Hockey Pain? Ease the Stress with Active Release Therapy

It's that time of year again: NHL teams are out there battling on the ice for the highly coveted Mr. Stanley. Players work their butts off both on and off the rink to stay in shape to perform at their best. Inspired by the big-leagues, this is also the time of year when fans and amateur players head out for a game of pick-up or organized league face-off. So what do all of these players have in common, no matter their level of play? The pain that is often inevitable when it comes to playing hockey!

Even though hockey can be dangerous because of the level of contact and intensity, much of the hockey related pain players suffer is caused by overuse – pain that slowly develops over time as a result of repetitive stress on different parts of the body, specifically muscles, tendons, bones, and joints. In the initial stages these injuries may not seem super difficult to deal with (often players just attribute them to an overly forceful game or not enough stretching), but if left untreated they can just get worse.

So, what can you do to treat these overuse injuries? Active Release Therapy.

What is Active Release Therapy (ART)? ART is an advanced form of massage therapy that uses over 500 different patented moves to reduce or eliminate pain most often caused by injuries due to overuse. The combination of movement and massage works to treat pain in nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscles and other connective tissue in your body. ART isn't a treatment that just anyone can perform.  The training is extensive and you have to be a licensed practitioner to put these techniques to use.

And ART is not like a typical massage – there are no soothing melodies or hot stones here. It isn’t meant to be relaxing, it's meant to relieve pain. The whole idea behind ART is that scar- tissue on or between the muscles causes them to shorten and become weaker, thereby leading to pain and discomfort. ART identifies that scar tissue and works to break it up, allowing for a much greater degree of movement.

Regardless of whether you play professionally or just enjoy a competitive game of shinny on the weekend with friends, sudden hockey injuries or those resulting from overuse can wreak havoc on the body. This time, why not try something different? You might be surprised at how effective ART is at easing those aches and pains.

Why let pain take the excitement out of the game you love?

For more information about how Active Release Therapy can help you overcome hockey related pain contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 1 (416) 800-0800.

Toronto Public Skating – Get Ready with Physiotherapy Treatment

Skating is iconic in Canada and has long been a favoured winter activity for many Canadians. Lacing up those skates with family and friends is a great way to stay healthy while having fun over the winter months. And good news: free Toronto public skating makes this wintertime activity even easier!

Starting in November, the Natrel Rink at Harbourfront Centre offers free public skating 7 days a week. Skaters can enjoy the outdoor rink, music and the beautiful views of Lake Ontario, all while getting in some winter exercise. The rink even provides skate and helmet rentals – so if you don’t have your own equipment you can still get out there on the ice.

The Harbourfront Centre is by no means the only location to offer free public skating. Here is a short list of just some of the other rinks around the city offering public skating on a regular basis:

o   Agincourt Rec Centre – Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30-6, Saturday from 6:30-8 pm.

o   Bayview Arena – Sunday from 2:30-4:30 pm, Wednesday and Saturday from 7-9 pm.

o   Downsview Arena – Sunday from 3:45-4:45 pm, Wednesday from 7:15-9:15 pm, Saturday 7-9 pm.

o   Herbert H.Carnegie Centennial Centre – Sunday from 12-2 pm, Monday from 6:45-8 pm, Tuesday 12:30-2:30 pm.

o   McGregor Park Community Centre – Thursday 6:30-8 pm, Friday 4-6 pm, Saturday 7:15-8:30 pm.

o   Park Lawn Rink – Sunday 4:30-6 pm, Friday 6:45-8:15 pm, Saturday 3:15-4:45 pm.

o   Pleasantview Community Centre – Sunday from 2:30-430 pm, Tuesday and Saturday 7-9 pm.

o   Victoria Village Arena – Sunday 2:30-4:30 pm, Monday 7:30-8:30 pm, Saturday 7:30-9:30 pm.

For a more detailed list of Toronto public skating rinks, visit Toronto.ca. Also bear in mind that times may change over the course of the season, so make sure to check updates regularly.

Before you head out on the ice, remember that whether you skate on a regular basis or just like to enjoy the occasional spin around the rink, there is always a chance of injury.  If you are suffering from a skating injury, or are dealing with another injury that you fear might impact your ability to pull off the perfect triple axel to impress your friends, professional treatment might be wise.  Physiotherapy can work wonders for an injury or pain that can affect your skating prowess – so consider talking to someone at a sports medicine clinic before you lace-up.

For more information about Toronto public skating or to find out about how physiotherapy can help get you ready, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 1 (416) 800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca.

