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.
| Definition/Layman’s terms for the condition | Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is a term used to describe the pain derived from the joint. It can be caused in issues with movement and alignment. It usually presents as low back pain. |
| Cause/MOI | SI joint dysfunction can be present during pregnancy when there are many changes to the body (physically, hormonally, etc). It can also be present after trauma to the area by landing on your back or landing with a straight leg causing forces to travel up the leg. |
| Common symptoms | Pain is usually localized over the buttock area where the SIJ is located. It may be a sharp or shooting pain that can refer down the back of the leg, but usually not past the knee. Most people will complain of pain when sitting down, climbing stairs |
| How is it diagnosed clinically? Diagnostically | Clinical diagnosis is based on a combination of subjective history and clinical cluster of objective tests. Subjective history may include pregnancy, direct trauma to the area, landing on a straight leg, pain localized to the buttock area or referring down the leg but not past the knee. Objective tests include a series of maneuvers that may provoke the pain or may show the clinician changes in motor control around the SIJ. |
| Treatment options? | Treatment options usually are conservative in nature and thus physiotherapy is a mainstay in addressing SIJ dysfunction. Pain medications, corticosteroids, taping and braces may also be implemented to help with daily functioning. |
| How physiotherapy can help? | Physiotherapy can help by reducing pain and inflammation, strengthening your core and mobilizing your SIJ. |
| Typical physiotherapy treatment approach-manual therapy, modalities, exercise, etc | Physiotherapy treatment may consist of manual therapy, exercises, education, and modalities. Manual therapy may consist of low back mobilisations, SIJ mobilisations and manipulations to help with pain relief.Exercises may consist of core strengthening and lower extremity strengthening, all in an effort to help provide stability to the area and increase pain free mobility. Contact us to book an appointment for a physiotherapy assessment. |
| Other treatment options | Other treatment options include braces, taping, corticosteroids. |
| Prognosis | SIJ dysfunction has a good prognosis and pregnancy-related SIJ dysfunction will usually resolves within 12 months post-partum. |
| Consequences of not getting it treated/long term effects | Ongoing pain, trouble with sitting, walking/running, trouble with daily activities that involve your lower extremities. |
| Braces that can help | Pelvic belt, SI joint belt. We offer the Sacroloc. |
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.
Spondylolisthesis is a condition that leads to back pain caused by the instability in the vertebrae. According to an article published in Spine, 6 to 11.5% of the adult population experiences this condition. People who are involved in football or gymnastics are at a higher risk. While we understand that it’s a painful condition to be in, we don’t want you to stop doing what you love and therefore, we suggest you to book an appointment with our expert Physiotherapists at any of our nine rehabilitation clinics across the GTA (Etobicoke, North York, Mississauga, King West, Lawrence Park, Erin Mills, Queen Quay, Oakville, Liberty Village).
When it comes to spondylolisthesis, exercise plays a very important role in improving the condition. However, one must remember here that not all exercises are safe and can even further damage the spine. We are going to make you learn Spondylolisthesis exercises that must be avoided for an effective Spondylolisthesis treatment. Before we move to exercises to avoid in spondylolisthesis, we must first understand what is spondylolisthesis.
Spondylolisthesis – an overview
Is is usually caused by degeneration of the vertebrae or disc, due to trauma, injury or genetics. It makes a piece of the spinal bone, also known as vertebrae slips out of alignment and onto the bone below it. Spondylolisthesis usually occurs at the fifth lumbar vertebrae. As reported by the Cleveland Clinic, spondylolisthesis is one of the most common causes of back pain for teen athletes. Having said that, degenerative spondylolisthesis also results in low back pain in people older than 40 years.
Specific spondylolisthesis exercises are suggested to alleviate the pain and discomfort thereby improving the function and quality of life. Let’s now talk about the symptoms of spondylolisthesis.
