The short answer is: physiotherapy is the correct initial treatment for chronic tears. The more detailed answer is as follows ….. What is the rotator cuff of the shoulder? The rotator cuff is a group four muscles around the shoulder joint which are integral in controlling movement, generating strength and power for rotation and abduction, […]
What is Core Strength and Why is it Important?
Simply put, an individual’s “core” refers to a group of muscles that stabilizes the pelvis and spine. A healthy core helps to optimize the load and distribution of force through the hip, knee, and ankle joint and also connects a patient’s lower body to the upper body. This “kinetic chain” is important in simple day-to-day […]
Five Reasons Why Home Physiotherapy is The Best Way to Heal
The best physiotherapy occurs in the home. Here are five reasons why this is true and why going to a clinic may no longer be the most patient-centered approach to care. We do everything in the home! From daily chores, taking care of children or loved ones, catching up on work, to exercising and going […]
When does an ACL tear need physiotherapy vs surgery?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tears are a common injury among individuals in their teens or early adulthood. They most often occur as a result of a non-contact pivoting or twisting injury. When the injury happens it is usually very apparent. Patients will feel or hear a ‘pop’ inside their knee and this will be accompanied […]
Heat or Ice? Which should I use for pain relief?
Applying heat or ice to a painful injury or condition is one of the oldest, most common and easiest ways to treat your own injury. But the discussion over which to use can be contentious. The reality is that both of these treatments are generally safe so even if you choose the wrong one, it […]
My X-rays Show Arthritis. Should I be Worried?
FIGURE: (i) healthy knee joint. (ii) arthritic knee joint with joint space narrowing (i.e. bone on bone) [source: orthoinfo.aaos.org] So your doctor has told you your x-rays show arthritis. Should you be worried? Do you need treatment? What are the next steps? What is arthritis anyways? Let’s take a deep dive into what arthritis is […]
Top Strategies to Eliminate Your Recurrent Neck Pain
You wake up one morning and notice your neck feels a little stiff. You make some seemingly minor movement like brushing your hair or reaching up to apply shampoo and you are struck with disabling neck pain. The first thing you think is “not again….I don’t have time for this”. If this sounds familiar, then […]
How to Change a Post-Operative Dressing
Learn how to change your dressing or bandage following surgery. Orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jas Chahal takes you step-by-step through the process. Watch our video below to begin!
Climbing Stairs the Same Day After Knee Replacement? It’s True!
In a recent article in the Toronto Star, Dr. David Backstein operated on a patient at Women’s College Hospital who walked hours after a knee replacement. He went home on the same day as surgery and even was able to climb stairs prior to discharge. The key to successful outpatient total joint replacement appears to […]