Holiday-Ready Eating Tips with a Registered Dietician

It’s that time of year again: the holiday dinners, parties and get-togethers that always mean copious amounts of delicious food. This often means having to buy a new outfit for that New Year’s Eve party because the usual ones don’t fit anymore. Depressing!! This year, stay healthy even when faced with the temptation that is synonymous with the holiday season.

Here are our top 5 holiday-ready eating tips:

1.     Eat breakfast and lunch everyday – don’t skip out just because you know there is a chance of overeating at a holiday dinner. Why not? If you don’t eat all day, your metabolism slows down, which can then lead to even more overeating. Even better: ramp up your protein intake during the day so that you won’t arrive at the soirée hungry!

2.     Socialize. Family meals or friendly get-togethers are a perfect excuse to chat while you eat. And the longer it takes you to finish what is on your plate, the more time your tummy has to register that it's full. This will stop the often inevitable second helping. Just make sure not to talk with your mouth full!

3.     When hosting, make sure that you offer choices you would want if trying to eat healthily. Also try to cut down on the extra fatty choices. When asked to bring a dish, offer something that you know is healthy, or take a version of a traditional dish you can make in a healthy way. For example, if you are asked to bring a dessert, go with a fruit tray rather than a cake covered in frosting.

4.     Don’t over-imbibe. The holidays often offer a wide array of fancy drinks to choose from, but so many of these are anything but tummy-trimming (think eggnog!). When out, don’t stick to the fancy drink menu with options full of creamy liquors or sugary syrups – maybe try one and then move to something a little health-and-hip conscious. And try not to over-do it!

5.     Use the winter weather as an excuse to enjoy a winter activity for exercise. Go for a walk around the neighbourhood to look at the decorations and lights. Take up snowshoeing or cross country skiing in local green-spaces, parks or forests. Don’t use the cold weather as justification for curling up on the couch (as tempting as it may be). Hibernation is for the bears – and they don’t eat for months!

Still feeling anxious even with this handy-dandy list? Meet with a registered dietician to get some extra holiday eating tips or tips on how to keep this season's weight dangers at bay. Treat yourself to keeping extra pounds from building up just because you've attended and enjoyed some holiday parties. A registered dietician can help you achieve and maintain a comfortable weight in a healthy way that doesn't keep you from having fun.

For more holiday-ready tips or to speak with our registered dietician, Stefanie Senior, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 1 (416) 800-0800.

AESM Receives Glowing Testimonial from Renowned Choreographer Jacob Niedzwiecki!

Famed Choreographer, filmmaker and creative technologist Jacob Niedzwiecki recently worked with AESM on a recent performance – and had great things to say about it!

"Dear Grant,

Jacqueries was a risky show, and it ended up a big success with critics and audiences. I wanted to say thanks for seeing me so quickly during the run and helping me get through the rest of it.

So from the entire cast, crew, and extended family of Jacqueries: thanks for helping us bring this crazy endeavour to life. We couldn’t have done it with you.

xo Jake”

Tim Hortons’ Roar of the Rings! Curling Injuries? Try Chiropractic Treatment

This week, Winnipeg's MTS Centre is host to Tim Hortons’ Roar of the Rings, a week-long curling championship which serves as the trials for Canada’s Olympic curling team. This year, the country's top 16 teams (8 men’s and 8 women’s) will compete for the highly coveted position. Whether you're an avid curler, or an avid curling fan - or both- this is a very exciting event.

Enthusiastic and devoted stone throwers everywhere know that curling is one of the safest sports there is, despite it being quite strenuous. The overall reported serious injury rate is only 3.5%. That being said, the strain that comes from a round of curling can be seriously tough to deal with, be it a friendly pick-up match or a competitive contest.

The most common curling injuries are musculoskeletal in nature and most often affect the shoulders, knees and back. These injuries are normally the result of movement involving stress on your joints. This stress is really not surprising when you think about the fact that the stones are made of pure granite and can weigh up to 20kg!

Tips to avoid curling injuries:

-        Stretching. This can't be stressed enough. Heading out onto the rink thinking that the sport isn't difficult and, therefore, stretching isn’t really necessary will cost you in the end!

-        Learn the proper technique. First-time curlers: this is for you! Watching Scotty’s Tournament of Hearts each year doesn't mean you know what you're doing. Make sure you get some guidance or head out with someone who can give you some specific points to help you form and refine your own stance and procedure.

