What is the difference between a physiotherapist, massage therapist, and chiropractor?
Which practitioner is the best to see?
This is one of the most common questions that we get asked! Let’s dive in and learn more about how each of these practitioners can make a difference to your health.
What are the similarities between physiotherapists, massage therapists, and chiropractors?
- They treat musculoskeletal conditions – soft tissue (muscles, ligaments, tendons), bones, or the nervous system.
- All three are regulated professions – you cannot call yourself an RMT, chiropractor, or physiotherapist unless you are registered with their regulatory College.
- They all have specialized training – Physiotherapists at a recognized university, Chiropractors at a recognized Chiropractic College, and RMTs at a recognized Massage therapy course.
- All three have to pass exams administered by their regulatory board.
What does a Chiropractor do?
Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation which helps restore joint function.
What does an RMT do?
An RMT, or Registered Massage Therapist, is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in providing therapeutic massage treatments. They are trained to assess and treat various musculoskeletal conditions and injuries using hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body.
What does a physiotherapist do?
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist when you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, or have mobility issues that affect your daily activities and quality of life. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions. They can also help with vestibular rehabilitation and pelvic health issues.
Physiotherapists can look at alignment but they also test joint mobility, muscle strength, muscle flexibility, nerve function, posture, and movement patterns. They restore movement and improve pain predominantly through exercise rehabilitation, postural re-training, and lifestyle advice, but also use hands-on techniques.
Can I see all three of these practitioners?
Absolutely! All three practitioners work collaboratively to get you the best possible outcomes and help you reach your health goals.
How do I book an appointment at a Triangle Physiotherapy Clinic near me?
Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist, RMT or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.
- Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- 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
The holidays are around the corner, and so is all the pressure and stress that can tag along with them. Holiday stress is hard to avoid between work, family responsibilities, and a schedule packed with social commitments — but it’s easier to manage stress with massage therapy. Massage therapy can help you destress, unwind, and be ready to enjoy the holiday season.
How can massage therapy help with relieving holiday season stress?
Here are some ways in which massage can help alleviate holiday stress:
- Relaxation: Massage is known for its ability to induce relaxation. The physical manipulation of muscles helps release tension and promotes a sense of calm. This can be particularly beneficial during the hectic holiday season when stress levels tend to be higher.
- Reduced Muscle Tension: The physical demands of holiday preparations, such as shopping, cooking, and decorating, can lead to muscle tension and discomfort. Massage can target specific areas of tension, helping to release tight muscles and improve flexibility.
- Improved Sleep: The holiday season can disrupt regular sleep patterns due to increased activities and stress. Massage has been shown to improve sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Better sleep can contribute to overall well-being.
- Stress Reduction: Massage therapy has been linked to a reduction in stress hormones such as cortisol. Regular massage sessions can help regulate stress levels and promote a sense of well-being.
- Enhanced Mood: Massage stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. This can help improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety or depression, which can be exacerbated during the holiday season.
- Increased Body Awareness: Massage encourages mindfulness and awareness of the body. Focusing on the present moment can help individuals let go of worries about the past or future, promoting a sense of peace and tranquility.
- Improved Circulation: The physical manipulation of muscles during massage promotes better blood circulation. Improved circulation can help reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and contribute to overall health.
- Time for Self-Care: The holiday season often involves taking care of others, which can leave little time for self-care. Scheduling a massage provides dedicated time for self-nurturing, allowing individuals to prioritize their well-being.
- Human Connection: Massage therapy involves human touch, which can have a positive impact on emotional well-being. The connection with a massage therapist can provide a sense of comfort and support.
- Mind-Body Connection: Massage emphasizes the interconnectedness of the mind and body. Taking the time for a massage can help individuals reconnect with their bodies, fostering a holistic approach to health.
How do I book an appointment with a massage therapist near me?
Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.
- Massage Therapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Massage Therapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- RMT North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Mississauga Massage Therapy Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Downtown RMT Clinics – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Massage Therapy Yonge and Eglinton – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- RMT Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- RMT Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
Back pain is one of the most common ailments we see in our practice.
