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.

Treat Your Sports Injury Without Surgery: Sonocur Shockwave Therapy

For many athletes suffering from a sports related injury or pain due to sports, their game can become increasingly taxing. Playing through pain in an effort to avoid dealing with it may lead to serious complications in the future, while stopping altogether may lead to both physical and mental outcomes that you want to avoid.

As with any sports related injury, seeking medical assistance is the first thing that you should do. If you suffer an injury on the field or court, ignoring it can worsen things. Attending a sports medicine clinic, by contrast, can be a stepping stone to healing. Sometimes surgery is unavoidable, but if a physician tells you that surgery is not the only option, seek out alternatives. One option might be sonocur shockwave therapy.

What is sonocur shockwave therapy and how does it work? Sonocur shockwave therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment which involves the application of acoustic shockwaves into the affected bone or soft tissue. The shockwaves stimulate a metabolic reaction in the tissue, leading to the breakdown of scarring. This controlled reinjuring of the area on a cellular level allows for a regeneration of blood vessels and bone cells, which leads to faster healing.

What types of injuries does sonocur shockwave therapy treat? There are a number of sports related injuries and aches and pains that benefit from this treatment, including:

•           Tendonitis (rotator cuff, bicep, patellar, quadriceps, Achilles)
•           Epicondylitis (tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow)
•          Iliotibial band syndrome (runner’s knee)
•           Plantar fasciitis

Additional benefits of sonocur shockwave therapy include immediate return to the game – there is no downtime following treatment to recover. Also, sonocur shockwave therapy does not cause tendon damage so your treatment will not lead to further issues in the future. There is also no permanent scarring from shockwave therapy.

If you have sports related aches and pains, or have suffered a sports related injury that makes participating challenging, it might be time to consider an alternative form of treatment such as sonocur shockwave therapy. Don’t force yourself to play through the pain or stay benched. Visit a sports injury clinic today and find out if shockwave therapy is the answer for you.

For more information about sonocur shockwave therapy contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.

Get Ready for A Midsummer Night’s Run with a Running Injury Clinic

On August 17^th, Toronto’s annual A Midsummer Night’s Run will kick off in support of the SickKids Foundation. This 5km/15km/30km walk/run takes place along Toronto’s East End trails and along the shores of Lake Ontario, in a non-competitive, family friendly event that raises money for a great cause. But what if you have suffered a running injury? You're obviously not going to lace up and head out, right? Wrong! Treat that running injury in time by attending a running injury clinic.

A running injury clinic takes place at a sports injury clinic and involves a complex and in-depth analysis of your injury, followed by the creation of a customized treatment plan to address all aspects of your injury.

Your first meeting with a sports medicine specialist will include a detailed assessment of your injury. This is to best determine the source of injury (crucial in determining the best route for treatment). A running shoe analysis, a treadmill running assessment and a biomedical assessment with one of our chiropractors are also an important part of this initial assessment.

A computerized gait analysis will also offer the running injury clinic essential information about how you need to be treated. A computerized gait analysis, conducted by a trained and registered podiatrist, evaluates any abnormal foot function, which allows our team to get a more advanced reading of foot motion.  The more accurate the diagnosis, the better the treatment plan, which results in a better outcome.

After your running injury clinic assessment is complete, these physicians will take all of this information and use it to create a customized treatment plan focused on your own individual case. This treatment may include custom foot orthotics or shockwave therapy. It may also involve an exercise routine which will help to strengthen the muscles in the foot, increasing flexibility and reducing pain.

Whether you plan on participating in A Midsummer Night’s Run, or just want to deal with the pain sustained from a running injury, the professionals at a sports medicine clinic’s running injury clinic can help you better understand the cause of the pain and help you deal with it. 

For more information about how a running injury clinic can better help you recover from a running injury, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.