-        Wear the right equipment. Jeans may be stylish but they don’t belong on the rink. Wear comfortable clothing, something with give. And don't forget gloves!

And what if you’ve already hit the rink and didn’t realize how hard curling can be on your body? There's no need to suffer through pain if you're dealing with a curling injury. Try chiropractic treatment to get your body straightened out! A chiropractor can help adjust and manipulate misaligned joints that are contributing to pain and bring you relief.

For more information about avoiding curling injuries or to find out about how chiropractic care can help you heal, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 1 (416) 800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca.

Treat Your Back to Some Much Needed Relief: Chiropractic Care for Chronic Back Pain

If you suffer from chronic back pain you are no doubt aware of how debilitating this pain can be. Everyday tasks that once seemed simple can become difficult, sometimes even impossible, and finding relief can be tough.

There are a number of different causes for chronic back pain, ranging from extreme physical exertion to falling to bending or crouching repeatedly. When you participate in a sporting activity that can lead to chronic back pain, the inability to continue can come about rapidly, and not seeking treatment can often make the problem worse.

Over the years, chiropractic care for chronic back pain has become more popular as a proven method for relief.

There are a variety of techniques used by chiropractors to manipulate and adjust joints that are misaligned. These help to reduce your back pain and restore normal function. Two of the most common chiropractic treatment methods are the Active Release Technique and the Graston Technique. Each offers its own benefits.

Active Release Technique: Active Release Technique is a movement-based massage system which locates and breaks up scar tissue. This scar tissue is usually the cause of any chronic pain, weakness, stiffness or numbness associated with soft-tissue injuries. This treatment is made up of over 500 different manual moves specific to ART, and your chiropractor’s assessment and examination determines which moves are best suited to your individual injury or pain.

Graston Technique: The Graston Technique is a form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization. This method allows your chiropractor to find scar tissue and treat it to reduce or eliminate chronic back pain and restore normal function. This technique works to separate and break down collagen cross-links and increase skin temperature, as well as increase cellular activity and the rate and amount of blood flow to the affected area.

Other chiropractic care measures which may be used in your individualized treatment may include acupuncture. Acupuncture has been shown, through the painless insertions of tiny needles into the skin, to improve muscle activation and nerve function and to reduce pain. This is because the treatment helps restore the flow of energy through the body to remove the blocks causing pain or reduce normal function.

Stop letting chronic back pain hold you back from enjoying the sports (or just everyday activities) you love; stop suffering and get some help. Chiropractic care offers lasting relief. Your sports medicine specialist can examine and determine what treatment will best restore your body to its pain-free state, without invasive surgery or long recovery times.

For more information about how chiropractic care can help alleviate or eliminate your chronic back pain, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800.

NHL Season is Here – Are You Avoiding Hockey Injuries?

The NHL season has started and players all across North America are gearing up for the fight for the ever-elusive Stanley Cup. The ice is being readied for games across both nations and team therapists are readying team members for the added strains of season play. These doctors are working to help the pros avoid hockey injuries to keep them on the ice – but what are you doing to avoid them?

Just because you don’t play professional hockey doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take those injuries, and their avoidance, seriously.  What kinds of injuries are we talking about? Here are some of the most common hockey injuries sustained during regular (or occasional) play.

Thanks mainly to the forward posture of skating and the frequent hyperextension stress, lower back pain or pulled muscles in the back are some of the most common hockey injuries that affect the back. These can often be avoided with proper stretching of the hip, as well as training, to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles. However, if you have already damaged these muscles and are suffering from an injury that keeps you off of the ice, a chiropractor may be your key to relief. Chiropractic care to treat hockey injuries is a smart way to both address the initial cause of the pain and to treat it effectively.

Knee injuries, including torn ACLs, are also common hockey injuries. This is because of the leg position (pushing off the inside of the blade). Strengthening exercises can help lessen the risk, as can the right equipment. However, if you have already suffered an injury you might want to think about a custom knee brace or viscosupplementation. 

A lot of people don't realize that a hard hit to the head, even while wearing a helmet, can jar the brain inside the skull leading to a concussion. Concussions can be hard to avoid, aside from wearing proper protective headgear, largely due to the fact that they occur as a result of a sudden traumatic jolt, such as those sustained from a hit. Concussions become even more troublesome due to the difficulty in diagnosis (most people assume being knocked unconscious is a pretty safe bet, but not everyone passes out when they are concussed), and thus should be treated seriously no matter the severity. Concussion management is a smart way to both diagnose a concussion as well as to develop a plan for recovery and returning to the rink.

