Knee osteoarthritis is a progressive and debilitating condition with enormous impact on health care spending. More than 25 million North Americans are currently affected by it (ref1), and nearly half of all people will develop knee osteoarthritis symptoms by the age of 85 (ref2). What is it, what are the risks, and…
The latest evidence suggests that recreational runners concerned about the long term effects of running on knee osteoarthritis can probably rest easy. New research says that regular running likely does not increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the knee, and that it may even protect against it (ref1, ref2). But…
We regularly treat patients for sciatica at our clinics. This is not surprising given that best estimates suggest as many as 1 in 20 people suffer from this condition. Unfortunately, the more common a condition is, the more it seems to attract online misinformation. If you have a specific question about…
Physiotherapy is the standard non-surgical treatment for chronic low back pain, but it doesn’t work for everyone. New research identifies factors that predict how well a patient will respond to treatment. Physiotherapy is recommended for low back pain A conservative approach to treating chronic non-specific low back pain is recommended…
Research shows that patients with low back pain due to degenerative disc disease do as well with physiotherapy as with spinal fusion surgery. Chronic low back pain is a very common and debilitating condition that results in enormous health-related expenditures. In some cases chronic low back pain is believed to…
Shoulder pain caused by subacromial impingement can sideline a recreational weight lifter. Research shows that weight training predisposes individuals to impingement, and that specific exercises are to blame. If you train recreationally with weights, and have seen a physiotherapist for shoulder pain, then you’ve probably suffered from shoulder impingement (technically…
The latest available clinical data does not support the use of traction (either manual traction or machine-based “non-surgical spinal decompression therapy”) for treating patients with lower back pain with or without sciatica, other than for providing temporary pain relief. Lower back pain is a major source of disability, work absenteeism…
New research shows that physicians are increasingly choosing the wrong treatments for back pain, while physiotherapy referrals remain stagnant. The well-established clinical practice guidelines for managing and treating back pain support the use of non-opioid pain-killers, avoidance of imaging, and the use of physiotherapy including exercise therapy. For the latest…
New research suggests there is no difference in functional outcome when arthroscopic surgery is added to standardized physiotherapy for patients with both a meniscal tear and knee osteoarthritis. Meniscal tears are common in individuals with knee osteoarthritis (click here to learn more about knee osteoarthritis and its treatment). The Mayo Clinic…
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a very common and chronic condition, in particular among people over the age of 55. Caused by a degeneration of knee cartilage, this condition results in pain and stiffness in the joint, leading to decreased knee function and an associated drop in quality of life….
