Physiotherapist’s Guide: Promoting Physical Activity to Clients with Spinal Cord Injuries
Delivering physical activity interventions to people living with spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be difficult, in part, due to the fact that there are many variables to address; and determining which ones are most important may only be relevant to that individual. As physiotherapists, we understand the benefits of regular physical activity—whether exercising or participating in meaningful movements—for people living with SCI. We often provide recommendations for increased physical activity participation to help address secondary outcomes associated with SCI. These can include an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. However, when trying to deliver this [...]
Dystonia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Dystonia is a neurological condition that can affect mobility, balance, posture and endurance. Millions of North Americans are affected by one of the many forms of the disorder. Its wide variety of symptoms can lead to loss of function, pain, fatigue and stress. In this article, we provide an overview of dystonia with causes and symptoms. In addition, we will look at how physical therapy intervention can help clients with dystonia by improving movement and mobility, decreasing pain, restoring function and limiting disability. What is Dystonia? Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that [...]
How to Battle Covid-19 Weight Gain
With gyms closed, stress baking on the rise, and many people working from home, it is not surprising that many people are experiencing weight gain. The global pandemic has forced many of us to change our entire way of life, as well as having to manage the stresses that have come with all these changes. Working from home means there is much easier access to snacks throughout the day. And when people are stressed, they often eat comforting and high caloric foods. To add to the challenge, healthy fruits and vegetables are costlier and harder to keep fresh when compared [...]
Brain Injury: Prevention, Treatment, Lived Experiences
Acquired brain injuries currently impact about 1.5 million Canadians, and every year another 160,000 people experience an acquired brain injury, according to Brain Injury Canada. These rates continue to rise as more Canadians are experiencing and reporting incidents of ABI. Brain injuries can occur to anyone at any time. This type of injury refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is not congenital or degenerative in nature. Depending on the type and severity of injury a variety of symptoms and deficits can occur, a host of physical, cognitive and behavioural symptoms can result from a [...]
Mindfulness Therapy Helps Improve Symptoms of Brain Injury & Illness
The pandemic restrictions, in particular social and physical distancing, have led to feelings of isolation. While this can be difficult for all individuals, it can be particularly devastating for those with brain injuries and other neurological illnesses. Individuals already suffering from aspects of physical and social barriers might be experiencing the symptoms of their injury or illness more intensely during lockdown. The good news is that evidence shows that mindfulness therapy helps improve symptoms of brain injury and neurological illness. The Effects of Mindfulness Therapy on Brain Injury Brain Injury Canada states that 452 Canadians suffer a serious brain [...]
Simple Tips for Setting Up an Ergonomic Home Office
With the outbreak of this global pandemic, many people were abruptly forced to work from home full-time. The lucky ones already had an ergonomic home office setup or were assisted by workplace programs. But a large part of this population is still hunching over their laptops while sitting on uncomfortable dining room chairs, sitting up in bed or slouching on couches trying to work. Sitting in these postures for eight hours a day can have negative effects on your body leading to pain and dysfunction. Creating a work space in your home doesn’t have to be costly or stressful. By [...]