Tag Archive for: Joint Pain

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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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Fact or Fiction? Is Joint Pain Worse in Cold Weather?

Fact or Fiction? Is Joint Pain Worse in Cold Weather?

Do you notice increased joint pain or aches from past injuries in cold climates? If so, you’re not alone. A phenomenon occurs this time of year when Vancouver Island’s warm summer climate is replaced by a cooler and wetter fall and winter. The 2,400-year-old phenomenon I’m referring to is a sudden increase in people being bothered by joint pain. Is it a seasonal coincidence, or is there a correlation between colder, wetter weather and worsening aches and pains? 

Does Weather Affect Joint Pain?

The short answer is that it’s possible that a sudden or prolonged drop in barometric pressure negatively affects arthritis and joint pain, but at this point, the correlation has yet to be proven. While the jury is out on what exactly causes the notable increase in winter aches and pains, a couple of theories are worth considering as follows:

Blame it on the rain (and barometric pressure):

If you notice sudden or worsening pain or swelling on rainy days, this theory may explain why. Drops in barometric pressure, typical during periods of rain, can cause your muscles, tendons, interstitial fluids and tissues to expand slightly, affecting how much pressure is placed on surrounding nerves. The degree of swelling and pain may depend on contributing factors such as arthritis, edema and past or present injuries.

Drops in activity:

While many islanders are active year-round, it’s natural for some of us to stay inside and reduce our overall physical activity and energy output when it’s cold, wet and generally “blah” outside. Just as too much activity can leave muscles sore, too little activity — especially when your body has become accustomed to being active — can increase the sensation of joint pain and general achiness. Drops in activity coupled with a colder climate can decrease circulation and increase muscle tension and fluid retention around joints, causing muscles and tendons to feel more stiff and sore than usual. 

Simple Ways to Reduce Winter Aches and Joint Pain

Warm Up:

When fall and winter chills aggravate aches and pains, the easiest thing to do is warm up at home with a heating pad, hot water bottle, or warm bath. Take essential precautions when using an electrical heating pad, hot water bottle, microwaveable bean bag or any other compresses: 

  • First, the temperature you apply should be comfortably warm and not hot – heat builds up on your skin the longer a warm compress is applied;
  • Always use a towel or cloth between the heat source and your skin to prevent burns;
  • Never fall asleep while using a heating pad or hot compress (opt for electrical heating pads with built-in timers) or use a warm beanbag or hot water bottle wrapped in a towel;
  • Never apply heat if wounds are present or infection is suspected;
  • Apply heat in 10-20 minute intervals or shorter;
  • Pay attention to how you feel — the heat you apply should never feel hot, and if the pain or swelling increases instead of improving, stop and consult with a physician or trusted health practitioner immediately.

Get and Stay Active:

You may not feel like being active during darker, wetter and colder seasons, but consider that staying active not only helps mitigate aches and pains while keeping you fit year-round, but regular exercise can also help banish the winter blues. Be sure to take a few minutes at the end of your activities to stretch your muscles — paying extra attention to the areas that tend to bother you most. One important word of caution, consult with a health practitioner before starting a new workout routine or increasing your activity — especially if you have preexisting health conditions or old injuries. 

Get Help and Relief From Massage Therapy and Physiotherapy:

When joint pain, old injuries, and muscle tension persist or interfere with the activities you love and your overall well-being, a professional massage therapist or physiotherapist can help. Massage therapy and physiotherapy can help improve circulation, mobility and strength where it’s needed most while helping prevent re-injury and soreness from unaddressed muscle imbalances and suboptimal movement patterns. Booking an appointment and consultation with a massage therapist or physiotherapist is a great place to start, and they will likely give you pain-reducing tips and exercises you can perform between sessions at home.

If Your Pain Persists or You’re Unsure Where to Start

Give our team of practitioners a call at Diversified Health Clinic today at (250) 382-0018 or book an appointment online. If you’re unsure who to book your appointment with, ask us when you call. Our diversified approach and initial consultation process ensure you’ll be placed in the best care possible, with a practitioner and plan tailored to your specific situation and needs.