Symptoms of Spondylolisthesis
Most of the spondylolisthesis symptoms include pain in the lower back that gets worse with standing and hyperextension. The pain may appear like a muscle strain. There are some other symptoms of spondylolisthesis that one must look out for –
• Tightness in hamstring
• Pain in posterior buttock
• Neurological changes including tingling down the legs and numbness
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have recently occurred an injury, consult our experienced physiotherapists at our rehabilitation clinics in different locations in GTA.
After a through examination, the physiotherapist suggests a personalised program to help reducing the pain and discomfort caused due to spondylolisthesis. Usually, the physiotherapists classify spondylolisthesis as low grade or high grade, depending on how much the vertebrae have slipped forward. Patients with lesser symptoms and low-grade slips respond well to conservative line of treatment, like exercise. However, patients who experience high grade slips witnessing numbness or tingling in the legs may require surgery.
Considering the potential risks, it is very important to know what exercises must be avoided in spondylolisthesis to prevent further damage or injury.
Spondylolisthesis Exercises to Avoid
If you are looking to rehabilitate a non-operative spondylolisthesis after consulting with the physiotherapist, expect it to take three to six months to heal, according to Sanford Orthopaedics Sports Medicine. It is suggested that the patient must take a break of at least three months from sports and athletics. The patients are also suggested to wear a brace for continuous stretch of time.
Other than rest and bracing, there are many other things to avoid in spondylolisthesis. We are now listing spondylolisthesis exercises to avoid to ensure proper and speedy recovery. These include lumbar extension movements that can take your spine past the neutral position. The lumbar extension movements may increase the pain and slow down the healing of the affected vertebrae.
Some other exercises to avoid in spondylolisthesis include –
- Prone press-ups (Push-up while lying on the stomach)
- Standing extensions
- Prone leg raises (Lifting legs while lying on the stomach)
- Back extension machine at the gym
It is also suggested that yoga asanas must also be avoided in spondylolisthesis. Yoga includes various back extension postures, like cobra and swan pose, which may not be safe to practice in spondylolisthesis.
There are some other exercises that must be avoided in spondylolisthesis. These includes weightlifting, exercises that need you to twist or bend, high impact activities that put a lot of stress on the healing back, like jumping rope or box jumps.
Now that we have learnt what exercises should be avoided for spondylolisthesis, we must also understand are the best to treat spondylolisthesis. Just like all the other injuries, physiotherapy is beneficial in the treatment of spondylolisthesis. Mostly, the rehabilitation focuses on increasing the core muscles without going past neutral along with hamstring stretches. One should expect up three to six months of rehabilitation before returning back to normalcy.
Spondylolisthesis Exercises to Do
We suggest the following spondylolisthesis exercises for a speedy and efficient recovery. We also suggest you to consult with your physiotherapist and not undertake any of these exercises without his approval.
- Pelvic tilt exercises – These exercises help in reducing the discomfort by stabilising the lower spine in a flexed position. Depending upon the pain and your preference, pelvic tilt exercises can be done in various positions.
- Crunches – Patients suffering from spondylolisthesis often face instability and pain caused by weak abdominal muscles. This can be strengthened with powerful crunch exercises. You must try to focus on proper form and moving slowly to engage the core muscles. Spondylolisthesis is a painful condition to be in and therefore we suggest not to force the body to move through full range of motion. This may increase the pain and slow down the recovery time.
- Hamstring stretch – Spinal instability often causes tension in the hamstrings to those suffering from spondylolisthesis. Hamstrings are the large muscles that run down the back of the thigh. Stretching hamstrings sitting on the ground can help to relieve tension and tightness caused due to spondylolisthesis. It also reduces the lower back pain.
- Multifidus activation – Multifidus muscles are the small but very important muscles lying next to the spine. These muscles help in bending and twisting movements thereby increasing the stability of the spinal joints. If suffering from spondylolisthesis, activating multifidi will ease the pain and provide the much-needed comfort.
- Double knee to chest – This spondylolisthesis exercise is suggested to decrease the instability and improve the strength. It works on the core muscles of the torso and is thus beneficial in spondylolisthesis.