Ready your body like an NHL pro by avoiding hockey injuries properly. Similarly, if you have already suffered an injury, treat it like the pros with the help of a trained and experienced sports medicine professional.

Get back on the ice after hockey injuries at Athletic Edge Sports Medicine. Call today at 416-800-0800.

Feeling the Winter Blues Already? How Athletic Therapy Can Help You Prep for Winter Activity

With November in full swing and the long winter months spread out ahead of us, what a perfect time to talk about winter activity and how athletic therapy can help prep you for the season! Inactivity during the cold winter months is never a smart option, but neither is heading out and pretending it is June.  Being ready to beat the winter blues is crucial if you want to stay emotionally and physically pain free over the winter.

One of the most common complaints individuals have through winter months revolves around the weather's effect on osteoarthritis. If you have osteoarthritis of the knee you know what the cold can do to heighten this condition, so why not deal with the pain? An effective method for treatment of osteoarthritis is to attend a sports medicine clinic that offers treatment specific to this condition. This may include physiotherapy, viscosupplementation or custom knee bracing, either in combination or separately. These can help to reduce pain and increase movement in the knee, making winter activity a breeze.

What about running? You can’t run in the winter the same as you would in July, so make sure you adjust to the change in environment with proper equipment, training and routine. If you have sustained a running injury and are thinking about taking the winter off to recoup, you might want to reconsider, as a period of prolonged inactivity may lead to further injury come spring. Treat your running injury and get back out on that snow-frosted track by attending a running injury clinic at a sports medicine clinic. This will help to identify the root cause of your pain and devise a plan for treatment.

Athletic therapy is not just for prepping your body either. Winter sports can also lead to injury: think hockey, figure skating, lacrosse, etc. Any sports related injury needs to be treated properly – so seeking out individualized treatment catered to your specific injury is the best way to ensure that your recovery is effective and safe.

Don’t let winter chain you to the couch. Head to a sports medicine clinic today to seek treatment for winter aches and pains or to find out the best way to exercise over the winter months. Keep active and pain free with athletic therapy!

For more information about the benefits of athletic therapy, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca. 

The Gourmet Food and Wine Expo – A Fantastic Opportunity to Achieve Weight Management Goals

If you are a foodie that loves to try out new dishes, recipes and ingredients, then the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo, taking place from November 15^th to the 18^th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, might be just the thing to pique your appetite. This extravaganza of edible delights gives you the chance to try out the latest and greatest wines, cheeses and other gourmet foods.

A conundrum many face during an exciting event like this how to balance enjoying the event without impacting healthy eating plans.  Here's where the help of a registered dietician can ensure that your foray into the world of wine and cheese doesn't overthrow your diet.

What can a registered dietician do for you? A lot! This person offers a wealth of nutritional counselling, either in a group or on your own, weight management programs, workshops to deal with cravings, grocery shopping tours and customized nutrition education seminars that rev up your journey on the path to healthy and effective weight loss.

No cookie cutter approaches here. But you have to be sure to seek a registered dietician who offers individualized service to meet your needs. By identifying your goals, desires and needs, a registered dietician can establish a unique meal plan for weight loss that takes into account your tastes, food preferences and budget. This makes following the plan easy for you, and this is essential to your success.

A registered dietician will set out a meal plan for weight loss that accomplishes a number of different things. The strategy may include attaining and maintaining your target weight, without sacrificing those necessary nutritional components that keep you healthy. Their assistance may also involve managing health conditions (allergies, food intolerances, etc) and controlling appetite and cravings.  You can also learn how to eat healthy at home and on-the-go by reading labels properly (a must at the Expo).

Are you tired of continually trying to get the weight off – or keep it off – on your own but never sticking to the plan? Or reaching a plateau that never ends? Get motivated - and stay that way - with the help of someone who knows what you need. A registered dietician can help you enjoy those foods you love, including all of the tasty treats at the Gourmet Food and Wine Expo, and help you establish and maintain a weight management plan that works for you.

For more information about weight management, or to speak with our registered dietician Stefanie Senior, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416- 800-0800.

Run, Don’t Walk! Avoid Running Injuries During This Year’s Zombie Walk

“Brains…brains…” Okay, a little over the top, but, come on, it's the Halloween season! And what better way to celebrate than to participate in the annual Toronto Zombie Walk on October 26^th at Nathan Phillips Square. Why not get dressed up and join the festivities and excitement while beholding amazing costumes? And this year organizers have even added a bit more fun to the event with a spooky, fun Halloween parade.

