Sports Injuries? We can help...
Low back injuries in gymnasts, dancers and figure skaters
Gymnasts, dancers, and figure skaters often captivate us with their elegance and flexibility, but it's crucial to maintain stability and control alongside this flexibility. For instance, a gymnast performs a back handspring, their lower back needs to extend significantly to execute the move. Ideally, every vertebra in the lumbar spine should engage in this extension, but this doesn't always occur. Occasionally, one joint may bear more of the movement load while others remain tight, leading to potential overload and pain, and severe cases, stress fractures in the vertebrae. Physiotherapists are skilled in evaluating body movement through observation and hands-on techniques, assessing both the quantity and of mobility in each spinal segment. They can identify whether an issue stems from dysfunctional movement patterns or motor problems and create a tailored recovery plan. Our experienced physiotherapists can help you achieve optimal movement!
Swimmer's shoulder
Is it surprising that swimmers can experience shoulder pain due to repetitive arm movements? This discomfort is often heightened during freestyle and butterfly strokes, typically felt in the front or side of the shoulder. Terms such as impingement, bursitis, and rotator cuff tendonitis are commonly used to describe this pain. Swimmers can perform thousands of strokes weekly, making proper stroke technique essential. For instance, entering the water with the thumb first instead of the middle finger can lead to pinching and irritation of the shoulder tendons. Additionally, recovering the arms over the water requires both shoulder and spinal mobility. Even small adjustments in stroke technique can have a significant impact over time. A physiotherapist can evaluate body movements through observation and hands-on assessments, focusing on the shoulder and spine's range and quality of motion. Treatment typically includes exercises aimed at strengthening postural and shoulder blade muscles as well as the rotator cuff. Your physiotherapist can help pinpoint areas in your stroke where you might be more susceptible to injury. Let our physiotherapists help you achieve optimal movement!
Plantar Faciitis
The plantar fascia is a robust band of tissue that extends from the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes, providing support for the foot's arch weight-bearing activities like standing, walking, and running. Those with plantar fasciitis often experience heel pain, particularly noticeable with the first few steps in the morning, after prolonged standing or walking, or when pressure is applied to the heel. Various factors can contribute to plantar fasciitis, such as poor lower extremity biomechanics, ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes, walking on hard surfaces, and increased activity levels or changes in training routines (e.g., distance or uneven terrain). Our Physiotherapists can assist in identifying the underlying causes and create a tailored treatment plan to alleviate your persistent heel pain. In the meantime, here are some useful tips for starting home treatments to decrease pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia:
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If possible, take a break from activities that worsen your symptoms. Swimming, walking in the pool, or biking can be good alternatives to running and walking without causing pain. Our clinic offers hydrotherapy program that is ideal for those recovering from this injury.
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To help reduce inflammation, roll the bottom of your foot on a frozen water bottle before bedtime or after extended periods of weight-bearing activity.
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Make sure to wear supportive shoes and avoid walking barefoot at home!
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Using arch tape may provide temporary relief for supporting the arch and plantar fascia.
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Calf stretches (both bent and straight knee) help alleviate stress on the heel and reduce strain on the plantar fascia.
Knee pain can significantly hinder your progress towards fitness goals, whether you prefer walking, running, hiking, biking, or working out. Anterior knee pain, commonly known as patellofemoral pain or runner's knee, is often experienced by those who partake in activities with repetitive leg movements, such as running.
What leads to patellofemoral pain? This issue often arises after a change in exercise routine or activity level, like a weekend hike or a rapid adjustment in training intensity. Our physiotherapists will assess the entire kinetic chain, including your lower back, hips, knees, and ankles, identify the underlying causes of improper knee mechanics that result in pain beneath the patella. Contributing factors may include tight joints and muscles, along with ineffective muscle recruitment patterns. Our team is dedicated to helping you move as you should.