Fall Injury Prevention
Falls are the most common cause of injury among older Canadians with an estimated 1 in 3 seniors aged 65 and older falling at least once.[i] The injuries that result from falls often lead to hospitalizations and increased disability and mortality. Injuries often include fractures in the hip, pelvis or wrist area which can develop into chronic pain, decreased mobility and decreased independence. The personal and economic consequences of falls can be mitigated through fall prevention strategies. Fall injury prevention includes strategies, recommendations and therapeutic approaches that help to minimize the incidence of falls. In this article we will [...]
Back Injury Prevention Program
Back problems are one of the most common chronic conditions in Canada.[i] Four out of five adults will experience at least one episode of back pain at some time in their lives with most occurrences between the ages of 30 and 50.[ii] Back injury prevention programs aim to reduce the risk and severity of injuries, as well as the cost. At Propel Physiotherapy, we treat clients with a range of back problems, from acute injuries like lower back strain to more chronic issues like degenerative disc disorder or facet joint osteoarthritis. As effective as physiotherapy can be in managing [...]
Mind-Muscle Connection Exercise Program for Brain Injury Recovery
Mind-muscle connection (MMC) means to bring your attention to your body as you move. However, MMC is more than just moving with intention. It also means thinking about actively engaging the target muscle as you engage in movement. Why is Mind-Muscle Connection Important? Research shows that just thinking about the muscles moving and working activates the muscle fibers even more than if you performed the exercise without focus and attention. In other words, the more you focus on the target muscle while performing an exercise, the greater your strength and muscle memory gains will be. When we focus our [...]
Balance Training & Core Exercises for Seniors
Falls are the most common cause of injury among older Canadians, with 1 in 3 seniors aged 65 years and older likely to fall at least once every year.[i] This is because as the body ages, muscles become weaker, proprioception decreases and reflexes become slower, all impacting balance and increasing risk of falls in seniors.[ii] Research suggests that balance begins to decline after the age of 40.[iii] However, physical activity has been shown to lessen age-related declines in muscle mass, strength, regenerative capacity and impairments in muscle metabolism.[iv] These physiological changes help to maintain mobility and independence. A balanced program [...]
Bike Accident Injury Rehabilitation: Getting Back in the Saddle
Cycling culture has certainly picked up in the past year with gyms being closed and people looking for a way to get their exercise outdoors. More and more people want to be more active in and around their communities and what better way to be active than to bicycle. Although cycling can be liberating, it is not without its risks. As physiotherapists, each season we see clients who have suffered a wide range of injuries from cycling. We believe the benefits far outweigh the risks but always stress the importance of bike accident injury prevention strategies. And, in cases [...]
Brain Injury Recovery Exercise Program: Laying the Foundation
Physical activity and exercise are vital to brain injury recovery. Whether you are starting exercise for the first time or returning to exercise after injury, strength training and cardiovascular activity can help to improve strength, mobility, cognitive function and overall quality of life. How does exercise help the brain injury recovery process? Exercise improves blood circulation to the brain, providing nutrients to healing tissues. When we exercise, we stimulate neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons and pathways in the brain otherwise known as neuroplasticity. Further, exercise promotes the release of endorphins which improve mood and energy, combatting depression, fatigue, [...]