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10 Jan

Winter is here and the snow is around the corner. The season for skiing is upon us. Whether you are a novice skier or experienced in the sport, there is always a possibility of an injury. This article talks about common skiing injuries and how you can recover from them.

Skiing Injury treatment

What are some common snow sports injuries?

Some common injuries sustained during skiing are:

Head

  • Concussion 
  • Traumatic brain injury 

Neck & Shoulders

  • Whiplash
  • Fracture
  • Torn rotator cuff
  • Shoulder dislocation

Back & Spine

  • Herniated disks 
  • Lower back pain

Hand 

  • Skier’s thumb
  • Wrist sprain
  • Finger fracture

Knees & Legs

  • ACL/PCL rupture
  • Meniscus injury
  • Fracture

How can I protect my knees while skiing?

Using properly adjusted bindings, maintaining proper ski technique, and conditioning exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee can help protect against knee injuries.

What is “snowboarder’s fracture”?

Snowboarder’s fracture refers to a fracture of the lateral process of the talus bone in the ankle, usually caused by an inversion injury when landing from a jump.

Are head injuries common in skiing?

Head injuries can occur in skiing, especially in the absence of helmets. Wearing a properly fitted helmet significantly reduces the risk of head injuries.

How do I know if I have a concussion from skiing?

Symptoms of a concussion may include headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, sensitivity to light, and memory problems. If you suspect a concussion, it’s crucial to seek medical attention.

What do I do after I get injured while skiing?

No matter how minor the injury, it is advisable to seek a doctor or physiotherapist’s advice to make sure it does not get worse. A physiotherapist can assess the extent of your injury. Follow their advice and recommendations for treatment.

When should I seek medical help for a ski injury?

Seek medical help if you experience severe pain, swelling, inability to bear weight, persistent joint instability, or any symptoms of a head injury or concussion. It’s essential not to ignore potentially serious injuries.

How do I book an appointment with a physiotherapist near me?

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

26 May

Our knees support the weight of our bodies with each step we take. When we begin to experience knee pain, it can be very debilitating, especially if the pain is severe. Some common causes of knee pain are: joint strain or damage, patellar maltracking, obesity, poor foot biomechanics, and many others. In some cases, severe osteoarthritis (OA) can be the cause of the knee pain. While exercises are extremely beneficial in building muscular support and managing the effects of the OA, a knee brace can be a good intervention to provide support and delay any surgical intervention. It can help to reduce swelling and pressure on the joints and can shift weight away from the damaged and painful areas of the joint. This can significantly improve a person’s mobility by decreasing their pain.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint condition. At its core, it is the deterioration of the cartilage which lines our joints and makes movement fluid and pain-free. While mild OA is a normal age-related change, severe OA involves a significant reduction in the amount of lubricating fluid (known as synovial fluid) within the joint. This can cause significant pain with movement, stiffness, and imbalance because of a more bone-on-bone type of feeling.
Also read, Best Physiotheraoy clinic in Mississauga

Knee brace for Osteoarthritis

As mentioned above, a knee brace can be a good management option for dealing with the effects of OA. A good 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. Material used to make braces can be plastic, metal, or sometimes composite materials. In addition, synthetic rubber is used for positioning and padding. It’s made in way so that your skin can breathe while your knees are supported.
Also read, Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville

Types of knee braces in osteoarthritis

There are three styles of braces: Basic, Compression and Unloader for three different levels of support.

  1. Basic braces are for those who suffer from mild pain that worsens with activity and motion. Most people wear them while exercising or walking/running for long periods of time.
  2. Compression sleeves/advanced braces provide support for moderate osteoarthritic pain. They are generally worn during exercise in order to keep the joints warm and hold the knees in proper alignment.
  3. Unloader braces are for severe osteoarthritis. They are worn when a person is suffering from severe pain due to their knee OA and will physically unload the joint, causing less pressure to go through it.