Here are some self-care measures you can consider to manage or prevent recurrence:
- Rest: Give your back a break by avoiding activities that may exacerbate the pain. However, avoid prolonged bed rest, as it can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness. Gentle movement and stretching are usually better than complete immobility.
- Ice and Heat: Apply ice packs to the affected area for the first 48 hours to reduce inflammation, then switch to heat therapy (e.g., heating pads) to relax tight muscles. Use each for 15-20 minutes at a time.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Non-prescription pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns.
- Exercise: Gentle, low-impact exercises can help strengthen your back and improve flexibility. Activities like swimming, walking, or yoga can be beneficial. Consult a physical therapist for guidance on appropriate exercises.
- Posture: Maintain good posture when sitting and standing to reduce strain on your back. Use ergonomic chairs and accessories if needed, and avoid prolonged periods of sitting.
- Proper Lifting Technique: When lifting heavy objects, bend at your knees and hips instead of your waist, and use your legs to lift while keeping the object close to your body.
- Core Strengthening: Strengthening your core muscles (abdominals, obliques, and lower back) can provide better support for your spine. Pilates and specific core exercises can help with this.
- Sleep: Ensure you have a comfortable mattress and pillow that support your spine. Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees can help maintain proper alignment.
- Stress Reduction: Stress can contribute to muscle tension and pain. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques may help manage stress.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the strain on your back and decrease the risk of back pain.
- Physiotherapy: A physical therapist can provide personalized exercises and techniques to address your specific back pain issues.
- Chiropractic Care or Massage Therapy: Some people find relief through chiropractic adjustments or therapeutic massages. Consult with professionals in these fields to see if it’s appropriate for your condition.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can impair blood flow to the spine and hinder the healing process.
If your back pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms (such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control), seek immediate medical attention. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise or treatment regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and recommend the best treatment options for your specific situation.
How do I book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor near me?
Click HERE to book an appointment with a physiotherapist or chiropractor at one of our eight locations.
- Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- 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
A Massage Therapist can be an integral part of your healthcare team to help you relax, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain or discomfort through manual manipulation of soft tissues in the body.
To find the best massage therapist near you, you can follow these steps:
- Ask for recommendations: Start by asking your friends, family members, or colleagues if they can recommend a good massage therapist they have had a positive experience with. Personal recommendations are often reliable.
- Search online: Look up “massage therapy clinics near me”, and read their reviews online.
- Check credentials and qualifications: Make sure the massage therapist is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario.
- Consider specialization and modalities: Determine the type of massage you’re interested in or any specific needs you have, such as deep tissue massage, sports massage, or prenatal massage. Some therapists specialize in certain modalities, so look for those who offer the specific type of massage you desire.
- Contact and ask questions: Reach out to the clinic you’re considering and ask them questions about their experience, training, techniques, and any other concerns you may have. This can help you assess their knowledge and determine if they are a good fit for you.
- Consider location and convenience: Take into account the location of the massage therapist’s practice. Choose someone who is conveniently located, ensuring it’s not too far from your home or workplace, making it easier to schedule and attend appointments.
- Visit the therapist’s facility: If possible, visit the therapist’s facility before booking an appointment. Assess the cleanliness, ambiance, and overall atmosphere to ensure it aligns with your preferences and promotes relaxation.
- Trust your intuition: Trust your instincts when selecting a massage therapist. If something feels off or you don’t feel comfortable during the initial interactions, it may be best to continue your search for a therapist who puts you at ease.
FAQs About Finding a Massage Therapist Near You
How often should I get a massage?
Regular massages can help you manage your stress and any other symptoms you may have. They can also help with pain relief, improve your flexibility and promote your overall well-being. Ideally, one session a week can help you maintain good health, but it is wise to ask your massage therapist for recommendations with regard to frequency.
What is the best duration for a massage?
Massage treatments range from 30-minute to 90-minute sessions. If you would like your entire body to be worked on, at least 60 minutes is recommended. A 30-minute session can suffice for a targeted area treatment.
