesitate to consult with a qualified pelvic floor physiotherapist at Goodwill Physiotherapy & Massage. 

Introduction:

In today’s modern age, many people spend a significant portion of their day working in office settings. While office work may not seem physically demanding, it can still pose risks to our health if proper ergonomic practices are not followed. Workplace injuries can lead to discomfort, pain, and decreased productivity. However, by implementing ergonomic principles, we can create a healthier work environment and reduce the likelihood of injuries. In this blog post, Goodwill Physiotherapy & Massage will share valuable ergonomic tips to help prevent workplace injuries and promote overall well-being.

1. Optimize Your Workstation Setup:
   • Chair: Choose an adjustable chair that provides proper lumbar support and encourages good posture. Adjust the chair height so that your feet are flat on the floor, and your knees are at a 90-degree angle.
   • Desk: Position your desk at a height that allows your forearms to rest comfortably on the desk while your shoulders remain relaxed. Use a keyboard tray or an adjustable keyboard to maintain proper wrist and forearm alignment.
   • Monitor: Position the monitor directly in front of you, at eye level, and about an arm’s length away. Adjust the monitor tilt and brightness to reduce eye strain.
   • Mouse and Keyboard: Use an ergonomic mouse and keyboard to minimize strain on the wrists and hands. Keep them close to your body and at a comfortable height.
2. Practice Good Posture:
   • Sit up straight with your back supported against the chair.
   • Avoid slouching or leaning forward for prolonged periods.
   • Keep your shoulders relaxed and your elbows at a 90-degree angle.
   • Place your feet flat on the floor or use a footrest if needed.
   • Take regular breaks to stand up, stretch, and move around.
3. Take Micro-breaks and Stretch:
   • Incorporate short breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes, relax your muscles, and reduce strain.
   • Perform simple stretches to relieve tension in your neck, shoulders, wrists, and lower back. This can include neck rolls, shoulder shrugs, wrist rotations, and standing back bends.
4. Implement Proper Keyboard and Mouse Techniques:
   • Position your keyboard and mouse close to your body to minimize reaching.
   • Use a light touch when typing or using the mouse to reduce strain on the hands and wrists.
   • Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks and perform hand and wrist stretches.
5. Use Proper Lifting Techniques:
   • When lifting heavy objects, use your legs instead of your back to minimize strain. Bend your knees, keep your back straight, and lift using the power of your leg muscles.
   • Avoid twisting your body while lifting. Instead, pivot your feet to change direction.
6. Stay Active and Exercise:
   • Incorporate regular physical activity and exercise into your daily routine to maintain overall strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.
   • Consider stretching or exercise programs specifically designed for office workers to counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
7. Seek Professional Ergonomic Assessments:
   • Consult with an ergonomic specialist or physiotherapist to assess your workstation and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and work requirements.

Conclusion:

Prioritizing ergonomics in the workplace is crucial for preventing injuries and promoting overall well-being. By implementing these ergonomic tips, such as optimizing workstation setup, practicing good posture, taking regular breaks, and incorporating exercise, you can create a healthier work environment that supports your physical health and enhances productivity. Remember, small adjustments and conscious efforts can go a long way in preventing workplace injuries. If you experience any discomfort or pain, consult with professionals like Goodwill Physiotherapy & Massage for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan to address any work-related issues promptly.

Introduction and Definition 

If one can avoid surgery and painkillers to mitigate his/her pain by alternate therapy or medicinal treatment, then you would prefer to undertake that treatment only. Isn’t it? In the world of healthcare, patients often seek such treatments that can help them get rid of their pain effectively & painlessly. One such therapy that is gaining attention for its effective pain-relieving results is shockwave therapy.  

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive medical treatment for chronic pain. It requires applying a chain of acoustic wave pulsations, which carry a required amount of energy, to the affected area. A small machine is used to produce such pulsations that build micro-cavitation bubbles which inflate & burst in the process and lead to the stimulation of healing cells in the body. Consequently, it elicits a healing reaction in the soft tissues of the pain-emitting area.  

How is shockwave treatment beneficial? 

Non-invasive, non-surgical & painless: This treatment does not involve any surgery, incisions, or pain. It is given by a small & handy machine that tends to apply shockwaves to the affected body part and through skin contact to reduce pain and stimulate healing.   

1. No drugs involved:  

The best part is that no drugs or injections are prescribed for this procedure. Only local anesthesia may be used at the time of the procedure only to numb the sensations of shortwave pulsations.  

2. Safe and minimal side eff-ects: 

It is entirely safe and may cause mild side effects in rare cases. These side effects are short-lasting and go away in a few days. 

