Golfer’s elbow and Tennis Elbow are both tendonitis. The difference is Golfer’s elbow occurs on the inner side of the elbow while Tennis Elbow occurs on the outer side of the elbow. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis is the inflammation of the tendon that connects the forearm muscles to a bony prominence on the outside of the elbow known as the lateral epicondyle. Golfer’s elbow, on the other hand, is known as medial epicondylitis because the inflammation is on the tendons which are attached to the medial epicondyle.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist will evaluate tennis elbow by reviewing your medical history, performing and reviewing your medical history. A doctor may recommend a X-ray, EMG or MRI to assess the severity of the condition.
A physiotherapist can also conduct a detailed assessment of your elbow and the surrounding structures in order to create a personalized treatment plan for you. Special tests such as Cozen’s and Mills Test can also be used to diagnose Tennis elbow.
What are the complications of a Tennis Elbow?
Complications of Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis may include tendon rupture, recurrence of the injury, chronic pain, nerve entrapment in the forearm, and failure to improve despite both nonsurgical and no surgical treatment.
Cause of Tennis Elbow and Treatment
What causes a Tennis elbow and who might get a Tennis Elbow?
Some causes of Tennis elbow are:
- weak wrist muscles,
- use of tennis racquets that are too short,
- weakened muscles of the shoulder and wrist,
- repetitive hand motions,
- poor tennis technique,
- frequent use of hand tools,
- lifting heavy objects, and
- excessive gripping activities.
Despite the name, Tennis elbow is not only for tennis players although they tend to often develop tennis elbow because of the repetitive muscle use and gripping activities the sport entails. People whose professions involve repetitive use of the wrist and forearm are more likely to develop lateral epicondylitis.
Some professions, such as painters, dentists, plumbers, carpenters, musicians, and cooks, may develop Tennis elbow which can also be caused by the repetitive use of a keyboard and mouse.
What Is The Best Treatment For Tennis Elbows?
The majority of tennis elbow cases can be successfully treated without surgical intervention. How a tennis elbow is treated may vary depending on which medical professional you choose to see.
Research has shown that physiotherapy is the most effective treatment of the Tennis elbow.
Tennis Elbow Physiotherapy Treatment
- Therapeutic Ultrasound
- Acupuncture
- Tennis elbow treatment exercises
- Deep tissue massage
- Shockwave therapy
- Taping or brace
- TENS
- Modified activities
- Hot and cold packs
How does massage help heal Tennis elbow?
Tennis Elbow Massage Treatment helps improve circulation, stimulate collagen production, and increases mobility in the affected area.
What Can I Do To Prevent Tennis Elbow?
There are many ways to prevent Tennis elbow such as:
- Stretching regularly.
- Strengthening of the forearm muscles.
- Modifying activities that contribute to pain.
- Warming up before playing tennis and other sports and ensuring the stability of the wrist.
What are some Tennis elbow exercises which can be done at home to help prevent recurrence?
Specific Tennis elbow exercises to strengthen as well as stretch the muscles that are attached to the injured tendon will certainly help speed up healing which then increases its resistance to repetitive stress… Some of these Tennis elbow treatment exercises are Stress ball squeeze, finger stretch, wrist extension, flexion stretch, forearm extension, flexion, supination, and pronation strengthening exercises.
Are there any natural Tennis elbow treatments I can do at home while I wait to see a physiotherapist?
Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate your pain can be beneficial. You may also try to apply an ice pack for 15 mins three times a day.
What is the best treatment for chronic Tennis elbow?
The most effective treatment for chronic tennis elbow has always been physiotherapy and exercise. If physiotherapy does not fully heal it, however, steroid injections, braces, and surgery may also help.
Our physiotherapists in Toronto, Midtown Toronto, Mississauga, North York and Oakville can help you with tennis elbow. Book your appointment here.
Things you need to know about active release technique (ART)
What is Active Release Therapy and how does ART help?
Active Release Techniques (ART) is a patented soft tissue technique that treats problems with muscles, tendons, fascia, ligaments, and nerves by using isolated pressure and movements on soft tissues to release adhesions. It is very effective in improving pain and increasing blood flow and healing soft tissues.
How does the active release technique work?
