Staying Active in the Winter: Tips from a Sports Injury Clinic

For many people, the leaves changing colour and the weather becoming colder is a sure sign that life will quickly become much more indoor-based. The temptation of trading a day outside for one curled up in front of the fire can be hard to ignore, but when it comes to staying in shape, this can make things a bit more difficult. Don’t stress – it is actually pretty easy to stay active during the winter. Check out this list of tips from a sports injury clinic to stay fit even when the weather is acting up! Indoors: Clean. Yes, clean. Housework is a great way to burn calories – and since you have to do it anyways you might as well be happier. Just think, not only will your home be tidy, you’ll feel better too. Walk. Go to the mall, head to a local museum, really anywhere that offers the space to make this a worthwhile exercise, while staying warm, is great. Join a gym or do workouts at home. If your summer workout routine generally involves being outside, and therefore the winter means you take a break, think about heading indoors to get that body moving. Take advantage...

Stay on Stage with Performing Arts Therapy from a Sports Injury Clinic

When you live your life on stage, you depend on your body’s health, strength, function and ability to move. Being in top physical shape often dictates one's competence, and when your body is pain-free nothing can stop you. However, sometimes injuries are unavoidable, and a person finds their abilities drastically reduced. If you have sustained an injury as a dancer, acrobat, or gymnast, your main goal likely surrounds returning to the spotlight. If you're suffering from the pain caused by an injury while performing, try "performing arts therapy" from a sports injury clinic. Why? Because it's simple: every injury is unique, as are the needs of each individual performer. A specialist at a sports injury clinic can help diagnose your individual injury and devise a plan that meets those needs effectively. Forms of performing arts therapy treatment are varied and will depend on the diagnosis from the doctor. What types of injuries are typical to performing arts? There are many, affecting all different areas of the body from top to bottom. Commonly these are ACL tears, separated shoulders, elbow dislocations, carpel tunnel syndrome, Achilles tears, osteoarthritis, degenerative disk or joint disease and general muscle weakness and pain. Chiropractic care. Often...

You Don’t Have to be an NFL Player to Fall Victim to Football Concussions

With NFL season off to a roaring start, it seems like the perfect opportunity to remind you that football concussions are not restricted to NFL players! Football concussions, or any type of concussion for that matter, are very serious injuries. The initial symptoms can range from moderate to severe, but no matter the severity, a concussion (or suspected concussion) should be treated immediately by a physician. What is a concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury typically caused by a blow to the head or another kind of injury that shakes the brain inside the skull. Sometimes cuts and bruises to the head can be good indications of a concussion, but more often than not there are no visible symptoms. Sometimes people lose consciousness – another important sign that a concussion has been sustained – but some do not. The lack of visible clues is what makes exploring a possible and suspected concussion so important. Symptoms of a concussion range, but may include a headache, nausea and vomiting, trouble remembering, blurred vision, dizziness or trouble with balance. Any or all of these symptoms may be a signal that an individual has suffered a concussion. What happens if...

Treat Your Sports Injury Without Surgery: Sonocur Shockwave Therapy

For many athletes suffering from a sports related injury or pain due to sports, their game can become increasingly taxing. Playing through pain in an effort to avoid dealing with it may lead to serious complications in the future, while stopping altogether may lead to both physical and mental outcomes that you want to avoid. As with any sports related injury, seeking medical assistance is the first thing that you should do. If you suffer an injury on the field or court, ignoring it can worsen things. Attending a sports medicine clinic, by contrast, can be a stepping stone to healing. Sometimes surgery is unavoidable, but if a physician tells you that surgery is not the only option, seek out alternatives. One option might be sonocur shockwave therapy. What is sonocur shockwave therapy and how does it work? Sonocur shockwave therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment which involves the application of acoustic shockwaves into the affected bone or soft tissue. The shockwaves stimulate a metabolic reaction in the tissue, leading to the breakdown of scarring. This controlled reinjuring of the area on a cellular level allows for a regeneration of blood vessels and bone cells, which leads to faster...

Get Ready for A Midsummer Night’s Run with a Running Injury Clinic

On August 17th, Toronto’s annual A Midsummer Night’s Run will kick off in support of the SickKids Foundation. This 5km/15km/30km walk/run takes place along Toronto’s East End trails and along the shores of Lake Ontario, in a non-competitive, family friendly event that raises money for a great cause. But what if you have suffered a running injury? You're obviously not going to lace up and head out, right? Wrong! Treat that running injury in time by attending a running injury clinic. A running injury clinic takes place at a sports injury clinic and involves a complex and in-depth analysis of your injury, followed by the creation of a customized treatment plan to address all aspects of your injury. Your first meeting with a sports medicine specialist will include a detailed assessment of your injury. This is to best determine the source of injury (crucial in determining the best route for treatment). A running shoe analysis, a treadmill running assessment and a biomedical assessment with one of our chiropractors are also an important part of this initial assessment. A computerized gait analysis will also offer the running injury clinic essential information about how you need to be treated. A computerized gait...