We at Triangle physiotherapy will assess you knee joints and develop a complete treatment plan for you. Our expert physiotherapists can help you choose the correct knee brace to manage your OA. Book your appointment now and feel some relief so you can get back to your normal life as soon as possible!
Visit Here: https://www.trianglephysiotherapy.com

17 May
Ankle anatomy can be explained as below.
The ankle joint, or talocrural joint, is a synovial joint (meaning lubricated joint) that mimics a hinge. It has a unique design that allows it to withstand 1.5 times a person’s body weight when walking and about 8 times a person’s body weight when running. The ankle is divided into 5 main sections, which are:
  1. Bones and joints
  2. Ligaments and tendons
  3. Muscles
  4. Nerves
  5. Blood vessels

Physiotherapist in Toronto

Ankle bones
The ankle joint consists three bones: The ankle bone (Talus), shin bone (Tibia), which holds the Talus at the lower end along with a parallel thinner bone (Fibula) and the heel bone (calcaneus). The talus has a socket-like structure which allows it to work like a one-directional hinge.
Aslo read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke
Ligaments and Tendons
Ligaments and Tendons serve similar functions but in slightly different ways. While they are both referred to as “soft tissue” structures, ligaments attach bones to bones while tendons attach muscles to bones. Both of them are made of collagen fibers.
Muscles
Muscles work by stretching and contracting, which allows us to walk, run and jump. Below are some of the most prominent muscles of the lower leg:

  • The peroneals (peroneus longus and peroneus brevis) are located on the outside edge of the ankle and are mainly responsible for bending the foot down and out.
  • The calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) connect to the calcaneus by the Achilles tendon. When the calf muscles tighten, they bend the ankle down.
  • The tibialis posterior muscle supports the arch of the foot and helps turn the foot inward.
  • The tibialis anterior pulls the ankle upward.

Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Mississuaga
Nerves
The nerves on the outer edge and front part of the ankle control muscle movement and provide sensation to the top and outside edge of the foot.
Blood Vessels
There are many arteries which supply blood to the ankle such as the dorsalis pedis, tibial artery, etc. Without adequate blood supply, the muscles of the ankle would not be able to function and would cause significant impairments.
We have 6 clinics located across the GTA: EtobicokeOakvilleMississaugaNorth York, and Toronto (King Street West and Yonge Street. If you are suffering from foot or ankle problems you may benefit from treatment. Don’t suffer any longer! Call or email us today and we will be happy to answer all of your questions.
You can book an appointment for Ankle Anatomy: Click here to book an appointment

04 Aug

Are your worries all perched on a pillow? And we don’t mean figuratively, but literally, are your worries all about THE PILLOW? Well, you are not in as uncommon a dilemma as you may think. Physiotherapists frequently get queries about pillow-related problems.


Sleeping on the wrong pillow, or one that is too worn out, not only leads to headaches, backaches, and neck cramps but also prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. Lack of proper sleep can lead to many serious health issues, like obesity, heart disease, diabetes, etc.


It is imperative that you choose the right pillow for yourself but the kind of pillow you should pick will depend on your own unique needs as well. A physiotherapist is the best person to tell you exactly what you need. However, here are a few things that you can keep in mind while making a choice –

  • Your usual sleeping position
  • The shape and size of your head, neck and back
  • Desired softness/firmness of the pillow
  • Any neck pain, or backache you may have
  • And your budget

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Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Mississauga
There are a plethora of pillows in the market – cotton, polyester, feather, down, memory foam etc. However, these don’t cater to specific support or pain needs. If you have been injured, or have a particular condition, you will need a pillow that caters best to not just your problem, but also the stage that you are in. There are three main stages –

  • Accommodation
  • Correction
  • Maintenance

For each of these three stages, you will need a specific kind of pillow.

Accommodation Stage:

Specialty pillows that are designed for the ‘Accommodation’ stage, are pillows that bring in comfort and ease by providing support and stabilizing the existing ailment or disorder. Such pillows are often called Displacement pillows and are often recommended by physiotherapists for short-term pain relief after an injury.