Knee Osteoarthritis? Get Back on the Bike in Time for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure

August 11^th to 17^th marks the 6^th anniversary of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure along the shores of Lake Erie, a cycling event that covers 600kms in 7 days. This recreational cycling adventure gives participants the chance to enjoy the event at their own pace, taking time to enjoy the views, the local shopping, and the many other amenities along the bike route. Whether you are an avid cyclist or just want to get out there with some friends, enjoying a day on the trail, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is an amazing opportunity for all.

But what if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee? Events like this can lose their lustre and appeal when you think about the pain that can accompany them. Cycling can be very difficult for knee osteoarthritis sufferers, simply because of the repetition and pressure put on the knee. If you suffer from the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, including pain, stiffness, a decreased range of motion or muscle weakness and atrophy, then cycling can be extremely taxing.

So how can you prepare for the Great Waterfront Train Adventure, or any future cycling, if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee? Visiting a sports injury clinic which specializes in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis is a superb strategy for easing pain and becoming bike-friendly again.

What types of treatment should a sports injury clinic offer to help you deal with your knee osteoarthritis?

-        Physiotherapy: By working with a trained physiotherapist who can create your individual and customized treatment plan (using both cutting edge and traditional physiotherapy techniques) you can relieve the pain of knee osteoarthritis while restoring its function and increasing the knee's strength and flexibility.

-        Viscosupplementation: This method involves the injection of hyaluronic acid into the knee joint to help lubricate it and protect joint surfaces.  A naturally occurring substance in your body, this hyaluronic acid helps to decrease inflammation and relieve pain.

-        Custom Knee Bracing: By helping to stabilize the knee and redistribute weight evenly, custom knee bracing works to make cycling more comfortable. Rather than choosing a generic knee brace, having one custom made to fit your body makes it far more effective.

These treatments, whether performed individually or collectively, can offer you the relief you need while rebuilding and strengthening your knees. Don’t let knee osteoarthritis keep you from being out there enjoying your bike.

For more information about our knee osteoarthritis treatment program, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.

Bouncing Back After an Injury with Sports Psychology

When you suffer from a sports related injury, bouncing back to peak physical condition can be tough.  And if you want to continue enjoying the activities you love without the pain of injury, rehab and sports therapy is crucial. But what about mentally? A sports related injury can not only wreak havoc on your body – it can be tough mentally as well. If you have suffered an injury that has kept you from the track, field, ice, etc., or if you are dealing with the stress of competition (which can also impede performance), it is important to make sure that both your body and your mind recuperate properly. 

What is sports psychology? Sports psychology is the study of how sports, athletic performance, exercise and physical activity are influenced and affected by psychology. Sports psychologists work with a diverse range of people, focusing on things like injuries, rehabilitation, communication, team building, and career transitions. A sports psychologist may work with a single individual, a group of coaches, or entire teams to enhance performance, effectively cope with the pressures of competition, and promote or rebuild self-confidence and self-esteem.

How can sportspsychology work for you? There are a number of different techniques that sports psychologists utilize to build a strong mental state in the minds of athletes. These can include arousal regulation, imagery, goal-setting and self-talk. By working through and talking about any issues, a sports psychologist can help to identify things which may be holding you back, as well as motivating and getting you back to a pre-injured mental state. Regaining the confidence that one can often lose after a sports related injury can seriously impact the ability to perform. Overcoming this is a vital part of sports psychology. 

Competition and the stress that accompanies it can also take a toll, as well as inhibit performance, so a sports psychologist offers a way around suffering from it.  Sports psychology can also help to motivate and set goals for future performance, helping you achieve your greatest potential.

Whether you are recovering from an injury, dealing with the stress of competition, or need the motivation to set and achieve goals for the future, an experienced sports psychologist can assist you on your road to addressing issues that may hold you back. Make sure that your body and mind are both in peak physical condition – harmony between the two can result in a rewarding and successful athletic experience.

For more information about the benefits of sports psychology, or to make an appointment with our registered sports psychologist Dr. Kate Hays, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit us at www.aesm.ca.

