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The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy Treatments

The Benefits of Shockwave Therapy Treatments

Do you suffer from chronic pain or an old injury that interferes with your range of motion and the activities you enjoy? If so, physiotherapy accompanied by shockwave therapy treatments may be ideal for you. Shockwave therapy has been shown in studies to effectively reduce pain, break down old scar tissue and stimulate healing in stubborn injuries and joint pain without the cost or downtime of surgery. Continue reading to learn more about shockwave therapy’s many benefits.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure whereby mechanical pulses of acoustic energy stimulate tissue repair, increase circulation, and help relieve pain where the treatment is applied. Physiotherapists may incorporate shockwave therapy as part of a patient’s injury rehabilitation treatment plan to help provide natural relief for acute or chronic pain and to stimulate the body’s natural healing response. In addition, shockwave therapy can be an excellent treatment for stubborn conditions or old injuries that haven’t responded well to other alternatives.

Conditions That Shockwave Therapy Treats

Shockwave therapy can be beneficial in many different applications but is especially helpful for treating muscle, ligament, tendon, bone and joint-related injuries and pain commonly associated with conditions including but not limited to:

  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Stress fractures
  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
  • Achilles tendinopathy
  • Runner’s knee (patellofemoral pain syndrome)
  • Jumper’s knee (patellar tendonitis)
  • Calcified tendonitis
  • Trigger finger
  • Bursitis of the hip, knee, or shoulder
  • TMJ disorders
  • Shin splints
  • Back pain
  • Plantar fasciitis
  • Shoulder/rotator cuff tendinitis
  • Overuse strains and sprains
  • Injuries caused by accidents
  • Chronic muscle tension and pain

What to Expect From Shockwave Therapy Treatments

After assessing your condition and devising a treatment plan, your physiotherapist will start your treatment by applying a cool conductive gel (similar to ultrasound jelly) to the area being treated so that the handpiece used to deliver the acoustic energy pulses can easily be maneuvered. Treatments usually take around 15 minutes and are typically carried out a week apart.

What does it feel like?

Topical numbing agents, painkillers and anti-inflammatories are not required during shockwave therapy and are discouraged because they can interfere with shockwave therapy’s inflammatory response, which initiates tissue regeneration and healing. Shockwave therapy treatments typically feel like dull pulsing sensations in the tissues being treated. Treatment discomfort depends on the intensity of the treatment and the tenderness of the area being treated but is usually tolerable, and your physiotherapist can adjust the intensity to ensure your comfort. You may feel slight tingly sensations, warmth or tenderness in the treated area for up to a few days following treatment while the tissue’s healing response occurs.

Is there any downtime?

The beauty of undergoing non-invasive shockwave therapy treatments is how you can resume light activity following your treatments. Your physiotherapist will, however, ask you to avoid any rigorous or strenuous activity for two or more days following treatment, depending on your condition. You may also experience slight swelling or tenderness in the area treated for a few days following your procedure. Inflammation following your shockwave treatments is normal and indicative of the healing process taking place.

How many treatments will I need to see results?

Some patients notice pain reduction following their first treatment, with improved healing and pain relief as treatments progress. Shockwave treatment plans typically consist of 3 to 6 sessions spaced one or more weeks apart. Your physiotherapist will tailor a treatment plan ideal for your specific condition and requirements.

Find Out Whether Shockwave Therapy Is Right for You!

Don’t ignore pain. Start the healing process today by booking your appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists. Call Diversified Health Clinic at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online.

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Piriformis Syndrome: A Real Pain in the Butt

Piriformis Syndrome: A Real Pain in the Butt

Are you noticing a dull ache or shooting pain in your glutes after standing, sitting, cycling, training or running? If so, piriformis syndrome may be to blame. Continue reading to learn more about piriformis syndrome, including what makes it a potential cause of sciatica and what you can do to treat it and relieve the pain. 

What is Piriformis Syndrome and What Causes It?