Correction Stage:

The next stage of an issue or injury is ‘Correction’. At this stage, a doctor or physiotherapist attempts to find a remedy for the cause of the problem, and thereby correct it. Pillows recommended in this stage are often designed to provide support, and sometimes to even change the sleeping position of the injured or ailing person. There are various ‘Supportive’ pillows to meet different support levels, firmness and neck lobe size needs of different patients. There are also specialized ‘Corrective’ pillows, which can reduce headaches, neck pain, joint pain, and whiplash discomfort and can even improve nerve function. A physiotherapist can tell you what is the ideal Supportive or Corrective pillow you need, based on your health and body needs.
 Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville

Maintenance Stage:

Pillows for the last stage, ‘Maintenance’, help to promote good health by returning and keeping the body in its natural alignment. At this stage maintaining the normal curvature of the neck and spine is of utmost importance. While the normal curvature of one person’s neck and spine may differ from another, there are some general guidelines that a physiotherapist can jot down to help you understand your needs better. Comfort and support are the most important of these.

There are also Aqua pillows, which perform all the 3 functions of a pillow:

  1. Accommodation: Since water is fluid, a person gets customized accommodation that happens in real time, as the individual changes their position on the pillow.
  1. Correction: The volume of water determines the firmness and density of the pillow, which means different amounts of water can be utilized to help correct the neck position of different people in different stages of healing.
  1. Maintenance: Since the volume of water remains constant until changed manually, it helps maintain the neck posture at all times while sleeping.

A lot of people buy a pillow, try it for a few nights, and then feel it isn’t right for them. Sometimes the pillows can be returned, but more often, people end up having a collection of pillows that they have hardly ever used. An Aqua pillow is a huge savior in this aspect, as it can be customized for each individual! The water levels can be modified to best suit the clinical condition, neck shape, and size, and preferred sleeping position of the buyer.


There are also specially designed Orthopaedic pillows for specific conditions like arthritis, fractures, and slip discs. A physiotherapist can enlighten you more about these.


Seek the help of our professionals at any of our locations in Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, Mississauga & Downtown Toronto, and say goodbye to your pillow problems!

18 Jul

Who doesn’t want to stay flexible, especially as they age? Well, stretching is one very good way to stay flexible! According to the American College of Sports Medicine, it’s good to stretch all the major muscle groups at least two times a week. Stretching is an integral part of physiotherapy, and a physiotherapist is the perfect person to guide you on how to stretch. Physiotherapists recommend stretching regularly, as it keeps one’s hips and hamstrings flexible later in life, which is very important for easy movement in old age.

Apart from this stretching has many other benefits:

  • It increases muscle flexibility
  • It improves posture
  • It also improves performance in sports & other activities
  • It provides relief from stress
  • It helps prevent injuries
  • It prevents Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS, which is the soreness and pain one suffers a few hours to a few days after hectic exercise.

Also read, Physiotherapy Etobicoke

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The first question that many wonder about, is what body parts should one stretch.
In physiotherapy, stretching the following body parts is considered essential –

  • Neck
  • Jaw
  • Upper Back
  • Shoulders
  • Triceps
  • Biceps
  • Wrists
  • Quadriceps
  • Calves
  • Hamstrings
  • Hips
  • Groin

The next thing to take into consideration is if there is the right amount of time to stretch. While there is no particular amount of time that physiotherapists suggest you stretch, recent studies show that 3 sets of 30-second stretches, 5 days per week for 4 weeks help to strengthen hamstring muscles greatly.
Also read, Physiotherapy Treatment Oakville

There are many kinds of Stretching that physiotherapists recommend.

Stretching a muscle to its full extent and holding it for 15 to 30 is known as the Static Stretch. You can exceed this time frame a bit but don’t stretch until it hurts, as you can end up doing more damage to your muscles than good by over stretching. However, don’t do Static Stretches before a run or sprint, as this can slow down your speed by tiring out the muscles.
Before warming up for a run or other sports, doing Dynamic Stretches is more suitable. Dynamic Stretches are stretches that you do, as you are moving, and hence are called dynamic.
Another effective way of stretching, often used in physiotherapy, is Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Stretching.
PNF stretching is an advanced type of stretching wherein the targeted muscle or muscle group, is stretched, contracted, and finally relaxed. This process is repeated at least 2 to 4 times before moving on to the next muscle group. PNF stretching helps to elongate one’s muscles and was first developed as a muscle therapy by athletes, but is now often used in physiotherapy as a means of increasing flexibility.
Stretching can be used as a preventative precaution, but also to help correct and recover from more serious issues. A physiotherapist can guide you more regarding the stretching exercises that will be best suited to your needs. So visit any of our locations in Etobicoke, Oakville, North York, Mississauga & Toronto, and find out how you can get the most out of stretching!