During an ART session, the therapists identify, isolate and target the affected areas by using their hands to locate an area with adhesion. They then apply traction to that specific area while the patient moves their body, in order to pull the muscle underneath. This technique helps break up the scar tissue which helps the area restore proper blood flow.
Active Release Therapy works by breaking up adhesions, which are a microscopic form of scar tissue. This can cause pain, weakness, reduced flexibility, and nerve damage.
What are the benefits of ART?
The active release technique is very beneficial for neck, lower back, shoulder, and knee pain.
List Of Benefits Of Art (Active Release Technique):
- Improve flexibility
- Reduces Pain
- Promotes faster recovery
- Enhances athletic performance
- Improves circulation
What injuries can you treat with Active Release Technique?
- Sciatica
- Ankle sprains
- Iliotibial Band Syndrome
- Hamstring strain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
- TMJ Disorders
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neck and Low back pain
- Nerve Entrapment
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome.
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Shoulder impingement
- Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis
How Does ART Help?
The active Release Technique helps restore the function of soft tissue which helps prevent injuries and promotes faster recovery. Active Release Therapy helps break up adhesions which then aid in restoring normal tissue motion and function.
How effective is ART and Does the Active Release Technique Really Work?
Numerous studies show that ART is a highly effective soft tissue treatment. In fact, it has been extremely popular with athletes, especially in North America helps them train better and be injury free.
How Long Does Active Release Technique Take To Work?
The time it takes for Art to work varies depending on how long the individual has had the injury and other factors. Our chiropractor will create a treatment plan for you based on the assessment findings.
How To Do Active Release Technique
During Active Release Therapy (ART), a muscle is shortened and the therapist applies tension to the muscle while the patient moves the area to actively lengthen the muscle. This may cause some pain but this is normal because this technique works by increasing the nervous system’s tolerance to the stretch to a tight muscle.
Is Active Release Technique Covered By Insurance?
Active release therapy at our clinics is done by our registered chiropractors so it will cover your sessions if your insurance plan covers chiropractic care.
History of Active Release Technique
ART has been developed, refined, and patented by P. Michael Leahy, DC, CCSP. He developed this technique because he noticed that his patient’s symptoms seemed to be related to the changes in the soft tissue which he could palpate. This technique method focuses on relieving tension in the tissue caused by repetitive movement.
This technique revolves completely around the patient’s symptoms and aims to treat soft tissue mobility issues with tendons, ligaments, muscles, nerves, and fascia.
Dr. Leahy consistently helped heal 90% of his patients’ issues. In 1985, he first documented his work under the title of Myofascial Release, but later on, he patented it under the name Active Release Techniques. He is now teaching healthcare providers all over the world to use ART.
How Much Does Active Release Technique Cost?
ART is done by our chiropractors. The fees for chiropractic services are:
Initial session which is an hour long and includes assessment and assessment for $125.
A 30 minute follow up treatment session is for $95.
How Art Is Different Considered To Many Other Soft Tissue Techniques?
The main difference between Active Release Therapy and any other soft tissue techniques is that ART incorporates active movement into treatment. While the therapist presses on the affected area, the patient actively moves the affected structure.
Active Release Technique Vs Myofascial Release
- Is Active Release Technique the same As Myofascial Release?
Active Release Therapy is an advanced form of Myofascial release and its main goal is to break up adhesions which helps with the reduction of pain and increases the range of motion. It also helps reduce inflammation by improving circulation.
The main goal of Myofascial Release Therapy is to loosen the fascia and release restrictions to restore the range of motion and decrease pain.
In Myofascial Release Therapy, the therapist applies gentle but firm pressure to areas known as trigger point areas to release the tension.
Book your appointment for an ART session here.
People often ask us if physiotherapy is the same as physical therapy, and the answer is yes. In fact, the term physiotherapy and physical therapy can almost be used interchangeably.
Are there any differences and similarities between physical therapy and physiotherapy?
In general, there are no differences between physical therapy and physiotherapy. The term physiotherapy is used for those based in Australia, Canada, or Ireland while the term physical therapy is used by those based primarily in the United States.
Some believe that there is a slight difference when it comes to its approach. Some would say physiotherapy uses more hands on approach and manual therapy while physical therapy is more exercise based in its approach.
Ultimately, it shouldn’t matter which term is used as long as you see someone who is registered with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario. Find a professional that will provide you with the proper treatment and care to help you with your condition and improve the quality of your life.