ACL Rehab and ACL Repair: Prep for the July 28th Beaches Jazz Run

Part of the charm and attraction to community races is the camaraderie.  And the Beaches Jazz Run on July 28^th is brimming with it. This 5km, 10km, or 20km race starts at the Beaches' Kew Gardens, and raises funds in support of the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation.  This event attracts all levels: the leisurely jogger, the competitive runner and even those using the event to condition for the subsequent Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October.  The Beaches Jazz Run is a seriously great time for everyone. 

But what if you are suffering from a torn ACL or have recently had ACL surgery? The Beaches Jazz Run may not seem all that useful if you can’t enjoy it. If you are suffering from the pain caused by a torn ACL, it's time to consider ACL rehab or treatment for an ACL injury.

ACL injuries are very common among athletes. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a joint inside your knee, and an ACL injury occurs when this ligament is torn. ACL injuries are common for athletes whose sports demand sudden stops and changes in direction, like soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball. This injury can result in inflammation and acute or severe pain.

Does an ACL tear require surgery? It depends on the injury, and a sports injury specialist can help you assess this. It's never beneficial to avoid dealing with an injury, as ignoring it can be detrimental. If you want to get back to your pre-injury state, it's best to address the problem by seeking out ACL repair or ACLrehab. 

How can a sports injury clinic help with your ACL repair and ACL rehab? Firstly, the method for treatment involves a thorough assessment to evaluate your injury in order to develop the best customizable plan for you. After this, our various treatment options range from physiotherapy to restore function in your muscles and increase movement and relieve pain, to custom knee bracing to help support and stabilize, reducing the pressure impacting the injured or repaired knee.

Don’t let an ACL injury keep you from enjoying the sports you love. Seeking out the proper treatment is crucial in order to get back to peak physical condition, and working with a sports injury clinic experienced in ACL repair and ACL rehab is a smart choice.

To find out more about ACL repair and ACL rehab, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800 or visit www.aesm.ca.

How Toronto Sports Medicine Specialists Can Get You Ready for the Toronto Triathlon

Celebrated as the ultimate challenge of human endurance and tenacity, the Toronto Triathlon Festival begins July 21^st. Participants run, bike and swim their way through a uniquely urban course, including Toronto’s harbourfront, downtown highways, and the protected water basin of the West Channel of Ontario Place.  With four different races to choose from - Olympic Distance, Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance Relay, or Sprint Distance Relay - this event offers a variety of ways for athletes to test themselves and compete against others.

So how can Toronto sports medicine specialists help you prepare for this grueling test of your abilities? In a number of ways.

Prep for the running: In order to prepare for the running portion of the triathlon, think about attending a running injury clinic hosted by a sports injury clinic to assess any underlying issues that may impede your performance. Or think about speaking with sports medicine specialists about getting fitted for custom foot orthotics. 

Prep for the cycling: Make sure that your knees don’t suffer from the over 20-40kms trail through the downtown core, especially if you are suffering from a torn ACL. Sports medicine specialists can offer pain relief through rehabilitation exercises and by fitting you for a custom ACL knee brace to distribute weight evenly, while also supporting your knee.

Prep for the swimming: get your cardio in shape with fitness training with a sports medicine specialist. A customized exercise routine tailored to fit your lifestyle and goals can help ensure you keep your body moving in that cool water without losing your breath.

If you're planning to participate in this or any other triathlon in the coming months, or if you simply want to get in shape or return to being active after a sports related injury, Toronto sports medicine specialists might be the route to take.  Trained and experienced in specifically treating sports injuries, sports medicine specialists can help you deal with pains, strains and easing you back into top form. Fitness tests and fitness training can also evaluate your current fitness level and design a regimen targeting your goals.

To condition and prep for your summer triathlon event, for help simply getting in shape or for relief  from a sports injury, find out how sports medicine specialists can help by contacting Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 416-800-0800.