Newsletter – January 2010
January 5, 2010
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
The staff at Royal Centre Physiotherapy hopes you have enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season. As we embark on a new decade, we are working as hard as ever to ensure that our treatments are evidence-based, current and tailored to meet your individual lifestyles and activities.
This past year our physiotherapists completed several continuing education courses. The clinic upgraded our software to enable emailing of invoices, appointment reminders and online appointment booking. In the coming year, we hope to offer small group core strengthening classes, increase our involvement in the local community, and attend additional continuing education courses.
Clinic News
In November 2009, Steve Nairn completed his Part B Manual Therapy Exams, earning him the designation of Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Manipulative Therapy (FCAMT). This is the highest manual therapy designation for physiotherapists in Canada and qualifies Steve to perform spinal manipulation. Congratulations Steve!!
Continuing Education
Mark Borslein and Helen Ries completed Level 1&2, and Level 1, respectively, of the Body Balance Pilates Mat Instructor certification. Look out for upcoming pilates-based core stabilization classes being offered at the clinic.
Helen Ries completed both a Vestibular Rehabilitation course and a course on the Assessment and Treatment of Benign Paroxismal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). Ten percent of physician appointments are for dizziness, and BPPV is the leading cause of dizziness. When BPPV is accurately assessed and treated, symptoms can be relieved with as little as one treatment session. Contact Helen today if you or someone you know may benefit from this treatment.
Clinical Focus: The Rotator Cuff
What is it?: A group of four muscles located in the shoulder girdle.
What does it do?: When all muscles act together, they center the head of the Humerus (arm bone) in the shoulder socket (Glenoid Fossa). When acting in isolation, these muscles rotate the Humerus in the socket.
Why is it important?: In centering the Humerus, the Rotator Cuff provides stability to the shoulder girdle. The shoulder girdle has a minimal ligamentous support, so relies on muscle stability instead.
When is it injured?: Often over-reaching movements performed at higher than normal speeds while carrying higher than expected loads; for example a quick jerk of the arm when lifting or throwing. Commonly occurs with the arm in an overhead position. When one of the 4 muscles is injured and isn’t pulling equally to the other 3 muscles, the Humerus is no longer centered into the socket and compensatory symptoms ensue. Often this is felt as pain or pulling along the upper arm.
How is it treated?: Treatment includes: reducing inflammation and scar tissue in the damaged muscle, strengthening the muscles that support the shoulder blade, strengthening the 4 muscles of the rotator cuff (most effectively in a neutral position), and stretching any muscles that may have been overworked in compensating for the damaged muscles.
A general rule with a Rotator Cuff Strain or any other musculoskeletal injury is to seek the assistance of your physiotherapist no more than 2 weeks post-injury. The longer an injury persists the longer it will take to overcome.
WHAT’S COMING UP IN 2010?
We’re running two clinics to get you started on the right foot in the New Year. Please check out the links below for further details:
NORDIC WALKING CLINIC
Starts Monday, January 25, 2010.
LEARN TO RUN CLINIC
Starts Monday, March 1, 2010.