Similarities:
- Both Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy aim to help patients recover from injuries and conditions that affect their mobility and independence.
- Both professions use a variety of manual therapy techniques, exercises, and other treatments to help patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
- Both Physiotherapy and Physical Therapy are concerned with improving the quality of life for patients and helping them return to their daily activities as soon as possible.
Differences:
- Geographical Location: Physiotherapy is a term used primarily in the UK, Europe, and other parts of the world, while Physical Therapy is used primarily in the United States.
- Education: Generally, the education is no different for both titles.
- Scope of Practice: This may differ based on the country of practice but in North America the socpe remains the same.
- Specializations: Physiotherapists have the option to specialize in specific areas of practice. They can specialize in sports, women’s health, cancer rehab and pediatrics. Physical Therapists also have the option to specialize, but the options may differ depending on the country they practice in.
Book your appointment to see a physiotherapist here.
Did you know children can benefit from pelvic physiotherapy too?
Most children are dry at night by school age. Approximately, 30% of children wet the bed at 4 ½ years of age. Fecal incontinence is also common in children. If a child has regular soiling or poo accidents after the age of 4 they should be assessed.
There is no cause to worry. Pelvic Health issues in children can be resolved with the help of a trained pelvic health physiotherapist.
Common conditions experienced by children include:
Constipation: infrequent bowel movements, frequent movements with pain or difficulty
Incontinence: inability to maintain bowel or bladder function. Could be inability to make it to the bathroom in time or leakage with giggles and coughing
Bed Wetting (Enuresis): leaking urine through the night while sleeping.
Voiding issues (eg. Dysfunctional voiding & postponement): inappropriately engaging pelvic floor muscles during voiding or delaying going to the bathroom, sometimes as a result of fear or pain.
Did you know 85% of children have bed wetting or fecal incontinence because of constipation?
If your child is 5 or older and experiencing any of the above symptoms pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy can help them get back to being kids, and relieve familial stress!
Our trained therapists create a personalized treatment plan with parents and children to better target your concerns and furthermore improve your child’s overall quality of life. Treatment is always in a way that is fun and engaging for your young one.
What does a pelvic floor assessment entail?
Your physical therapist will start by taking a detailed child developmental and family history. We may also ask you to complete a bladder diary to better track your child’s voiding patterns and perform a functional assessment of their breathing. Thereafter, the physiotherapist will do a visual assessment for which the child need not undress. Sometimes, the physiotherapist will use externally placed sensors to assess the functioning of the pelvic floor muscles.
Note: An internal assessment is not performed.
What does the pelvic floor treatment entail?
- Education dietary foods/irritants, habit training, digestion, pelvic floor anatomy
- Biofeedback machines using Bluetooth to keep children engaged playing games with the aid of their pelvic floor muscles.
- Electrical Stimulation
- Toilet training
- Massage
Which locations of Triangle Physiotherapy offer Pediatric Pelvic Health in Toronto?
Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy is offered at Triangle Physiotherapy North York, Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga and Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park.
Click here to book an appointment for your child.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a type of foot pain resulting from inflammation of a band of connective tissue located on the bottom side of the foot known as the Plantar Fascia. This band of connective tissue runs from the heel of the foot, all the way to the base of each toe, and it functions to support the arch of the foot, especially during weight-bearing.
The pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis is located on the bottom of the foot, with it often manifesting around the heel and along the inside of the foot. It is common for this pain to be at its worst first thing in the morning, and it is usually accompanied by other symptoms, such as stiffness, weakness, swelling and decreased proprioception.
What is the Plantar Fascia?
The plantar fascia is a flat band of tissue that connects your heel bone (Calcaneus) to the base of the toes (Metatarsophalangeal joints). This ligament assists in supporting the arch of your foot.
What causes Plantar Foot Pain?
People experience this when they have strained the connective tissue from repetitive overloading to the area. Repetitive overloading causes little tears to occur, and over time this produces inflammation and other associated symptoms, as described above.
Plantar Fasciitis is more common in people who can relate to the following:
- Have flat feet or high arches
- Have tight calf muscles
- Wear improper footwear
- Engage in repetitive physical activity (overtraining)
- Suddenly changed activity levels (increased frequency, duration or intensity)
- Suddenly changed activity or training environment
- Work in an environment that requires prolonged standing
Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people experience foot pain and seek Physiotherapy treatment to solve it.
