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 injury or overuse of the knee, but there are a number of reasons why you can experience knee pain. Your flexibility, joint mobility, strength and posture can cause poor joint mechanics resulting in knee problems. A holistic approach in physio assessment and treatment helps to determine possible causes of this condition.

Continue reading “Knee pain: 4 common reasons”

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 determine the most suitable Physical Therapy treatment to relieve your pain, optimize your function and movement, and improve your physical condition. You will also be provided with video instruction to help you follow your exercise program at home.

Continue reading “What to Expect from Physical Therapy”

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 radius and ulna – two long bones in your forearm. A broken wrist can happen to any of your 10 bones but the most common fracture is in the radius.

Continue reading “Preventing Wrist Fracture this Winter”

8 Easy Stretches to Prep for Downhill Skiing

Ski Season is Here, Ottawa!

Ski season is here and if you love to hit the slopes, make sure you prepare for the demands of this winter sport. Whether you’re an athlete or weekend warrior, we recommend that you stretch to avoid minor aches, pains or a serious injury.

The most common injuries that we treat at Activa Physiotherapy Ottawa among skiers are torque-type injuries to the lower extremities (hip, knee, ankle joints and bones of the thigh, leg and foot). Twisting of the upper leg one way while the lower leg rotates in the opposite direction can result in tears to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which can be avoided by stretching in advance of physical activity.

Did you know that all of the major muscle groups in your body are used for skiing? Continue reading “8 Easy Stretches to Prep for Downhill Skiing”

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 safe and high-quality physiotherapy treatment. Shockwave Therapy is used under supervision of highly-trained physiotherapists  who know best how to effectively use the Shockwave Therapy machine.
Continue reading “Benefits of Shockwave Therapy”

Activa Ottawa Physiotherapy thanks you for 21 years of service

We are proud to announce that we are celebrating 21 years of service to the Ottawa community.

We appreciate your ongoing business and look forward to offering physiotherapy, massage therapy and personal training to you, your family and friends for many years to come. Call us to book your appointment. Continue reading “Activa Ottawa Physiotherapy thanks you for 21 years of service”

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 be treated the same as your preparation at the gym: start with stretching! Continue reading “7 Best Stretches for Snow Shovelling”

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 your inner and outer cell walls to improve the overall functioning of your cells and the entire metabolism.

The magnetic field’s unique quality of reaching the molecular level allows the treatment to heal affected parts of your body. Continue reading “How Pulsating Magnetic Field Therapy Can Help You”