Category: Physiotherapy

What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?

If you have struggled with tight muscles, chronic aches, or nagging overuse injuries, you may have come across the term Active Release Technique (ART). This specialized, hands-on therapy is widely used by physiotherapists and chiropractors to treat soft tissue problems that limit movement and cause pain. But what exactly is ART, and how does it work?

What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique is a manual therapy that focuses on soft tissue structures such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia. During treatment, the clinician applies targeted tension to the affected tissue while guiding the patient through specific, controlled movements.

This process helps:

  • Break down scar tissue and adhesions

  • Restore normal movement patterns

  • Reduce stiffness and improve mobility

  • Relieve pain caused by overuse or repetitive strain

Because ART works directly on the tissues that often cause tightness and discomfort, many patients notice results within just a few sessions.

What Does the Research Say About ART?

Although more large-scale studies are ongoing, research has consistently shown that the Active Release Technique can benefit people with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. Studies suggest ART may improve:

  • Range of motion in injured or stiff muscles

  • Pain associated with repetitive strain injuries

  • Function in patients with soft tissue restrictions

ART has shown particular promise in treating conditions such as:

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome

  • Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain

  • Chronic low back pain and tightness

  • Neck stiffness from poor posture or overuse

  • Sports-related overuse injuries

For patients looking for non-invasive, drug-free treatment, ART provides a safe and effective option to address both the cause and symptoms of pain.

Who Provides the Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique requires specialized certification, and only trained providers can deliver it effectively. Both physiotherapists and chiropractors are eligible to certify in ART, making it a versatile treatment option in multidisciplinary settings.

At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, ART is available across our three clinic locations in Nanaimo and Parksville. Our ART-accredited clinicians include Dr. Joe Foglia, Dr. Erica Dischifart, and Dr. Josh Carless-Jones. Their advanced training ensures precise application of ART techniques as part of a complete rehabilitation plan.

Why Choose ART at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic?

Many patients benefit from ART not only as a stand-alone treatment but also when it is combined with other physiotherapy or chiropractic services. At our clinics, ART is often integrated with exercise prescription, education, and other manual therapy approaches to maximize recovery.

This combined approach helps:

  • Relieve immediate discomfort

  • Improve long-term mobility and strength

  • Reduce the risk of recurring injuries

  • Support a faster return to work, sport, or daily activity

By tailoring ART sessions to each patient’s specific needs, our team ensures safe and effective outcomes.

The Takeaway

Active Release Technique is a proven and precise tool for relieving pain, restoring function, and improving movement. Whether you are recovering from an overuse injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking to optimize performance, ART can play a key role in your treatment plan.

Want to see how ART can help you move better and recover faster? Book an Active Release Technique session in Nanaimo or Parksville at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic today.

Read More
Objective Testing in Action – The Future of Physiotherapy Is Here

The way we track recovery in physiotherapy has evolved dramatically. In the past, progress was measured through a patient’s description of how they felt or by a clinician’s observational notes. While these methods were helpful, they left room for uncertainty. Today, cutting-edge technology allows us to measure performance with accuracy and detail, giving both patients and clinicians a clear picture of progress in real time.

At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic in Nanaimo, our Pacific Station and Norwell Corner locations feature advanced testing tools, including VALD Force Plates and Meloq dynamometry. These systems are designed to measure strength, balance, and movement patterns, ensuring every patient’s progress is tracked with precision.

Why Objective Testing Matters

Objective testing adds measurable data to the rehabilitation process, which helps patients and providers alike. Some of the biggest benefits include:

  • Clarity: Patients can see exactly how much force they generate, how balanced they are, and how these numbers change week by week.

  • Motivation: Watching measurable improvements provides powerful motivation beyond simply “how it feels.”

  • Evidence-Based Care: Data ensures that rehabilitation is not only effective but also measurable, defensible, and personalized to each patient.

This approach helps patients understand their progress while giving clinicians the tools to adjust treatment plans with accuracy.

How the Technology Works

The combination of force plates and dynamometry provides a detailed look at both functional movement and underlying strength.

  • Force plates measure ground reaction forces during activities such as walking, jumping, or squatting. This provides insight into balance, stability, and how efficiently a patient moves.

  • Dynamometry (Meloq) measures muscle strength across specific joints, giving precise numbers that show improvements over time.

Together, these technologies give a complete picture of recovery. They highlight not only how well someone is moving but also the strength supporting those movements, which is critical for long-term function and injury prevention.

Why This Matters for Patients

For patients recovering from surgery, sports injuries, or chronic pain, objective testing ensures that no progress is overlooked. It helps identify areas of weakness that may not be obvious during routine assessments and provides a clear roadmap for rehabilitation.

Athletes especially benefit from the precision of these tools, as force plates and dynamometry can track performance improvements that directly translate to sport. For everyday patients, it offers reassurance that recovery is happening, even when it may not feel like it day to day.

The Takeaway

Objective testing in physiotherapy allows recovery to be guided by science rather than guesswork. At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, we combine state-of-the-art technology with expert physiotherapy to accelerate recovery, track progress, and maximize performance.

Ready to experience physiotherapy backed by precision and evidence-based care? Book an appointment at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic in Nanaimo today.

Read More
Blood Flow Restriction Training – A Smarter Way to Build Strength

Recovering from an injury or surgery often means your body isn’t ready for heavy weights or high-intensity training. Unfortunately, that downtime can lead to muscle loss, slower recovery, and weakness once you’re ready to get back to your normal activities.