How can a physiotherapist at Triangle Physiotherapy help with plantar foot pain?
A Physiotherapist at Triangle Physiotherapy will do a thorough assessment of the fot to ensure a proper diagnosis is obtained. This will include getting a detailed history, observing the area and how you function, and running through a series of specific tests. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be made for you to help you achieve your goals and assist you on your road to recovery.
If you think you might have Plantar Foot Pain, contact us to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists today!
What are orthotics?
Orthotics are custom made inserts that are worn inside your shoe to control abnormal foot function.
Orthotics solve a number of biomechanically related problems, for example, ankle and knee pain, pelvis, hip, spinal pain. This is achieved by preventing misalignment of the foot, which significantly alters the way in which the bones move within their joints.
Orthotics work for the feet the same way prescription glasses work for the eyes.
Who can benefit from orthotics?
Custom orthotics can be used for all ages and for a variety of activities and can be made to fit any type of shoe.
Where can I get the best custom orthotics?
The best custom orthotics can be purchased from a clinic where a chiropodist or qualified health professional conducts an assessment and a 3D scan of your feet to determine the best orthotics for you. The 3D Scan is then sent to a lab where the scan is used to manufacture your orthotics.
Triangle Physiotherapy has qualified health practitioners that can assess you and recommend the best custom orthotics for you.
How can Orthotics correct foot conditions?
The best custom orthotics can:
- Help balance pressure placed on the feet by redistributing the weight appropriately
- Help stabilize the heel
- Support the arch of the feet
- Provide cushioning to delicate and inflamed areas of the feet that arise from too much walking, jogging, running, etc.
What is a knee brace and how can it help me?
A knee brace can help support and stabilize an unstable knee due to injury or osteoarthritis. The best knee brace will offer the support you need in order to balance and evenly distribute your weight in order to have a more comfortable walk or run.
What conditions can a knee brace help with?
Whether it’s a knee sprain, arthritis, torn ACL, runner’s knee, knee instabilities or knee discomfort, the best knee braces help support and manage pain.
When should I start wearing a knee brace?
Once you start experiencing knee pain or discomfort or find that the knee is unstable while walking or running or after you have had knee surgery , book an appointment with one of our health practitioners who can assess you and recommend the best knee brace for you.
What is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment procedure that essentially involves creating a series of short energy acoustic wave pulsations that are directly applied to an injury. It uses a pneumatic generator to physically deliver the shock wave through the skin, into the body. The short-energy acoustic waves that are transmitted through the surface of the skin are spread spherically into the body and the body responds with increased metabolic activity around the pain area. It is a fast and alternative solution to surgery.
Shockwave Therapy was originally invented for the treatment of kidney stones to blast the rigid tissues into smaller pieces, making it easier to pass. After the effectiveness of that treatment was established, researchers began studying the effects of the machine at different settings and used it to treat calcific tissue and scar tissue in the body. Their findings indicate that this treatment is extremely effective for the treatment of most musculoskeletal conditions in the body.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy
- Success rate up to 90% in the treatment of soft tissue disorders, including:
- calcific tendinitis of the shoulder,
- plantar fasciitis,
- tennis elbow, and
- piriformis muscle.
- It is an excellent cost-effective treatment
- Helpful in the treatment of chronic pain including:
- shoulder,
- back,
- heel,
- knee, or
- elbow
- No anesthesia or drugs are required
- Varied application in many fields including orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sport medicine
- Latest medical research shows that it can have a positive impact on acute pain
How does shockwave therapy work?
Shockwave Therapy is also known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy [ESWT]. It is a method that is being used more commonly in physiotherapy. Using much lower energy compared to other medical applications, it is primarily used to treat connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons.
Your physiotherapist will evaluate your condition and determine if Shockwave Therapy is appropriate for you. They will also educate you on your condition and recommend additional activities such as activity modification, tennis elbow exercises, acupuncture, massage, and posture correction to help with your healing process.
During the treatment, the therapist will direct the shockwaves into the affected area through the skin, causing no pain. The therapy is typically performed in several sessions and is a safe, non-invasive, and drug-free solution for chronic pain in the shoulder, back, heel, knee, or elbow. The latest medical research also shows that it can have a positive impact on acute pain. Shockwave Therapy is widely used in fields such as orthopedics, rehabilitation, and sports medicine.