The piriformis muscle anatomy as it relates to piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome is a condition that, as the title of this article implies, causes pain in the buttocks. Piriformis syndrome is a term used to describe a condition affecting the piriformis muscle located deep within the middle posterior gluteal region (behind the gluteus maximus). The piriformis muscle is one (and arguably the most important) of the six lateral hip rotators. It is responsible for externally rotating your hip and upper thigh, abducting your hip when flexed, and stabilizing your sacroiliac joint. 

What causes it?

Piriformis syndrome is caused when the piriformis muscle spasms, compressing and irritating surrounding nerves and soft tissues (often including the sciatic nerve), resulting in pain, tingling and/or numbness in the buttock area, which can sometimes also be felt down the back of the upper and lower leg and foot. While the root cause of piriformis syndrome is not yet well understood, the sciatic nerve’s involvement may be due to anatomical anomalies and variations between each individual or, more commonly, due to soft tissue inflammation or muscle spasms/contractions that compress the sciatic nerve as a result of piriformis muscle tightness from muscle or postural imbalances.

A common cause of sciatica pain

The sciatic nerve’s proximity to the piriformis muscle makes it susceptible to compression and irritation caused by the muscle spasms related to piriformis syndrome. Therefore, when lumbar issues such as disk herniation are ruled out as a cause for sciatica pain, and buttock pain isn’t accompanied by lower back pain, piriformis syndrome is most likely the cause. 

Piriformis Syndrome Symptoms

The most common symptom of piriformis syndrome is a deep, dull ache, burning, shooting pain, and tingling and numbness that can be felt in the buttock (typically on one side of the body). The pain may also be felt down the back of the thigh, calf and foot and may be accompanied by a reduced range of motion in the hip flexors. 

Piriformis syndrome pain is typically most noticeable:

  • When walking uphill or taking the stairs
  • After sitting, driving, standing or cycling for extended periods
  • Following activities such as walking, long-distance running or strength training
  • After a traumatic injury, including collisions and falls
  • When flexing or rotating the hip and thigh inwards and outwards

The Good News

Surgical correction or steroid injections may be required in rare cases of piriformis syndrome (caused by anatomical anomalies or trauma). However, the good news is that most cases of piriformis syndrome can be successfully treated with the following interventions and rest:

Proper assessment and diagnoses 

After ruling out sciatic pain caused by spinal issues, your physiotherapist or health practitioner will use a series of movements to indicate whether or not the piriformis muscle is causing sciatic nerve compression and pain.

Tailored treatment

Treating piriformis syndrome typically requires physiotherapy to help stretch the piriformis muscle and improve hip mobility, posture and muscular conditioning. 

At-home maintenance and prevention

Following the stretches and exercises your physiotherapist gives you can help prevent the recurrence of pain caused by piriformis muscle tightness, spasms and nerve compression.

Treating Piriformis Syndrome and Sciatica Pain in Victoria, BC

Don’t ignore pain. Start the healing process today by booking your appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists. Call Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online.

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Searching for a Personal Trainer in Victoria to Help You Achieve Your Goals?

Searching for a Personal Trainer in Victoria to Help You Achieve Your Goals?

Are you on the search for a personal trainer in Victoria? Whether you’re a gym novice who needs help designing a fitness program or a seasoned athlete who is aiming to improve performance or rehabilitate following an injury, here’s how our personal trainer and certified kinesiologist, Angelina Schaaf, can help you get on track, stay the course and achieve your optimal fitness and performance goals this year.

How to Choose the Right Personal Trainer in Victoria for You

There are a lot of personal trainers in Victoria to choose from, and selecting the right one for your specific needs can be a challenge. People often ask their friends for recommendations, but that doesn’t always result in a good match because what works for one person may not lead to a successful outcome for another. Fitness training isn’t one-size-fits-all. You need a trainer with the right experience to understand where you are in your fitness journey now, what tweaks and adjustments may be required to avoid injury, and the specific volume and stimulus required to ensure continual progress. For example, here are just a few of the main reasons people choose Diversified Health Clinic’s personal training services:

  • Certified kinesiologist: Angelina Schaff is an experienced personal trainer and a certified kinesiologist. Her in-depth knowledge enables her to identify, correct and ensure optimal lifting techniques, posture and movement patterns that avoid injury and effectively isolate the right muscles. Angelina also knows what each fitness program requires to balance muscle groups for optimal results and performance. 
  • Injury Rehabilitation: When embarking on a new fitness routine or exercise, the last thing you want is to compromise an old injury. Personal training at Diversified Health Clinic can be tailored for safe and effective injury rehabilitation and improved strength and mobility. 
  • Sports conditioning and training: On-season and off-season, Angelina Schaaf offers bespoke fitness programs that improve speed, strength and performance while correcting suboptimal movement patterns to avoid muscle imbalances or injury. Our programs can be tailored to each sport, including pre and post-season conditioning. 
  • Goal Specific: Angelina will design your fitness programs according to your immediate and long-term goals. A client whose goal is to lose weight and build lean muscle will require a program that is vastly different from a client whose goal is to increase power, combustive strength and muscle mass. Personal training at Diversified Health Clinic starts with a thorough health assessment to clarify your goals, followed by a physical evaluation to determine your current conditioning before custom-designing an effective program just for you.

Fitness programming isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach — it has to be tailored.

Ensuring Good Habits Stick

It’s no coincidence that the post-holiday period between January and February brings many people to the gym, full of enthusiasm about improving their fitness. While getting started is half the battle, the real challenge is making new habits stick. Consider how many resolutions you’ve made in the past that fell to the wayside when other things got in the way. Working with a personal trainer gives you an accountability partner and helps motivate you long after your natural enthusiasm has worn off. 

Focus and Privacy

Diversified Health Clinic has a private gym space with everything needed for a comprehensive training program. Clients appreciate the one-on-one focus they receive from our personal trainer, and our safe and uncrowded gym space is ideal for injury rehabilitation programs and sports conditioning. 

Building Optimal Outcomes

How to choose the right personal trainer in Victoria.

Why hire a personal trainer when you can show up to the gym and simply “wing it” as you go? As the old adage goes, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” While it’s true that you can still benefit from working out without a program, if your goal is to make improvements and other changes, you’ll likely require a plan to see results. Fitness programming is crucial because our body always seeks homeostasis and the path of least resistance. Training without a plan can often result in a lot of time spent exercising with few physiological changes to show for it. It can also result in performance plateaus due to the body becoming accustomed to stimulus. 

An experienced personal trainer such as Angelina will know which exercises are best suited to your current situation and goals and how much volume, intensity and change are required to deliver ongoing and progressive results. And let’s face it, a few things are more motivating than noticing a positive change from the time and effort you put in at the gym. 

Take the First Step Towards a Happier, Healthier and Fitter You This Year!

Call Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 to book with Angelina Schaaf, our kinesiologist and personal trainer in Victoria, BC., or book an appointment online.

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Don’t Let Running-Related Pain and Injury Stop You 

Don’t Let Running-Related Pain and Injury Stop You 

It’s running season again, with several running events happening in Victoria between May and October. Significant upcoming running events like the Oak Bay Half-Marathon and the Victoria Goddess Run have many running enthusiasts ramping up their conditioning and noticing running-related pain as a result.

Addressing Pain and Preventing Injury Will Take You Far

While most running-related pain can be alleviated with rest, it’s never a good idea to ignore pain, especially if it persists and interferes with the activities you love. Addressing suspicious pain early on can prevent more serious damage and permanent injury. 

A Few of the Most Common Causes of Running-Related Pain and Injuries

Runners Knee: (otherwise known as patellofemoral pain syndrome) is an umbrella term used to describe one or more causes of knee pain. One of the leading causes of runner’s knee occurs when the cartilage of the kneecap is compromised, resulting in an aching pain that’s often accompanied by stiffness and a popping or grinding feeling when the knee is bent. Runner’s knee can also be caused by strained tendons from overuse or direct trauma due to a hit or bad fall. In addition, gait issues and muscle imbalances are contributing and aggravating factors. 