Check with your physiotherapist before starting any exercise program for spondylolisthesis while recovering from this injury. You can aim for a gradual return to physical and sports activities, depending on the severity of the injury and how string your core is. Post healing core strengthening is also suggested to prevent future injuries.
Book an appointment to consult with one of our physiotherapists today!
Imagine you have the power to control your pain, and stiffness.You will not have to spend months in therapy. You will not need to buy or use expensive equipment. You will not have to rely on needles, injections or surgery.You will use your own skills and resources when you gain knowledge and guidance from a Certified McKenzie Provider.
What is the McKenzie method?
The Mckenzie method utilizes repeated movements for assessment , diagnosis and treatment. It is a comprehensive and clinically reasoned evaluation of patients where the emphasis is on patient independence , avoidance of therapist dependency, and use of minimal intervention.
Also read, Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Etobicoke
What lower back problems can we treat with Mckenzie?
Developed by world-renowned expert physiotherapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s, this well-researched MDT is a reliable assessment process intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including pain in the back, as well as issues associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms and intermittent numbness in feet. If you are suffering from any such issues, then a MDT assessment may be right for you!
How does it work?
Most musculoskeletal pain is “mechanical” in origin, which means it is not due to a serious pathology like cancer or infection but a result of abnormal forces or mechanics occurring in the tissue. Further, it means that a position, movement or activity caused the pain to start. If a mechanical force caused the problem then it is logical that a mechanical force may be part of the solution. The MDT system is designed to identify the mechanical problem and develop a plan to improve it. In the simplest and most common instance, this may mean that moving in one direction may provoke and worsen the pain, and moving in the opposite direction may eliminate the pain and restore function.
Also Read, Best Clinic for Physiotherapy in Oakville
Assessment, treatment and prevention.
The McKenzie assessment process begins with the trained clinician taking a detailed history about your symptoms and how they behave. This enables the clinician to identify specific pain patterns, which then helps the clinician develop a treatment plan specific to your pattern of presentation. The clinician will prescribe specific exercises and advice regarding appropriate postures and ergonomics.If your problem has a more difficult mechanical presentation, a certified McKenzie clinician can provide advanced hands-on techniques to help manage the problem until you can self-manage.The aim is to be as effective as possible in the least number of treatment sessions. By learning how to self-treat your current problem, you gain hands-on knowledge to minimize the risk of recurrence and rapidly deal with symptoms if they recur putting you in control safely and effectively. The chances of problems persisting can more likely be prevented through self-maintenance.
Take control of your pain, empower yourself and get back to the life you love with the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy.
Book an appointment with our McKenzie Certified Physiotherapist, Ankit Doshi, BPT, MClSc (Adv Healthcare Practice), FCAMPT, CGIMS, Cert. MDT
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Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage and can affect all joints in the body. The most commonly affected areas are the knees, hips, low back, neck, and the digits of the hands and feet. Osteoarthritis affects 3.3%-3.6% of the population globally. The risk factors for osteoarthritis include age, gender, weight, anatomy, and history of trauma. The severity of osteoarthritis can be evaluated through medical imaging.
The following are characteristics and clinical presentation of OA:
- Use-related pain
- Stiffness
- Crepitus
- Decrease range of motion and flexibility
- Instability, Weakness
- Deformity
- Swelling
- Local
Also read, Best Physiotherapy Clinic in Mississuaga
OA can be managed conservatively through physiotherapy or chiropractic interventions. Pharmacological or surgical intervention may also be of benefit depending on the severity of the joint. Assistive devices can aid in offloading the damaged joint. Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment for osteoarthritis focuses on reducing pain and increasing physical function through education and exercises. An individualized exercise program consisting of stretching and strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joint will improve the well-being of the individual.
Tell me more about the GLA:D™ for knee and hip osteoarthritis.
