The Rotator Cuff

Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles that move as well as stabilize the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff can include tears, inflammation, or chronic irritation typically to the tendon where the muscle attaches to the bone. Injury can occur to any of the four muscles. If you have a rotator cuff injury you may notice pain in the shoulder and the upper arm, decreased movement, and weakness.  

Treating rotator cuff injuries depends on the severity and time since the injury occurred. It typically includes manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), specific stretches, and exercises for shoulder stability. Other injuries like bursitis or arthritis may also cause shoulder pain. A physiotherapist can determine the cause of your shoulder pain and provide appropriate treatment. 

If you are dealing with shoulder pain call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to find out how our therapists can help.

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

Ankle Sprains & Strains

What Can I Do To Heal My Sprained Ankle?

Ankle sprains occur when the ligaments that hold the ankle together get stretched or torn when the ankle is forcefully twisted inwards or outwards.  Ankle sprains will present with pain, difficulty (or an inability) to weight bear, varying degrees of ankle swelling and bruising, and ankle stiffness.  Some ankle sprains require an x-ray to determine if the ankle sprain is also accompanied by a fracture. 

Rehab from an ankle sprain varies depending on the location of the sprain and the severity of the sprain.  Minor ankle sprains will typically recover in 2-4 weeks, while more severe sprains may require 8+ weeks.  Treatment should include a detailed history, a comprehensive ankle exam, and a treatment plan.  Early rehabilitation will focus on controlling ankle swelling and gradually increasing ankle range of motion.  As the ankle heals, treatment will focus on improving ankle strength and balance. 

If you are dealing with an ankle sprain or any ankle pain, call Momentum today to find out how we can help you get a foot up on your ankle pain. 

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

Whiplash

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash is an injury to the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck. It is typically associated with car accidents but can occur any time the neck is rapidly forced forwards and backwards, such as in sports or a fall. Whiplash symptoms can include pain in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, as well as stiffness, headaches, and jaw pain. Treatment for whiplash usually involves gentle movement, manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, specific stretches, and exercises to help restore good posture and neck mobility. If your whiplash is the result of a motor vehicle accident, your automobile insurance will cover physiotherapy treatment to help resolve your pain. If you have pain in your neck, from a motor vehicle accident or any other reason, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how we can help.

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

Plantar Fasciitis

Can Physiotherapy Help Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is a common injury involving pain in the heel and sole of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot that is connected to other muscles and ligaments in the foot and lower leg. This tissue can become inflamed or irritated by overuse, a sudden increase in activity, a change in footwear, or by poor posture. Plantar fascia pain is usually the worst in the morning and with activities like walking, running, or standing for long periods of time. Plantar fasciitis is quite common, however, other conditions such as heel fat pad atrophy, bone spurs, tendonitis, and nerve pain may be mistaken for it. A physiotherapy assessment can determine the cause of your foot pain and its corresponding appropriate treatment. Treatment for plantar fasciitis usually involves rest, manual therapies like massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), acupuncture, taping, and specific stretches and exercises. If you have foot pain, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab at 403-982-5600 to see how we can help!

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

Back Pain

Can Physical Therapy Help My Sore Back?

Physiotherapy is a proven and effective way to resolve and prevent back pain.  Back pain can occur for a variety of reasons that include traumatic injury, an improper lift, a weekend hunched over in the garden, or even an inactive lifestyle.

Proper care for your back pain will always being with a comprehensive assessment to determine why you have pain.  From this assessment, an action plan will be developed to meet your specific needs.  Treatment for back pain must include elements of hands on therapy and an individualized exercise program.  Without these two elements, it is very difficult for back pain to resolve.  As you recover, the exercise program provided should move you towards self management so that you do not become dependent on a therapist to maintain your health.  If you are dealing with low back pain, call Momentum today at 403-982-5600 to find out how we can fix that lingering back.  

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