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!

18 Jun

Wearing heels may be a fashion statement for some, but for others, it is a work necessity.
Studies have shown that:

  • 72% of women wear high heels at some point or the other
  • 50% of them wear them at parties
  • 39% of them wear them every day
  • And 31% of them wear them to work

But wearing heels for a prolonged period of time can lead to multiple issues. So what are the “heel issues” that affect most women? And how can you deal with them?

Physiotherapy Mississauga
Also read, Physiotherapy Mississauga

Do your toes hurt and your feet feel numb?

You might have Morton’s Neuroma, commonly known as forefoot pain. People with this ailment most often complain of pain between the 3rd and the 4th toe.  Pain between the 2nd and the 3rd toe is less common but also known to happen. This ailment occurs when the nerves between the toes get irritated and inflamed.
Another common issue with wearing high heels is back pain. Constantly wearing very high heels puts stress on the thighs and hip flexors, which in turn puts more pressure on the spine and causes it to curve. The curving of the spine then leads to back pain.
Pain in the knee joints is also an issue that occurs if you wear high heels too often. High heels put too much pressure on knee joints and can create an imbalance in your leg alignment, leading to pain and other issues of the knee joint.
Also read, Physiotherapy Treatment in Etobicoke
Ditching the heels completely will obviously be the best solution. But if you can’t do that, here are some things that you can do –

  • Wear heels that are 2 inches or less in height, this will help take off the pressure from your spine and cause less curving.
  • If you absolutely must wear very high heels (4 to 6 inches high) one day, wear low to moderate heels the next day. This way your knee joints, spine and thigh muscles will get a break from undue stress.
  • If you have forefoot pain, try wearing shoes that are wider around the toes – a shoe with a round or square shape in front is a better choice than a pointy-toed shoe.
  • Opt for shoes that have leather insoles so your feet have better grip. Slippery heels cause even more damage to your posture.
  • Wear heels for shorter periods of time. The longer you wear high heels, the more damage you cause to your knees and spine.
  • Ditch those heels if you are in too much pain. It is better to sit at your desk without your heels on, rather than cringe with pain for the entire day.
  • And finally, visit a physiotherapist and do some simple exercises that he or she may suggest to relieve you of your feet, back or knee pain caused by high heels.

At Triangle Physiotherapy our professionals can help you figure out what will be the ideal solution for your ailment. So visit any of our 8 locations of Triangle Physiotherapy clinics – Etobicoke, Oakville, Mississauga, North York, Toronto to heal the issues caused by them heels!

24 May

Yoga has been gaining immense popularity lately, due to the short-term as well as long-term benefits that it provides. Practicing yoga provides a strong spiritual element that offers fitness and flexibility. People suffering from various health disorders can find solutions through yoga, and they may reap the extra benefits yoga provides through living a more stress-free lifestyle as well as with increased fitness.

Yoga for a healthy life

Yoga is an ancient system of health that promotes ‘union’ and connects the body, mind, breath and spirit as one unit, therefore enhancing and promoting an overall balanced lifestyle of health and well-being.
Also read, Best Physiotherpist in Oakville

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If practiced regularly the benefits of yoga are numerous. Physically and mentally, yoga may result in:

  • Improvement in muscular strength
  • Endurance
  • Flexibility
  • Body awareness
  • Circulation
  • Digestion
  • Hormonal balance
  • Normalizing blood pressure
  • Weight loss
  • Pain relief
  • Alertness
  • Concentration
  • Improvement in sleep
  • And much, much more!

It is believed that we only have a limited number of breaths in each life. Hence,yoga is believed to stretch our lives out a bit longer by taking slow and deep breaths.

Also read, Physiotherapy Treatment in Mississauga

Research has also suggested that yoga improves social and occupational functioning in schizophrenic patients.

