Patient Education and Resources
We often get questions from our patients about conditions so we developed a page that can be used as a resource to help educate our community. Many of these conditions below can be helped by our trained medical professionals at Newmarket Physio. We have specialized machines and equipment to help with your pain and provide one on one treatment therapy including exercise.
What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. It's usually caused by a herniated disk or bone spur on the spine compressing part of the nerve. Symptoms include sharp pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
Treatment at Newmarket Physio for sciatica depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition but often involves a combination of rest, activity modification, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, stretching, anti-inflammatory medications, and ice or heat. We usually begin with an 4 week course of therapy and refer to appropriate medical practitioners when needed. We educate our patients about their condition and how to avoid making it worse. Often the use of a back brace or support is helpful. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and promote tendon healing and rehabilitation.
What is a herniated disc?
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in the outer layer. This can result in pressure on nearby nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area. It's commonly caused by aging, wear and tear, or sudden injury. Treatment options range from conservative measures like rest, physical therapy, and medication to more invasive interventions like injections or surgery in severe cases. Herniated discs can happen in the neck, mid back and low back.
At Newmarket Physio we aim to find the root cause and location of the herniated disc and employ different methods of therapy such as a combination of rest, ice, heat, stretching and strengthening exercises, physical therapy like shockwave therapy/ultrasound/laser, orthotic devices to support the foot, and modifications to activity level to reduce pressure on the disc.
What is arthritis ?
Arthritis is a term used to describe inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. There are many types of arthritis, but the two most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most prevalent type and occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine and is often associated with aging, joint injury, or obesity.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: This is more rare and an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints. It can lead to joint damage, pain, swelling, and eventually joint deformity.
Treatment for arthritis typically involves a combination of medication, physical therapy (like laser, ultrasound, acupuncture, ice, wax therapy etc), and lifestyle changes. In many cases a brace may help support the joint and take pressure off it allowing relief of pain. Natural medicine and supplements may also help reduce inflammation that leads to alleviation of symptoms.
What is a rotator cuff injury of the shoulder ?
A rotator cuff injury involves damage to the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the rotator cuff. These muscles and tendons help stabilize the shoulder and facilitate movement. Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or complete tears. Causes of rotator cuff injuries can include repetitive overhead motions, lifting heavy objects, poor posture, sudden falls, or degenerative changes due to aging. Symptoms often include pain, weakness, and limited range of motion in the shoulder.
Treatment at Newmarket Physio depends on the severity of the injury and can include rest, ice, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, or in severe cases, surgery to repair the damaged tendon or muscle.
What is tennis or golfers elbow?
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are both types of tendonitis, which involve inflammation of the tendons in the elbow.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, specifically where the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur due to any repetitive gripping or wrist extension activities, not just tennis.
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis): This condition involves inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, where the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inner part of the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive gripping or wrist flexion activities, often associated with golf swings but also with other sports or activities.
Both conditions result in pain and tenderness in the affected area, along with potential weakness and limited range of motion. Newmarket Physio treatment for golfer or tennis elbow usually involves rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, bracing or corticosteroid injections.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome of the wrist?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway of ligament and bones at the base of the hand, and when it becomes inflamed or swollen, it can put pressure on the median nerve, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers. Risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive hand motions, such as typing, using tools, or playing musical instruments, as well as conditions like obesity, diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid disorders.
Treatment options may include wrist splinting, medications to reduce inflammation, corticosteroid injections, physical therapy including laser/ice/stretching and exercises, or in severe cases, surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
What is tendinopathy ?
Tendonopathy is a general term used to describe any condition or pathology affecting a tendon. It encompasses a range of tendon disorders, including tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon), tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon without significant inflammation), and other structural abnormalities or injuries affecting the tendon.
Tendinopathy can occur in various parts of the body, such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, or ankles, depending on the activities involved and the specific tendons affected. Common causes include overuse, repetitive strain, poor biomechanics, aging, and underlying medical conditions.
Treatment for tendonopathy at Newmarket Physio depends on the specific diagnosis and severity of the condition but often involves a combination of rest, activity modification, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and stretching. Sometimes anti-inflammatory medications may be necessary. corticosteroid injections, and in some cases, surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, improve function, and promote tendon healing and rehabilitation.
What is scoliosis ?
Scoliosis is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine. The spine of someone with scoliosis may appear curved rather than a straight line when viewed from behind. It can develop at any age, but it's most commonly diagnosed during adolescence when the spine is still growing rapidly. The cause of scoliosis is often unknown and can be idiopathic (no known cause), or it may be due to congenital factors, neuromuscular conditions, or other underlying issues.
Symptoms of scoliosis can vary depending on the severity of the curvature and may include uneven shoulders, waist asymmetry, rib prominence, and back pain. Treatment options depend on factors such as the degree of curvature, the age of the individual, and any associated symptoms. Mild cases may only require monitoring, while more severe cases may require bracing or surgery to correct the curvature and prevent further progression.
Treatment includes Physical therapy and exercises may also be recommended to help improve spinal alignment and strength. Also insoles or custom orthotics with heel lifts may help balance the spine and alignment of the hips.
What is a muscle strain (pulled muscle)?
Muscle strain, also known as a pulled muscle, occurs when muscle fibers stretch or tear due to overuse, improper use, or sudden movements. It commonly happens during sports, exercise, or lifting heavy objects, but it can also occur during everyday activities.
Symptoms of muscle strain may include pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and bruising in the affected area. The severity of the strain can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and limited mobility.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may also be recommended during the recovery process. In more severe cases, physical therapy may be necessary to rehabilitate the injured muscle and prevent future strains.
What is a sprain?
A sprain occurs when ligaments, which are tough bands of tissue that connect bones to each other at a joint, are stretched or torn. Sprains commonly happen in the ankles, wrists, or knees. They usually occur when a joint is forced beyond its normal range of motion, such as during a fall, twist, or sudden impact.
Symptoms of a sprain may include pain, swelling, bruising, instability, and limited range of motion in the affected joint. The severity of a sprain can range from mild, with minimal stretching or microscopic tearing of ligament fibers, to severe, involving a complete tear of the ligament.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage pain and inflammation. Physiotherapy for sprains is one of the more common conditions we treat. We use modalities such as laser, ultrasound, ice, heat, soft tissue therapy and more to help heal the injured tissue. Depending on the nature of the sprain and if its repetitive, a brace may help future sprains from happening.
What is plantar fasciitis ?
Plantar fasciitis is a common foot condition that involves inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. It typically causes stabbing pain near the heel, especially with the first steps in the morning or after long periods of rest. Plantar fasciitis can be triggered by factors like overuse, improper footwear, high arches, or tight calf muscles.
Treatment for plantar fasciitis at Newmarket Physio often includes rest, stretching exercises, orthotic devices, and in some cases, corticosteroid injections or physical therapy such as shockwave therapy, laser therapy, ultrasound, taping, and acupuncture.