Sports Medicine Rehabilitation

08/18/2024

Getting ready for back to school? Here are some guidelines on selecting and packing a a backpack:

There’s always time to review one of the most essential items that students will use everyday – their backpacks!

07/13/2023

Thank you to the OCA for the production of this great video to help explain the basics of MSK pain, how it develops and what to do about it!

The Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) and University of Guelph present “Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A Treatment for Musculoskeletal Pain” animated vide...

07/07/2023

Exercising with Poor Air Quality: Prioritizing Your Health
As a physiotherapist, I have always emphasized the importance of regular exercise for maintaining optimal health and well-being. However, in today’s world, where air pollution is a growing concern, we need to address the impact of poor air quality on our exercise routines. With the rise of industrialization and urbanization, many of us find ourselves living in areas with compromised air quality. In this blog post, we will explore the potential risks of exercising in polluted environments and provide valuable tips on how to stay active while minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants.

Understanding the Risks: Air pollution is known to contain various harmful substances such as particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and volatile organic compounds. These pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, leading to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and even more severe conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, and cardiovascular diseases. Engaging in physical activity in such polluted environments can exacerbate these health issues and pose a risk to your overall well-being.

Tips for Exercising in Poor Air Quality:

Monitor Air Quality Index (AQI): Before planning any outdoor activity, check the Air Quality Index (AQI) in your area. Numerous websites and mobile applications provide real-time air quality data. Avoid exercising outdoors if the AQI is high or during times when pollution levels peak, such as rush hours or days with unfavorable weather conditions.
Choose the Right Time and Location: Consider exercising early in the morning or late in the evening when pollution levels are usually lower. Additionally, select exercise routes away from high-traffic areas, industrial zones, or other known sources of pollution. Parks or green spaces with trees can also help filter the air to some extent.
Modify Intensity and Duration: If you must exercise outdoors when air quality is compromised, adjust your workout routine to minimize the strain on your respiratory system. Reduce the intensity and duration of your exercise to avoid excessive inhalation of pollutants. Engage in low-impact activities like brisk walking, yoga, or tai chi instead of high-intensity workouts.
Protect Your Airways: Invest in a properly fitting N95 or N99 mask designed to filter out fine particles. These masks create a barrier between your airways and harmful pollutants. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure you select the right mask and learn how to wear it correctly.
Opt for Indoor Exercise: On days when the air quality is poor, consider shifting your exercise routine indoors. Join a gym, fitness center, or community center that offers indoor exercise facilities. You can engage in activities such as swimming, indoor cycling, strength training, or group exercise classes, all while breathing cleaner air.
Improve Indoor Air Quality: Create a clean and healthy indoor exercise environment by improving the air quality in your home or workout space. Use air purifiers with HEPA filters to reduce indoor pollutants, keep windows closed during peak pollution times, and ensure proper ventilation.
Conclusion: While regular exercise is essential for our physical and mental well-being, it is crucial to prioritize our health when faced with poor air quality. By taking necessary precautions and following the tips mentioned above, we can still stay active while minimizing exposure to harmful pollutants. However, always listen to your body and consult with a healthcare professional if you experience persistent respiratory symptoms or any other health concerns. Let’s strive for a balance between staying active and safeguarding our respiratory health, even in the face of environmental challenges.

05/18/2023

If you have gardening on the mind this weekend, please take the time to prepare your body as much as your garden beds.

The following was prepared by the Ontario Chiropractic Association as a guide for gardening safely:

It’s time to get set to garden. Gardening is a great way for you to stay active and have fun in the sun. Unfortunately, many Ontarians sustain gardening injuries that can be easily prevented.

Gardening Dos
• Kneel, don’t bend to plant.
• Change your body position often.
• Take frequent breaks.
• Alternate between light and heavy chores.
• Drink lots of water. Stay hydrated!
• Warm up with 5 to 10 minutes of gentle activity that gets you moving, like a short walk or even walking on the spot.

How to Lift Right
• Keep your back straight and bend your knees.
• Carry the load close to your body.
• Avoid heavy lifting immediately after bending or kneeling.
Stretch Before and After

Before you get started, repeat each of the following stretches five times if possible. If your time is tight, select and repeat the stretches that help you the most. Then, after gardening, use some or all of these stretches to cool down.
Upper Body Stretches

For Your Sides, Arms and Shoulders:
1. Extend your right arm over your head.
2. Bend to the left from your waist.
3. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.
4. Hug yourself snugly to stretch your arms.

For Your Back:
1. In a seated position, bend forward from your hips, keeping your head down.
2. Reach for the ground.
Lower Body Stretches

For Your Thighs:
1. Face a wall or tree and support yourself against it with one arm.
2. Bend your right knee and try to hold your ankle or pant leg with your left hand.
3. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat on the other side.

For Your Hamstrings:
1. Stand.
2. Reach your hands to the sky.
3. Then bend at your waist and reach toward your toes.
4. Hold for 15 seconds.
How a Chiropractor Can Help
If, in spite of all precautions, you do experience back pain or a muscle strain that lasts for more than two or three days, consider visiting a chiropractor. Your chiropractor can help you get back to doing the things you enjoy, like gardening.
A chiropractor is a regulated, community-based, health care professional, who provides patient-centred, non-invasive, hands-on care. They’re experts in assessing, diagnosing and treating spine, muscle, joint and related nerve conditions/injuries, as well as helping prevent them. Treatment may include various therapies, such as spinal manipulation therapy (adjustment), therapeutic exercise, acupuncture, and lifestyle counselling, as appropriate to the diagnosis.

