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Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace

As a physiotherapist, I often recommend the use of knee braces to my patients with knee pain, including the Bauerfeind GenuTrain knee brace.

Benefits of Wearing a Knee Brace

  1. Pain relief: The GenuTrain knee brace is designed to provide targeted compression and support to the knee joint, which can help reduce pain and improve joint stability.
  2. Improved joint function: The knee brace helps to offload the knee joint and distribute weight more evenly, which can improve joint function and reduce pain.
  3. Increased mobility: The knee brace helps to improve stability, which can increase a patient’s confidence in their knee and allow them to participate in a wider range of activities with less pain.
  4. Reduced inflammation: The knee brace is designed to provide targeted compression, which can help reduce swelling and inflammation in the knee joint.
  5. Easy to wear: The GenuTrain knee brace is made of a comfortable, breathable material and is designed to be worn all day, making it an easy and convenient option for patients seeking knee pain relief.

 In conclusion, the Bauerfeind GenuTrain knee brace can provide several benefits for patients with knee pain caused by arthritis. By providing targeted compression, support, and improved joint stability, this type of knee brace can help reduce pain and improve joint function, allowing patients to stay active and participate in a wider range of activities.

If you are suffering with knee pain due to arthritis, our team at Advanced Health & Sports Clinic is here to help. We have locations in both Nanaimo and Parksville and a team of experienced physiotherapists who are available to assist you in managing your pain and improving your overall quality of life. Contact us today or book an appointment using our convenient online booking system.

 

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In-Clinic Interventions to Treat Symptoms of Knee Arthritis 

As a physiotherapist, there are several interventions that can be used in the clinic to help a patient with arthritic knee pain.

In-Clinic Interventions to Treat Symptoms of Knee Arthritis 

  1. Manual Therapy: This can include joint mobilization, massage, and stretching to help improve range of motion of the knees and reduce arthritis pain.
  2. Exercise Therapy: A physiotherapist can design a tailored exercise program to help improve muscle strength and joint function, reduce arthritis pain, and increase range of motion of the knees.
  3. Taping or Bracing: The use of taping or bracing can help offload the knee joint, reduce arthritis pain and improve stability.
  4. Electrotherapy: The use of electrical stimulation, such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation), can help reduce arthritis pain and improve muscle function.
  5. Education and advice: A physiotherapist can provide advice and education on joint protection techniques, such as using assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications, such as weight management, to help reduce stress on the knee joint.

By incorporating these interventions into a comprehensive treatment plan, a physiotherapist can help a patient with arthritic knee pain improve their joint function, reduce pain, and improve their overall quality of life. We have locations in both Nanaimo and Parksville and a team of experienced physiotherapists who are available to assist you in managing your pain and improving your overall quality of life. Contact us today or book an appointment using our convenient online booking system.

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Managing Knee Arthritis

As a physiotherapist, I often see patients with knee arthritis seeking ways to manage their symptoms at home. While there is no cure for knee arthritis, there are several scientifically proven methods to help reduce pain and improve joint function.

Methods to Help Improve Symptoms of Knee Arthritis

  1. Exercise regularly: Regular low-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming, and water aerobics can help improve range of motion in your knees and reduce arthritis pain. Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the knee, such as the quadriceps and hamstrings, can also help reduce stress on the knee joint.
  2. Use heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected knee can help reduce pain and swelling. A warm bath, heating pad, or hot water bottle can help soothe sore joints, while an ice pack can help reduce swelling and numb pain.
  3. Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight places additional stress on the knee joint, so maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce symptoms of knee arthritis.
  4. Use assistive devices: Canes, knee braces, or other assistive devices can help reduce stress on the knee and improve stability. Your physiotherapist can help you determine which device is best for you.
  5. Take anti-inflammatory medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help reduce arthritis pain and inflammation of the knees. However, it’s important to talk to your doctor before starting any new medication.

