Staff Highlight
Amy, Physical Therapist
Amy graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology in 2003 and completed her Master of Science degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto in 2005.
Amy joined the Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy team in November, 2006. She enjoys treating the knee as well as the spine, and hopes to specialize in this area in the future.
Amy has competed nationally and internationally in the sport of figure skating, and as a physiotherapist, has had the opportunity to work with many athletes and sports teams from the recreational to international level. She enjoys hiking, volleyball and spending time with family and friends. |
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The hot weather is upon us. I hope that everyone is enjoying the summer in Calgary. Remember to use sun screen when venturing out in the sun. This month's Newsletter features common Patient Questions.
For your convenience, we have another added value for our patients. Effective August 1st, 2007 we can now offer WCB services at our new Thorncliffe location.
Blair and all the staff at Nose Creek Sport Physical Therapy
This is a complimentary monthly e-zine that focuses on injury prevention and general health tips. |
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Questions Our Patients Ask Us
In this month's newsletter, we will address two common questions asked of physical therapists at Nose Creek.
How long will my condition take to improve?
How long conditions take to improve does vary between individuals, which is why personalized assessments and treatments are so essential. For example, a bone may have theoretically healed sufficiently in 4 to 6 weeks for the cast to be removed, but bone and soft tissue healing continues after the cast comes off. Rate of complete healing will depend on many factors such as the nature and extent of the injury, a person's age, occupation, health and lifestyle, and compliance to one's rehabilitation program. Every individual is different and so every condition and injury will vary in their healing times. Also, in both medicine and rehabilitation, the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal conditions is both an art and a science. Problems often have many contributing factors which make the diagnosis of a person's pain often complex and difficult. How a patient responds to prescribed treatments helps us narrow the problem and define the diagnosis with greater accuracy. This is why compliance to treatment is so very important and which contributes greatly to a person's rate of improvement.
What exercise is good for _______?
As physical therapists, we are asked frequently to suggest exercises that will solve people's numerous aches and pains. However, the prescription of exercises must be specific to the condition and the person's stage of healing. Otherwise, inappropriate exercises can at best, solve nothing or at worse, worsen a person's problem. There is no cookie cutter program for people because people are not cookies. Before prescribing a treatment, the problem must first be identified. Even a relatively straightforward diagnosis of "tennis elbow" has several contributing factors and each must be identified for the treatment to be successful. As well, apart from the acute stage, the conditioning portion of Person A's rehabilitation program will likely differ from Person B's since each person's goals of treatment will likely differ. |
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Using Ice or Heat
Patients are frequently asking questions with respect to using heat or ice. They want to know what they should apply it, how long they should apply it for and when they should use it during their recovery.
New Injury
If the pain is sharp, ice should be used on a new injury for the first 3 to 7 days depending on severity of swelling & amount of swelling. It should be applied at the end of the day for 15 minutes every 1 to 2 hours.
Heat should be applied after 3 to 7 days depending on severity and amount of swelling. The pain should be a dull ache. Use heat for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours (max) at the start of the day.
Chronic Injury
Use ice for the first 3 to 4 days after re-injury if the pain is sharp. It should be applied for 15 minutes every 1 to 2 hours at the end of the day.
Heat should be applied 3 to 4 days after re-injury when the pain is a dull ache. Use heat for 20 minutes every 1-2 hours max at the start of the day.
Effects of using Ice or Heat
Using ice on injuries decreases swelling and inflammation. It limits the amount of tissue damage while decreasing pain and muscle spasm. Using heat on an injury will result in increasing tissue mobility, decreasing pain and muscle spasm. It improves healing and decreases stiffness.
Use these tips to help you get moving faster!
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Gift Certificates
Massage Gift Certificates are available for half hour or full 1 hour sessions. The gift of massage offers therapeutic trigger point release, relaxation of muscular tension, and improved body function through increased circulation. A great alternative gift idea. After all who doesn't need a massage?
Running Evaluation Gift Certificates are a suitable gift for the competitive runner and for the person looking to improve their fitness level. Benefits include correcting muscle imbalances and running style, the opportunity to learn about prevention and also to learn injury specific exercises and running drills to help you run your best.
Give the gift of good health! | |
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