Preparing for Surgery

Can physio help BEFORE I go for surgery?

Sometimes we are faced with the unfortunate reality of needing a surgery.  Maybe you have torn your ACL and need knee surgery, or you have arthritis in your hip and are awaiting a hip replacement, or maybe you have a rotator cuff tear in your shoulder and need a shoulder surgery. There are many surgical conditions that are usually accompanied with discomfort and a long waiting period between the injury date and the surgical day.

We often get asked if there is something that can be done before surgery to assist in the recovery.  The answer is a resounding YES!

Presurgical rehab is a type of treatment that we specialize in here at MOMENTUM Physical Therapy.  Our goal is to teach you about your upcoming procedure, provide you with some hands on treatment to ease your discomfort, and to get you started on specific exercises to maximize your healing potential after surgery.  We find that the stronger your body is before surgery, the better the recovery is after.

If surgery for a joint or muscle is on your horizon, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy, in Okotoks, to find out how we can help set you up for surgical success.  403-982-5600

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

Social Distancing & Pain

TeleRehab Solutions!

You don’t have to keep living with aches and pains while we are in this world of social distancing.  MOMENTUM Physical Therapy is still open by offering video consults for all your injuries and pains. 

We are so excited to offer this online service so that you can still receive the benefits of physiotherapy - but from the comfort of your own home.  Connect with myself, and our other physios, by calling the clinic to receive expert pain-relieving help today!

Our online physiotherapy services include:

• Individual 1 on 1 video-based physical evaluation by one of our local physiotherapists

• Home based soft tissue releases & mobilization strategies

• Physio guided mobility and rehabilitative exercise

• Home exercise program

These services are covered for WCB & Motor Vehicle Accident claims and by many private insurance companies.

Don't continue to live in pain, we're only a phone call away! 403-982-5600.

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

Icing Injuries

When Should I Ice an Injury?

The choice to use heat or ice depends on the injury that you've sustained.  However, there are a few good rules of thumb to remember.  Ice reduces inflammation, numbs pain and further prevents swelling.  Therefore, ice is most helpful right after the injury and for the first week when you tissue redness, warmth, swelling and brushing.  

Sometimes it takes longer for the injury to heal, such as in the case of a fracture or surgery.  Basically you will want to keep applying ice until the swelling and warmth disappear and the injury site returns to normal.  Always put a protective barrier, such as a wet towel, between your skin and the ice and apply the ice for 15 - 20 minutes at a time.  The ice should be removed for at least one hour between icing sessions to minimize the chance of frostbite.  

When it comes to injury management, many different factors can affect your recovery.  A MOMENTUM physiotherapist can determine a course of treatment that will help maximize your return to normal activities.  Call MOMENTUM today to find out how we can help you gain your momentum!

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

Physiotherapy and Arthritis

Can Physiotherapy help with arthritis?  

Do you have pain in your hips, knees, back, or hands?  Or have you ever been told that you have arthritis?  Do you feel achy in the morning or become more sore with activity? Have you been told that your pain is due to arthritis and that all you can do is take medication?  

Arthritis occurs when joints slowly start to break down with wear and tear.  This break down causes the stiffness, swelling, and pain associated with arthritis.

Although we cannot change the arthritis, physical therapy can help to help manage and control the symptoms of arthritis.  By working on symptom management strategies, as well as progressive strengthening and stretching, we can minimize the impact of arthritis on your daily life.

At MOMENTUM Physical Therapy in Okotoks, we deal with arthritic joints daily.  By thoroughly examining the arthritic joint, we can develop an action plan that includes hands on therapy and home exercises to minimize the effects of arthritis on your life.

If you are dealing with any form of arthritis, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy in Okotoks today to find out how we can help you get ahead of your arthritic pain.  403-982-5600

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

Hip Pain

Can Physiotherapy help my sore hip?

Does your hip ache or hurt when you try to stand up or walk? Does the pain radiate around your buttock or into your groin?  Do you feel like your hip might “give out” or “catch” when you take a step? All these symptoms are signs of a hip injury.  

The hip joint is a large ball-shaped bone that is protected in a socket with multiple layers of ligaments and muscles that work to control its movement.  Injury to any of these structures will lead to pain and problems within your hip.  Injuries that involve the hip can be caused by a traumatic event (such as falling from a horse or slipping on ice) or they can progress slowly (such as with wear and tear from arthritis).  

At MOMENTUM Physical Therapy in Okotoks, we deal with hip injuries daily.  By thoroughly examining the hip, we can identify which structures are injured so we can develop an action plan to get your hip back to full potential.  Treatment for hips always focuses on hands on therapy and exercise.    

If you are dealing with any hip discomfort, call MOMENTUM Physical Therapy in Okotoks today to find out how we can get you and your hip feeling great.  403-982-5600

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