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.

Good Pain vs. Bad Pain

Should I Run or Exercise Through Pain?

Often the catch phrase “no pain, no gain” is tossed around when people run or exercise.  Although some “pain” can be of benefit, it is most often a sign of dysfunction and potential injury.   At Momentum, when we return our athletes to their sport of choice, we very clearly differentiate the difference between good pain and bad pain.

Good pain occurs when muscles fatigue as the result of a training regime.  This pain should be very predictable, feel like fatigue, and resolve quickly with appropriate rest.

Bad pain occurs when muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones are used incorrectly and begin to break down.  This pain can lead to tendon, muscle, or bone injuries that can require a lengthly rehabilitation process.  This pain exceeds levels of normal fatigue and can be burning, sharp, aching, and throbbing.  

If you feel like you are dealing with any episodes of “bad pain”, or want to learn more about harnessing “good pain”, call Momentum today to find out how we can help!

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

Pulled Muscles

I Think I Pulled a Muscle... Now What?

A pulled muscle, or a muscle strain, is a painful experience.  Muscle strains occur when a muscle is overloaded and begins to break down.  This process can occur after one forceful movement (such as during sprinting) or after repetitive movements (such as climbing a long flight of stairs).  Common sites of muscle strains occur in the hamstrings, quads, shoulders, and calves.

A strained muscle must go through a healing process that allows the muscle cells to glue themselves back together.  Depending on the severity of your muscle strain, this process can take anywhere from 2 to 6+ weeks.  

Initially, a strained muscle is rested, iced, compressed, and elevated (usually for 48 hours).  However, after the initial rest phase, it is important to gradually begin moving the muscular unit to promote proper healing.  Physical therapy must include manual therapies, stretches, and exercises to promote proper healing.  Muscle strains that are not properly treated can become sites for re-injury in the future.  

If you are dealing with any muscle strain, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy today to find out how our Physical Therapists can help you maximize your muscle strain recovery.  

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