Piriformis syndrome: More than a pain in the butt?

Piriformis syndrome, also know as “pain in the butt,” is commonly seen in individuals who spend long hours sitting. People who work at their desk all day, drive long distances and ride motorcycles can experience this discomfort. Long-distance runners, cyclists and skiers are also at high-risk. Piriformis muscle is deep under gluteal muscles, running across …

Spring Gardening: 7 Tips to Prevent Back Injury and Muscle Strain

Spring gardening season is here! Before you start planting your favourite flowers, make sure you keep safety in mind to avoid muscle strain or back injury. Small changes to your movements and gardening habits will allow you to enjoy spring gardening and the beauty it brings. Gardening is a physical activity so think of it as …

Knee pain: 4 common reasons

Did you know that knee pain can result from conditions that you might not associate with your knee? People often seek orthopaedic consultation for knee pain, although not all knee pain requires surgery. Knee pain is complex and can be the result of a number of factors involving surrounding joint dysfunction. We often associate knee injury with sports …

What to Expect from Physical Therapy

Your First Appointment at Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa At Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa, you begin with an extensive assessment with Registered Physiotherapist Barbara Stefanska. We start by reviewing your health history then evaluate your pain and movement patterns, strength, joint range of motion, reflexes and sensation. Based on your assessment, your Physiotherapist establishes a diagnosis and partners with you to …

Preventing Wrist Fracture this Winter

Look at all that snow, Ottawa! Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa recommends that you protect yourself when walking on snowy walkways and participate in sports this winter season to prevent injuries that may cause a wrist fracture. Did you know? The medical term for a broken wrist is a wrist fracture. Your wrist has eight bones connecting to the …

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

The use of Shockwave Therapy has become increasingly popular in the field of physiotherapy due to its benefits compared to other healing methods. What is Shockwave Therapy? Shockwave Therapy is commonly used to treat conditions including tennis elbow, non-healing fractures, plantar fasciitis, shoulder tendinopathy and Achilles tendonitis. This healing method uses modern technology to provide patients with …

7 Best Stretches for Snow Shovelling

The winter season is here, Ottawa! Before you go outside to tackle the snow, Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa encourages you to take 5 minutes to stretch and avoid unwanted injuries before the New Year. Did you know? Snow shovelling accounts for most injuries each winter season at Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa as well as your local ER. Preparation for snow removal should …

How Pulsating Magnetic Field Therapy Can Help You

What is Pulsating Magnetic Field Therapy? The magnetic field surrounding the earth is a major force of life. In Pulsating Magnetic Field Therapy (PMT), a coil produces invisible magnetic field lines which go beyond your skin to reach your cells. Upon striking your cells, the magnetic field stimulates your healing process. The device also increases the exchange of ions between …