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.

Dealing with Osteoarthritis of the Knee this Ski Season

The snowy conditions are making many of the hills in our region bustle with skiers and snowboarders who live for the cold and snow! This time of year offers many physical diversions as far as exercise, and skiing is a very popular one. However, if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee, you are likely aware that partaking in this kind of winter activity can spell major pains (both during and afterwards).

If you're an avid skier or boarder, the chances of you hanging up those boards or poles in exchange for some extended comfort in your knees is highly unlikely.  So if surgery isn’t in your near future, are your only options to ski or board through the pain (thereby inevitably worsening it) or quit this favoured activity altogether?

Here are some options to take into consideration when seeking answers and dealing with this painful condition.

1.     Knee Brace – generic knee braces are relatively easy to find and are easy on the wallet. However, here's the thing with generic knee braces: they're often quite bulky and uncomfortable, not to mention the fact that a one-size-fits-all brace may only fit a minority of the population. Instead, think about getting a custom knee brace. These are often far lighter, more comfortable, and made to fit the exact specifications of your body. A knee brace will help to stabilize the joints and keep pressure on areas that can be weakened by osteoarthritis of the knee.

2.     Viscosupplementation – this is another non-surgical option to help relieve the pain from osteoarthritis of the knee. It involves the injection of hyaluronic acid solution into the knee joint, which acts as a lubricating agent for bones to move more freely and also to provide shock absorption. Because there is no surgery, this treatment can be very effective after only a very brief period, allowing you to return to the hill soon after. With long-term use, viscosupplementation can reduce pain significantly. It can also reduce inflammation.

3.     Physiotherapy – physiotherapy is a well-known non-surgical treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Physiotherapy treatment can help to restore function and reduce pain a number of ways, including through the manipulation of joints for the reduction of scar tissue. Typical physiotherapy treatments may include massage, manual therapy or acupuncture. These can be used separately or as a combined regimen to help lessen the pain from osteoarthritis.

If you're looking forward to getting back out there and enjoying the ski season but are worried about pain in your knee joints, don’t be. These three options offer very attractive pain and ailment relief options without painful surgery that requires lengthy recovery time.

For more information about treatments for osteoarthritis of the knee contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 1 (416) 800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca.

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.