IT Band Syndrome: (which is often associated with runner’s knee), is experienced as a sharp, burning, clicking, or aching pain on the outside of the knee. IT Band Syndrome is caused by inflammation and irritation of the iliotibial band that runs down the outer part of your thigh, connecting your pelvis to your knee. Gait issues, muscle imbalances, overuse, and running downhill or on irregular surfaces are all contributing factors.

Shin Splints: describes that hard to mistake aching and burning pain at the front of your lower leg, which is caused by repetitive strain of the tibia and its connecting tendons. Contributing factors include gait issues that affect ankle alignment, weight, and running downhill or on irregular surfaces.

Nerve Pain with Sciatica: often experienced as a sharp pinching or shooting pain in the lower back and upper glutes that can radiate down the back of the thigh. Sciatica pain occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes inflamed, pinched or compressed due to a herniated spinal disc or tight lower back or glute muscles.

Plantar Fasciitis: a common running injury that results in burning or stabbing pain in the heel or midsole of the foot due to inflammation of the plantar fascia that runs from your toes to your heel bone.

Stress Fractures: a common cause of running-related pain and injury. Stress fractures from running occur when muscles become strained and cannot sufficiently absorb the impact of a runner’s feet striking the ground, resulting in small cracks in a bone. Symptoms include sharp pain and swelling that worsens during activity and often persists at rest. The contributing factors are running on hard surfaces, unresolved gait issues, poor footwear, and muscle overuse. In runners, the bones of the shins, ankles, and feet are most commonly affected.

Achilles Tendonitis: experienced as pain, tension, and stiffness of the back of the ankle and heel caused by inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to tight calf muscles, bone spurs, and overuse. Achilles tendonitis typically occurs when running distance and intensity increase.

Muscle Strains and Sprains: includes muscle tears and pulls that cause pain that persists despite rest, which can be accompanied by swelling, bruising, redness, weakness, and obstructed mobility of the affected muscles. Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves, and groin are the most common muscles affected by tears and pulls from running. 

Sore Hips: burning or aching pain and stiffness of the hip joints and surrounding area is often caused by muscle tension, overuse, muscle imbalances, and unresolved gait issues. In some cases, hip pain may be caused by stress fractures or cartilage tears.

Bursitis: caused by inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that protect the joints. Bursitis pain typically manifests as intermittent (flare-ups) of sharp, shooting, or aching pain, stiffness, swelling, and redness of the affected joints and is often a result of overuse injury.

There Are Several Things You Can Do Now to Prevent Running-Related Pain and Injury While Training

  • Take time to warm up, hydrate, and stretch before more strenuous activity.
  • Adequate rest
  • Proper footwear
  • Vary running surfaces (running on turf or softer trails versus road running to reduce shock on your joints).
  • Addressing possible gait issues, pain, past injuries, and muscle imbalances.
  • R.I.C.E.

How to R.I.C.E. Away Running-Related Pain

At the first indication of pain and swelling, follow the RICE method to help alleviate pain, swelling, and further injury:

Rest: Immediately stop the activity to prevent further damage.

Ice: If swelling is present, apply a cold pack in 10-20 minute increments (wrap cold pack in a towel to avoid causing ice burns to skin).

Compression: Painful joints can be carefully wrapped in a compression bandage to help with pain and swelling. Ensure you don’t wrap the area too tightly! Numbness, coldness, a change in colour, or swelling in the area below the wrap indicates your bandage is too tight, negatively affecting circulation. Compression should not be used over broken skin, while sleeping, or by people with diabetes or compromised arterial circulation without direction from a physician or health practitioner.  

Elevation: To help reduce swelling, use pillows to elevate the affected limb above the level of your heart. 

If Pain Persists

It never hurts to have things checked out by a health professional. Consider that catching concerns early and the right course of treatment can alleviate pain, prevent further injury, and improve your performance.

Treating running-related pain and injuries may include a combination of

  • Physiotherapy, 
  • Chiropractic care, 
  • Gait analysis and Customer Orthotics, 
  • Massage Therapy, 
  • Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy 

The proper course of treatment depends on the nature of the injury and what’s needed to alleviate pain, address muscle imbalances, and correct movement patterns to prevent recurrence and further damage. 