Book an appointment for Shockwave Therapy here.
Should I go to a physiotherapist after a car accident?
If you met with a car accident and having problems related to the mobility of your body or if it causes obstacles to function properly and efficiently then you should definitely go for Physical Therapy.
Physical therapists are musculoskeletal experts and may help cure the underlying musculoskeletal injuries that may have occurred after meeting with a car accident. At Triangle Physiotherapy, our Physical Therapists will assure a one-to-one session where they will conduct an extensive whole-body analysis with a target of developing a customized treatment and detailed physical therapy programs which suit best to your condition and individual needs.
What can a physiotherapist do to help after a car accident?
The goal of physical therapy is to help you recover physically and strengthen damaged muscles and tissues.
A Few physical therapy exercise programs would include:
- Manual therapy to mobilize joints, decrease scar tissue, reduce inflammation and enhance healing of tissue.
- Custom exercises to address types of pain like neck and shoulder pain, back pain, spine dysfunction, or weakness.
- Postural training to resolve pain in the neck, shoulders, and back.
COMMON TYPES OF INJURIES
The list of injuries if you meet with a car accident are as follows:
- Whiplash
- Headaches
- Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Shoulder Pain
- Knee Pain
What are the common symptoms related to WHIPLASH?
Common symptoms related to whiplash include:
- Stiffness to neck, arms, upper back, and the face.
- Numbness into arms, neck, and upper back.
- Headache, dizziness, nausea.
- Feelings of general weakness.
- Altered and disturbed sleeping habits and patterns.
- Difficulty with concentration.
Is it important to get physiotherapy as soon as possible after a car accident?
Although you may feel the immediate onset of pain or symptoms of injury, these symptoms may bring forth pain and mobility problems over the long haul.
Suppose if you met with a car accident, one may wonder that why is it necessary to get treated with Physiotherapy after an accident? If you’re considering Physiotherapy after a car accident, there are many reasons that you may want to begin or continue with the treatment.
The doctor will recommend that you receive Physiotherapy and you will realize the benefit of rehabilitation after a car accident. You may realize on your own that you can benefit from rehabilitative treatment.
Here’s why you should start Physical Therapy after a car accident:
- Physical Therapy After a Car Accident Can Help You Recover Faster
Going through Physical Therapy after a car accident can help you speed up your recovery time. It can help the body recover its lost strength so that you can reduce the amount of time it takes to improve and fully recover from the injuries caused by car accidents. Time and again patients don’t realize how bad their car accident injuries are until they return to their day-to-day activities.
If you are looking for a physiotherapist to help you with your injuries, our rehabilitation facility is one of the best physiotherapy clinics:
- Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover Better and Prevent Long-term damage
In order to help you recover faster, Physical Therapy programs ensure a better outcome after taking good care and following Physical Therapy exercises. It can also help you or prevent the long-term effects of your injuries like chronic pain and migraines. Unfortunately, car crashes can cause nagging damage if the patient’s injuries are not addressed right away. If you begin physical therapy immediately after your car accident, it’s more expedient to live a pain-free life for years.
- Boosting Mental Health and Improving Quality of Life
Some issues can create a problem after years of being a victim of a car accident and this can seriously affect the quality of life of a person. Physical therapy relieves these issues before becoming a serious health concern for an individual.
- Avoiding Surgery
Every so often injuries caused by car accidents can even require surgery, most injuries or a type of wear and tear but a few injuries, if left rampant, can lead to surgery and costly hospital bills. It is always advised to immediately check-up with a professional for the treatment. This will help with any claims you may wish to make later on. Physical therapy treatment is a much more cost-effective solution to recovery.
There are multiple benefits of physiotherapy and that’s why people are opting for this line of treatment for recovery and overall well-being.
Steps to take after a car accident and a few advantages of Physiotherapy:
- The Type of Injury
Car accident injuries can affect your recovery time and the time period that takes to complete your treatment. One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. A whiplash injury occurs when the force of the accident causes your head and neck to jerk violently forward and backward. This can cause the muscles and tendons in your neck to stretch outside their normal range of motion. Whiplash can also affect the spinal column in your neck and disc injuries can be serious. Depends on the intensity of the whiplash, it can take a few months to recover and get the accurate motion of the neck as it was before.
