Torticollis is a condition of the neck that arises when a major muscle called the sternocleidomastoid “SCM” becomes physically shortened or excessively contracted. This shortening creates tension that pulls the head and holds it in a fixed tilted position. In newborns, it is thought that torticollis occurs because of trauma…
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a common disorder that arises due to compression of a nerve called the ‘median nerve’ at the wrist. The median nerve resides within the carpal tunnel (a ‘tunnel’ formed by the ‘carpal’ or wrist bones and a ligament of the wrist). This tunnel has very little…
De Quervain Syndrome / Tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons at the thumb-side of the wrist, caused by a repetitive strain or overuse of the wrist or thumb. De Quervain Syndrome is commonly seen in new mothers (hence the name ‘Mommy Thumb’) as a result of the repetitive…
Breastfeeding issues can arise from problems affecting either the baby or the mother. One common problem for new moms is the development of plugged / blocked milk ducts. Plugged milk ducts can be painful and distressing. By following good practices you can both reduce your risk of plugged ducts, and…
Severe bacterial infection called ‘cellulitis’ is common in people with lymphedema. New clinical research suggests potential risk factors to avoid.
Stroke rehabilitation is a rapidly evolving field of research, and so it is necessary to periodically re-evaluate what constitutes state-of-the-art in stroke rehabilitation practices.
Early research suggests that the FDA approved drug “Pletal” (cilostazol) may also have the potential to help treat lymphedema. Cilostazol (sold under the brand name “Pletal”) is drug that inhibits platelet aggregation and increases peripheral vasodilation. It is approved in the U.S. for the treatment of muscle pain during walking…
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…