Our chiropractors at Sports Medicine Rehabilitation are experienced and look forward for an opportunity to help.

05/05/2023

Hello Everyone,
Dr Ken Mueller posting this here a day late (sorry for that). My family are big fans of Star Wars and as such put together a little video to celebrate and educate at the same time. we hope you will enjoy it! please feel free to peruse other videos on the channel there too.
If you have any questions or issues with your muscles or joints please reach out to the clinic and book an appointment to see one of our professionals!

A simple tutorial on lifting techniques which also celebrates the most important of holidays...Star Wars day. big thanks to my kids for their participation,...

03/30/2023

Say Goodbye to Knee Pain

Synvisc injections are a type of treatment used to alleviate pain and discomfort in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, a common joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This non-surgical treatment involves injecting a gel-like substance called hyaluronic acid into the affected joint to provide cushioning and reduce friction between bones. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what Synvisc injections are, how they work, and their potential benefits and risks.

What are Synvisc injections?

Synvisc injections are a type of viscosupplementation therapy, which involves injecting hyaluronic acid into the joint to improve its lubrication and reduce friction between the bones. Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the body's joints and is responsible for providing cushioning and shock absorption. However, in individuals with osteoarthritis, the levels of hyaluronic acid in the joint decrease, leading to pain and discomfort.

Synvisc injections are a form of hyaluronic acid that is derived from rooster combs and formulated to mimic the hyaluronic acid found naturally in the body. They are administered directly into the affected joint in a series of three to five injections over a period of several weeks, with each injection spaced out by one week.

How do Synvisc injections work?

The goal of Synvisc injections is to improve joint function and reduce pain by providing additional lubrication and cushioning to the affected joint. The hyaluronic acid in the Synvisc gel acts as a shock absorber, reducing the pressure on the joint and allowing for smoother movement. Additionally, hyaluronic acid has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the joint, further improving joint function and reducing pain.

Benefits of Synvisc injections

Synvisc injections have several potential benefits for individuals with osteoarthritis, including:

Improved joint function: Synvisc injections can improve joint function by reducing friction and providing cushioning to the affected joint.

Reduced pain: Synvisc injections can help reduce pain and discomfort in the affected joint, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with less pain.

Non-surgical: Synvisc injections are a non-surgical treatment option, which means that there is no need for extensive recovery time or rehabilitation.

Minimal side effects: Synvisc injections are generally well-tolerated and have few side effects, making them a safe and effective treatment option for many individuals.

Risks of Synvisc injections

Like any medical procedure, Synvisc injections come with some potential risks and side effects. These can include:

Pain or swelling at the injection site.

Infection at the injection site.

Allergic reaction to the hyaluronic acid in the Synvisc gel.

Blood clots or other complications in rare cases.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Synvisc injections with your healthcare provider to determine if this treatment is right for you.

Conclusion

Synvisc injections can be an effective treatment option for individuals with osteoarthritis who are experiencing pain and discomfort in their joints. This non-surgical treatment works by providing additional cushioning and lubrication to the affected joint, improving joint function and reducing pain. While Synvisc injections have few side effects, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before undergoing this treatment.

02/24/2023

Winter is a wonderful time of year for many people, filled with the joys of the holiday season and opportunities for outdoor activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and sledding. However, with these winter activities comes the potential for injury, particularly during snowfalls. Slippery, icy, and uneven surfaces can increase the likelihood of falls, and heavy snow can create dangerous conditions for outdoor activities. To help prevent injuries during snowfalls, it's essential to take certain precautions and follow safety guidelines.

Here are some tips for injury prevention during a snowfall:

Wear proper footwear: Slip-resistant footwear is essential when walking on slippery surfaces. Choose shoes or boots with good traction and slip-resistant soles. This will help prevent slips and falls on icy or snowy surfaces.

Dress appropriately: Dress warmly in layers and wear waterproof and wind-resistant clothing to protect yourself from the cold and wet conditions. Make sure to wear a hat, gloves, and scarf to keep your head, hands, and face warm.

Warm-up before shoveling: Shoveling snow can be a strenuous activity that puts a lot of strain on your body. Before you start shoveling, warm up your muscles with some light exercises and stretches.

Use proper shoveling techniques: Use a lightweight shovel that is the right height for you to avoid straining your back. Bend your knees and lift with your legs, not your back. Take breaks frequently and stay hydrated.

Be cautious when driving: Snowy and icy roads can be treacherous. Reduce your speed, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden movements when driving in snowy conditions. Use snow tires or chains if necessary.

Avoid outdoor activities during heavy snowfalls: When there is heavy snowfall, it's best to stay indoors and avoid outdoor activities. If you must go outside, take extra precautions to avoid slips and falls.

Be prepared for emergencies: Keep an emergency kit in your car and at home that includes items such as a first aid kit, blankets, flashlights, and non-perishable food.

In conclusion, winter activities can be enjoyable, but they also come with potential risks for injury, especially during snowfalls. Taking precautions such as wearing proper footwear, dressing appropriately, using proper shoveling techniques, being cautious when driving, avoiding outdoor activities during heavy snowfalls, and being prepared for emergencies can help prevent injuries and ensure a safe and enjoyable winter season.

05/08/2022

Happy Mother’s Day to our patients and friends

01/01/2022

We would like to wish the best in the New Year!!!

07/02/2021

Classic Slip and Falls. Enjoy!

05/17/2021

Gardening and Mental Health.
Grab a pot, some soil, a baby plant and let’s get digging.
Stay safe and healthy. Enjoy