I’ve been a physical therapist for over 15 years now. In that time, I have come to realize that there’s more to helping someone attain their goals than manual therapy, exercise and modalities. As physiotherapists, we have to start with your goals in mind. We need to start with individual goals and work backwards from there. There’s no cookie cutter, …
Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Training in rehabilitation: What is it and why is everybody talking about it? Can it help you reach full recovery after injury faster? Can it help you prevent muscle wasting after surgery?
In a nutshell, Personalized Blood Flow Restriction Training (PBFR) is a way to increase strength or endurance without stressing the injured tissue, using light weight or slow movement. It uses a special tourniquet system on the arm or leg which, when inflated, limits arterial blood flow and significantly reduced venous return of blood. This occlusion stimulates muscle hyperthrophy and endurance. …
Fluoroquinolone associated tendon pain. Can certain antibiotics make you prone to tendon pain? YES!!
As a sports physical therapist, I’ve treated several clients who suffered from Fluoroquinolone associated debilitating tendon pain. I welcomed Tom Goom, PT’s insight on this very important topic, and I am going to share brief summary to create awareness and suggest steps to address this. Fluoroquinolone associated tendon pain is a very important topic because it can significantly impact peoples’ …
A Physical Therapist’s role in high-level cross-country ski competition and training
As a private practice clinician working with high-level cross-country ski athletes, I receive an interesting number of questions regarding ‘what does a physical therapist do during training and competition?’ Many people are surprised to learn that my role is not just managing injuries or doing massage. It is so, so much more than that! I have been working with the …
How to advocate for yourself in the medical maize to reach full recovery so you get back to what you love
You are suffering from pain, say chronic low back pain. It hurts enough that you don’t go out often anymore, you are not exercising to the point you would like to, and you have to call for help when lifting things. You’ve seen your primary physician who gave you some painkillers and sent you to a surgeon. That surgeon took …
My knee hurts and I can’t run downhill! What should I do?
Being a runner with knee pain can be a drag. The worst thing a PT or a doctor can recommend to a runner is to rest and see how it does. Right?! We all have been there… But all that is on your mind is ‘how can I return to running??’ Anterior knee pain (the runner’s knee) is a very …
10 golden rules for injury prevention – from junior to elite athletes
The ability to train and race at the top of your ability without injury takes a very focused approach. Here are ten rules to keep in mind as you progress in your running career or recreational running endeavors: Surround yourself with the right people. Proper medical and coaching supervision for all runners, whether high performance athletes or recreational runners, must …
Tendon Pain – DOs and DON’Ts:
Is tendon pain keeping you from things you love to do? Is it keeping you from optimal training? Don’t: Rest completely. Resting decreases the ability of the tendon to take load. Do: Reduce loads to a level that the tendon can tolerate and then slowly increase it. Don’t: Use only passive treatments. Ice or heat can give you temporary relief but won’t …