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