Prosthetic Leg Fit: Types of Knee Prosthesis for Leg Amputations
There are many prosthetic leg options to choose from, and the best fit will be dictated by an individual’s level of injury, physical factors, complications, as well as their lifestyle and vocational or recreational goals. Every amputation is different, and it is critical that persons who have sustained an amputation work with a certified prosthetist and physiotherapist to determine which kind of prosthesis will be the best option for them. In this article, we will highlight prosthetic leg options and physiotherapy for through-knee or above knee amputation. Table of Contents: What is a prosthetic leg? Common causes and complications [...]
How Exercise Supports Brain Function During Menopause
Exercise has emerged as a key intervention in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia. Dementia is a general term used to describe a group of symptoms that affect memory, language and thinking abilities to the point that it affects one’s daily life. For many years, science has ignored the role of sex-based differences on brain health. In Canada, about two thirds of Canadian seniors living with dementia are women.[i] As the Canadian population ages, the prevalence of dementia more than doubles every 5 years for Canadians aged 65 and older.[ii] In this article, we will look at how menopausal [...]
Urinary Incontinence Treatment
Loss of bladder control resulting in involuntary leakage of urine is fairly common. In fact, it is so common that many individuals do not discuss their symptoms with their doctor and are not aware that urinary incontinence treatment is available. There are many factors that can increase one’s risk of urinary incontinence. However, in no situation should it be accepted as normal or simply tolerated. In this article, we will discuss the two most common types of urinary incontinence and how pelvic floor physiotherapy can help. Table of Contents: What is urinary incontinence? What does the pelvic floor have [...]
Exercise and Menopause: Effects on Body Composition, Bone Density & Mood
Menopause transition can bring a host of physical, emotional and social symptoms that can create a feeling of losing control. Physical symptoms including hot flashes and night sweats, changes to bone density and body composition, poor sleep and changes to mood occur due to the changing in hormone levels during this time. It's no wonder it is often called the “Change of Life”. However, not everyone experiences menopause symptoms the same way. Some have few and less severe symptoms, while others have more frequent and stressful ones.[i] In addition, some lifestyle behaviours can impact the onset and severity of your [...]
Does Ice Help with Inflammation?
Ice has been a standard treatment for soft tissue injuries, like sprains, strains and bruises, or sore muscles for many years. But does ice help with inflammation? Actually, there is a growing amount of research that shows ice and complete rest may delay healing, instead of promoting it. At Propel Physiotherapy, we consider the latest evidence-based research to determine the best approach to healing and rehabilitation. This has led to a re-thinking of the way acute and chronic injuries are managed. In this blog post, we will look at the body’s natural tissue healing process, the benefits and risks of [...]
Pudendal Neuralgia Treatment
Damage or irritation to the pudendal nerve in the pelvis can result in pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and difficulties with urination or defecation. Getting the proper diagnosis and a personalized pudendal neuralgia treatment plan from a healthcare provider trained in pelvic health is critical for optimizing function and maintaining your quality of life. Unfortunately, pudendal neuralgia is a condition that is often unrecognized and misdiagnosed as it presents similarly to other chronic pelvic pain conditions, resulting in ineffective or inappropriate treatment. This can result in patients with pudendal neuralgia receiving a diagnosis several years after the onset of symptoms, [...]