By incorporating these 5 scientifically proven methods into their daily routine, individuals with knee arthritis can effectively manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

If you are suffering with knee pain due to arthritis, our team at Advanced Health & Sports Clinic is here to help. We have locations in both Nanaimo and Parksville and a team of experienced physiotherapists who are available to assist you in managing your pain and improving your overall quality of life. Contact us today or book an appointment using our convenient online booking system.

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IMS/Dry Needling ~ How it works & what it helps with!

As a physiotherapist who see’s patients in both Nanaimo & Parksville BC, I have seen firsthand the benefits of intramuscular stimulation (IMS) for countless patients recovering from injury who are experiencing tight muscles, nerve pain, or chronic pain. IMS is a type of therapy that involves inserting fine acupuncture needles into tight, painful muscles to release tension and improve function.

One of the key benefits of IMS is its ability to target and relieve tight muscles, which can be a major contributor to pain and dysfunction. Tight muscles can cause nerve impingements, leading to pain, tingling, or weakness in the affected area. IMS works by disrupting the tight muscle fibers and promoting normal function, reducing the tension on the affected nerve and decreasing pain.

IMS also has a neurophysiological effect, helping to reset the nervous system and reduce chronic pain. The stimulation from the needle triggers a reflex in the nervous system, which can help to reduce pain and improve function. Additionally, IMS can help to improve circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to the affected area and promoting healing.

IMS is a safe and effective therapy that can provide relief for many patients with chronic pain, tight muscles, or nerve pain. The therapy is performed by a trained practitioner and involves the use of sterile, single-use needles. IMS is well tolerated by most patients and has few side effects, making it a suitable option for many individuals seeking relief from injury-related pain.
In conclusion, IMS is a valuable tool for physiotherapists and patients seeking to improve function and relieve pain after an injury. By targeting tight muscles, improving circulation, and resetting the nervous system, IMS can provide effective relief for chronic pain, nerve pain, and tight muscles, helping patients recover from injury and return to their active lifestyles.

If you are experiencing chronic pain (any issue lasting longer than three months), neuropathic or nerve pain, or persistent muscular stiffness reach out today and we are happy to assess your condition and determine if IMS is a suitable part of a treatment plan for you and your goals.

We have locations in both beautiful Nanaimo and Parksville, BC and have admin teams standing by happy to connect with you!

 

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New Advanced Clinic Location in Parksville

It is with great excitement, humility, and pride that we are reaching out to inform you that Advanced Health + Sports Clinic is opening a second location in beautiful Parksville, BC.

       

Parksville and the surrounding regions such as: Qualicum Beach, French Creek, Dashwood, Errington, Coombs, Whiskey Creek, & Nanoose Bay are all unique communities that we are thoroughly looking forward to connecting with to help each individual we work with conquer their pain, overcome injuries, and maximize their physical potential.

We will be opening our doors as of Tuesday June 21st, 2022 and look forward to having the opportunity to serve the Parksville & Qualicum areas with a closer and more convenient location.

 

New Clinic Information

  • The clinic will be located Unit-5, 100 Lombardy Street right on the corner of Lombardy Street and Morrison Avenue.
  • Phone Number 250 586 8556
  • Our operating hours will be from 7:30am-4:30pm
  • Ample free-parking is available in the front parking lot (fronting the Island Highway), on Lombardy, and on Morrison.
  • Online booking will remain available using Janeapp and will allow patients to select Nanaimo or Parksville locations based on proximity and convenience.
  • Direct billing will be up and running akin to our Nanaimo location.

Services Offered

Orthopedic Physiotherapy

IMS
Dry Needling

Conussion Management

Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy

 

We wish you a wonderful weekend and a happy & healthy transition into the summer season of 2022.

 

Yours in Health;

                                                                 The Advanced Health Team

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Covid-19: Transition to Telehealth

COVID-19 Update

Clinic Closed Until April 24th

As the sun comes up on Nanaimo this week we want to inform the community that in light of the Provincial Health Authorities recommendations we will continue remain closed for walk-in appointments through April 24th, 2020.