Do you take off all your clothes for massage?
Most massage therapists prefer that you undress for your massage therapy session. You may request a gown if you wish but massage therapists are trained to drape their patients to maintain their privacy.
Is it rude to fall asleep during a massage?
Not at all, massage therapists are able to continue treating you even if you fall asleep. It is not rude, nor does it insult them in any way. Some might even take it as a compliment that they were able to relax you enough for you to fall asleep.
Should you talk during a massage?
As the client, you can choose to converse with your massage therapist, whenever you want. That being said, if you prefer peace and quiet and do not wish to talk during your session, feel free to let your therapist know.
A massage therapy clinic near me looks sketchy, how do I find out if it is a reputed clinic?
- Look up the clinic’s website and see if it looks respectable.
- Check for online reviews.
- Ask if the massage therapist is registered with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, ask for their name, and look them up on the College Register.
What is the most effective type of massage?
There are different types of massage techniques. A massage therapy treatment transmits dedication and care which can have profound effects on health and well-being by providing mental and physical relaxation.
- Relaxation Massage: A relaxation massage has a powerful effect on the nervous system that affects the whole body. It restores harmony to those who are stressed through careful manipulation of the muscles and joints.
- Deep Tissue Massage: A deep tissue massage aims to relieve chronic tension, through slow movements and deep pressure on contracted areas. A deep tissue massage provides profound relief with enduring effects in areas difficult to address with a more superficial muscle massage.
- Swedish Massage: This is the most common type of massage, characterized by long, gliding strokes, kneading, and circular movements. It aims to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension.
- Sports Massage: Primarily designed for athletes or individuals engaged in physical activities, sports massage helps prevent and treat sports-related injuries. It combines techniques from Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and stretching to enhance performance, flexibility, and recovery.
- Hot Stone Massage: This type of massage involves placing smooth, heated stones on specific points of the body. The therapist may also use the stones to massage the body, providing a deep sense of relaxation and relieving muscle tension.
- Thai Massage: Also known as Thai yoga massage, it combines acupressure, stretching, and assisted yoga postures. The therapist uses their hands, knees, legs, and feet to apply rhythmic pressure and stretch the body, promoting flexibility and energy flow.
- Shiatsu Massage: Originating from Japan, Shiatsu massage applies finger pressure to specific points on the body to balance the body’s energy flow. It incorporates stretching and gentle joint manipulation techniques.
- Reflexology: This massage focuses on specific reflex points on the hands, feet, and ears that are believed to correspond to different organs and systems in the body. Pressure is applied to these points to promote relaxation and stimulate healing responses.
Is it rude not to tip a massage therapist?
A tip is never required at our clinics, however, it may be appreciated by your massage therapist. If you choose not to tip, by no means will it be considered rude.
However, in some settings like spas and hotel spas, it is considered a norm to tip your massage therapist.
How do I find a massage therapist near me?
We have 8 locations with registered massage therapists to help you. Book an Appointment today!
- RMT Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Registered Massage Therapy Oakville – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Massage Therapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Best RMT in Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- RMT Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Uptown Toronto RMT – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- RMT near me in Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Mississauga RMT near me – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
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.
While muscular pain is an inevitable part of life, some suffer from it for a long period of time and others proactively seek pain relief through massage therapy. Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body and it is used as a healing technique. Our skin is the largest organ of our body. While regular massage has tremendous health benefits, it is important to get it from a skilled therapist. Massage therapy has proven that it rids the body of physical discomfort and also improves a person’s mental & physical capacity without the use of prescription medication.
Some benefits of massage therapy are:
- Improved Joint mobility
- Reduced pain
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Reduced stress
- Reduced muscle tension
- Immediate health benefits
- Reduced intensity of headaches
- Relief from Insomnia
Also read, Best Physiotherapy Treatment in Oakville
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.
