physiotherapy Archives - Advanced Health Clinic

Accelerating Healing: The Physiological Boost of Laser Therapy in Injury Recovery

In the journey to recovery from injuries, embracing advanced and effective treatments is paramount. Laser therapy has emerged as a powerful tool in the rehabilitation arsenal, employing specific physiological mechanisms to expedite healing. At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, with locations in Nanaimo and Parksville, BC, we integrate laser therapy into our comprehensive approach, harnessing its potential to augment recovery from various injuries.

Laser therapy operates on the principle of photobiomodulation, a process where light energy penetrates tissues, triggering biochemical changes at a cellular level. Here are the physiological mechanisms through which laser therapy enhances injury recovery:

Increased Cellular Energy Production

Laser therapy stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the energy currency of cells. This surge in energy accelerates cellular activities, fostering quicker tissue repair.

Improved Blood Circulation

The therapy enhances blood flow by dilating blood vessels, ensuring efficient oxygen and nutrient delivery to the injured area. This heightened circulation expedites the removal of waste products, promoting a healthier healing environment.

Reduced Inflammation

Laser therapy exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokines and enzymes responsible for the inflammatory response. This reduction in inflammation alleviates pain and swelling associated with injuries.

Enhanced Collagen Production

Collagen is a crucial component of tissue repair. Laser therapy promotes collagen synthesis, aiding in the formation of stronger and more resilient connective tissues.

Faster Injury Healing

By accelerating cellular regeneration and tissue repair, laser therapy shortens the overall healing time, allowing individuals to resume normal activities sooner.

While laser therapy offers a potent boost to injury recovery, its effectiveness is maximized when coupled with prescribed exercise programming. Our clinicians at Advanced Health + Sports Clinic emphasize the importance of adhering to tailored exercise regimens. Exercise not only complements the physiological benefits of laser therapy but also plays a pivotal role in improving strength, flexibility, and overall functional capacity.

Adherence to prescribed exercises ensures that the gains achieved through laser therapy are sustained, preventing re-injury and promoting long-term wellness. At Advanced Health + Sports Clinic, we view the combination of laser therapy and exercise programming as a dynamic partnership, empowering individuals on their path to a swift and resilient recovery.

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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

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

Concussion: Why Am I STILL Experiencing Symptoms?

Good morning Nanaimo! Lets have a talk about a subject that’s gotten its fair share of attention over the past handful of years – concussion!

10-15% of Athletes involved in contact sports are expected to sustain a concussion annually. They happen. They aren’t fun. But despite the media coverage in recent years and the almost taboo nature they have come to be associated with – they TYPICALLY aren’t as bad as we have been led to believe.

WHAT Happens During Concussion? :

The occurrence of a concussion while initially thought to be a structural injury is actually now understood to be a “temporary dysfunction” stemming from a stretch/shear force applied to the brain. Without getting too far down the metabolic rabbit hole in this blog one of the primary problems following this injury this is we run into an ATP deficit (Yes, remember that from grade 11 biology?!). Basically, ion channels get stretched open, which results some in abnormal electrical activity and a subsequent imbalance occurs, which essentially leaves us with an energy deficit in the brain.

Now … The good news is that MOST concussions with proper rest, management, and return to play steps resolve and within 2-3 weeks. The battery recharges and we resume life/sport!

However …

Depending on the literature you read between 10 and 20% of concussion sufferers will still experience beyond four weeks following injury which then classifies them which three big words: POST CONCUSSION SYNDROME (PCS).

While it can be stubborn, unpredictable, and bothersome for the patient – in truth, the malingering of “concussion-symptoms” is usually not driven by the insult to the brain at this point as most people metabolically recover FULLY between 22-28 days following injury but because ANOTHER neighboring system also got disrupted during the trauma that caused the concussion in the first place (ex, a whiplash injury to the neck).

To re-iterate … the brain is typically NOT the culprit for persistent PCS symptoms! Lets now discuss the other elements that usually drive the symptoms at this point and are absolutely treatable if identified by a well-trained clinician.

The 5 “fingers” that contribute to the “Fist” of post concussion syndrome:

	What’s Happening?!	What to do about it?!
1. Metabolic Recovery	ATP levels are low and need to recharge!	Rest (for a few days ONLY) Nutrition Adherence to return to school and return to sport protocols Education and reassurance
2. Cervicogenic	Whiplash symptoms … neck is jacked up and now referring symptoms into the head/face/jaw!	Manual & manipulative therapy Soft tissue therapy Exercise! Dryneedling/IMS/acupuncture Pain Neuroscience Education
3. Vestibular + Visual Dysfunction	Inner Ear and/or visual system are not operating or communicating correctly	Vision Rehabilitation (via Neuro-Optometrist) Vestibular Rehabilitation (via physiotherapist)
4. Autonomic Dysregulation	Temporary blood-flow abnormality … essentially the heart is not pumping the correct amount of blood to the brain post concussion.	Sub-symptom threshold cardiovascular exercise (train BELOW symptom threshold … then build it back up progressively!)
5. Psychosocial Components	Anxiety, depression, sleep disorder, OCD, etc.	Clinical counsellor, psychologist, etc. Resources are there, they are important, use them!!

To Summarize:

The GOOD news is that these are all treatable! This means that a thorough assessment of the aforementioned systems to see what is driving the symptoms is imperative. We then need to intelligently LOAD and CHALLENGE that system and “nudge” its boundaries accordingly.

The old adage ”REST IS BEST” is NOT true, and is NOT evidence based practice. Will a brief period of rest (3-4 days) following initial injury is important a progressive supervised return to mental and physical activity is what is now being recommended.

Concussions are one of the many things we enjoy treating at Advanced Health and Sports Clinic when we aren’t treating low back pain, rotator cuff injuries, ACL repairs, and other “typical” injuries you commonly see in an Injury Rehabilitation Clinic. In future posts we will go deeper into each specific element of PCS mentioned today – but the message we wanted to get across is clear:

Concussions happen – that’s OK!
The body & brain do a good job of recharging post injury in MOST cases!
A predictive factor of quick and simpler recovery is getting assessed QUICKLY following injury to rule out red flags and provide education and re-assurance.
If you experience Post-Concussion Syndrome symptoms you’re not alone!
Your symptoms beyond four weeks are probably NOT your brain – but something close by!
Rest is NOT best!
Identify what’s driving the symptoms – then treat it!

Have a great week everybody!

physiotherapy

Tag: physiotherapy