Our Teams Message to You:

  • We are all in this together and community health is being kept front of mind.
  • We are STILL here for you in any way we can be (reach out to us by phone or email).
  • Our staff has successfully transitioned to Tele-Health for physiotherapy and chiropractic care and are bookable online or by phone to help you continue to improve old problems or assess new ones!
  • For further updates or tips and education on common injuries, please follow us on FaceBook or Instagram.

A virtual-rehabilitation appointment also known as Telehealth – is a great option when your unable to make it to the clinic for a hands-on session. Telehealth allows the patient to still have a productive and meaningful 1-on-1 session with your physiotherapist or chiropractor without having to leave your home or workplace.

While we won’t be able to offer the hands-on skills such as manual therapy and dry-needling we often use, we can still provide many valuable tools including but not limited to:
  • Assessment and diagnosis of your injury
  • Education and self management techniques on how to best manage your ailments
  • Exercise instruction and prescription
  • Identify aggravating and easing factors
  • Referral for imaging or other healthcare providers when needed
  • Equipment recommendations such as sport-braces, orthotics, crutches, taping technique’s, etc.

Conditions that may benefit from virtual physiotherapy include:

  • Pre and Post Surgical Care of all Orthopedic Conditions (hip, shoulder, knee, foot, ankle, etc.)
  • Balance/Vertigo Rehabilitation
  • Postural Training
  • Arthritis Management
  • Back/Neck Rehabilitation
  • Concussion Management
  • Nerve Pain Management
  • Repetitive Strain Injury
  • Sciatica
  • Joint Pain Management
  • Headache Management
  • Muscle and Ligament Strains and Sprains

 

BOOK NOW

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COVID – 19 Update: Clinic Closed Until The End of March


Greetings valued patient,

Our team has been closely monitoring the developing COVID-19 situation and we are here to help assist you during this difficult time.  As a collective group, we decided that the most responsible and ethical way to support our patients and our community at large is to temporarily change the way we deliver healthcare.

From March 18 – 31st, Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, will not be offering in-person/hands on treatment to ensure patient and practitioner safety and to adhere to the Canadian Health Authorities recommendations for social distancing and to follow recommendations provided by our respective professional colleges.

In this interim period, we will be transitioning operations to offer services online via video conferencing. Maintaining continuity of care for our patients is paramount to us and by transitioning to services online, you will still have access to care and consultation from most disciplines including: physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and athletic therapy.

While we won’t be able to offer the hands on skills such as manual therapy and dry-needling we often use, we can still provide assessment, education, exercise instruction, coaching and advice. Certainly, these treatment sessions will look a little different than our typical appointments – but our team is still here to provide you with valuable support.

Please note
We will be offering in-clinic appointments for EMERGENCY cases ONLY, these will be decided on a case by case basis by the appropriate practitioner. If you have an emergency case (i.e. post-surgical, acute concussion, etc), please call us between 9AM and 3PM between Monday and Friday, Natalie and Tara will be able to take your request and process it accordingly.

Advanced Health + Sports Clinic places tremendous value on our communities health, happiness and safety and we want to make it clear that we are here for you. Hard times often necessitate hard decisions – temporarily closing our doors certainly was one of them, but we feel it was a decision made for the right reasons pertaining to safety and ethical considerations. During the next two weeks we will remain accessible via phone, email, and video chat to connect with you and help you in any way shape or form that we can.

How does Telehealth work?

You will be able to book “Virtual” assessments and subsequents via phone or via our JaneApp platform as of Friday March 20th, at 3PM . At your virtual appointment time, you will receive an e-mail invitation to Physitrack, all one has to do is press on the highlighted link and accept the prompt for the video call (very similar to Skype). We assure all our patients that Physitrack is HIPPA compliant and offers encrypted Telehealth/Video Calling to ensure your confidentiality.

  • For new patients, virtual assessments can be very valuable, please ensure to book a “Virtual Assessment” to ensure an hour block is reserved for your appointment.
  • For any returning patients that would like to check-in with their health care provider, to progress their exercise program for example, please ensure to book a “Virtual Subsequent”.
Please feel free to contact us for any inquiries.
Let’s grow together, learn together, take care of one another, and we are confident we can come out of this stronger and wiser. Have a wonderful rest of your week and we look forward to hearing from you.

