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20 Dec

It is always an inconvenience when our bodies don’t perform the way we want them to. It is especially worrisome when we don’t understand why we aren’t feeling at our best. Many times, the feeling of being “off” can be attributed to a vestibular problem. Vestibular disorders can affect a person in numerous ways, and often without any pattern. The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. It consists of five sensory organs that provide our brain with information about head position and movement.

People with vestibular disorders often experience problems with vertigo, dizziness, and visual disturbance. Although dizziness & vertigo can occur in people of any age, it is more common among older adults. The feeling of dizziness can be tough to manage and might cause someone to restrict their physical activities and social engagements in order to prevent an injury from a fall. Other typical, secondary problems that can arise from vestibular disorders are nausea/vomiting that reduced the ability to focus or concentrate and fatigue.

Vestibular Rehab Therapy Mississauga

Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular disorders. Symptoms due to vestibular disorders can reduce the quality of life and slow down all aspects of our daily routine.

Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville

Some common symptoms are:

  1. Dizziness and imbalance
  2. Decreased in muscular strength and flexibility
  3. Increased joint stiffness
  4. Reduced on stamina
  5. Vision disturbance
  6. Hearing changes
  7. Psychological changes

Diagnosis and treatment are not always the only solution for vestibular disorders. It is important to understand some common, significant limitations in order to better manage them.

Also read, Physiotherapy Mississauga

Some common limitations are:

  1. Balance is commonly taken for granted until it is impaired
  2. People with vestibular disorders can suffer cognitive impacts, such as poor concentration, memory, and word recall
  3. People also restrict their movement and activity levels to avoid pain

It is important to note that most of these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and should be discussed with a healthcare professional or a skilled physiotherapist. At Triangle Physiotherapy, with the help of our skilled team of physiotherapists, your vestibular issues can become a thing of the past!

17 Aug

What do we mean by Sports Injuries? Any sort of injury that is caused when we get too involved and carried away in the spirit of any sport. When the passion is high, and the energy is there we tend to suffer from small accidents related to Knee pain, Elbow, etc.

What qualifies as a Sports Injury?

Sports Physiotherapy Oakville

It’s any type of injury that might arise from getting too involved and carried away in the spirit of any sport. In the heat of the moment during a sports game, it is easy to ignore smaller annoyances that might progress to become significant sources of pain.

Also read, Physiotherapy Oakville

So, what do many people do when they inevitably suffer a sports injury?

The most common answer is to go and visit a doctor. However, we tend to forget that the most effective and immediate assistance we can get is from a physiotherapist. Reducing swelling and providing pain relief are usually the first steps that a physiotherapist will take to promote recovery after an injury.

Advanced progression of the treatment plan usually involves techniques like stretching and providing range of motion and strengthening exercises that are meant to help the injured person regain strength and balance. The physiotherapist will also ensure that you don’t push yourself too far or too fast, thereby helping you prevent re-injury.

Below are some common questions and answers that might be relevant to you:

Who is better equipped to diagnose my injury – a doctor or a physiotherapist?

Both doctors and physiotherapists have the necessary skills to diagnose your injury. Interestingly the most important thing is that there is a DIAGNOSIS made!

Who is better equipped to manage/treat my injury – a doctor or a physiotherapist?

Well, it depends on the injury. For example, it is not uncommon for a physiotherapist to refer a patient to a doctor to ask for a prescription for some anti-inflammatory medication as these are not able to be prescribed by a physiotherapist. However, a physiotherapist will generally provide more detail regarding the injury, as well as provide manual treatment and prescribe a detailed exercise program for the patient that will help promote recovery.

Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga

When do I need to consult a physiotherapist?

There are many other conditions apart from sports injuries that would require treatment from a physiotherapist. Some of them are:

  • Any arthritic conditions
  • Treatment of pelvic floor disorders
  • Chronic/Overuse injuries
  • Muscle or joint issues that might arise during pregnancy
  • Vestibular conditions
  • Various other muscle strains and sprains

Any of the above-mentioned problems should be treated immediately in order to prevent further aggravation of the condition! Seek the help of our specialists at any of our locations in  Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, Mississauga & Toronto, and get rid of such dilemmas!

