Skiing Knee Injuries: How Physiotherapy Treatment Can Help

Snow-lovers rejoice – winter is finally showing itself, and that means that it is time to get back out on the hill and enjoy some fresh powder. There really is nothing quite like the anticipation of taking the lift to the top, standing with the sun shining down on you, and then racing to the bottom with the wind rushing past.

All of that sounds amazing, but skiing does come part and parcel with its own set of risks. Whether you are an avid skier, or just a beginner, being out there on the slope can sometimes lead to knee injuries – more specifically meniscus tears, which are very common in downhill skiing.

Check out this video from Health Choices First: http://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/videos/meniscus-injuries

In it, Physiotherapist Behnad Honarbakhsh discusses meniscus tears, the symptoms of them, and how physiotherapy treatment is the best place to start for rehabilitation.

According to Honarbakhsh, “the meniscus is sort of a wedge-like, rubber-like piece of tissue that sits between your femur and tibia. And usually with compression and twisting, you end up straining this tissue. It'll feel like there's something in your knee, or something's catching, and it could be quite painful, especially with weight bearing.”

As soon as an injury is sustained, seek medical attention and physiotherapy treatment as soon as possible to determine the severity of the injury as well as the best course of action for treatment.

For more about avoiding downhill skiing injuries or to speak to an expert about physiotherapy treatment please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800.

Get Back in the Game: ACL Injury Treatment

No matter how you slice it, an ACL injury can be a terrible condition to deal with, causing significant pain and keeping you from the activities you love. Many individuals, after sustaining an ACL tear, whether partial or full, are concerned that surgery is the only option, or are not even fully aware that the injury sustained is actually an ACL injury at all.

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the four ligaments in the knee that provides stabilization. That being said, it is also one of the ligaments of the knee most commonly injured. An ACL injury occurs when that ligament is stretched (partial tear) or torn completely. It has been estimated that approximately 70% of all ACL injuries are a result of non-contact (usually when the knee locks and twists or pivots), although 30% are attributed to direct contact.

When an ACL injury is sustained, it is usually accompanied by pain and swelling and instability. This can later manifest as a loss of full range of motion and further pain and swelling. Although some choose to ignore the pain in the hopes that rest will make it go away, this is often the worst thing that you can do. An ACL injury can be quite serious and so seeking medical attention and ACL injury treatment right away is critical to avoid further damage to the knee.

As mentioned, many are concerned that the only option for treatment is surgery, but this may not be the case. Speaking with an experienced sports medicine specialist will help you better understand the various options that exist as far as treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery might be the only option – but assuming that it is and thus avoiding seeking medical advice is never a good idea.

As far as non-surgical ACL injury treatment, there are a variety of methods. The most common method is physical therapy to help rehabilitate the knee to a condition as close to the pre-injury state as possible.

Another form of non-surgical treatment may include the use of a custom ACL knee brace, one designed to meet your body’s exact specifications. This can help to stabilize the knee and reduce the pressure place on the joint.

Don’t just suffer through the pain of an ACL injury. There are options available and those options don’t always involve surgery. Speak to an expert in sports medicine right away to find out how you can get relief.

For more about ACL injury treatment please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800.

Staying Active in the Winter: Tips from a Sports Injury Clinic

For many people, the leaves changing colour and the weather becoming colder is a sure sign that life will quickly become much more indoor-based. The temptation of trading a day outside for one curled up in front of the fire can be hard to ignore, but when it comes to staying in shape, this can make things a bit more difficult. Don’t stress – it is actually pretty easy to stay active during the winter. 

Check out this list of tips from a sports injury clinic to stay fit even when the weather is acting up!

Indoors:

1.      Clean. Yes, clean. Housework is a great way to burn calories – and since you have to do it anyways you might as well be happier. Just think, not only will your home be tidy, you’ll feel better too.

2.      Walk. Go to the mall, head to a local museum, really anywhere that offers the space to make this a worthwhile exercise, while staying warm, is great.

3.      Join a gym or do workouts at home. If your summer workout routine generally involves being outside, and therefore the winter means you take a break, think about heading indoors to get that body moving.

4.      Take advantage of the stairs. Whether at home or work, make the most of this often-ignored yet highly effective workout machine.

5.      Join a dance class – this can really help you work up a sweat and burn calories, all while having fun and learning some new moves.

Outdoors:

1.      First tip – warm up before heading out. Cold temperatures can make your muscles tight, and therefore more prone to injuries – so get them warmed up first.

2.      Head to the local rink for some ice time - a great way to get out with family and friends. Check out the free skates at arenas and outdoor rinks close to you and this activity doesn’t have to cost you a thing.

3.      Hit the slopes – skiing and snowboarding are a great form of winter exercise and are both really fun.

4.      Shovel snow – you have to do it anyways, but instead of being grumpy about it, think about how many calories you are burning out there! Just make sure to do it properly, or you might end up hurting yourself.

5.      Go outside and play. Buddle up with the family or a group of friends and head outside for a brisk snowball fight or build a snow fort. Just because you aren’t 7 anymore doesn’t mean that these things are any less exciting than they used to be – you might actually be surprised.

Winter doesn’t have to drag you down. Whether you change your exercise routine to fit the season indoors or outdoors, there are a ton of ways to stay active during the winter months.

For more ideas about staying active even when the weather outside is frightful, please contact sports injury clinic Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800.

AESM Hosting Active Shoulder Clinical Seminar

As part of our continuing commitment to education, AESM will be hosting an “Active Shoulder Clinical Seminar” on November 15-16.

This workshop is designed to help any clinician focus on the key anatomy of the shoulder, refine their diagnostic skills and examine better ways to treat the shoulder. These seminars will offer a comprehensive look at what the clinician needs to successfully treat a variety of shoulder problems. Interactive lectures, live demonstrations, video reviews and extensive Q&A.

Call us @ 416.800.0800 for more information.

NHL Season Has Started: Be Prepared – Check Out This Hockey Concussions Video

Hockey season is here again, and that means that fans will be out in full force cheering on their favourite teams and leagues will be out on the ice for their weekly bouts of competitive action. During the winter months, hockey is a great way to stay in shape and have fun – but it also comes with its own risks, not least of which are hockey concussions.

Check out this video from Health Choices First, “Hockey Concussions” http://www.healthchoicesfirst.com/category/hockey/sports-medicine/hockey-concussion. In it, Dr. Larissa Roux discusses this head injury, which she states, in hockey, is often the result of trauma – such as a blow to the head.

For many, an unfortunate yet common assumption is that not all concussions are serious, but according to Roux, concussions are always serious, no matter what. Since they can cause neurological impairment, no matter how mild they may seem at the time, all concussions should be examined by a physician right away. Evidence has shown that a series of concussions, even if mild, can lead to long term impairment if left untreated, making immediate diagnosis and treatment essential in every case.

If you or someone you care about has suffered what might be a concussion, it is critical to seek out medical advice and treatment as soon as possible.

For more on treating hockey concussions please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800.