- Good Life with osteoArthritis in Denmark (GLA:D™), developed in Denmark, is an education and tailored neuromuscular exercise program designed for individuals with hip or knee osteoarthritis
- The program is unique because it provides education and targeted exercise that can be applied to movement in everyday activities
- The program is suitable for individuals with early to late stages of OA
The following are the benefits of an individualized exercise program:
- Decrease pain and stiffness
- Increase mobility and function
- Improve muscles length and elasticity
- Improve cartilage
- Reduce risk of injury
- Delay surgical intervention
A physiotherapist and chiropractor can help identify the main issues affecting an osteoarthritic joint and create a treatment program based on your needs and goals.
Contact us today if you would like to see one of our physiotherapists or chiropractors to help you manage your osteoarthritis & relieve your pain.
Knee ligament injuries are quite common, and they can occur at any age. These injuries can be caused by a variety of factors, such as sports injuries, accidents, or falls. Knee ligaments connect the bones in the knee, and when they are injured, they can cause severe pain, swelling, and instability in the joint.
Anatomy of the Knee
There are four primary ligaments in the knee, and they are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Each of these ligaments serves a vital function in the knee joint, and an injury to any one of them can cause significant problems.ACL injuries are common in sports that require sudden stops and starts, such as football, basketball, and soccer. A sudden change in direction or a twisting motion can cause the ACL to tear or sprain. Symptoms of an ACL injury include a popping sound in the knee, severe pain, swelling, and difficulty walking or standing.
PCL injuries are less common than ACL injuries but can occur in the same types of sports. The PCL is located at the back of the knee and is responsible for stabilizing the knee joint. Symptoms of a PCL injury include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee joint.
MCL injuries are often caused by a direct impact to the outer side of the knee, such as during a tackle in football. Symptoms of an MCL injury include pain, swelling, and difficulty straightening the knee.LCL injuries are less common than MCL injuries but can occur in the same types of sports. The LCL is located on the outer side of the knee and is responsible for stabilizing the joint. Symptoms of an LCL injury include pain, swelling, and instability in the knee.
What is the best treatment for Knee ligament injuries?
Treatment for knee ligament injuries varies depending on the severity of the injury. In mild cases, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) may be all that is necessary to relieve pain and swelling. In more severe cases, surgery may be required to repair the damaged ligament.
Physical therapy is an essential component of treatment for knee ligament injuries. A physical therapist can help the patient regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in the knee joint. Exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles around the knee can help reduce the risk of future injuries.
How do I prevent knee injuries from recurring?
Preventing knee ligament injuries is also essential, especially for athletes who participate in high-impact sports. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such as knee pads, can help reduce the risk of injury. Stretching before and after exercise can also help prevent injuries.
In conclusion, knee ligament injuries can be a significant source of pain and disability. It is essential to seek prompt medical attention if you suspect you have a knee ligament injury. With the right treatment and rehabilitation, most people can recover from these injuries and return to their normal activities. Preventing knee ligament injuries is also crucial, and taking appropriate precautions can help reduce the risk of injury.
Book an appointment to see one of our physiotherapists to get that knee injury treated.
Knee pain is a very common complaint. It is something that can originate from many different structures in and around the knee. The knee joint is made up of the interaction between the femur (thigh), the tibia (shin), and the patella (kneecap). All the tissues around these areas can be contributing to your knee pain.
Common structures that can be contributing to your knee pain include but are not limited to: Ligamentous support around the knee (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), Meniscus Patellar Surfaces, Bursa Patellar or Quadriceps tendon. Pain in the knee could also be referral from other structures in the body such as the low back, or soft tissues further up or down the kinetic chain. Because of this, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable physiotherapist or chiropractor who can provide a detailed assessment.
People with knee pain commonly complain of inability to perform physical activity, pain when walking, standing, going up or down stairs, along with stiffness and lack of range of motion. A lot of these people are able to return to previous levels of physical function with a graded rehab program provided by a skilled practitioner. With a proper program, they are able to exceed their prior levels of function.