17 Aug

Who is a Podiatrist? A podiatrist deals with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limbs and feet. What is a Chiropodist? A chiropodist deals with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the lower limbs and feet. Sound familiar? That is because these two professions are one and the same!
While there may be differences in terms of scope of practice in other areas of the world, in Canada, both podiatrists and chiropodists are qualified to treat patients with arthritis, diabetes, lower limb sports injuries, and various other ailments of the feet. They have received specialized training which allows them to work with patients of all ages and to help the elderly stay mobile and independent. The only practical difference between the two professions, in terms of their scope of practice in Canada, is simply their title.
Also read, Physiotherapy Treatment Etobicoke
Chiropodists can advise patients on how to look after their feet and what type of shoes or orthotics to wear. They can also treat, alleviate and benefit day-to-day foot conditions, such as:

  • Thickened, fungal, or ingrown toenails
  • Varicose veins
  • Athlete’s foot
  • Smelly feet
  • Dry and cracked heels
  • Flat feet
  • Bunions
  • Heel pain
  • Ageing feet
  • Blisters
  • Gout
  • Sports Injuries

Also read, Oakville Physiotherapy Rehab Clinic

Chiropody Mississauga
Seek help from a Chiropodist for advice or treatment if you have:

  • Painful heels or arches
  • Thickened or discoloured toenails
  • Cracks, cuts, or hardened skin on your feet
  • Growths, such as warts
  • Scaling or peeling on the soles
  • Any other foot condition

Don’t bury your head in the sand and ignore small foot problems! These small “problems” can quickly transform into major issues that can affect the quality of your life. As they say, “Prevention is the best cure“. Patients who make regular check-up appointments can avoid many potential foot problems as Chiropodists are specialists at recognizing problems before they have occurred.

Don’t let your feet problems keep you from stepping into our clinic! Seek the help of our foot specialists at any of our locations in  Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, Mississauga & Toronto, and say goodbye to your foot dilemmas!

21 Jun

Summer is here, and with the sun on one’s face and a cool breeze, everyone feels like going out and enjoying some fresh air. Be it an early morning run or a quick swim, a game of tennis with your buddies or you just dribbling the ball all by yourself at the basketball court; this is the season when even the lazy ones find some energy to be active. Kids in particular love to go out and play in the summers. But with an active lifestyle, or an energetic kid, there is always the chance of sports-related injuries or foot fatigue.
Maybe you twisted your ankle while playing tennis? Or did your kid get hurt while playing football? Maybe too much running is affecting your feet? Or your friend is having pain in his or her legs post-cycling?
Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke 

Orthotics might just be the answer to your woes!

Orthotics Downtown Toronto

The type of Orthotics recommended to you will depend on not just your ailment or injury, but the shape of your feet as well.  A physiotherapist can tell you what kind of orthotics you need, by evaluating your injury and the shape of your feet.

The most popular kind of Orthotics include:

  • Casual Orthotics – These are inserts or pads that can be worn with regular shoes.
  • Custom Orthotics – these are inserts that are specially designed, keeping the shape of your feet and your particular needs in mind.
  • Sports Orthotics – these are inserts or pads that help to absorb shock while doing high-impact activities. Be it running, jogging, cycling, or playing a sport. There are even specialized Orthotics that slip easily into athletic shoes for professional athletes.
  • Dress Orthotics – These are inserts that can be put into heels and other fashionable shoes, and are particularly made for women.
  • Accommodative Footwear – this refers to special footwear, which can accommodate the Orthotics.

Also read, Physiotherapy Oakville
If you don’t have a sports injury but are just very active, orthotics can still come to your aid. But do seek your doctor’s advice before using any kind of orthotics.
At Triangle Physiotherapy our health professionals cater to your needs and specifications. With the help of our professionals, you can figure out what is the best solution for you, based on your activities and the needs of your feet. So visit any of our locations in Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, Mississauga & Downtown Toronto, to stay active with Orthotics!

16 Mar

What exactly are shin splints? Are they treatable?

