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14 Mar

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

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

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

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


Also read, Physiotherapy Clinic Etobicoke


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


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

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

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

Physiotherapy Downtown Toronto Initial symptoms of patellar tendonitis can be:

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

Typically, tendon injuries occur in three areas:

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

Treatment of Jumpers Knee

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

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

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

The most frequent signs of an ACL sprain are:

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

Treatment of an ACL Sprain

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

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

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

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

08 Dec

What is ALS?

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

What are the symptoms of ALS?

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

How is ALS diagnosed?

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

What are the treatments for ALS?

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

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

02 Dec
Are you feeling a bit of a pain in the neck lately? Does your neck feel stiff, painful, tender, or are you not able to turn it and move around as much as you used to? You may be a victim of whiplash.

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is most associated with traumatic events involving sudden acceleration-deceleration forces mainly on the neck. It can affect a variety of issues pertaining to your muscles, joints, bones, ligaments, discs, and nerves. Whiplash is mostly associated with car accidents, but other causes may include roller-coasters, bungee jumping, or a sports-related condition. MVA Physiotherapy Mississauga

What are the symptoms of Whiplash?

Symptoms and severity of whiplash can vary significantly between people. The most commonly reported symptom is neck pain or stiffness. This can occur anywhere from immediately after the injury to several days after. Symptoms may include:
  • Neck pain or stiffness
  • Headache
  • Shoulder pain, arm pain, or upper back pain
  • Dizziness
  • Altered sensation
  • Weakness
  • Visual disturbances
  • Hearing difficulties
  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  • Difficulty swallowing

How can Whiplash be treated?

Fortunately, most people recover from the pain and stiffness associated with whiplash in a matter of weeks, but some cases require longer recovery time and treatment from a physiotherapist. Healing time varies with the level of tissue damage and promptness of treatment. Most whiplash patients will start to feel better within a few weeks of the injury from physiotherapy treatment. At Triangle Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists will aim to:
  • Reduce neck pain, headaches, and inflammation
  • Normalise joint range of motion
  • Gain strength in your neck
  • Strengthen your upper back muscles
  • Improve neck posture
  • Normalize your muscles lengths and rest muscle tension
  • Resolve any deficit in neural tissue extensibility
  • Improve neck proprioception, fine motor control, and balance
  • Improve your ability to cope with everyday activities
  • Minimize your chance of future neck pain or disability
Whiplash injuries can take from a few days to several months to rehabilitate. Just as the symptoms and severity of whiplash can vary from person to person, so can the recovery time. The large majority of whiplash sufferers do recover with actively guided treatment. Depression and trauma-related anxiety may impact the healing process of whiplash. Please consult with a qualified health professional to give yourself the best chance of recovery.

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

17 Nov

What is incontinence?

Incontinence can be a fairly sensitive or embarrassing subject to those who suffer from it. Incontinence is the involuntary loss of urine or feces from the bladder and bowel. But know this, incontinence is an ACCIDENT, it is something that is uncontrollable and can happen to any expecting mother. Urinary incontinence affects around 10-13 million men and women, and it is twice as common in women as in men. Anthony Atala, MD, said, “I would say virtually all pregnant women experience some type of incontinence”. Incontinence should not rule your pregnancy or your life. Mississauga Pelvic Health

What does pregnancy have to do with incontinence?

Pregnancy can interfere with the normal way your urethra relaxes and contracts. You are able to urinate when the muscles around your urethra relax, allowing urine to pass through your bladder and out of your body. After urination, the muscles around your urethra contract, holding off urine flow until your body is ready to urinate again.  Hormone changes during pregnancy and the additional pressure on the bladder from your uterus can cause stress incontinence. Mothers who are experiencing stress incontinence may urinate whilst sneezing, walking, coughing, laughing, running, and during exercise. Women who have a family history of incontinence, gain more weight than recommended during pregnancy, and are over the age of 35 are at higher risk of experiencing incontinence. How do I avoid incontinence during pregnancy?

There are numerous ways to avoid pregnancy incontinence, along with visiting a pelvic health physiotherapist, to avoid leakage.

  1. Schedule your bathroom breaks. Try to make it to the toilet at least every two hours, as when pregnant, women urinate more frequently.
  2. If you think your bathroom visits are proper, try practicing kegel exercises. Kegels help strengthen the pelvic floor. Practicing a kegel is the same as stopping the flow of urine within your urethra. Contract your muscles to the count of ten and then release. Repeat exercises ten to twenty times in a row two to three times a day. The average time to see results is four to eight weeks of regular practice.
  3. Watching your weight while carrying has a significant effect on developing incontinence.  Women who gain more weight during pregnancy are more likely to experience incontinence. Combining these factors with your pelvic physiotherapist will lower your risk of developing incontinence during your pregnancy, allowing your experience to be worry-free.
If you are still unsure or worried about the risk of incontinence during your pregnancy, contact a pelvic floor physiotherapist at Triangle Physiotherapy. Triangle Physiotherapy has eight convenient locations: Etobicoke, Oakville, Mississauga, North York, Toronto, and King West. At Triangle Physiotherapy, our team is compromised of professionals who love what they do. Triangle staff will ensure that you will have a safe and comfortable pregnancy while in their care, and will help get your pregnancy back on track and in your hands.

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