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Joint Pain? Why It’s Important to Identify Bursitis Symptoms 

Joint Pain? Why It's Important to Identify Bursitis Symptoms 

Just about everyone experiences a bout of joint pain. While some mild aches and pains aren’t a cause for concern, joint pain caused by bursitis warrants inquiry with a physician or physiotherapist to rule out infection and prevent further injury. It’s easy to inadvertently make bursitis worse by treating it like you would a strained joint. For this reason, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these most common bursitis symptoms and what to do if you experience them. 

What Bursitis Is

By adulthood, our bodies house 360 joints and 150 bursae. Bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursa (singular form of bursae) of one or more joints becomes either infected or inflamed. 

Bursae are small, synovial fluid-filled sacs that provide cushioning and lubrication between the bones in joints. Bursae also serve as a protective layer that helps facilitate ease of movement when surrounding muscles and tendons move around a joint. When the bursa of a joint becomes inflamed, the joint can feel stiff and painful to move.

Bursitis Causes and Contributing Factors

While bursitis can be a complication of weight, age, injury and other, pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and arthritis, the most common causes of non-infected bursitis include:

  • Incorrect movement patterns and repetitive motions that place tension on the joint
  • Improper footwear and gait patterns
  • Postural issues
  • Sports, occupations, and activities that place repetitive pressure or strain on a joint (e.g., resting weight on elbows, kneeling on hard surfaces, cycling, tennis, etc.)
  • Lack of stretching and warm-up before athletic activities
  • Tight hamstrings 
  • Injury resulting in joint trauma

Common Bursitis Symptoms

Bursitis tends to affect the body’s major bursae, found in large joints, including the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees but can also affect other parts of the body, including the heel (posterior to the Achilles tendon) and shins. There are different types of bursitis, based on which joint is affected. Following is a list of the most common bursitis signs and symptoms to watch out for:

  • Warmth and redness of the affected joint (red elbow)
  • Localized swelling of affected joint
  • Tingling, burning, or snapping pain, especially after activity or while attempting to move the affected joint
  • Joint stiffness that can worsen following activity
  • Unusual grinding or popping sensations when moving the joint

Signs and Symptoms of Infected Bursitis Which Warrant Immediate Medical Attention:

While non-infected bursitis is more common, infected bursitis can be serious and warrants prompt medical attention. Immediately contact your physician or a nearby emergency room if any of the above bursitis symptoms are accompanied by worsening pain, fever, chills, and malaise. Don’t hesitate–you should always take fever and pain seriously. 

How to Prevent Bursitis

There are things you can start doing to protect your joins and prevent bursitis, such as:

  • Adequate stretching and warm-up of muscles before activities
  • Investing in proper footwear and orthotics if needed to correct gait issues
  • Protecting joints from shock and hard surface strain by using knee and elbow pads or padded surfaces as needed
  • Correcting posture and incorrect movement patterns
  • When something hurts, don’t push it–rest and assess before resuming an activity
  • Be mindful of not placing undue strain on your body
  • Ensuring adequate rest, nutrition, and recovery between activities
  • Managing weight while easing into new activities slowly
  • Undergoing physiotherapy treatments for injury recovery and prevention

What Not to Do if You Suspect Bursitis

It’s easy to accidently make bursitis worse. A few of the ways bursitis is made worse is by assuming that all it needs for recovery is a little rest, stretching, movement, and wrapping. But, if you’re experiencing joint pain caused by bursitis, placing the joint under further tension via incorrect stretches, knee and elbow sleeves, or compression bandages can aggravate bursitis symptoms and prolong recovery, which brings us to our next point.

Why Promptly Treating Bursitis Is So Important

While most forms of non-infected bursitis are temporary and benefit from rest, icing, anti-inflammatories, and physiotherapy, bursitis caused by infection can be very serious and requires immediate medical attention. This is why it’s important to seek proper diagnosis and treatment of bursitis if suspected. Even when it comes to non-infected bursitis, appropriate treatment will help alleviate symptoms and prevent further aggravating the condition. The good news is that non-infected bursitis is typically easy to resolve without long-term complications. 