But wait!! What if your walk looks like a zombie walk even when you are not taking part in this fun event? If you have sustained an injury that caused you to limp or favour one leg/ankle/foot over the other, it might be time to seek out some relief from those running injuries…

If you are a runner, you are no doubt aware of the long list of common running injuries that accompanies this sport. Here's our list of the top 3 – and how a running injury clinic can help you deal with each of them:

Runner’s Knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome). Many running injuries are knee injuries, and a knee injury can be debilitating no matter the severity. Runner’s knee happens when the cartilage on the underside of the kneecap becomes irritated. A good way to combat this is with custom knee bracing. Rather than a generic knee brace where one size (never) fits all, a custom knee brace delivers stability and flexibility while reducing pain.

Achilles Tendonitis. The Achilles tendon connects the two major calf muscles to the back of the heel, and when too much stress is put on the tendons they become tight and irritated. This makes even the shortest walk painful. Want to stop hobbling along like the walking dead because of Achilles tendonitis? Physiotherapy and manual therapy might be the answer. Weak calves often contribute to the development of this condition, so this type of treatment can not only help you recover but can also help strengthen those calf muscles to help avoid future running injuries.

Plantar Fasciitis. Another common running injury, often the most notorious. Plantar fasciitis is when the tendons and ligaments in the foot become inflamed or when small tears occur. These tendons and ligaments run from the heel to the toes, meaning that the pain can affect the entire foot. Get back in step with shockwave therapy from a sports injury clinic. Shockwave therapy send acoustic waves into the affected area which works to break down scar tissue regenerate bone cells and blood vessels.

If you are suffering from one of these running injuries, or any sports related injury, stop suffering. Head to a sports injury clinic today and find some relief.

For more information about common running injuries and how to avoid them, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca. 

Prepare for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon with Professional Athletic Therapy

October 20^th marks the advent of the annual Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, a 5km, half-marathon or full marathon in support of such charities as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Autism Dog Services and St. Christopher’s House. This is a brilliant opportunity to raise some money for wonderful organizations while participating in a great event!

Preparing for a marathon can be a big undertaking. In order to compete you need to be in top form – especially if you want to avoid the pain and strain that can accompany this sport. One wise way to ensure your body is ready is to have a proper fitness assessment – and a sports medicine specialist is the perfect professional to turn to! This assessment can identify any issues and address them effectively.

If you are recovering from an injury, athletic therapy is an important resource to consider for readying your body ready for a marathon. If you are an avid runner but have sustained a running injury, an injured runner’s clinic might be the best place to start. Your sports medicine specialist can assess the injury, identify underlying issues that led to the injury and help determine a long-term routine to get you back to your best.

Recovering from a torn ACL? Athletic Therapy can see you fitted for a custom ACL knee brace to help increase knee stability while allowing for a wide range of movement and flexibility.  A custom knee brace is also a boon for those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.

What about foot pain like plantar fasciitis? Athletic therapy may include custom foot orthotics. These can help to reduce pain and stabilize your feet. Custom foot orthotics can also help with back and hip pain.

What about osteopathy? A great way to restore balance, reduce pain and speed natural healing is by visiting an osteopath who can address related pain and help you overcome it.

Whether you are prepping for the Toronto Waterfront Marathon or just want your a-game back to achieve your own personal goals, athletic therapy can investigate any problems that cause you challenges and provide you with effective solutions. Walking or running with pain is neither pleasant nor is it a good idea, so make sure to address any lingering problems.

For more information about how athletic therapy can strengthen you for Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca. 

Avoid Workplace Injury and Improve Employee Comfort with a Professional Ergonomic Assessment

Time equals money, no matter what business you are in. When employees effectively spend their time performing, the company's end results will reflect this. However, if your employees are not comfortable, or worse, are in pain, their work will suffer. Providing a healthy, safe and comfortable workspace should be a big part of your company mandate – after all, if you want employees to perform, they can’t be focusing on unnecessary details that are not work related. This is why an ergonomic assessment is so important.

Not really familiar with the term and what it implies? Well, ergonomics is a science that investigates the ‘fit’ between people and their work. It considers an employee's abilities and limitations in an attempt to see that their workspace and daily tasks are not only suitable, but optimal.

Often, discussions surrounding office ergonomics revolve around the best chairs or keyboards, but your workplace ergonomic assessment should go well beyond this. Replacing a few items in the office may be advantageous, but making sure the set-up is ergonomically sound is even better.