Various Types of Massage:
- Swedish massage (Relaxation, stress relief)
- Foot massage (Improves circulation, reduction of trigger points)
- Hand massage (Enhanced circulation, reduction of your trigger points)
- Deep tissue massage (repetitive strain, postural problems, recovery from injury)
- Sports massage (Preventing and treating injury and enhancing athletic performance)
Also read, Physiotherapists in Mississauga
Stress is one of the most significant factors that impact psychological and physical health. Massage therapy can be used to treat both acute and chronic conditions.
Causes: According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) Consumer survey, 72% of individuals surveyed claim their primary reason for receiving a massage in the previous 12 months was for medical reasons (43%) or stress-related (29%).
A growing body of research supports the health benefits of massage therapy for conditions such as stress, low-back pain, and more.
Effect: There are innumerable benefits to be achieved through regular massage therapy treatments from a Registered Massage Therapist. Whether your need is to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being.
Also read, Physiotherapy Etobicoke
How is it Important in today’s life?
Well, our brain and muscles need time to rest once in a while if they are expected to move, think, and be productive forever. Seek help from a Massage Therapist to find relief from your symptoms. If you take care of your body today it will be there for you tomorrow! Adding massage therapy to your healthcare/recovery plan will provide natural relief without the aid of painkillers.
Don’t continue to suffer! Book an appointment with us to improve your health.
Massage Therapy Oakville | Massage Therapy Etobicoke | Massage Therapy Mississauga | Massage Therapy North York | Massage Therapy Toronto
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.
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.
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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.
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 EtobicokeWhy 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.
- Orthotics Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Orthotics Oakville – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Orthotics North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- Orthotics Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Mississauga
- Orthotics Downtown Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy King West
- Orthotics Yonge and Eglinton – Triangle Physiotherapy Lawrence Park
- Orthotics Toronto – Triangle Physiotherapy Queens Quay
- Orthotics Mississauga – Triangle Physiotherapy Erin Mills
Pacifying the Pain – All about Patella Tendon Tears
Despite it being named a “Tendon”, the patella tendon is both a ligament and a tendon. It connects to two different bones, the patella and the tibia. The patella tendon works in unison with the quadricep muscles and quadriceps tendons allowing them to straighten the knee. The tear within the patella tendon is either partial or complete and can be a disabling injury:
- Partial tear- More frayed and not complete, (think of a rope that is not completely torn)
- Complete Tear- The tissue is torn into two complete pieces
There are numerous causes that can contribute to the tear of a patella tendon:
- Falls
- Jumping
- Patellar tendonitis- inflammation of the patellar tendon thus weakening the tendon, causing small tears.
- Chronic disease – Chronic renal failure, rheumatoid arthritis, Diabetes mellitus & metabolic disease, etc.
- Infection
- Surgery
Also read, Best Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga
Most patients have stated that they had felt a popping or tearing sensation when the patella tendon has torn. Additional symptoms recorded were:
- Indentation at the spot where the patella tendon is located
- Bruising
- Tenderness
- Cramping
- Shift of the kneecap to thigh, due to un-attachment
- Difficulty walking due to weakness in the knee
Also read, Physiotherapy Oakville
Once the initial pain and swelling has subsided, physiotherapy treatments can be started. Physiotherapy can restore strength and range of motion. Depending on the intensity of the injury, a brace may need to be worn. While the brace is worn, straight leg exercises are often prescribed to strengthen the quadriceps muscles. As the patellar tendon heals, eventually the brace may be removed, allowing the patient to move freely with a greater range of motion, with more exercises being put into use as healing progresses.
Recovery from patellar tendon tears is possible, and most individuals are able to return to work and regular activities. Even though patients may feel stiffness in the region after recovery, most regain nearly equal motion compared to the uninjured leg. At Triangle Physiotherapy, we are able to dispense custom-fit braces to aid in the recovery of patellar tendon tears. For more information visit our custom braces page at: https://www.trianglephysiotherapy.com/services/custom-bracing
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.
- Physiotherapy Etobicoke – Triangle Physiotherapy Etobicoke
- Oakville Physiotherapy Clinic – Triangle Physiotherapy Oakville
- Physiotherapy North York – Triangle Physiotherapy North York
- 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