Physiotherapists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, including knee pain. They use a variety of techniques and exercises to help alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent further injury. Some common techniques used by physiotherapists for knee pain include manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, taping, and the use of modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation. Additionally, physiotherapists may provide education on proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to help prevent future injury.
If you are struggling with knee pain, be sure to seek out a physiotherapist or certified FRC practitioner who can help you reach your physical activity goals.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which structural abnormalities develop on the bones of the hip, resulting in premature contact (impingement) during movement. The hip is a ball and socket joint. The “ball” is the rounded top of the femur or thigh bone, and the “socket” is the concave portion of the pelvis called the acetabulum. When abnormal bone growth forms on the femoral head, it is called CAM impingement, and when on the acetabulum, it is called pincer impingement.
Like other joints, the surfaces of these bones are covered by articular cartilage which creates a smooth, low friction surface that helps the bones glide across each other during movement. The acetabulum has an an additional ring of fibrous cartilage called the labrum, that helps deepen and strengthen the joint. The excessive contact caused by the bony growths can damage the cartilage and labrum, resulting in pain.
The pain associated with FAI is usually insidious and develops gradually over time. It is more common in young and middle-aged adults, especially those with exposure to repetitive and often high impact sports at a young age.
Symptoms of FAI
FAI symptoms commonly include some of the following:
- chronic, deep, or aching anterior groin pain
- motion or position related pain in hip or groin
- clicking, catching, or giving way in hip
- restricted range of motion
- pain may also be felt in back, buttock or thigh
FAI can occur bilaterally, and severity of symptoms do not necessarily correlate with more tissue damage. A thorough evaluation by a Physiotherapist is recommended to assess signs and symptoms, activity history and a physical examination to look for alternate causes of anterior groin pain. If FAI is suspected, a radiograph can be done to confirm the diagnosis.
FAI can be managed conservatively with modification of activities and physiotherapy treatment, taking into account unique patient goals, symptom severity and the impact on daily living.
If you think you might have Femoral Acetabular Impingement, contact us to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists today!
Griffin, D. R., et al. "The Warwick Agreement on femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI syndrome): an international consensus statement." British journal of sports medicine 50.19 (2016): 1169-1176.
Palmer, Antony JR, et al. "Arthroscopic hip surgery compared with physiotherapy and activity modification for the treatment of symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement: multicentre randomised controlled trial." bmj 364 (2019).
Re: Kevin Durant’s mid-game calf strain
Kevin Durant, Durantula, easymoneysniper, whatever you want to call him is a superstar basketball player and is regarded by many as the second-best basketball player in the world. Unless you have been living under a rock in Toronto, you should know his name and the impact of his eventual return to the NBA Finals. Moreover, if you’re a therapist like me, you may feel disgusted about the mismanagement of his return to the court on Monday.
Here are the facts:
- Kevin Durant was diagnosed with a right calf strain on May 8th, 2019, which many suspected was an Achilles strain to begin with. Grade 1 Calf Strain can take anywhere from 7-10 days to resolve. Durant was out for a whole month!
- Kevin Durant was cleared for practice on June 9th and he did so with his teammates (unsure of the extent of this practice as it was closed off to the media)
- After his practice, Kevin Durant is noted leaving practice with a slight limp and ice on his right Achilles (to help with possible pain/inflammation?)
- A few hours before tip off he is upgraded to questionable to play in game 5 of the NBA finals, and 90 minutes before tip off it is known that he is cleared to play and will start in game 5, with no minutes restriction. WHAT?
- Kevin Durant does indeed start game 5, and starts off hot connecting on his first 3 attempts beyond the arc and scoring 11 points in the first quarter.
- At 9:46 of the second quarter, Durant came up the court and tried to accelerate past Ibaka with his right foot planted, and that was enough. Durant fell to the ground holding his right Achilles.
- Teammates and opposing players help him back to the locker room, and post game Durant is seen leaving the Scotiabank Arena in a walking boot and crutches
- Durant is expected to fly to New York to have an MRI done, which many believe will confirm a right ruptured Achilles.