Shin splints are a condition characterized by damage and inflammation of the connective tissue joining muscles to the inner shin bone (tibia). Shin splints are known by many different names such as: Medial Tibial Tenoperiostitus, MTSS, Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome, Tenoperiostitus of the Shin, Inflammatory Shin Pain, Traction Periostitis, and Posterior Shin Splint Syndrome. Several muscles lie at the back of the lower leg, and are collectively known as the calf muscles. The tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, flexor hallicus, and soleus are muscles that lie deep within the calf and attach to the inner border of the tibia. Connective tissues are responsible for attaching these muscles to the tibia known as the tenoperiosteum. Every time the calf contracts, it pulls on the tenoperiosteum. When the tension becomes forced too much or is repeated frequently, the damage is caused to the tenoperiosteum. The results are inflammation and pain. Shin splints can also occur in combination with other pathologies that cause shin pain such as compartment syndrome and tibial stress fractures. Patients who suffer from shin splints experience pain along the inner border of the shin. In other cases, the patient may experience an ache or stiffness along the inner aspect of the shin that increases with rest (typically and night or first thing in the morning). Areas of muscle tightness, thickening, or lumps may also be felt in the same area of pain. Physiotherapy Downtown Toronto

There are several factors that predispose patients to shin splints:

• Excessive training or exercise • Poor foot posture (especially in patients with flat feet) • Inappropriate footwear • Inadequate warm-up• Training on hard or inappropriate surfaces • Muscle weakness (especially in calve muscles) • Tightness in specific joints (such as ankle) • Tightness in specific muscles (calves especially) • Poor lower limb biomechanics • Poor training techniques or methods • Leg length differences • Poor balance • Being overweight • Deconditioning • Poor core stability Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville Physiotherapy treatment for patients with shin splints is vital to speed up the healing process. Physiotherapy will ensure the most optimal outcome and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Treatment may comprise of the following:
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Joint mobilization
  • Dry needling
  • Electrotherapy
  • PNF stretches
  • Arch support taping
  • The use of orthotics or shock-absorbing insoles
  • Crutches
  • Biomechanical correction
  • Ice or heat treatment
  • Exercises to improve flexibility, balance, strength, and core stability
  • Activity modification advice
  • Anti-inflammatory advice
  • Footwear advice
  • Weight loss advice where appropriate
Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Mississauga If you happen to suffer from shin splints and you are looking for a way to relieve pain, stress, and improve overall health, try adding physical therapy to a routine wellness plan. Our physiotherapists at Triangle Physiotherapy can be a powerful ally when combating daily stress, muscle pain, and general health issues when it comes to shin splints. Not only does physical therapy relieve pain, increase energy levels, and improve overall physical and mental performance, it prevents further injuries.

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.

14 Mar

Do your legs tingle, become numb, or feel weak? You may be experiencing Sciatica. The term Sciatica describes leg pain that originates from the lower back and travels through the buttock and down the large sciatic nerve in the back of each leg. Sciatica is not a medical diagnosis in and of itself –it is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Common lower back problems such as: lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis can cause sciatica symptoms.

Sciatica is often characterized by one or more of the following symptoms:

• Constant pain in only one side of the buttock or leg (rarely in both legs)
• Pain that becomes worse when sitting
• Leg pain that is described as burning, tingling, or searing
• Weakness, numbness, or difficulty moving the leg, foot, and/or toes
• A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk
• Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes

Physiotherapy exercises incorporating a combination of strengthening, stretching, and aerobic conditioning are a central component of almost any sciatica treatment plan.
• Strengthening exercises- Most of these back exercises focus not only on the lower back, but also the abdominal muscles, and the buttock and hip muscles.
• Stretching exercises- Stretches for sciatica are designed to target muscles that cause pain when they are tight and inflexible.
• Low-impact aerobic exercise- Some form of low-impact cardiovascular exercise such as: walking, swimming, or pool therapy is usually a component of recovery, as aerobic activity encourages the exchange of fluids and nutrients to help create a better healing environment.


Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic Etobicoke


When patients engage in a regular program of gentle exercises, they can recover more quickly from sciatica pain and are less likely to have future episodes of pain. As sciatica is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, it stands to reason that treatment involves removing this pressure. Your physiotherapy treatment aims to achieve this by reducing nerve pressure caused by poorly moving spinal joints as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock, and leg.


If you are suffering from sciatica please do not delay. You can achieve the best results when you address the symptoms early!

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.

20 Jan
Patellar tendinopathy aka, Jumpers Knee, (also known as patellar tendonitis, and tendonitis) is an overuse injury affecting the knee. The patella tendon is a short but very wide tendon that runs from the patella (kneecap) to the top of the tibia. It works with the muscles at the front of the thigh to extend the knee so it can perform physical acts like kicking, running, and jumping.  Due to these elements, the patellar tendon has to absorb a lot of this loading and as a result, is prone to injury in runners and jumpers. Unlike many running injuries, patellar tendonitis is somewhat more common in men than in women. The stress on the patellar tendon results in small tears, which the body attempts to repair, but as the injury multiplies, it causes pain from inflammation and weakening of the tendon. When this tendon damage persists for more than a few weeks, it is called, “tendinopathy”.

Physiotherapy Downtown Toronto Initial symptoms of patellar tendonitis can be:

  • Anterior knee pain over the patella tendon
  • Pain increased from jumping, landing or running activity, and on occasion prolonged sitting
  • Onset of pain can be gradual and commonly relates to an increase in sports activities
  • Localised tenderness over the patella tendon
  • The tendon feeling stiff, mostly first thing in the morning
  • The affected tendon may appear thickened in comparison to the unaffected side
Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville

Typically, tendon injuries occur in three areas:

  • Musculotendinous junction (where the tendon joins the muscle)
  • Mid-tendon (non-insertional tendinopathy)
  • Tendon insertion (eg. Into the bone)
If you try to work through your pain, ignoring your body’s warning signs, you could cause increasingly larger tears in the patellar tendon. Knee pain and reduced function can persist if the problem is not addressed , which can progress to more serious patellar tendinopathy.

Treatment of Jumpers Knee

Treatment of this condition has two objectives: to reduce inflammation and to allow the tendon to heal. Rest is a must when the knee is painful and swollen. Avoid stair climbing and jumping sports. Keep your knee straight while sitting, and avoid squatting. Icing the knee for twenty minutes two to three times a day is recommended, especially after any sporting activities. Exercises can also be used to stretch and balance the thigh muscles. It is advisable, however, to contact a physical therapist & approach proper physical therapy before you attempt any of these remedies, to avoid any further damage. Happy Healing!

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.

15 Dec
A knee sprain is an injury of the ligaments; tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect the bones of the upper and lower leg at the knee joint. One of the main forms of knee sprain is in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) bridge the inside of the knee joint, forming an, “X” pattern that stabilizes the knee against front-to-back and back-to-front forces. There are certain movements in the knee that cause a sprain in the ACL such as:
  • a sudden stop;
  • a twist,
  • pivot, or change in direction at the joint;
  • extreme over-straightening (hyperextension);
  • or a direct impact to the outside of the knee or lower leg.
These injuries are quite common among athletes in sports such as football, basketball, soccer, rugby, wrestling, gymnastics, and skiing. Physiotherapist in Downtown Toronto It is suggested that when one knee ligament suffers a sprain, there is a good chance that the other parts of the knee may also be injured, most commonly the ACL.  Knee sprains are very common. ACL sprains tend to cause more significant symptoms compared to MCL injuries.

