Dr. Natasha Labana

01/27/2025

05/02/2024

04/17/2024

RIB PAIN. ⁣
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“My ribs out” “It hurts to breathe” “I can’t move without a sharp pain” 🩻⁣
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Patients with rib pain often come in saying these phrases. But is the rib really “out”? No, thankfully your rib isn’t out of its joint. However the joint can become irritated and create pain and muscle spasms locally. ⁣
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We have 12 pairs ribs all of which attach to the spine at the back creating the costovertebral/transverse joints. 1-7 are true ribs that attach to the sternum on the front, where we have costochondral and sternocostal joints. 8-10 are false ribs attaching to costal cartilage. 11-12 are floating not attaching to the costal cartilage or sternum. ⁣
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There are several muscles that attach to the ribs including the intercostals, obliques, serratus, pecs, lats, scalenes and re**us abdominus, diaphragm and more. We have intercostal nerves between each rib and several nerves around the bones and muscles. ⁣
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Any of these joints, muscles or nerves can become irritated by external forces or repetitive movement causing pain and spasms. ⁣
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Following an assessment to rule out red flags (ex. rib fracture or lung issues) manual therapy and rehab will help ease your symptoms!⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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03/21/2024

03/19/2024

03/14/2024

HAMSTRING EXERCISES. ⁣
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The hamstrings are made up of three muscles: semimembranosus, semitendinosus and biceps femoris. They run from the ischial tuberosity (bum bone) to knee joint attaching to the tibia or fibula. The hamstrings act to extend the hip and flex the knee. The adductor magnus muscle also has a portion that assists in extension. ⁣
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These exercises will help to strengthen the hamstring muscles:⁣
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1. Prone hamstring curl - laying on your stomach bend your knee maximally ⁣
2. Banded hamstring stretch - make it dynamic by pointing your toes⁣
3. Isometric hip extension - using a chair or stability ball press your heel downwards ⁣
4. Banded hamstring extension - looping a band around your foot, kick the straight leg backwards ⁣
5. Hamstring curl with ball - bridge up and bring the ball in and out by bending and straightening your knees ⁣
6. Single leg glute bridge with ball - one heel on a ball or chair and the other leg straight up perform a glute bridge ⁣
7. Single leg RDL - using a moderate weight on the same or opposite side to your leg hinge at the waist and contract your hamstrings ⁣
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A proper assessment and treatment plan will help to progress your exercises without overloading!⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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03/11/2024

HAMSTRING STRAIN. ⁣
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Have you ever pulled your hamstring within minutes of your game or race? 👎🏽 This can be frustrating for athletes since the pain can prevent you from returning to play. ⁣
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Hamstring strains are very common in sports with sprinting, and sudden start-stop movements. Strains commonly happen when the muscles are lengthened and contracting forcefully, an eccentric contraction.⁣
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Common signs of hamstring strain:⁣
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— sudden severe tightness in the back of the thigh or buttock⁣
— bruising or swelling of the hamstrings (grade 2-3 indicating tearing)⁣
— inability to contract the hamstrings (bending knee or extending the hip)⁣
— weakness in your legs, affecting your gait⁣
— painful to sit for prolonged periods⁣
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Everyone’s hamstring strain will look different but early assessment can help determine the root of the pain. Book online https://dramandascione.janeapp.com/locations/performance-care-centre-240-wilson-st-e/book #/staff_member/4⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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02/16/2024

CONCUSSION SUPPLEMENTS. ⁣
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Diet is a big part of concussion recovery. After you sustain a concussion your ATP (energy) levels are depleted 🪫and inflammation is high 📈. ⁣
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Supplementing with important nutrients can help aid in brain healing. A diet that is highly anti-inflammatory, rich in healthy fats and low in sugars, caffeine and alcohol is ideal. 🥑🫐🥦🌰>🍕🍔🍟🍺☕️⁣
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Additional supplements recommended include:⁣
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1. Magnesium glycinate - this is depleted by a concussion - anti-inflammatory
2. Melatonin - neuro-antioxidant, supports circadian rhythm ⁣
3. Fish oil - decreases inflammation, good for brain repair⁣
4. NAC - increases glutathione⁣
5. Curcumin - anti-inflammatory ⁣
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Always contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new supplement! 🧑🏽‍⚕️👨🏽‍⚕️⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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01/30/2024

VERTIGO. ⁣
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Vertigo is a symptom not a diagnosis. It’s the (awful) sensation of the room/world spinning around you. 😵‍💫 This is different than dizziness! It may come on suddenly and be associated with a headache, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears and more. But how does it happen and what can you do treat it? ⁣
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There are many causes of vertigo:⁣
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1. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo - crystals in the ear canals are misplaced⁣
2. Ménière’s disease - associated with ringing in the ears and hearing loss⁣
3. Vestibular neuritis or Labrynthitis - viral induced inflammation of the inner ear or nerves⁣
5. Migraines ⁣
6. Cervicogenic dysfunction ⁣
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How can we treat it?⁣
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A multimodal type treatment helps to reduce symptoms associated with vertigo. Including acupuncture📍, neck adjustments 💆, the Eplys maneuver, vision therapy 👀 and balance exercises⚖️.⁣
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Vertigo can affect anyone at anytime and last for various amounts of time, but any little bit of symptom relief is helpful! Contact me for more info. ⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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01/24/2024

BASELINE TESTING. ⁣
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A comprehensive series of tests performed BEFORE the athletes season to determine their healthy state. ⁣
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Should the athlete sustain a concussion we have data to compare to. This helps athletes return to their pre-injury state SAFELY. ⁣
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Testing can be done for an individual or in teams at Performance Care Centre. ⁣
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Interested in booking? Contact me for more info!⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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11/29/2023

BIKE TEST. ⁣
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What is that bike for? 🚲⁣
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It’s an important part of the concussion management protocol. The bike test mimics the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test used to assess an individuals ability to tolerate physical activity after a concussion. We use the bike and a heart rate monitor to find a heart rate zone to exercise at without getting symptoms. It helps in SAFELY returning to school, work or sport. 📚🧑‍💻⚽️🏒⁣
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You may have heard to rest after a concussion, which may be true for 1-2 days, but early assessment and aerobic activity has many benefits. Exercise allows for increased blood flow, which aids in dysregulations caused by a concussion. Going for a walk/run or riding a bike can speed up your recovery! 🚶‍♂️🚴 ⁣
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Have you had a concussion and can’t seem to return to your daily activities without symptoms? Contact me for concussion assessment and management. 🧠⁣
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—Dr. Natasha 🤍⁣
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