Posts

The Benefits of Sports Physiotherapy for Aging Athletes

Image
  As athletes age, their bodies undergo significant changes that can impact performance and increase the risk of injuries. At Next Step Physiotherapy , we recognize the unique challenges faced by aging athletes and the crucial role that Sports physiotherapy Edmonton plays in maintaining their health and performance. This article explores the numerous benefits of sports physiotherapy tailored specifically for aging athletes. Injury Prevention Aging athletes often experience a decline in muscle mass, flexibility, and bone density, making them more susceptible to injuries. Physiotherapists assess movement patterns, strength, and flexibility to identify risk factors for injury. They then create personalized exercise programs focusing on strengthening muscles, enhancing flexibility, and improving overall physical fitness. This proactive approach helps athletes reduce their risk of common injuries, such as strains, sprains, and tendonitis. Benefits: Customized injury prevention strategi...

Navigating Return-to-Play Protocols with Concussion Physiotherapy

Image
Concussions are a common injury in sports and can have significant impacts on an athlete’s health and performance. Following a concussion, proper management is crucial to ensure a safe return to play. Concussion Physiotherapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy , we specialize in concussion physiotherapy and understand the complexities of return-to-play protocols. Our goal is to provide athletes with the support and guidance they need to recover effectively and minimize the risk of further injury. Headaches Dizziness Nausea Sensitivity to light or noise Difficulty concentrating These symptoms can vary in severity and may affect an athlete's ability to participate in sports or other physical activities. The Importance of Proper Management After a concussion, athletes must follow a structured return-to-play protocol to ensure a safe recovery. This process typically involves several stages, including: Symptom Assessment: Athletes must be symptom-free before beginning any physical act...

Head Positioning Techniques Used in Vestibular Physiotherapy

Image
  Vestibular disorders can significantly impact a person's quality of life, causing symptoms such as dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Vestibular physiotherapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy , we employ a range of head positioning techniques to help manage and treat these conditions. These techniques are designed to reposition the inner ear's debris or correct faulty signals, thereby alleviating symptoms and improving balance. Understanding Vestibular Disorders Vestibular disorders affect the inner ear and brain areas that help control balance and eye movements. Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), vestibular neuritis, and Ménière’s disease can disrupt these systems, dizziness and imbalance. Vestibular physiotherapy aims to reduce these symptoms through specific exercises and techniques that retrain the brain and help the body adapt to new balance challenges. Key Head Positioning Techniques Head positioning techniques are integral to vestib...

Diastasis Recti and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Understanding the Connection

Image
Diastasis Recti and pelvic floor dysfunction are two interconnected conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life, particularly following pregnancy or significant physical stress. Understanding the relationship between these conditions is essential for effective management and recovery. Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy Edmonton   At Next Step Physiotherapy , we specialize in providing comprehensive care for individuals dealing with these issues, offering tailored physiotherapy interventions to enhance health and functional outcomes. What is Diastasis Recti? Diastasis Recti refers to the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (the "six-pack" muscles) along the linea alba, the connective tissue running down the middle of the abdomen. This condition often occurs during pregnancy due to the stretching of the abdominal wall as the uterus expands. It can also result from significant physical stress or weight gain. Symptoms of Diastasis Recti may include: Abdomin...

How Often Should You Get Shockwave Therapy?

Image
  Shockwave therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, offering relief from pain and promoting healing. Shockwave Therapy Edmonton At Next Step Physiotherapy, we often get asked about the optimal frequency for shockwave therapy sessions to achieve the best results. Understanding how often you should undergo this treatment can help you maximize its benefits and accelerate your recovery. What is Shockwave Therapy? These waves stimulate healing processes by increasing blood flow, enhancing cellular repair, and reducing pain. Shockwave therapy is commonly used to treat conditions such as plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, and calcific shoulder tendinitis. Determining the Frequency of Treatment The frequency of shockwave therapy sessions can vary based on several factors, including the condition being treated, the severity of symptoms, and individual patient response. Here’s a general guideline for how often you might need to receive shockwave th...