3. Faster relief in pain & rapid healing: 

If you are looking for faster recovery and quick elimination of chronic pain, then shockwave therapy is your best option. When conservative medicinal treatment fails in alleviating your pain, then this treatment can offer you that outcome by increasing the rate of healing in your body. 

4. Cost-effective:

Undoubtedly, this treatment is more cost-effective than other surgical options. Moreover, it flaunts a better success rate. Earlier scientists used this treatment to naturally break kidney stones in the body and now it is also used to stimulate the growth of cells and healing of muscles, ligaments, bones, etc.   

5. Improves mobility:

Physiotherapists recommend this treatment to restore mobility and physical functioning of the body as shockwaves pass strong oscillations to treat various conditions that call for physiotherapy. 

6. Enhances the functioning of nerves:

Shockwave therapy has helped in mitigating inflammation and breaking up scar tissues. This affects the better functioning of body nerves and reduces the chances of nerve damage also.    

7. Improve the functioning of joints: 

This therapy helps patients complaining of joint pain and movement, especially arthritic patients. It builds a series of pressure on and around the joints and thereby reduces pain.  

Is it affordable? 

Indeed, shortwave therapy is more financially feasible than any surgical option. Surgeries are invasive as well as painful. Above all, they are costly and shake the finances of the patient. The pre-op and post-op treatment can cause an extra burden of drug administration, medicine, nursing, recovery, or rehabilitation. But in Shockwave treatment, the patient does not have to pay for any drugs, medicine, or nursing.   

Shockwave treatment is effective in which conditions? 

This alternate health treatment has proven its effectiveness in healing various health conditions & injuries that may cause chronic pain also. It has been recommended in various fields like physiotherapy, sports medicine, urology, and orthopedics. 

Let’s take a look at those conditions & affected parts of the body: 

• Bony heel Spur- Heel 
• Plantar Fasciitis – Feet 
• Tennis Elbow – Elbows 
• Calcific Tendinopathies -Shoulder 
• Achilles & Patellar Tendinopathies – Feet & knee 
• Rotator cuff- Shoulder 
• Neck Osteoarthritis – Neck 
• Bursitis – Hips 
• Lumbar, Cervical spine – Back  

Sports injuries are common amongst athletes. Surgeries carry high risk and longer healing time. Athletes who are suffering from pain, sprain, swelling, and injuries related to connective tissues, muscle, or tendon tissues can fearlessly go for shockwave treatment for safe & better results. 

Conditions in which shockwave therapy is prohibited are: 

• Pregnancy 
• Bone tumor 
• Nerve disorder 
• Open wounds 
• Metabolic illnesses 
• Infection 
• Suffering from a heart condition or severe circulatory ailment 

Are there any side effects of this therapy? 

Apart from the above-mentioned conditions, shockwave therapy is potentially safe for a vast number of patients. Usually, it is provided once a week for 3 weeks to 1 month. The duration varies with the kind of injury and patient. One may experience mild discomfort initially but the amount of pulsation can be changed to make the patient comfortable. Mild side-effects may be experienced after the treatment i.e. temporary tenderness and swelling for some days. 

Statistics & facts about Shockwave therapy 

Clinical studies indicate that this therapy has over a 90% success rate. A clinical study issued by Sicot-J highlighted that over 65% of the patients suffering from calcific tendinopathy of the Rotator cuff have shown signs of betterment in terms of mobility and pain alleviation. 

Scientific studies on shockwave therapy showcase that this treatment has proven effective for many injuries and ailments. Be it a Massage therapist, physiotherapist, chiropractor, or podiatrist, all have entrusted this therapy in treating their patients in Canada and abroad.   

Absolutely no downtime!! 

Don’t worry about downtime in shockwave therapy. It takes about just 20 minutes only to perform this procedure. After the procedure, one can instantly go back to doing his/her daily chores and living without any pause or wait.  

Where can we get shockwave therapy in Calgary? 

Calgary has got a multitude of physiotherapy clinics that are giving shockwave therapy. Yet, if you are looking for a reputed physiotherapy clinic with an expert & experienced team of practitioners & physiotherapists, then Goodwill Physiotherapy and Massage center can be your apt choice. It has got an amazing team of therapists that are passionate about giving the right treatment, are qualified in performing shockwave procedures, and are extremely caring to their patients. At Goodwill physiotherapy, the problem is cautiously assessed to understand the course of treatment. It is well-equipped with a hi-tech shockwave machine which is applied accordingly on the affected parts of the patients that are causing them chronic pain. Here, transparency is offered at every step of the treatment to the patients with one mission i.e. to help patients in getting rid of their pain & expedite their healing process. 

 Schedule your appointment now to experience the magic of Goodwill!!