If your employees are suffering from back or knee pain, sore feet or other discomfort as a result of repetitive work such as sweeping, typing, lifting, reaching, stretching arms, bending, prolonged sitting or twisting, they may actually be suffering from improper office ergonomics.  Hiring an expert assess the ergonomics of your office may be one of the wisest investments a company can itself.

Another benefit of an ergonomic assessment: reduced turn-over and a reduction of lost employee time. The most common workplace complaints solved by correct office ergonomics are in regards to back pain. Often this back pain can lead to time off – which can cost you money. Additionally, if an employee is suffering from pain or recovering from an injury, a proper ergonomic workspace may allow them to return to work earlier or help aid in their recovery.

Choose a clinic that will come to you – otherwise an ergonomic assessment is not worth your time or money. Using an advanced ergonomic research analysis, this visit's goal is to evaluate your office and preparing a formal report outlining the findings of the assessment. This evaluation will determine any issues within your work environment, and the report will detail recommendations regarding how to improve the space.

Having a cohesive team that works hard for your company is only part of the equation.  Make sure that this valuable team is comfortable and healthy to ensure your own rewards.

For more information about an ergonomic assessment or to book one with our ergonomic expert, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800.

MLB World Series Kicks Off: Avoiding Baseball Injuries Like The Pros

This month's kick-off of The World Series of Major League Baseball sends players to the field to compete for the championship title. Whether you're an avid fan who plays on a weekly team or just like to head out for a friendly weekend face-off, baseball injuries are a common hindrance to any player’s game - not to mention potentially debilitating – keeping you from the plate for weeks at a time (or longer)! 

There are two main types of baseball injuries: cumulative and acute. Cumulative injuries occur overtime, largely as a result of overuse. Aches and pains caused by stress on the muscles, soft tissues or joints can quickly turn into incapacitating injuries if left untreated. 

Acute injuries are caused by sudden impact or force, rather than from stress. These can be quite dramatic.

The most common baseball injuries include damage to the shoulder, elbow, back, hand and wrist or knee.

Shoulder:

-        Shoulder tendinitis, bursitis

-        Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)

-        Torn rotator cuff or rotator cuff tendonitis

-        Shoulder separation

Elbow:

-        Medial epicondylitis (also known as golfer’s elbow)

-        Bursitis

-        Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Back:

-        Lower back pain

-        Herniated disks

-        Muscle strains

Hand and Wrist:

-        Sprains and fractures

-        Tendinitis

-        Tenosynovitis

Knee:

-        Injuries to the ACL, PCL, MCL or LCL

Whatever your game style, it's crucial to avoid these injuries wherever possible. Stretching, proper warm up and cool down routines, and appropriate gear go a long way in remaining pain-free on the field.  Also staying in shape, rather than just infrequently moving from the couch to the diamond, is the best way to avoid many of the common baseball injuries that players suffer from.

If you have already sustained a baseball injury, whether cumulative or acute, it is important to seek treatment immediately. Ignoring an ache or pain hoping it will improve on its own will often lead to further deterioration – and leave you in far worse shape.  Instead, head to a sports injury specialist for individualized treatment. Trusting a specialist with your sports related injury is a superior strategy to ensuring effective and efficient treatment!

For more information about common baseball injuries, how to avoid them, or how to treat them, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca 

Stay on Stage with Performing Arts Therapy from a Sports Injury Clinic

When you live your life on stage, you depend on your body’s health, strength, function and ability to move. Being in top physical shape often dictates one's competence, and when your body is pain-free nothing can stop you. However, sometimes injuries are unavoidable, and a person finds their abilities drastically reduced. If you have sustained an injury as a dancer, acrobat, or gymnast, your main goal likely surrounds returning to the spotlight.

If you're suffering from the pain caused by an injury while performing, try "performing arts therapy" from a sports injury clinic.  Why? Because it's simple: every injury is unique, as are the needs of each individual performer. A specialist at a sports injury clinic can help diagnose your individual injury and devise a plan that meets those needs effectively. Forms of performing arts therapy treatment are varied and will depend on the diagnosis from the doctor.

What types of injuries are typical to performing arts? There are many, affecting all different areas of the body from top to bottom. Commonly these are ACL tears, separated shoulders, elbow dislocations, carpel tunnel syndrome, Achilles tears, osteoarthritis, degenerative disk or joint disease and general muscle weakness and pain.