That’s where Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training comes in, a research-backed technique that helps patients maintain and even build strength using light exercise loads. At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic in Nanaimo and Parksville, we use safe, smart-tech BFR systems to give patients a proven way to speed up recovery.

What Is Blood Flow Restriction Training?

Blood Flow Restriction Training (sometimes called occlusion training) involves using a specialized cuff or band around the limb while performing light exercise. The cuff restricts blood flow slightly, not completely, creating a controlled “metabolic stress” environment in the muscle.

This tricks the body into thinking it’s lifting heavier weights than it actually is. The result? Increased muscle activation, strength, and growth with loads as light as 20–30% of your maximum.

For patients who can’t tolerate heavy lifting due to pain, surgery, or injury, BFR offers a safe, effective alternative to traditional strength training.

The Science Behind BFR: What the Evidence Shows

Extensive research has demonstrated the benefits of BFR in both rehabilitation and athletic performance. Studies show that BFR can:

  • Reduce muscle atrophy after surgery by slowing down muscle loss during immobilization.

  • Accelerate strength and hypertrophy gains without the risks of heavy weight lifting.

  • Support tendon rehabilitation, particularly in cases of tendinopathy where traditional loading is limited.

  • Improve endurance and cardiovascular health through low-load training protocols.

For post-operative patients, athletes returning to sport, or anyone managing chronic pain or injury, BFR has become an evidence-based tool to bridge the gap between rest and full training.

Why Choose BFR at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic?

At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, our physiotherapists are highly trained in applying BFR safely and effectively. We use smart-tech BFR systems that automatically regulate cuff pressure, ensuring the right balance of restriction and comfort.

Here’s what sets our approach apart:

Whether you’re an athlete wanting to return to sport faster or recovering from a knee, hip, or shoulder surgery, our team integrates BFR into your comprehensive physiotherapy program.

The Takeaway: Smarter Recovery with Blood Flow Restriction Training

Blood Flow Restriction Training is more than a trend; it’s a proven method to gain strength, prevent muscle loss, and speed up recovery when traditional training isn’t an option.

If you’re looking for Blood Flow Restriction Training in Nanaimo or Parksville, the team at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic is here to help.

  • Safe, research-based
  • Effective for injury recovery and rehab
  • Available at all clinic locations

Ready to train smarter, not harder? Book a Blood Flow Restriction training session at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic today and take the next step in your recovery.

Read More
Head in the Game: Concussion Baseline Testing for Safer Sports in Nanaimo and Parksville

In Nanaimo and Parksville, the well-being of our athletes is our top priority. We understand that safety is paramount, and that’s why we’re proud to introduce you to a game-changing approach to concussion management in our communities – concussion baseline testing. Let’s dive into the significance of this crucial tool, one that ensures athletes are thoroughly prepared for their sports journey.

At the heart of this initiative is Complete Concussion Management Inc. (CCMI), an organization dedicated to assessing, managing, and rehabilitating concussions. CCMI provides comprehensive training for certified Concussion Management Practitioners. This includes physiotherapists – equipping them with the evidence-based knowledge and tools required to deliver exceptional care.

Our team of physiotherapists undergoes extensive concussion management training, covering:

Understanding Concussion

Our physiotherapists receive in-depth education on all aspects of concussions, from the biomechanics of injury to the latest research findings.

Concussion Assessment Skills

They acquire essential skills for conducting comprehensive assessments, which include symptom checklists, balance tests, neurocognitive exams, and more.

Management Techniques

Our training ensures our physiotherapists can effectively manage and guide athletes through the recovery process, using the most up-to-date strategies in physiotherapy.

Return-to-Play Protocols

Our certified professionals are well-versed in developing individualized return-to-play plans, ensuring a safe transition back to sports while following physiotherapy protocols.

Concussion Rehabilitation Knowledge

Our physiotherapists understand how to implement evidence-based rehabilitation techniques to aid in the recovery process.

Let’s explore five compelling reasons why concussion baseline testing, conducted by our trained physiotherapists, is crucial for athlete safety:

Let’s explore five compelling reasons why concussion baseline testing, conducted by our trained physiotherapists, is crucial for athlete safety:

  1. Customized Concussion Care: Baseline testing after suffering from a concussion establishes a unique starting point for each athlete. Allowing our physiotherapists to tailor their care to individual needs using physiotherapy expertise.
  2. Objective Measurement: Baseline testing provides an objective benchmark for tracking an athlete’s progress during recovery, reducing the risk of premature return to play, an essential part of physiotherapy guidance.
  3. Early Concussion Detection: Baselines help identify subtle cognitive changes that may otherwise go unnoticed, facilitating early intervention if a concussion occurs, a key aspect of physiotherapy care.
  4. Educational Tool: Athletes and coaches gain a better understanding of concussions and the recovery process, promoting informed decisions and safer practices, backed by physiotherapy knowledge.
  5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that a baseline test is in place offers athletes, parents, and coaches peace of mind, knowing that their safety is a top priority, as upheld by our physiotherapists.

In Nanaimo and Parksville, CCMI’s Concussion Baseline Testing, conducted by our skilled physiotherapists, plays a vital role in safeguarding the well-being of our athletes. It’s a proactive measure that ensures a safer, more informed approach to sports participation, aligning perfectly with our commitment to healthy and thriving communities. 

Additionally, we’re proud to offer the services of four CCMI clinicians in Parksville and six in Nanaimo, ready to serve the needs of our athletes and the general population alike for all concussion-related concerns, providing comprehensive care with the expertise of physiotherapy.

BOOK YOUR BASELINE TEST TODAY

Read More
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.

Read More
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.

Read More
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

Read More
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
Read More
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

Read More