Back Problems
Low back pain comes with many scary names: degenerative disc disease, pinched disc, bulge/herniation, spondylosis, sacroiliac dysfunction, etc. Furthermore, low back pain is currently one of the top reasons why people consult their doctor, and one of the top reasons people miss work. For many researchers and authors, the increasing prevalence of low back pain worldwide is considered no less than an “epidemic”. Unfortunately, back pain is often perceived as being “complicated” to treat. Interventions are expected to be very intricate, involving machines or cracking, or a set of 5-12 exercises to do daily - which is often unnecessary.
However, research shows that 75% of acute and subacute cases, and even up to 50% of chronic back pain can respond rapidly to one very simple and personalized targeted exercise, and can thus be treated effectively without medication, injection, or surgery. This is even true for people with degenerative changes such degenerative disc disease and arthrosis in the spine. For those in this majority group, usually only 4-6 sessions of mechanical therapy are required. The results are significant and rapid, and time and money are saved because we emphasize autonomy through self-treatment and prevention.
Consult us for: Lumbago, Disc Bulge, Disc Herniation, Sciatica, Pinched Nerve, Sacroiliac Joint Pain, Muscle Strain, Arthritis, Stenosis, Scoliosis, Radiculopathy, Facet Joint Problems, Degenerative Disc Disease, Spondylolisthesis, etc.
Neck Problems
Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, and just like low back pain, it is one of the top reasons why people miss work. It also comes under many disconcerning names: torticollis, stenosis, disc bulge/herniation, cervicalgia, radiculopathy, neck strain/sprain, etc. Homologously to low back pain, neck pain most often does not require fancy equipment, long lists of stretches, or medical intervention in order to get better. Most often the pain can be rapidly and lastingly alleviated through simple, personalized exercises and posture education.
This is even true for people with degenerative changes such degenerative disc disease and arthrosis in the spine. At Expertise Physio, we usually require no more than 6 sessions to fully resolve the issue, and we emphasize autonomy through self-treatment, prevention strategies and education regarding posture and ergonomics.
Consult us for: Torticollis, Arthritis, Stenosis, Disc Bulge / Herniation, Cervicalgia, Whiplash, Facet Problems, Degenerative Disc Disease, Radiculopathy, Cervico-brachialgia, Muscle Tension, etc.
Shoulder & Arm
Shoulder pain is very common, and because we depend so much on shoulder movements to get dressed, prepare food, work, and drive a car, having shoulder pain can be very distressing. Causes of shoulder pain are numerous, from adhesive capsulitis to tendinopathy to mechanical tissue impingement and sports injuries.
More importantly, some shoulder issues require simple exercises for rapid resolution, while others require long-term exercises for tissue remodelling, and finally some require medical intervention. A thorough, comprehensive examination of the shoulder is key in order to understand what the proper management of the issue should be, and that is what we offer at Expertise Physio.
Consult us for: Tendinitis, Tendinopathy, Frozen Shoulder / Adhesive Capsulitis, Impingement, Rotator Cuff Tear, Labral Tear, Bursitis, Shoulder Blade / Scapular Pain, Dislocation, Subluxation, Instability, Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow, Pinched or Trapped Nerve, Arthritis, Post Fracture, Muscle Strain, Ligament Sprain, Referred Pain, etc.
Wrist & Hand
Our hands are essential to our everyday functioning, communication, hobbies and even entertainment. Unfortunately, many people struggle with issues such as tendinopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and osteoarthritis of the wrists and hands, and report difficulty getting dressed, opening doors and jars, carrying heavy objects, and even shaking hands. Very often these issues are chronic, lasting many months, but that does not mean they can’t be remedied.
Devices like braces and splints help diminish symptoms, but don’t address any underlying cause of the pain/stiffness. There are often simple exercises that can reverse these issues if they are mechanical in nature, and a high-quality assessment is in order to determine whether this is the case, or whether more involved interventions are required.
Consult us for: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, De Quervain’s, Tendinitis, Tendinopathy, Numbness, Tingling, Pins & Needle, Dislocation, Subluxation, Instabilities or Weak Wrist, Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Trigger Finger, Dupuytren’s Disease, etc.