Take the Next Step towards Running Without Pain and Injury

Whether you are a seasoned athlete or a novice runner, when pain or injury slows you down, our practitioners at Diversified Health can help. Take the first step on your road to recovery by booking an appointment with one of our practitioners today. Call (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. We offer direct billing and weekday and weekend appointments. Please view our hours of operation and location details here.

Adopting the right approach to your overall health and wellbeing helps ensure you’ll be able to participate in running events for years to come!

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What Is Athletic Therapy?

What is athletic therapy and what makes it different from physiotherapy? It’s a question we receive often and we’re happy to explain the differences and benefits between each.

It is a common misconception that Athletic Therapists only work with athletes.

Athletic Therapy is the treatment of Musculoskeletal issues and conditions using various treatment modalities. It is a common misconception that Athletic Therapists only work with athletes; however, the goal of athletic therapy is to facilitate a client’s desire to return to their desired activity level. Athletic Therapists have in-depth knowledge, education, and training in the human musculoskeletal system to provide exercise prescription, basic emergency care, manual therapies, and various modalities to work with not only athletes but everyone from kids to seniors. 

Athletic Therapists work with you to develop individualized, evidence-based rehabilitation which can include:

  • Rehab of physical injuries 
  • Recovery from surgery
  • Exercise programs
  • Various manual therapies
  • Supportive taping
  • Return to play and active lifestyle
  • Assessment of proper lifting techniques

What is the difference between physiotherapy and athletic therapy?

What is athletic therapy and what makes it different from physiotherapy?

While Athletic Therapy and Physiotherapy have many similarities in their objectives of treating patients, they differ in their educational backgrounds and scope of practice. Physiotherapists’ education focuses on cardiology, orthopaedics and neurology with skills being used to treat a variety of ailments including pediatrics, stroke rehab and many more. Athletic therapists’ education focuses on the musculoskeletal system, biomechanics, and exercise physiology, and includes in-field and in-clinic practicums, and a valid First Responder certificate. Athletic therapy treatments are based on the Sports Medicine Model which is an active rehab approach with an objective to find and treat the root cause of the conditions, not just the symptoms. This method encourages patients to follow an active approach to rehab versus reliance on modalities. 

When Should I see an Athletic Therapist?

  • If you are experiencing any type of pain or discomfort that is affecting your daily life, occupation, or ability to engage in physical activity
  • You are recovering from a surgery
  • You are recovering from an injury and would like to return to your original activity level
  • Return to sports training and reconditioning
  • Looking for corrective exercise training and programs

What can I expect at appointments?

The initial assessment will consist of medical history and understanding of your goals to get a snapshot of your overall health. Mark, Diversified Health Clinic’s Athletic Therapist, will then conduct a physical exam that will consist of movements at the injured joint and strength testing of the surrounding muscles, in addition to tests to isolate the injured structure or area that you are wanting to strengthen. Mark will create a customized treatment plan based on this assessment. 

Subsequent appointments will involve a short history to ensure Mark is aware of any changes that may have occurred since the last visit, and you and Mark will work through the customized treatment plan that could include exercise prescription, manual therapies, equipment assisted soft tissue work, and stretching. 

After treatment, you may be given some home exercises to complement and reinforce the treatment you received. Patient education is persistent throughout all treatments. 

Meet Mark Novak, Diversified Health Clinic’s Athletic Therapist

Mark graduated from Camosun College in June 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Athletic and Exercise Therapy. Mark uses both evidence and personal experience to approach each client with the goal of providing the most effective, well-balanced treatment. Mark uses both manual therapy and rehabilitative exercises to help patients get back to their daily activities or to reach a new goal.

Experience the Benefits of Athletic Therapy

Contact the clinic for more information on Athletic Therapy or to book with Mark Novak please contact us at 250-382-0018 or book an appointment online at www.diversifiedhealth.janeapp.com

 

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