Equipment to Prevent Common Cycling Injuries and Accidents
Summer is cycling season in Canada. You may have noticed an increased number of cyclists on the road or shared paths over the last few weeks and now with school out, the kids will join the enthusiasts and commuters. So we thought it was a good time to review cycling equipment for injury prevention so you can have as safe a ride as possible this summer. Cycling for leisure or transport is a great form of exercise. The benefits can include: increased cardiovascular fitness increased muscle strength and flexibility improved joint mobility decreased stress levels improved coordination strengthened bones decreased [...]
Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy for Stroke Rehabilitation
When recovering from a stroke, a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, and/or a kinesiologist with experience in stroke rehabilitation can provide insights on some of the leading treatment options available. In addition to being adept in the conventional ways that physiotherapy can help in stroke recovery, we are well versed on the latest research into non-conventional therapies, and how they impact stroke recovery like modified constraint-induced movement therapy. In this article, we discuss the evidence behind constraint-induced movement therapy or CIMT, and how modified CIMT therapy is used in physiotherapy treatment, and specifically in stroke rehabilitation. Table of Contents: What is Constraint-Induced Movement [...]
Incontinence Treatment without Surgery
As a pelvic physiotherapist, I treat clients who are experiencing urinary leakage or urinary incontinence, and dealing with the discomfort and inconvenience that comes along with it. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is a conservative management approach to incontinence treatment and yet many people are not aware of it as an effective alternative to surgery. I am sure you have heard the expression, ‘I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants!’ It’s a common turn of phrase that makes light of what is actually a common problem that can be quite emotionally painful and isolating. Unfortunately, many people simply accept that [...]
Physiotherapy Treatment for ALS Symptoms
Although there is no known cure for ALS, there are some ALS symptoms that are treatable, and physiotherapy is an integral part in the course of care. A physiotherapy program that is customized to the individual’s needs, goals, and stage of the disease, can help the quality of life for those living with ALS. What are the signs and symptoms of ALS? Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS a.k.a. Lou Gehrig’s Disease) is a neurodegenerative disease that results in a host of symptoms including: muscle weakness muscle wasting muscle spasms muscle twitching fatigue The signs and symptoms of ALS often start in [...]
Sport in Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation
Within a physiotherapy context, sport is often used as a motivator or end-goal for people recovering from an injury. Returning to one's sport is viewed as milestone objective and it provides clinician and client a concrete direction for their purpose at physiotherapy (or during physiotherapy sessions). Sometimes, however, sport is part of the therapy and it gives the client meaningful, fun, and productive tasks/movements that can aid in their recovery. The act of participating in a sport can contribute to improving overall physical wellness, and it also provides a mental outlet for people recovering from injuries that have longer-laster [...]
Gross Motor Milestones for Children with Down Syndrome
What is Down Syndrome? Down syndrome (also known as trisomy-21) is a congenital disorder which occurs when there is an error in chromosomal development, and an extra copy of chromosome 21 is made. Individuals with Down syndrome commonly display certain features including variations in their cognitive and physical development. Physical characteristics often seen in people with Down syndrome include: low muscle tone, ligament laxity, short stature, a protruding tongue, and a flat nasal bridge. What is “Low Tone”? How it Impacts Gross Motor Development. Low tone or low muscle tone occurs when the length of the resting muscle is longer [...]