Chiropractic care. Often performing arts injuries can be treated well with a regimen of chiropractic care. A registered chiropractor will choose from a variety of techniques to treat an injury, by both adjusting and manipulating misaligned joints. This helps to lessen your pain and works well to restore normal function.  Treatments such as Active Release Technique, Graston Technique and kinesiotaping all offer varying benefits and can be used separately or consecutively.

Physiotherapy. Physiotherapy is also a common treatment for many performing arts injuries. Acupuncture, orthopedic care and manual therapy are all typical treatment methods for performers, and can be used to reduce pain, restore function, improve strength, stability, flexibility and reduce the chances for future injuries.

Maybe your injury and subsequent removal from the stage has led to reduced personal motivation. Rebuilding confidence in your abilities as a performer is also a key component to performing arts therapy. Perhaps part of your unique treatment plan should include performing arts psychology? This can help you deal with the impacts of your injury, be they are lasting or temporary, and help you return to doing what you love - safely.

For more information about performing arts therapy, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800. We'll get you back on stage!

You Don’t Have to be an NFL Player to Fall Victim to Football Concussions

With NFL season off to a roaring start, it seems like the perfect opportunity to remind you that football concussions are not restricted to NFL players! Football concussions, or any type of concussion for that matter, are very serious injuries. The initial symptoms can range from moderate to severe, but no matter the severity, a concussion (or suspected concussion) should be treated immediately by a physician.

What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or another kind of injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. Sometimes cuts and bruises to the head can be good indications of a concussion, but more often than not there are no visible symptoms. Sometimes people lose consciousness – another important sign that a concussion has been sustained – but some do not.  The lack of visible clues is what makes exploring a possible and suspected concussion so important.

Symptoms of a concussion range, but may include a headache, nausea and vomiting, trouble remembering, blurred vision, dizziness or trouble with balance. Any or all of these symptoms may be a signal that an individual has suffered a concussion.

What happens if football concussions (or any concussions) are left untreated? Depending on the severity, the end result of a concussion differs, but if left untreated severe or repeated concussions can have devastating results. Long term issues with cognitive function can make everyday life difficult. Untreated concussions may also lead to the eventual need for surgery.

What is concussion management? Diagnosing concussions can be tricky, but with specific tools designed to make this diagnosis easier, your concussion management team can quickly recognize and identify when one has occurred, thereby establishing the best mode of treatment. Tools such as BESS, which is a standardized balance test, and IMPACT, a technology-based test to analyze cognitive triggers such as memory, reaction time and processing speed, are two of the most commonly used and effective devices.  Once a concussion has been diagnosed, your concussion management team can determine the best route for treatment, setting a timeline for recovery.

When football concussions strike, ignoring them is the worst thing that you can do.  Instead, turn to a sports injury clinic that offers concussion management.  A trained team of experts, proficient in dealing with concussion management and treatment is the best way to get back in the game safely.

For more information about treating football concussions or general concussion management contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine at 416-800-0800.

Why a Sports Medicine Specialist is Your Best Shot at Recovering from a Sports Injury

Whatever your sport of choice, your body needs to be treated with care - as you would baby the engine of a fine, expensive car! This may mean pre-game stretching and warm ups or an appropriate cool down routine to maintain peak physical condition. We all know that staying in shape requires work – but it's a different, less enjoyable kind of work when suffering through a sports injury.

To suffer a sports injury may mean dealing with a torn ligament, a sprain or a concussion, and the road to recovery can be a long, arduous one.  Your experience of healing is unique, and so, therefore, should be the treatment you receive. Each sports injury - and every person sustaining it - is different, so the expertise of a sports medicine specialist, (one with experience treating various different sports related issues), can be applied to catering to these individual needs to get you back on the field and ready for action.

How does the treatment you receive from a sports medicine specialist differ from that of a regular family physician? Whenever you suffer an injury you should always seek medical attention rather than idly leaving the injury, merely hoping that it will get better on its own (which can ultimately lead to more pain or, if you continue to play, make an existing injury that is even worse).  Your family doctor is a logical resource when you're in less than tip top shape, but your best shot at assertive recovery may be found at the hands of a sports medicine specialist.

Think about it this way. Your family physician treats all kinds of injuries – both sports and non-sports related. Do these require the same type of care? For example, does an individual injured in a car accident need the same treatment that a pro athlete does? The problem and end goal are not the same, so why should the treatment be?

If you are an athlete and have suffered a sports injury, your body is well served in the hands of a specialist. When a physician treats sports injuries on a daily basis their methods of treatment are based on years of experience and results for a wide spectrum of injuries.

