Swimmer's Shoulder

Swimmer's Shoulder 

Swimming can be a great activity both for recreation and for fitness. It can also help with shoulder mobility and strength. However, given the repetitive movements of many strokes some people may experience shoulder pain related to swimming. Swimmer’s Shoulder is an umbrella term for this kind of pain and the related loss of function. Swimmer’s Shoulder can include injuries to the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff, bursae (cushioning structures in the shoulder), or the joint and surrounding joint capsule. 

Treatment for Swimmer’s Shoulder and related pain includes rest and identifying the root cause of the pain and dysfunction. A Momentum Physical Therapist can assess the shoulder, determine the cause, and provide appropriate treatment. Interventions for Swimmer's Shoulder may include manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), taping, and specific stretches and exercises. 

If shoulder pain, or any other concerns are keeping you from swimming, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how our therapists can get you back in the water!

Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.

Hitting the Trails

Hiking

Hiking is a popular summer activity. It can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Hiking can help build strength, especially in the trunk, hips, and legs. It’s also a good way to work on balance and stability as trails are typically uneven. Longer hikes or those with elevation can also help increase aerobic endurance. 

Sometimes people can have aches and pains from hiking. These issues can result from certain weaknesses or muscle imbalances. Hips, knees, or even feet may feel sore as a result of imbalances in some of the hip stabilizing muscles. Shoulders may get sore from carrying a backpack with lunch or supplies and may benefit from addressing posture.

A Momentum Physical Therapist can perform an assessment on any areas you are having problems with and also screen for potential problems down the road. Manual techniques like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, taping, and a personalized exercise program can get you prepared for your next hike. 

Call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to find out how our therapists can help get you back out on the trails!

Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.

Jumper's Knee

Jumper’s Knee

Jumper’s Knee is known medically as Patellar Tendonitis. It is an irritation or inflammation of the tendon just below the kneecap. It is often caused by overuse, improper alignment, or poor technique in sports that involve jumping and other activities like running, cycling, or squatting can also contribute to Jumper’s Knee. Jumper's Knee can cause pain at or just below the kneecap and often comes on slowly without a clear incident to cause the pain. 

Treatment for any knee pain begins with a detailed history and a thorough assessment to determine the specific cause of the pain. Treating Jumper’s Knee will involve rest, addressing any inflammation, and changing improper movement patterns that have led to the injury. Additionally, Momentum Physiotherapists can provide manual treatments including massage, tendon frictions, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), and taping in order to help you decrease pain and return to your sport or activity. 

If you have knee pain call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to find out how our therapists can help get you moving again!

Raina Hawthorne is a physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.

Warm-up!

Is it important to "warm-up" before physical activity?

Yes!! Warming up before taking part in any physical activity is very important as it works to prepare your body for action.  When you "warm-up" prior to physical activity you are actually preparing your muscles, tendons and joints for movement.  This is favourable as it helps to reduce your chance of getting injured.  Traditional "warm-ups" have generally consisted of 30 second static stretches to the large muscles of your body.  However, research has shown that this type of pre-activity preparation actually shuts the muscles down.

Proper "warm-ups" are now recommended to consist of mild-moderate levels of exercises that include movement.  Examples include going for a brisk 10 minute walk, lightly tossing a ball, or dynamic stretching.  A proper "warm-up" should start to get your sweat flowing and its effects will last for about 15 minutes.  

To learn more about a proper warm-up program to best prepare you for your sport, call MOMENTUM today! We would love to help get you ready! 403-982-5600.

Stephen Uhrbach is the clinic owner and lead physiotherapist at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab Ltd. located in Okotoks, AB.