Hip, Knee, Leg
Hip, knee and leg pain are common reasons for people to seek out physiotherapy. For some, they’ve noticed a decline in their ability to squat or kneel. For others, there was an injury while playing a sport. And for many people, there is a common complaint of morning stiffness and general discomfort in their hips and/or knees. Whatever the reason for the pain, and whatever the diagnosis, a mechanical evaluation is of paramount importance. The chances are high that the pain can be significantly relieved and mobility restored through the practice of simple exercises, without needing to consider injections or surgery.
Surprisingly, this is often true even in the case of osteoarthritis (OA). Arthritis is now generally recognized as being a part of normal aging, similar to wrinkles on a face, and often is not the actual cause of pain even when shown to be present with imaging. Contrary to common belief, the solution to these problems is not “rest” or staying sedentary, but is usually some form of movement. At Expertise Physio we assess the underlying cause of pain, figure out if a movement-based home program is appropriate, and customize the exercise(s) accordingly.
Consult us for: Joint Arthritis, Meniscus Tears, Ligament Sprains (ACL, MCL, PCL), Sciatica, piriformis syndrome, pulled muscle, IT band syndrome, tendinitis, bursitis, shin splints, Osgood-Schlatter, dislocations, subluxations, instability, etc.
Ankle & Foot
Walking, climbing stairs, running, and sports -- our everyday mobility and activity depends on the health of our feet and ankles. Issues such as ankle sprains, numb toes, plantar fasciitis, tendinopathies and more can limit our participation in everyday life and lead to an unwanted increase in sedentarism. These issues warrant a high-quality examination to determine if a simple, rapid, movement-based solution exists, or whether a long-term exercise program is needed to remodel tissue, or whether medical consultation is appropriate. We also answer questions concerning shoe orthotics, braces, taping, and general choice of footwear.
Consult us for: Achilles Tendinopathy, Sprained Ankle, Plantar Fasciitis, Heel Spur / Épine de Lenoir, Bursitis, Muscle Strains, Tendinitis / Tendinopathies, Bunions, Hallux valgus, Flat feet, Arthritis, Plantar Metatarsalgia, Hammer toe, Turf toe, Numbness, Pins & Needles, etc.
Pregnancy related pain
Pregnancy and post-pregnancy are special, memorable periods of life that some of us get to experience. Frequently however, this period is associated with low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and leg pain. Some of this pain can be due to increased ligamentous laxity that occurs during pregnancy, but some of it can be of mechanical origin due to new postures and stresses induced on the body. Pain of this latter cause is often rapidly reversible with the proper, personalized exercise, making the pregnancy and post-pregnancy periods more enjoyable overall.
At Expertise Physio we assess the underlying cause of pain, and identify the appropriate strategies to either rapidly remedy it, or, if not possible, to mitigate it as best as possible. We also give advice concerning post-pregnancy exercise and issues such as diastasis recti.
Consult us for: back pain during pregnancy, postpartum back pain, pelvic pain, sacroiliac pain, pubic symphysis pain, osteitis pubis, leg or foot pain, neck or arm pain when holding baby, etc.
Headaches / Migraines
Headaches are a complex and tremendously frustrating phenomenon. Causes of headaches include blood pressure fluctuations, medication side-effects, stress, visual strain, neurological issues, and vascular issues.
However, a commonly overlooked cause of headaches is problems within the cervical spine, meaning issues in the neck. In fact, a large proportion of headache and migraines are of spinal origin from the neck (called Cervicogenic headaches), and can be easily remedied through mechanical therapy.
At Expertise Physio, we assess whether or not this is the case, which requires 2-3 sessions (1 week). For these patients, the best time to come to the clinic is when the headache/migraine symptoms are present.
Balance & Posture for Seniors
As the general population increases in age, there is growing concern about balance and the risk of falls among seniors. This concern is founded in the high percentage of falls that induce fractures, which often require surgery and present high risks to the individual. Our balance depends in part on our strength and coordination, which are often left to deteriorate as we lead our busy yet sedentary lives.
At Expertise Physio we address the underlying causes of decreased balance, and help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. We answer questions concerning the use of walkers, canes, wheelchairs and mobility scooters.