2. The Severity of the Accident
It is more likely to sustain a moderate to severe injury in a more serious car accident, even the smallest of the injury. A more severe accident can cause consequential harm to your body even if you are taking all precautions of car safety like wearing the seatbelt and the airbag deploys. More serious injuries like a dislocated knee or a broken foot can impact your daily routines.
3. Any Previous Injuries
A previous injury can leave behind scar tissue, that impacts how your body heals the new injury. Physiotherapy often takes longer if you have previous injuries, especially if they occur in the same area.
Few factors that effect are:
- The severity of the injury
- Location of the injury
- Patient’s current state of health
- Patient’s treatment goals
- Rate of progress
How can Physiotherapy help if you’ve met with a car accident?
Physiotherapy helps reduce the pain and discomfort usually felt after a car accident injury. A lack of physical activity when recovering from an injury can actually cause stiffness, which can lead to more discomfort when trying to return to your daily activities, so you should always try to keep your body in motion.
What is Spondylolisthesis?
Derived from the Greek word spondylo means spine and listhsis stand for slipping down a slippery path. Spondylolisthesis is a disorder of the spine that results in a forward or backward slippage of one vertebra on an adjacent one. Spondylolisthesis usually happens in the lower back region, also known as the lumbar area. Spondylolisthesis has an adverse impact on the daily lifestyle and therefore it is suggested to visit a good physiotherapist in such a condition. You can visit our Physiotherapy clinics in GTA to reduce the pain and impact of Spondylolisthesis.
Types of Spondylolistheses
Spondylolisthesis can be categorized into five major types –
1. Isthmic Spondylolisthesis – This is caused by a defect in pars interarticularis – a part of the vertebra. This condition usually leads to the vertebrae slipping forward.
2. Degenerative Spondylolisthesis – This condition is usually caused when the joints lose their capacity to keep the spine alignment at the normal position. This may result in the vertebrae slipping forward.
3. Congenital Spondylolisthesis – Congenital health issues are the ones that are present in a person since birth. Sometimes there is an abnormal formation of spinal bones during pregnancy at the time of development of the baby. Here the spinal discs slip due to misalignment and malformation.
4. Traumatic Spondylolisthesis – This is caused as a result of any injury or trauma leading to slipping of the spinal discs. It is important to note that here the term traumatic indicates an injury causing damage to the spinal discs.
5. Pathologic Spondylolisthesis – This disorder is a result of a disease affecting the healthiness of the spinal bones thereby weakening the same. Diseases like osteoporosis can cause Pathological Spondylolisthesis.
Causes of Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis affects children and adults differently. Let’s first understand Spondylolisthesis in children. It usually occurs between the fifth bone in the lumbar vertebra and the first bone in the sacrum, also known as the pelvis region. This is resulted either from acute trauma or a congenital disability in the spinal discs.
Spondylolisthesis in adults is caused by degenerative arthritis, which is abnormal wear on the cartilage and bone of the spine.
Spondylolisthesis is also caused by factors like accidents/fractures and bone diseases. Sports activities like gymnastics, weightlifting, and football add a lot of stress to the bones in the lower back. These sports require the athlete to continuously overstretch the spinal column. This can lead to a stress fracture of the spinal vertebra. A stress fracture can make the spinal bone weak and shift it out of place.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
The symptoms of Spondylolisthesis may vary from case to case and person to person. A patient might not experience any symptoms of Spondylolisthesis in the initial stage. However, in the case of chronic conditions, the patient may find trouble in performing daily activities. We are listing below some of the common symptoms of Spondylolisthesis.
• Continuous pain in the lower back
• Stiffness in lower back and legs
• Sciatica – Muscle weakness or tightness in the lower limbs
• Tenderness in the lower back
• Pain in thighs
• Tightness in buttock muscles and hamstring
These are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of Spondylolisthesis which are usually aggravated by activities like walking, standing, etc. Taking rest at that time provides temporary relief. It is suggested to go for specific Spondylolisthesis exercises for a proper pain relief program. This would involve a dedicated physiotherapy plan. Herein a physiotherapist will provide a care-based program that will be based on your case and medical history.
