Diagnostic Imaging: Is “degeneration” or “arthritis” relevant to pain or well-being?

Here are some interesting facts:

The Neck:

An MRI study of healthy adults and seniors found that 98% of all the men and women with no neck pain had evidence of “degenerative changes”in their neck. (1)

The Mid Back:

An MRI study of healthy adults with no history of upper or low back pain found that 47% had disc degeneration,53% had disc bulges and 58% had disc tears in their thoracic spine. (2)

The Low Back:

Lumbar disc degeneration is present in 40% of individuals under the age of 30 and present in over 90% of those between the ages of 50-55.(3)

The Knee:

Up to 85% of adults with no actual knee pain have x-rays that show knee arthritis. (4)

The Foot:

32% of people with no foot or heel pain have a heel spur visible on x-ray.(5)

The Shoulder:

MRI studies of adults who have no shoulder pain show that 20% have partial rotator cuff tears and 15% have full thickness tears. In addition, in those over the age of 60, 50% (half) of those who had no shoulder pain or injury had rotator cuff tears on their MRI that they did not even know about.(6)

 Sooooo…….
Stop worrying about what your MRI and X-RAY may be showing, because scary findings do not have to equal pain and disability.

Start putting more effort into proactive management like physiotherapy and a healthy lifestyle to help deal with the acute pain of degenerative conditions so that it does not end up becoming a chronic condition.

If you’d like to discuss how we can help you to be proactive.  Call and make an appointment today.

 

References:

1. Okada E, et al Disc degeneration of cervical spine on MRI in patients with lumbar disc herniation: comparison study with asymptomatic volunteers. Eur Spine J. 2011 Apr;20(4):585-91

 2. Matsumoto M, et al Age-related changes of thoracic and cervical intervertebral discs in asymptomatic subjects. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2010 Jun 15;35(14):1359-64.

3. Cheung KM, et al Prevalence and pattern of lumbar magnetic resonance imaging changes in a population study of one thousand forty-three individuals. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2009 Apr 20;34(9):934-40.

 4. Bedson J, Croft PR. The discordance between clinical and radiographic knee osteoarthritis: a systematic search and summary of the literature. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2008 Sep 2;9:116.

 5. Johal KS, Milner SA. Plantar fasciitis and the calcaneal spur: Fact or fiction? Foot Ankle Surg. 2012 Mar;18(1):39-41.

6. Sher JS, et al Abnormal findings on magnetic resonance images of asymptomatic shoulders. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1995 Jan;77(1):10-5.

Laser Therapy Now At Tri City Physiotherapy

“Proven Results with the Speed of Light”

Phototherapy or Laser, is a therapeutic modality that uses photons (light energy) for tissue healing and pain reduction. It can be referred to as a variety of names such as laser and light therapy, low level laser and cold laser therapy.

We now have a MedX laser  that we are using with positive results and great feedback from patients.  You can read more about the laser and the conditions it can treat at http://www.medxhealth.com/medxconditions.html

How it works:

Light energy penetrates through the skin and is absorbed by the mitochondria (the energy machines) of cells of our bodies. Light energy is then converted into bio-chemical energy which helps restore normal cell function.

Effects of laser and light therapy:

-increases circulation and helps remove pain-causing substances from the site of injury

-helps reduce inflammation

-alters the pain threshold of our nociceptors (pain signaling receptors)

-enhances the release of endorphins (our ‘feel good’ neurotransmitters)

Scared of Needles?

Laser is the most effective alternative to needles for Acupuncture. A laser beam is a beam of extremely pure and concentrated light. The advantage of a pure light is that it can be used to produce very precise therapeutic effects. Each type of laser emits a specific wavelength of light. All of these have individual applications, which are used to treat different types of ailments.

All in all, laser helps:

-control pain, ease muscle strain, reduce muscle spasm, improve range of motion and helps bring down inflammation and swelling.

If you want to try the healing power of laser therapy or want to find out more.  Call us to book an appointment or to talk to one of our staff about the potential benefits laser therapy can do for you.

Partnering with Local YMCA

Here at Tri City Physiotherapy we are proud to say that we have partnered with our local Cambridge YMCA to help promote cardiac health with the 120 over 80 campaign.

This campaign is aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise to achieve an optimal blood pressure, leading to a reduction of in one of the risk factors associated with Heart Attacks and Strokes.

We are already partnered with the YMCA in Cambridge to provide continuity to the education and exercise program we give our Cardiac Rehabilitation patient and hope this new project will lead to an even healthier community.  Please visit their website or head over to our office or our local YMCA for more details.

YMCAs of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo are offering a free 120 Over 80 Wellness Series at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA (333 Carwood Avenue, Kitchener) this fall. Learn from experts in a wide range of health topics. Each evening will be an interactive presentation where you can ask questions, discover community resources, and learn about yourself as you gather information to help you lead a healthier life.
Please check out www.120over80.ca for more information.

Man I feel Dizzy – Vertigo and physical therapy

Why did I get Dizzy?

Diseases of the vestibular system can induce vertigo and dizziness, often accompanied by nausea.  80% of people over the age of 65 have experienced dizziness and benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).  BPPV is the cause of approximately 50% of dizziness in older persons.  About half the time, doctors can’t find a specific cause for BPPV.  Whiplash and head trauma is a frequent cause of vestibular disorders in people under the age of 50.

Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) can help people with a variety of vestibular problems, including benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Ménière’s disease, labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis or even a result of trauma. Even individuals with long-term unresolved inner ear disorders who have undergone a period of medical management with little or no success may benefit. VRT can also help people with an acute or abrupt loss of vestibular function following motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and surgery for vestibular problems.

What is Vestibular rehabilitation therapy?

The Vestibular system contributes to balance in humans and most mammals. The vestibular system sends signals primarily to the areas of the brain that control eye movements, and to the muscles that keep us upright.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a manual therapy and exercise based program, where a qualified physiotherapist will first perform a thorough evaluation that begins with a medical history and includes an assessment of posture, balance and gait, and compensatory strategies. Using the evaluation results, the therapist will develop a custom program for your particular problem. Depending on the diagnosis, the therapist may also perform some re-positioning procedures and teach you how to do them on your own at home to help treat and prevent future problems. In most BPPV cases only one or two in-clinic re-positioning procedures are enough cure the problem.

If you experience dizziness associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), consider these tips and remember SAFETY FIRST

  • Be aware of the possibility of losing your balance, which can lead to falling and serious injury.
  • Sit down immediately when you feel dizzy.
  • Use good lighting if you get up at night.
  • Walk with a cane for stability if you’re at risk of falling.
  • Work closely with your doctor to manage your symptoms effectively.
  • Have someone drive you to your appointments

BPPV may recur even after successful therapy.  The condition can be managed safely and effectively with physical therapy and home treatments.  If you suffer from BPPV or any other conditions that affect your balance or make you dizzy, contact our office to schedule your assessment today.

Put Nature’s Call On Hold!

Many of you have probably heard of the famous “Kegal” exercises.  Well, “Kegals” do NOT treat all kinds of pelvic pain and urinary incontinence.  If your pelvic floor muscles tend to be shortened, then kegals are not for you.  However, if you pelvic floor muscles are long and weak, then progressive pelvic floor strengthening and control  may be the right solution.  Now, you are probably wondering, “Well, how do I know if my pelvic floor muscles are short and tight or weak and long?

The answer to your question is pelvic floor physiotherapy.  Physiotherapists that have been trained in pelvic floor rehabilitation, will need to perform a thorough assessment which would help to determine what the right treatment plan is for you.  Your physiotherapist will ask you questions regarding how and when the problem started and get the details about what exactly you are experiencing.  Then, the next part of the assessment may involve a visual and manual vaginal and/or rectal examination in order to determine the source of the problem.  In addition to your pelvic floor assessment, your abdominal muscles, your low back and your hips may be assessed to see if there are any other factors affecting your pelvic function.

Patient education should focus on reassurance and the actual anatomy of the pelvis.  Treatment may take the form of exercise training: keeping a bladder diary; learning to use the proper muscles in the most proper way, behavior modifications, manual therapy to recover tissue mobility, and even changes in your diet.  The exercises will be specific to the problems that were found in your assessment: they could focus on strength, control and timing, and endurance, or even yoga and relaxation of an over active muscle.

Arm Bike / Ergonometer is here

I’m very excited to announce that Tri City Physiotherapy will now offer a top of the line upper body ergometer to offer an even wider range of rehab options for our patients.  An upper body ergometer is best described as a bicycle for your arms. Your hands hold pedals and your arms move around in circles as if pedaling a bike. You can sit or stand in front of the ergometer for a no-impact cardiovascular workout that uses only your upper body.

Upper body (arm) ergometers aren’t a gym staple, but they’re becoming more readily available in many of the top physical therapy offices, hospitals, and universities. These machines are targeted to meet the fitness and rehab needs of individuals who cannot use their legs for physical activity, either due to an acute injury or chronic pain, or for those patients with an upper body injury trying to return range or motion or strength to their upper body.  These machines offer a great cardio workout that uses the upper body instead of your legs.

Who can use an upper body ergometer?

  • Individuals with spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, or lower body disability
  • Individuals with chronic pain in the knees, feet, ankles, or hips.
  • Individuals who need a low-impact exercise program
  • Individuals who are recovering from foot or leg injury/surgery and have clearance to continue working out, but can’t use their legs.
  • Anyone who wants to vary their cardio workout program

Shoulder Pain or Problems?  Just had upper body surgery?

No problems at all…  If you have shoulder pain, shoulder surgery, or any other upper extremity problem that may affect the strength or endurance of your arms, your therapist may choose to have you use the upper body ergometer while in the clinic. Also, if you have worn a sling while healing from injury, you may notice that the strength and endurance of your arms is impaired. The upper body ergometer can help you improve your strength and endurance to help improve the function in your arms getting you back to your regular self faster.

Is it Safe if I’ve had Heart attack, or Bypass Surgery?

If you have had a heart attack, cardiac problems, Bypass surgery, or pulmonary (lung) problems, your doctor may refer you to physical therapy for cardiac or pulmonary rehabilitation. The upper body ergometer may be used to help improve your cardiac endurance or pulmonary function so you can quickly get back to normal activities.

Bypass patients still have to follow the standard restrictions for upper body exercises for the first part of their rehabilitation.  Once these restrictions have been removed by the supervising therapist in conjunction with the supervising physician, the upper body ergometer can be safely added to the rehab process.

Sci Fit Pro

We have ordered the Sci Fit Pro 1 http://scifit.com/proseries/pro1.shtml there is lots of good information on their website as well as lots of details about the machine.  Some of the features are:

  • Adjustable tilt head for all heights and ranges of motion
  • True , adjustable step-through accessibility
  • Bi-directional exercise
  • Iso-Strength safe, accommodating strength program
  • Very low starting resistance
  • Wheelchair platform
  • Fully adjustable seat

This model is compatible with the polar straps, so our cardiac patients can still monitor their heart rate using their straps.   Our non-cardiac patients can buy or bring their own polar straps to use with our machines.

For those interested in any of the scientific articles and research behind the upper body ergometer, please ask one of our staff members and we’d be happy to provide them for you.

We’re all excited and looking forward to adding this great piece of equipment into your rehab routine.

Physiotherapists: The Body Mechanics

To start, imagine driving down the road when you run over a big pot hole and get a flat tire.  Would the first thing that went through your head be “hmmmm, maybe it will get better on its own”?  Probably not.  Now imagine leaving that tire to “get better on its own”  for a week, a month or even a year.  Don’t you think that maybe this flat tire, which could have been fixed easily if it were taken care of initially, would cause further mechanical problems with the rest of your car?  The alignment, the gas mileage, not to mention the damage it would cause to the rims?

Now, instead of having a flat tire, imagine straining your shoulder while playing co-ed softball or while painting that  room that went out of style 10 years ago.  Wouldn’t it be a little easier to say “hmmm, maybe it will get better on its own”?  I bet it would be.  Don’t you think, much like how a flat tire would cause  further mechanical problems with your car, a strained shoulder would do the same to the rest of our body if left untreated?  My guess is that most of us would nod our heads yes, soooooo….. why is it that we treat our possessions better and more proactively than we treat ourselves?

If this scenario speaks to you, don’t let your next injury get the best of you.  Visit a physiotherapist so that your next flat tire doesn’t turn into a full body breakdown.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Hey guys! My name is Paige and I am the Kinesiologist at Tri City Physio. I am responsible for the patients who have experienced a cardiac event and are taking part in our cardiac rehabilitation program.

I provide each cardiac patient with an individualized exercise prescription, specific to their functional ability and their goals. When patients enroll in the cardiac rehab program, they will get one on one support and feedback from me to help them increase their fitness within healthy limits.

I also provide advice and education about eating a healthy diet, appropriate portion sizes and specific nutrient information that is important for cardiac patients, like watching how much sodium you are eating.

I co-ordinate YMCA referrals for the patients that have completed the cardiac rehab program and set up meetings with a dietician. It is my goal to make sure patients continue to exercise and live a healthy lifestyle to prevent secondary cardiac event.

I look forward to helping patients improve their lifestyle and overall health!

written by Paige Hall

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy

What are the benefits of Lymphatic Drainage Therapy for post surgery recovery?

The lymphatic system is usually compromised following the trauma of surgery, with fluids tending to accumulate, leading to swelling, mobility problems and general discomfort.’

For example, breast reduction or post mastectomy can result in excess lymph fluid accumulating in the body. Manual lymphatic drainage massage, or “lymphatic drainage” may be a very powerful and effective natural means to control common post-surgical lymphedema, a condition causes a visible swelling due to lymph fluid retention. Lymphatic drainage massage actually moves stagnant lymphatic fluid that builds around surgery and incision sites.

According to the National Lymphedema Network, if lymph nodes are removed, there is always a risk of developing lymphedema anywhere from hours after the surgery to 20 years later.

Lymphatic drainage can increase the volume of lymph flow by as much as 20 times, vastly increasing the system’s ability to remove toxins and infectious materials as well.

Moreover, lymphatic drainage massage can greatly aids in reducing bruising, speed up wound healing after surgery, and detoxify the body.

What is a Manual Lymphatic Drainage treatment like? Is it painful?

While some of post-op patients could be in extreme pain and can’t bear the thought of someone applying even the slightest bit of pressure to their wounds, in most cases they are pleasantly surprised by Manual Lymph Drainage. In fact, many times clients end up sleeping through most of the treatment.

Manual Lymph Drainage in reality feels incredibly gentle and relaxing. This is so because therapists use their fingers or hands in a light, feathery manner to help guide excess lymphatic fluid toward the nearest group of lymph nodes. Prior to that, therapists “open” the lymph nodes by gentle “pumping” them. The treatment is performed bare skin, with no oil.

In a case where lymph nodes have been removed, therapists can also re-direct lymph flow around a problem, bypassing those areas and taking fluid to the next set of available or desirable nodes along the system.

One of the ways a patient will know that Manual Lymph Drainage is working is the common side effect of getting a dry mouth or dry eyes (if you wear contact lenses they should be removed prior to the session).
After lymphatic drainage, some patients may experience fatigue, overwhelming thirst, and nausea or vomiting.

It is also common to have an increased need to urinate soon after a treatment and for several hours thereafter, as excess fluids that were moved from the tissues are now ready to be excreted as urine.

It is important for patients to drink plenty of water after a session is completed.

Those who are considering this procedure may want to consult with their physician in order to make sure that its risks do not outweigh the benefits.

This was written by Jasmina Paulis RMT

References:

1 Wittlinger, H. & G. Textbook of Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage, Vol 1. Haug Publishing. Heidelberg. ISBN 3-7760-1732-5. 1998.
2 Kasseroller Renato. Compendium of Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage. Haug Publishing. Heidelburg. ISBN 3-8304-0667-3. 1998.
3 Hurz Ingrid. Textbook of Dr Vodder’s Manual Lymph Drainage, Vol 2:Therapy. Haug Publishing. Heidelberg. ISBN 3-8304-0689-4. 1997.
4 Baumeister RGH et al. Post Traumatic Lymphoedema. In Weissleder Horst and Schuchhardt Christian eds. Lymphedema Diagnosis and Therapy. Viavartal Verlag, Koln. ISBN 3-934371-24-8. 2001.
5 Rettray F.S. and L.M. Ludwig. 2000. Edema. In “Clinical Massage Therapy” pp.217-241. Elora, ON: Talus Incorporated