How do we stretch safely to avoid injury? Follow these guidelines, and talk to your therapist about which stretches are best for you! There is no good or bad stretch s- its about what is appropriate for YOU! Warm-up: This prepares the body and mind for the stretches, increases the muscle temperature, and increases blood […]
If you want to maximize the benefits of stretching, finding the right type and category of stretches is important. Static Stretching: These are stretches that have no movement. Once you’re in the stretch, you stay there for the duration of the exercise. The muscle is stretched, under tension, and it’s opposing muscles are relaxed. Then […]
This article is going to dive deeper into the specific benefits of stretching. If you have more specific questions, talk to your provider. Improved Range of Motion: By putting out body in certain positions, we help lengthen the muscles involved. This helps reduce muscle tension and we can increase our range of motion. Why does […]
Many manual therapists will recommend stretching as part of your treatment plan. But why? What’s the purpose? These questions and more will be answered in this article series. What is flexibility? If we’re going basic terms, flexibility is how far you can move. More technically, it is the range of motion around a particular set […]
Shockwave can be a bit of a misnomer when it comes to this modality. While the name indicates some sort of shock sensation when being used, it actually feels more like being tapped over and over again by a ball pen hammer! Shockwave uses acoustic waves that lead to faster, as well as long-term healing […]
Laser Therapy Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is the use of red and near infra-red light to improve tissue healing, and relieve pain. This is a photochemical affect, and increases circulation and decreases swelling among the other tissue healing affects. These lasers are considered therapeutic, or cold, lasers. This is different then the lasers used […]
ELECTRICAL MODALITIES By: Samantha deCastro Many physiotherapists and chiropractors integrate different types of electrical modalities into their practice. Why? It can help with deep heat, reduce pain, retrain muscle, and increase circulation. In this article, we will go through the more common types of electric modalities, and how they work. Interferential Current (IFC) This is […]
RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS By: Samantha deCastro Whereas Osteoarthritis is a mechanical issue, this kind of arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease. We see symmetrical joint pain and swelling as the disease progresses. We are still learning about Rheumatoid Arthritis, trying to understand how genetics, environment, hormones, and infection can call play a role in the triggering […]
TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS By: Samantha deCastro When treating conditions that are progressive like osteoarthritis, the main goals include pain reduction and maintaining the ability to function. Treatments can vary, but below are the options you and your practitioner can discuss: Massage therapy: this can include hydrotherapy, heat, and hot tubs Adjustments: This will help with […]
OSTEOARTHRITIS By: Samantha deCastro This particular arthritis is the most common joint disease worldwide. It usually involves joints that weight bear, such as knees and hips, but can also be seen in the spine and extremities. OA is one of the most common we see in the clinic, especially in the aging population. Typically […]