Spondylolisthesis Exercises
Studies have shown that Spondylolisthesis exercises provide relief and ease the pain to people suffering from Spondylolisthesis. These exercises can include lumbar extension and flexion and strengthening the lower back and abdominal muscles. Spondylolisthesis exercises also help in strengthening the back and core muscles which will not only increase flexibility in the back but also prevent spine slippage.
Depending on your injury and medical history, some Spondylolisthesis exercises are not recommended. You should also check out with your physiotherapist for Spondylolisthesis exercises to avoid.
Let’s now take you through some easy and beneficial Spondylolisthesis exercises.
• Plank – Start this exercise by getting into a standard push-up position. Your hands should remain on your shoulders. Try to stabilize your body using your toes thereby tightening your abdomen. Your body should be firm in this position with your head aligned to your back. Make sure that your knees are firm, but not locked. Your face should be facing downwards towards the floor. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
• Knee to chest – Start with your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor. Lift one of your knees towards the chest. While you do this, make sure that your lower back and opposite footrest firmly against the floor. Hold the position for 15 – 30 seconds. Alternate with the other leg and repeat the steps two to four times.
• Dead bug – Lay on your back and extend your hands above you towards the ceiling and move your feet, knees, and hips up to form a 90-degree angle. Make sure that your back is flattened. Inhale and rotate your pelvis as you squeeze your glutes. Exhale and lower your left leg and right arm together until your back starts to pain a bit. After this, go back to the starting position and alternate sides 10 – 12 times.
• Hamstring stretch – Start this Spondylolisthesis exercise by sitting on the ground and stretching your legs in from of you. Lean forward and reach out to your toes. You will feel a stretch throughout the back of your legs. Try to hold this position for at least 30 seconds. You should do a set of five to stretch your hamstrings and decrease the spondylolisthesis pain.
• Trunk rotation – For this Spondylolisthesis exercise, lie on your back and bend your knees keeping the feet firm on the ground. Keep your arms by your side, slowly rotate your knees to the right as far as it can go. Repeat the same on the left side. Practice this trunk rotation exercise 10 times for each side.
• Gluteal stretch – This is a wonderful Spondylolisthesis exercise to provide an extra stretch for the leg and lower muscle. Begin on your back and with bent knees, slowly pull one leg close to the chest for 10 seconds. Alternate sides and repeat five times.
These are some of the basic Spondylolisthesis exercises. It is important to note that these exercises are not a substitute for medical advice. Those seeking specific medical advice should visit our physiotherapy clinics in GTA. At Triangle Physiotherapy, we provide a host of services, treatments, and procedures based on your injury and/or health condition. You can write to us and our team will get back to you to answer your specific queries or doubts.
Physiotherapy and Physiology both have many similarities, but they have a set of differences too.
What is Physiotherapy and what does a physical therapist do?
Physiotherapy or Physical Therapy is a medical treatment where patients face problems of mobility, function, and well-being; pain in specific locations of a body especially body parts that are in constant motion like bones, tissues, etc. it helps through physical rehabilitation, injury prevention. Tests are carried out to determine the limitations of the patient which further helps in formulating the set of exercises that will aid in restoring movement.Physiotherapist duties are:
- Detect the patient’s medical issues in order to help the patient recover from illness, accident, or injury.
- Provide a clear and well-organized exercise program with clearly defined goals and milestone targets.
- Set objectives for patient progress and document it.
- Set up an exercise session as a part of the treatment, and maintain detailed reports of future exercise planning.
- Prepare an evaluation document, and instruct patients to use exercise equipment such as walkers.
- Inform the patient about the benefits of exercise to mentally motivate them.
- Follow the doctor’s directions to prescribe exercises meanwhile assisting doctors and nurses if required.
What is Physiology and what does a Physiologist do?
Physiology is a medical treatment and a detailed study of the anatomy of the body’s organs and their cells, this treatment aims at preventing chronic diseases and providing physical health benefits suffering from injuries. It treats diseases like obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes.
Physiologist responsibilities are:
- Monitor and record patients’ health and medical performance while exercising and under medication, and make thorough observations over time to deliver results to the physician.
- Use medical equipment and machinery when going through the exercise of the lungs and heart.
- Performing tests to evaluate physical and mental stress levels.
- Simultaneously work with physiotherapists to evaluate results.
- Create a plan of types of exercises to be followed.
- Assess the treatment’s effectiveness to fetch the right results.