Knee Osteoarthritis? Get Back on the Bike in Time for the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure

August 11th to 17th marks the 6th anniversary of the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure along the shores of Lake Erie, a cycling event that covers 600kms in 7 days. This recreational cycling adventure gives participants the chance to enjoy the event at their own pace, taking time to enjoy the views, the local shopping, and the many other amenities along the bike route. Whether you are an avid cyclist or just want to get out there with some friends, enjoying a day on the trail, the Great Waterfront Trail Adventure is an amazing opportunity for all. But what if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee? Events like this can lose their lustre and appeal when you think about the pain that can accompany them. Cycling can be very difficult for knee osteoarthritis sufferers, simply because of the repetition and pressure put on the knee. If you suffer from the symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee, including pain, stiffness, a decreased range of motion or muscle weakness and atrophy, then cycling can be extremely taxing. So how can you prepare for the Great Waterfront Train Adventure, or any future cycling, if you suffer from osteoarthritis of the knee? Visiting a...

ACL Rehab and ACL Repair: Prep for the July 28th Beaches Jazz Run

Part of the charm and attraction to community races is the camaraderie. And the Beaches Jazz Run on July 28th is brimming with it. This 5km, 10km, or 20km race starts at the Beaches' Kew Gardens, and raises funds in support of the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation. This event attracts all levels: the leisurely jogger, the competitive runner and even those using the event to condition for the subsequent Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon in October. The Beaches Jazz Run is a seriously great time for everyone. But what if you are suffering from a torn ACL or have recently had ACL surgery? The Beaches Jazz Run may not seem all that useful if you can’t enjoy it. If you are suffering from the pain caused by a torn ACL, it's time to consider ACL rehab or treatment for an ACL injury. ACL injuries are very common among athletes. The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a joint inside your knee, and an ACL injury occurs when this ligament is torn. ACL injuries are common for athletes whose sports demand sudden stops and changes in direction, like soccer, basketball, tennis and volleyball. This injury can result in inflammation and acute or...

How Toronto Sports Medicine Specialists Can Get You Ready for the Toronto Triathlon

Celebrated as the ultimate challenge of human endurance and tenacity, the Toronto Triathlon Festival begins July 21st. Participants run, bike and swim their way through a uniquely urban course, including Toronto's harbourfront, downtown highways, and the protected water basin of the West Channel of Ontario Place. With four different races to choose from - Olympic Distance, Sprint Distance, Olympic Distance Relay, or Sprint Distance Relay - this event offers a variety of ways for athletes to test themselves and compete against others. So how can Toronto sports medicine specialists help you prepare for this grueling test of your abilities? In a number of ways. Prep for the running: In order to prepare for the running portion of the triathlon, think about attending a running injury clinic hosted by a sports injury clinic to assess any underlying issues that may impede your performance. Or think about speaking with sports medicine specialists about getting fitted for custom foot orthotics. Prep for the cycling: Make sure that your knees don't suffer from the over 20-40kms trail through the downtown core, especially if you are suffering from a torn ACL. Sports medicine specialists can offer pain relief through rehabilitation exercises and by fitting you...

Keep Swinging and Prevent Common Golf Injuries

The 4th Annual Joe Carter Classic Celebrity Golf Tournament supporting the Children's Aid Foundation, is right around the corner. Celebrities will be tee-off at Eagle's Nest Golf Club in Maple on June 18th, having fun showing off their skills while raising money. But just because you and I may not been invited to play alongside the stars in that fundraiser doesn't mean that we take our game any less seriously. And an important part of training and readying ourselves for the game means avoiding common golf injuries. Most golfers, no matter their skill-level, are aware of some of the aches and pains that accompany the game. Back pain, shoulder pain or knee pain are the result of common golf injuries that stem from stance and swing. Repetition can lead to carpel tunnel syndrome; tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are also common (although, ironically, tennis elbow is more common that golfer's elbow). These golf injuries plague many players, so working to avoid them is crucial if you want to stay on the fairways. How can you avoid common golf injuries and keep swinging? A golf injury prevention program offered by a sports injury clinic is always a good idea. Designed to...

Prepare for The Cardiac Health Foundation’s Walk of Life with Custom Made Orthotics

On Sunday May 26th, The Cardiac Health Foundation of Canada will hold its annual Walk of Life at the Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto. The Walk of Life features a 3km and 5km walk, a 5km run, and a 1km family stroll. There are great prizes for runners with top time, a healthy breakfast before the event and a t-shirt for all participants. With summer just around the corner, this event promises to be a great one. Celebrate the launch of the season by getting out there with some friends in support of The Cardiac Health Foundation. As you prepare for this event, as well as for your own summer running season, it's best to ensure your body is in top form before stepping out onto the track. Those of us who enjoy running on a regular basis know though that pain can keep us from enjoying what we love. If you are a runner who faces the all too common foot pain that can accompany the sport, it's time to take charge and get your life back! So how can you get rid of the foot pain (or knee, back and hip pain) that often accompanies running? A sports...