The type of treatment you receive for any type of injury should greatly depend on what final results you're seeking. If your level of activity pre-injury did not include great deal of sport participation, the family doctor may suffice, but if you're an athlete, or know that your future goals include a high level of activity, consider investing in the results offered by a sports injury specialist.

For more information about sports injury treatment and recovery, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca 

Recovered from a Torn ACL? Get Ready for the MS Bike Toronto Tour with a Custom ACL Knee Brace

On September 8^th, the streets of Toronto will once again be host to the MS Bike Toronto Tour. Both casual riders and competitive teams will journey through the paths of Toronto’s parklands, choosing from 30km or 55km routes. It's a great way to wrap up the summer while raising money for a worthwhile cause!

Whether you're riding in the MS Bike Tour, out for a casual ride to enjoy Ontario’s scenic trails, or are an avid cyclist taking to the roads on a regular basis, biking is a great way to exercise.  But, if you have suffered from a torn ACL in the past, it might not be prudent to mount your bike without some form of knee protection. Enter the benefits of an ACL knee brace!

Since stability plays a big role in the recovery of a torn ACL, a custom ACL knee brace can deliver it comfortably and effectively. A torn ACL is often the result of contact in high impact sports (football, rugby, basketball, etc.), or when a sharp stop or change in direction causes the knee to stretch beyond its normal limits. Keeping the knee stable will allow you to participate in the sports you love without continually worrying about whether or not your knee is vulnerable following recovery.

Why bother with customizing your brace? There are many different generic knee braces out there that claim to do justice to an ACL injury. However, if you really want the best protection for your knee, consider the logic that your ACL knee brace is customized to fit your body – and no one else’s.  Our sports medicine specialists will take measurements and ensure that your custom knee bracing is made to your exact specifications.

Flexibility is key, and generic knee braces are bulky, limiting your ability to move. Although this may help keep the leg stable, it certainly doesn’t help to keep you active. By comparison, a custom ACL knee brace that is lightweight and comfortable will protect your knee without sacrificing your full mobility. This allows you to get back on the bike (or track, or court, etc.) without being constrained in any way.

Whether prepping for the fun of the MS Bike Toronto tour or just looking for some added protection during everyday activities, visit a sports injury clinic today to have a custom ACL knee brace fitting.

For more information about having a custom ACL knee brace made for you, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today at 416-800-0800.

Need Weight Management after Summer Splurging – A Registered Dietician is the Answer

The summer, for most people, often involves a higher level of physical activity than the winter months. Sports such as volleyball or baseball, marathons and triathlons for the avid runner, or annual cycling events are all ways to stay in shape during the summer season. However, the summer also represents a time of indulgence in the form of food festivals like Summerlicious, Taste of the Danforth, or various Ribfests taking place all across the city.  Add - for good measure - cultural festivals like Caribana, Brazilfest or the Festival of South Asia, all of which offer up delicacies from around the world, and you've got a recipe for a load of over-eating.

So if you find yourself enjoying some worthwhile summer splurging, what better way to get back in shape and eating healthy again than with a registered dietician? Proper weight management involves far more than just adding in some random vegetables on days that you're not frequenting a special food-related event.  A registered dietician can help you get things back under control.

How? Chances are pretty good that at least once in your life you’ve tried to lose weight and get fit on your own, right? We all know how tough it can be to get the ball rolling and shed unwanted pounds – but with the support and guidance of a professional registered dietician, (trained and experienced with helping people get fit and healthy), this task becomes a whole lot more manageable.

Do cookie-cutter approaches hold little appeal for you? A weight management system catered to your own individual wants, needs and goals will be far more effective than one meant to work for everyone (thereby working for very few). By taking into account your own schedule, budget, exercise and food preferences, a registered dietician will give you the tools you need for long-term success, avoiding unrealistic targets and advice.

What other kind of support is available from a registered dietician? Services such as nutrition counselling, weight management, grocery shopping tours, and nutrition education seminars are all important parts of any weight management plan. Having someone by your side every step of the way for motivation and support is a strategic way to achieve your weight-loss goal.

Don’t settle for "lettuce-only" type fad diets or unnecessarily rigorous exercise routines that make you a begrudging slave to the gym - these are impossible to stick to, and inevitably will mean nothing lost except your money. Get the right support and weight management guidance from a registered dietician and watch your goals materialize.

To find out more about weight management or to make an appointment with our registered dietician Stefanie Senior, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800.