Yours in Health,
The Advanced Team

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Run Into Spring: WITHOUT Plantar Fasciitis! Three Evidence Based “Injury-Hacks” to keep you on the move!

Spring is in the air! The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, and the sun is starting to show its face more … what does all this mean? For us at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic that means running and hiking season is once again upon us! For those of us who have taken some time off over the winter months and have to “get back into it” we are speaking directly to YOU with this blog.

“Plantar fasciitis is the most common foot condition treated by health care providers. It has been estimated that plantar fasciitis occurs in approximately 2 million Americans each year and af­fects as much as 10% of the population over the course of a life­time.”
(Clinical Practice Guidelines, Journal of Sport Physiotherapy 2014)

 

When resuming running after a period of time off it is common to work through some mild discomfort as our muscles rebuild their strength and our cardiovascular system reconditions; however, experiencing significant pain that hampers our performance and cuts into our daily life is NOT something we want to encounter.

What is it? An irritation of the plantar fascia (or adjacent structures) on the plantar surface of the foot.

What are the main symptoms? Foot pain with weight bearing activities (running, hiking, walking) – particularly the initial steps after a period of inactivity (ie, after sitting at a desk for 4 hours) but also worse following prolonged weight bearing and often precipitated by a recent increase in weight-bearing activity (towards to end of a run or in the hours following).

What can I do about it?

1. STRETCH out your calves daily and feet daily! 

(2 sets, 30-60 seconds, twice daily)

2. SELF-MASSAGE techniques!

(1-2 mins, no more than 2-3 times daily)

What else?

Foot orthosis (orthotics):If there is a structural impairment of foot biomechanics which is contributing to ones symptoms (ex, collapsing arches) then using a device to keep the ankle and foot in a more balanced and neutral position can be quite helpful.

Load management: We need to use the ‘goldilocks principle’ when getting back into running – especially after an injury. We need to progressively add load to irritated tissues in a rational and step-wise fashion.

Too much too soon? NOT good … irritation awaits.
Too little and not enough? NOT good … no adaptation will occur.
Just Right? Intelligent progressive loading, with exercise adherence + rest days, with self management techniques = acceptable challenges to the soft tissues which results in strengthening, adaptation, and increased activity tolerance!

I’m already doing everything right but I’m STILL having difficulty!

When in doubt … get checked out!! An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Getting a thorough assessment from a: Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, or an Athletic therapist can be an incredible help not only for the treatments they provide but for the education and rehabilitation plan they will provide you with. We are passionate when it comes to keeping our patients moving forward and doing the activities they love. Knowledge is power and at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic this is a pillar of our identity – a well educated patient is a patient with POWER moving forward.

Carolyn is NEW to Nanaimo but is a familiar face in the world of physiotherapy as alongside her husband she ran Parksville Physiotherapy Clinic for the past twenty years. Carolyn specializes in assessing and treating vestibular disorders including vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), migraine associated vertigo, cervical vertigo and postural instability. Additionally, Carolyn also has skills and experience treating patients with neurological and musculoskeletal problems.

Carolyn is excited for a fresh start and to bring her wealth of experience in treating vestibular disorders to Advanced Health and Sports Clinic. If you are experiencing dizziness, imbalance, or vertigo, don’t hesitate to contact our office and see if Vestibular Rehabilitation is appropriate for you!

We look forward to bringing you all more helpful tips, exercises, and management strategies in the months ahead. But in the meantime, we wish you all a happy Easter and a healthy spring full of laughs, exercise, and fresh air!
Yours in Health;
Advanced Health + Sports Clinic Team
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Urgent Care Physiotherapy & Athletic Therapy in Nanaimo: Bumps and Bruises Clinic

 

Bumps and Bruises Clinic – Urgent Care Physiotherapy & Athletic Therapy in Nanaimo

We pride ourselves on being a clinic that takes great care of our community athletes – “Sports” is in our name!