The most frequent signs of an ACL sprain are:

  • A pop heard or felt inside your knee at the time of injury
  • Significant knee swelling within a few hours after injury
  • Severe knee pain that prevents you from continued participation in your sport
  • Black-and-blue discoloration around the knee
  • Knee instability- the feeling that your knee will buckle or give out

Treatment of an ACL Sprain

A physiotherapist will examine both knees, comparing the injured knee to the uninjured one. During this exam, the physiotherapist will check your injured knee for signs of swelling, deformity, tenderness, fluid inside the knee joint, and discoloration. If the patient does not have too much pain and swelling, a physiotherapist will then evaluate the knee’s range of motion and will pull against the ligaments to check their strength. During the exam, the patient will have to bend their knee and the physiotherapist will gently pull forward or push backward on their lower leg where it meets the knee. Based on the results of the patient’s exam, diagnostic tests may need to be performed to further evaluate the condition of the patient’s knee. These tests may include standard X-rays to check for ligament separation from bone or fracture. Tests may also include an MRI scan or a camera–guided knee surgery (arthroscopy). The expected duration of recovery depends on the severity of the patient’s knee sprain, their rehabilitation program, and what type of sports the patients play. In general, milder sprains heal within 2-4 weeks, whereas other types may take 4-12 months.

There are many ways of preventing ACL knee sprain, to help sports related injuries you can:

  • Warm up and stretch before participating in athletic activities
  • Do exercises that strengthen the leg muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps.
  • Avoid sudden increases in the intensity of a training program. Do not push too hard or too fast. Gradually increase intensity.
  • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes that fit your feet and fit your sport
About 90% of people with ACL injuries can expect a full recovery after proper treatment and a good physical therapy program. As a long-term complication, some patients who suffered from an ACL sprain eventually develop pain from osteoarthritis in the joint where the knee has been injured. This symptom may not become present until 15 to 20 years after the initial knee injury. Call a professional when:
  • Knee becomes very painful or swollen
  • Cannot bear weight
  • Feels as if it will buckle or give out.

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.

08 Dec

What is ALS?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is the most common type of adult-onset motor neuron disease.  Neurological disorders are characterized primarily by progressive degeneration and loss of motor neurons. ALS involves upper and lower motor neurons and presents as an idiopathic, progressive degeneration of anterior horn cells and their associated neurons, resulting in progressive muscle weakness, atrophy, and fasciculations.

What are the symptoms of ALS?

ALS is a gradual-onset disease. The first initial symptoms of ALS vary from person to person. One person may have trouble with their grip, such as holding a cup or pen, while another person may experience a change in pitch in their voice while speaking.  The rate at which ALS develops also varies from person to person, with the mean survival time ranging from three to five years. Although there are cases in which people have lived five, and ten or more years.  Onset symptoms can begin in the muscles that control speech and swallowing, or in the hands, arms, legs, or feet. Not all people who suffer from ALS experience the same symptoms as others or the same sequences or patterns of progression. Although, universally progressive muscle weakness and paralysis are experienced.

How is ALS diagnosed?

ALS is a somewhat difficult disease to diagnose. There is not one test or procedure to instantly establish the diagnosis of ALS. Through the use of clinical examination, and a series of diagnostic tests, often ruling out other diseases that mimic ALS, that a diagnosis can be established. A comprehensive diagnostic check-list includes most, if not all, of the following procedures:
  • Electrodiagnostic tests- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
  • Blood & Urine studies
  • Spinal tap
  • X-rays including MRI
  • Myleogram of cervical spine
  • Muscle and/or nerve biopsy
  • A thorough neurological examination
These tests are done at the discretion of the physician, usually based on the results of other diagnostic tests and the physical examination. There are several diseases that have some of the same symptoms as ALS, and most of these conditions are treatable.

What are the treatments for ALS?

Treatment of ALS can be done with physiotherapy, focusing on stretching and daily range of motion (ROM) exercises. Our physiotherapists at Triangle will focus on the emphasis of energy conservation and teach patients and caregivers methods for performing safe, efficient transfers. They can also provide instruction for strengthening exercise programs. In one study, individualized, moderate-intensity, endurance-type exercises for the trunk and limbs performed 15 minutes twice daily were shown to significantly reduce spasticity as measured by the Ashworth scale. At Triangle, we may have to recommend wheelchairs to anticipate the patient’s future needs. Initially, a lightweight wheelchair should be rented, with future plans to purchase a heavier chair when the patient is no longer able to ambulate. Modifications will be recommended on the basis of the patient’s condition and tolerance for gadgets.

Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.