Also read, Physiotherapy Rehab Clinic in Mississuaga
What is an Achilles Tear/Rupture and what does it mean for Durant?
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump.
Achilles tendon ruptures can occur spontaneously in individuals and one symptom many people display is the pop or gunshot sound of their Achilles tendon rupturing. If you look in the video above, you can notice the pop of the Achilles and the subsequent vibration of the calf muscles accordingly.
Detailed in an article by Physio Works it states:
Achilles Ruptures occur mostly in middle-aged men, most of whom play recreational sports Injury often occurs during recreational sports that require bursts of jumping, pivoting and running.
They can happen in these situations:
- You make a forceful push-off with your foot while your knee is straightened by the powerful thigh muscles. One example might be starting a foot race or jumping.
- You suddenly trip or stumble, and your foot is thrust in front to break a fall, forcefully overstretching the tendon.
- You fall from a significant height.
Also read, Physiotherapy Rehab Clinic in Etobicoke
The biggest risk factor for Achilles tendon rupture is tendon cell death which occurs as a result of poorly managed tendinopathy.
As noted in the bold statements, these are the exact scenarios which led to the possible tendon rupture for Kevin Durant, with strong emphasis on the second statement!
While we don’t know the extent of Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear, we can only speculate that it is a complete rupture and thus provide this comparative timeline on his return to that of another NBA player, Rudy Gay, who tore his Achilles in 2017 at the same age, and has the body frame similar to that of Durant.
If the MRI on Tuesday confirms a complete tear and Durant follows a similar timeline to that of Gay
- Durant will undergo surgery to repair the tendon
- He will be on crutches and in a boot for the next six weeks.
- He will start physical therapy in two weeks and formal rehabilitation at eight weeks post-surgery.
- >12 weeks post he can begin sport specific training
- Return to sport is anticipated in 6 months
Now if Kevin Durant is able to follow the same path as Rudy Gay, what are the implications to his career? He was a free agent this year hoping to be signed to a max contract with the team of his choosing as every team salivated at the idea of signing him (Brooklyn, Knicks to name a few). Will teams take that gamble anymore? It’s Kevin Durant, so I am sure they will. Yet, he may be forced to stay in Golden State another year as he returns to the court to prove that he isn’t damaged goods. Keep in mind, numerous athletes in the past were never the same after facing a similar injury. Kobe is one that comes to mind, and this ultimately led to his retirement. Currently we see the same with Durant’s teammate Demarcus Cousins who went from being an all-star to a bench caliber player. Moreover, Rudy gay was quoted as saying that it took him almost a full year and a half to feel 100% again. Which scenario will apply to Durant? How long, if ever, will it take for him to be truly 100% again, as he sits in the prime of his career? All valid questions probably going through Kevin Durant’s head as he awaits his MRI results on Tuesday.
Also read, Physiotherapy Rehab Clinic in Oakville
Moreover, as we await the results of the MRI, I also question the doctors, therapists, and ownership of the Golden State Warriors on making the decision for Kevin Durant to return to Game 5. I get that the athlete has the final say as to whether they want to play or not (Kawhi Leonard comes to mind here ironically), but considering the immense amount of pressure put on Durant to help the Warriors avoid upset, and amplify his legacy, one can only point the finger at the medical and management team for allowing him to go out there. He was clearly still nursing a calf strain (and/or possible grade 1 Achilles strain). He was clearly not pain-free, nor was he recovered from a metabolic and vascular standpoint in that calf to Achilles region. So, was the chance at a three-peat really worth risking the health and career of one of the best players in the league?
I guess now that we know the outcome of that decision, all members involved will have to carry that guilt. Just remember therapists, don’t lose your credibility as a health care practitioner with unrealistic outcomes for some championship trophy, financial gain, or anything to inflate your ego. Always do what you clinically know is right for your client, and PLEASE educate patients that no pain no gain is not a real motto.