During the high participation months of team sports in Nanaimo we have decided to provide urgent care hours to accommodate our community athletes. Athletes who compete on the weekends need to be assured that they can be PROMPTLY booked in to be assessed and treated when an injury occurs. Sprains, strains, concussions, contusions and anything in between … when in doubt – get checked out!

This system for quick assessment is vital in the diagnosis of acute injuries which is then followed by:

  • Treatment, rehabilitation, and return to sport plans
  • Referral for specialist/surgical assessment or diagnostic imaging (as needed)
  • Education and reassurance for the athletes
  • Communication with parent and coaches

Who is the Bumps and Bruises – Urgent Care Physiotherapy & Athletic Therapy Clinic FOR?

Our Bumps and Bruises – Urgent Care hours are reserved for MONDAYS and TUESDAYS between September and April and are designated for the following competitive sport channels in Nanaimo:

  • Teams and associations we are affiliated with
  • Minor sport associations (hockey, lacrosse, soccer, football baseball, etc)
  • Private and Community Sport Associations (ex, boxing, gymnastics, figure skating)
  • Highschool and Collegiate Athletes
  • Junior Sports (hockey, lacrosse, football)

CONTACT our reception staff first thing Monday morning (phones are open at 7:00am) to reserve your spot as they go fast!

(250) 585-8553

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What the Heck is an Athletic Therapist?!

Athletic Therapy – Blog 1:

The following are a few questions every Clinical Athletic Therapist has likely answered WAY to many times since graduating from University …

  • “Are you a physiotherapist?” … no, but we’re similar.
  • “Are you the teams trainer?” … no, but we’re similar.
  • “Are you a personal trainer?” … no, but we’re similar.

 What Do We Do ?  

Clinical Athletic Therapists treat patients from pediatrics to geriatrics, elite athletes to weekend warriors, and everything else in between while maintaining a focus on the patient taking an ACTIVE approach to rehabilitation (sound familiar?… it should!)

What Athletic Therapists are most known for and extremely well trained in is the acute management and assessment of sports injuries. This is known as “Field Athletic Therapy” and often includes providing first responder services, assessing injured athletes, providing treatments on the sidelines and/or in the clinic, and making referrals to other healthcare professionals when required.

A Clinical Athletic Therapist will typically combine manual therapy,  therapeutic modalities, education and individualized exercise prescription for the patient. This allows one to continue elements of their injury rehabilitation outside of the clinic, where let’s face it … you are out in the real world ALLOT more than you are in the clinic on a treatment table! This typically results in a faster recovery, reduced chance of further injury, and ultimately fewer visits to a healthcare professional.

The aforementioned elements of assessment, education, exercise prescription, use of modalities and manual therapy sound quite similar to that of physiotherapy … because they are! AT & PT have worked alongside one another in larger markets such as Toronto and Montreal for DECADES in multidisciplinary harmony. AT & PT both rehabilitate injuries individually but can also refer between one another to co-manage patients and compliment one another’s skill-sets to maximize efficiency for the patient.

Will my insurance cover Athletic Therapy treatments?

Probably! The following companies typically provide coverage for athletic therapy …

  • Blue Cross
  • Manulife
  • Sunlife
  • Greenshield
  • Liberty Health
  • Great West Life
  • All Sport
  • Citadel
  • Empire
  • Desjardins
  • Industrial Alliance
  • Canadian Hockey Association
  • The Cooperators
  • Canadian Athlete Insurance Plan

Ps. If your insurer does NOT have it listed, it’s always good to give them a quick phone call, as it can often be combined under another form of therapy within your plan!

At Advanced Health and Sports Clinic Dana Lainchbury (Click to read her bio!) is our clinical Athletic Therapist and excited to work with you to manage injury and pursue your health and fitness goals. If you would like to book an athletic therapy appointment a doctors prescription is NOT required and can be done so by clicking HERE!

 

Have a great week everyone!

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