What are X-rays, CT Scans, MRIs, and Ultrasounds?
Understanding X-rays, vs CT Scans, vs MRIs, vs Ultrasounds Medical imaging can be very useful in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries but what are they really looking at. Plain film radiograph (X-RAY) X-rays look at bony anatomy. A beam of radiation passes through your tissues and gives off different shades of grey on the film. The […]
The Myth of ‘Normal’
Every Injury is Unique One of the most common questions that people ask me when they come for a massage is “Is this normal?” As they point to some aspect of their body or show me a movement they can or cannot do. My response it always the same, I ask them “Is that normal […]
The Difference Between a Strain and a Sprain
What is the difference between a strain and a sprain? A strain and a sprain are two types of injuries involving two different structures and I’m here to help you understand the differences between these two types of injuries. What is a sprain: A sprain is an injury to the ligament. A ligament is a […]
Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling in Vancouver, B.C.
Snow Shoveling– A winter workout that should be treated as such! As winter conditions hit the Lower Mainland and the rest of BC, it’s a good time to review some tips and tricks for shoveling snow in order to ensure the safety of yourself and fellow pedestrians. 1. Tips for Safe Snow Shoveling- Warm-up and […]
Pain, It’s all in my Head
Persistent Pain Treatment & Physiotherapy September was pain awareness month and there have been a lot of interesting discussions in the media lately regarding persistent pain (pain that lasts longer than 6 months). The college of BC physicians have set out new opioid dispensing guidelines and similarly, a campaign against opioid use, called Get PT […]
How to Sleep on Your Side for Pregnancy Back Pain (Video)
Pillowing Technique for Pregnancy Side Sleeping Position This pregnancy side sleeping position may help to alleviate back pain in pregnancy by sleeping on your side. This technique helps to keep the body aligned, ensure shoulders are supported, pivot points are supported, and the body is stabilized on from rolling off it’s side. Pregnant women often have […]
It Hurts When I Sit: Tailbone Pain
Understanding Tailbone Pain Coccydynia or coccygodynia, generally called tailbone pain, is a common condition. In some cases, pain resolves without conservative management; however, many presentations will benefit from conservative management; such as physiotherapy; in the resolution of pain and dysfunction (1). Why is my tailbone important? The coccyx, or tailbone, is the final or end segment […]
Your Child & Texting: Short & Long Term Dangers of ‘Text Neck’
Kids & Teenagers with Neck Pain & Headaches from Texting As a massage therapist in Burnaby BC, I often treat for headaches and neck pain especially with patients with whiplash injuries and patients who work in front of a computer. However, I also find that more and more children and teenagers are coming to see me […]
Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) BPPV is a peripheral vestibular condition which causes mild to intense dizziness influenced by specific changes in head position. It is most prevalent in population between ages of 50-70 although it can occur at any time of the lifespan. In young population or among individuals below the age of […]
Low Pressure Fitness, or the Hypopressive Technique
What is the big fuss over low pressure fitness, or the Hypopressive technique? Last year, while I was researching courses that I wanted to take in 2016 I came across the Hypopressive level 1 course. As a pelvic floor therapist, I was interested in the technique, but I had not yet explored the theory. I […]