Bursitis Treatment Options in Victoria BC

Our multidisciplinary team of practitioners at Diversified Health Clinic in downtown Victoria offer a variety of options for treating and preventing bursitis, including:

The first step is to make an appointment with one of our physiotherapists who will properly assess your bursitis and customize a treatment plan that will help alleviate symptoms while also treating the source of your bursitis and helping you prevent further injury. 

Take the Next Step

Take the first step on your road to recovery by booking an appointment with one of our physiotherapists today at (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.

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What is Bursitis?

What is Bursitis?

Bursitis is an inflammation of one of the body’s bursae (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints). This painful condition can be caused by a mild injury, repeated use (such as prolonged kneeling on a hard surface), arthritis, or infection. Commonly affected joints include the shoulder, elbow, knee, and hip.

Bursitis is typically identified by the localized pain or swelling that occurs when the small sac (bursa) found inside joints become inflamed. The fluid-filled sac helps to lubricate and cushion the joint. When it is inflamed, movement can be painful. Usually, bursitis occurs in larger joints such as shoulders and hips. Symptoms of bursitis may include swelling, redness, a warm joint area, aching or stiffness in the joint that gets worse with movement.

Without seeing your health care provider, you usually can’t tell the difference between bursitis and pain caused by a strain or arthritis.  Often just resting and elevating the joint can help. Applying ice may help relieve pain and swelling. Once the joint is no longer painful, you can work to strengthen the muscles around the joint and prevent further flare-ups.

Chiropractic and Physiotherapy treatments can help most people with musculoskeletal disorders such as bursitis. Treatment options can include manipulations, or modalities such as cold lasers, ultrasound and a decompression table.

Contact Diversified Health to speak with one of our health care practitioners for information on the treatment options that could be right for you.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis has taken a step into the spotlight for many during the Winter Olympics. Canadian athlete, Spencer O’Brien (snowboard) has spoken openly about her journey with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and how it has affected her life and sport. Debunking the misconception that arthritis, in its many forms, is a disorder of the older persons, her struggle is one that many can relate to on some level.

So what is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis, also referred to as RA, is an autoimmune disorder, occurring when a person’s immune system attacks its own body systems. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis does not cause the same type of wear and tear damage to the joints in the same way. The damage inflicted by rheumatoid arthritis is caused by swelling of the linings of the joints of the body. This can result in erosion of the bones and joints and can often cause joint deformation.

It is a chronic, inflammatory disorder that can affect much more than just your joints though. It can have a significant impact on a person’s entire body; including the heart and lungs, circulatory system, skin and eyes. Approximately 40% of people with RA experience symptoms that don’t involve joints.

Risk Factors

Gender plays a role in te disorder. More women than men develop rheumatoid arthritis and they tend to be more severely affected by it. They also are more likely to develop the disorder at a younger age.

Genetics may be a factor. If you have a family member with RA, you are at a higher risk for developing it yourself. however, the science is still out on whether there is a specific genetic cause for the disorder. A genetic predisposition to sensitivity of certain environmental factors, such as viral or bacterial infections which are suspected to trigger the disorder, can play a role in your risk factor.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Depending on what areas of the body are affected primarily, the symptoms do vary but generally include the following:

–           Swollen joints that may also be warm and tender

–           Stiffness and reduced range of motion in your joints; especially after inactivity or in the morning

–           fever, fatigue, weight loss

 

The symptoms tend to start in the smaller joints and spread to larger joint areas over time as the disorder progresses. Symptoms may almost seem to come and go and be in flare ups rather than being consistent and progressive in intensity.

Your physician may use a number of diagnostic tools to assist in determining if you have RA. Blood tests, imaging tests and a physical examination of symptomatic areas are a few tools that are used.

Treatment

While there is currently no cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can be highly successful at reducing the impact this disorder can have.

The goal of treatment is remission: achieving a state where the activity of the disease is low or even gone. The earlier that treatment is started, the more that remission can be attained.

Prescription medications are often used to help reduce the symptoms and discomfort associated with the disease. Therapy is often helpful in managing the progression and assisting in performing daily tasks that can become more difficult as joint flexibility may be reduced. In cases where joint degeneration or alteration has occurred, surgery is also an option that is explored.

 

For more information and education about Rheumatoid Arthritis, check out this helpful link. If you are concerned about your joint health or have questions about RA, make sure to follow up with your primary care provider. Joint pain and stiffness doesn’t have to be something that you just learn to live with.

Yours in Health,

Diversified Health Clinic

 

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Arthritis and Chiropractic Treatments

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease, which in most cases is the result of repetitive trauma of the joints, and can affect  many different parts of the body.

Chiropractic treatments can result in the diminishing of pain by improving ease of movement and decreased fluid build up in the joints that often occurs with arthritic conditions. Chiropractic treatments can also include specialized modalities that help with pain, inflammation and mobility.

Modalities that help with osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease:

Ultrasound therapy –  when applied to soft tissues and joints, sound waves can  produce a massaging effect that helps reduce swelling and decrease pain and stiffness.

Neuromechanical therapy – this therapy applies gentle pressure to a specific area of muscle where a patient experiences pain to alleviate that pain and improved mobility.

Class IV K – Laser therapy –  this technique uses a non-heat producing laser or light that penetrates deep into the tissue, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, reducing swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain.

eTomis –  the eToims devise sends very brief but strong electrical pulses to the areas of irritated nerves, to relaxes nerve fibers, thus relieving muscle pain and restoring function, mobility and quality of life.

Graston Technique  – is an instrument-assisted, soft tissue mobilization therapy that safely removes scar tissues and scar tissue adhesions that have occurred as a result of chronic inflammation, injuries, repetitive motion or from old injuries.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – TENs therapy helps to stimulate pain-inhibiting chemicals in the human body known as endorphins, and block the nerve fibers that are responsible for pain.

Home therapeutic exercises and stretches –  These activities are to be completed at home to promote strength and endurance.

Nutrition and supplement –  providing diet, nutritional advice and supplements to address inflammation.

Chiropractic treatments can help those who are suffering from arthritis, by reducing pain, stiffness, and restoring the range of motion to joints, improving flexibility and increasing muscle tone and strength.

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An Introduction to Arthritis | acupuncture victoria bc

Live long enough and you can pretty much count on developing arthritis, so an introduction to arthritis | acupuncture victoria bc just makes sense. Joints naturally degenerate over time!

Arthritis (“arth” meaning joint and “itis” meaning inflammation) isn’t a single condition; it actually consists of more than 1oo different conditions.  These can be anything from mild forms of tendonitis, such as tennis elbow and bursitis, to a crippling systemic form such as rheumatoid arthritis.  There are pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and arthritis related disorders such as lupus.

An Introduction to Arthritis | acupuncture victoria bc

An Introduction to Arthritis | acupuncture victoria bc

There are forms of the disease, such as gout that almost nobody connects with arthritis.  The common denominator for all these conditions is joint and musculoskeletal pain which is why they are grouped together as arthritis. Often the pain is a result of inflammation of the joint lining.

Inflammation is involved in may forms of arthritis, it is the body’s natural response to an injury.  The warning signs that inflammation is present is redness, swelling, heat and pain.   When a joint becomes inflamed it may get any or all of the mentioned symptoms.  This can prevent the normal use of the joint and can cause the loss of function of that joint.

Acupuncture has been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. During the acupuncture treatment, tiny needles will be placed along your legs, arms, shoulders, and perhaps even your little toe!  Acupuncture points to treat Arthritis are located all over the body, not just directly over the affected area.

Now that you have had an introduction to arthritis | acupuncture victoria bc, please contact Victoria Spaurel R.Ac. to find out if acupuncture is right for you!

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