Differences between Physiologist and Physiotherapist
- Physiologists and exercise physiologist degree requirements both undertake 4 years of university training, both theoretical and practical, studying subjects such as anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics, etc. Both are recognized by Medicare, TAC, WorkCover, and private health funds, and require yearly professional development.
- Physiologists provide prescriptions and teach trigger point therapy and self-massage techniques, using exercise equipment such as foam rollers and trigger point balls. Physiotherapists, on the other hand, can deliver soft tissue mobilization through massage, acupuncture, dry needling, and ultrasounds, and guide you through self-massage techniques as well.
- Physiotherapists evaluate the injury diagnosis and prognosis, whereas Physiologists receive the injury diagnosis and deliver the rehabilitation prognosis.
- Physiologists specialize in providing lifestyle modification techniques to support those with a wide range of chronic health conditions to promote improved health and wellness and decrease risk. Physiotherapists will overall specialize in the acute phase of an injury, and can often also deliver long-term rehabilitation and health monitoring.
- Exercise physiology accreditation and the conditions they work with:
- Cancer treatment recovery
- Chronic pain and fatigue
- Managing osteoarthritis pain
- Osteoporosis and arthritis
- Diabetes
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Mental health
- Musculoskeletal
- Neurological (Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy)
- Obesity
- Pulmonary
- Cardiovascular
6. Conditions physical therapists work with:
- Mobility and balance concerns/falls
- Back or other spinal joint pain
- Sports injuries
- Chronic pain
- Post-surgery rehabilitation
- Cardiorespiratory issues
- Neurological (injuries) conditions – for example, stroke
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Arthritis- for example osteoarthritis/rheumatoid arthritInjury Cycle – Acute Phase
Injury Cycle – Recovery Phase
The next phase of rehabilitation that is 3 to 4 weeks post-injury, is when a Physical Therapist will come into the play and provide treatment in order to introduce exercises to regain range of movement, including mobilization of soft tissue structures, and restore joint mobility and strength to optimize function. All exercises prescribed by the Exercise Physiologist are made to achieve each individual’s activities of daily living and rehabilitation or performance goals. Exercises recommended by Physical Therapists are made to achieve an individual’s daily life activities and rehabilitation or performance targets.Difference between Physiology and Physiotherapy
| Physiotherapy | Physiology |
| Disorders concerning muscle and bones are treated by physiotherapy. This includes some medical conditions such as arthritis, joint aches, back pain, cardiorespiratory ailments like emphysema, asthma, neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and post-surgery complications, etc. | Physiology focuses on increasing metabolism and physical energy during the course of treatment along with rehabilitation. The diseases treated by physiological exercises are obesity, hypertension, diabetes, immunity complexities, arthritis, etc. |
| The techniques used by Physiotherapy are manipulation, electrotherapy, mobilization, therapeutic physiotherapy exercises, and gentle massage. These are performed by trained physiotherapists after evaluating the patient’s physical conditions. | Physiological treatments are not rendered after identifying the problem. The treatment to lower any kind of discomfort before a proper diagnosis is a part of physiology exercises. In physiology, a proper plan is designed with the mainstream treatment and changes in lifestyle and behavior. |
| Physiotherapy can be studied at the Bachelors’s level (BPT) course. | Physiology is a higher academic course at the Post Graduate level of medical science. One has to complete MBBS before opting for MD in Physiology. |
Why do you need a Physiotherapist and how can they help you?
Using these checklists is a great way to decide which health professional is best for you.
- Do you have pain that is new, unexpected, or not yet diagnosed?
- Or you have a type of sports injury, or have you recently undergone orthopedic surgery?
- Do you require hands-on treatment for symptomatic relief such as acupuncture, manipulation or massage?
Do you need a physiologist and a physiotherapist and how can they help you?
Using these checklists is a great way to decide which health professional is best for you.- Are you recovering from an injury, or have a prior injury that you do not want to worsen, however, wish to get fit and healthy?
- Do you have a chronic health condition (such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, asthma, obesity, osteoporosis, etc.) that exercise could assist with?
- If you have goals around losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight?
- Do you seek a specifically drafted and prescribed exercise program that will meet your health and wellness needs?
Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist at one of our eight locations.
- Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North Yor
- Mississauga Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Downtown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Uptown Physiotherapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Physiotherapy Clinic Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Physiotherapy Clinics Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills