cupping-therapy.jpg

July 12, 2019 0

Dry Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist uses special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. Therapists apply glass, bamboo or silicone cups to the skin for a few minutes to create suction. It increases blood circulation to the area where the cups are placed. This may relieve muscle tension, which can improve overall blood flow and promote cell repair.

During Dry Cupping, the cups are placed over several areas to create a vacuum which lifts the soft tissue and creates an upward stretch within the muscle and associated fascia. This vacuum lift helps to increase blood flow and induces a stretch effect, which results in a reduction in muscle tension and associated pain. The cups can either be left in a static position or moved to provide a deep tissue massage effect.

History of Cupping therapy

Cupping was established as an official therapeutic practice in the 1950s across hospitals in China after research conducted by Chinese and former Soviet Union acupuncturists confirmed cupping’s effectiveness. Prior to the 1950s, cupping had also been practiced as an auxiliary method in traditional Chinese surgery.

The procedure of dry cupping therapy

The cups used in this process are made of glass, plastic, bamboo, iron or pottery. The most popular ones are glass and plastic.

In dry cupping therapy, the therapist will soak a cotton ball in alcohol, light it and place the ball inside the cup. This will help to remove the oxygen from the cup, creating a suction which makes it easier to attach the cup to the skin. The other ways to create suction includes the cup over a small flame.

The cups are usually placed on the back, stomach arms and legs and are left on the skin for several minutes while the patient relaxes.

Benefits of dry cupping

  • This treatment is valuable for the lung and can clear congestion from a common cold or help to control a person’s asthma. In fact, respiratory conditions are one of the most common maladies that cupping is used to relieve.
  • Cupping’s detoxifying effect on skin and circulatory system is also significant, with a visible improvement in skin color after three to five treatments. Cupping removes toxins and improves blood flow through the veins and arteries. Especially useful for athletes is cupping’s potential to relieve muscle spasms.
  • Cupping also affects the digestive system. A few benefits include improved metabolism, relief from constipation, a healthy appetite, and stronger digestion.

Our Dry Cupping is an effective drugless therapy that is used to treat a variety of conditions including constipation, joint pain, migraines, fatigue, shoulder tension, asthma, and rheumatoid arthritis.

admin

what-is-BPPV-in-houston-texas-1.jpg

June 25, 2019 0

Vertigo or Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is a common disease that distresses a large number of people every year. Though, it is not life-threatening but has significantly affected their quality of life. BPPV has been defined as an inner ear disorder in which variations to the position of the head, like tilting the head backward, lead to sudden vertigo – a feeling where everything around appears to be spinning. Its intensity might range from mild to extreme and typically lasts only a few minutes.

Signs and Symptoms

BPPV may be escorted by the following signs and symptoms:

  • Dizziness
  • Lightheadedness
  • A sense of imbalance
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Causes of BPPV

BPPV progresses when calcium carbonate crystals, known as otoconia, move into and get trapped within the semicircular canals (one of the vestibular organs of the inner ear that regulates balance). These crystals form a normal part of the structure of the utricle, a vestibular organ next to the semicircular canals.

In the utricle, the otoconia may be released as a result of injury, infection, or age, and they end up in a sac – the utricle – where they get naturally dissolved. However, otoconia in the semicircular canals will not dissipate. As a person’s head position variates, they start to roll around and push on the tiny hair that lines the semicircular canals. Those hair act as sensors to inform the brain about balance. Vertigo develops when the hair is stimulated by the rolling otoconia.

Diagnosis and Tests

With progress in medical technology, BPPV has become easy to diagnose and treat. The diagnosis can usually be identified based on medical history and a physical exam known as the particle repositioning procedure. This process takes about 15 minutes to complete and involves a sequence of physical movements that change the position of the head and the body. These actions relocate the otoconia out of the semicircular canal and back into their proper location in the utricle.

Treating BPPV with Physiotherapy

Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to cope up with and treat vertigo. It involves using four commonly used procedures:

  • Epley Maneuver, which is extremely effective for treating mechanical ear imbalances, such as the loose crystals that cause BPPV.
  • Semont Maneuver,  Foster Maneuver, and  Brandt-Daroff Exercise.

These are some therapeutic exercises that can reduce the intensity of your symptoms, or in some cases, eliminate them entirely. The frequency of the exercise and the general routine to follow are advised based on your individual requirements.

Every case of vertigo is different from the other. The specific physical therapy treatments will highly depend on the diagnosis of your physical therapist.

If you are struggling with vertigo and desire professional help, reach out to us at Prime Physio Plus Physiotherapy Clinic to book an appointment for vertigo treatment.

admin

rotator-cuff-tear-shoulder-pain.jpg

June 18, 2019 0

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, keeping the head of your upper arm bone firmly within the shallow socket of the shoulder. A rotator cuff injury can result in a blunt ache in the shoulder that often aggravates while you try to sleep on the affected side.

This type of injury is a common occurrence for those who regularly perform overhead motions in their jobs or sports, for example, painters, carpenters, shotput throwers, etc. The possibility of rotator cuff injury increases with age.

The rotator cuff treatment comprises of comprehensive physical therapy sessions in order to restore elasticity and strength of the muscles and tendons cushioning the shoulder joint.  On the other hand, an extensive rotator cuff injury may require surgical repair, transfer of alternative tendons or joint replacement. Let’s take a sneak peek at what causes the condition, how to prevent it, and its treatment options.

Causes of Rotator Cuff Injury

Rotator cuff injury may be the result of either a substantial injury to the shoulder or too advanced disintegration or wear and tear of the tendon tissue. A repeated overhead movement or heavy lifting over an extended period of time may further destruct the tendon.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Injury

The pain associated may display the following rotator cuff injury symptoms:

  • A dull ache deep in the shoulder,
  • Disrupted sleep cycles, especially if you lie on the affected shoulder,
  • Difficulty in performing simple activities that involve reaching behind your back, and – Weakness in the arm.

Diagnosis

During the rotator cuff injury test, your doctor will apply pressure on various parts of your shoulder and even move your arm into different positions. The strength of the muscles around your shoulder and in your arms shall be evaluated too.

In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) will be prescribed as well to rule out any other possibility leading to the condition.

Prevention

Isometric shoulder exercises and rotator cuff exercises are a must if you are at risk of rotator cuff injuries or if you have had suffered few in the past. These include daily shoulder stretches and strengthening exercises in order to prevent future trouble.

Most patients also exercise the front muscles of the chest, shoulder and upper arm. Your doctor or a physical therapist may prescribe you a suitable exercise routine.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Conventional treatments — such as rest, ice and physical therapy — sometimes are all that is required to remedy your rotator cuff injury and assist you in recovering. Depending on the severity of your trauma, like in case of a total tear of the muscle or tendon, you might need surgery.

To reduce the pain further, steroid injections are recommended. But, physical therapy is the primary choice preferred by doctors. Exercises tailored to the exact position of your injury can help in restoring flexibility and strength to your shoulder. It also plays a significant role during the recovery phase after rotator cuff surgery.

If you suffer from this ailment, now is the right time to pick up your phone and book your appointment with us at Prime Physio Plus Physiotherapy Clinic.

admin

pelvic-pain-bay-state-physical-therapy-1200x469.jpg

June 11, 2019 0

The precise reason behind pelvic pain for most women can be unidentifiable, irrespective of any examinations or scans. In a few cases, the symptoms are associated with a problem that is often overlooked. Pelvic pain may arise from a pelvic floor muscle condition that can be aided by a particular form of physical therapy known as the pelvic physical therapy.

What are the Pelvic Floor Muscles?

The floor of the pelvis includes multiple layers of muscle and other tissues. These layers stretch like a hammock from the tailbone at the back to the pubic bone in the front. When your pelvic floor muscles are unable to control themselves, it is known as pelvic floor dysfunction.

What are Pelvic Floor Conditions?

The pelvic floor conditions comprise of the following:

  • Stress Incontinence,
  • Urge Incontinence,
  • Overactive bladder,
  • Ante-natal Care,
  • Post-natal Care,
  • Vaginal Collapse,
  • Pelvic Pain,
  • Fecal Incontinence, and
  • Bowel Conditions, such as Constipation.

Why Do the Pelvic Floor Muscles Weaken in Women?

The pelvic floor muscles in women can be weakened due to the following factors:

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth;
  • Persistent Constipation;
  • Repetitive Heavy Lifting;
  • A Chronic Cough (Smoker’s Cough, Acute Bronchitis, Asthma, etc.);
  • Hormonal Imbalance at;
  • Surgery (E.g. Prostate or Episiotomy); Weak Core Muscle Strength; and A Lack of General Fitness.

What is Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy?

In order to maintain the strength of pelvic floor muscles, it becomes important for both women and men of all ages to reap the benefits of pelvic floor physiotherapy and rehabilitate the weakened muscles. It can help not only with the pain but also reduce symptoms of other conditions caused by pelvic floor problems, such as urinary and fecal incontinence, painful intercourse, and sexual dysfunction. Relaxing tapered and compressed muscles can help ease pain in the pelvic floor, just as it would in other muscles in the body.

Although many women might find pelvic physical therapy unusual and offensive, it can be quite effective. The effectiveness of the therapy will always depend on the severity of the case. It can also serve as additional therapy and does not always have to be the only treatment option.

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Techniques

Education: A patient should be aware of his/her pelvic anatomy and how different components work alone and together. They should also have knowledge of how their habits and hygiene affect their symptoms.

Pelvic Floor Exercises: Exercises involving contraction and relaxation of pelvic floor muscles in relation to other muscles are a must. Few breathing and timing techniques that make the exercises more effective are also taught. Such exercises can assist them in stretching the constricted muscles, strengthen the weak ones, and improve flexibility.

Manual Therapy: A physical therapist may use hands-on massage or stretching to help with posture, blood circulation, and mobility.

Pelvic floor physical therapy may be part of a treatment plan involving primary care physicians, sex therapists, and mental health professionals.

If you wish to undergo pelvic physical therapy, then we at Prime Physio Plus Physiotherapy Clinic are just a call away!

admin

carpeltunnel.png

May 12, 2019 0

What you might be feeling

Classically Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  (CTS) presents as pins and needles, numbness, burning or pain in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and half of the ring finger. The symptoms can be associated with swelling, difficulties distinguishing between hot and cold temperatures and reduced coordination of the hand. Commonly, people affected by this condition wake at night with symptoms and have to shake their hand to obtain relief.

What’s going on inside

The carpal tunnel is a canal formed by ligaments and the small bones of the wrist on the palm side of your hand. Several tendons, blood vessels and a nerve pass through the carpal tunnel as they travel from the forearm to the hand. The nerve that passes through this narrow tunnel is called the Median nerve. If the median nerve is be com-pressed, it may result in carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is thought to occur as a result of increased pressure in the carpal tunnel. In some instances there is an obvious reason for the increase in pressure such as:

– A fracture of the small bones in the hand or the bones of the forearm.
– Swelling of the tendons that pass through the carpal tunnel.
Other causes can be related to occupational practices such as:
– Exposure to vibration.
– Maintaining the wrist in a bent position for prolonged periods e.g. sewing, painting, writing and computer work.
Other contributing factors/causes are:
– Pregnancy
– Age
– Diabetes
– Rheumatoid arthritis

How a physio can help?

Determining the cause and contributing factors is important in the management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Reducing inflammation associated with a fracture or an injured tendon will help reduce pressure in the carpal tunnel. If symptoms are related to vibration then modifying work practices to avoid prolonged exposure is important. Similarly avoiding prolonged positioning of the wrist in a flexed or extended position is important. Splints, different equipment, different grips may all be useful to change and support the wrist mechanics.

Wear a splint:

A specific carpal tunnel splint that helps to keep the wrist in a neutral position helps minimize the pressure in the carpal tunnel. Initially the splint may need to be worn for long periods to allow symptoms to settle. As symptoms settle the splint is worn for shorter periods.

Rest:

Rest from aggravating activities is important, it helps settle inflammation and alleviates symptoms.

Exercise Program:

Your physiotherapist will give you stretches and exercises that help to mobilize the median nerve, help strengthen the muscles around the wrist and stretches to stretch the structures around the wrist to help settle and alleviate symptoms and to prevent recurrences.
Surgery?

In cases that are left untreated, serious cases, or cases that don’t respond to treatment, surgery is sometimes needed. Surgery involves decompression of the nerve. Most people do well after such surgery.

admin

muslimlink_article.jpg

May 12, 2019 0

The Ontario Physiotherapy Association is currently running a campaign called #PhysioHelpsLives to educate Ontarians about physiotherapy.

Muslim Link spoke to physiotherapists Mohamed Fouda and Keltouma Nouah. Fouda is the manager of Prime Physio Plus Clinic in Ottawa and Nouah is a recent graduate of the University of Ottawa’s Master in Physiotherapy program who works at the Prime Physio Plus Clinic. We asked them about physiotherapy’s benefits, why more Muslims should consider seeing a physiotherapist, and why Muslim youth should consider a career in physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy is a physical means to treat health problems. Best known for treating issues such as muscle pain, Fouda explains that it can also help in many other ways, “It can help people who are having breathing problems, like asthma. Some dermatological problems require phototherapy. Other issues may be treated with hydrotherapy, so you work with the patient in a pool. If you have back problems, we can use spinal decompression.”

While accepted as a mainstream form of medical treatment, it differs in its approach to healing, “We try to use as little intrusive means as possible to heal the patient. So we don’t use medication, we don’t use injections,” Nouah states.

Physiotherapists use a combination of methods to heal the patient. Treatments can include massage therapy, which is used for soft tissue pain and tightness, but that is just one of many treatments. Other treatments might involve the use of heat, cold, electrical currents, ultrasounds or even acupuncture.

Both Nouah and Fouda find that many people think of physiotherapy as just massage. “People just expect us to massage them,” says Fouda,”They have knee pain, back pain, neck pain and they think their only option is gentle massage. People don’t realize that a lot of different techniques could be used to help them.”

Despite growing up in Canada, Nouah herself was not aware of physiotherapy until three years before she applied for the program, “I heard the term but I didn’t really know what we did.”Something that physiotherapy might not be traditionally associated with is pregnancy. It can help during pregnancy with back, neck, and knee pain, but it can also help mothers during labour and after birth. “There are also techniques you can use to help with a smoother delivery and that can also reduce pain during delivery. You also have a condition called diastasis recti, so this is when the muscles of the belly have so much pressure on them that they separate and your stomach pushes out. This condition can be treated by physiotherapy,” explains Nouah. Fouda points out that physiotherapy can also help with issues after birth such as incontinence or uterine prolapse.In addition to helping with many different health conditions, physiotherapy can also play a role in preventative medicine—to help prevent certain conditions or injuries. Fouda stresses the importance of addressing health issues early on, “For example, if you have shoulder pain, you go to a physiotherapist to get it check out because it could develop into a condition called frozen shoulder that means you can’t move your shoulder at all. But that condition could be avoided just with very simple exercises if you get assessed early enough.”

For Nouah, she would like to see more Muslim women using physiotherapy, “I find that Muslim women, it doesn’t matter what culture we are from, we don’t seem to take care of our bodies all that well and we ignore the fact that there are ways to treat pain; we don’t have to just be patient with it. You can be patient with other things, but not your pain. It is important to know that physiotherapy can help. There are women physiotherapists who can help you. Often we have a lot of clients who are uncomfortable going to any other clinic; they like coming here because they know that they can definitely get served by a female physiotherapist, we offer privacy for women. We can serve them in Arabic if they need that. “

“If you have discomfort, check it out before it gets worse,” Fouda recommends, “Sometimes you go to the doctor for an issue and they can’t treat it or they just give you pain medication, but that doesn’t really address the problem. But you can also come into a physio clinic, get yourself assessed, it doesn’t take that long, and we can figure out what treatment is best for you.”

Physiotherapy also involves developing exercise plans for patients. Fouda states that patients have an active role in physiotherapy, “You have to be active in your treatment if you want to see improvement. That is why we create exercise plans and it is so important that people follow through with them.”

Typically, Nouah explains, patients tend not to leave the clinic without exercises, “We always try to tailor it to the patient’s time, what they are capable of, and also how much pain they are in. But we want to help people be able to handle their conditions outside of the clinic. We are not trying to get people to come to our clinic every day for the rest of their lives. We want you to come in, we work with you, we bring down your pain level, but we also give you the tools so you can manage your condition at home so that you won’t always have to see us. Although we would love to see you again!”

So, why consider becoming a physiotherapist? For Nouah, she discovered physio by volunteering at a physio clinic near her home. She loved it and realized that the Muslim community is not as diverse as it could be when it comes to careers, “It is either be a doctor, be a lawyer, be an engineer, be a teacher if we are really pushing it. But that doesn’t make us a strong community. It is better if we have someone in our community who does every job, so they can be a go to person, a resource.

But in the Muslim community, particularly if you wear hijab, it is like we feel some careers are off limits for us. Because physiotherapy is seen as involving a lot of touching, I think some people may see it as a taboo for us to go into it. But the reality is that there is more touching in medicine. And the way I see it, I want to help people, and I feel that physiotherapy is really needed and it can help a lot more people at this time because of the type of conditions we are seeing people develop, particularly as they age.”

The Master program in physiotherapy that Nouah just graduate from is the first of its kind here in Canada. Anatomy, exercise prescription, and rehabilitation are just part of the program. They also focus on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to help people breathe better, on the nervous system to support conditions such as MS or Parkinson’s, and on geriatrics to help people as they age. The last year of the program includes a lot of clinical work to provide sufficient hands-on experience for students.

Nouah, who wears hijab, discusses the challenges she had while studying physiotherapy, “It is never not awkward when you wear hijab and are pursuing a career where there are not many women who wear hijab. But my professors were very supportive,” she shares, “You just have to know who you are and be a strong person. As part of our program, you have to do rounds and placements in hospitals so I can’t tell a patient, ‘I’m sorry, I can’t treat you because you are a man.’ As a healthcare professional, you can’t discriminate because of gender. If you want to be a good practitioner you need to know everybody type, you need to know what feels right or what doesn’t feel right and unless you are touch, you won’t know.”

Nouah is glad she has pursued this career because she feels it puts more Muslim women at ease who need physio treatment to receive services from another Muslim woman. “ I speak Arabic and French, as well as English, so I can offer them the support they need as a trained professional who also understand the language and the culture,” she explains.

In Ontario, most private healthcare plans including Ontario Auto Insurers and workplace injury claims cover physiotherapy. But to be eligible for physiotherapy treatment under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), you do have to meet certain criteria.

For Fouda, this is a concern, “But what about the people who don’t meet these criteria and don’t have the money to pay for treatment? I was able to apply to be covered to treat newly arrived Syrian refugees because many of them need physiotherapy. But we need to find a way to make physiotherapy more widely available for those who need it because it can help so many people.”

admin

physicaltherapy_injury.png

January 5, 2017 0

Physical therapy is a lot more than just stretch or strengthen weak muscles after an injury or surgery. Physical therapists are skilled at evaluating and diagnosing potential problems before they lead to more-serious injuries or disabling conditions from carpal tunnel syndrome or a frozen shoulder to chronic headaches or lower-back.

Physical therapy, which became prevalent during World War I to help rehabilitate our injured service people, is a diverse allied health care practice that prevents injury and decreases pain while also promoting increased mobility, health, and wellness. Physical therapists do treat patients post injury, or accident, but also work hard to prevent injuries.

admin