De’Quervain’s Tendonitis

De’Quervain’s Tendonitis

De’Quervain’s Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons of certain muscles that attach to and move the thumb. Pain from this condition is typically felt at the base of the thumb. It is common among people who perform repetitive movements at work or at home, send text messages, play video games, and new parents lifting and carrying an infant. The repetitive movements in these activities is often the cause of the irritation. Pain is often felt with gripping and lifting activities.

Treatment for any thumb or wrist pain begins with a thorough assessment to identify the root cause of the pain and rule out other possible causes such as a bone fracture or joint sprain. Once the cause is identified treatment for De’Quervain’s Tendonitis may include manual treatments like massage, acupuncture, taping, splinting, and targeted stretches and exercises.

If you are dealing with wrist or thumb 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.

IT Band Friction Syndrome

What is IT Band Friction Syndrome?

The Iliotibial Band (IT Band) is a broad band of thick connective tissue that is located on the outside of the leg.  This band begins at the level of your hip and connects to the outside of the knee.

The IT band get irritated when it rubs over the outside of the knee during activities that cause repetitive knee bending and extending, such as running or cycling.  IT band syndrome is characterized by pain through the outside of the knee that progressively gets worse with activity.  The pain from IT band friction syndrome can range from a sharp twinge to a general ache and burn.

Rehab for IT band injuries emphasize improving hip mobility, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), cupping, taping, and progressive hip strengthening.  Rolling the IT band out on a foam roller is a painful, ineffective, and outdated practice.

If you are experiencing knee pain, call Momentum Physical Therapy & Sports Rehab today to find out how we can help alleviate your knee pain!

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

Piriformis Syndrome

What is Piriformis Syndrome?

Pain shooting down one or both legs is something everyone can experience. Maybe a friend has told you about a few stretches for relief. Pain travelling down the leg can be caused by a number of different issues, like injuries to the joints or discs in the lumbar spine, bursitis, or tightness from muscle trigger points. A very common source of this kind of shooting pain is piriformis syndrome.

Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis, a muscle in the hip, tightens and puts pressure on the sciatic nerve. Symptoms may include pain in the low back or hip, pain down the leg, numbness or tingling in the leg, and discomfort while sitting. Piriformis syndrome can be caused by structural differences in our bodies, an injury to the buttock muscles, or overuse and repetitive strain. 

Treatment for piriformis syndrome will include a thorough assessment to determine the root of the pain, manual treatments like massage and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), as well as targeted stretches and exercises. 

If you have pain in your back, hip or leg, 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.

Skier's Thumb

What is Skier's Thumb?

Have you ever taken a fall while skiing and got your thumb caught up with your ski pole? Or maybe just slipped on the ice and landed with your hand outstretched? If you have pain in your thumb or wrist after mishaps like these you may have sprained your ulnar collateral ligament, commonly known as skier's thumb. 

A sprain occurs when a ligament is stretched or torn. Ligament sprains are differentiated by the degree of damage done. A Momentum Physiotherapist can identify the degree of ligament sprain as well as other possible causes of thumb or wrist pain, which may include injuries to tendons, joints, or other ligaments. Once the root cause of the pain is determined appropriate treatment can be provided. 

Treatment for an ulnar collateral ligament sprain varies depending on the degree of sprain but can include immobilization through bracing or taping, manual therapies like massage, acupuncture, stretches, and exercises. 

If you have thumb or wrist 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.

Runner's Knee

What is Runner's Knee?

Runner's Knee is a generalized term describing improper alignment of the kneecap. Known medically as Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), it is a very common cause of knee pain, often occurring directly under or near the kneecap. You don’t have to be a runner to get Runner’s Knee; activities like walking, squats, or stairs can also cause this kind of pain.

Treatment for any knee pain begins with a detailed history and a thorough assessment to determine the specific cause of the pain. Treating Runner’s Knee will involve correcting movement patterns as well as specific stretches and exercises for the knees and hips. Additionally, Momentum Physiotherapists can provide manual treatments including massage, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), and taping in order to help you return to your activity. 

You don't have to put up with 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.