Occupational Therapy Concussion Treatment
In the past, medical advice suggested that if you sustained a concussion, you needed prolonged bed rest with minimal engagement in activities for up to two weeks. However, this approach has changed with emerging studies about concussions. The latest studies have found that early education and intervention are critical in concussion rehabilitation, along with a gradual return to activities. This evidence-based approach can help prevent prolonged symptoms from occurring and negatively impacting a person’s functional abilities. In this article, we examine the occupational therapist’s specialised role in concussion management—from helping you manage your post-concussion symptoms to gradually returning to [...]
Alzheimer’s Disease: Tools and Resources for Caregivers
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease. Over time, brain cells slowly get destroyed impacting thinking ability and memory - even movement can decline overtime. The process is irreversible and eventually grows severe enough to interfere with daily activities of living. As Alzheimer’s progresses, caregivers (whether its family members or personal support workers) play an increasing role in assisting those with Alzheimer’s disease to complete their daily activities such as eating, dressing, cleaning and helping them get around. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease is a challenging yet vital role, requiring both emotional resilience and physical preparation. In [...]
Five Reasons Exercise for Teens is Essential
Engaging in physical activity is an important part of our physical and mental health. Particularly for adolescents, who experience a multitude of changes that can lead to significant vulnerability to developing mental health problems. These changes have been intensified in recent years by the effects and risks caused by the use of new technologies and physical inactivity, as well as the COVID pandemic. Specifically, reductions in physical activity and increased mental health problems have been observed in teens following the COVID pandemic.[i] Physical activity has been consistently found to improve mood and sleep, as well as decrease stress, anxiety [...]
Finding a Community of Support for Postpartum Pelvic Dysfunction
Postpartum pelvic dysfunction refers to a range of conditions that affect the pelvic floor following childbirth. These issues can vary in severity and may interfere with a woman's physical, emotional, mental and sexual well-being. Common issues include incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction. These conditions are common and expected to improve with time and the right care and support. Unfortunately, there is a societal tendency to downplay or ignore pelvic health issues. This may be a result of cultural stigma, lack of awareness, minimization of symptoms, as well as barriers to care. These factors contribute to underreporting, [...]
New Year Reflections and Goals
It’s hard to believe we are approaching ten years since the doors of Propel Physiotherapy’s first location opened in Etobicoke. Back in 2016, we were a small team of approximately 10 therapists, a couple of us fairly new to the profession but expertly guided by our founder Kyle Whaley. The mission he laid out was simple: provide top-notch rehabilitation care for people with neurological and complex orthopaedic conditions. Over the years, that mission hasn’t wavered. What has changed is how much we’ve grown and as a result the number of lives we have been able to touch along the way. [...]
The Role of Occupational Therapy in FND Rehabilitation
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a complex neurological condition with multifactorial symptoms that can be debilitating, including seizures, paralysis, hearing loss, double vision, memory problems, chronic pain and fatigue. The most effective way to adequately address the needs of people with FND is through a multidisciplinary therapy strategy that includes psychotherapy, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In this blog, we take a closer look at the role of occupational therapy in FND rehabilitation, which addresses challenging and often debilitating cognitive deficits. Table of Contents What is FND What causes FND Most common symptoms of FND The multidisciplinary treatment approach The role [...]