Styles:

Some styles of yoga emphasize breathing and meditation, with limited activity; some styles emphasize form and alignment through postures, some are about a serious workout and flow, & some are all about relaxation.

Not a competition:

Don’t try a posture that you are uncomfortable with; don’t let someone else push you into something that you don’t want to do; and don’t think that you have to compete with yourself or others to achieve a posture.

Yoga is not about competition or feeling the burn.  However, a little discomfort is to be expected.  There is a huge difference between pain and discomfort, and most people mistake one for the other, especially when they are new to yoga practice.

Consult A Physiotherapist
At Triangle Physiotherapy, we work with the help of your medical history and assess how yoga may help guide your health in the right direction. All you need to do is overlook your anxieties related to your health, and feel free to contact any of our five locations for an in-depth consultation.

24 May

Massage therapy has a positive effect on a plethora of medical conditions. It rejuvenates both your mind and muscles. Everyone experiences pain, the only difference is some continue to suffer and some proactively seek pain relief through massage therapy.  Our skin is the largest organ in our body. The skin interfaces with the environment and is the first line of defense from external factors. Taking good care of your skin through massage therapy will help keep your skin healthy and muscles rejuvenated. Massage therapy is regarded as one of the oldest healthcare professions. Massage therapy is not just for the skin and muscles, it can also help to reduce high blood pressure, lower chances of depression and relieve headaches.

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Also read, Physiotherapy Etobicoke
Healing from a car accident injury through massage therapy
Car accidents can cause a variety of physical problems, and many people seek physiotherapy and/or massage therapy for relief from whiplash and other aches and pains. Massage therapy has the potential for facilitating health, wellness, and injury recovery from car accidents.

  • Massage therapy can relieve Whiplash

Whiplash injuries are common in car and sports accidents. People who get whiplash may experience pain, stiffness, and poor range of motion, among other symptoms. Some people may feel mental or emotional symptoms such as loss of memory or focus, insomnia, and depression. If you have whiplash, ask your physician about adding massage to your physical therapy regimen, as the combination could help speed up your recovery.

  • Massage Therapy for Knee Injuries

People in car accidents often injure their knees (though not as often as heads, necks, and spines). Statistics show car crash victims often injure their Anterior Cruciate Ligaments (ACLs), as do many athletes. Massage therapy has been shown to provide pain relief and healing for people with a wide variety of knee problems.
Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Oakville

  • Massage therapy helps to recover from Immediate emotional trauma
    If you’re in a car crash, you may suffer emotionally even if you do not sustain any physical injuries. Massage therapy, especially within several hours of an auto accident, can help people recover their emotional balance.
    We all suffer from adverse health effects both psychological and physical, and stress is one of the important factors to look after. A massage can help reduce everyday stress by helping muscles to relieve and relax through the pressure points manually worked on by one of our experienced massage therapists.
    Our registered massage therapists at Triangle Physiotherapy are happy to assist you with any questions pertaining to your health goals and guide you on the road to recovery. Adding massage therapy to your healthcare/recovery plan will provide natural relief without the aid of painkillers. Living pain-free naturally is our goal, and at Triangle Physiotherapy, we will guide you every step of the way.
27 Apr
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, and spinal pain. This is achieved by preventing misalignment of the foot, which significantly alters the way in which the bones move within their joints. Also read, Physiotherapy Rehab Clinic in Mississauga

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How are custom orthotics made?

The process starts with the chiropodist, chiropractor, or physiotherapist conducting a Biomechanical Gait analysis on a tablet that records your gait pattern & explaining the results to you. The chiropodist, chiropractor, or physiotherapist may also take a 3D cast of your feet in a foam box. The orthotics are then custom-manufactured in the lab based on your foot impressions & scan. Once the orthotics are made & delivered to the clinic, the chiropodist, chiropractor or physiotherapist will have you come in for a fitting & explain to you the wear & care of the orthotics. Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke

Why choose Triangle Physiotherapy for your custom orthotics?

  • State-of-the-art technology
  • Experienced chiropodists, chiropractors or physiotherapists trained in Biomechanical Assessments & Orthotic Prescription
  • Lifetime warranty on the orthotics*
  • Assistance with sending your claims to your insurance.

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